US4094151A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-freezing method and apparatus for ground surrounding liquified gas storing underground tank
Assignee: Kajima Corp
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Filing: 1977-04-19
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Granted: 1978-06-13
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Expires: 1997-04-19
Abstract
Abstract The ground surrounding a liquified gas storing underground tank is excavated into a form of a columnar cavity or wall shaped cavity, and then a synthetic resin bag or envelope is placed therein, after which granular materials such as sand or gravel is filled therein, thus forming a water permeable body of a columnar shape or wall-like shape. Then, water is injected into the water permeable body from its bottom and then discharged from the top of the body, thereby warming the peripheral ground of the underground tank for preventing freezing thereof. An apparatus for preventing the freezing of a liquified gas storing underground tank is also disclosed, which includes water feeding and discharging devices provided for the aforesaid water permeable body.
Inventors
- 👤 Hiroshi Fujita
- 👤 Munetaka Kubota
- 👤 Takashi Makita
- 👤 Yukishige Takahashi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 02:12
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D27/00; E02D27/32; E02D27/38; E02D31/00; E02D31/10; E02D31/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for warming ground about an underground cryogenic storage tank comprising: a vertically disposed water impermeable envelope embedded in the ground adjacent to said tank, said envelope being filled with granular material; a source of water for said envelope; water conveying means in said envelope extending from the upper to the lower portion of said envelope; said water conveying means being in communication at its lower end with the interior of said envelope and being in communication at its upper end with water impelling means adapted to move water through said envelope; and means to dispose of excess water from said envelope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for warming ground about an underground cryogenic storage tank comprising: a vertically disposed water impermeable envelope embedded in the ground adjacent to said tank, said envelope being filled with granular material; a source of water for said envelope; water conveying means in said envelope extending from the upper to the lower portion of said envelope; said water conveying means being in communication at its lower end with the interior of said envelope and being in communication at its upper end with water impelling means adapted to move water through said envelope; and means to dispose of excess water from said envelope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water impelling means urges water downwardly through said water conveying means to enter said envelope at the lower end of said water conveying means, whereby said water percolates upwardly through said granular material to said excess water disposal means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said water impelling means urges water upwardly through said water conveying means thereby causing said water in said envelope to percolate downwardly through said granular material.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
46 words
The method of warming ground around an underground cryogenic tank comprising the steps of: embedding a water impermeable envelope in the ground adjacent to said tank; filling said envelope with granular material; percolating water through said granular material; and disposing of excess water from said envelope.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
46 words
The method of warming ground around an underground cryogenic tank comprising the steps of: embedding a water impermeable envelope in the ground adjacent to said tank; filling said envelope with granular material; percolating water through said granular material; and disposing of excess water from said envelope.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 4, including the steps of: passing water from the top to the bottom of said envelope, and permitting said water to percolate upwardly through said granular material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 4, including the steps of: percolating water downwardly through said granular material; drawing said water to the surface of said granular material, and withdrawing said water from said envelope.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-12-12 | 1982-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-12 | 1985-12-12 | 1986-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-12 | 1989-12-12 | 1990-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |