Vaulted fluid storage systems

Abstract

The present invention provides visual inspection and physical access into the space of a fluid containment system consisting of an inner storage container or vessel, and an outer, reinforced precast structure, or vault, having a top cover. Visual inspection ports and physical access assemblies, with easily removable covers, are cast into the vault top corners for direct, or remote viewing, such as with a periscope or video camera device, of the exterior surfaces of the inner storage container; the interior surfaces of the outer, vaulted structure; and the space between the two structures. Sufficient physical access and physical maneuverability is provided by the visual inspection port assemblies, and corresponding visual inspection chambers directly below each port assembly, that proactive inspection to verify primary vessel integrity and removal of fluids from the interior space between the two containers can be achieved without personnel entry or removal of the vault top.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a fluid containment system comprising: 
 a. an outer container having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls which project from the bottom wall to define an open cavity;    b. an inner container within open cavity said inner container capable of holding fluids and spaced from the side walls of said other container; and    c. a cover supported on said side walls to cover said cavity, the improvement which comprises said cover having at least one port to provide visual inspection and at least one physical access port to provide visual inspection and physical access into said cavity.    
     
     
         2 . The system of    claim 1   , including means for providing natural or artificial light into said cavity.  
     
     
         3 . The system of    claim 2   , wherein said natural light providing means is provided by removing the port covers; wherein said artificial light means is mounted on said port cover assemblies; or integral to the remote viewing device mounted onto the port assemblies.  
     
     
         4 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein said viewing means comprises direct visual inspection by removing port covers; or remote visual inspection means of a visual inspection mirror, periscope; camera; and video camera.  
     
     
         5 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein said space between said inner and outer containers is about 2-4 inches along the sides, top, and bottom; and about 8 inches to 36 inches directly under said port assemblies.  
     
     
         6 . The system    claim 1   , wherein said cavity cover is removable.  
     
     
         7 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein said outer container comprises reinforced concrete.  
     
     
         8 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein said inner container comprises steel.  
     
     
         9 . The system of    claim 1   , including sealing means between said cavity cover and said outer walls; and sealing means of tank penetrations through said cover.  
     
     
         10 . The system of    claim 1   , which is an above ground liquid storage system.  
     
     
         11 . The system of    claim 1   , which is a below grade liquid storage system.  
     
     
         12 . The system of    claim 1   , which is an at-grade liquid storage system.  
     
     
         13 . The system of    claim 1   , where said cavity cover includes vent means and means for access into said inner container.  
     
     
         14 . The system of    claim 1   , including a secondary containment coating on the inner surface of said side walls.  
     
     
         15 . The system of    claim 1   , including an interior channel and sump configuration in the bottom wall of the container that moves liquids by gravity to at least two corners and directly below the port assemblies.  
     
     
         16 . The system of    claim 1   , where said container includes chamfered corners for enhanced visual and physical access into the space between the two containers.  
     
     
         17 . The system of    claim 1   , where said ports are fire rated at 2000 degrees for two hours.  
     
     
         18 . The system of    claim 1   , where said inner container is securely tied down to the bottom wall of the outer container.  
     
     
         19 . The system of    claim 1   , including an outer anti-flotation apron of reinforced concrete.  
     
     
         20 . The system of    claim 1   , wherein said viewing port comprises.