Abstract:
According to the present invention, the vapor evacuation device comprises a mobile housing encasing at least one fluid line configured to draw vapors from a tank via an inlet, and to feed these vapors through solution. This process yields a relatively benign liquid solution together with vapors which can be drained and vented, respectively, when convenient to the operator.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/288,216, filed on Nov. 5, 2002, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/087,326, filed on Mar. 1, 2002, pending, which are both hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to the evacuation of hazardous and/or harmful vapors from a vessel or tanker vehicle. These vapors are typically vented into the atmosphere where they can cause environmental problems, or stored in the tanker vehicle where they can pose a danger, especially if they are flammable and/or volatile. Alternately, large stationary systems can be used to filter and scrub the vapor content of a vessel; however, these generally employ complicated techniques, and are fixed in their physical location, severely limiting their usefulness.  
           [0003]    The invention proposed in this application is mobile, as well as vastly simplified in use, permitting inexpensive and easy use on all harmful vapor-carrying vessels, while simultaneously improving the environment and alleviating safety concerns in storing and disposing of these vapors.  
         OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    One object of the invention is to provide a vapor evacuation device that can evacuate vapors from vapor-laden vessels.  
           [0005]    Another object of this invention is to provide a vapor evacuation device which combines harmful vapors into an easily disposable and relatively benign liquid and/or gas.  
           [0006]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a vapor evacuation device which is mobile and/or portable.  
           [0007]    Other objects and advantages of this invention shall become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of the invention.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    According to the present invention, the vapor evacuation device comprises a mobile housing encasing at least one fluid line configured to draw vapors from a tank via an inlet, and to feed these vapors through solution. This process yields a relatively benign liquid solution together with vapors which can be drained and vented, respectively, when convenient to the operator. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The accompanying drawings illustrate an embodiment of this invention. However, it is to be understood that this embodiment is intended to be neither exhaustive, nor limiting of the invention. They are but examples of some of the forms in which the invention may be practiced.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 shows a diametrical longitudinal cross section of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile vapor evacuation device.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 shows an elevational view of a vapor evacuation device configured as part of a tanker truck.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 shows an elevational view of a vapor evacuation device configured as a standalone trailer and in use with a rail tanker car. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
       [0013]    Without any intent to limit the scope of this invention, reference is made to the figures in describing the various embodiments of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a mobile vapor evacuation system  100  is pictured, which is used to purify vapors evacuated from a vessel  101 . Transport vessel  101 , which can contain gaseous or liquid chemicals or other products, will often leave vaporous residue in vessel  101  when evacuated of its primary payload. It is desirable, for environmental and safety reasons, to evacuate and clean, or “scrub” this vaporous residue from vessel  101  using vapor evacuation system  100 .  
         [0014]    Vapor evacuation system  100  includes housing  106  which encloses the inner components of vapor evacuation system  100 . Within housing  106  is fluid passageway  103 , which can be any type of pipe or conduit capable of carrying fluids. Fluids can enter through first aperture  102 , which can be a valve or fitting or simply the opening of the pipe or conduit that permits a fluid communication between vessel  101  and vapor evacuation system  100 .  
         [0015]    Downstream of first aperture  102  is second aperture  108  which provides the fluid communication between housing  106  and fluid passageway  103 . This second aperture  108  can be a single exit port, or, as shown in FIG. 1, a series of perforations in fluid passageway  103 .  
         [0016]    Downstream from second aperture  108 , vapor evacuation device  100  can have third aperture  109 , which may, like first aperture  102 , be a valve, fitting or the like. Third aperture  109  may be used for evacuating fluid, such as scrubbing solution A, which enters fluid passageway  103  and/or housing  106 . Scrubbing solution A can be myriad different chemicals, such as caustic soda or the like. Scrubbing solution A can also be formulated to address a particular chemical concern or to achieve a desired result depending upon vapor evacuation device&#39;s  100  application.  
         [0017]    Vapor evacuation device  100  is mounted upon a mobile chassis  201 , such as a wheeled chassis as in FIG. 3. It can also be on a self-propelled vehicle, such as a truck, as pictured in FIG. 2. Alternately, it can be mounted on skids, pontoons, tracks, treads or on a floating chassis, such as a boat.  
         [0018]    Vapor evacuation device  100  will generally include atmospheric vent  105  which is used to release the pressure that builds within housing  106  as a result of operation of vapor evacuation device  100 . Additionally, a drain can be placed at the bottom of housing  106  in order to more completely evacuate vapor evacuation device  100  of all fluids left behind after use.  
         [0019]    It is also possible to have a sight glass installed in housing  106  so that the contents of vapor evacuation device  100  can be verified or inspected to ensure correct or desired operation. Further, a motor can be positioned in various locations along fluid passageway  103  in order to expedite the flow of fluid through vapor evacuation device  100 .  
         [0020]    In operation, one method of use is to first fill vapor evacuation device  100  with scrubbing solution Δ by connecting first aperture  102  to the scrubbing solution A source, such as a faucet, tank or other containing device. Third aperture  109 , if present, will be closed to prevent the escape of scrubbing solution Δ from vapor evacuation device  100 .  
         [0021]    A user will then connect first aperture  102  to vessel  106 , which has some internal pressure generally greater than that of the ambient atmospheric pressure outside of vapor evacuation device  100 . This pressure variation arises as a result of the vaporous residue in vessel  101  being at a lower atmospheric pressure than the relative environment. Such differential in pressure causes a natural flow of vapors α into fluid passageway  103 .  
         [0022]    Housing  106  is filled with a scrubbing solution Δ. First aperture  102  may then be opened to permit fluid communication between vessel  101  and vapor evacuation device  100 . Vapors α will proceed to flow into first aperture  102  and subsequently out of second aperture  108  into scrubbing solution Δ. Once vapors α flow through scrubbing solution Δ, a chemical reaction therein yields a more benign fluid and environmentally-sound vapors which can be released into the atmosphere without fear of contamination of the air.  
         [0023]    Various substances may be added to scrubbing solution Δ within tank to achieve assorted results, such as odor control, neutralization and the like by adding selected chemicals through access door  104 . Such chemicals may also be added via other valves previously mentioned, if desired or needed. Additionally, since vapors a will build over the course of recirculating, a pressure relief valve  105  can also be employed to prevent explosion, or enable the user to “bleed off” pressure as needed.  
         [0024]    Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.