MXPA99008191A - Sump liner and method of installation - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention includes repair of an existing underground sump (10) without the need for costly and time consuming excavation. A plurality of liner-forming pieces (34) are placed inside the underground sump (10) to create a liner (48) preferably substantially conforming to the interior dimensions of the sump (10). The pieces (34) are joined together to form a unitary containment shell (42) by first taping (36) and then using fiberglass cloth (38) and fiberglass resin (40). A layer of gel coat (44) is applied to the surface of the shell to create a fluidtight containment chamber within the sump (10). Some of the liner-forming pieces (34) can have openings (46) formed therein to accommodate the pipe (14) entries corresponding to those in the sump (10).

Description

SEPTIC FOSA LINING AND INSTALLATION METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to underground piping systems and in particular to a septic tank liner and method of installing the liner to repair an underground septic tank without the need for expensive and time consuming excavation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Septic tanks are widely used in the field of secondary containment for the underground transfer of hazardous fluids, for example gasoline. Septic tanks are commonly used on top of the fluid storage tank and underneath a registration cover at gas stations, said septic tanks are commonly referred to as tank septic tanks. The tank septic tanks form an access chamber and in a pressure system they house a portion of a pump and associated pipe fittings. In a suction system, the tank septic tank does not house a pump but typically includes a fuel line. The septic tank generally has openings through the wall to allow the passage of tubes to the tank and through the side wall of the septic tank. These openings may have gaskets or fittings from partitions to form a tight seal around the pipe and prevent water from leaking into the septic tank and hazardous fluids from escaping into the environment. From time to time, these septic tanks develop leaks due to sleep movements, improper installation, or degradation of the seals due to the action of microbes, etc. Prior efforts in remedial actions generally involve: (i) excavating an area of 1.83 m by 1.83 m towards the top of the fluid storage tank; (ii) complete removal of the existing septic tank; and (iii) installation of a new septic tank. This type of remedial action is intense, expensive and time-consuming work. In view of the aforementioned, there is a need to repair an existing septic tank without excavation. The present invention provides a new and non-obvious method and apparatus for satisfying this existing need in the secondary container industry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention includes the repair of an existing septic tank without excavation. A plurality of pieces forming the liner are placed inside the septic tank to create a liner that is preferably substantially conformed to the interior dimensions of the septic tank. The pieces are joined together to form a unit containment shell by first applying adhesive tape and then using fiberglass and fiberglass resin. A layer of gel coating is applied to the surface of the shell to create a fluid-tight containment chamber within the septic tank. Some of the pieces forming the liner may have openings formed therein to accommodate the tube inlets corresponding to those in the septic tank. Any such openings are sealed by conventional packing or partition wall fittings. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to create an airtight liner for an existing septic tank that can be installed without excavation. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of installation of the liner without excavation. It is a further object of this invention to provide a new liner and method for repairing an existing septic tank without excavation, the liner of this invention and its installation method having one or more of the new features of this invention as set forth above or as show or describe from here on. Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention will be evident from a reading of this description that proceeds with reference to the attached drawings that are part of it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a septic tank installed in need of repair. Figure 2 is a perspective view looking towards the open upper part of the septic tank under repair illustrating the placement of the parts forming the liner inside the septic tank. Figure 3 is a sectional view of the septic tank with the new liner installed; and Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover support ring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 is a sectional view showing an installed septic tank 10 in need of repair in areas 1 1 which represent cracks or other imperfections. A tank 10 septic tank is normally constructed of fiberglass, polyethylene or steel and is used to help prevent the escape of fluids such as gasoline into the environment. The septic tank 10 is mounted on a fluid storage tank 12. A pipe 14 extends through the lower wall 16 of the septic tank 10 and connects to a pump head 18. A second pipe 20 connects to the head of the tank. pump 18 and extends through the side wall 22 of the septic tank. The septic tank 10 includes a cover 24. As can be seen in figure 1, the septic tank 10 is installed below an access well cover 26. The access well cover 26 sits within an access well ring 28 embedded in the pavement 30. The septic tank 10 is surrounded by soil 32. Referring now to Figure 2, the septic tank 10 is being repaired by placing liner forming pieces 34 within the septic tank 10. However, before installing the liner it is preferable to remove the pump head 18 and the associated pipe. It may be necessary to fix the liner-forming parts 34 to the lower wall 16 and to the side wall 22 by the use of fasteners as screws 35. It should be readily understood that other fastening means may be used as long as the parts 34 are properly secured. The pieces 34 that form the liner are then joined together preferably by adhesive tape 36. The tape 36 can be a common duct tape, for example. After preferably using fiberglass 38 and glass fiber resin 40, the pieces 34 forming the liner are secured together to form a containment unit 42 within the interior of the septic tank 10. (See Figure 3). Preferably three layers of glass fiber 38 and glass fiber resin 40 are applied. This containment unit 42 acts as the containment chamber to prevent leakage of the pump head 18 or of the associated pipeline escaping into the medium environment through the areas 11 in the septic tank 10. Any leakage detector present in the existing septic tank 10 must be removed and installed within the containment unit 42. After the resin 40 has hardened, a Gel coating layer 44 is applied to interior of shell 42. Gei coating layer 44 is preferably an unsaturated polyester resin, however any suitable material having the physical and chemical characteristics of being resistant to the effects of Gasoline or other dangerous fluids being transferred would be adequate. It should also be understood that the gel coating layer 44 can be omitted in those cases where its use is not desired or is unnecessary. It should be understood that the individual pieces 34 that form the liner may have holes therein to allow passage of tubes therethrough. Any such hole is sealed by conventional means. For example, a conventional seal 47 can be placed on the tube 20 to prevent fluids from passing through the hole 46. Preferably, the pieces 34 forming the lining can be obtained by cutting a preformed septic tank of glass fiber (not shown) of similar measures to the interior of the septic tank 10. However, it should be understood that any other material having the Structural and chemical characteristics required can also be used. It should be noted that although the pieces 34 that form the liner in this preferred embodiment are formed of glass fiber, other suitable materials that are similarly bondable can be used for the shell 42.

With reference to Figure 3, a sectional view of a complete liner 48 formed within the septic tank 10 is shown. As shown in cross section, the liner 48 is multi-layered and includes the shell 42, the glass fiber 38, resin 40 and gel coating 44. Further, as shown in Figure 3, the cover support ring 50 is attached to the upper part of the shell 42 and supports a cover 52. Figure 4 is a view in perspective of the cover support ring 50 showing a flange 54 extending downwardly and a flange 56 extending upwards. A flange 58 extending generally horizontally protrudes outward and forms a seat for the cover 52. In this way, this invention not only provides a liner for repairing a septic tank without excavation, but also this invention provides a new method to make said lining or the like. It should be noted that the preferred embodiment refers to the repair of a tank septic tank in a pressure system, that is, a septic tank housing a pump and mounted on top of an underground storage tank. The subject matter of the invention can be easily used to repair: (i) tank septic tanks used in suction systems; (ii) septic connection ditches used in either pressure or suction systems; or (iii) septic distribution pits used in any pressure or suction system. Although the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and / or adaptations of the invention following the general principle of the invention and including deviations from the present disclosure as they fall within the knowledge or the usual practice in the art to which the invention relates and as it may be applied to the core features set forth hereinbefore, and which fall within the scope of the invention and the limits of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - An assembly that includes a septic tank and an inner liner, said assembly consisting of: a) a septic tank having side walls and forming part of an underground pipe system and having an opening in one of said side walls to allow the passage of a tube; b) a plurality of liner-forming pieces joined together within said septic tank; c at least one of said pieces forming the liner has an opening therein to allow passage of a tube; and d) wherein said plurality of pieces forming the liner form a sealed chamber within said septic tank. 2. The assembly as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that: a) the parts forming the lining substantially conform to the internal dimensions of said septic tank. 3. The assembly as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that: a) the parts forming the lining are constructed of fiberglass. 4. The assembly as set out in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that: a) the parts forming the lining are joined together with glass fiber and glass fiber resin. 5. The assembly as set out in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that: a) the parts forming the lining are joined to the septic tank by means of screws. 6. The assembly as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that: a) the parts forming the lining are joined to the septic tank by adhesive. 7. The assembly as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a) a coating layer of gel covers the pieces forming the liner, 8.- A method for repairing an underground septic tank without excavation, comprising the steps of: a) placing a plurality of pieces that form a liner within an underground septic tank; and b) joining the pieces forming the liner together to form a sealed chamber within said septic tank. 9.- The method as stated in accordance with the claim 8, which additionally consists of the step of; a) Apply a layer of gel coating on the joined pieces that form the lining. 10. The method as set forth in claim 8, further including the step of; a) joining the pieces that form the liner to conform substantially to the interior dimensions of said septic tank.

1. The method as set forth in accordance with claim 8, further comprising the step of; a) join the pieces that form the lining using fiberglass and fiberglass resin. 1

2. The method as set forth in claim 8, which further includes the step of; a) forming an opening in one of said pieces forming the lining corresponding to an opening that receives a tube in said septic tank. 1

3. The method as set forth in claim 8, further comprising the step of; a) join a ring that supports a cover to the pieces that form the lining. 1

4. The method as set forth in accordance with claim 13, further comprising the step of; a) placing a cover on said ring that supports a cover. 1

5. The method as set forth in claim 8, further including the step of; a) join the pieces forming the lining together with adhesive tape.