Inspection of tanks using liner and vacuum
OwnerWilliam Thomas Cuttsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and system for detecting and identifying location of leaks in an above-ground storage tank (AST) bottom or wall is provided. The method employs a temporary liner on top of the tank bottom or at the interior of another tank surface capable of holding a vacuum. The temporary liner is installed on the top (interior) side of the surface, sealing the liner to the shell and any potential penetrations such as columns. A temporary spacer may be employed to help ensure the liner itself does not seal well to the bottom. A vacuum is pulled between the liner and the tank surface. After the vacuum is pulled, a portable acoustic device is utilized to target noise generated by air entering the vacuum evident of a gas or liquid leak.
Claims17
A method of inspecting a tank comprising:
- positioning a temporary liner inside the tank near a surface of the tank interior;
- sealing edges of the temporary liner against walls of the tank to create a volume between the temporary liner and the surface;
- pumping a vacuum through an opening in the temporary liner;
- and
- after pumping the vacuum, detecting acoustic noise to locate leaks in the surface.
A system for inspecting a tank comprising:
- a temporary liner sized for positioning inside the tank near a surface of the tank interior and including an opening with a nozzle;
- a seal or a sealing material, for sealing edges of the temporary liner against walls of the tank to create a volume between the temporary liner and the surface;
- a pump for pumping a vacuum through an opening in the temporary liner;
- and
- an acoustic detector for detecting acoustic noise to locate leaks in the surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.