Method of automatically monitoring and neutralizing hazardous material spills

摘要

A system is disclosed comprising a flexible tube attached to a reservoir containing a hazardous material neutralizing substance, and possibly pressurized with air or another gas. The tube is routed around the perimeter of a region where one or more hazardous material containers are stored. In the event of a leak that spreads to the perimeter of the tube, the tube material type is so selected to degrade structurally in response to contact with the hazardous material, thereby rupturing and releasing the neutralizing substance stored within the tube and attached reservoir. The neutralizing material used is selected to neutralize the hazardous material released, to mitigate further damage or eliminate the hazard completely, or at least until intervening personnel can arrive. When a perimeter tube is ruptured, the released internal pressure drop may also activate an alarm, that is either audible, or uses a wire or cellular line to contact authorities as concerning the nature of the spill, be it fire or police departments, or maintenance or property personnel. The system can be used without the assistance of electrical power or electronics (or with sources like a lithium battery for the alarm), in an inexpensive package that requires no direct human monitoring, and can be employed in very remote installations.