Monitored Hazardous Liquid Spill Recovery System

Abstract

A novel hazardous liquid recovery system provides a portable vacuum recovery into multiple storage containers, each associated with particular liquid. The system is computer controlled and measures and records recovered liquid volume simultaneous with the recovery event. Multiple different hazardous liquids, including different flammable hydrocarbons, fuels, and oils can be recovered by a single unit.

1 . A system for collection of spilled hazardous liquids comprising:
 a portable frame;   a multiple of closed containers received in the frame and configured to receive and maintain liquids,
 each container having:
 a depth sensor for providing an electronic signal indicating the depth or volume of liquid contained in the container, 
 an inlet port including an associated valve configured to prevent liquid from leaving the container through the inlet, 
 an outlet; 
 a discharge port including an associated discharge valve configured to prevent liquid from entering the container through the discharge port; 
 
   a vacuum blower retained on the frame;   a means of selectively connecting, alternatively, any one container inlet to the blower;   an suction conduit configured to receive incidental liquids on a working surface outside and adjacent the frame;   a means of connecting the suction conduit to the inlets of all the containers; and   a control system,
 configured to control recovery into the containers while collecting and storing data identifying the volume and nature of the recovered fluid as well as user and event data. 
   
     
     
         2 . A system for collection of spilled hazardous liquids comprising, according to  claim 1 , and further comprising:
 a safety fluid volume maintained on the frame, wherein the safety fluid comprises a material rendering a flammable liquid resistant to ignition when mixed with the liquid; and   means of dispensing portions of the safety fluid from the frame.   
     
     
         3 . An improvement in a vacuum collection system for recovering hazardous including a electrically powered or controlled vacuum pump, wherein the improvement comprises:
 a transmission device connected to the electrically powered or controlled vacuum pump; the transmission device configured to transmit, upon the event of the collection system being powered or operated, a signal to a remote location; the signal capable of specifying the identity and operation of the vacuum collection system.