EP1316516A1 - System for cleaning and refilling of the intermediate space of a double shelled container - Google Patents

System for cleaning and refilling of the intermediate space of a double shelled container Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1316516A1
EP1316516A1 EP02396181A EP02396181A EP1316516A1 EP 1316516 A1 EP1316516 A1 EP 1316516A1 EP 02396181 A EP02396181 A EP 02396181A EP 02396181 A EP02396181 A EP 02396181A EP 1316516 A1 EP1316516 A1 EP 1316516A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
service
intermediate space
assembly
container
onto
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02396181A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pertti Puranen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pti-Systems Oy
Original Assignee
Pti-Systems Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pti-Systems Oy filed Critical Pti-Systems Oy
Publication of EP1316516A1 publication Critical patent/EP1316516A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D90/48—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
    • B65D90/50—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices of leakage-indicating devices
    • B65D90/501—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices of leakage-indicating devices comprising hollow spaces within walls
    • B65D90/503—Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices of leakage-indicating devices comprising hollow spaces within walls under pressure or vacuum

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a system for monitoring the space between the shells of a double shelled container to detect leaks and corrosion in the intermediate space. Further, this invention concerns the method and apparatus with which the intermediate space of a used container can be cleaned and refilled to be able to implement a monitoring system in accordance with this invention.
  • the system, method and apparatus according to this invention can also be applied to double-cased piping and containers in which it is desirable to prevent a product leak or the blending of two separete products.
  • Containers having two overlapping shells and an intermediate space in between, are used to store hazardous products to health and environment such as petrol (gasoline), underground or underwater.
  • Double shelled containers can be used also above ground level.
  • the double shells are designed to prevent the release of hazardous or detrimental substances into the environment. Leaks are hard to detect especially with underground containers and can be noticed after a long period of time when detrimental substances to the environment have already been released from the container.
  • the intermediate space the space between the outer and the inner shells, is normally filled with a 50% water-glycol mixture.
  • the intermediate space is typically connected to the open air through piping.
  • the water-glycol mixture causes corrosion to the metal. Therefore the mixture must regularly be replaced.
  • the water-glycol mixture is an environmental toxin and leaks out when the outer shell breaks and spreads out rapidly as it is water-soluble leading to the fact that its removal is difficult. The leaked glycol can cause environmental damage, e.g. the contamination of the aquifer in a groundwater area.
  • the breaking down of the inner shell causes the mixture in the intermediate space to blend with the stored product thus usually contaminating the product.
  • the mixture in the intermediate space can be 100 cubic metres of product in a fuel container of a petrol station and so the financial loss can be considerable.
  • the intermediate space of an aboveground container normally contains only air and is connected to the open air through piping whereupon condensed water builds up in the intermediate space which in time will corrode through the wall of the container.
  • the apparatus can consist of an alarm system which will indicate the changes in liquid level/pressure in the intermediate space.
  • a double-shelled container is introduced in the FI patent 91625 where the intermediate space is filled with vegetable base oils or equivalent esters that are harmless to the environment and the product in the container.
  • vegetable oils or equivalent esters that are harmless to the environment and the product in the container.
  • the use of vegetable oils is limited due to their high price.
  • the object of the invention presented here is to provide a system with which to monitor the intermediate space and to receive information of possible damages to the shells.
  • the object of this invention is also to provide a method and apparatus with which it is made possible to clean and refill the intermediate space of an existing container so that the monitoring system conformable to this invention can be implemented.
  • an inert oxygen free protective gas such as nitrogen gas
  • the gas must be incombustible and completely harmless to the environment and the stored product.
  • Different types of protective gas may be used in the system depending on the stored product.
  • the protective gas inhibits the metal from corrosion because there is no oxygen present in the intermediate space thus diminishing environmental risks as well as the contamination of the stored product.
  • the inspection of the container for determination of corrosion is not necessary.
  • the intermediate space is interlinked with the apparatus e.g. a pressure gauge, whereupon the alteration in pressure in the intermediate space indicates a breach in one of the shells.
  • the pressure alarm can be attached to a data transmission system, whereby the information will be brought quickly to a desired destiny.
  • the monitoring of the intermediate space may also be achieved by measuring the properties of the gas e.g. the parameters of the oxygen within the protective gas in the intermediate space.
  • the monitoring system in accordance with this invention is reliable, inexpensive and does not require heavy maintenance measures.
  • the liquid When using a water-glycol mixture or other liquids, the liquid must be replaced regularly to prevent corrosion and the container must be inspected in due order for detection of corrosion.
  • a gas that is harmless to the environment and to the stored product By using a gas that is harmless to the environment and to the stored product a possible leak is easier to control and a fault situation can be taken care of as a normal service call.
  • the safe service life of a container is extended because the breaking of the outer shell creates no environmental damage.
  • the method according to this invention can be utilized in newly structured containers as well as existing double shelled containers. The implementation of this invention on existing containers causes very little structural modifications and is easy to carry out on existing containers.
  • the apparatus and method according to this invention can also be applied on existing containers when replacing the water-glycol mixture in the intermediate space.
  • Figure 1 shows a container 1, comprising the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3, whereupon an intermediate space 4 is formed between the shells.
  • the intermediate space 4 is filled with an oxygen free over- or underpressurized protective inert gas.
  • the intermediate space is connected to the control means 5, with the help of which the properties or pressure of the protective gas in the intermediate space can be measured.
  • the control means 5 can be connected to a transmission device 6 where the signal from the control means is sent.
  • the transmission device 6 can transmit the signal for example into a data system or to another alarm system.
  • a service T-piece with an isolating valve 7 is situated between the control means 5 and the transmission device 6.
  • a service coupler 8 is situated between the control means 5 and the intermediate space of the container.
  • the container has a manhole 9 through which the internal maintenance of the container can be executed.
  • the container can also comprise product piping not illustrated in the drawing.
  • a service assembly 10 is brought onto the bottom of the container 1, on which a service pipe 11 can be attached to.
  • the service assembly 10 is described in detail in figure 2a.
  • a service pipe 11 (ref. Fig. 2b and 2c) is included to the service assembly, through which the aged liquid mixture of the intermediate space is removed and through which the new protective gas is introduced into the intermediate space.
  • the used container 1 Before starting to clean up the intermediate space, the used container 1 must be emptied of the stored product and cleaned.
  • the service assembly 10 is welded on the bottom of the container.
  • the service assembly 10 is fitted outside the container as near the bottom as possible. In that case also the cleaning and refilling of the intermediate space is possible without emptying the container.
  • the drilling assembly 14, 15, 16 is installed onto the assembly 10 inside the container with which the drilling depth is adjusted to the equivalent thickness of shell 2 thus preventing damage to the outer shell during the drilling operation (Fig. 2b).
  • a hole will be drilled onto the inner shell and the drilling assembly will be removed.
  • the service assembly 10 be installed outside the container, the hole will be drilled onto the outer shell 3.
  • the liquid in the intermediate space 4 is pumped out through the service pipe 11. The pump is removed when the intermediate space is empty. The successful evacuation of the intermediate space is confirmed and at the same time the intermediate space is ventilated by pumping air through the service coupler 8.
  • the coupling 13 for the drilling assembly must be plugged with a sealing plug 17, so, that the tip of the service pipe 11 is still left open (Fig. 2c).
  • a container of gas, with which to fill the intermediate space 4 is connected to the service pipe 11.
  • the service T-piece with an isolating valve 7, between the control means 5 and the transmission device 6, is opened.
  • An oxygen gauge is connected to the other outlet of the sevice T-piece 7 and the other is left open, thus enabling the air in the intermediate space 4 to exit through it.
  • the protective gas is cautiously released into the intermediate space until the oxygen gauge indicates that there no longer is oxygen in the system.
  • the service pipe 11 and the service T-piece 7 are closed off.
  • a manometer and a vacuum pump is installed onto the service T-piece 7 with which a vacuum of not more than 0.5 bar is applied.
  • the product is returned into the container. If necessary, the vacuum cycle will be repeated until a stable underpressure has been achieved. Following this, the control means 5 is installed and the system is ready for operation.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP02396181A 2001-12-03 2002-12-03 System for cleaning and refilling of the intermediate space of a double shelled container Withdrawn EP1316516A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20012368A FI115962B (sv) 2001-12-03 2001-12-03 Förfarande och anordning för rengöring och fyllning av utrymmet i en tvåmantlad cistern
FI20012368 2001-12-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1316516A1 true EP1316516A1 (en) 2003-06-04

Family

ID=8562391

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02396181A Withdrawn EP1316516A1 (en) 2001-12-03 2002-12-03 System for cleaning and refilling of the intermediate space of a double shelled container

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1316516A1 (sv)
FI (1) FI115962B (sv)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3135391A1 (en) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-01 Cortec Sp.z o.o. A method of cleaning the bottom interstitial space and/or wall interstitial space of a storage tank
CN115009714A (zh) * 2022-08-09 2022-09-06 山东联化新材料有限责任公司 带有液滴收集装置的海洋作业平台储油桶

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE462844B (sv) * 1988-04-22 1990-09-10 Ingvar Bogdanoff Anlaeggning foer lagring av gas- eller vaetskeprodukter
EP0547717A1 (en) * 1991-12-16 1993-06-23 The Dow Chemical Company Processes and apparatus for the prevention, detection and/or repair of leaks or avenues for leaks from above-ground storage tanks
FI91625B (sv) * 1992-11-10 1994-04-15 Neste Oy Behållare för miljöfarliga vätskor

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE462844B (sv) * 1988-04-22 1990-09-10 Ingvar Bogdanoff Anlaeggning foer lagring av gas- eller vaetskeprodukter
EP0547717A1 (en) * 1991-12-16 1993-06-23 The Dow Chemical Company Processes and apparatus for the prevention, detection and/or repair of leaks or avenues for leaks from above-ground storage tanks
FI91625B (sv) * 1992-11-10 1994-04-15 Neste Oy Behållare för miljöfarliga vätskor
WO1994011275A1 (en) * 1992-11-10 1994-05-26 Neste Oy Storage for environmentally harmful liquids

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3135391A1 (en) * 2015-08-31 2017-03-01 Cortec Sp.z o.o. A method of cleaning the bottom interstitial space and/or wall interstitial space of a storage tank
CN115009714A (zh) * 2022-08-09 2022-09-06 山东联化新材料有限责任公司 带有液滴收集装置的海洋作业平台储油桶
CN115009714B (zh) * 2022-08-09 2022-11-01 山东联化新材料有限责任公司 带有液滴收集装置的海洋作业平台储油桶

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FI20012368A0 (sv) 2001-12-03
FI115962B (sv) 2005-08-31
FI20012368A (sv) 2003-06-04

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