Spill containment system and soft crossing device

Abstract

A reusable liquid containment system to capture and control spills or run-offs of hazardous liquids. The containment system consists of a reusable berm device which forms a perimeter dimension and conforms to various terrain elevations. The berm device consists of uniform elongated rectangular shaped foam units having an elastic memory, a rigid base, all encased in a fluid resistant protective cover with grommet protected openings to provide for horizontal and vertical connection. The berm devices are positioned in a single or multiple course to achieve appropriate elevation, with tapered berm devices to address varying topographic elevations. The containment system also consists of a draped containment liner or woven, knitted or braided fabric, or thermo-plastic material. The containment system allows wheeled vehicles and related equipment to cross without compromising the integrity of the perimeter berm and liner.

Description

[0001]The following Utility Patent Application Specification is hereby submitted by the named inventors as a non-provisional utility application following the filing of a Provisional Utility Patent Application on Jul. 9, 2012, Application No. 61 / 669,172.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to the field of devices used to contain liquids, and especially such devices used as a secondary containment system to capture and control spills or run-offs of hazardous liquids and other substances which are dangerous to the environment. More particularly, this invention relates to such devices which provide a portable, transportable and reusable berm device and containment liner to accommodate a potential hazardous spill and which can be assembled in a quick and easy manner forming a containment barrier of a desired perimeter dimension and adaptable to various terrain elevations experienced in the field. Further, this invention relates to devices which permit wheeled vehicle...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a portable liquid spill containment system that can be easily transported and installed at various locations. The system is made up of soft crossing devices that can be stacked to form a raised barrier to contain liquids. The devices are made of foam with an elastic memory attached to a rigid base, which is then covered by a fluid-resistant cover. The system also includes a containment base sheeting that can be attached to the devices using zi-pts or other methods. The system can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled for reuse at other locations. The soft crossing devices can be stacked and secured during transportation and installation. Overall, the system provides a flexible and effective way to contain liquid spills.

Problems solved by technology

As a practical matter, most work sites do not have a permanent spill containment system in place at the time of the initial construction.

While many sites are graded prior to installation of such containment systems, many times such grading is inferior, not level, or the surface issues require height variations not know until the time of installation.

However, all previous attempts fail to address the height and grade variations necessary to construct and efficient and workable containment system.

In addition, the ability to recycle the berm material, as well as other economic and safety considerations, have historically not been taken into consideration.

However, such containment systems are permanent in nature, costly to construct, and do not allow for modification and relocation as the need arises.

Later, the berm walls were constructed of railroad cross-ties, which were extremely heavy, bulky, and would not allow access to the containment site by wheeled vehicles without potential damage both to the containment membrane, or to the wheeled vehicle itself.

In addition, the rail-road cross ties presented an independent environmental challenge based upon the chemical used to treat the wood upon initial manufacture.

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