US3862701A - Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks - Google Patents

Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3862701A
US3862701A US22215872A US3862701A US 3862701 A US3862701 A US 3862701A US 22215872 A US22215872 A US 22215872A US 3862701 A US3862701 A US 3862701A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
tank
floating roof
liquid
vent pipe
float
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Robert Winfield Strunc
Robert Kenneth Doty
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.)
Chicago Bridge and Iron Co
Original Assignee
Chicago Bridge and Iron Co
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 Chicago Bridge and Iron Co filed Critical Chicago Bridge and Iron Co
Priority to US22215872 priority Critical patent/US3862701A/en
Priority to CA154,072A priority patent/CA957955A/en
Priority to GB4875472A priority patent/GB1395736A/en
Priority to AU48379/72A priority patent/AU460999B2/en
Priority to JP12442072A priority patent/JPS4887418A/ja
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3862701A publication Critical patent/US3862701A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D90/32—Arrangements for preventing, or minimising the effect of, excessive or insufficient pressure
    • B65D90/34—Venting means
    • 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
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/34—Large containers having floating covers, e.g. floating roofs or blankets
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/8593—Systems
    • Y10T137/86292—System with plural openings, one a gas vent or access opening
    • Y10T137/86324—Tank with gas vent and inlet or outlet

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT Storage tank for a volatile liquid having an outer roof and an internal floating roof, a vent pipe having one end in liquid communication with the bottom space of the tank and the other end extending in vapor communication to outside the tank, means to support the floating roof above the tank bottom and above the liquid when the liquid contents drops below a predetermined level and port means communicating with the vent pipe in close proximity to the bottom of the floating roof for venting vapors from the space below the floating roof to the vent pipe and allowing air or another gas to enter this space from the outside of the tank when the floating roof is supported in nonfloating position above the liquid level.
  • a float can be located in the vent pipe to float on the liquid.
  • the float will be below the port means when the floating roof is not supported by liquid.
  • the float provides a barrier between liquid and vapor in the .vent.
  • Storage tanks for volatile materials are in wide use.
  • Such storage tanks generally are made of metal plate and comprise a metal bottom, a circular vertical metal wall and a roof which is generally either conical or domed, also made of metal.
  • a floating roof inside of the tank to retard loss of product vapors. The floating roof rises and falls with the liquid level in the tank.
  • An enclosed storage tank of the described type having an internal floating roof generally is provided with means to support the floating roof above the tank bottom when the liquid contents in the tank drops below a predetermined level.
  • the floating roof may be supported by auxiliary support means about two or three feet above the tank bottom when the liquid goes below such level in order that liquid inlets and outlets below the floating roof remain unobstructed.
  • Legs can be placed beneath the floating roof to support the floating roof above the tank bottom or supporting flanges can be placed on the inside wall of the tank to hold it above the tank bottom a predetermined distance.
  • the floating roof When the floating roof becomes supported by the auxiliary support means, it no longer floats on the liquid contents in the tank. This occurs when the liquid level in the tank drops below the position at which the floating roof becomes so supported and is not floating. When this happens, vapor from the liquid accumulates beneath the floating roof. The accumulation of vapor admixed with air beneath the so-supported floating roof is unavoidable. Subsequent filling of the tank causes the vapor and iar admixture to be expelled into the space above the floating roof and under the outer or external roof of the tank. The resulting vapor-air admixture can constitute an explosive composition which can be ignited through an electrical discharge into this space from a friction spark or some source of static electricity.
  • an improvement in a storage tank for a volatile liquid having an outer roof and an internal floating roof comprising a vent pipe having one end in liquid communication with the bottom space of the tank and the other end extending to outside of the tank for venting vapor and air, or some other gas.
  • a vent pipe having one end in liquid communication with the bottom space of the tank and the other end extending to outside of the tank for venting vapor and air, or some other gas.
  • Advisably the vapor and air or other gas beneath the floating roof is vented to outside of the tank, such as to the atmosphere or a vapor storage means.
  • the tank has means to support the floating roof above the tank bottom and above the liquid when the liquid contents drops below a predetermined level.
  • the vent pipe has one or more openings or port means conducting vapor or air between the space below the floating roof, when the floating roof is supported in nonfloating position above the liquid level, and the atmosphere outside of the tank or a vapor storage means.
  • advisably included is a float in the vent pipe which floats on liquid therein from the tank. The float retards evaporation of liquid in the vent pipe when the liquid level floats the floating roof.
  • the float is positioned below the openings or port means in the vent pipe to permit flow of vapor or air between the space below the floating roof and the atmosphere outside of the tank.
  • the vent pipe When the tank is being filled and the floating roof passes from the nonfloating stage to the floating stage, the vent pipe will be filled with vapor. At some time during the venting of this vapor to the atmosphere it will pass through the explosive range. The float insulates the surface of the liquid in the vent pipe from thi explosive mixture. In the event that a source of ignition is introduced into this vapor, the resulting explosion should not ignite the liquid in the vent pipe, and should cause little or no damage to the pipe, the tank, or the contents.
  • Flg. 1 is a vertical sectional view through a storage tank having a vent pipe according to the invention with the floating roof supported in its lowermost position and with the liquid level lower than the floating roof;
  • FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but shows the floating roof floating on liquid in the tank;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view, partially in section, of the lower part of the vent pipe and a portion of the floating roof as positioned in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged elevational view, partially in section, showing the lower portion of the vent pipe with the floating roof floating on liquid in the tank.
  • storage tank 10 has a metal bottom 11, a vertical circular metal wall 12 and a domed outer roof l3.
  • Conduit 14 is for supplying liquid to the tank and for removing it therefrom.
  • Floating roof 15 is a metal pan with a vertical peripheral edge and is designed to float on liquid in the tank when the liquid level rises above supports 16.
  • Supports 16 are connected to the inner surface of tank waLl 12. As shown in FIG. 1, floating roof l5 rests on supports I6 above the tank bottom since the liquid level 17 is below such supports.
  • Vent pipe 18 is conveniently positioned in tank 10 and extends vertically from the inner surface of tank bottom 11, to which it is connected, through floating roof l5 and through outer roof 16 where it communicates with the atmosphere.
  • Cap 19 extends over the upper or outer end of vent pipe 18 to prevent rain and snow from entering the vent pipe. However, cap 19 is raised above the upper end of vent pipe 18 to provide space for vapor to flow out, or air to flow in.
  • vent pipe 18 has holes 20 therein adjacent to the tank bottom so that liquid in the tank can flow into or out of the vent pipe.
  • the liquid level in vent pipe 18 therefore will always be the same as the liquid level elsewhere inside the tank.
  • One or more port means or holes 21 are located in vent pipe 18 at a location below floating roof when it rests on supports 16. The holes are located in close proximity to the bottom of the floating roof. Vapor which accumulates beneath floating roof 15 when the liquid level in the tank drops to a level which results in the floating roof resting on supports 16 in a nonfloating position, flows through holes 21 into vent pipe 18 through which it flows upwardly and is vented to the atmosphere. Similarly, air will be drawn into the space below the floating roof as the liquid level drops below that at which the roof 15 lands on its supports 16 when liquid is withdrawn from the tank.
  • the portion of floating roof 15 through which the vent pipe 18 passes has a vertical circular wall 22 from which sealing member 23 extends inwardly into contact with vent pipe 18 to provide a slidable seal therebetween so that vapor cannot readily flow from beneath the floating roof into the space thereabove.
  • Vertical wall 22 and seal means 23 also serve to define a stilling chamber 24 therebeneath for accumulating vapor before it flows through openings 21. This serves to minimize liquid entrainment during the last stages of the escape of vapor from beneath the floating roof whn the tank is being filled with liquid.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the floating roof as it floats on liquid in tank 10.
  • vapor can be prevented from escaping through vent pipe 18 even though the liquid level in vent pipe 18 is essentially the same as the bottom of floating roof 15 by placing float 25 inside of the vent pipe.
  • Float 25 floats on the liquid in the vent pipe and is sufficiently wide to essentially contact the inner surface of the vent pipe to thereby substantially retard vaporization of liquid beneath it.
  • the vent pipe can be suitably employed in some tanks for the storage of some liquid without employing a float 25 in the vent me.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates in greater detail the lower portion of vent pipe 18 when the floating roof rests on supports 16 and the liquid level 17 is below such supports and does not float the floating roof.
  • the floating roof 15, as shown in FIG. 3, is positioned as it would be when it rests on supports 16.
  • holes 21 are located beneath the floating roof and, in this instance, that means below seal means 23.
  • Holes 21 provide means for vapor to flow from the space beneath the floating roof into vent pipe 18 and through it to the atmosphere, and for air to flow from the atmosphere through pipe 18 into the space below the roof. Furthermore, by having holes 21 beneath the floating roof, the vapor is prevented from flowing through such holes and out others into the space above the floating roof but inside of the tank.
  • Float 25 drops with the liquid level in the tank until it becomes supported by rods 26 which project inwardly from the inside of vent pipe 18. When so supported, float 25 is located below ports or holes 21 so that it does not interfere with vapor flow through such holes. Although float 25 could be permitted to drop further with further lowering of the liquid level in the tank, it is advisable to prevent the float from dropping completely to the bottom of the tank so as to keep it always above whatever sludge or impurities might deposit on the tank bottom.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the position of the floating roof and of the float when they are each floating on liquid in the tank at a level above holes 21.
  • vent pipe system as described herein can be employed in an insulated storage tank, with an insulated or noninsulated floating roof.
  • float 25 can be insulated or noninsulated depending upon the liquid and conditions of storage employed.
  • vent pipe having one end in liquid communication with the bottom space of the tank and the other end extending in vapor communication to outside the tank;
  • a float in the vent pipe said float having its peripheral edge in close proximity to the inner surface of the vent pipe.
  • vent pipe is vertically supported on the tank bottom and extends through the tank to the outside thereof.
  • vent pipe has an opening near the bottom of the tank for liquid flow thereto.
  • vent pipe has means to support the float in non-floating position lower than the vapor vent opening but above the tank bottom.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
US22215872 1972-01-31 1972-01-31 Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks Expired - Lifetime US3862701A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22215872 US3862701A (en) 1972-01-31 1972-01-31 Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks
CA154,072A CA957955A (en) 1972-01-31 1972-10-17 Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks
GB4875472A GB1395736A (en) 1972-01-31 1972-10-23 Storage tanks
AU48379/72A AU460999B2 (en) 1972-01-31 1972-11-01 AUTOMATIC BLEEDER VENT FOR COVERED FLOATING roof TANKS
JP12442072A JPS4887418A (sl) 1972-01-31 1972-12-13

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22215872 US3862701A (en) 1972-01-31 1972-01-31 Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3862701A true US3862701A (en) 1975-01-28

Family

ID=22831104

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US22215872 Expired - Lifetime US3862701A (en) 1972-01-31 1972-01-31 Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3862701A (sl)
JP (1) JPS4887418A (sl)
AU (1) AU460999B2 (sl)
CA (1) CA957955A (sl)
GB (1) GB1395736A (sl)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4468975A (en) * 1982-08-09 1984-09-04 Chevron Research Company Gauge well float for floating roof storage tanks
US5005724A (en) * 1987-06-19 1991-04-09 Ingenieurbuero Imhof Gmbh Floating cover for the interior of a storage tank
US5052437A (en) * 1990-12-03 1991-10-01 Ford Motor Company Vent tube assembly
US20030150518A1 (en) * 2000-04-11 2003-08-14 Brian Slade Liquids reservoirs
US20070289994A1 (en) * 2006-06-16 2007-12-20 Lincoln Industrial Corporation Container System
US20090250472A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Cutts William T Column vapor recovery
US20110139297A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2011-06-16 Cutts William T Column Vapor recovery
US20150021361A1 (en) * 2013-07-19 2015-01-22 Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc. Liquid handling system with reduced exposure to air
US20170297815A1 (en) * 2016-04-14 2017-10-19 Full Most Co., Ltd. Automatic Aeration Device for Oil Tank
CN107331237A (zh) * 2017-08-17 2017-11-07 合肥依科普工业设备有限公司 一种内浮顶储罐火灾真火模拟训练装置和系统
US10384841B2 (en) 2017-06-29 2019-08-20 Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc. Liquid extraction, storage, and dispensing system and method of use
US11548725B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-01-10 Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. Cover systems, tank covering methods, and pipe retention systems

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SU691355A1 (ru) * 1976-07-30 1979-10-15 Государственный Проектно-Конструкторский Институт По Проектированию Технологии Монтажа Легкой И Пищевой Промышленности Резервуар дл хранени легкоиспар ющихс продуктов
GB2332233B (en) * 1997-12-09 1999-12-08 John Mowlem Construction Plc Floating-roof tanks
CN113212990B (zh) * 2020-01-21 2022-11-15 璟铠企业有限公司 内浮顶的双向通气阀

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US239431A (en) * 1881-03-29 William h
US290558A (en) * 1883-12-18 Best available cop
US1116931A (en) * 1912-05-31 1914-11-10 Bishop Babcock Becker Company Separating-tank.
US1165011A (en) * 1914-09-19 1915-12-21 Edgar L Maddox Oil-tank.
US1513043A (en) * 1921-03-12 1924-10-28 Huff Wilson Sylvester Gas-venting apparatus for oil tanks
US2237461A (en) * 1937-12-02 1941-04-08 John J Tokheim Liquid level gauge equipment
US2461537A (en) * 1944-10-10 1949-02-15 Shell Dev Floating roof storage tank
US2536077A (en) * 1946-10-17 1951-01-02 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vent for floating roof tanks
US2564711A (en) * 1945-06-02 1951-08-21 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vent for floating roof tanks
US2601317A (en) * 1946-06-26 1952-06-24 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vapor vent for floating roof tanks
US3606071A (en) * 1970-02-27 1971-09-20 Aerojet General Co Floating roof drain

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US239431A (en) * 1881-03-29 William h
US290558A (en) * 1883-12-18 Best available cop
US1116931A (en) * 1912-05-31 1914-11-10 Bishop Babcock Becker Company Separating-tank.
US1165011A (en) * 1914-09-19 1915-12-21 Edgar L Maddox Oil-tank.
US1513043A (en) * 1921-03-12 1924-10-28 Huff Wilson Sylvester Gas-venting apparatus for oil tanks
US2237461A (en) * 1937-12-02 1941-04-08 John J Tokheim Liquid level gauge equipment
US2461537A (en) * 1944-10-10 1949-02-15 Shell Dev Floating roof storage tank
US2564711A (en) * 1945-06-02 1951-08-21 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vent for floating roof tanks
US2601317A (en) * 1946-06-26 1952-06-24 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vapor vent for floating roof tanks
US2536077A (en) * 1946-10-17 1951-01-02 Chicago Bridge & Iron Co Vent for floating roof tanks
US3606071A (en) * 1970-02-27 1971-09-20 Aerojet General Co Floating roof drain

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4468975A (en) * 1982-08-09 1984-09-04 Chevron Research Company Gauge well float for floating roof storage tanks
US5005724A (en) * 1987-06-19 1991-04-09 Ingenieurbuero Imhof Gmbh Floating cover for the interior of a storage tank
US5052437A (en) * 1990-12-03 1991-10-01 Ford Motor Company Vent tube assembly
US20030150518A1 (en) * 2000-04-11 2003-08-14 Brian Slade Liquids reservoirs
US7360671B2 (en) * 2000-04-11 2008-04-22 Brian Slade Liquid reservoirs
US20070289994A1 (en) * 2006-06-16 2007-12-20 Lincoln Industrial Corporation Container System
US7513393B2 (en) * 2006-06-16 2009-04-07 Lincoln Industrial Corporation Container system
US20110139297A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2011-06-16 Cutts William T Column Vapor recovery
US20090250472A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-08 Cutts William T Column vapor recovery
US11548725B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2023-01-10 Industrial & Environmental Concepts, Inc. Cover systems, tank covering methods, and pipe retention systems
US20150021361A1 (en) * 2013-07-19 2015-01-22 Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc. Liquid handling system with reduced exposure to air
US9382106B2 (en) * 2013-07-19 2016-07-05 Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc. Liquid handling system with reduced exposure to air
US20170297815A1 (en) * 2016-04-14 2017-10-19 Full Most Co., Ltd. Automatic Aeration Device for Oil Tank
US10081488B2 (en) * 2016-04-14 2018-09-25 Full Most Co., Ltd. Automatic aeration device for oil tank
US10384841B2 (en) 2017-06-29 2019-08-20 Norman Werbner Information Services, Inc. Liquid extraction, storage, and dispensing system and method of use
CN107331237A (zh) * 2017-08-17 2017-11-07 合肥依科普工业设备有限公司 一种内浮顶储罐火灾真火模拟训练装置和系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS4887418A (sl) 1973-11-17
GB1395736A (en) 1975-05-29
CA957955A (en) 1974-11-19
AU460999B2 (en) 1975-05-15
AU4837972A (en) 1974-05-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3862701A (en) Automatic bleeder vent for covered floating roof tanks
US5333752A (en) Storage container unit for hazardous liquids
US4116357A (en) Tank with water-sealable vent
GB1416352A (en) Fuel tank inerting apparatus
GB1376530A (en) Fuel tanks
US5346093A (en) Liquid storage system
US2437125A (en) Floating roof for tanks
US3123249A (en) Venting arrangements for storage tanks
US2551404A (en) Liquid sealing means for fluid storage apparatus
US1904339A (en) Floating deck for liquid storage tanks
US2086645A (en) Gauging construction for tanks
US3120320A (en) Gas inflated seal for a floating roof storage tank
US2344436A (en) Floating roof storage apparatus for volatile liquids
US1919634A (en) Floatable roof for tanks
US2601317A (en) Vapor vent for floating roof tanks
US2536077A (en) Vent for floating roof tanks
US3550651A (en) Improvements in topping-up devices for electric batteries
US2413804A (en) Pressure and vacuum venting apparatus
US4372340A (en) Liquid storage tank
US2318766A (en) Automatic hydraulic gasoline storage tank
US1533587A (en) Safety device for gasoline storage tanks
US2289139A (en) Breather reservoir
US3662794A (en) Vapor control system for an underground storage tank
US1975144A (en) Breather valve
US1664963A (en) Liquid seal