Fluid handling – With leakage or drip collecting
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-08
2001-06-12
Walton, George L. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With leakage or drip collecting
C137S315010, C137S559000, C138S097000, C138S104000, C141S086000, C141S088000, C141S094000, C222S108000, C285S013000, C285S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06244290
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for containing fluids leaked from control valves, thereby preventing such fluids from contaminating the surrounding environment.
Modern industry abounds with examples wherein liquid chemicals are transported, stored, mixed, and otherwise manipulated via interconnected networks of pipes, storage tanks, mixers, and the like. Often the flow of such chemicals is controlled by the opening and closing of large fluid controls valves interposed between sections of pipe.
In the petroleum industry, for example, oil, gasoline, or other chemicals are often stored in large above ground storage tanks. The tanks are filled and the chemicals withdrawn via large pipes attached to the sides of the tanks. The flow of liquids into and out of the tanks is controlled by large shut off valves connected in line with the pipes attached to the sides of the tanks.
A problem with this arrangement and similar arrangements, is that leaks often form within the valves and at the joints between the valves and the pipes. In many cases, the chemicals leaking from such facilities will have a detrimental effect on the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is desirable to contain such leaks in order to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment. Containment, however, must be achieved in an economical manner. Further, because many of the facilities requiring some form of valve containment are already in existence, an apparatus for containing leaking fluids must be capable of being retrofit onto existing facilities. Another desirable feature of a containment apparatus is that it allows for visual inspection of the valve in order to determine whether or not a leak is present. Finally, an apparatus for containing leaks must allow unrestricted operation of the valve being contained. In other words, the valve actuator must be accessible for manual and/or automatic operation as required by the particular application. Such accessibility must be provided without compromising the containment function of the containment apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the background given above, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for containing fluids that may potentially leak from control valves and the piping connected thereto.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a sealed containment apparatus to prevent the collection of rain, snow and other materials commonly collected in open containment systems.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a valve containment bag that may be installed over a valve that has been previously installed.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a valve containment bag wherein the valve actuator protrudes from the bag, and the bag forms a liquid tight seal therewith to maintain the leak proof integrity of the containment bag.
All of these objects as well as others which will become apparent upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, are met by the valve containment bag and leak containment system herein disclosed.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for containing fluids leaked from a fluid control valve is provided in the form of a bag-like structure formed of an impermeable synthetic fabric. Individual fabric panels are joined along a plurality of seams to form an enclosed space. In the preferred embodiment the bag has the general shape of a short-sided cube, with a pair of large square front and rear panels and narrower rectangular panels forming the sides therebetween.
Each large square panel defines an opening communicating between the interior and exterior of the bag. In general, the circular openings are chosen to match the perimeter of the pipes attached to the valve, or their associated connecting flange. In the preferred embodiment, the openings are circular with short fabric collars extending around the perimeters of the openings. The collars form an axial surface which may be clamped to the outer circumference of a pipe or a pipe's connecting flange. Other shaped openings may also be employed in those cases where the associated piping has other than a circular cross section. The top of the bag defines a third opening. This opening, rather than having a short collar, includes a much longer tapered sleeve.
A first re-sealable liquid tight seam, preferably in the form of a plastic zipper, extends between the first opening in the front panel and the opening at the end of the tapered sleeve attached to the top of the containment bag. A second re-sealable liquid tight seam, similar to the first, extends between the second opening in the rear panel and the opening at the end of the tapered sleeve. The re-sealable seams extend through the tapered sleeve, through the front and rear panels, and through the collars surrounding the first and second openings. Thus, when both re-sealable seams are opened, a single large opening is formed at the top of the bag extending all the way between the first and second openings in the front and rear panels. When the re-sealable seams are closed, three distinct openings are defined.
The valve containment bag of the present invention may be installed over a fluid control valve that has already been installed between associated inlet and outlet pipes. The re-sealable seams are both opened and the bag is simply pulled over the valve with the actuator protruding through the opening. The bag is oriented such that the inlet pipe extends through the first aperture in the front panel, and the outlet pipe extends through the second opening in the rear panel. Once the bag has been pulled over the valve, the main body of the valve as well as the joints between the valve its associated inlet and outlet pipes, are enclosed within the bag. The re-sealable seams are then closed over the valve and around the pipes. With the re-sealable seams closed, the collars around the first and second openings encircle the inlet and outlet pipes, and the tapered sleeve encircles the valve actuator. Clamps are then tightened around the collars and the tapered sleeve. Gasketing material and caulk may be employed to ensure an effective seal between the containment bag and the inlet and outlet pipes, and the valve actuator in order to seal the openings around the inlet and outlet pipes and the valve actuator.
In an embodiment of the invention, a system for containing leaks from control valves comprises a valve containment bag and a plastic insert provided to be placed around an irregularly shaped valve actuator. The insert provides a smooth, more regular outer surface for clamping the tapered sleeve to form a more reliable seal. Further, a sight glass may be installed through one of the panels of the bag to allow an inspector to visually determine whether fluid has leaked from the valve. The sight glass may be field installed so that it may be placed in the most accessible position possible. The sight glass may also be advantageously employed as a drain whereby fluid that has leaked into the bag may be safely removed and properly discarded.
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O'Brien Dennis W.
Parker James A.
Reicin Edward E.
Laff, Whitesel & Saret, Ltd.
MPC Containment Systems, Ltd.
Walton George L.
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