US3850206A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Foamed vapor barrier
Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering Co
•
Filing: 1972-12-06
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Granted: 1974-11-26
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Expires: 1992-12-06
Abstract
Abstract A layer of an aqueous foam is applied to the surface of crude oil during loading into vessels or tankage thereby preventing loss of hydrocarbon vapor and the resultant air pollution as the tank is filled.
Inventors
- 👤 G Canevari
- 👤 W Cooper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:30
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/22; B65D90/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A METHOD OF SUPPRESSING VAPORIZATION OF CRUDE OIL DURING THE LOADING OF SUBSTANTIALLY HYDROCARBON-FREE CONTAINERS COMPRISING THE STEPS OF SUPPLYING A FOAM FORMED FROM AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF A FOAM FORMING AGENT TO SAID CONTAINER SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE BOTTOM AND HAVING A DEPTH ADEQUATE TO SERVE AS A BARRIER TO HYDROCARBON VAPORS FORMED FROM THE CRUDE OIL DURING LOADING, LOADING SAID CRUDE OIL UNDER FOAM DURING VENTING HYDROCARBON-FREE VAPOR FROM ABOVE SAID FOAM DURING LOADING OF SAID OIL.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
A METHOD OF SUPPRESSING VAPORIZATION OF CRUDE OIL DURING THE LOADING OF SUBSTANTIALLY HYDROCARBON-FREE CONTAINERS COMPRISING THE STEPS OF SUPPLYING A FOAM FORMED FROM AN AQUEOUS SOLUTION OF A FOAM FORMING AGENT TO SAID CONTAINER SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE BOTTOM AND HAVING A DEPTH ADEQUATE TO SERVE AS A BARRIER TO HYDROCARBON VAPORS FORMED FROM THE CRUDE OIL DURING LOADING, LOADING SAID CRUDE OIL UNDER FOAM DURING VENTING HYDROCARBON-FREE VAPOR FROM ABOVE SAID FOAM DURING LOADING OF SAID OIL.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of adding a water thickener to said foam during its generation thereby to stabilize said foam.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of loading crude oil into tankers comprising: a. supplying sufficient foam formed from an aqueous solution of a foam forming agent to each substantially hydrocarbon-free tanker compartment to cover the bottom thereof and having a depth adequate to serve as a barrier to hydrocarbon vapors formed from the crude oil during loading; b. loading crude oil into each of said compartments under said foam; and c. venting hydrocarbon-free vapor from the space above the crude oil and foam during the loading process.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of loading crude oil into tankers comprising: a. supplying sufficient foam formed from an aqueous solution of a foam forming agent to each substantially hydrocarbon-free tanker compartment to cover the bottom thereof and having a depth adequate to serve as a barrier to hydrocarbon vapors formed from the crude oil during loading; b. loading crude oil into each of said compartments under said foam; and c. venting hydrocarbon-free vapor from the space above the crude oil and foam during the loading process.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of breaking a portion of the foam during the final stage of the loading by forcing said foam through a foam breaking means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4 wherein said foam breaking means comprises a mesh screen of a hydrophobic material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 3 further comprising the step of adding a water thickener to said foam during its generation thereby to stabilize said foam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2907627A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-11-25 | 1978-05-27 | 1978-11-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-25 | 1982-05-27 | 1982-11-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-25 | 1986-05-27 | 1986-11-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |