Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention relates generally to the field of Industrial Hygiene, Homeland Security and HAZMAT handling and more specifically to a Device and Process For Sampling, Venting or Viewing Suspected HAZMAT Drums, Containers, Ductwork or Various Enclosures Without Leakage.
This invention is very compact and drives a valve into a container while keeping the container sealed. The valve can be left in place allowing for secondary tests or fluid sampling after initial venting and testing. Until now, no such device has existed. A need exists for a uniform and safe method for sampling drums and containers in compliance with OSHA regulations, 29 CFR) Hazardous waste operations and emergency response. −1926.650)(1)(ix) et seq.
OSHA is clear that any unmarked drum must be treated as one containing hazardous materials.
The instant device is designed to penetrate, vent, sample and re-seal containers from a safe distance. The heart of the system is a configurable probe, that once installed in a container can be opened or closed at any time thus preventing hazardous materials from leakage into the atmosphere. Of particular use is the probes ability to seal and vent a pressurized drum or container, thereby minimizing explosion or exposure risk to personnel.
Numerous devices have been invented that provide for some form of sampling but prior to this invention, nothing has been submitted that combines all of the necessary elements to safely sample a broad spectrum of materials in potentially pressurized containers and reseal the container. This invention combines all of the above and does so remotely, from a safe distance.
The prior art is best demonstrated in devices patented by Volz U.S. Pat. No. 5,841,038 and by Garcia, et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,488. These are two different approaches dealing with the problem of sampling suspected HAZMAT containers.
Efforts have been made to both penetrate and seal, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,488, which uses a chemical sealant that could react with certain materials, further, the sealant must be heated up to 100 degrees centigrade, further increasing risk. U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,488 also drills through a container wall increasing risk of spark and lacks remote capability.
The Volz device, while robust, is cumbersome and complicated in comparison to this invention. It requires large compressed air cylinders and air hose to operate. Since the Volz device uses a fixed needle, it must be decontaminated after each use—a substantial drawback if scores of containers must be tested, especially if time is critical. The Volz device, once removed, leaves a hole, leaking contents into the environment.
The primary object of the invention is to satisfy the need for a flexible, uniform, modular and safe method for sampling Hazmat drums and other containers from a safe distance, without leakage, with probes to suit almost any need, from viewing to sampling for radioactive or other hazardous material.
Another objective is to provide a method to prevent hazardous contents from leaking out, before during or after testing.
Another object is to provide a means of remotely accessing any enclosed area with a camera or sensors.
Another object is to reduce the size of the probe and to define a better point to minimize wall distortion
Yet another objective is to accomplish all of the above in an easy to operate system that is small enough to fit in one hand.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.
This invention is intended to provide the means by which a probe can be inserted into a sealed container of unknown content or suspected of containing hazardous materials without leaking the container's contents. The probe may be a camera, a venting port, gas sampling port, a liquid sampling port or a sensor. The probe is highly resistant to corrosives and non-reactive to most known materials. This invention prevents leakage of hazardous materials while sampling and afterwards. It allows for re-sampling at any time and vents pressurized containers to provide for safe handling.
In its preferred embodiment, gas pressure, controlled by a solenoid, remotely is released into a cylinder, driving a Piston (
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
In its preferred embodiment, the tool is connected to a cable leading to a remote control switch and battery. (alternatively a wireless apparatus can be employed) The lockout/tagout key is removed from the remote. The installation tool is attached to a container by means of a ratcheting strap. A small cylinder of compressed gas is installed in the tool and opened. A probe is selected and installed in the tool by removing the installation Lever (
When the deployment switch in engaged, a solenoid will open, allowing a cylinder to pressurize. The pressure will move a Piston (
If the probe is equipped with a pressure transducer advising the operator that the container is under pressure, the technician may open the probes solenoid valve to vent the overpressure. The contents may be sampled at this time or later. The installation tool may be removed as the probe is securely affixed to the container wall.
The probe is a simple device, consisting of a valve head, a tube cut at an angle and sharpened on three sides, with barbs, just below the opening, a seal and washer, a spring and one or more quick connect ports. If the probe is equipped with a solenoid valve or sensors, an electrical plug will be located near the quick connect.
The installation tool has a guide to prevent lateral movement of the Probe (
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and