CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/415828 filed on October 13, 2022. The contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods of secondary oil containment and fibrous textiles used in secondary oil containment.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Spills of liquid hydrocarbons from a liquid hydrocarbon source may cause considerable environmental damage, even in small quantities. It is desirable and often mandated to contain such spills, such as by the use of a secondary containment system, for example a containment dike or basin that underlies or surrounds a liquid hydrocarbon source. However, whilst the secondary containment system may reduce leakage into the environment, some seepage may occur. Further the system may be impermeable to water from rainfall/snowfall and may need be periodically drained.

[0004] The secondary containment system may include a textile barrier that comprises a polymeric powder that immobilizes liquid hydrocarbon upon contact and is sandwiched between two layers of fabric by a needle punching process. However, polymeric powders may be challenging to obtain, process into a textile barrier and secure to the secondary containment system. It is thus desirable to provide improved materials and methods for secondary oil containment.

SUMMARY [0005] In one aspect, there is provided a method of secondary oil containment comprising lining a liquid hydrocarbon containment basin with a fibrous textile comprising a styrenic block copolymer (SBC), wherein the fibrous textile comprising SBC is produced by a melt blown process.

[0006] In another aspect, there is provided a fibrous textile produced by melt blowing a styrenic block copolymer (SBC).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the figures, which illustrate example embodiments:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a liquid hydrocarbon container and a basin according to an embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a secondary oil containment system according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a secondary oil containment system according to another embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a secondary oil containment system according to another embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of a portion the secondary oil containment system of FIG. 4.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of a test rig;

[0014] FIGS. 7A to 7F are photographs of the test rig and fibrous textile sample of Example 1 after the test was completed;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a graph of cumulative collected tap water versus time elapsed for Example 1 ; and [0016] FIGS. 9A to 9G are photographs of the test rig and fibrous textile sample of Example 1 after the test was completed;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] It has been recognized that lining a liquid hydrocarbon containment basin with a fibrous textile comprising a styrenic block copolymer (SBC) produced by a melt blown process, is an effective method of secondary oil containment.

[0018] The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) that are capable of forming an oil impermeable barrier upon contact with liquid hydrocarbons can be subject to a melt blown process to produce fibrous textiles that are useful for secondary oil containment, even though melt blown processes were known to become more challenging as the melt flow index of the polymer decreases. Such fibrous textiles produced by a melt blown process have several advantages over existing textiles comprising a polymeric powder, including and not limited to, the wide range of polymer forms (i.e. not just powders) that are suitable for processing via melt blowing, simplified manufacture, improved handling characteristics as there is no powder that will seep from the fibrous textile, a greater ease of adjoining adjacent portions of fibrous textile produced by a melt blown process and the greater range of available fibrous textile thicknesses that may be produced by a melt blown process.

[0019] A styrenic block copolymer (SBC) is a block copolymer comprising two or more chemically distinct monomer subunits (or blocks) that are grouped along the polymer chain and linked by covalent bonds. SBCs have the general formula ABA or (A-B)nX, ABAB’ or ABA’B where A and A’ are styrene end blocks, B and B’ represent one or more mid blocks of a saturated or unsaturated olefin elastomer and X represents the remainder of a coupling agent. Typically, a saturated olefin elastomer may comprise ethylene, isoprene, butadiene, ethylene-butylene, ethylene-propylene or any combination thereof. [0020] In some embodiments, the SBC has a linear tri-block copolymer structure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the SBC is an unhydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (LISBC).

[0022] In some embodiments, the SBC is a hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer (HSBC). It is known that hydrogenation improves thermal stability, weathering and oil resistance.

[0023] In various embodiments, the SBC has an average molecular weight of about 30,000 g/mol, about 31 ,000 g/mol, about 32,000 g/mol, about 33,000 g/mol, about 34,000 g/mol, about 35,000 g/mol, about 36,000 g/mol, about 37,000 g/mol, about 38,000 g/mol, about 39,000 g/mol, about 40,000 g/mol, about 41 ,000 g/mol, about 42,000 g/mol, about 43,000 g/mol, about 44,000 g/mol, about 45,000 g/mol, about 46,000 g/mol, about 47,000 g/mol, about 48,000 g/mol, about 49,000 g/mol, about 50,000 g/mol, about 51 ,000 g/mol, about 52,000 g/mol, about 53,000 g/mol, about 54,000 g/mol, about 55,000 g/mol, about 56,000 g/mol, about 57,000 g/mol, about 58,000 g/mol, about 59,000 g/mol, about 60,000 g/mol, about 61 ,000 g/mol, about 62,000 g/mol, about 63,000 g/mol, about 64,000 g/mol, about 65,000 g/mol, about 66,000 g/mol, about 67,000 g/mol, about 68,000 g/mol, about 69,000 g/mol, about 70,000 g/mol, about 71 ,000 g/mol, about 72,000 g/mol, about 73,000 g/mol, about 74,000 g/mol, about 75,000 g/mol, about 76,000 g/mol, about 77,000 g/mol, about 78,000 g/mol, about 79,000 g/mol, about 80,000 g/mol, about 81 ,000 g/mol, about 82,000 g/mol, about 83,000 g/mol, about 84,000 g/mol, about 85,000 g/mol, about 86,000 g/mol, about 87,000 g/mol, about 88,000 g/mol, about 89,000 g/mol, about 90,000 g/mol, about 91 ,000 g/mol, about 92,000 g/mol, about 93,000 g/mol, about 94,000 g/mol, about 95,000 g/mol, about 96,000 g/mol, about 97,000 g/mol, about 98,000 g/mol, about 99,000 g/mol or about 100,000 g/mol as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0024] In various embodiments, the SBC has an average molecular weight of at least 30,000 g/mol, at least 31 ,000 g/mol, at least 32,000 g/mol, at least 33,000 g/mol, at least 34,000 g/mol, at least 35,000 g/mol, at least 36,000 g/mol, at least 37,000 g/mol, at least 38,000 g/mol, at least 39,000 g/mol, at least 40,000 g/mol, at least at least 41 ,000 g/mol, at least 42,000 g/mol, at least 43,000 g/mol, at least 44,000 g/mol, at least 45,000 g/mol, at least 46,000 g/mol, at least 47,000 g/mol, at least 48,000 g/mol, at least 49,000 g/mol, at least 50,000 g/mol, at least 51 ,000 g/mol, at least at least 52,000 g/mol, at least 53,000 g/mol, at least 54,000 g/mol, at least 55,000 g/mol, at least 56,000 g/mol, at least 57,000 g/mol, at least 58,000 g/mol, at least 59,000 g/mol, at least 60,000 g/mol, at least 61 ,000 g/mol, at least 62,000 g/mol, at least at least 63,000 g/mol, at least 64,000 g/mol, at least 65,000 g/mol, at least 66,000 g/mol, at least 67,000 g/mol, at least 68,000 g/mol, at least 69,000 g/mol, at least 70,000 g/mol, at least 71 ,000 g/mol, at least 72,000 g/mol, at least 73,000 g/mol, at least at least 74,000 g/mol, at least 75,000 g/mol, at least 76,000 g/mol, at least 77,000 g/mol, at least 78,000 g/mol, at least 79,000 g/mol, at least 80,000 g/mol, at least 81 ,000 g/mol, at least 82,000 g/mol, at least 83,000 g/mol, at least 84,000 g/mol, at least 85,000 g/mol, at least 86,000 g/mol, at least 87,000 g/mol, at least 88,000 g/mol, at least 89,000 g/mol, at least 90,000 g/mol, at least 91 ,000 g/mol, at least 92,000 g/mol, at least 93,000 g/mol, at least 94,000 g/mol, at least 95,000 g/mol, at least 96,000 g/mol, at least 97,000 g/mol, at least 98,000 g/mol, at least 99,000 g/mol or at least 100,000 g/mol as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0025] In various embodiments, the SBC has an average molecular weight of between about 30,000 g/mol and about 100,000 g/mol, between about 31 ,000 g/mol and about 99,000 g/mol, between about 32,000 g/mol and about 98,000 g/mol, between about 33,000 g/mol and about 97,000 g/mol, between about 34,000 g/mol and about 96,000 g/mol, between about 35,000 g/mol and about 95,000 g/mol, between about 36,000 g/mol and about 94,000 g/mol, between about 37,000 g/mol and about 93,000 g/mol, between about 38,000 g/mol and about 92,000 g/mol, between about 39,000 g/mol and about 91 ,000 g/mol, between about 40,000 g/mol and about 90,000 g/mol, between about 41 ,000 g/mol and about 89,000 g/mol, between about 42,000 g/mol and about 88,000 g/mol, between about 43,000 g/mol and about 87,000 g/mol, between about 44,000 g/mol and about 86,000 g/mol, between about 45,000 g/mol and about 85,000 g/mol, between about 46,000 g/mol and about 84,000 g/mol, between about 47,000 g/mol and about 83,000 g/mol, between about 48,000 g/mol and about 82,000 g/mol, between about 49,000 g/mol and about 81 ,000 g/mol, between about 50,000 g/mol and about 80,000 g/mol, between about 51 ,000 g/mol and about 79,000 g/mol, between about 52,000 g/mol and about 78,000 g/mol, between about 53,000 g/mol and about 77,000 g/mol, between about 54,000 g/mol and about 76,000 g/mol, between about 55,000 g/mol and about 75,000 g/mol, between about 56,000 g/mol and about 74,000 g/mol, between about 57,000 g/mol and about 73,000 g/mol, between about 58,000 g/mol and about 72,000 g/mol, between about 59,000 g/mol and about 71 ,000 g/mol, between about 60,000 g/mol and about 70,000 g/mol, between about 61 ,000 g/mol and about 69,000 g/mol, between about 62,000 g/mol and about 68,000 g/mol or between about 63,000 g/mol and about 67,000 g/mol, between about 64,000 g/mol and about 66,000 g/mol as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

[0026] In various embodiments, the SBC has a melt flow index (MFI) of about 0.5, about 1 , about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11 , about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21 , about 22, about 23, about 24, about 25, about 26, about 27, about 28, about 29, about 30, about 31 , about 32, about 33, about 34, about 35, about 36, about 37, about 38, about 39, about 40, about 41 , about 42, about 43, about 44, about 45, about 46, about 47, about 48, about 49, about 50, about 51 , about 52, about 53, about 54, about 55, about 56, about 57, about 58, about 59, about 60, about 61 , about 62, about 63, about 64, about 65, about 66, about 67, about 68, about 69, about 70, about 71 , about 72, about 73, about 74, about 75, about 76, about 77, about 78, about 79, about 80, about 81 , about 82, about 83, about 84, about 85, about 86, about 87, about 88, about 89, about 90, about 91 , about 92, about 93, about 94, about 95, about 96, about 97, about 98, about 99 or about 100 as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min). [0027] In various embodiments, the SBC has a melt flow index of at least 0.5, at least about 1 , at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 11 , at least about 12, at least about 13, at least about 14, at least about 15, at least about 16, at least about 17, at least about 18, at least about 19, at least about 20, at least about 21 , at least about 22, at least about 23, at least about 24, at least about 25, at least about 26, at least about 27, at least about 28, at least about 29, at least about 30, at least about 31 , at least about 32, at least about 33, at least about 34, at least about 35, at least about 36, at least about 37, at least about 38, at least about 39, at least about 40, at least about 41 , at least about 42, at least about 43, at least about 44, at least about 45, at least about 46, at least about 47, at least about 48, at least about 49, at least about 50, at least about 51 , at least about 52, at least about 53, at least about 54, at least about 55, at least about 56, at least about 57, at least about 58, at least about 59, at least about 60, at least about 61 , at least about 62, at least about 63, at least about 64, at least about 65, at least about 66, at least about 67, at least about 68, at least about 69, at least about 70, at least about 71 , at least about 72, at least about 73, at least about 74, at least about 75, at least about 76, at least about 77, at least about 78, at least about 79, at least about 80, at least about 81 , at least about 82, at least about 83, at least about 84, at least about 85, at least about 86, at least about 87, at least about 88, at least about 89, at least about 90, at least about 91 , at least about 92, at least about 93, at least about 94, at least about 95, at least about 96, at least about 97, at least about 98, at least about 99 or at least about 100 as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min)

[0028] In various embodiments, the SBC has a melt flow index of between about 1 and about 25, between about 2 and about 24, between about 3 and about 23, between about 4 and about 22, between about 5 and about 21 , between about 6 and about 20, between about 7 and about 19, between about 8 and about 18, between about 9 and about 17, between about 10 and about 16, between about 11 and about 15, between about 12 and about 14, between about 1 and about 10, between about 2 and about 9, between about 3 and about 8, between about 4 and about 7, between about 5 and about 6, between about 10 and about 40, between about 11 and about 39, between about 12 and about 38, between about 13 and about 37, between about 14 and about 36, between about 15 and about 35, between about 16 and about 34, between about 17 and about 33, between about 18 and about 32, between about 19 and about 31 , between about 20 and about 30, between about 21 and about 29, between about 22 and about 28, between about 23 and about 27, between about 24 and about 26, between about 2 and about 99, between about 3 and about 98, between about 4 and about 97, between about 5 and about 96, between about 6 and about 95, between about 7 and about 94, between about 8 and about 93, between about 9 and about 92, between about 10 and about 91 , between about 11 and about 90, between about 12 and about 89, between about 13 and about 88, between about 14 and about 87, between about 15 and about 86, between about 16 and about 85, between about 17 and about 84, between about 18 and about 83, between about 19 and about 82, between about 20 and about 81 , between about 21 and about 80, between about 22 and about 79, between about 23 and about 78, between about 24 and about 77, between about 25 and about 76, between about 26 and about 75, between about 27 and about 74, between about 28 and about 73, between about 29 and about 72, between about 30 and about 71 , between about 31 and about 70, between about 32 and about 69, between about 33 and about 68, between about 34 and about 67, between about 35 and about 66, between about 36 and about 65, between about 37 and about 64, between about 38 and about 63, between about 39 and about 62, between about 40 and about 61 , between about 41 and about 60, between about 42 and about 59, between about 43 and about 58, between about 44 and about 57, between about 45 and about 56, between about 46 and about 55, between about 47 and about 54, between about 48 and about 53, between about 49 and about 52 or between about 50 and about 51 as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min). [0029] In various embodiments, the SBC has a density of about 0.90 g/cm ³ , about 0.91 g/cm ³ , about 0.92 g/cm ³ , about 0.93 g/cm ³ , about 0.94 g/cm ³ , about 0.95 g/cm ³ , about 0.96 g/cm ³ , about 0.97 g/cm ³ , about 0.98 g/cm ³ , about 0.99 g/cm ³ or about 1.00 g/cm ³

[0030] In various embodiments, the SBC has a density of at least about 0.90 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.91 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.92 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.93 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.94 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.95 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.96 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.97 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.98 g/cm ³ , at least about 0.99 g/cm ³ or at least about 1 .00 g/cm ³

[0031] In various embodiments, the SBC has a density of between about 0.90 g/cm ³ and about 1 .00 g/cm ³ , between about 0.91 g/cm ³ and about 0.99 g/cm ³ , between about 0.92 g/cm ³ and about 0.98 g/cm ³ , between about 0.93 g/cm ³ and about 0.97 g/cm ³ or between about 0.94 g/cm ³ and about 0.96 g/cm ³ .

[0032] In various embodiments, the SBC has a total styrene content of about 15 wt%, about 16 wt%, about 17 wt%, about 18 wt%, about 19 wt%, about 20 wt%, about 21 wt%, about 22 wt%, about 23 wt%, about 24 wt%, about 25 wt%, about 26 wt%, about 27 wt%, about 28 wt%, of about 29 wt%, about 30 wt%, about 31 wt%, about 32 wt%, about 33 wt%, about 34 wt%, about 35 wt%, about 36 wt%, about 37 wt%, about 38 wt%, about 39 wt%, or about 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the SBC.

[0033] In various embodiments, the SBC has a total styrene content of at least about 15 wt%, at least about 16 wt%, at least about 17 wt%, at least about 18 wt%, at least about 19 wt%, at least about 20 wt%, at least about 21 wt%, at least about 22 wt%, at least about 23 wt%, at least about 24 wt%, at least about 25 wt%, at least about 26 wt%, at least about 27 wt%, at least about 28 wt%, of at least about 29 wt%, at least about 30 wt%, at least about 31 wt%, at least about 32 wt%, at least about 33 wt%, at least about 34 wt%, at least about 35 wt%, at least about 36 wt%, at least about 37 wt%, at least about 38 wt%, at least about 39 wt%, at least about 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the SBC. [0034] In various embodiments, the SBC has a total styrene content of between about 15 wt% and about 40 wt%, between about 16 wt% and about 39 wt%, between about 17 wt% and about 38 wt%, between about 18 wt% and about 37 wt%, between about 19 wt% and about 36 wt%, between about 20 wt% and about 35 wt%, between about 21 wt% and about 34 wt%, between about 22 wt% and about 33 wt%, between about 23 wt% and about 32 wt%, between about 24 wt% and about 31 wt%, between about 25 wt% and about 30 wt% or between about 26 wt% and about 29 wt%, based on the total weight of the SBC.

[0035] In some embodiments, the SBC is styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), or styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene- styrene (SEEPS).

[0036] In some embodiments, the SEBS is a SEBS commercially available from Dynasol Group under the tradename Calprene®, such as Calprene® 401 , Calprene® 405, Calprene® 411 , Calprene® 412, Calprene® 419, Calprene® 420CX, Calprene® 480X, Calprene® 500, Calprene® 501 , Calprene® 540, Calprene® 580BX, Calprene® 700, Calprene® 701 , Calprene® 710, Calprene® 711 , Calprene® 718, Calprene® 719, Calprene® 7318, Calprene® H6105X, Calprene® H6110, Calprene® H6120, Calprene® H6140, Calprene® H6144, Calprene® H6170, Calprene® H6174, Calprene® H6180X, Calprene® H6181X, Calprene® H6181X, Calprene® H6182X, Calprene® H6215SX, Calprene® H6380X or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the SEBS is a mixture of Calprene® H6182X and Calprene® H6110.

[0037] In an embodiment, the SEBS is Dyne® 174 commercially available from Dynasol Group.

[0038] In some embodiments, the SEBS is a SEBS commercially available from Kraton under the tradename Kraton® G, such as Kraton® A1535, Kraton® A1536, Kraton® E1830, Kraton® G1633, Kraton® G1640, Kraton® G1641 , Kraton® G1642, Kraton® G1643, Kraton® G1645, Kraton® G1646, Kraton® G1650, Kraton® G1651 , Kraton® G1652, Kraton® G1653, Kraton® G1654, Kraton® G1657, Kraton® G1660, Kraton® G1726, Kraton® G4609, Kraton® G4610 or any mixture thereof.

[0039] In some embodiments, the SEBS is a SEBS commercially available from Versalis S.p.A under the tradename Europrene® SOL T/TH, such as Europrene® SOL TH 1810, Europrene® SOL TH 2311 , Europrene® SOL TH 2312, Europrene® SOL TH 2315, Europrene® SOL TH 2316, Europrene® SOL TH 3300 or Europrene® SOL THX 1050 or mixture thereof.

[0040] In an embodiment, the SEPS is Septon® 2002 commercially available from Kuraray.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile may be a blend of one or more of the SEBS described herein in any suitable ratio.

[0042] In some embodiments, the SEBS may have an average molecular weight of between about 40,000 g/mol and about 50,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 15 and about 20, an average molecular weight of between about 40,000 g/mol and about 50,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 20 and about 25, an average molecular weight of between about 40,000 g/mol and about 50,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 25 and about 30, an average molecular weight of between about 40,000 g/mol and about 50,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 30 and about 35, an average molecular weight of between about 50,000 g/mol and about 60,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 15 and about 20, an average molecular weight of between about 50,000 g/mol and about 60,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 20 and about 25, an average molecular weight of between about 50,000 g/mol and about 60,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 25 and about 30, an average molecular weight of between about 50,000 g/mol and about 60,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 30 and about 35, an average molecular weight of between about 60,000 g/mol and about 70,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 15 and about 20, an average molecular weight of between about 60,000 g/mol and about 70,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 20 and about 25, an average molecular weight of between about 60,000 g/mol and about 70,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 25 and about 30, an average molecular weight of between about 60,000 g/mol and about 70,000 g/mol and an MFI of between about 30 and about 35, wherein the molecular weight is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the MFI is determined according to ASTM D1238

[0043] In an embodiment, the SEBS is Calprene® H6182X having a melt flow index of 25 as determined according to ASTM D1238, a volatile matter content of less than 0.5% as determined according to ASTM D5668, a total styrene content of 15% as determined according to MA 04-3-062, a Shore A hardness of 50 as determined according to ASTM D2240, a saturation of greater than 99% as determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and a yellowness index of less than 3 as determined according to ASTM E313.

[0044] In an embodiment, the SEBS is Kraton® G1653 having a melt flow index of 28 g/10 min as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min), a specific gravity of 0.90 as determined according to ASTM D792, a styrene/rubber ratio of 31/69 and a Shore A hardness of 70 as determined according to ASTM D2240.

[0045] In an embodiment, the SEBS is Kraton® MD1653 having a melt flow index of 25 g/10 min as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min), a specific gravity of 0.90 as determined according to ASTM D792, a styrene/rubber ratio of 31/69 and a Shore A hardness of 70 as determined according to ASTM D2240.

[0046] In an embodiment, the SIS is Kraton® D1117 having a specific gravity of 0.92 as determined according to ASTM D792, a diblock content of 33, a Shore A hardness of 33 as determined according to ASTM D2240, a styrene/rubber ratio of 17/83, a tensile strength of 1200 psi as determined according to ASTM D-142, a 300% modulus of 60 psi as determined according to ASTM D-142, a elongation at break of 1300% as determined according to ASTM D-142 and a melt flow index of 29 g/10 min as determined according to ASTM D1238 (200 °C/5 kg/10 min). [0047] In an embodiment, the SIS is Kraton® D1119 having a specific gravity of 0.93 as determined according to ASTM D792, a diblock content of 66, a Shore A hardness of 30 as determined according to ASTM D2240, a styrene/rubber ratio of 22/78, a tensile strength of 350 psi as determined according to ASTM D-142, a 300% modulus of 160 psi as determined according to ASTM D-142, a elongation at break of 1000% as determined according to ASTM D-142 and a melt flow index of 25 g/10 min as determined according to ASTM D1238 (200 °C/5 kg/10 min).

[0048] In an embodiment, the SEPS is Septon® 2002 having a melt flow index of 70 as determined according to ASTM D1238 (230 °C/2.16 kg/10 min) a styrene content of 30%, a solution viscosity of 25 mPa.s (15 wt% toluene solution) and a Shore A hardness of 80.

[0049] In various embodiments the SEBS may comprise about 15 wt% styrene and about 85 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 16 wt% styrene and about 84 wt% ethylenebutylene, about 17 wt% styrene and about 83 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 18 wt% styrene and about 82 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 19 wt% styrene and about 81 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 20 wt% styrene and about 80 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 21 wt% styrene and about 79 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 22 wt% styrene and about 78 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 23 wt% styrene and about 77 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 24 wt% styrene and about 76 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 25 wt% styrene and about 75 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 26 wt% styrene and about 74 wt% ethylene- butylene, about 27 wt% styrene and about 73 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 28 wt% styrene and about 72 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 29 wt% styrene and about 71 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 30 wt% styrene and about 70 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 31 wt% styrene and about 69 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 32 wt% styrene and about 68 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 33 wt% styrene and about 67 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 34 wt% styrene and about 66 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 35 wt% styrene and about 65 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 36 wt% styrene and about 64 wt% ethylene- butylene, about 37 wt% styrene and about 63 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 38 wt% styrene and about 62 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 39 wt% styrene and about 61 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 40 wt% styrene and about 60 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 41 wt% styrene and about 59 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 42 wt% styrene and about 58 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 43 wt% styrene and about 57 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 44 wt% styrene and about 56 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 45 wt% styrene and about 55 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 46 wt% styrene and about 54 wt% ethylene- butylene, about 47 wt% styrene and about 53 wt% ethylene-butylene, about 48 wt% styrene and about 52 wt% ethylene-butylene or about 49 wt% styrene and about 51 wt% ethylene-butylene.

[0050] In some embodiments, the SBC may further comprise an additional polymer. The additional polymer may be added, for example, to alter the properties of the fibrous textile formed or make the SBC easier to melt blow. The additional polymer may be any suitable polymer, such as polypropylene.

Fiber Properties

[0051] Fibrous textiles suitable for methods of the present disclosure may be produced by a melt blowing process as will be described below. The melt blowing process may produce a fibrous textile comprising a web of randomly arranged fibers of the SBC.

[0052] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile is water permeable and may allow water to flow though the fibrous textile at a rate of at least about 100 l/m ² .min at a hydrostatic pressure of 2500 Pa or less.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a surface density of about 200 g/m ² , about 200 g/m ² , about 400 g/m ² , about 600 g/m ² , about 800 g/m ² , about 1000 g/m ² , about 1200 g/m ² , about 1400 g/m ² , about 1600 g/m ² , about 1800 g/m ² , about 2000 g/m ² , about 2200 g/m ² , about 2400 g/m ² , about 2600 g/m ² , about 2800 g/m ² and about 3000g/m ² .

[0054] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a surface density of at least about 200 g/m ² , at least about 200 g/m ² , at least about 400 g/m ² , at least about 600 g/m ² , at least about 800 g/m ² , at least about 1000 g/m ² , at least about 1200 g/m ² , at least about 1400 g/m ² , at least about 1600 g/m ² , at least about 1800 g/m ² , at least about 2000 g/m ² , at least about 2200 g/m ² , at least about 2400 g/m ² , at least about 2600 g/m ² , at least about 2800 g/m ² or at least about 3000g/m ² .

[0055] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a surface density of between about 200 g/m ² and about 3000 g/m ² , between about 400 g/m ² and about 2800 g/m ² , between about 600 g/m ² and about 2600 g/m ² , between about 600 g/m ² and about 2400 g/m ² , between about 1000 g/m ² and about 2200 g/m ² , between about 1200 g/m ² and about 2000 g/m ² or between about 1400 g/m ² and about 1800 g/m ² .

[0056] In some embodiments the fibrous textile may be able to support a load up to about 1000 kg/m ²

[0057] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a thickness of about 2 mm, about 4 mm, about 6 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 14 mm, about 16 mm, about 18 mm or about 20 mm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a thickness of at least about 2 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 10 mm, at least about 12 mm, at least about 14 mm, at least about 16 mm, at least about 18 mm or at least about 20 mm.

[0059] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile has a thickness of between about 2 mm and about 20 mm, between about 4 mm and about 18 mm, between about 6 mm and about 16 mm, between about 8 mm and about 14 mm or between about 10 mm and about 12 mm.

[0060] In some embodiments the fibrous textile comprises fibers of a SBC arranged in a web. [0061] In some embodiments the web may comprise a plurality of pores having an average pore size of about 20 pm, about 40 pm, about 60 pm, about 80 pm, about 100 pm, about 120 pm, about 140 pm, about 160 pm, about 180 pm or about 200 pm.

[0062] In some embodiments the average pore size may be at least about 20 pm, at least about 40 pm, at least about 60 pm, at least about 80 pm, at least about 100 pm, at least about 120 pm, at least about 140 pm, at least about 160 pm, at least about 180 pm or at least about 200 pm.

[0063] In some embodiments the average pore size may be between about 20 pm and about 200 pm, between about 40 pm and about 180 pm, between about 60 pm and about 160 pm, between about 80 pm and about 140 pm or between about 100 pm and about 120 pm.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average length of about 0.5 pm, about 1 pm, about 50 pm, about 100 pm, about 200 pm, about 300 pm, about 400 pm, about 500 pm, about 600 pm, about 700 pm, about 800 pm, about 900 pm, about 1000 pm, about 2000 pm, about 4000 pm, about 6000 pm, about 8000 pm, about 10,000 pm, about 12,000 pm, about 14,000 pm, about 16,000 pm, about 18,000 pm, about 20,000 pm, about 22,000 pm, about 24,000 pm, about 26,000 pm, about 28,000 pm, about 30,000 pm, about 32,000 pm, about 34,000 pm, about 36,000 pm, about 38,000 pm, about 40,000 pm, about 42,000 pm, about 44,000 pm, about 46,000 pm, about 48,000 pm or about 50,000 pm.

[0065] In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average length of at least about 0.5 pm, at least about 1 pm, at least about 50 pm, at least about 100 pm, at least about 200 pm, at least about 300 pm, at least about 400 pm, at least about 500 pm, at least about 600 pm, at least about 700 pm, at least about 800 pm, at least about 900 pm, at least about 1000 pm, at least about 2000 pm, at least about 4000 pm, at least about 6000 pm, at least about 8000 pm, at least about 10,000 pm, at least about 12,000 pm, at least about 14,000 pm, at least about 16,000 pm, at least about 18,000 pm, at least about 20,000 pm, at least about 22,000 pm, at least about 24,000 pm, at least about 26,000 pm, at least about 28,000 pm, at least about 30,000 pm, at least about 32,000 pm, at least about 34,000 pm, at least about 36,000 pm, at least about 38,000 pm, at least about 40,000 pm, at least about 42,000 pm, at least about 44,000 pm, at least about 46,000 pm, at least about 48,000 pm or at least about 50,000 pm.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average length of between about 0.5 pm and about 1000 pm, between about 1 pm and about 900 pm, between about 50 pm and about 800 pm, between about 100 pm and about 700 pm, between about 200 pm and about 600 pm, between about 300 pm and about 500 pm, between about 0.5 pm and about 50,000 pm, between about 2000 pm and about 48,000 pm, between about 4000 pm and about 46,000 pm, between about 6000 pm and about 44,000 pm, between about 8000 pm and about 42,000 pm, between about 10,000 pm and about 40,000 pm, between about 12,000 pm and about 38,000 pm, between about 14,000 pm and about 36,000 pm, between about 16,000 pm and about 34,000 pm, between about 18,000 pm and about 32,000 pm, between about 20,000 pm and about 30,000 pm, between about 22,000 pm and about 28,000 pm or between about 24,000 pm and about 26,000 pm. In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average fiber diameter of about 1 pm, about 50 pm, about 100 pm, about 150 pm, about 200 pm, about 250 pm, about 300 pm, about 350 pm, about 400 pm, about 450 pm or about 500 pm.

[0067] In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average fiber diameter of at least about 1 pm, at least about 50 pm, at least about 100 pm, at least about 150 pm, at least about 200 pm, at least about 250 pm, at least about 300 pm, at least about 350 pm, at least about 400 pm, at least about 450 pm or at least about 500 pm.

[0068] In some embodiments, the fibers may have an average fiber diameter of between about 1 pm and about 500 pm, between about 50 pm and about 450 pm, between about 100 pm and about 400 pm, between about 150 pm and about 350 pm or between about 200 pm and about 300 pm. [0069] Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that upon contact with a liquid hydrocarbon, a fibrous textile of the present disclosure will interact with the liquid hydrocarbon such that the fibrous textile will absorb at least a proportion of the liquid hydrocarbon. This causes a portion of the fibrous textile, specifically a portion of the SBC, to swell and form a high viscosity gel. The gel will create a physical barrier across at least a portion of the fibrous textile that is oil impermeable. The physical barrier may prevent migration of liquid hydrocarbon through the fibrous textile. The formation of the physical barrier may be very rapid, i.e. , in the order of seconds after contact with the liquid hydrocarbon.

[0070] The particular type of SBC may be dependent on a number of factors. It is important that the SBC forms a high viscosity gel upon contact with the liquid hydrocarbon without itself dissolving in the liquid hydrocarbon. For example, the SBC may be selected according to the type of liquid hydrocarbon to be contained, the molecular weight of the SBC, linearity of the structure of the SBC, ratio of styrene blocks to elastomer blocks in the SBC and presence of any additives in the SBC (such as anticaking agents).

[0071] Generally speaking, a SBC with a molecular weight that is too low may fully dissolve in the liquid hydrocarbon, whilst a SBC with a molecular weight that is too high will not form a high viscosity gel upon contact with the liquid hydrocarbon.

Melt Blowing Process

[0072] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a fibrous textile as described herein produced by a melt blowing process.

[0073] A melt blowing process may be generally defined as a one-step process in which a high-velocity fluid, such as air or gas, blow molten polymer resin from an extruder die tip (or spinneret), onto a collector mechanism, to form a fine, fibered web.

[0074] The melt blowing process may be performed using a melt blowing apparatus. In one embodiment, the SBC (polymer) is introduced into the hopper of the extruder by the operator, through the vacuum loader. The SBC flows through a twin screw extruder where the SBC is processed into a molten SBC, flowing through a coat hanger die into the melt-blown spinneret, where the molten polymer is extruded through a small nozzle into convergent streams of high-speed blowing hot air. The hot air flowing into the spinneret from a roots blower and is heated using a furnace. The optimum extruder configuration, pressure control, and temperatures of both the extruder and the die should be adjusted accordingly for each SBC to optimize the melt blown fibers. It is commonly understood that polymers having a higher MFI are generally suitable for melt blowing, whereas those with a lower MFI may be more challenging to process. This may be due to the greater viscosity of lower MFI polymers at a given temperature hindering the flow of the polymer through the melt blowing process. It should be noted that a number of other factors may influence the viscosity of the molten SBC (and therefore its suitability for melt blowing) such as the shear rate, molecular weight distribution of the SBC, the pressure, temperature, filler and any additives that may be present in the SBC. For example, a linear narrow molecular weight distribution polymer may be more viscous than a broad molecular weight distribution counterpart. The presence of a fillers may increase the viscosity of the molten SBC. Various additives, such as processing aids and lubricants may be present in the SBC and may decrease viscosity. Pressure may increase viscosity. Viscosity may generally increase with average molecular weight.

[0075] The twin screw extruder may include a series of heaters on the barrel of the screw. The temperatures of the heater may be adjusted such that the temperature of the extruder increases towards the die end of the extruder. The temperature of the extruder sections of barrel heating may range from set points of between about 150 to about 350 °C. In some embodiments, the melt temperature of the SBC may range from between about 250 °C and about 350 °C and the melt blowing process may be performed at a temperature between about 250 °C and about 350 °C, between about 260 °C and about 340 °C, between about 270 °C and about 330 °C, between about 280 °C and about 320 °C or between about 290 °C and about 310 °C. In an embodiment, the melt blowing process may be performed at a temperature between about 290 °C and about 300 °C. The coat hanger die sections may also be heated within this range. The setpoints of the furnace and outlet air temperatures (i.e. the air supplied to the roots blower) can range between about 280 and about 380 °C.

[0076] As hot air flows through the melt-blowing spinneret, which is configured such that, as heated air from the furnace is moved by the roots blower two hot air streams are created. The speed of the roots blower may be adjusted. As the SBC melt exits the spinneret, the drag force exerted by the hot air flow, draw down the SBC melt into fine fibers. When the molten SBC comes into contact with the highspeed hot air, it is blown into ultra fine fibers through the extruder die tip onto the collector screen, where the fibers bond to produce a cohesive non-woven fibered web.

[0077] Between the melt blowing spinneret and the collector screen, there may an air gap, with a variable distance. In an embodiment distance between the melt blowing spinneret and collector system, to address influence on fiber crystallization, deformation, and entanglement is between about 20 cm and about 100 cm. In other embodiments the distance may be between about 25 cm and about 95 cm, about 30 cm and about 90 cm, about 35 cm and about 85 cm, about 40 cm and about 80 cm, about 45 cm and about 75 cm, about 50 cm and about 70 cm or about 55 cm and about 65 cm.

[0078] From the collector system, the resulting fibers are deposited onto a breathable belt. A suction box, found under the belt section, assists in the formation of the fiber and hot air removal. The vacuum or suction functionality, the belt speed, and the duration of collection are all process variables in the melt-blown process. The duration of the collection, measured by laps of belt movement, influences the quantity of non-woven fabric created. For example, under certain conditions, in eight laps of belt movement, approximately 850 g/m ² of fibrous textile can be created. [0079] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile produced by melt blowing a SBC may be sandwiched between a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer. The fabric may be made from any suitable material, such as polypropylene. In some embodiments, the fabric is a spunbound or needle-punched fabric.

Applications

[0080] In an embodiment, a fibrous textile of the present disclosure may be used for secondary oil containment, whereby a liquid hydrocarbon basin is lined with the fibrous textile.

[0081] The term “liquid hydrocarbon containment basin” (also known as a dyke) as used herein may refer to any type of open or closed structure or container that is configured to be able to retain and/or assist with retaining a liquid hydrocarbon that may leak into or be spilled within the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin.

[0082] The liquid hydrocarbon containment basin may include a base. The base may be an area of ground surface (for example bare dirt or gravel) or a part of a structure, such as a building. For example, the base may be a region (or the entirety) of a floor of a building, or a region (or the entirety) of a roof of a building.

[0083] The liquid hydrocarbon containment basin may also include walls extending generally upwards from a perimeter of the base. The walls may extend around the entire outer perimeter of the base, or only partially around the perimeter of base. The walls may be part of a building or structure or separate from any building or structure.

[0084] The walls and the base of basin may be defined by the surrounding ground material or may be constructed from any suitable material such as concrete, wood, plastic or metal for example.

[0085] The liquid hydrocarbon containment basin may be located outside or inside a building or structure, or form part of a building or structure itself. In some embodiments, the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin is located partially or fully above ground. In other embodiments, the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin is located partially or fully below ground. The fibrous textile may line the base of the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin, the walls of the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin or the walls and the base of the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin.

[0086] In some embodiments, a liquid hydrocarbon container is positioned within the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin. The term “liquid hydrocarbon container” as used herein may refer to any container, vessel or tank configured to hold a liquid hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the tank is an above or below ground storage tank.

[0087] For example, the liquid hydrocarbon container may be an oil filled transformer or a transformer oil storage tank, i.e., a storage container for holding liquid hydrocarbons (transformer oil) used in industrial power transformers, which may include mineral or synthetic transformer fluids, mineral oils, or other petroleum products. The transformer or transformer oil storage tank may be located at a power generating site (power station), such as, but not limited to a hydroelectric dam, wind farm, fossil fuel (such as coal, oil natural gas or diesel) power plant, solar power plant, and nuclear power plant. In some embodiments, the transformer or transformer oil storage tank may be located at a substation, industrial site or subdivision.

[0088] In other embodiments the liquid hydrocarbon container may be any type of storage tank for oil/petroleum products, oil filled operational equipment, an above ground storage tank, a below ground storage tank, a partially below ground storage tank, a tank for storing one or more heat generating components of a computer, an oil pipeline or a valve.

[0089] In an embodiment, the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin may be used to store contaminated soil or containers/tanks holding contaminated soil, for example soil contaminated with liquid hydrocarbon. In this embodiment, the liquid hydrocarbon containment basin may be configured to be able to retain and/or assist with retaining a liquid hydrocarbon (also known as NAPLs/Non-aqueous phase liquids) during soil remediation processes. The soil remediation may involve extraction of contaminants, oxidation of contaminants and/or biodegradation of contaminants.

[0090] In some embodiments, the liquid hydrocarbon container forms part of a above ground tank system for a petroleum product. The system may include one or more commonly connected aboveground storage tanks including all connected piping (both aboveground and underground), pumps, dispensing and product transfer apparatuses, dyking, overfill protection devices, and associated spill containment and collection apparatus.

[0091] The term “liquid hydrocarbon” as used herein may refer to any hydrocarbon containing liquid or blend of more than one hydrocarbon containing liquid. Hydrocarbon may be defined as a compound consisting of carbon and hydrogen only. The liquid hydrocarbon may be an aliphatic liquid, an aromatic liquid, a naphthenic liquid or any blend thereof. For example, the liquid hydrocarbon may be a blend of one or more aliphatic and aromatic liquids which include hydrocarbons ranging from C10- Cso. An aliphatic hydrocarbon in an aliphatic liquid may be a straight or branched chain alkane or olefin. The aliphatic liquid may include butane, pentane, cyclopentane, hexane, cylcohexane, heptane, octane, nonane, decane, undecane, or dodecane. An aliphatic liquid may also be used, which may be any suitable blend of more than one aliphatic liquids such as gasoline, diesel, petroleum distillate, petroleum ether, mineral spirits, naptha, mineral oil, kerosene, or turpentine. The aliphatic liquid may be a synthetic aliphatic liquid such as a polyalphaolefin (PAO). The liquid hydrocarbon may be a group II, II+, III, IV or V base oil or a blend of more than one group II, II+, III, IV or V base oils. The liquid hydrocarbon may be made from a renewable source, such as an ester of a vegetable oil. The liquid hydrocarbon may include mineral oils, dielectric fluids, such as a polyalphaolefin (PAO) liquid, an aliphatic liquid, an aromatic liquid, hydraulic oil/fluid, jet fuel or heating oil. [0092] The method of secondary oil containment may comply with local storage tank rules and regulations, for example the “Storage Tank Systems for Petroleum Products and Allied Petroleum Products Regulations”

(https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/storage-tank-prog ram-tank-tips/tank-tips-- pdf-versions/TankTip1_EN_OverviewRegulations.pdf) and the “Environmental Code of Practice for Aboveground and Underground Storage Tank Systems Containing Petroleum and Allied Petroleum Products”

(https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/eccc/storage-tank-prog ram-tank-tips/tank-tips-- pdf-versions/TankTip1_EN_OverviewRegulations.pdf) in Canada. Allied petroleum product refers to a mixture of hydrocarbons other than a petroleum product that may be water miscible and may have a density greater than water, and may include the following: thinners and solvents used by the paint and varnish industry specified under the Canadian, General Standards Board (CGSB), solvents and chemicals used by chemical and manufacturing industry specified under CGSB (15), and benzene and toluene.

[0093] FIG.1 is a schematic drawing of embodiment of a hydrocarbon container

1 and a liquid hydrocarbon containment basin 2, wherein a hydrocarbon container 1 is positioned within in containment basin 2 and is supported by stand 9. In some embodiments, hydrocarbon container 1 may not have a stand, or stand 9 may be an integral part of hydrocarbon container 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , containment basin 2 comprises a hole excavated in area of ground 3, such that containment basin 2 is located below the surface 4 of ground 3. Containment basin

2 may include a base 5 and walls 6 extending from the base 5.

[0094] Basin 2 is configured to be able to contain liquid hydrocarbon that may leak or be spilled from hydrocarbon container 1 or from any other hydrocarbon source in basin 2, but basin 2 on its own may be permeable to hydrocarbon.

[0095] Base 5 of containment basin 2 may have any suitable shape as round, square, pentagonal, hexagonal or be irregularly shaped. The shape of base 5 may be influenced by the size and shape of hydrocarbon container 1 and/or any other infrastructure in the vicinity.

[0096] Walls 6 may extend around the entire outer perimeter of base 5, or only partially around the perimeter of base 5.

[0097] The walls 2 and base 5 of basin 2 may be defined by the surrounding ground material or may be constructed from any suitable material such as concrete, wood, plastic or metal for example.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 2, a secondary oil containment system is shown according to an embodiment, where basin 2 is shown with an impermeable plastic liner 7, a fibrous textile 8, and fire quenching stones 10. In this embodiment, the impermeable plastic liner 7 is shown being deployed beneath the hydrocarbon container 1 , lining the base 5 of containment basin 2 and also lining base 9. The containment basin may be filled a porous material, such as sand, above the fibrous textile 8. In some embodiments, the porous material may form a one-to-five-inch or more layer. The remainder of the basin is filled with fire quenching stones 10. The volume of containment basin 1 may range from 100 to 120% of the content of the hydrocarbon container 1 .

[0099] Lining the base 5 of the containment basin 1 is the fibrous textile 8, which may be any of the fibrous textiles described herein, allows water to permeate and flow through the textile but forms an impermeable seal when exposed to hydrocarbons. As explained above, the construction of the fibrous textile 8 allows for rainwater to return to the native environment (i.e. through fibrous textile 8 and to exit basin 2 through base 5), while trapping hydrocarbons.

[00100] If hydrocarbon spills or leaks from the hydrocarbon container 1 through the containment basin 2, it may leak through the porous materials in the containment basin 2 and eventually settle on the fibrous textile 8. The fibrous textile 8 may react with hydrocarbons by absorbing liquid hydrocarbons and may, if necessary, partially dissolve and swell to form a layer of high viscosity gel, which forms a physical barrier for the hydrocarbons, preventing it from passing through to the environment.

[00101] With reference to FIG.3, a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hydrocarbon containment system is shown, which may be similar to as shown in FIG.

2 and includes impermeable plastic liner 7 and fibrous textile 8. In this embodiment, the impermeable plastic liner 7 lines base 5 of the containment basin 2 and the base 5 of the hydrocarbon container 1 . The fibrous textile 8 lines the wall 6 of the basin and walls. An adhesive sealant is used between the wall and the fibrous textile 8 of the basin 2 to secure the fibrous textile 8 in position.

[00102] In some embodiments, the fibrous textile may line both the base 5 and walls 6 of the containment basin 2.

[00103] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a hydrocarbon containment system is shown, which may be similar to as shown in FIG.

3 and includes hydrocarbon container 11 (which may be similar to container 1 ) in basin 12. In this embodiment, basin 12 is located above ground and may be formed by any suitable structure, such as a concrete, wood, plastic or metal structure. Containment basin 2 may include a base 15 and walls 16 extending from the base 15. An impermeable plastic liner 17, which may be similar to liner 7 may line the walls 16 of basin 12. Fibrous textile 18 (which may be similar to fibrous textile 8) lines the base 15 of basin 12. The fibrous textile may also be sealed to the lower portion of walls 16.

[00104] In some embodiments, impermeable plastic liner 17 may instead line the base 15 of basin 12 and fibrous textile 18 may line the walls 16 of basin 12.

[00105] In some embodiments fibrous textile 18 may line both the base 15 and walls 16 of basin 12.

[00106] With reference to FIG. 5, in some embodiments walls 16 may be formed from fibrous textile 18 itself. Stones 19 on either side of fibrous textile 18 may provide support and protection the fibrous textile 18. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower portion of fibrous textile 18 may be buried beneath the ground surface 14 and sealed by a seal 20.

[00107] The hydrocarbon container 1 may be any container or vessel containing a liquid hydrocarbon. For example, the hydrocarbon container 1 may be a storage container for holding liquid hydrocarbons (transformer oil) used in industrial power transformers, which may include mineral or synthetic transformer fluids, mineral oils, or other petroleum products.

[00108] In some embodiments, the SBC may be selected based on the composition of the liquid hydrocarbon. As explained earlier the SBC may be selected such that the liquid hydrocarbon does not dissolve the SBC and instead forms a high viscosity gel with the liquid hydrocarbon. Generally speaking, the solubility of a polymer (such as a SBC) in a particular hydrocarbon decreases with increasing molecular weight of the polymer. However, it should be noted that other factors may influence the solubility of a polymer in a particular hydrocarbon such as, for example, the polymer molecular structure, ratio of styrenic blocks to elastic (rubber) blocks as well as presence of additives.

[00109] Without being limited to any particular theory, it is believed that if the molecular weight of the SBC is too low for a particular liquid hydrocarbon, such that the SBC is readily soluble in the liquid hydrocarbon, then the SBC may just dissolve in the liquid hydrocarbon upon contact. In this example, rather than forming an oil impermeable barrier, enough of the fibrous textile may dissolve such that a flowpath is created for the liquid hydrocarbon to undesirably permeate through the fibrous textile.

[00110] Conversely, it is believed that if the molecular weight of the SBC is too high for a particular liquid hydrocarbon, such that the SBC has little or no solubility in the liquid hydrocarbon, the SBC may not interact with the liquid hydrocarbon at all. In this example, the liquid hydrocarbon may be able to undesirably permeate through the fibrous textile due to the porous structure of the fibrous textile. [00111] However, when the molecular weight of the SBC is within an optimal range for a given liquid hydrocarbon, the SBC and liquid hydrocarbon are able to interact or react to form an oil impermeable barrier. This reaction or interaction may be the result of the SBC absorbing a portion of the liquid hydrocarbon and/or only partially dissolving in the liquid hydrocarbon to form a high viscosity gel. The high viscosity gel may form a barrier that inhibits the flow of hydrocarbon through the fibrous textile.

Experimental Section

Testing Rig

[00112] With reference to FIG. 6, the rig includes a bottom portion 100 and a top portion 102, which is inserted into bottom portion. The rig has an internal diameter of 6 cm, an internal height of 15.5 cm and an internal volume of 438 cm ³ . A sample of fibrous textile 104 may be inserted in-between and is held by top and bottom portions 102, 104 as shown in FIG. 6 for the duration of the test.

[00113] During the test, a volume of water may be poured though the opening 106 at the upper end of top portion 100 to observe the water permeability of fibrous textile 104. Thereafter, a volume of dyed Ergon Hyvolt® 2 oil is poured through opening 106. After a period of time, the test rig is dismantled and the fibrous textile 104 is removed. The degree of penetration of the dyed oil through the fibrous textile 104 may be visually observed.

Example 1

[00114] The experiment was performed as described above, using a sample of fibrous textile comprising 5 layers as detailed below in Table 1 . In this example, 300R is a nonwoven, needlepunched geotextile fabric made of polypropylene fibers having a surface density of 450 g/m ² and a thickness of between 2.2 and 2.9 mm. In this example, layers 2, 3 and 4 are fibrous textiles comprising Calprene® H6182X, produced by a melt blown process. Table 1

[00115] The sample was compressed for 30 minutes in the test rig. Tap water (438 cm ³ ) was poured to the top of the test rig. The water permeation rate was not measured. Dyed Ergon Hyvolt 2 oil (438 cm ³ ) was introduced to the test rig. oil was poured to the top of the test rig, in order to maintain the fluid height at 15.5 cm. After approximately 113 hours, the test rig was dismantled. Based on visual observation, the oil reached down to only Layers 4 and 5. The sample after testing is shown in FIGS. 7 A to 7F.

Example 2

[00116] The experiment was performed as described above, using a sample of fibrous textile comprising 5 layers as detailed below in Table 2. In this example, 300R is a nonwoven, needlepunched geotextile fabric made of polypropylene fibers having a surface density of 240 g/m ² and a thickness of between 2.2 and 2.9 mm. In this example, layers 2, 3 and 4 are fibrous textiles comprising Calprene® H6182X, produced by a melt blown process.

Table 2

| Layer | Composition | Weight/area

[00117] The test rig was set up and the sample was compressed for 30 minutes in the test rig. After 33 minutes, tap water (438 cm ³ ) was poured to the top at test rig, and permeation test was completed as follows. After 55 minutes from when water was poured to the top at test rig, the top layer was exposed with very little amount of water around the edges of the top fabric. Dyed Ergon Hyvolt 2 oil (438 cm ³ ) was poured to the top of the test rig. After 3 minutes from when the oil was added, a little bit of oil was poured to the top of the test rig, in order to maintain the fluid height at 15.5 cm. The volume of collected water from the test rig is detailed in Table 3 and shown graphically in FIG. 8.

Table 3

[00118] After 4 days, test rig was dismantled, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9G.

[00119] The term “wt%” means weight percent.

[00120] The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, within 5% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range. [00121] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiments thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[00122] Of course, the above described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments of carrying out the invention are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details, and order of operation. The invention, therefore, is intended to encompass all such modifications within its scope.