Internal liners for oil tankers or barges to minimize oil spills
US5337693A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63B25/082
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to flexible internal liners for reducing the amount of oil spilled by oil tankers due to groundings, collisions, and other major accidents. The liner comprises a flexible oil-resistant impermeable plastic or rubber, which preferably is reinforced by steel mesh or woven aramid fibers. In one embodiment, a independent segment is provided in each bay between two stiffeners. The horizontal edges of each liner segment are coupled to the stiffeners, near the ends of the stiffeners, to provide enough material for the liner to be pushed inward a substantial distance if a collision or grounding occurs. The edges can be secured by detachable clamps; this will provide watertight seals during normal operation, while allowing the segment to be detached and opened when the hull is inspected. In an alternate embodiment, a larger curtain segment which covers a number of stiffener bays can be secured in a manner that allows the liner to be pressed against or held near the outer edges of the stiffeners, without being pressed into the bays. In this embodiment, the bay spaces will be filled with water in a coordinated manner as oil is loaded into the tanker, to minimize stresses…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.