US 10,633,109 B2
Method and material for accomplishing ignition mitigation in tanks containing flammable liquidGeneral
US 10,633,109 B2
Method and material for accomplishing ignition mitigation in tanks containing flammable liquid
Tech Center:
3700 Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing and Medical Devices/Processes
Examiner:
Christopher J Besler
Art Unit:
3726 Manufacturing Devices and Processes, Machine Tools and Hand Tools
Inventors:
Michael D. Williams
Assignee:
Priority:
09/11/15
Filed:
11/17/17
Granted:
04/28/20
Expiration:
09/11/35
Abstract
A method utilizing quantities of flexible foam material inserted into a fuel tank, thereby providing ignition mitigation and minimizing the risk of explosion in the tank. The foam material is sculpted into a few, or a substantial quantity of foam blocks. In large-scale installations, the blocks are labeled according to exact placement within a stacking pattern that replicates the tank interior. The blocks are inserted by technicians through existing access ports until the tank is filled, excepting minimal planned void spaces. The foam material establishes ignition mitigation by acting as an ignition blocker, mechanically interfering with the compression wave created by a flame front in an explosion, and changing the vaporous mixture-above the fuel level in the tank. Upon completion of foam insertion, the fuel tank is filled with purging fluid, drained through a filter until no debris is found, and a new maximum fuel quantity recalibrated.
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
B64B64D2037/325B64F5/00B64DY02T50/40Y02TB60K2015/03407B60KA62C3/08A62C