US4732035A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for storage tank leak detection having temperature compensation
Assignee: KANEB METERING Corp A CORP OF
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Filing: 1987-02-06
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Granted: 1988-03-22
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Expires: 2007-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the stored fluid product is described. In a preferred embodiment of the method, a limp bladder is connected to an end of a pressure tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core. The pressure tube and the bladder are filled with a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product. The pressure tube and the bladder are then supported in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that a first portion of the medium is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the pressure tube. The large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the pressure tube. Accordingly, variations in the medium level in the tube represent a true indication of leakage of the fluid product out of the storage tank or leakage of a foreign product into the storage tank.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter J. Lagergren
- 👤 C. Cameron Allen, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/26; G01M3/32; G01M3/3236; G01M3/3245; G01F; G01F23/00; G01F23/14; G01F23/16; G01F23/162; G01F23/164; G01F23/22; G01F23/28; G01F23/284; G01F23/292; G01F23/296; G01F23/2966; G01F23/30; G01F23/64; G01F23/68; G01F23/686
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
A leak detection system for a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent to the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficent of the fluid product; means for supporting the elongated tube in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second and thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; and means for sensing variations in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect leakage into and from the storage tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
A leak detection system for a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent to the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficent of the fluid product; means for supporting the elongated tube in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second and thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; and means for sensing variations in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect leakage into and from the storage tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 1 wherein the bladder is formed of a material which contributes substantially no hydrostatic pressure to the medium supported in the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 2 wherein the material is polyethylene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 1 wherein the bladder is supported by the base of the storage tank external to the tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 1 wherein the elongated tube is formed of a material having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 1 wherein the medium is liquid methyalkyl silicone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 1 wherein the means for sensing comprises: a float supported by the medium within the tube and including a reflector; and an interferometer supported adjacent the first end of the tube for generating a signal for use in detecting movement of the float within the tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 7 wherein the interferometer uses a light wave as the signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 7 wherein the interferometer uses an RF electromagnetic wave as the signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 7 wherein the interferometer uses a sound wave as the signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
226 words
A leak detection system for an underground storage tank having a hydrocarbon product stored therein, comprising: an elongated manometer tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a liquid means having a temperature coefficient lower than the temperature coefficient of the hydrocarbon product by at least one order of magnitude; means for supporting the manometer tube in a substantially vertical manner in the underground storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a limp bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the liquid means in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid means supported in the manometer tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid means and the hydrocarbon product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the hydrocarbon product do not vary the level of the liquid means in the tube; a float supported by the liquid means within the manometer tube and including a corner cube reflector; and an interferometer supported adjacent the first end of the manometer tube for generating a signal for use in detecting movement of the float within the tube to thereby indicate a leak into or out of the storage tank.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
226 words
A leak detection system for an underground storage tank having a hydrocarbon product stored therein, comprising: an elongated manometer tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a liquid means having a temperature coefficient lower than the temperature coefficient of the hydrocarbon product by at least one order of magnitude; means for supporting the manometer tube in a substantially vertical manner in the underground storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a limp bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the liquid means in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid means supported in the manometer tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid means and the hydrocarbon product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the hydrocarbon product do not vary the level of the liquid means in the tube; a float supported by the liquid means within the manometer tube and including a corner cube reflector; and an interferometer supported adjacent the first end of the manometer tube for generating a signal for use in detecting movement of the float within the tube to thereby indicate a leak into or out of the storage tank.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 11 wherein the bladder is formed of a material which contributes substantially no hydrostatic pressure to the liquid means in the pressure tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 11 wherein the bladder is supported by the base of the storage tank external to the pressure tube.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 11 wherein the liquid means includes liquid methyalkyl silicone.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 11 wherein the liquid means includes a mixture of liquid methyalkyl silicone and a plurality of micro-balloons in a stable suspension.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising: an elongated tube having the first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; and a first bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube when the tube is supported in the storage tank.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
147 words
Apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising: an elongated tube having the first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; and a first bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube when the tube is supported in the storage tank.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein the elongated pressure tube is formed of a material having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein the medium is liquid methylalkyl silicone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus as described in claim 16 wherein the medium is plurality of micro-balloons.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for detecting a leak in a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising the steps of: connecting a bladder to an end of a tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core; filling the tube and the bladder with a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the product; supporting the tube and the bladder in the storage tank such that a first portion of the medium is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; and sensing variations in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect a leak in the storage tank.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
152 words
A method for detecting a leak in a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising the steps of: connecting a bladder to an end of a tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core; filling the tube and the bladder with a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the product; supporting the tube and the bladder in the storage tank such that a first portion of the medium is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; and sensing variations in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect a leak in the storage tank.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising the steps of: connecting a bladder to an end of a pressure tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core; filling the pressure tube and the bladder with a liquid having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; and supporting the pressure tube and the bladder in a substantially vertical manner in a storage tank such that a first portion of the liquid is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the liquid in the pressure tube.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising the steps of: connecting a bladder to an end of a pressure tube having an inlet and a substantially hollow core; filling the pressure tube and the bladder with a liquid having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; and supporting the pressure tube and the bladder in a substantially vertical manner in a storage tank such that a first portion of the liquid is supported in the bladder in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the liquid in the pressure tube.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
201 words
A leak detection system for a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent to the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; means for supporting the elongated tube in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; means for sensing variation in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect leakage into and from the storage tank; and a bladder connected to the inlet of the elongated tube for sealing and protecting the medium from contamination by the fluid product.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
201 words
A leak detection system for a storage tank having a fluid product stored therein, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent to the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; means for supporting the elongated tube in a substantially vertical manner in the storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube; means for sensing variation in the level of the medium in the tube to thereby detect leakage into and from the storage tank; and a bladder connected to the inlet of the elongated tube for sealing and protecting the medium from contamination by the fluid product.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
The leak detection system as described in claim 22 wherein the bladder connected to the inlet of the elongated tube is filled with an inert gas.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
248 words
A leak detection system for an underground storage tank having a hydrocarbon product stored therein, comprising: an elongated manometer tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and substantially hollow core for supporting a liquid means having a temperature coefficient lower than the temperature coefficient of the hydrocarbon product by at least one order of magnitude; means for supporting the manometer tube in a substantially vertical manner in the underground storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a limp bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the liquid means in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid means supported in the manometer tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid means and the hydrocarbon product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the hydrocarbon product do not vary the level of the liquid means in the tube; a float supported by the liquid means within the manometer tube and including a corner cube reflector; an interferometer supported adjacent the first end of the manometer tube for generating a signal for use in detecting movement of the float within the tube to thereby indicate a leak into or out of the storage tank; and a bladder connected to the inlet of the manometer tube for sealing and protecting the liquid means from contamination by the hydrocarbon product.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
248 words
A leak detection system for an underground storage tank having a hydrocarbon product stored therein, comprising: an elongated manometer tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and substantially hollow core for supporting a liquid means having a temperature coefficient lower than the temperature coefficient of the hydrocarbon product by at least one order of magnitude; means for supporting the manometer tube in a substantially vertical manner in the underground storage tank such that the second end of the tube is located adjacent the base of the storage tank; a limp bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the liquid means in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the liquid means supported in the manometer tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the liquid means and the hydrocarbon product insures that temperature-induced volumetric changes in the hydrocarbon product do not vary the level of the liquid means in the tube; a float supported by the liquid means within the manometer tube and including a corner cube reflector; an interferometer supported adjacent the first end of the manometer tube for generating a signal for use in detecting movement of the float within the tube to thereby indicate a leak into or out of the storage tank; and a bladder connected to the inlet of the manometer tube for sealing and protecting the liquid means from contamination by the hydrocarbon product.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; a first bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperaure-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube when the tube is supported in the storage tank; and a second bladder connected to the inlet of the tube for sealing and protecting the medium from contamination by the fluid product.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
168 words
Apparatus for substantially eliminating measuring inaccuracies in a storage tank leak detection system caused by temperature-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product stored in the storage tank, comprising: an elongated tube having first and second ends, an inlet adjacent the first end, and a substantially hollow core for supporting a medium having a temperature coefficient substantially lower than the temperature coefficient of the fluid product; a first bladder connected to the tube adjacent the second end thereof for supporting a first portion of the medium in static equilibrium with respect to a second portion of the medium supported in the tube, wherein the large disparity between the temperature coefficients of the medium and the fluid product insures that temperaure-induced volumetric changes in the fluid product do not vary the level of the medium in the tube when the tube is supported in the storage tank; and a second bladder connected to the inlet of the tube for sealing and protecting the medium from contamination by the fluid product.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The appparatus as described in claim 25 wherein the first and second bladders are formed of material which contributes substantially no hydrostatic pressure to the medium in the tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-03-22 | 1991-09-21 | 1992-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-03-22 | 1995-09-21 | 1996-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-03-22 | 1999-09-21 | 2000-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |