Leak Preventing Device and Tank for Transporting Liquid With such a Device

Abstract

A leak preventing device (1) for preventing liquid from leaking out of a damaged tank (2), the device comprising:—a floating body (4) capable of floating at the surface (3) of the liquid in the tank; and—a flexible hose (5), the first end of the hose being fixed to the floating body and the hose being fixed to a wall of the tank at a point of attachment (8) at a distance from said first end, wherein the hose extends freely inside the tank between the floating body and said point of attachment and wherein the second end of the hose is connectable to a suction side of a vacuum pump(9) so as to allow gas to be drawn off via the hose from a gas-filled space (10) in the tank above the surface of the liquid in order to produce an under pressure in said space. The invention also relates to a tank for transporting liquid provided with such a device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART[0001]The present invention relates to a leak preventing device according to the preamble of claim 1 for preventing liquid from leaking out of a damaged tank. The invention also relates to a tank for transporting liquid provided with such a device.[0002]Liquid fuel and other types of liquids may be transported and stored in tanks of various types. If such a tank is damaged, for instance due to an accident or wear, the liquid in the tank may leak to the surrounding environment, which may cause a lot of problem, for instance in the form of material damages, environmental pollution and health and safety hazards for people in the vicinity of the leaking tank. It is previously known, for instance from GB 1 020 581 A and DE 1 525 465 B, that liquid may be prevented from leaking out through a leak below the surface of the liquid in a tank by producing a sufficient underpressure in a gas-filled space above the surface of the liquid in the tank by means of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The leak preventing device of the present invention can create a vacuum inside a tank to prevent liquid from leaking through a hole in the tank. This is done by using a flexible hose and a vacuum pump to remove gas from the space above the liquid in the tank. The device can be used even if the hole is inaccessible. It includes a floating body that keeps the hose in communication with the gas-filled space in the tank, ensuring the hose is always in fluid communication. The device is easy to install and can be connected to a vacuum pump quickly and easily. It also includes multiple shut-off valves that provide access points for the vacuum pump, reducing the risk of the tank being in a position where no access is possible.

Problems solved by technology

If such a tank is damaged, for instance due to an accident or wear, the liquid in the tank may leak to the surrounding environment, which may cause a lot of problem, for instance in the form of material damages, environmental pollution and health and safety hazards for people in the vicinity of the leaking tank.

However, this leak preventing device is only suitable for use when it comes to an easily accessible leak concentrated to a limited area.

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