Modular barrier for liquid storage tanks

Abstract

A system for providing a modular barrier in a covered or enclosed storage tank is provided that reduces the amount of vapors released from liquid hydrocarbons and other liquids. The modular barrier is, in some embodiments, comprised a plurality of objects operable to form a barrier over a surface of stored liquid contained in the storage tank. The plurality of objects, when inserted into the storage tank, covers the surface of the stored liquid and conforms to a shape of the tank.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A system for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce at least one of flashing and evaporation of vapors during storage, comprising:
 a storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume;   a liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface; and   a modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects,   wherein the plurality of objects is operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects are spheres. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects are hexagonal prisms. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects comprises individual objects. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects comprise individual objects tethered to each other. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of objects has a density less than a density of the liquid. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of objects are resistant to deterioration cause by the liquid. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of objects are at least one of plastic, carbon fiber, Styrofoam, polyethylene, and polypropylene. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each object of the plurality of objects are the same size as each other. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the storage tank comprises an access port and an outlet disposed on the roof, and wherein a size of each object of the plurality of objects is smaller than a perimeter of the access port and larger the perimeter of the outlet. 
     
     
         11 . A method for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce flashing of vapors during storage, comprising:
 storing liquid in a storage tank, the storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume, the liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface; and   covering the upper surface of the liquid with a modular barrier, the modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of objects comprises at least one of a tetrahedron, a cube, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, and an icosahedron. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of objects comprises individual objects. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of objects comprise individual objects tethered to each other. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of objects has a density less than a density of the liquid. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the plurality of objects are at least one of plastic, carbon fiber, Styrofoam, polyethylene, and polypropylene. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each object of the plurality of objects are different sizes from each other. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the storage tank comprises an access port and an outlet disposed on the roof, and wherein a size of each object of the plurality of objects is smaller than a perimeter of the access port and larger the perimeter of the outlet. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising inserting the plurality of objects through the access port disposed on the roof. 
     
     
         20 . A system for covering liquids in a covered storage tank to reduce flashing of vapors during storage, comprising:
 a storage tank having an outer wall and a roof that form an enclosed volume, and an access port disposed on the roof;   a liquid at least partially filling the enclosed volume of the storage tank, the liquid having an upper surface; and   a modular barrier comprising a plurality of objects,   wherein the plurality of objects is operable to cover the upper surface of the liquid and conform to a shape of the storage tank when inserted into the enclosed volume, and   wherein a size of each object of the plurality of objects is smaller than a perimeter of the access port, and each object of the plurality of objects is configured to be inserted into or removed from the enclosed volume via the access port.