Patent ID: 7896292

Claim:
A system for reducing the concentration of one or more reactive component(s) in the vapor space of a container having combustible material therein, thereby reducing the concentration of reactive component(s) in said vapor space below the concentration at which auto-ignition may occur, said system comprising: said container, a fluid treating zone comprising: at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a reaction zone, wherein said reaction zone provides conditions suitable to deactivate said one or more reactive component(s) when contacted therewith, at least one sensor for (a) analysis of the concentration of reactive component(s) in the vapor phase, (b) analysis of the concentration of combustible material in the vapor phase, and/or (c) analysis of the flow rate of the vapor phase, and a flow control element, wherein: the vapor space of said container is in fluid communication with said sensor; the sensor is in fluid communication with said flow control element; the flow control element is capable of controlling the flow rate of the vapor phase through said system, and/or directing all or a portion of the fluid to the inlet of said fluid treating zone or all or a portion of the fluid back into the container; and the outlet of said fluid treating zone is in fluid communication with the container.