Modular barrier for liquid storage tanks
AssigneeVaporLok Inc.
InventorsTerrance Tschatschula, Charles Richard Grice, JR.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for providing a modular barrier in a covered or enclosed storage tank is provided that reduces the amount of vapors released from liquid hydrocarbons and other liquids. The modular barrier is, in some embodiments, comprised a plurality of objects operable to form a barrier over a surface of stored liquid contained in the storage tank. The plurality of objects, when inserted into the storage tank, covers the surface of the stored liquid and conforms to a shape of the tank.
Claims20
A system for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce at least one of flashing and evaporation of vapors during storage, comprising:
- a storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume;
- a liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface;
- and
- a modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects,
- wherein the plurality of objects is operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume.
A method for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce flashing of vapors during storage, comprising:
- storing liquid in a storage tank, the storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume, the liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface;
- and
- covering the upper surface of the liquid with a modular barrier, the modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume.
A system for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce flashing of vapors during storage, comprising:
- a storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume, and an access port disposed on the roof;
- a liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface;
- and
- a modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects,
- wherein the plurality of objects is operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume, and
- wherein a size of each object of the plurality of objects is smaller than a perimeter of the access port, and each object of the plurality of objects is configured to be inserted into or removed from the enclosed volume via the access port.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.