U.S. patent application number 13/667616 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for berms for protective liners.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEW PIG CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is NEW PIG CORPORATION. Invention is credited to R. Douglas Evans, JR., Andrew J. Huff, Matthew J. Huff, Beth P. Powell, Robert J. Starr.
Application Number | 20130121768 13/667616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47279008 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130121768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell; Beth P. ; et
al. |
May 16, 2013 |
BERMS FOR PROTECTIVE LINERS
Abstract
Berms for use with protective liners are disclosed. The berms
may be configured to allow vehicular traffic to pass over the berms
without causing damage. Such drive-over berms may be rigid and
shaped to allow vehicle tires to pass over them, or may be
resilient and collapsible such that they collapse when subjected to
the weight of a vehicle tire, and then spring back to shape after
the vehicle passes. Also disclosed are berms that may be stacked
for storage and transportation purposes, and berms that include
connectors for connecting multiple sections of the berms
end-to-end.
Inventors: |
Powell; Beth P.; (State
College, PA) ; Evans, JR.; R. Douglas; (Everett,
PA) ; Huff; Matthew J.; (Altoona, PA) ; Huff;
Andrew J.; (Altoona, PA) ; Starr; Robert J.;
(Tyrone, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEW PIG CORPORATION; |
Tipton |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEW PIG CORPORATION
Tipton
PA
|
Family ID: |
47279008 |
Appl. No.: |
13/667616 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61555523 |
Nov 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
61581884 |
Dec 30, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/114 ;
405/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 31/00 20130101;
E02D 29/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/114 ;
405/107 |
International
Class: |
E02D 29/02 20060101
E02D029/02 |
Claims
1. A drive-over berm for use with a protective liner, the berm
comprising: a rigid base; and a berm body extending upwardly from
the base structured and arranged to allow vehicular traffic over
the berm.
2. The drive-over berm of claim 1, wherein the berm body comprises
a collapsible resilient material.
3. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the berm body has a
generally triangular cross section.
4. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the berm body comprises
foam.
5. The drive-over berm of claim 4, wherein the foam comprises open
cell foam.
6. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the berm body further
comprises a plate that contacts the rigid base.
7. The drive-over berm of claim 6, wherein the plate is located at
least partially below the collapsible resilient material of the
berm body, comprises a material that is less resilient than the
collapsible resilient material of the berm body, and is secured
within at least one channel of the rigid base.
8. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the rigid base comprises
at least one retaining member in contact with the berm body.
9. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the rigid base comprises
at least one projection extending downwardly from a lower surface
thereof.
10. The drive-over berm of claim 2, wherein the rigid base
comprises extruded plastic.
11. The drive-over berm of claim 1, wherein the berm body comprises
sloped sidewalls extending inwardly and upward from side edges of
the rigid base.
12. The drive-over berm of claim 11, wherein the sloped sidewalls
comprise convexly curved outer surfaces.
13. The drive-over berm of claim 11, wherein the berm body
comprises a rigid material.
14. The drive-over berm of claim 13, wherein the rigid berm body
material is integrally formed with the rigid base.
15. The drive-over berm of claim 1, further comprising means for
connecting an end of the berm to another berm.
16. The drive-over berm of claim 15, wherein the connecting means
comprises an extending member extending from one of the berms into
a receiving recess in the other berm.
17. An interlocking berm assembly for use with a protective liner,
the assembly comprising: a first berm section having a connecting
end; a second berm section having a connecting end; and at least
one connector securing the connecting ends of the first and second
berm sections together.
18. The interlocking berm assembly of claim 17, wherein the at
least one connector comprises an extending member extending from
the connecting end of the first berm into a receiving recess in the
connecting end of the second berm.
19. The interlocking berm assembly of claim 18, wherein the
extending member is substantially plate shaped, and the receiving
recess comprises a substantially flat channel.
20. The interlocking berm assembly of claim 18, wherein the
extending member comprises a rod, and the receiving recess
comprises a channel having a cross section shaped to receive the
rod therein.
21. The interlocking berm assembly of claim 18, wherein the
extending member comprises a tab extending from a base of the first
berm section, and the receiving recess comprises an opening in a
base of the second berm section.
22. The interlocking berm assembly of claim 18, wherein the
connector is disconnectable from both the first and second berm
sections.
23. A stackable berm for use with a protective liner, the stackable
berm comprising: opposing sidewalls extending upward from an open
base; and a top connected to upper portions of the opposing
sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls and top define an open volume
inside the stackable berm, and are structured and arranged to fit
inside an open volume inside another similarly shaped berm.
24. The stackable berm of claim 23, wherein the stackable berm is
rigid.
25. A protective liner and berm assembly comprising: a berm
comprising: a rigid base; and a bean body extending upwardly from
the base structured and arranged to allow vehicular traffic over
the berm; and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the
berm.
26. The protective liner and berm assembly of claim 25, wherein the
liner substantially surrounds the berm.
27. The protective liner and berm assembly of claim 26, wherein the
liner comprises an edge that is folded over the berm and is
attached to an interior portion of the liner.
28. The protective liner and berm assembly of claim 27, wherein the
edge of the liner is attached by heat welding.
29. The protective liner and berm assembly of claim 25, wherein the
liner does not extend below the berm.
30. The protective liner and berm assembly of claim 25, wherein the
liner is mechanically fastened to the berm.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/555,523 filed Nov. 4, 2011, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/581,884 filed Dec. 30,
2011, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to liners that protect the
environment from spills and leaks at sites such as oil and gas well
drilling sites, and more particularly relates to berms for use with
such liners.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] In conventional gas and oil drilling, large quantities of
drilling mud, fracturing chemicals and flowback water are on site.
Many operating companies compact the pad site and place a liner
over the entire surface. The liner is pulled over earthen berms,
railroad ties, corrugated pipe or foam blocks to form containment
sidewalls or berms around the perimeter. The liner and berms then
contain the leaks and spills so that on-site vacuum trucks can
remove the waste without impact to the environment.
[0004] There are issues with the current berm options. An earthen
berm requires heavy equipment to build. The liner cannot be
directly attached and requires staking. The earthen berms also tend
to collapse into ruts under repeated vehicle traffic.
[0005] While railroad ties can be moved from site to site for
reuse, they are hard to decontaminate since they are covered in
creosote and are absorbent to the chemicals on site. They require
earthen ramps over top to move bobcats, skid steers, front end
loaders, and track hoes on and off the pad site. The earthen ramp
material inside the containment area absorbs the chemicals and must
be landfilled afterwards. For tractor trailer traffic, the railroad
ties need to be completely removed. Since durable liners are able
to survive multiple operations in the well construction, this means
that the berms may be removed and reinstalled up to five times.
While the berms are out of position, the containment liner has an
open sidewall. If a release occurs during that period, the liquids
would flow off the edge of the pad.
[0006] Corrugated pipe is easy to decontaminate due to its plastic
construction. It is also light weight and easy to move. However, it
is easy to crush and unable to support a ramp. It does not provide
a physical barrier to traffic in sensitive areas and cannot be used
in drive-over areas.
[0007] Triangular and rectangular foam blocks underneath the liner
provide easy drive-over sections. The drawbacks are: their limited
weight which can allow wind uplift, and their poor resistance to
being pushed forward into the pad. When the foam sidewall is pushed
into the pad by vehicle traffic, the liner wrinkles. These wrinkles
are tripping hazards for site personnel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides berms for use with protective
liners. In certain embodiments, the berms are configured to allow
vehicular traffic to pass over the berms without causing damage.
Such drive-over berms may be rigid and shaped to allow vehicle
tires to pass over them, or may be resilient and collapsible such
that they collapse when subjected to the weight of a vehicle tire
and then spring back to shape after the vehicle passes. In certain
embodiments, the berms may be stackable for storage and
transportation purposes, and may include connectors for connecting
multiple sections of the berms end-to-end.
[0009] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a
drive-over berm for use with a protective liner, the berm
comprising a rigid base, and a berm body extending upwardly from
the base structured and arranged to allow vehicular traffic over
the berm.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an
interlocking berm assembly for use with a protective liner, the
assembly comprising a first berm section having a connecting end, a
second berm section having a connecting end, and at least one
connector securing the connecting ends of the first and second berm
sections together.
[0011] A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a
stackable berm for use with a protective liner, the stackable berm
comprising opposing sidewalls extending upward from an open base,
and a top connected to upper portions of the opposing sidewalls,
wherein the sidewalls and top define an open volume inside the
stackable berm, and are structured and arranged to fit inside an
open volume inside another similarly shaped berm.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
protective liner and berm assembly comprising a berm comprising a
rigid base and a berm body extending upwardly from the base
structured and arranged to allow vehicular traffic over the berm,
and a protective liner covering at least a portion of the berm.
[0013] These and other aspects of the present invention will be
more apparent from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic top plan view of a liner and
berm assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an isometric sectional view illustrating a portion
of a liner and berm assembly in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric sectional view illustrating a portion
of a liner and berm assembly in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 4-6 are isometric sectional views of rigid berms in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 7 and 8 are isometric sectional views of rigid,
stackable berms in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIGS. 9-13 are isometric sectional views illustrating
resilient berms in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
[0020] FIGS. 14-17 are isometric views illustrating berm
connections in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention provide drive-over
berms for use with protective liners that are structured and
arranged to allow vehicular traffic over the berms. In one
embodiment, the berms comprise a base with an upwardly extending
rigid body that is shaped to allow vehicle tires to travel up and
over the berm. In another embodiment, the berms comprise a base
with an upwardly extending collapsible resilient body that
compresses or deforms when the weight of a vehicle tire travels
over the berm, and then returns to its original shape after the
tire passes. As used herein, the terms "drive-over berm" and
"structured and arranged to allow vehicular traffic over the berm"
refer to either of these embodiments, or a combination thereof.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a liner and berm assembly 10 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The liner
and berm assembly 10 includes a liner 12 comprising a
liquid-impermeable sheet of material. The liner 12 may be made of
any suitable material and may be of any desired construction. For
example, the liner may comprise one or more polymeric barrier
layers and/or one or more geotextile layers. In one embodiment, the
liner may be constructed of a combination of felt geotextile and
polymeric barrier layers as described in Published U.S. patent
application No. 2012/0219746A1, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0023] A non-collapsible rigid berm 14 may be provided at the
periphery of the liner 12, surrounding three sides thereof. A
drive-over berm 16 structured and arranged to allow vehicular
traffic over the berm is provided along the fourth side of the
liner 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the drive-over berm 16
is collapsible. However, as more fully described below, the
drive-over berm may alternatively be rigid with a low-profile
sloped contour that allows vehicular traffic to pass over the rigid
berm. Vehicular or other traffic may access the interior area of
the liner 12 via the drive-over berm 16. Openings 18 may be
provided in the interior area of the liner 12 to allow drilling
equipment or other equipment to pass through the liner 12.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side-sectional view of the peripheral edge
portion of a liner 12 with a collapsible berm 16 installed therein.
The liner 12 wraps around the collapsible berm 16 with the edge of
the liner folded back onto the body of the liner, where it is
secured by a heat weld 13, or any other suitable means such as
adhesives, mechanical fasteners or the like. Mechanical fasteners
15 may be used to secure the liner 12 to the collapsible berm
16.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, except the liner 12 covers the top of the
collapsible berm 16 but does not wrap around the berm 16. The liner
may be secured to the berm 16 by mechanical fasteners 15.
[0026] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate non-collapsible rigid berms in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 4, a non-collapsible berm 40 includes a base 42 and sidewalls
44 and 46. The sidewalls form a generally equilateral triangular
cross section with rounded corners. The generally triangular shape
may allow vehicles to driver over the berm 40.
[0027] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a non-collapsible rigid
berm 50 includes a base 52 with downwardly extending projections or
ridges 53 that help to strengthen the berm 50 and to maintain it in
its desired location on the ground or over a liner. The
non-collapsible rigid berm 50 includes sidewalls 54 and 56, which
form a generally triangular cross section with rounded corners that
allow vehicles to drive over the berm 50. The berm 50 has a
relatively low profile that facilitates vehicular traffic, e.g.,
the height of the berm 50 may be less than 75% of the width of the
base, for example, less than 60% or less than 50% of the width of
the base. Stiffening webs 58 are provided inside the berm 50,
connecting the sidewalls 54 and 56 to the base 52.
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a non-collapsible rigid
berm 60 includes a base 62 with downwardly extending ridges 63. The
berm 60 includes an arched sidewall 64 forming a convex shape with
a rounded apex that allow vehicles to drive over the berm 60. As in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the berm 60 shown in FIG. 6 has a
relatively low profile.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a non-collapsible rigid
berm 70 includes sidewalls 74 and 76 connected by a top portion 78.
The berm 70 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape
having a relatively high profile that is intended to provide a
barrier to vehicular traffic, e.g., the height of the berm 70 may
be equal to, or greater than, the width of the berm 70. The open
bottom portion of the non-collapsible rigid berm 70 allows multiple
berm sections to be stacked together, e.g., for storage and
transportation purposes.
[0030] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a non-collapsible rigid
berm 80 includes lower feet 82 connected to sidewalls 84 and 86. A
top 88 connects the sidewalls 84 and 86. The berm 80 has a
generally rectangular cross-sectional shape having a relatively
high profile that is intended to provide a barrier to vehicular
traffic. The open bottom portion of the non-collapsible rigid berm
80 allows multiple berm sections to be stacked together, e.g., for
storage and transportation purposes.
[0031] The rigid berms of the present invention may be made of any
suitable materials, such as molded or extruded plastics and
rubbers. Suitable plastics include polypropylene and polyethylene
such as impact copolymer, HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, and the like. In
certain embodiments, the plastic may comprise recycled materials.
Other materials, fillers, or composites can also be used. In
certain embodiments, recycled plastic resin from liners used in
previous well site containments may be used to make the berms.
[0032] FIGS. 9-17 illustrate features of collapsible berm
assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
The collapsible berms include rigid bases and resilient body
portions made of foam or any other suitable resilient material that
returns to its original shape after it has been compressed. The use
of resilient materials permits vehicular and other traffic to pass
over the berms without causing damage to the berms or the
vehicles.
[0033] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, a collapsible berm 90
includes a relatively rigid base 92 including downwardly extending
projections or ridges 93. The rigid base 92 may be made of any
suitable materials, such as those described above for the rigid
berms. A resilient berm body 94 made of foam or other collapsible
material is installed in the base 92. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11,
the base 92 includes channels 95 which help to secure the berm body
94 in the base 92. As the foam or other resilient material of the
berm body 94 is damaged or worn out, it can be replaced
independently from the rigid base 92.
[0034] The foam or other resilient material of the berm body 94
collapses under downward force and then springs back to its
original height. Open cell and reticulated foams of polyolefins,
urethane, polyether and/or polyester may be well suited since they
are compressable and spring back to shape. Closed cell foams tend
to have less resilience, but could possibly be used in some
embodiments. The foam may be encased in a wrap (not shown) that
provides increased surface abrasion resistance. The wrap may
comprise a nonwoven material such as spunbond polypropylene or a
film such as PVC or polypropylene. The wrap may contain a
reinforcement scrim to give it additional strength. Since air
should escape the berm when it is compressed, the wrap may be
breathable and/or vented.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a collapsible berm 100
includes a similar base 92 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9.
However, the resilient berm body includes an upper portion 96 made
of a collapsible material such as foam as described above, and a
lower plate 97 made of a more rigid or durable material that
engages within the channels 95 of the base 92. The lower plate 97
may be any type of plastic, wood, metal plate or composite. The
plate 97 should preferably be rigid enough not to pop out of the
base profile and strong enough not to crack. Low cost materials may
be preferred, such as recycled polypropylene and polyethylene.
Another preferred material is pressed board made from ground
reinforced liner materials.
[0036] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another embodiment of a
collapsible berm 120, including a base 122 with downwardly
extending ridges 123. A resilient berm body 124 made of a
collapsible material such as foam is installed in the base 122. The
base 122 includes inwardly extending rails 125 and upwardly
extending locking channels 126 which help to secure the berm body
124 within the base 122.
[0037] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
non-collapsible rigid berms and/or collapsible resilient berms may
be provided in sections that may be connected together to form a
berm of any desired length. Examples of connecting assemblies for
collapsible berms are illustrated in FIGS. 14-17. However, it is to
be understood that any other suitable connecting means may be used
for the collapsible and non-collapsible berms.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a collapsible berm base
122 similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is provided with
a locking plate 128 installed in the locking channels 126. Another
base (not shown) may be placed end-to-end with the illustrated base
122, with the locking plate 128 securing the adjacent berm sections
together.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, a berm assembly 150 is
assembled from two bases 152 secured together with locking tabs 158
and mechanical fasteners 159 such as bolts, screws, rivets or the
like.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, a berm assembly 160 may
be assembled from multiple base sections 162 interlocked together
by the insertion of a male connector 168 into a female connector
169 in the adjacent base.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, a berm assembly 170
comprises multiple base sections 172 connected together with
connecting rods 178 received within connecting channels 179 located
at the lower inside corners of the base sections 172.
[0042] The berms of the present invention provide several
advantages. They stay in place, can be decontaminated and can be
easily moved from site to site. The type of be in selected may
either provide a physical barrier to unwanted vehicle traffic, or
provide drive-over functionality. The drive-over functionality may
be provided by a rigid built-in ramp design, or by a collapsible
resilient berm design. The rigid base, especially with the
interlocking feature, prevents the foam from being pushed into the
pad area under the liner and resists wind uplift. An added benefit
is that the liner can be mechanically attached to the base with
screws, nails, staples, etc. Attaching to the sides of the berm,
instead of its underside, eliminates the need to flip the berm over
for attachment. The provision of downward facing projections along
the bottom of the rigid base adds strength and provides anchoring
means to resist lateral movement resulting form vehicle
traffic.
[0043] Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been
described above for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to
those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the details of
the present invention may be made without departing from the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *