US20030047238A1

US20030047238A1 - Integrated fluid drip receptacle

Info

Publication number: US20030047238A1
Application number: US10/234,371
Authority: US
Inventors: David Prymych
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-10
Filing date: 2002-09-05
Publication date: 2003-03-13
Also published as: CA2356258A1

Abstract

This invention provides an integrated fluid drip receptacle that prevents the dripping of fluids at line connections. One end of the receptacle attaches to the line that is used to transfer fluid from a storage tank, such as an oil storage tank, and the other end of the receptacle attaches to the line that is used to transfer fluid into a second container, such as a tank on an oil transport vehicle. The receptacle remains attached to both of these lines during fluid transfer. After transfer of the fluid, the receptacle remains attached to the line from the storage tank but is disconnected from the other line. The receptacle collects fluid that leaks and drips from the lines and line connections. Because the receptacle is an integral component of the line from the storage tank, the fluid therein is emptied every time that transfer of fluid from the storage tank to the second container occurs. Therefore, the receptacle does not need to be emptied between fluid transfers, which provides for simplicity and ease of use. The receptacle of this invention is particularly useful in the oil industry, to prevent dripping of oil onto the ground, which causes environmental damage, from load lines and line connections after transfer of oil from the storage tank to the oil transport vehicle.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the priority benefit of Canadian Application No. 2,356,258 filed on Sep. 10, 2001 entitled Integrated Fluid Drip Receptacle.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of containment from fluid transfer lines, pipes and other conduits.

Background of the Invention

In isolated oil well producing sites, crude oil is temporarily stored in a large capacity storage tank. The oil in the storage tank is periodically transferred into the tank of an oil transport vehicle, such as a tank truck, and transported to a refinery. Before and after the transfer of the oil to the tank truck, dripping and leakage of oil occurs, due to the coupling and uncoupling of the line connections, which is necessary in order to establish fluid communication between the storage tank and the transport vehicle. Additionally, residual oil remaining in the line extending from the storage tank, after the transfer is completed, will leak or drip from the line after it is uncoupled.

Oil that spills onto the ground is a source of pollution that must be removed by oil companies. One common approach to avoiding this problem is to collect the oil in a drip container that is placed beneath the line couplings. However, these containers are often neglected by oilfield workers, and tend to fill with rainwater and/or oil, and overflow. Additionally, they often become filled with debris, rendering the oil untransferable to the transport vehicle because it will clog up the line to the vehicle. Therefore, the oil in the container must be removed by other means.

Devices that have been disclosed in order to prevent oil contamination of the soil suffer from many disadvantages, including that they are complex in design, complicated to use, or both. Some must be emptied regularly, or they will overflow, and they therefore require that the oil collected by the device must be pumped out or otherwise removed from it. Examples of spillage devices that have been designed to prevent oil and fluid spillage are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,313,991; 5,361,931; 5,379,810; 5,687,871, and 5,647,412.

What is needed in the industry is a device that is easy to use, to encourage compliance of the oilfield workers, and sturdy enough to withstand the rigor of repeated use in a relatively harsh environment.

A device designed for use in this industry would also find utility in any industry where the transfer of fluids between containers presents a similar problem of leakage and spillage of the fluid. Such other industries would include for example the chemical industry in general, where fluids such as acids, alkali, asphalt and herbicides are transferred between containers, and the waste and hazardous waste industries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein an apparatus for containing fluid leakage and dripping at a line connection. The apparatus remains attached to the load line that extends from a storage tank before, during and after fluid transfer from the storage tank, and contains fluid that leaks or drips therefrom in a receptacle. Each time fluid is transferred from the storage tank, and as part of the transfer process, the receptacle is emptied of fluid. The apparatus is simple to use and also collects the fluid leakage and dripping that occurs after uncoupling of line connections. Since the receptacle empties with each fluid transfer, the apparatus requires little maintenance and monitoring.

Therefore, in one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed herein an apparatus which comprises:

(a) an inlet for connecting to a fluid source;

(b) an outlet for connecting to a drain hose or pipe; and

(c) a receptacle disposed between and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet and having an upper end and a lower end.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a hollow fluid transfer apparatus comprising an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis, an outlet portion having a second axis, and a receptacle portion having a third axis, wherein the first, second and third axes are each separated by angles such that rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the receptacle portion to move between a first position above the first axis and a second position below the first axis.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises a method for transferring fluids, including oil, from one container to another, using the apparatus of this invention. The method comprises the steps of:

(a) providing a hollow fluid transfer apparatus comprising an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis, an outlet portion having a second axis, and a receptacle portion having a third axis, wherein the first, second and third axes are each separated by angles such that rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the receptacle portion to move between a first position above the first axis and a second position below the first axis;

(b) connecting the transfer apparatus to the first tank in its second position such that the receptacle portion is above the first axis;

(c) transferring the fluid to the second tank; and

(d) rotating the apparatus to its first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of this invention. [0021]
FIG. 2 is a side perspective transparent view of an embodiment of this invention. [0022]
FIG. 3A is a plan view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2. [0023]
FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of this invention taken along line I-I of FIG. 3A. [0024]
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective of view of the use of an apparatus of this invention after the loading of a truck with fluid from a typical fluid storage tank and before the unloading line will be detached from the apparatus. [0025]
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective of view of the use of an apparatus of this invention during the loading of a truck with fluid from a typical fluid storage tank. [0026]
FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of this invention. [0027]
FIG. 7 is a cross section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, taken along line II-II of FIG. 6.[0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to various embodiments of the apparatus ([0029] 10) of this invention, shown in FIGS. 1-7. Apparatus (10) comprises an inlet (12) and an outlet (14), which are each connected to a receptacle (16). The ends of inlet (12) and outlet (14) are adapted to enable them to be connected to a pipe or hose coupling. In use, inlet (12) is connected to the discharge end of a load line (34) that extends from a storage tank and outlet (14) is connected to an infusion end of and unloading line (36) that leads to a transport vehicle, such that fluid must flow through apparatus (10), on route from the storage tank to the transport vehicle. The position of apparatus (10), between the storage tank and the transport vehicle, is demonstrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
For simplicity, the oil industry will generally be referred to herein, in regard to specific embodiments of apparatus ([0030] 10) and methods of using the apparatus. However it is understood that this technology is applicable to any industry or application in which fluids are transferred between containers via a tube. These other industries or applications are intended to be included herein.
As used herein, “pipe” or “hose” may refer to any elongated hollow device through which a fluid can flow, and includes pipes, hoses and similar types of conduits, either rigid or flexible. As used herein “storage tank” refers to a container for storing a fluid for any period of time, and includes a container of any size, rigid or flexible, open or closed, mobile or stationary. As used herein “transport vehicle” refers to a truck, tanker truck or other vehicle that comprises a container for holding fluid, and includes a container of any size, rigid or flexible, open or closed, but preferably closed. Throughout this disclosure reference will be made to the transfer of fluids from a storage tank to a transport vehicle, but it is understood that transfer of fluids may occur between storage tanks, between transport vehicles, or from a transport vehicle to a storage tank, and these transfers are intended to be included herein. [0031]
As used herein, “load line” refers to a tube that extends from a storage tank and that is used to remove fluid from the storage tank, and includes outlet pipes and drain lines. As used herein, “unloading line” refers to a tube that is used to transfer fluid into a transport vehicle, such as a tank or truck hose. It is understood that, if fluid is to be transported between two storage tanks, between two transport vehicles, or from a transport vehicle to a storage tank, then the terms “load line” and “unloading line” will apply to the line used from or to the storage tanks and/or the oil transport vehicles, in a similar context as stated above. [0032]
Turning now to FIGS. [0033] 1-7, the various elements of apparatus (10) will be described in detail.
Receptacle ([0034] 16) as shown in all Figures is a generally elongated and enclosed structure, with a first end (22), a second end (24), a sidewall (26) and apertures (18 and 20). Sidewall (26) joins the first end (22) of the receptacle to the second end (24) of the receptacle. Except for apertures (18 and 20), receptacle (16) is sealed along all edges such that fluid cannot leak out of it. The length of receptacle (16), being the distance measured from end (22) to end (24), is generally greater than the width of receptacle (16) measured from side to side. However, embodiments in which the length and width are substantially equal are intended to be included herein. Although sidewall (26) is shown herein as extending generally at a right angle from end (22) and end (24), sidewall (26) may extend at other angles from ends (22 and 24). For instance, receptacle (16) may be triangular in shape.
As shown in FIGS. [0035] 1-3, sidewall (26) may be formed from four substantially flat sides, thereby generating a receptacle (16) that is generally rectangular in cross section. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sidewall may be formed as a cylinder, thereby generating a receptacle (16) that is circular in cross section. In other embodiments sidewall (26) may be formed such that the receptacle (16) is any of a variety of shapes, including square, oval, hexagonal, or irregular shapes, that do not affect the primary function, of receptacle (16) which is to receive and hold a small amount of fluid.
Receptacle ([0036] 16) as shown in all Figures comprises apertures (18 and 20). Apertures (18 and 20) are located closer to end (22) than to end (24), or even at end (22_, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Positioning of apertures (18 and 22) generally near, or at, end (22) maximizes the fluid-holding capacity of receptacle (16). Additionally, placing apertures (18 and 20) generally near, or at, end (22) will result in end (24) being biased downwards, from the weight of receptacle (16) and any fluid collected therein. It is understood, however, that apertures (18 and 20) may be located approximately midway between end (22 and 24), and apparatus (10) will still function according to the principles outlined herein.
In use, as described below, receptacle ([0037] 16) will be rotated such that end (24) moves between a downwards and an upwards position, relative to end (22). By rotating end (24) upwards, fluid in receptacle (16) will flow out of the receptacle through apertures (18 and 20). The closer that the apertures are located to end (22), the lesser will be the amount of fluid that is retained at end (22) when end (24) is raised relative thereto. If the edges of apertures (18 and 20) are flush with end (22), essentially no fluid will be retained in receptacle (16) when end (24) is raised upwards. This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
In a preferred embodiment, apertures ([0038] 18 and 20) are situated substantially opposite one another on sidewall (22), and at substantially the same distance from end (22). This embodiment is preferred because it facilitates rotation of receptacle (16), as described below. However, it is understood that other embodiments in which the apertures are not opposite one another, or other embodiments in which the apertures are not the same distance from end (22) may function according to the principles described herein, and they are intended to be included herein.
In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle ([0039] 16) is elongated in one direction and has a longitudinal axis (A). Similarly the outlet (14) has an axis (B) and the inlet (12) has an axis (C) as shown in FIG. 3B. The configuration of the apparatus may be described by the angular relationship between A-B, B-C and A-C. In a preferred embodiment, the angle AB is greater than 90° and less than about 80°, more preferably about 120°. The angle B-C is greater than 90° and less than about 80°, more preferably about 150°. The angle A-C is greater than or equal to about 90° and less than 180°, and is preferably about 90°. It is apparent that the sum of angles A-B, B-C, and A-C is 360°.
[0040] Receptacle 16 may be constructed of a rigid and durable material, including metal, plastic or fiberglass. Steel is a preferred material due to its durability, ease of fabrication and inexpensiveness. Receptacle (16) may also be constructed of a flexible material, such as a plastic.
In use, as described below, receptacle ([0041] 16) will be rotated such that end (24) moves between a downwards and an upwards position, relative to end (22). To facilitate this rotation, receptacle (16) may additionally comprise a projection (28) that assists the end user in moving the receptacle between these positions. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, projection (28) is a handle, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, projection (28) is a rod. For ease of use, projection (28) is placed generally closer to end (24) than to end (22), or at end (22).
As FIGS. [0042] 1-7 demonstrate, inlet (12) and outlet (14) are hollow extensions from sidewall (26) of receptacle (16), with a first end (30) positioned around an aperture, and a second end (32) extending therefrom. Inlet (12) and outlet (14) are rigidly attached to sidewall (22). It is important that fluid not leak from apparatus (10), at the points where ends (30) join sidewall (26). Ends (30) may be attached to sidewall (26), as by welding, and this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. As is apparent, there are other means of attaching ends (30) to sidewall (26), and these are intended to be included herein. Alternatively, inlet (12) and outlet (14) may be formed as a single unit with receptacle (16). This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Inlet ([0043] 12) and outlet (14) are generally cylindrical structures, with a circular cross-section. The length of inlet (12) and outlet (14), being the distance measured from end (30) to end (32), is generally greater than the width of inlet (12) and outlet (14), as measured in transverse section, however this need not always be the case. Inlet (12) and outlet (14) may be the same, or different lengths and the same, or different, widths.
Inlet ([0044] 12) and outlet (14) may be straight, bent or curved. FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7 show straight and bent embodiments of the inlets and outlets. When the inlet or outlet is straight, it will define a central axis that extends along the center of the hollow interior, from end (30) to end (32). When the inlet or outlet is bent, or curved, second end (32) will be displaced, relative to first end (30), by a varying number of degrees from the central axis.
Inlet ([0045] 12) and outlet (14) may be constructed of a rigid and durable material, including metal, plastic or fiberglass, and are preferably made of the same material as receptacle (16).
Inlet ([0046] 12) is attached to sidewall (26) at any angle that will allow apparatus (10) to be rotated, as described below, when inlet (12) is attached to the load line (34). In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7, inlet (12) is straight, and attaches to receptacle (16) at generally a 90° angle, said angle being defined by the central axis (C) of inlet (12) and a long axis (A) of receptacle (16). As defined herein, the long axis (23) of receptacle (16) is the axis that extends along the center of receptacle (16), from end (22) to end (24). It is understood that the angle at which inlet (12) attaches to receptacle 16 is not intended to be limited to 90°. Additionally, although inlet (12) as shown herein is straight, it may be bent or curved, and in this form it may extend from receptacle 16 at a substantially right angle, or any angle that will allow apparatus (10) to be rotated when inlet (12) is attached to a load line (34).
Outlet ([0047] 14) is attached to receptacle (16) in such a manner that fluid will not drip out of outlet (14) after end (32) of the outlet is detached from the unloading line (36). As is apparent, to best achieve this result, end (32) of outlet (14) is displaced towards end (22) of receptacle (16), relative to end (30). As a result, the angle A-B is greater than 90°. Preferably angle A-B is between about 90° and 150°. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, angle A-B is 120°.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, outlet ([0048] 14) is bent at point (38), and angle A-B is about 100°. As is apparent, outlet (14) may have more than one bend, or may be curved, in order to displace end (32) relative to end (30), and these embodiments are intended to be included herein. In another embodiment, outlet (14) is attached to receptacle (16) at an angle, and also has a curve or a bend.
Ends ([0049] 32) of inlet (12) and outlet (14) are formed to allow reversible attachment to the discharge end of a load line (34) and to the infusion end of an unloading line (36), respectively. FIGS. 4 and 5 show apparatus (10) mounted between load line (34) of an oil storage tank and unloading line (36) of an oil transport vehicle. The attachment of ends (32) to load line (34) and unloading line (36) is preferably fluid-tight, which minimizes leakage of fluid during transfer from the storage tank to the transport vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, ends ([0050] 32) are threaded, in order to facilitate attachment onto the discharge end of load line (34) and the infusion end of an unloading line (36). Preferably the threading is NPT (National Pipe Taper) size, however this is not essential. The thread (39) on ends (32) may be on the inner surface of ends (32), the outer surface of ends (32), or both. Two embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7. End (32) of inlet (12), and the end (32) of inlet (14) may have threads on the same, or different, surfaces. Alternatives to threaded connections are well-known in the art and may be included in the present invention.
Ends ([0051] 32) of inlet (12) and outlet (14) may also be formed to fit into an adaptor collar (40), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this embodiment, collar (40) comprises threads on each of end (41 and 42). End (41) of collar (40) will thread onto end (32) of inlet (12), and end (42) of collar (40) will thread onto the discharge end of the load line (34). Similarly, end (41) of collar (40) will thread onto the end (32) of outlet (14), and end (42) of collar (40) will thread onto the infusion end of the unloading line (36).
The thread size and/or taper of end ([0052] 42) of adaptor collar (40) can be varied independently of the thread size and/and taper of end (41). Therefore, adaptor collars of this invention can be manufactured with different thread sizes and/or tapers at end (42), while maintaining the same thread size and/or taper at end (41). This feature permits the manufacture of apparatuses (10) with selected “standard” inlet and outlet thread sizes and/or tapers, that can be used with different adaptor collars to attach the apparatus to a variety of differently sized and/or tapered loading and unloading lines. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, end (42) of collar (40) is tapered, whereas end (41) of collar (40) is square.
In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, collar ([0053] 40) is secured to the inlet (12), outlet (14) or receptacle (16) via a chain, cable or other securing device (43).
In order to ensure that the attachment of ends ([0054] 32) to the load line (34) and unloading line (36) creates a fluid-tight connection, this invention may comprise at least one sealing ring (44) located around the outer surface or the inner surface of inlet (12). Sealing rings (44) may be located around the outer surface or the inner surface of both of inlet (12) and outlet (14). The sealing ring additionally functions to facilitate rotation of apparatus (10) after it is attached to load line (34), as described below. One embodiment, with a sealing ring (44) located on the inner surface of inlet (12) is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment with two sealing rings (44) on the outer surface of each of inlet (12) and outlet (14).
Each sealing ring ([0055] 44) may be an 0-ring positioned within a seat (46). Seat (46) functions to keep the sealing ring in its proper location, and can be located on the inner or outer surface of inlet (12), on the inner or outer surface of outlet (14), on the inner surface of collar (40), or on a combination of any of the above. These various embodiments are shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. FIG. 3 shows a seat (46) around the inner surface of inlet (12), and FIG. 7 shows a seat (46) around the outer surface of both of inlet (12) and outlet (14). FIG. 7 additionally shows and a seat (46) around the inner surface of collar (40), and therefore FIG. 7 shows an embodiment wherein there is a seat on both the inlet or outlet, and the collar. As is apparent, the number of sealing rings (44) and position of seats (46) may be varied
Having thus described the various components of apparatus ([0056] 10) of this invention, the method of using of apparatus (10) will now be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Apparatus (10) is attached to the end of a load line (34), by attaching end (32) of inlet (12) to the discharge end of the load line (34). Note that the “end” of a load line, as defined herein may be located after an intermediary structure, such as a valve (48), that controls the flow of fluid from a storage tank. The attachment to the load line may be accomplished either by threading end (32) of inlet (12) directly onto the discharge end of the load line, or by use of an adaptor collar (40) to connect end (32) to the discharge end of the load line. After the attachment is accomplished, receptacle (16) is positioned such that end (24) is relatively lower than end (22), and preferably directly underneath it. In this position, and particularly in the preferred position, receptacle (16) will collect fluid that drips or leaks from the discharge end of load line (34), and outlet (14) will be pointed upwards, such that fluid will not drip out of outlet (14). A cap (not shown) may then be positioned over end (32) of outlet (14), to keep debris, water and other material from entering into apparatus (10).
In preparation for the transfer of fluid from an oil storage tank into an oil transport vehicle, the infusion end of an unloading line ([0057] 36) is attached to end (32) of outlet (14). This attachment may be accomplished by either threading the infusion end of the unloading line directly onto end (32) of outlet (14), or by the use of an adaptor collar (40), to connect the infusion end of the unloading line to end (32). FIG. 4 shows apparatus (10) mounted between a load line (34) attached to an oil storage tank (50) and an unloading line (36) attached to an oil transport vehicle (52). Apparatus (10) is in this position before fluid transfer begins and after fluid transfer is completed.
After the connection to the oil transport vehicle is established, receptacle ([0058] 16) may then be positioned such that end (24) is relatively higher than end (22), preferably directly above it. In this position, end (32) of outlet (14) will be pointed downwards relative to end (30), and any fluid in receptacle (16) will flow out of receptacle (16). While apparatus (10) is in this position, fluid transfer from the storage tank to the oil transport vehicle occurs using procedures known to those skilled in the art. FIG. 5 shows apparatus (10) mounted between a load line (34) attached to an oil storage tank (50) and an unloading line (36) attached to an oil transport vehicle (52), in the preferred position, during fluid transfer. As is apparent therefore, apparatus (10) provides for fluid communication between the oil storage tank and the oil transport vehicle while fluid transfer is occurring. As is also apparent, fluid transfer can occur while apparatus (10) positioned as shown in FIG. 4, and when transfer is nearly complete, receptacle (16) may be positioned such that end (24) is relatively higher than end (22), preferably directly above it.
After fluid transfer is complete, a vacuum may be applied to the lines and apparatus to remove any residual oil left therein. Receptacle ([0059] 16) is then again positioned such that end (24) is relatively lower than end (22), preferably directly underneath it. Unloading line (36) is then detached from outlet (14), and a cap may be positioned over end (32) of outlet (14). Fluid remaining in outlet (14) will flow into receptacle (16), rather than onto the ground, because of the upwards displacement of end (32) relative to end (30) in this position. Additionally, fluid remaining in load line (34) will flow into receptacle (16), through inlet (12). If the end user is sufficiently cautious to remove most of the fluid from the load line and apparatus, receptacle (16) will have sufficient capacity to hold the fluid that may flow into it.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0060]

Claims

1. A fluid transfer apparatus comprising:

(a) an inlet for connecting to a fluid source;

(b) an outlet for connecting to a drain hose or pipe; and

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein both the inlet and the outlet each comprise a cylindrical projection having a longitudinal axis and wherein the longitudinal axis of the outlet is not parallel with the longitudinal axis of the inlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the outlet and the longitudinal axis of the inlet is between 90° and 180°.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the angle is between 150° and 180°.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the angle is about 162°.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the inlet and outlet are positioned adjacent the upper end of the receptacle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the inlet and outlet each comprise male or female threads for receiving threaded connections.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a handle for rotating the apparatus about the longitudinal axis of the inlet.

9. A hollow fluid transfer apparatus comprising an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis, an outlet portion having a second axis, and a receptacle portion having a third axis, wherein the first, second and third axes are each separated by angles such that rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the receptacle portion to move between a first position above the first axis and a second position below the first axis.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein rotation of the apparatus about the first axis causes the outlet portion to move between a first position angled upwards and a second position angled downwards.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the inlet and outlet each comprise male or female threads for receiving threaded connections.

12). The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a handle for rotating the apparatus about the first axis.

13. A method of transferring fluid from a first tank to a second tank comprising the steps of:

(c) transferring the fluid to the second tank; and

(d) rotating the apparatus to its first position.