초록 ▼

A system is disclosed comprising a flexible tube attached to a reservoir containing a hazardous material neutralizing substance, and possibly pressurized with air or another gas. The tube is routed around the perimeter of a region where one or more hazardous material containers are stored. In the ev

A system is disclosed comprising a flexible tube attached to a reservoir containing a hazardous material neutralizing substance, and possibly pressurized with air or another gas. The tube is routed around the perimeter of a region where one or more hazardous material containers are stored. In the event of a leak that spreads to the perimeter of the tube, the tube material type is so selected to degrade structurally in response to contact with the hazardous material, thereby rupturing and releasing the neutralizing substance stored within the tube and attached reservoir. The neutralizing material used is selected to neutralize the hazardous material released, to mitigate further damage or eliminate the hazard completely, or at least until intervening personnel can arrive. When a perimeter tube is ruptured, the released internal pressure drop may also activate an alarm, that is either audible, or uses a wire or cellular line to contact authorities as concerning the nature of the spill, be it fire or police departments, or maintenance or property personnel. The system can be used without the assistance of electrical power or electronics (or with sources like a lithium battery for the alarm), in an inexpensive package that requires no direct human monitoring, and can be employed in very remote installations.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system to respond to the discharge of hazardous substances, comprising:(a) a structure constructed of a material type subject to rupture when exposed to said hazardous substance, and(b) a means of mitigating damage to surrounding structures or personnel from exposure to said hazardous substance

1. A system to respond to the discharge of hazardous substances, comprising:(a) a structure constructed of a material type subject to rupture when exposed to said hazardous substance, and(b) a means of mitigating damage to surrounding structures or personnel from exposure to said hazardous substance, applied automatically in the event of said exposure,wherein said system has multiple structures and mitigating means to mitigate multiple hazardous substance types.2. The system of claim 1, further including at least one reservoir containing a neutralizing substance, fixedly attached to said structure.3. The system of claim 1, further including an alarm to notify personnel in the event of system pressure loss.4. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is pressurized above ambient pressures.5. The system of claim 1, further including an exterior coating on said structure that reacts with said hazardous substance to promote the rupture of said structure.6. The system of claim 1, wherein said means is a neutralizing substance enclosed within said structure that is discharged from said structure to neutralize said hazardous substance.7. The system of claim 6, wherein said neutralizing substance is at least one from a list of neutralizing substances including calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, calcium gluconate gel, sodium bisulfate, vermiculate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium thiosulfate, phosphoric acid, urea, mono-ammonium phosphate, fumeric acid, attapulgite clay, citric acid, perlite, silica, activated carbon, triethanolamine, zinc, zinc oxide, trisodium phosphate, calcium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, ammonium polyphosphate and water.8. The system of claim 1, wherein said material type is at least one from a list of material types including nylon, silicone, acrylic, poly vinyl chloride, vinyl and polycarbonate.9. The system of claim 1, wherein said means is at least one from a list of means including absorbing said hazardous substance within said structure, vacuuming said hazardous substance into said structure and said system, and damming the spread of said hazardous substance by said structure to prevent further spread.10. A system to respond to the discharge of hazardous substances, comprising:(a) a structure constructed of a material type subject to rupture when exposed to said hazardous substance, and(b) a means of mitigating damage to surrounding structures or personnel from exposure to said hazardous substance, applied automatically in the event of said exposure,wherein said means is at least one from a list of means including absorbing said hazardous substance within said structure, vacuuming said hazardous substance into said structure and said system, and damming the spread of said hazardous substance by said structure to prevent further spread.11. The system of claim 10, further including an alarm to notify personnel in the event of system vacuum loss.12. The system of claim 10, wherein said system has multiple structures and mitigating means to mitigate multiple hazardous substance types.13. The system of claim 10, further including an exterior coating on said structure that reacts with said hazardous substance to promote the rupture of said structure.14. The system of claim 10, wherein said material type is at least one from a list of material types including nylon, silicone, acrylic, poly vinyl chloride, vinyl and polycarbonate.15. A method of mitigating damage from discharged hazardous substances, comprising:a) routing a flexible structure around the perimeter of a storage area, featuring containers of hazardous materials;b) connecting said structure to a reservoir; andc) installing and pressurizing said connected reservoir and structure with a neutralizing substance for said hazardous substances,where, upon impingement of said hazardous substance upon said structure, degradation of said structure occurs, resulting in rupture of said structure and discharge of said neutralizing substance onto said hazardous substance.16. The system of claim 15, further connecting an alarm to said system that activates upon loss of pressure in said system.17. The system of claim 15, further including an exterior coating on said structure that reacts with said hazardous substance to promote the rupture of said structure.18. The system of claim 15, wherein material type of said structure is at least one from a list of material types including nylon, silicone, acrylic, poly vinyl chloride, vinyl and polycarbonate.19. The system of claim 15, wherein said neutralizing substance is at least one from a list of neutralizing substances including calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, sodium carbonate, calcium gluconate gel, sodium bisulfate, vermiculate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium thiosulfate, phosphoric acid, urea, mono-ammonium phosphate, fumeric acid, attapulgite clay, citric acid, perlite, silica, activated carbon, triethanolamine, zinc, zinc oxide, trisodium phosphate, calcium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid, ammonium polyphosphate and water.20. The system of claim 15, wherein said system has multiple structures and mitigating means to mitigate multiple hazardous substance types.