FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid containment system in general and particularly baffle structure.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] Coffer dams have become a preferred alternative to sandbags when there is a need to prevent a fluid from contaminating an area or when a body of water needs to be enclosed. In some applications water is pumped out of an area to create a dry work area. In other applications, water or a body of water is prevented from flowing into a specified area. For example, a coffer dam can be used to create a dry work area by stopping the normal flow of water. In another example, a normally dry area can be protected from the flow of water due to flooding caused by a natural or man-made event.

[0003] Coffer dams are generally constructed from a plurality of tubes that can each be individually filled with a fluid. The individual tubes can be attached to each other at attachment points or through a system of ties or straps. The resulting dam structure can be of various heights and widths as desired to perform the necessary enclosing or blocking function. However, existing coffer dam systems can be subject to stability issues due to the force of water and/or wind impacting the sides of the structure. To combat these forces additional components such as sheathings, covers, and anchoring systems are used after the coffer dam is deployed to stabilize the structure and provide additional structural support.

SUMMARY

[0004] An exemplary fluid containment system is disclosed, comprising: at least one baffle structure having an outer tube and an inner tube, the outer tube having an elongated geometry that defines a size and shape of the baffle structure, and the inner tube configured for insertion into the outer tube and configured for at least partial inflation, the at least one baffle structure having one or more connection points on a surface of the outer tube for connecting with at least one other baffle structure, and wherein the outer tube and an at least partially inflated inner tube inserted within are configured to at least counteract forces of a fluid being contained within a specified area. The side faces of the outer tube of each baffle structure provide a base for stacking onto or receiving one or more other baffle structures. The one or more connection points of the at least one baffle structure can be connected with one or more connection points of a plurality of other baffle structures to form a honeycomb pattern. The outer tube of each baffle structure in the honeycomb structure is configured to isolate an associated inner tube from adjacent baffle structures.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the fluid containment system, each outer tube has two open ends; or each outer tube has one open end and one closed end; or each outer tube has two closed ends; or one or more of the baffle structures has an outer tube with at least one open end; or one or more of the baffle structures has an outer tube with at least one closed end. The inner tubes include one or more fill ports equivalent to the number of inner tubes, the fill ports being arranged at one or more ends of the inner tubes.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fluid containment system comprises: a fluid manifold configured for connection to a fill port of each inner tube of the plurality of baffle structures, the fluid manifold has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes: a plurality of discharge ports for connecting to the baffle fill port of a respective baffle structure and inner tube; one or more manifold fill ports for receiving a connection to a fluid source; and a roller head provided on one or more ends of the cylinder for rolling-up the plurality of baffle structures when the inner tube is deflated. The fluid manifold includes: an inner vessel and an outer vessel; the inner vessel having a fillable inner cavity, wherein the plurality of manifold discharge ports and the plurality of manifold fill ports on a surface of the inner vessel, the outer vessel having a plurality of apertures that allow passage of the plurality of manifold discharge ports and the plurality of manifold fill ports to an outer surface of the outer vessel, wherein each aperture includes a port valve for connecting to a fluid source for the plurality of manifold fill ports or a fluid output for the plurality of manifold discharge ports. The plurality of manifold fill ports are aligned on a first side of the fluid manifold and the plurality of manifold discharge ports are aligned on a second side of the fluid manifold. The plurality of manifold discharge ports and the plurality of manifold fill ports are flush with the outer surface of the outer vessel. Two or more of the plurality of manifold fill ports have different sizes. The roller head has a shape and/or a drive type for receiving a drive tool for a mechanized rolling operation. The inner vessel comprises a pop-off valve configured to open when a fill level of the inner vessel reaches a threshold, and one of the plurality of apertures of the outer vessel allows passage of the pop-off valve to the outer surface of the outer vessel. According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the fluid containment system, at least one end of the fluid manifold is detachable for de-watering the entire coffer dam structure.

[0006] An exemplary baffle structure for a fluid containment system is disclosed, comprising: at least one inner tube and an outer tube; the inner tube configured to be inflated with a fluid and is at least partially inserted into the outer tube, the outer tube having an elongated shape with connection points aligned on an outer surface for interlocking with another outer tube, and the inner tube having a fill port that aligns and connects with a fill port of the outer port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The scope of the present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary coffer dam structure without an outer wrapper in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figs. 2a-2d illustrate exemplary coffer dam structures with an external wrap in accordance an exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figs. 3a-3c illustrate an exemplary baffle structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate an exemplary fluid manifold in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary fluid manifold in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a coffer dam system for fluid containment having multiple interlocking baffle structures.

Each baffle structure includes interior water tight tubes and an exterior shroud or outer tube or sleeve. Each outer tube can have an elongated shape (e.g., polygon, circle, oval, etc.) for seating and stacking baffle structures in the coffer dam system. The baffle structures can have at least one fill port that extends through the outer tube, connecting to the interior tube for filling the interior tube with a suitable fluid.

The exemplary interlocking baffle system of the present disclosure provides increased stability for various heights and widths of the coffer dam structure. The baffle system also provides puncture resistance and durability over existing designs. As will be described in further detail herein, the coffer dam structures of the present disclosure can be deployed in less time and are completely re-usable and inert to the environment. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provides further advantages of existing coffer dam systems as the interlocking baffle system provides stability at various structural heights and widths without using supplemental components or solutions after the coffer dam structure is deployed.

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary coffer dam internal structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1 , the coffer dam structure 100 can include a plurality of baffle structures 102. Each baffle structure 102 having an outer shroud or tube 104 and a watertight and inflatable or fillable inner tube 106. The outer tube 104 has an elongated geometric shape such as a polygon, circle, oval or any suitable shape as desired. The outer tube 104 can have a specified height, width, and length according to an application or environment in which the baffle structure 102 is to be deployed. The geometric shape and size of the outer tube 104 in combination with at least a partially inflated or filled inner tube 106 is configured to deflect, dissipate, absorb, or counteract forces generated by a fluid being contained within a specified area and/or flowing against one or more surfaces of the baffle structure 102 arranged for containment. For example, an exemplary outer tube 104 formed as an elongated polygon can have one or more side faces 110 which deflect allows the baffle structures 102 to be stacked one onto another. The one or more side faces 110 can have a plurality of connection points 108 located at or substantially near or between one or more vertexes 109 of the polygon shape of the outer tube 104. The connection points 108 of each baffle structure 102 being disposed for attachment in an interlocking arrangement with one or more adjacent baffle structures 102. The connection points 108 can be

configured to establish a secure detachable or non-detachable connection to adjacent baffle structures. For example, the connection points can include one or more strips of fabric integrated and/or secured to the surface of the baffle structure 102. The one or more strips of fabric can extend from the surface of the baffle structure 102 and include one or more types of connection mechanisms such as hook and loop fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, straps, ties, staples, buckles, zippers, grommets or eyelets, or any other suitable fastening means as desired. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection points 108 of adjacent baffle structures 102 can be secured via threading or sewing for a non-detachable arrangement. The connection points 102 can include a suitable number and be formed of a material of suitable strength for withstanding the shearing, pulling, and/or tensile forces incurred by the baffle structure when deployed as a containment structure. For example, the connection points can be formed of a high density (e.g., 400D or greater) fabric such as woven geotextile fabric material, KEVLAR®, or any other suitable material as desired. The geotextile fabric material can include polypropylene or polyester, and can be in woven, needle punched, or heat bonded. According to an exemplary embodiment, the one or more connection points 102 can be rated at a tensile strength of at least 70 Newtons or more and/or at least 15 pounds or more of force, depending on the material density and the number of connection points 102 on the arrangement.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, each baffle structure 102 can be shaped as an elongated hexagon such that a coffer dam system 100 including an interlocking baffle system or a plurality of stacked baffle structures 102 establishes a honeycomb pattern when viewed from an end profile. The inner tube 106 is configured to be fully or partially inserted into the outer tube 104. The inner tube 106 can be partially or fully inflated or filled with a suitable fluid. The partially or fully inflated inner tube 106 provides the support for the geometry of an associated outer tube 104 and weight necessary for dissipating, absorbing, and/or counteracting forces generated by a flowing fluid or a substantially stationary body of fluid coming in contact with one or more surfaces of the baffle structure. As such a plurality of inflated or filled baffle structures 102 can be assembled to create the coffer dam structure 100 of a desired shape and size as desired. According to an exemplary, embodiment baffle structures 102 of the same or different geometric shapes can be combined (e.g., connected, interlocked via connection points 108) to form a coffer dam structure 100.

[0016] Figs. 2a-2d illustrate an exemplary coffer dam structure with an external wrap in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figs. 2a-2c, the coffer dam structure 100 can include a plurality of baffle structures 102 for achieving a size (e.g., height, length, and/or width) suitable for the desired fluid containment operation. For example, according to the coffer dam structures 100 of Figs. 2a and 2b, the plurality of baffle structures 102 can be stacked to form an interlocking baffle system in the shape of a pyramid. Adjacent baffle structures 102 can be interlocked by virtue of being securely attached to each other through the connection points 108 (Fig. 1 ) formed at, near, or between the vertex points 109 of side faces or edges 110, 113 of the outer tube 104. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, connection points 108 can be disposed one or more ends of the baffle structures 102 such that the coffer dam structure 100 can extend in one or multiple directions according to the fluid

containment necessary or required. For example, one or more baffle structures 102 can be connected at end connection points 108 to form a footprint shaped as an“X”, “V”,“S”,“W”,“T”, cross or any other suitable configuration as desired. As shown in Figs. 2a and 2b, each outer tube 104 can be shaped as an elongated polygon which in the exemplary embodiment as shown is an elongated hexagon. It should be understood that the outer tube 104 can be formed in any elongated geometric shape or configuration that is suitable for fulfilling the desired fluid containment operation. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment the baffle structure 202 can have an outer tube 104 formed as an elongated triangle, circle, square, rectangle, oval, or other suitable geometry as desired.

[0017] Fig. 2c illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the interlocking baffle system includes an equal number of baffle structures 102 arranged in stacked rows. According to this exemplary arrangement, vertically adjacent baffle structures 102a, 102b and horizontally adjacent baffle structures 102a, 102c can be arranged to be interlocked and/or connected via connection points 108 (see Fig. 1 ) located at, near, or between vertexes 109 or on side faces 110 of each baffle structure 102. As shown in Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c, the coffer dam structure 100 can also include a dam shroud 117 which provides added stability, aesthetics, and durability. The dam shroud 117 can be manufactured to size specifications of an associated coffer dam structure 100 such that it completely encloses the coffer dam structure 100 from end- to-end. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dam shroud 117 can be formed to partially enclose a coffer dam structure 100, such that portions of the outer baffle structures 102 are exposed to the environment. [0018] Fig. 2d illustrates an exemplary baffle structure comprised of a group of tubes encased in a baffle shroud. As shown in Fig. 2d, the baffle structure 202 can have a plurality of tube compartments including one or more central tube

compartments 204 and one or more edge tube compartments 206 within a baffle shroud 208. The central and edge tube compartments 204, 206 are isolated from one another such that, in the event an inner tube 214 within a tube compartment 204, 206 fails, no fluid passes between any two or adjacent tube compartments.

Each central tube compartment 204 can be formed as an elongated polygon such as a triangle, hexagon, octagon, rectangle, square, circle, ellipse, or any other suitable geometrical shape as desired. The central and edge tube compartments 204, 206 can have a common shape or different shape based on the desired stability, strength, and/or application of the baffle structure 202. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, the central and edge tube compartments 204, 206 can be formed in a lattice, grid, or matrix arrangement. According to another exemplary embodiment, the baffle structure 202 can have one or more central tube

compartments 204 in the shape of an elongated triangle. Each edge tube

compartment 206 can be formed by the space or volume between an outer face 210 of one or more adjacent central compartments 204 and an inner surface 212 of the baffle shroud 208. The baffle shroud 208 can be in the shape of an elongated polygon based on the desired stability, strength, and/or functionality of the baffle structure 202. The shape of the baffle shroud 208 can be the same as or different from the elongated shape of the one or more tube compartments 204, 206.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2d, the baffle shroud 208 can be formed in the shape of an oval or ellipse whereas the central tube compartment 204 can be formed as a triangle. The shape of the edge tube compartments 206 is determined by the elongated polygon shape of the one or more adjacent central tube compartments 204 and the elongated polygon shape of the baffle shroud 208. As a result, the edge tube compartments 206 can be formed as an elongated regular or irregular polygon, where the one or more faces (e.g., sides) of the edge tube compartments 208 can be in the form of a line segment or curve segment. According to the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2c, an inner face 210 of each edge tube compartment 208 is formed as a line segment and an outer face 212 of each outer tube 208 is a curve segment. [0020] One or more inner tubes 214 can be inserted within the central and edge compartments 204, 206 of the baffle structure 202. The inner tubes 214 can be partially or fully filled with a suitable fluid to support the shape and size of the associated tube compartment 204, 206. For example, the inner tubes 214 can be formed in a standardized shape (e.g., circle, ellipse, etc.) or can be formed in a shape that is substantially the same as the associated tube compartment 204, 208. An outer surface 216 of the baffle shroud 208 can include connection points 218 at one or more locations along its length. The connection points 218 can be disposed at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the outer surface and/or can be disposed at specified locations based on stress, weight, or load bearing

considerations. The connection points 218 provide an interlocking system to connect adjacent baffle structures to form a coffer dam structure of a suitable size (e.g., height, length, and/or width).

[0021] Figs. 3a-3c illustrate an exemplary baffle structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3a, the inner tube 106 can be inserted into the outer tube 104 for a fluid containment operation and removed therefrom. The outer tube 104 and the inner tube 106 can be formed of woven geotextile fabric material, KEVLAR®, or any other suitable material as desired. The geotextile fabric material can include polypropylene or polyester, and can be in woven, needle punched, or heat bonded. The outer tube 104 is formed of a sufficient thickness to provide stability and durability. For example, the outer tube can have a material fabricated of a minimum 600 pound burst strength. The material thickness of the outer tube should be sufficient to allow maneuverability. The inner tube 106 can be filled with any fluid suitable for the fluid containment operation or implementation of the baffle structure 102 as desired. For example, the inner tube 106 can be inflated with water, slurry of water and other soluble substances, concrete slurry, petrochemical fluids, or any other suitable fluid as desired. When a baffle structure 102 is deployed in a fluid containment operation, the outer tube 104 is an elongated polygon that extends in three-dimensions. The outer tube 104 can also be folded, compressed, or collapsed to extend substantially in a two- dimensional plane for storage or transport. If the outer tube 104 is in the folded or collapsed state, the inner tube 106, if inserted into the outer tube 104, is in a deflated state. For example, if there is no inner tube 106 present within the outer tube 104, or the inserted inner tube 10 is deflated, the outer tube 104 can be collapsed or folded such that the baffle structure 102 is flattened and occupies a substantially two- dimensional plane. When deployed in a coffer dam structure 100 of a plurality of baffle structures 102 for a specified fluid containment operation, the outer tube 104 of each baffle structure 102 is designed to isolate an associated inner tube from an inner tube 106 associated with the outer tube 104 of an adjacent baffle structure 102. As such, a structural failure of one inner tube 106 will not result in the failure of an adjacent inner tube 106 of the interlocking baffle structure or of the coffer dam structure 100 as a whole.

[0022] The dimensions of the individual inner tubes 106 and shrouds which constitute a baffle structure when combined with other internal shrouds and tubes are as small as 12” in height and width to as large as 96” height and width. At these dimensions, each individual internal tube and shroud can hold approximately 8 - 500 gallons per linear foot of fluid. The coffer dam can therefore be as small as 12” in width and height and have no constraints with regard to ultimate height and width.

[0023] The outer tube/shroud 104 of the baffle structure 102 has two ends 116,

118. The ends 116, 118 allow access to the inner tube 106 for inspection and/or repair. The ends 116, 118 also allow for the removal/insertion of the inner tube 106 from/to the outer tube 104. When deployed in the coffer dam structure 100, the ends 116, 118 can be in an open or closed configuration. In the open configuration, the inner tube 106 is visible and accessible to an operator without restriction. In the closed configuration, a permanent or removable fill device 130 can be secured over one or both of the open ends 116, 118 such that accessibility to the inner tube 106 is restricted. It should be understood that the end of the inner tube can be

welded/sealed to create one closed end and the outer tube/shroud 104 may be sewn shut to create further stability of one closed end. The permanent closed end of the outer tube 104 may be achieved by means such as stitching, one or more seams, or any type of suitable bonding method or materials as desired. The removable fill device 130 can be secured to the end of the outer tube 104 through attaching means 121 , such as a zipper, clasps, ties, rope, straps, or any other suitable means for secure attachment and easy removal of the fill device 130 from the one or more ends 116, 118 of the outer tube 104 of the baffle structure 102.

[0024] As shown in Figs. 3a and 3c, the baffle structure 104 and inner tube 106 can include one or more tapered baffle fill ports 122 for filling and/or inflating the inner tube 106 with a suitable fluid. The tapered baffle fill ports 122 can be located on one or more ends 118 of the baffle structure 104 and inner tube 106.

[0025] Figs. 4a and 4b illustrate an exemplary fluid manifold in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figs. 4a and 4b, the coffer dam structure 100 can include a fluid manifold 130 configured for connection to a tapered baffle fill port 122 of each inner tube 106 of the plurality of baffle structures 102. The fluid manifold 130 can be formed substantially as a cylinder.

The fluid manifold 130 can include a plurality of manifold discharge ports 132 on a first side 133 for connecting to the tapered baffle fill port 122 of the plurality of baffle structures 102 and for discharging fluid stored within the fluid manifold 130 to one or more respective baffle structures 102 as desired. The fluid manifold 130 can also include one or more manifold fill ports 134 on a second side 135 for receiving a connection to a fluid source for filling the fluid manifold 130 with a fluid to a desired level. The fluid manifold 130 can include a roller head 138 provided on one or more ends 140 of the cylinder for rolling-up the plurality of baffle structures 102 when the inner tube 106 is deflated.

[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary fluid manifold in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 5, the fluid manifold 130 can include an inner vessel 142 and an outer vessel 144. The inner vessel 142 has a fillable inner cavity 146 that is in flow connection with the plurality of manifold discharge ports 132 and the plurality of manifold fill ports 130 located on a surface 148 of the inner vessel 142. The outer vessel 144 has a plurality of apertures 150 that allow passage of the plurality of discharge ports 132 and the plurality of manifold fill ports 134 to an outer surface 133 of the fluid manifold. Each aperture 150 includes a port valve 152 for connecting to a fluid source 136 for supplying fluid to the plurality of manifold fill ports 134 or for discharging fluid from the fluid manifold 130 via the plurality of manifold discharge ports 132. The manifold discharge ports 132 and manifold fill ports 134 can be connected to the plurality of baffle structures 102 and a fluid source 136 through flexible hosing having the suitable attachment means, such as a nozzle or a valve, which provides secure attachment to the respective port of the fluid manifold 130.

[0028] The plurality of manifold fill ports 134 and discharge ports can be 132 can be aligned on different sides of the fluid manifold 130. For example, the plurality of fill ports 134 can be aligned on a first side 154 of the fluid manifold and the plurality of manifold discharge ports 132 can be aligned on a second side 156 of the fluid manifold 130. The plurality of manifold discharge ports 132 and the plurality of manifold fill ports 134 can be arranged to be substantially flush or even with the outer surface 133 of the outer vessel 144. According to an exemplary embodiment, two or more of the plurality of manifold fill ports 134 can be configured to have different sizes. For example, the manifold fill ports can be check valves with size

specifications suitable for connection with a fluid source for filling the fluid

manifold130 with fluid. Having the manifold fill ports 134 designed in this manner provides an operator with various options for attaching the fluid manifold to a fluid source 136.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 5, the fluid manifold 130 can include the roller head 138. The roller head 138 can have a shape and/or a drive type for receiving a drive tool (not shown) for a mechanized rolling operation. According to an exemplary embodiment, a coffer dam structure 100 can be rolled onto and about the

circumference of the fluid manifold 130 when the inner tube 106 is in a substantially deflated state or less than 10% volume of the inner tube is filled with a fluid. The material composition of the outer tubes 104, the inner tubes 106, and the shroud 117 provides for the coffer dam structure 100 to be rolled onto the fluid manifold 130 when fully assembled. For example, the material composition of the outer tubes 104 while providing stability and puncture resistance for the baffle structure 102, are also flexible, foldable, and collapsible which allows for ease of storage and transport of each baffle structure individually and/or collectively when the baffle structures 102 and assembled and/or connected together (i.e. , interlocked) to form a coffer dam structure 100 for a specified fluid containment operation.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the inner vessel 142 of the fluid manifold 130 can include a pop-off valve 154. The pop-off valve 154 is configured to open when a fill level of the inner vessel 142 reaches a threshold. The pop-off valve 154 is disposed on the outer surface 148 of the inner vessel and is accessible at the outer surface 133 of the outer vessel 144 via passage through one of the plurality of apertures 150 of the outer vessel 144. The pop-off valve 154 can be substantially even or flush with the outer surface 133 of the outer vessel 144. The outer vessel 144 of the fluid manifold 140 can have at least one vessel cap 158 that can be opened or detached to allow access to the inner vessel 142 for inspection and/or repair. The vessel cap 158 can be secured to the body of the outer vessel 144 via a combination of screws and bolts or other suitable securing means. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vessel cap 158 can have a combination of hinges and a latching mechanism allowing the vessel cap 158 to remain attached to the outer vessel 144 when access to the inner vessel 142 is desired. The vessel cap 158 can be opposite the end 140 of the fluid manifold 130 on which the roller head 138 is located.

[0031] Thus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed coffer dam system and baffle structures can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The disclosed embodiments are therefore considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restricted. It should be understood and appreciated that the disclosed embodiments and features are not exhaustive and do not limit the described coffer dam system and/or structure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and disclosures or may be acquired or derived from practicing the disclosed embodiments, without departing from the breadth or scope.