System and method for repair of leaking storage tanks containing fluids which contaminate ground water

Abstract

A system and method for repair of leaking storage tanks containing fluids which contaminate ground water has been devised requiring reduced funding which will make it economically feasible for repair of all old tanks suspected of being potential leakers, thereby protecting the public and environment from future severe hazards. All internal appurtenances are removed from the tank before it is gas freed and fitted with a new combination manway and appurtenances access. All tank openings originally utilized by appurtenances are plugged liquid tight except for the tank vent system. A flexible fluid tight containment means is formed to the tank interior shape and contains an opening edge which is assembled as a fluid tight gasket seal between the flange cover of the new access. All internal appurtenances are relocated to extend through the new access. A support cage bears against the inside of the containment means adjacent to the access to relieve strain on the containment means when the fluid storage level is low and to isolate the appurtenances from the containment means. A sampling means is installed between the outside of the containment means and low points of the tank interior for detection and removal of ground water leaking into the tank and for detecting any fluid leak through the containment means. The effective area covered by the sampling means is increased by the addition of corrugated spacers between the containment means and the lower third of the tank which is most subject to leaks. The containment means has the additional positive feature of eliminating all fluid vapor losses from the stored liquid vapor interface which presently travel out through the tank vent system; and, it eliminates the entrance of air into the containment means vapor space which has been the cause of past explosions due to presence of a combustible vapor/air mixtures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.