Patent Application
20170216647
The present invention generally relates to containment and neutralization of chemicals, and more specifically relates to a self-contained insert for containers, which are capable of collecting, neutralizing and storing chemicals, the insert is customizable according to container type and nature of the chemical to be neutralized.
Handling, storage and transport of chemicals involves multiple challenges regarding personnel safety, environmental hazard, and safe disposal to avoid contamination of land and water bodies. Especially, disposal of hazardous chemicals presents a significant environmental challenge. Chemicals in bulk quantities are used in industries like pharmaceuticals, semiconductor, water treatment, automotive, agriculture, car wash etc., where handling and disposal of chemicals forms a routine task.
Different types of containment systems have been used for chemical drip and spillage control, which include containment barrels, spill trays, containment sumps, spill berms, spill decks, rack storage systems, spillage absorbent pads, liquid proof films and the like. However the existing containment systems does not offer neutralization of hazardous or non-hazardous chemicals thus rendering them safe for disposal. For example, 55 gallon drums which are commonly used for storage and transport of hazardous chemicals offers only drip containment.
Chemicals leaking from a container or by products of chemicals resulting from industrial processes might comprise hazardous substances such as flammable substances, strong acids, strong bases, corrosives, oxidizers etc., and therefore required to be adequately treated or neutralized before disposal. A significant number of solid and liquid wastes are neutralized by high temperature incineration, which require expensive incinerator plants or transportation to such facilities. Other methods of neutralization involves addition of absorbents to the spilled or leaked chemical prior to cleaning off the spillage.
Therefore, there still exists a need for an improved device for drip containment and neutralization of chemicals, the device customizable according to different types of chemicals which are to be neutralized and also fit into varied container shapes.
The present invention relates to a device for drip containment and neutralization of chemicals. The device comprises a insert impregnated with at least one neutralizing agent, the insert is adapted to be positioned within a container. The insert may include an air vent with a check valve and a port comprising a plug or valve to control flow of a fluid. Alternatively, the insert may include a device to filter gas generated and to allow the filter gas to escape the insert.
In an embodiment, the insert may comprise a single layer or a plurality of layers, wherein each layer is impregnated with a different neutralizing agent. Neutralizing agents may be selected from a group consisting of bisulfite, soda ash, activated charcoal and similar agents used for neutralization of chemicals. The chemical may comprise hazardous chemical or non-hazardous chemical and the neutralizing agent is selected based on the chemical, which is to be neutralized.
The insert may further comprise a handle fastened to a top surface, which facilitates easy placement and removal of the insert.
Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
The term “insert” or “disc shaped insert” as used interchangeably herein, refers to a structure, preferably a disc, rectangle, oval or other appropriately shaped structure comprising a porous body or a membrane or any material which can be used for allowing passage of fluid and retain neutralization agents incorporated within the structure. Although, it can be used for the passage of fluid, it may be used to capture and contain the fluid along with the neutralizer. The insert is configured to be positioned within a holding device which may be a rectangle or substantially rectangular shaped.
The term “target fluid” as used herein refers to both hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals to be contained and neutralized. The term “target fluid” may also include chemicals leaking from a container, a joint or connection point for two or more tubes, hoses or other shaped devices or from an apparatus or substances used in chemical environments.
Referring to
The port 106 is configured to extend a cavity below the insert to a region above the insert, when placed in a container. The port 106 comprises a plug or a valve to control flow of the fluid. The insert 110 comprises a handle 108 fastened to the top surface, facilitates in easy placement and removal of the insert 110. The handle 108 may be positioned as to not interfere with the nesting/stacking of the insert 110, may be recessed with the top of the insert 110 and may be removable.
In an embodiment the insert 110 may comprise a plurality of layers 112, 114, 116 as shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, the insert 110 may comprise a single layer impregnated with soda ash as the neutralizing agent, which can be employed for neutralizing target fluids comprising strong acids such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, etc. In another example, the insert may comprise three layers comprising neutralizing agents such as bisulfite, soda ash and activated charcoal respectively, the multilayered insert can be employed for neutralizing biocides including chloride, chlorine dioxide, etc.
In an embodiment, the insert 110 may comprise porous material, sift style grading, semi-permeable membrane, cloth or any material that allows passage of fluid. The insert 110 is configured to neutralize target fluids comprising strong acids, strong bases, oxidizers, corrosives, flammable liquids, or any other fluid with extreme viscosity, pH, temperature or similar hazards. Insert 110 is intended to fit into existing commonly used containers such as the holding device described herein and, and also custom made to fit into containers of specific dimensions.
In another embodiment, the insert 110 may be a porous package to house the chemicals which may be in a powder or liquid form.
The chemical drip containment and neutralization insert 110 is a self-contained insert which can be placed within containers of different dimensions and shapes. The insert 110 can be placed in tapered or non-tapered containers. The dimensions of the container allow the insert to wedge into the container, the insert divides the inner space of the container into a liquid feed section and liquid collection section, above the insert. In other embodiments, the inner space may not have a liquid feed section and a liquid collection section. The insert may be positioned within the cavity and the insert may be filled with neutralizer, eliminating the need for the check valve or a mechanism to filter escaping air.
As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
