EP2389986A1 - Dampfgrenze für Speichertanks für entzündliche Flüssigkeiten - Google Patents
Dampfgrenze für Speichertanks für entzündliche Flüssigkeiten Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2389986A1 EP2389986A1 EP10164411A EP10164411A EP2389986A1 EP 2389986 A1 EP2389986 A1 EP 2389986A1 EP 10164411 A EP10164411 A EP 10164411A EP 10164411 A EP10164411 A EP 10164411A EP 2389986 A1 EP2389986 A1 EP 2389986A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- spheres
- diameter
- liquid
- product
- inch
- 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.)
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Links
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- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 49
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 title description 18
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 25
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 claims description 23
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
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- -1 e.g. the sea Substances 0.000 claims description 4
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- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 17
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- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 8
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000002216 antistatic agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003063 flame retardant Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000003502 gasoline Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002209 hydrophobic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- RNFJDJUURJAICM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,2,4,4,6,6-hexaphenoxy-1,3,5-triaza-2$l^{5},4$l^{5},6$l^{5}-triphosphacyclohexa-1,3,5-triene Chemical compound N=1P(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)=NP(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)(OC=2C=CC=CC=2)=NP=1(OC=1C=CC=CC=1)OC1=CC=CC=C1 RNFJDJUURJAICM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000004114 Ammonium polyphosphate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004115 Sodium Silicate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000019826 ammonium polyphosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 229920001276 ammonium polyphosphate Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 3
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- NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium silicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 3
- VBICKXHEKHSIBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1-monostearoylglycerol Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(O)CO VBICKXHEKHSIBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004254 Ammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000148 ammonium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000019289 ammonium phosphates Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 2
- MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diammonium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].OP([O-])([O-])=O MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 2
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- 230000001629 suppression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethyl urethane Chemical compound CCOC(N)=O JOYRKODLDBILNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].OP(O)([O-])=O LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000387 ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 239000010779 crude oil Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 description 1
- YQEMORVAKMFKLG-UHFFFAOYSA-N glycerine monostearate Natural products CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC(CO)CO YQEMORVAKMFKLG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- SVUQHVRAGMNPLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N glycerol monostearate Natural products CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(O)CO SVUQHVRAGMNPLW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 239000003305 oil spill Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 238000011084 recovery Methods 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
- A62C3/06—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products
- A62C3/065—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products for containers filled with inflammable liquids
Definitions
- the present invention relates to buoyant spheres.
- the invention includes buoyant spheres useful in forming floating barriers on a liquid surface, particularly amongst other things to spheres useful for forming a vapor barrier for a flammable liquid that provides a vapor-impeding barrier layer with fire-suppressing capabilities .
- the invention also includes buoyant spheres useful for forming a gas barrier on the surface of a liquid and buoyant spheres useful for recovering oil from the sea, as well as other subject matter.
- Flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline and the like, must be stored in specialized storage tanks due to the flammable vapor that forms above the liquid surface.
- a common storage tank often used in the petrochemical industry, is the "floating roof” tank.
- a typical floating roof tank is illustrated in Fig. 2 .
- Tank 100 includes a hollow cylindrical housing 112 having an open upper end. The open upper end is sealed by a buoyant cover 114, having a circular contour matching the dimensions of the interior of housing 112. Cover 114 floats on the flammable liquid L contained within the housing 112, thus providing a seal between the surface of the liquid L and the outside environment, preventing the buildup of flammable vapor (and exposure thereof to external hazards, such as sparks).
- the cover 114 is fabricated from metal and has a hollow chamber divided by walls into an array of pontoons in order to provide sufficient flotation to carry the weight of the cover plus additional weight, such as the weight of snow which might form on the cover 114.
- the cover was constructed of a metal plate with pontoons mounted beneath the cover plate, while modern tanks typically have the pontoons located above the metal cover plate. Repairs to the cover may require welding equipment, which can be used only after the tank has been taken out of service in order to ensure that the cover is clean and that there are no flammable vapors present. If any flammable vapors are present during repair work on the cover, such as the repair of a pontoon of the cover, a spark from the welding may ignite an explosive burning of the vapor.
- one of the pontoons may sustain a relatively small opening through which liquid can seep resulting in a loss of buoyancy.
- a person may enter the pontoon and apply foamed urethane plastic as a liquid that later hardens to maintain buoyancy.
- Use of the plastic is not intended as a permanent repair because the plastic may become impregnated with the flammable liquid.
- the plastic is disadvantageous because, at the conclusion of the service interval when reconditioning is mandatory, it is very difficult to remove the plastic so as to be able to clean the cover and make any permanent repairs. Obviously, welding cannot be employed for repair until all liquid and liquid soaked flotation, such as the foamed plastic, has been removed.
- foam products have also been applied to the surfaces of flammable liquids, creating an effective vapor seal between the flammable liquid and the vapor space thereabove.
- the foam degrades within a short period of time, thus defeating the desired suppression qualities.
- foam applied in the event of a flammable-liquids fire is the traditional form of fire fighting, with the intent of the foam being to cool the surface of the liquid and to also separate the flammable liquid from contact with oxygen, thus suppressing the fire.
- the difficulty with this traditional method of using foam is that the strong convective hot air currents caused by the fire tend to displace the foam, thus exposing the flammable liquid to the existing fire.
- marine vessels currently do not typically employ any physical barrier between a stored flammable liquid and the vapor space formed thereabove.
- such vessels employ inert gas generators that create an oxygen-deficient gas that is maintained above the flammable liquid in order to preclude the flammable vapor from mixing with oxygen that might otherwise create a flammable atmosphere.
- Such systems do not provide backup prevention in case the gas generator fails.
- Gas barriers may be useful for water and other aqueous liquids, to restrict transfer of a gas to the aqueous liquid, e.g. to block (e.g. minimize) contact between de-aerated water and air.
- the invention relates to small spheres which are buoyant in a selected liquid and useful for performing at least one function on the liquid surface.
- the small spheres have diameters in the order of inches (1 inch is about 2.5 cm) or less.
- the invention provides such spheres with an outer surface which is oleophobic and antistatic.
- the invention provides such spheres with an outer surface which is hydrophobic.
- the invention provides such spheres with an outer surface which is oleophilic.
- a vapor barrier is formed from a plurality of buoyant spheres.
- Each buoyant sphere has an antistatic outer surface on a support.
- the support may be intumescent or heat resistant.
- the antistatic layer is preferably formed from an oleophobic material.
- each spherical buoyant member has a specific gravity selectively chosen so that the spherical buoyant members float at a desired level within the flammable liquid with which it is intended to use the buoyant members.
- the vapor barrier for flammable liquid provides a gas-impeding layer for covering the surface of a flammable liquid.
- the vapor barrier further provides fire-suppression capabilities, and it should be understood that the vapor barrier may be applied to storage tanks, tankers, vessels, barges or any other type of container for flammable liquids.
- the vapor barrier prevents or reduces the build-up of flammable vapors over the flammable liquid surface.
- the spheres may be used for fire-suppression purposes.
- the invention includes the use of such spheres to suppress a flammable liquid fire by contacting the liquid with such spheres.
- the invention includes individual buoyant members as well as plurality thereof e.g. a population of at least 100 buoyant members, for example at least 1000 or at least 10,000 buoyant members.
- the buoyant members may be floating on a flammable liquid or in a container for storing a flammable liquid.
- the flammable liquid is suitably an oil, e.g. a petrochemical oil.
- Another aspect of the invention resides in a combination of an aqueous liquid, e.g. water, and a multiplicity of buoyant spheres, wherein:
- Included in the invention is a method of recovering from a body of water, e.g. the sea, oil lying on its surface, the method comprising dispensing onto the oil or the body of water a plurality of spheres which are buoyant in the oil, have an oleophilic surface and have a diameter of less than one inch (2.5cm) and optionally of less than half an inch (1.25 cm), e.g. of no more than 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.4 mm), allowing the oil and the spheres to come into mutual contact; and recovering at least a portion of the spheres (e.g. most of them).
- buoyant member and “buoyant body” are synonymous with “buoyant sphere”.
- a reference in this specification to a “multiplicity" of spheres refers to a population of spheres substantial in number, e.g. at least 100 spheres and often at least 1000 spheres, for example at least 10,000 spheres in some applications. The spheres often exist in such populations.
- an exemplary storage tank 10 has a vapor barrier for flammable liquid storage tanks deployed therein, the barrier being designated generally as 28.
- the vapor barrier further provides fire suppression capabilities, and it should be understood that the vapor barrier may be applied to storage tankers, vessels, barges or any other type of container for flammable liquids.
- the liquid storage tank 10 is shown for exemplary purposes only and suitably includes elements conventionally found in storage tanks for flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline and the like.
- the housing 12 may be formed from steel, for example, as is conventionally known, and, by way of example, is either supported above the ground surface, or is at least partly buried in the ground.
- the tank is provided with a cover 22 and with pipes 18 and 20 for admitting flammable liquid L into the open interior region of housing 12, and for the withdrawal thereof when required.
- the vapor barrier 28 may in principle be used with any type of flammable liquid L, such as liquid natural gas, petroleum oil, gasoline or the like.
- the surface of the liquid L is provided with at least one layer of buoyant bodies or spheres forming the vapor barrier layer 28, as will be described in greater detail below.
- the cover 22 may be further provided with a vent 26 and/or with an admission valve 24 for admitting an inert gas to the space above the stored liquid L, as is conventionally known.
- a port 16 is formed through the sidewall of the housing 12, allowing the selective insertion of the vapor barrier layer 28 (in the form of individual spherical members, as will be described below) within the housing 12 via a chute 14.
- the chute 14 is shown for exemplary purposes only.
- the vapor barrier layer 28 may be introduced into housing 12 in any suitable manner, such as, for example, through existing tank openings. Port 16 and chute 14 are shown for exemplary purposes only.
- the vapor barrier 28 is preferably formed as a buoyant layer through the stacking of multiple sizes of buoyant members 30, 32, 34.
- Each buoyant member 30, 32, 34 is preferably spherical, the buoyant members 30 having the largest radii, the buoyant members 34 having the smallest radii, and the buoyant members 32 having radii therebetween. It should be understood that the relative dimensions illustrated in Fig. 3 are shown for exemplary purposes only, and that a wider variety of buoyant members having distinct radii may be utilized.
- buoyant member In an exemplary embodiment, exactly two different sizes of buoyant member are used.
- the invention therefore provides a population of buoyant members comprising a plurality of sub-populations, each sub-population having a different diameter, e.g. the sub-populations having respective diameters of from 1 /16 inch (1.6mm) to 4 inches (10.2cm), e.g. from 1/16 inch (1.6mm) to 2 inches (5cm).
- the diameter ratio of each sub-population to the next biggest sub-population is typically of from 1:2 to 1 :5, e.g. 1:2 to 1:4 as in the case of 1 :2.5 to 1 :3.5. In one embodiment, the size ratio is about 1:3.
- the population comprises a sub-population having a diameter of about 1 /8 inch (3.2mm) and a sub-population having a diameter of about 3/8 inch (9.5mm).
- a particular embodiment resides in a population of buoyant members consisting of two sub-populations, each suitably having a size mentioned in the preceding paragraph, e.g. of from 1/16 inch (1.6cm) to 1 inch (2.5cm), e.g. of from 1/16 inch (1.6mm) to a half inch (1.3cm), and the sub-populations optionally having diameter ratios as mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
- one sub-population may have a diameter of about 1 /8 inch (3.2mm) and the other a diameter of about 3/8 inch (9.5mm).
- the buoyant members may comprise a first set of buoyant members (or first sub-population of buoyant members) which are of a size to fit in interstices between buoyant members belonging to a second set of buoyant members (or second sub-population of buoyant members).
- the spherical contour of the buoyant members 30, 32, 34 allows for a packed arrangement, as shown in Fig. 3 , the buoyant members naturally settling under the force of gravity into a gas-impermeable layer when inserted into the housing 12 to float on the surface of flammable liquid L.
- the buoyant members may in use sit in the liquid, i.e. float partially submerged, as this stabilizes them against moving responsive to gas movements above them.
- the buoyant members of the disclosure therefore preferably have a construction (alternatively stated, a composition) such that they float partially submerged in a "target" liquid for which they are intended; a suitable construction may be determined empirically.
- the specific gravity of the buoyant members 30, 32, 34 is preferably in the range of between 0.05 and 0.5 so that the buoyant members 30, 32, 34 will remain partially submerged within liquid L, as shown, when flammable liquid L is a common flammable material, such as petroleum oil (specific gravity about 0.6) or gasoline.
- the specific gravity is from 0.05 to 0.3, e.g. 0.05 to 0.2; particular embodiments have a specific gravity of from 0.1 to 0.3, e.g. 0.1 to 0.2.
- the specific gravity may be varied, depending upon the particular composition of the flammable liquid L.
- the specific gravity is suitably selected such that the buoyant members are partially submerged so that the buoyant members provide a lower cross-sectional area below the level of the liquid L in the event of thermal wind currents or convective thermal air currents generated within the tank 10 in the event of a fire.
- the differently sized buoyant members 30, 32, 34 forming the vapor barrier layer 28 form a suppressing blanket effect for the surface of liquid L, minimizing possible liquid-vapor contact within tank 10 (of Fig. 1 ).
- the smaller spherical bodies 32, 34 fill in gaps between the larger bodies 30, thus blocking potential evaporation paths from the surface of the liquid L. Additional layers create interstitial vapor pockets, trapping vapors therein and preventing the release thereof into the area above the vapor barrier 28.
- Fig. 4 illustrates a product of the invention, namely a buoyant sphere, for example a sphere having the following characteristics:
- buoyant spheres buoyant members having an oleophobic and antistatic surface.
- Fig 4 therefore also illustrates a sphere having:
- Such hydrophobic spheres may be present as a multiplicity of spheres comprising two or more sets of spheres, the spheres of each set having the same diameter as each other and the diameter of each set being different from the diameter of each other set, optionally wherein the number of sets is exactly two.
- Fig 4 also illustrates another aspect of the invention, namely a sphere which is buoyant in oil, has an oleophilic surface (e.g. of polyethylene or polypropylene) and has a diameter of less than one inch (2.5cm) and optionally of less than half an inch (1.25 cm), e.g. of no more than 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.4 mm).
- a sphere which is buoyant in oil has an oleophilic surface (e.g. of polyethylene or polypropylene) and has a diameter of less than one inch (2.5cm) and optionally of less than half an inch (1.25 cm), e.g. of no more than 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.4 mm).
- oleophilic surface may be anti-static.
- the spheres of the disclosure may be made by applying to a porous plastics core a coating to form a support layer, where one is present, followed by application as desired of a layer to provide an oleophobic, oleophilic or hydrophobic outer layer. If desired, the plastics core may be collapsed to provide the sphere with a substantially gas-filled core.
- each buoyant member may comprise or consist of three layers.
- a single buoyant member 30 is shown in Fig. 4 , although it should be understood that buoyant members 32, 34 are in one embodiment formed from identical materials, although having differing radii.
- a population of buoyant members comprises a class of buoyant members made of a first combination of materials and a class of members made of a second, different, combination of materials.
- a central layer or core 40 provides buoyancy and may be wholly or partially gas-filled e.g. contain a porous plastics material. The core 40 is surrounded by a support 38 for an outer layer 36.
- the support 38 is a spherical layer or shell and may comprise, or consist of, an intumescent layer 38.
- the intumescent layer 38 which is heat reactive, expands, thus ensuring that buoyant members 30, 32, 34 form a vapor-impermeable barrier.
- the intumescent layer 38 may be replaced with heat-resistant material, which is at least temporarily capable of maintaining a substantial spherical shape when in the vicinity of a fire.
- a heat-resistant layer is formed from a material that is non-reactive to the flammable liquid, e.g. non-reactive to petroleum products. Many heat resistant plastics will be known to the skilled reader.
- Heat-reactive, expanding foam materials that are non-reactive with petroleum products and that can withstand relatively high temperatures are well known and may be used to form the intumescent layer. Any suitable heat-reactive intumescent material may be utilized. There will be mentioned here the following intumescent materials:
- MAP monoammonium phosphate
- APP ammonium polyphosphate
- the material has an activation temperature of about 180°C.
- Intumescent materials based on MAP or APP are hygroscopic and may be protected by a suitable binder system or a surface coating applied during manufacture.
- This material is also hygroscopic and the most widely used commercial version is coated with an epoxy resin to protect against atmospheric water vapour.
- the activation temperature of sodium silicate intumescent is about 110 - 120°C and is the lowest of the commercially used materials described here.
- Intercalated graphite differs from ordinary graphite in having water molecules sandwiched between the layers of carbon. On heating, the water is turned into steam causing the graphite to exfoliate, producing a light 'fluffy' material.
- the activation temperature is typically around 200°C.
- Graphite is not hygroscopic so it does not require protection from the atmosphere.
- a population of spheres advantageously comprises a first set of spheres whose member spheres are of a size to fit in interstices between members of a second set of spheres.
- the vapor barrier 28 forms a thermal insulation layer, preventing the cryogenic liquid from boiling off too quickly.
- the outer layer 36 is formed from oleophobic and antistatic material. It will be appreciated that such an oleophobic layer is useful in combination with flammable liquids which at least predominantly consist of one or more hydrocarbon oils.
- the outer layer 36 may be formed from, for example, a high-density plastic resin mixed with an antistatic additive or agent.
- the oleophobic resin may be Teflon ® or a Teflon ® derivative product; recalling that Teflon ® is a trade mark of Du Pont (Du Pont is also a trade mark) for fluoropolymer resins, e.g.
- PTFEs it will be understood that PTFEs and other fluoropolymer resins are suitable oleophobic resins.
- the antistatic agent is effective in converting the electrically insulating plastic into an electrically conductive material that does not develop a static electrical charge.
- Antistatic materials are well known.
- One example of such a material capable of being mixed with a high-density plastic resin is manufactured under the mark GLYCOSTAT, manufactured by Lonza ® of Fair Lawn, NJ.
- GLYCOSTAT comprises HMS, a high glycerol monostearate-containing blend of fatty esterified glycerin.
- HMS contains glycerol mono-, di-, and tri-stearate, and glycerol.
- HMS is therefore a suitable anti-static agent.
- the core 40, the intumescent or fire retardant layer 38, and the oleophobic and antistatic layer 36 may be formed from any suitable materials, preferably so that the overall structure has a specific gravity within the range of approximately 0.05 and 0.5.
- the spherical buoyant members 30, 32, 34 may have any desired size, although in the preferred embodiment, the diameters of the buoyant members are preferably within the range of approximately 1 /16 of an inch (1.6mm) to four inches (10.2cm). It should be understood that members 30, 32, 34 are not all required to be of identical construction.
- intumescent or flame retardant coating 38 is preferably applied at a relatively large thickness, and thus may be able to be applied solely to the largest members 30 in order to maintain buoyancy.
- the invention includes a plurality of buoyant members of the disclosure, of which a portion have a support layer and a portion do not have a support layer.
- a plurality of buoyant members of which a portion (particularly, a sub-population having the largest diameter) have an intumescent support layer and a portion do not have an intumescent support layer but may optionally have an flame retardant support layer.
- the smaller members 32, 34 would only include the core 40 and the antistatic and oleophobic layer 36.
- the intumescent or flame retardant material may be used as an outer shell for the spherical members, rather than being solely formed as an intermediate layer. It should be understood that any combination of the above-described layers and materials may be used, depending upon the liquid and the container.
- Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the vapor barrier in which the vapor barrier layer 28 is combined with a floating roof, for example a conventional floating roof 114 of Fig. 2 .
- Conventional floating roofs are typically formed as circular pans having a planar floor and a raised peripheral rim defining an open interior region in the upper side thereof. Such roofs may sink due to environmental conditions, such as earthquakes or other external stresses, causing the pan to tilt and thus fill with liquid L.
- Some floating roofs include a central drain, but this can become clogged by snow or ice, for example.
- a floating roof 114 is positioned within the tank, as in Fig. 2 , but with a bag 31 containing members 30, 32 and 34 positioned within the open interior region thereof.
- the bag 31 is formed from a readily dissolvable material so that if floating roof 114 sinks, the bag 31 will dissolve in liquid L and a vapor barrier layer 28 will cover the surface of liquid L as described above, thus adding an additional layer of protection.
- any suitable number of bags 31 containing members 30, 32, 34 may be positioned within the upper interior region of roof 114, and that the bags 31 may be formed of any suitable material that is readily dissolvable in the flammable liquid, e.g. in a petroleum-based liquid.
- any suitable type of container may be utilized, and that bag 31 is shown for exemplary purposes only.
- the vapor barrier may be applied to any type of storage tank, storage vessel, etc.
- the vapor barrier may be used with conventional rectangular tanks or irregularly shaped tanks, such as those typically found on crude oil tankers or barges.
- Such tankers and barges typically have no floating vapor seal due to the difficulties of maintaining a sealing surface during the turbulent and oscillatory motion of the flammable liquid while the vessel is in motion.
- the vapor barrier acts to suppress the evaporation of the flammable liquid into the vapor space above the liquid surface, and further provides a thermally activated barrier in the event of a fire.
- the spheres provide an effective thermal barrier absent sufficient heat to activate the intumescent layer. In the presence of sufficient heat (e.g., a fire within the tank, above the liquid surface), the barrier would be formed by the reaction of the intumescent layers of the spheres. Further, as noted above, the spheres may be added to the tank following a detection of fire in order to suppress the fire, either in support of, or in lieu of, fire fighting foam or other substances. Additionally, it should be understood that the spherical members may have additional coatings applied thereto.
- a fourth layer in the form of an outer coating, may be formed about layer 36, with the outer coating being oil-absorbent to wick up oil during an oil spill on water.
- the present antistatic and oleophobic coating 36 may be replaced by an antistatic and oleophilic coating.
- a layer of spheres floating on a liquid surface is capable of restricting gas flow between the liquid surface and a gas above it (in fact, above the layer of spheres).
- a layer of spheres is particularly effective when it comprises spheres of two or more sizes, so that smaller spheres can fit in spaces between larger ones, for example can partially occupy interstices between larger spheres. It may also be beneficial for the spheres to have a specific gravity such that they float partially submerged, to help them resist being moved by gas streams.
- the spheres are advantageously used with flammable oils, it is useful also in the gas of water or other aqueous or water-miscible liquids, but for such applications the spheres desirably have a hydrophilic surface.
- One example of such an application is the prevention or minimization of oxygen or air transport from air into de-aerated or de-oxygenated water.
- a sphere suitable for use with water or a water-miscible liquid, e.g. an aqueous liquid, has an outer layer 36 having a hydrophobic outer surface e.g. comprising a plastics material having a surface including polar or H-bonding groups surrounding a gas-containing core 40, for example a core consisting of or comprising air, or consisting of or comprising a porous plastics material.
- a support layer 38 may be provided between the core and the outer layer 36 having a hydrophobic surface., but the support layer may alternatively be dispensed with.
- a sphere suitable for removing oil from water has an outer layer 36 having a oleophilic outer surface surrounding a gas-containing core 40, for example a core consisting of or comprising air, or consisting of or comprising a porous plastics material.
- the olephilic layer advantageously includes an antistatic agent, e.g. HMS, to help avoid unwanted fires.
- a support layer 38 may be provided between the core and the outer layer 36 having an oleophilic surface, but the support layer may alternatively be dispensed with.
- Spheres of this type are advantageously small, in order to increase their surface area to volume ratio, and may have a diameter of less than one inch (2.5cm) and optionally of less than half an inch (1.25 cm), e.g. of no more than 1 ⁇ 4 inch (6.4 mm).
- a multiplicity of spheres are dispensed onto the oil or onto the water in the vicinity of the oil. When the spheres and the oil contact each other, the oil adheres to the spheres, enabling the adhering oil to be removed from the body of water by recovering the spheres (or at least most of them), for example by using a net.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP10164411.0A EP2389986B1 (de) | 2010-05-28 | 2010-05-28 | Dampfgrenze für Speichertanks für entzündliche Flüssigkeiten |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP10164411.0A EP2389986B1 (de) | 2010-05-28 | 2010-05-28 | Dampfgrenze für Speichertanks für entzündliche Flüssigkeiten |
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EP2389986A1 true EP2389986A1 (de) | 2011-11-30 |
EP2389986B1 EP2389986B1 (de) | 2015-11-25 |
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EP10164411.0A Not-in-force EP2389986B1 (de) | 2010-05-28 | 2010-05-28 | Dampfgrenze für Speichertanks für entzündliche Flüssigkeiten |
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Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2014052435A1 (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2014-04-03 | Joseph Riordan | Vapor barrier structure |
CN114096594A (zh) * | 2019-02-26 | 2022-02-25 | 储罐环保技术有限公司 | 用于油罐的浮顶、其防火涂层及其制造方法 |
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DE2306916A1 (de) * | 1971-04-27 | 1974-08-15 | Puren Schaumstoff Gmbh | Verfahren zur herstellung eines festkoerpers aus oelaufsaugendem material und nach dem verfahren hergestellter festkoerper |
GB1454492A (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1976-11-03 | Secr Defence | Fire protection means |
US6220469B1 (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2001-04-24 | Alexandre F. Basseches | Antistatic flotation body and pontoon containing such body |
DE10355314A1 (de) * | 2003-11-27 | 2005-07-14 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Eindämmung einer Gewässerverschmutzung |
DE102004026831A1 (de) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-18 | Gerd Ender | Verfahren zur Entfernung flüssiger, lipophiler Materialien aus Wasser sowie Verfahren zur Entgiftung und Vorrichtung hierfür |
DE202008001546U1 (de) * | 2008-02-04 | 2008-03-27 | Kalle Gmbh | Bindemittel zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Öl |
GB2454723A (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-20 | Masstech Internat Ltd | Reducing Vapour Loss in a Tank |
US7655149B1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2010-02-02 | Raybif Industries Inc. | Oil absorbent kenaf balls and kits, and methods of making and using the same |
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US2797141A (en) * | 1953-04-01 | 1957-06-25 | Standard Oil Co | Method of inhibiting evaporation of volatile products and floating layer for use therein |
DE2306916A1 (de) * | 1971-04-27 | 1974-08-15 | Puren Schaumstoff Gmbh | Verfahren zur herstellung eines festkoerpers aus oelaufsaugendem material und nach dem verfahren hergestellter festkoerper |
GB1454492A (en) * | 1972-04-14 | 1976-11-03 | Secr Defence | Fire protection means |
US6220469B1 (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2001-04-24 | Alexandre F. Basseches | Antistatic flotation body and pontoon containing such body |
DE10355314A1 (de) * | 2003-11-27 | 2005-07-14 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Eindämmung einer Gewässerverschmutzung |
DE102004026831A1 (de) * | 2004-01-29 | 2005-08-18 | Gerd Ender | Verfahren zur Entfernung flüssiger, lipophiler Materialien aus Wasser sowie Verfahren zur Entgiftung und Vorrichtung hierfür |
US7655149B1 (en) * | 2007-10-11 | 2010-02-02 | Raybif Industries Inc. | Oil absorbent kenaf balls and kits, and methods of making and using the same |
GB2454723A (en) * | 2007-11-16 | 2009-05-20 | Masstech Internat Ltd | Reducing Vapour Loss in a Tank |
DE202008001546U1 (de) * | 2008-02-04 | 2008-03-27 | Kalle Gmbh | Bindemittel zur Aufnahme von Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Öl |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2014052435A1 (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2014-04-03 | Joseph Riordan | Vapor barrier structure |
CN114096594A (zh) * | 2019-02-26 | 2022-02-25 | 储罐环保技术有限公司 | 用于油罐的浮顶、其防火涂层及其制造方法 |
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