CA2396021C - Modular spill containment structure - Google Patents
Modular spill containment structure Download PDFInfo
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- CA2396021C CA2396021C CA002396021A CA2396021A CA2396021C CA 2396021 C CA2396021 C CA 2396021C CA 002396021 A CA002396021 A CA 002396021A CA 2396021 A CA2396021 A CA 2396021A CA 2396021 C CA2396021 C CA 2396021C
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- Prior art keywords
- platform
- containment structure
- peripheral wall
- spill containment
- modular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/22—Safety features
- B65D90/24—Spillage-retaining means, e.g. recovery ponds
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Revetment (AREA)
Abstract
A modular spill containment structure is disclosed comprising two end members, each end member comprising a platform and a peripheral wall on the platform having at least one open side, and mating means for securing the end members together at their respective open sides. The modular spill containment structure further comprises where desired at least one centre member comprising a platform, a peripheral wall on the platform having at least two open sides, and mating means for securing the end members and the at least one centre member together at their respective open sides. The modular spill containment structure is adaptable to provide any desired capacity while being of strong, easily transportable construction. There are no easily damaged or ruptured parts, such as a plastic sheet. There is no need for a deck grating, and the platform accordingly provides a strong, stable support for the containers. In addition, the unique construction of mating members at an open end enables barrier-free communication of leaked liquid to all parts of the structure to limit the risk of overflow.
Description
MODULAR SP1LL GONTAiNMENT STRUCTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to spill containment structures for use with fluid-bearing containers, and more particularly to modular spill containment stnrctures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Spill containment systems are known in the art and employed in numerous contexts, from oilfield operations to tank farm environments. The increased public and governmental concern regarding environmental issues and proper secondary containment for hazardous and other materials has given rise to numerous proposed designs.
A problem with many of the proposed structures is that they are static in design and cannot be adapted to expanded operations, for example when a new shipment of containers must be housed in existing on-site secondary containment structures, or if the volume of liquid being stored in a given container increases beyond the capacity of the secondary containment structure. An example of such a structure is the liquid spill containment system in Canadian Patent Application
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to spill containment structures for use with fluid-bearing containers, and more particularly to modular spill containment stnrctures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Spill containment systems are known in the art and employed in numerous contexts, from oilfield operations to tank farm environments. The increased public and governmental concern regarding environmental issues and proper secondary containment for hazardous and other materials has given rise to numerous proposed designs.
A problem with many of the proposed structures is that they are static in design and cannot be adapted to expanded operations, for example when a new shipment of containers must be housed in existing on-site secondary containment structures, or if the volume of liquid being stored in a given container increases beyond the capacity of the secondary containment structure. An example of such a structure is the liquid spill containment system in Canadian Patent Application
2,149,D80 to Gregory et al., which provides a portable but non-expandable system for use with tank farm environments.
Prior attempts to address this problem include United States Patent 5,4x4,995 to Hallsten, which teaches a modular containment system. The Hallsten system includes a series of interconnectable berm members that form a perimeter wall, the berm members of hollow plastic material capable of being filled with water or sand. A sheet of flexible plastic material is laid aver the containment area and secured to the perimeter wall. However, the use of a plastic sheet as the floor or platform material is undesirable in many contexts, as it is slippery, easily tom and susceptible to fire damage, and the simple snap-together construction of the perimeter wall may not provide sufficient wall integrity in all situations. In addition, the system would require at least partial deconstruction prior to moving the system, which may not be desirable.
United States Patent 4,765,775 to Kroger discloses a modular dike assembly comprising interlocking plastic wall and bracket components. The dike is erected on a substrate such as earth covered with plastic sheeting. As with Hallsten, however, the plastic sheeting may not be sufficiently impervious to damage in all situations. The disclosure suggests placing a layer of dirt on top of the plastic sheeting, an indication that the plastic sheeting provides insufficient leakage protection in at least some situations.
United States Patent 5,562,047 to Fomey et al. teaches a modular spill deck comprising static-form units linked together and communicating their contents by means of apertures in their corresponding side walls. A deck grating is provided on tap of the units as a support for the liquid-bearing containers. However, while the apertures may allow some degree of communication of liquid from one unit to the next, the small diameter of the apertures and their position at a point above floor level may limit their ability to adequately transfer the liquid before it overflows the first unit.
Also, the use of deck grating is not always desirable, as it may provide inadequate support for large, heavy containers. In addition, a grating limits access to the interior of the units themselves, which might be necessary where, fdr example, an aperture had become clogged and leaking liquid is rapidly rising in the first unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims at the provision of a spill containment structure that may have sufficient capacity to contain a significant volume of leaked liquid with Limited risk of overflow. The strucfiure is desirably formed from strong, easily transportable modules.
Prior attempts to address this problem include United States Patent 5,4x4,995 to Hallsten, which teaches a modular containment system. The Hallsten system includes a series of interconnectable berm members that form a perimeter wall, the berm members of hollow plastic material capable of being filled with water or sand. A sheet of flexible plastic material is laid aver the containment area and secured to the perimeter wall. However, the use of a plastic sheet as the floor or platform material is undesirable in many contexts, as it is slippery, easily tom and susceptible to fire damage, and the simple snap-together construction of the perimeter wall may not provide sufficient wall integrity in all situations. In addition, the system would require at least partial deconstruction prior to moving the system, which may not be desirable.
United States Patent 4,765,775 to Kroger discloses a modular dike assembly comprising interlocking plastic wall and bracket components. The dike is erected on a substrate such as earth covered with plastic sheeting. As with Hallsten, however, the plastic sheeting may not be sufficiently impervious to damage in all situations. The disclosure suggests placing a layer of dirt on top of the plastic sheeting, an indication that the plastic sheeting provides insufficient leakage protection in at least some situations.
United States Patent 5,562,047 to Fomey et al. teaches a modular spill deck comprising static-form units linked together and communicating their contents by means of apertures in their corresponding side walls. A deck grating is provided on tap of the units as a support for the liquid-bearing containers. However, while the apertures may allow some degree of communication of liquid from one unit to the next, the small diameter of the apertures and their position at a point above floor level may limit their ability to adequately transfer the liquid before it overflows the first unit.
Also, the use of deck grating is not always desirable, as it may provide inadequate support for large, heavy containers. In addition, a grating limits access to the interior of the units themselves, which might be necessary where, fdr example, an aperture had become clogged and leaking liquid is rapidly rising in the first unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims at the provision of a spill containment structure that may have sufficient capacity to contain a significant volume of leaked liquid with Limited risk of overflow. The strucfiure is desirably formed from strong, easily transportable modules.
-3-Accorciing to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular spill containment structure for containers with liquid contents, the modular spill containment structure comprising:
a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the containment structure being composed of a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and oomprising~
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the ripen side; and mating means for securing the modules together along their respective open sides with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
The structure may also include one or more centre modules, with each centre module having at least two open sides and comprising a platform component end peripheral wall components. The mating means serve for securing together open sides of the centre modules to provide an open sided composite centre unit and for securing each end module tv the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a platform with a slip-resistant surface, convenienHy but not necessarily provided by making the platfamn components of checkerplate panels. The platform is also preferably made of a fire-resistant material, far example, steel. Steel has the further advantage of providing a more durable platform than the plastic sheets of the prior art.
The mating _q._ means may include centring clips along adjacent edges of the platform components, corresponding holes In the peripheral walls to enable bolting them together, and an alignment means on each platform adjacent the peripheral walls. The alignment means may be aligned pipes on adjacent ends of the peripheral wall components and a bolt extending through the aligned pipes. When assembled, the modular spill containment structure is preferably but not necessarily full-seam welded together along the interface of adjacent wall and platform components to further ensure protection against leakage.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention also include means for lifting the modular spill containment structure, preferably comprising a plurality of lifting lugs spaced along an edge of the platform adjacent the peripheral wall. 1'he structure may also include stairs connected to the peripheral wall and enabling entrance to and exit from the modular spill containment structure.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention may also incorporate support structures on the platform to elevate the containers to facilitate visual inspection of the containers.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for fabricating a spill containment structure for retaining liquid contents leaked from a container located within the containment structure, the spill containment structurle comprising: a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the kit comprising:
a plurality of modules, inGuding at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wail component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respeGkive open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to fotrn the peripheral wall.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a modular spill containment structure for containers with liquid contents, the modular spill containment structure Comprising a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and comprising a platform component and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side;
securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to fomn the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
The method may include providing one or more centre mpdules, each having at least two open sides and comprising a platform component arid two peripheral wall components, and the step of securing the open side of each end module to a respective open side of a centre module.
To provide a more liquid-tight and rigid structure, the method may include full-seam welding together adjacent open sides of the modules.
Thus, the present invention provides a spill containment structure that is modular and adaptable to provide any desired capacity while being assembled on site from strong, easily transportable modules. There are no easily damaged or ruptured parts, such as a plastic sheet. There is no need for a deck grating, and the platform accordingly provides a strong, stable support far the containers. In addition, the unique construction of mating members at the open module ends enables barrier-free communication of leaked liquid to all parts of the structure to limit the risk of overflow.
A detailed description of ari exemplary embodiment of the present invention Is given in the following. 1t is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as limited to this embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION (~F THE DRAWINGS
1p In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of two end modules positioned for mating but not yet mated, the checkerplate of one end module partially cut away to reveal a preferred support structure;
Figure 2 Is a perspective view of a centre module, the checkerplate partially cut away to reveal a prefer-ed support structure;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of an arrangement Of two end module and a single centre module, the checkerplate removed to rev~al a preferred support structure; and Figure 4 is a side elevational detail view of the edge of a module showing the positioning of a centring clip and alignment means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
Refer-ins in detail to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the modular spill containment structure of the present inverrtivn generally referred to by the numeral 10. The structure has a platform 8 surrounded by a peripheral wall 6. The modular spill containment structure 10, as best seen in Figures 1 and 3, comprises two end members or modules 14, each end module 14 comprising a platform component 16 and a peripheral wall component 17, the peripheral wail component 17 having two side walls 18 and an end wall 20, leaving the module with an open side 23 opposite the end welt 20 where there is an opening in the wall component 17. Mating means 22 are provided for securing the end modules 14 together at their open sides 23, the open side 23 and characterized by the lack of a wall section. When mated, the end modules 14 define a walled space within which one or more containers (not shown) can be housed.
This walled space can be expanded by the introduckion of one or mare centre members or modules 24, as is shown in perspective in Figure 2 and as part of the modular spill containment structure 10 in Figure 3. The centre module 24 comprises a platfoml component 26 and two peripheral wall components 28, there then being two opposed open sides 23 in this exemplary embodiment, with mating means 22 as with the end modules 14. Using the mating means 22, the centre modules 24 are mated together {if there is mare than one involved) with the two end modules 14 mated at opposite ends of the one or more centre modules 24.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings comprises a support structure of beams and a plating of that structure with checkerplate 30, the checkerplate 30 providing a slip-resistant surface and a fiire-resistant surfece when made of, for example, steel. As can best be seen in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the support structure comprises cross bracing 44, supporting gussets 4t3, beams 48 and posts 50, providing the necessary strength and structural stability for supporting large liquid-filled containers. The pasts 50 are fitted with bolt holes 38 to allow the bolting together of end modules 14 and any desired centre modules 24 (bolts not shown).
The Eaolt holes 38 are part of the mating means 22 employed to construct the modular spill containment structure 10. Another element of the mating means 22 is the presence of centring clips 32 at the edges of the platforms 16, 26 adjacent the open sides 23 of the modules 14, 24. As can best be seen in Figure 4, the centring clips 32 are fitted to a flange of the beam 48 and form a gap 52 into which a flange of a corresponding beam 48 can be mated; Figure 3 illustrates the preferred staggered arrangement of the centring clips 32. While the centring clips 32 need not act to secure the corresponding beams 48 together, they do serve to vertically align the modules 14, 24 and hold the modules 14, 24 in proper position for securing. A
further element of the mating means 22 is the alignment means 4~0, which alignment means 40 serve to horizontally align the modules 14, 24. The alignment means comprise pipes 42 mounted on the outside of the platform 16, 26 and adapted to receive bolts or Ilke connecting means {not shown). Figure 4 provides a detail view of both the centring clip 32 and pipe 42. The mating means 22 are situated entirely within the support stnrcture and therefore out of contact with any possible spilled liquid.
If it is desirable that the modular spill Containment structure 10 be shifted yr moved to another location, lifting lugs 34 are provided and mounted to the structure at lug mounting plates 36, and movement by conventional means is thereby enabled.
Various desirable additions can be employed as part of the present invention bo enhance its utility. Stairs (not shown) may be connected to an end or side wall 18, 20, 28 to enable access to or egress from the modular spill containment structure 10. Also, a hook-up and hose system (not shown) may be included to tie in OV~rfIOwS from tanker trucks (not shown) to the modular spill containment structure 10, eliminating truck spills.
The utility of the present invention becomes clear in the following situation. When a containment structure is required td house containers, two end modules 14 and arty desired centre modules 24 can be mated together using mating means 22, specifically by positioning the modules 14, 24 using the centring clips 32 and alignment means 40 and securing them together using bolts in the bolt holes 38.
At the time of installation, the adjacent platform components and the adjacent wail components are, in this embodiment, full-seam welded to ensure a tight seal between the modules 14, 24. The containers can then be positioned on the modular spill containment structure 10, or they may already be positioned prior to assembly.
The modules 14, 24 can be moved as necessary for assembly using the lifting lugs 34.
Should It become desirable to enlarge the capacity of the modular spill containment structure 10, for example if there is a need for taller containers or a greater number of containers, the seals between the modules 14, 24 may be broken as necessary and one or more centre modules 24 added, being positioned and secured as above.
As the containers are housed within the modular spill containment structure 10 rather than on the ground surface, visual detection of container leaks is easier_ The presence of checkerpiate 30 in preferred embodiments provides some clearance between the container and the platform 18, further facilitating visual inspection. Support structures (not shown), for example a framework of channel iron welded to the platform 16, could provide additional clearance and accommodate containers with uneven bottom ends.
While a particular embodlment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it ig to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing fmm the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiment. The invention is therefore to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appehded claims.
a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the containment structure being composed of a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and oomprising~
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the ripen side; and mating means for securing the modules together along their respective open sides with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
The structure may also include one or more centre modules, with each centre module having at least two open sides and comprising a platform component end peripheral wall components. The mating means serve for securing together open sides of the centre modules to provide an open sided composite centre unit and for securing each end module tv the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a platform with a slip-resistant surface, convenienHy but not necessarily provided by making the platfamn components of checkerplate panels. The platform is also preferably made of a fire-resistant material, far example, steel. Steel has the further advantage of providing a more durable platform than the plastic sheets of the prior art.
The mating _q._ means may include centring clips along adjacent edges of the platform components, corresponding holes In the peripheral walls to enable bolting them together, and an alignment means on each platform adjacent the peripheral walls. The alignment means may be aligned pipes on adjacent ends of the peripheral wall components and a bolt extending through the aligned pipes. When assembled, the modular spill containment structure is preferably but not necessarily full-seam welded together along the interface of adjacent wall and platform components to further ensure protection against leakage.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention also include means for lifting the modular spill containment structure, preferably comprising a plurality of lifting lugs spaced along an edge of the platform adjacent the peripheral wall. 1'he structure may also include stairs connected to the peripheral wall and enabling entrance to and exit from the modular spill containment structure.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention may also incorporate support structures on the platform to elevate the containers to facilitate visual inspection of the containers.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for fabricating a spill containment structure for retaining liquid contents leaked from a container located within the containment structure, the spill containment structurle comprising: a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the kit comprising:
a plurality of modules, inGuding at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wail component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respeGkive open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to fotrn the peripheral wall.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating a modular spill containment structure for containers with liquid contents, the modular spill containment structure Comprising a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and comprising a platform component and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side;
securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to fomn the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
The method may include providing one or more centre mpdules, each having at least two open sides and comprising a platform component arid two peripheral wall components, and the step of securing the open side of each end module to a respective open side of a centre module.
To provide a more liquid-tight and rigid structure, the method may include full-seam welding together adjacent open sides of the modules.
Thus, the present invention provides a spill containment structure that is modular and adaptable to provide any desired capacity while being assembled on site from strong, easily transportable modules. There are no easily damaged or ruptured parts, such as a plastic sheet. There is no need for a deck grating, and the platform accordingly provides a strong, stable support far the containers. In addition, the unique construction of mating members at the open module ends enables barrier-free communication of leaked liquid to all parts of the structure to limit the risk of overflow.
A detailed description of ari exemplary embodiment of the present invention Is given in the following. 1t is to be understood, however, that the invention is not to be construed as limited to this embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION (~F THE DRAWINGS
1p In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of two end modules positioned for mating but not yet mated, the checkerplate of one end module partially cut away to reveal a preferred support structure;
Figure 2 Is a perspective view of a centre module, the checkerplate partially cut away to reveal a prefer-ed support structure;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of an arrangement Of two end module and a single centre module, the checkerplate removed to rev~al a preferred support structure; and Figure 4 is a side elevational detail view of the edge of a module showing the positioning of a centring clip and alignment means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
Refer-ins in detail to the accompanying drawings, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the modular spill containment structure of the present inverrtivn generally referred to by the numeral 10. The structure has a platform 8 surrounded by a peripheral wall 6. The modular spill containment structure 10, as best seen in Figures 1 and 3, comprises two end members or modules 14, each end module 14 comprising a platform component 16 and a peripheral wall component 17, the peripheral wail component 17 having two side walls 18 and an end wall 20, leaving the module with an open side 23 opposite the end welt 20 where there is an opening in the wall component 17. Mating means 22 are provided for securing the end modules 14 together at their open sides 23, the open side 23 and characterized by the lack of a wall section. When mated, the end modules 14 define a walled space within which one or more containers (not shown) can be housed.
This walled space can be expanded by the introduckion of one or mare centre members or modules 24, as is shown in perspective in Figure 2 and as part of the modular spill containment structure 10 in Figure 3. The centre module 24 comprises a platfoml component 26 and two peripheral wall components 28, there then being two opposed open sides 23 in this exemplary embodiment, with mating means 22 as with the end modules 14. Using the mating means 22, the centre modules 24 are mated together {if there is mare than one involved) with the two end modules 14 mated at opposite ends of the one or more centre modules 24.
The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings comprises a support structure of beams and a plating of that structure with checkerplate 30, the checkerplate 30 providing a slip-resistant surface and a fiire-resistant surfece when made of, for example, steel. As can best be seen in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the support structure comprises cross bracing 44, supporting gussets 4t3, beams 48 and posts 50, providing the necessary strength and structural stability for supporting large liquid-filled containers. The pasts 50 are fitted with bolt holes 38 to allow the bolting together of end modules 14 and any desired centre modules 24 (bolts not shown).
The Eaolt holes 38 are part of the mating means 22 employed to construct the modular spill containment structure 10. Another element of the mating means 22 is the presence of centring clips 32 at the edges of the platforms 16, 26 adjacent the open sides 23 of the modules 14, 24. As can best be seen in Figure 4, the centring clips 32 are fitted to a flange of the beam 48 and form a gap 52 into which a flange of a corresponding beam 48 can be mated; Figure 3 illustrates the preferred staggered arrangement of the centring clips 32. While the centring clips 32 need not act to secure the corresponding beams 48 together, they do serve to vertically align the modules 14, 24 and hold the modules 14, 24 in proper position for securing. A
further element of the mating means 22 is the alignment means 4~0, which alignment means 40 serve to horizontally align the modules 14, 24. The alignment means comprise pipes 42 mounted on the outside of the platform 16, 26 and adapted to receive bolts or Ilke connecting means {not shown). Figure 4 provides a detail view of both the centring clip 32 and pipe 42. The mating means 22 are situated entirely within the support stnrcture and therefore out of contact with any possible spilled liquid.
If it is desirable that the modular spill Containment structure 10 be shifted yr moved to another location, lifting lugs 34 are provided and mounted to the structure at lug mounting plates 36, and movement by conventional means is thereby enabled.
Various desirable additions can be employed as part of the present invention bo enhance its utility. Stairs (not shown) may be connected to an end or side wall 18, 20, 28 to enable access to or egress from the modular spill containment structure 10. Also, a hook-up and hose system (not shown) may be included to tie in OV~rfIOwS from tanker trucks (not shown) to the modular spill containment structure 10, eliminating truck spills.
The utility of the present invention becomes clear in the following situation. When a containment structure is required td house containers, two end modules 14 and arty desired centre modules 24 can be mated together using mating means 22, specifically by positioning the modules 14, 24 using the centring clips 32 and alignment means 40 and securing them together using bolts in the bolt holes 38.
At the time of installation, the adjacent platform components and the adjacent wail components are, in this embodiment, full-seam welded to ensure a tight seal between the modules 14, 24. The containers can then be positioned on the modular spill containment structure 10, or they may already be positioned prior to assembly.
The modules 14, 24 can be moved as necessary for assembly using the lifting lugs 34.
Should It become desirable to enlarge the capacity of the modular spill containment structure 10, for example if there is a need for taller containers or a greater number of containers, the seals between the modules 14, 24 may be broken as necessary and one or more centre modules 24 added, being positioned and secured as above.
As the containers are housed within the modular spill containment structure 10 rather than on the ground surface, visual detection of container leaks is easier_ The presence of checkerpiate 30 in preferred embodiments provides some clearance between the container and the platform 18, further facilitating visual inspection. Support structures (not shown), for example a framework of channel iron welded to the platform 16, could provide additional clearance and accommodate containers with uneven bottom ends.
While a particular embodlment of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it ig to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing fmm the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiment. The invention is therefore to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appehded claims.
Claims (19)
CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A modular spill containment structure for containers with liquid contents, the modular spill containment structure comprising a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the containment structure being composed of a plurality of modules, including:
at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
2. The modular spill containment structure of Claim 1 further comprising a centre unit comprising at least one centre module, each centre module having at least two open sides and comprising:
a platform component;
two peripheral wall components;
and wherein the mating means comprise means for securing each end module to the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
a platform component;
two peripheral wall components;
and wherein the mating means comprise means for securing each end module to the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
3. The modular spill containment structure of Claim 1 or 2 wherein the platform has a slip-resistant surface.
4. ~The modular spill containment structure of Claim 3 wherein the platform comprises checkerplate panels
5. ~A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the mating means comprise centring clips along adjacent platform component edges for aligning the platform components.
6.~~A modular spill containment structure according to Claim 5 wherein the mating means further comprise corresponding holes in adjacent peripheral wall components to accommodate bolts for securing together the adjacent peripheral wall components.
7. ~A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 further comprising means for lifting the modular spill containment structure.
8. ~A modular spill containment structure according to Claim 7 wherein the lifting means comprise a plurality of lifting lugs spaced along an edge of the platform adjacent the peripheral wall.
9. ~A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 further comprising stairs connected to the peripheral wall and enabling entrance to and exit from the modular spill containment structure.
10. ~A modular spill containment structure according to Claim 4 wherein the mating means further comprises an alignment means on each platform component adjacent the peripheral wall.
11. ~A modular spill containment structure according to Claim 10 wherein the alignment means comprises aligned pipes mounted on adjacent ends of the peripheral wall components and a bolt extending through the aligned pipes.
12. ~A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein the open sides are full-seam welded together.
13. A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 wherein the platform is made of a fire-resistant material.
14. A modular spill containment structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and support structures for supporting the containers at positions spaced above the upper surface.
15. A kit for fabricating a spill containment structure for retaining liquid contents leaked from a container located within the containment structure, the spill containment structure comprising: a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the kit comprising:
a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall.
a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each end module having an open side and comprising:
a platform component; and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side; and mating means for securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall.
16. A kit fot fabricating a modular spill containment structure according to Claim 1, the kit comprising the two end modules and the mating means, and further comprising a centre unit comprising at least one centre module, each centre module having at least two open sides and comprising:
a platform component;
two peripheral wall components;
and wherein the mating means comprise means for securing each end module to the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
a platform component;
two peripheral wall components;
and wherein the mating means comprise means for securing each end module to the centre unit with the open side of each end module mated to a respective open side of a centre module.
17. A method of fabricating a modular spill containment structure for containers with liquid contents, the modular spill containment structure comprising a substantially continuous, platform adapted to be positioned below the containers and a continuous peripheral wall around the platform, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and comprising a platform component and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side;
securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
providing a plurality of modules, including at least two end modules, each having an open side and comprising a platform component and a peripheral wall component on the platform component, the peripheral wall component having an opening therein along the open side;
securing the modules together along respective open sides thereof with the module platform components substantially aligned and mated to form the platform and the peripheral wall components mated to form the peripheral wall, such that leakage of the liquid contents from the containers will be retained within the modular spill containment structure.
18. A method according to Claim 17 wherein the step of providing a plurality of modules further comprises providing at least one centre module having at least two open sides and comprising a platform component and two peripheral wall components;
and wherein the method comprises securing the open side of each end module to a respective open side of a centre module.
and wherein the method comprises securing the open side of each end module to a respective open side of a centre module.
19. A method according to Claim 17 or 18 comprising full-seam welding together adjacent open sides of tire modules.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002396021A CA2396021C (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2002-07-26 | Modular spill containment structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002396021A CA2396021C (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2002-07-26 | Modular spill containment structure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2396021A1 CA2396021A1 (en) | 2002-12-02 |
| CA2396021C true CA2396021C (en) | 2004-12-21 |
Family
ID=4171194
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002396021A Expired - Lifetime CA2396021C (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2002-07-26 | Modular spill containment structure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2396021C (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2456041A (en) * | 2007-12-24 | 2009-07-01 | Andel Ltd | Modular bund with tiled floor |
-
2002
- 2002-07-26 CA CA002396021A patent/CA2396021C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2456041A (en) * | 2007-12-24 | 2009-07-01 | Andel Ltd | Modular bund with tiled floor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2396021A1 (en) | 2002-12-02 |
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