Secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank
AssigneePeter Van Fossen
InventorsPeter Van Fossen, Michael Whitener
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank includes a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin about the tank. An impermeable liner covers the ground between the tank and the berm. At least one drain is formed through the liner and into the underlying ground. A hydrocarbon sensor monitors the presence of petroleum in the drain. A control device responds to the presence of petroleum in the drain by closing a containment valve to prevent discharge of petroleum from the basin. An indicator device provides at least one of an audible and visible signal indicating that petroleum is sensed in the drain.
Claims20
A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank, said system comprising:
- a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin above the tank;
- an impermeable liner for extending across the ground between the tank and said berm, an inner end of said liner being sealable engaged with at least one of a ring wall or slab supporting the tank, a steel shell between a pair of bottoms of the tank and a shell of the tank;
- at least one water drain formed through said liner, said drain including means for sensing the presence of liquid petroleum in said drain;
- means for closing said drain to prevent liquid petroleum from passing therethrough and being discharged from said basin;
- and
- an indicator device for providing at least one of an audible signal and a visual signal indicating that liquid petroleum is sensed in said drain.
A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank, said system comprising:
- a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin about the tank;
- an impermeable liner for extending across the ground between the tank and said berm, said liner being engaged with at least one of a ring or slab supporting the tank, a steel shell between a pair of bottoms of the tank and a shell of the tank;
- at least one water drain formed through said liner and, said drain containing a valve for discharging rainwater from said basin;
- a hydrocarbon sensor for sensing the presence of a liquid petroleum in said drain;
- a containment valve that is alternatable between open and closed conditions within said drain;
- a control device responsive to said hydrocarbon sensor for closing said valve when liquid petroleum is sensed in said drain;
- and
- an indicator device responsive to said control device for providing at least one of an audible signal and a visual signal indicating that liquid petroleum is detected in said sump.
A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank, said system comprising:
- a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin above the tank;
- an impermeable liner for extending across the ground between the tank and said berm, said liner being attached to at least one of a ring wall or slab supporting the tank and a shell of the tank;
- at least one water drain formed through said liner, said drain including means for sensing the presence of liquid petroleum in said drain;
- means for closing said drain to prevent liquid petroleum from passing therethrough and being discharged from said basin;
- and
- an indicator device for providing at least one of an audible signal and a visual signal indicating that liquid petroleum is sensed in said drain.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.