US3712330A

US3712330A - Liquid spill collection system

Info

Publication number: US3712330A
Application number: US00081283A
Authority: US
Inventors: M Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-10-16
Filing date: 1970-10-16
Publication date: 1973-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-23

Abstract

A liquid spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal. An extensible chute means originates at one of the terminals and extends outwardly therefrom beneath the liquid transfer line to the other terminal. At one end the extensible chute terminates in a drain trough so that any liquid spilling or leaking from the hose is collected by the chute and delivered by the drain trough. In another embodiment a collector hose of diameter greater than the diameter of the transfer line is installed about the transfer line coextensively therewith and is connected to the drain trough.

Description

United States Patent [191 Davis 1 Jan. 23, 1973 [541 LIQUID SPILL COLLECTION SYSTEM [76] Inventor: Murray A. Davis, Ridge, Md. 20680 [22] Filed: Oct. 16, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 81,283

[52] U.S. Cl. ..137/3l2, 137/340, 137/615, 141/86, 141/388 [51] Int. Cl. ..B67d 5/00 [58] Field of Search ..l37/3l2, 313, 314; 141/86, 141/87, 88, 388; 138/114, 110, 111

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary Examiner-Martin P. Schwadron Assistant Examiner-Richard Gerard Att0rneyBirch, Swindler, McKie & Beckett [57] ABSTRACT A liquid spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal. An extensible chute means originates at one of the terminals and extends outwardly therefrom beneath the liquid transfer line to the other terminal. At one end the extensible chute terminates in a drain trough so that any liquid spilling or leaking from the hose is collected by the chute and delivered by the drain trough. in another embodiment a collector hose of diameter greater than the diameter of the transfer line is installed about the transfer line coextensively therewith and is connected to the drain trough.

22 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJAN 23 I975 SHEET 2 BF 3 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJANZB ms 3.712.330

sum 3 OF 3 INVENTOR MURRAY A. DAVIS V BY EM SM LZ; 1&6?

ATTORNEYS LIQUID SPILL COLLECTION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention deals with the collection of liquids spilled or leaking from liquid transfer lines such as the hoses used to transfer liquids from a vehicle to a stationary platform.

The problem of spillage and leakage from liquid transfer hoses is not a new one. However, in recent years the volume of liquids transported from place to place has increased at a great rate, accompanied by an increase in the number of spills and leaks which occur during transfer between vehicles and storage tanks. The prior art is devoid of devices which are directed toward the collecting of liquid spilling or leaking from transfer lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Today there has been a great awakening with regard to the problem of polluting the environment. A major source of pollution has been liquid spilling and leaking during the process of transfer between vehicles and containers. This has been particularly destructive when petroleum products are concerned. If left unchecked, such occurrences will play a major part in the permanent spoiling of our environment.

This invention provides a liquid spill collection system which is simple and effective and which is adaptable for use in a multitude of liquid transfer situations.

Liquids are usually transferred from a sending terminal to a receiving terminal by means ofa transfer line such as a flexible hose. In its most simpleform, the novel liquid spill collection system consists of an extensible chute that extends between the liquid sending terminal and the liquid receiving terminal beneath the liquid transfer line. Should spillage or leakage from the liquid transfer line occur, it will be collected in the chute. Advantageously, the chute communicates with a drain trough, to which the liquid collected by the chute is delivered. Normally, the chute is inclined so that the liquid collected therein can flow to the drain trough, which can be positioned adjacent one of the terminals. The chute can be made of an impervious fabric material which is wound upon a spool and can be unrolled from the spool as necessary. The spool can be equipped with means for biasing it toward the retracted position so that the chute is automatically kept in tension. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in the case of a ship-to-shore liquid transfer line, where the ship is capable of movement relative to the stationary shore platform, and the tensioned chute can automatically compensate for this movement. v

The drain trough can be equipped with a liquid level sensing means to signal the presence of a predetermined level of liquid in the trough, thus providing a warning ofa leak or spill. The senser can be in the form of a float connected to a means for providing an audible or visual warning, or it can be arranged to shut down automatically the pumps moving the liquid.

In another embodiment, this novel liquid spill collection system includes a collector hose of diameter larger than the diameter of the liquid transfer line and which is positioned about the liquid transfer line and extends coextensively therewith between the sending terminal and the receiving terminal. One end of the collector hose terminates in the drain trough. In operation, the collector hose collects any liquid leakage or spillage from the transfer line and delivers it to the drain trough. The collector hose can be of the extensible type and can be combined with a telescoping boom to provide automatic compensation for relative movement between the two terminals. The collector hose can be ,used alone or in combination with the above described collector chute.

Suitable support equipment such as cranes to handle the hoses and chute and auxiliary pumps to empty the drain trough can be used with the above described spill collection system. The operation of the system is also enhanced when equipped with other features such as means signalling the over-extension of the chute or collector hose. Power drive means for rolling and unrolling the chute can be provided, as can a drain trough and return line to the liquid supply or liquid receiving reservoir.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel liquid spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between two terminals.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel liquid spill collection system capable of compensating for relative movement between two liquid transfer terminals.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel liquid spill collection system that signals the occurrence ofa spill or leak.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel liquid spill collection system that signals excessive relative movement between two liquid transfer terminals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view ofa first embodiment of the spill collection system of this invention installed between a ship and a stationary platform;

FIG. 2 is a showing of a preferred arrangement of elements on the stationary platform of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken through line 33 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention installed between a ship and a stationary platform;

FIG. 5 is a showing of a preferred arrangement of elements on the stationary platform of the system shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a section taken through line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side view of still another embodiment of the invention in the extended position installed between a ship and a stationary platform; and

FIG. 8 is a side view of the system of FIG. 7 in the retracted position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THe invention described herein is adaptable for use in virtually any situation in which liquid is moved by means of a transfer line between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal. The invention is particularly useful in a transfer of liquids, such as petroleum products, between a ship and a stationary shore platform. In order to illustrate the depth of the invention and to highlight the novel features thereof, the invention is described herein in the context of moving a liquid, such as oil, from a ship to a stationary shore station, although the invention is not to be construed as limited to this particular situation. Furthermore, also for purposes of explanation, the system is described in terms of liquid being pumped from the ship to the shore platform, although the invention would function in a similar manner if the liquid were being pumped from the shore platform to the ship.

In FIG. 1 the elements of the invention are shown in general terms. A ship is positioned alongside a stationary shore platform 11 upon which the equipment for the liquid spill collection system is positioned. Ship 10 has a liquid sending terminal 12. A liquid transfer line in the form of a transfer hose 14 is connected at one end to liquid sending terminal 12 located on ship 10 and is wound upon a reel and connected to a liquid receiving terminal 16 located on stationary platform 11. It is not necessary that transfer hose 14 be stored upon a reel; it could simply be coiled on platform 11 or could be provided with other retracting and storing means. Also, the transfer line need not be in the form of a hose 14, but could be a pipeline. Handling of transfer hose 14 is facilitated by the use of a crane 17. Liquid receiving terminal 16 is connected to a liquid storage reservoir, not shown. The liquid can be moved to or from a ship by pump means, not shown, located either on ship 10 or on platform 11. A drain trough 20 is positioned on stationary platform 11 adjacent receiving terminal 16 to receive liquid collected by the system. Hose reel 15 and receiving terminal 16 are mounted in a drain trough 20. Originating in drain trough 20 and spanning the distance between liquid receiving terminal 16 and liquid sending terminal 12 is a liquid collection chute 21. Chute 21 is positioned beneath transfer hose 14 and outer end 22 is attached to the ship adjacent to sending terminal 12 by conventional means. Normally, outer end 22 is attached as closely as possible to terminal 12, but it could be attached to the gunwale or the side of ship 10, if desired. Any spillage or leakage from hose 14 or from the connection with sending terminal 12 is received by chute 21. Since reel 15 and receiving terminal 16 are positioned within the confines of trough 20, liquid leaking from these places is also collected by trough 20. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, chute 21 is inclined such that the liquid collected in chute 21 can flow into trough 20. Generally, in a ship-to-shore installation, the stationary shore platform is lower than the liquid terminal located on the ship throughout all phases of the operation, whether the ship is being loaded or unloaded, and therefore trough 20 can be positioned on the stationary platform. However, if the stationary platform were higher than the ship, trough 20 could be installed on the ship.

One of the novel features of this invention is its ability to compensate for relative movement of ship 10 with respect to stationary platform 11. For example, as the liquid is pumped from ship 10, the ship will rise in the water, thus increasing the angle of chute 21 as well as the distance between ship 10 and stationary platform 11. Extensible chute 21 extends or retracts automatically to adjust for the change in distance between ship 10 and platform 11. Of course, if the liquid is being moved from the stationary platform 11 to ship 10, the opposite will occur and the invention is similarly well equipped to compensate for the lowering ofship 10 in the water. Chute 21 can be of impervious fabric sheet or of other suitable structure such as a longitudinally expandable accordion type construction.

FIG. 2 is a close-up of the details of the invention, shown as installed on stationary platform 11. Transfer hose 14 is carried by hose reel 15 to which receiving terminal 16 is connected. Extending from receiving terminal 16 is a pipeline 25 which passes the received liquid to a reservoir or other storage facility, not shown. Of course if ship 10 is being loaded, liquid will be pumped from a reservoir outward through pipeline 25 and terminal 16 to ship 10. Reel 15 and receiving terminal 16 are carried by a base 26 which is mounted in trough 20 so that any spillage or leakage from reel 15 or receiving terminal 16 is collected in trough 20.- Also mounted in trough 20 is a spool 28 upon which chute 21 is wound. Spool 28 can be driven by a motor 29 and belt 30 to facilitate the extension or retraction of chute 21. It is advantageous to keep chute 21 under tension and this can be provided by means of motor 29 or by a conventional biasing mechanism mounted internally in spool 28. Keeping chute 21 under constant tension promotes drainage into trough 20, as well as allowing chute 21 to extend or retract automatically to compensate for changes in distance between sending terminal 12 and receiving terminal 16. Hose 14 can be similarly equipped by-providing hose reel 15 with a conventional tensioning device, not shown.

The appearance ofa leak or spill is an indication that a dangerous situation is present. As a further novel feature, this invention provides a means for detecting and signalling the presence of leakage or spillage. This is accomplished by means of a liquid level sensing device which can be in the form ofa float means 40 positioned in trough 20 in such a manner as to respond to the presence ofa predetermined level of liquid in the bottom of trough 20. Float means 40 can be connected to a signalling mechanism, not shown, which will signal the presence of the predetermined level of liquid in the bottom of the trough 20 by audible or visual signal, by shutting down the pumps or by other action which would halt or divert the flow of liquid. The electrical circuitry and elements for such systems are conventional and are not shown.

It is desirable to make trough 20 of such size as to be able to handle an appreciable amountof leakage or spillage in the event ofa major emergency. However, if trough 20 is of large size it is difficult to sense the presence of a small amount of spillage or leakage, and thus valuable lead time in handling a potential emergency can be lost. Therefore, the invention can be provided with an inner trough 41 of a volume less then trough 20 in which spool 28 is mounted. The liquid level sensing means float 40'is also mounted in inner trough 41 and responds to the level of liquid therein. Thereby, liquid collected in chute 21 will drain initially into inner trough 41 where its presence will be'sensed by float 40. When inner trough 41 is filled to capacity, it overflows into drain trough 20. Likewise, leakage from receiving terminal 16 or from reel 15 can be collected in a smaller trough, not shown, in a manner similar to that provided for reel 28 and having a second sensing and signalling system. Trough 20 can also be provided with a return line 43 so that the liquid collected therein can be removed.

FIG. 3 shows the relationship between chute 21 and liquid transfer hose I4. Chute 21 can be provided with stiffening cables 44 along each side in order to facilitate handling and attachment to ship and to provide stiffness. Chute 21 is shown with an arcuate cross-section, but any cross-section suitably channeling the collected liquid is proper, including those having upstanding side walls.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of the invention which can be used alone or in combination with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. As was the case with the first embodiment, the embodiment pictured in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, while shown in use with a ship and a stationary short platform, can also equally well be used in other liquid transfer environments. Looking now to FIG. 4, a ship 10 is positioned adjacent a stationary platform 11. Ship I0 is provided with a liquid sending station 12. Connected between sending terminal 12 and a receiving terminal on stationary platform ll, is a liquid transfer hose 50, only a portion of which is visible in FIG. 4. Surrounding liquid transfer hose 50 and coextensive therewith, is a collector hose 52. Platform 1] is provided with a drain trough 53 and with suitable means such as a crane 54 for handling the combined

hoses

50 and 52. Collector hose 52 surrounds liquid transfer hose 50 completely from sending terminal 12 to drain trough 53 so that any spillage or leakage from transfer hose 50 or its connection to sending terminal 12 will be collected by collector hose 52 and directed thereby into drain trough 53. The coupling that receives transfer hose 50 at terminal 12 can be provided with an outer coupling to receive collector hose 52, thus insuring that leakage from the coupling of transfer hose 50 and terminal 12 is collected. Collector hose 52 is preferably of accordiantype extensible structure.

FIG. 5 shows the details of the arrangement of the device pictured in FIG. 4 on the stationary platform. Liquid transfer hose 50 terminates at a liquid receiving terminal 55 carried by stationary platform 11. Collector hose 52 terminates within drain trough 53. As was described above with regard to the other embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous to provide drain trough 53 with a means for sensing the presence of liquid therein such as a float senser 56. Float senser 56 can be installed on trough 53 itself, or an inner trough 57 can be provided and senser 56 can be positioned therein. This provides the added advantage of allowing a large trough 53 to be used to provide for the contingency of a great amount of spillage, while still being able to sense the presence ofa small amount ofliquid in inner trough 57. Drain trough 53 can be provided with a return line 58. Transfer hose is illustrated here as not being mounted on a reel. Upon retraction, transfer hose 50 is simply coiled or faked in trough 53.

FIG. 6 shows the relationship between liquid transfer hose 50 and collector hose 52. Collector hose 52 is provided with conventional means for facilitating handling, such as collars or handling cables, not shown.

Many additional accessories can also be used with this invention. For example, when transferring liquids whose viscosity increases at low temperatures excessive pressures can develop in the system, often resulting in hose or connection rupture. To minimize this problem, heating means can be provided for the liquid transfer hose 50. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, heating tubes 59 can be positioned in collector hose 52 adjacent to transfer hose 50. Heating tubes 59 can contain circulating heated fluid or electric heating elements. Heating tubes 59 can also be provided in troughs 53 and 57 to heat hose 50 while it is coiled therein. While illustrated only in regard to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, it should be understood that hose and trough heating elements can be provided with the other embodiments of the invention.

Shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is an embodiment of the invention in which the collector hose is combined with an extensible support boom. A ship having superstructure 71 has a liquid sensing terminal 72. Superstructure 71 includes a boom attachment hook 73 and an electrical power supply junction box 74. Stationary shore platform 76 is equipped with a drain trough 77 having an inner trough 78 with liquid level sensing means 79 therein. Trough 77 is also provided with a drain line 80.

A liquid transfer hose 92 is coiled within trough 77 and extends from a liquid receiving terminal 93 to liquid sending terminal 72. Surrounding transfer hose 92 and coextensive therewith is a collector hose 95 which terminates at one end 96 attached to trough 77 and in communication therewith, and at the other end in a collar 97 fixedly attached to transfer hose 92. Collector hose 95 is of accordian-type extensible construction and is shown in FIG. 7 in the extended position. Collector hose 95 functions to collect spillage or leakage in the same manner as described above with regard to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

Support for transfer hose 92 and collector hose 95 is provided by a novel structure having an extensible boom 99 with

sections

99a, 99b and 99c. Boom 99 is mounted on a swivel base 101 and is provided with suitable conventional mechanisms and controls for elevating, extending and retracting. Section 990 terminates in a shackle I02 that is attached to book 73 to anchor boom 99 to ship 70. A plurality of rods 104 extend downwardly from

sections

99a, 99b and 99c terminating in sleeves 105a, l05b and 1056 through which

hoses

92 and 95 are passed. Collar 97 is attached to sleeve 1050, but

hoses

92 and 96 are slidably supported by sleeves 105a and 10512 and are not attached thereto. Therefore, as boom 99 is extended or retracted,

hoses

92 and 96 are moved therewith, collector hose 96 collapsing to the shorter length while transfer hose 92 is simply pushed back into trough 77. Although not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, transfer hose 92 could be provided with receiving means such as a reel.

In operation, boom 99 is extended outwardly and is attached to ship 70 by means of hook 73 and shackle I02. Transfer hose 92 and collector hose 96 will extend outwardly along with boom 99. Transfer hose 92 is then connected to terminal 72. The drive mechanisms for boom 99 are now deenergized so that boom 99 is free to move in response to the movement of ship 70. As boom 99 extends or retracts,

hoses

92 and 96 do likewise, and the result is a novel cooperating boom and hose structure that automatically compensates for relative movement between

terminals

72 and 95. Of course, collector hose 96 functions to collect and deliver to trough 77 any spillage or leakage from transfer hose 92. As described above with regard to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, collector hose 96 can fit over the coupling on terminal 72 to collect any leakage issuing therefrom. FIG. 8 shows this embodiment of the invention in the retracted position.

In addition to the warning system provided by float senser 79 in the manner described above, this embodiment of the invention can be equipped with a senser warning of over-extension of boom 99 and

hoses

92 and 96. An electric power cable 110 extends from a reel 11 1 on boom 99 through a series of guides 112 to a junction box 114 and hence to junction box 74 on ship 70. Cable 110 is connected to a power supply box 115. Reel 111 is spring loaded to extend or retract cable 110 as boom 99 extends or retracts. Cable 110 can be utilized to supply shore power to pumps located on the ship, or can function simply as a warning device. The approaching limit of extension of boom 99 is sensed by the similarly extending cable 110 by means contained in reel ill, or by the parting of cable 110 at a plugjoint located along cable 110, and not shown. As an example, the senser contained in reel 111 can be a follower camming on the amount of cable 110 contained on a spool and activating the senser mechanism if the amount of cable on the spool falls below a predetermined minimum. However accomplished, this sensing by cable 110 of an approaching over-extension is manifested in an audible or visual warning or the termination of power to the pumps, whether located on ship or shore. As shown, power to ship pumps flows through cable 110, so parting of the cable would terminate this power. Thus, liquid would cease to flow through transfer hose 92 before it parted due to overextension, or, as a more desirable alternative, the warning would be timely enough to allow action to be taken to prevent over-extension. Elements of these sensing, signalling and power termination systems are conventional and are not illustrated in detail.

Of course, many variations of the arrangement shown in the above drawings for all the elements concerned with the invention are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, while liquid transfer hose has been shown in one embodiment as arranged on a reel and in another embodiment of a fixed length, this is to be considered as illustrative only and not limiting. Similarly, the configuration and arrangement of the drain troughs and the positioning of certain elements therein, while providing an advantageous arrangement as shown, can also be altered within the scope of the invention. This invention provides a broad concept which is adaptable to many liquid transfer situations. It is particularly useful in the situation where liquids such as petroleum products are being transferred between a ship terminal and a shore terminal.

in the drawings and descriptions above, the invention has been illustrated with the liquid receiving terminal being positioned on the stationary platform. This, of course, is not a requirement for the inventive concept would be equally applicable if the reverse were true. In fact, all of the elements which form the basic parts of the invention are compact and can easily be positioned on and carried by a vehicle such as a ship, bearing in mind that as described above, both the chute and the collector hose are most workable when inclined downwardly toward the drain trough. However, if the reverse were true auxiliary pump means could be provided to continuously empty the liquid collected in the chute or the collector hose into a drain trough, such auxiliary pumping means not being shown in the drawings.

Obviously, many modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and drawings. However, the invention is not to be limited thereto, but is to be accorded the scope set forth in the appended claims.

lclaim:

l. A spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal comprising extensible chute means extendable from a retracted storage position adjacent one of said terminals to an extended position extending outwardly from said one terminal to the other of said terminals, said chute means in said extended position being alignable directly beneath saidtransfer line to collect liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line, whereby when said transfer line is installed between said terminals, said extensible chute means can be extended from said retracted storage position to said extended position, and a drain trough in communication with said extensible chute means to receive liquid collected by said extensible chute means.

2. A spill collection system according to claim 1 wherein said extensible chute means is wound upon a spool positioned adjacent to one of said terminals and is movable between a retracted position of said spool and an extended position extending to the other of said terminals.

3. A spill collection system according to claim 2 wherein said spool includes means biasing said chute toward said retracted position.

4. A spill collection system according to claim 2 wherein said drain trough is adjacent one of said terminals and communicates with the end of said extensible chute adjacent said one of said terminals.

5. A spill collection system according to claim 4 wherein said spool is mounted in said drain trough.

6 A spill collection system according to claim 5 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence of a predetermined level ofliquid in said drain trough.

7. A spill collection system according to claim 5 further comprising an inner trough mounted in said drain trough and having a capacity less than the capacity of said drain trough, said spool being mounted in said inner trough, and liquid level sensing means mounted in said inner trough to signal the presence in said inner trough of a predetermined level of liquid.

8. A spill collection system according to claim 1 wherein one of said terminals is positioned in said drain trough.

9. A spill collection system according to claim 1 wherein said chute means comprises a collector hose of diameter greater than the diameter of said transfer line, said collector hose surrounding said transfer line and being coextensive therewith between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal, one end of said collector hose terminating in said drain trough and in com-.

munication therewith, whereby liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line is collected in said collector hose and passed therefrom to said drain trough.

10. A liquid spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal comprising:

a drain trough positioned adjacent one of said terminals,

an extensible collector hose having a diameter greater than the diameter of said transfer line, said collector hose being extendable from a retracted storage position adjacent one of said terminals to an extended position surrounding said transfer line and coextensive therewith between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal, one end of said collector hose terminating in said drain trough, whereby when said transfer line is installed between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal said extensible collector hose can be extended from said retracted storage position to said extended position to collect liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line and transfer said spilling or leaking liquid to said drain trough.

ll. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence ofa predetermined level ofliquid in said drain trough.

12. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising an inner trough mounted in said drain trough and having a capacity less than the capacity of said drain trough, said inner trough being in communication with said collector hose, and liquid level sensing means mounted in said inner trough to signal the presence in said inner trough of a predetermined level ofliquid 13. A liquid collection system according to claim 10 further comprising transfer line heating means adjacent said transfer line for a portion of the length thereof.

14. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising trough heating means positioned in said drain trough.

15. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising an extensible boom having means engaging and supporting said transfer line and said collector hose,

means adjacent one of said terminals attached to and supporting one end of said boom, and

means adjacent the other of said terminals attached to and supporting the other end of said boom, whereby said boom, said transfer line, and said collector hose can extend or retract as necessary to compensate for relative motion between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal.

16. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 15 wherein said boom comprises a plurality of telescoping sections having sleeves extending outwardly therefrom to support said transfer line and said collector hose.

17. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 16 wherein said collector hose is of accordiantype pleated construction and is fixedly attached at one end to said trough and at the other end to said boom and said transfer line.

l8. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 17 further comprising over-extension sensing and signalling means carried by said boom and responsive to the extension of said boomdpasta predetermined oint. 19. A liqui spill collection sys em according to claim 15 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence of a predetermined level ofliquid in said drain trough.

20. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 19 further comprising an inner trough mounted in said drain trough and having a capacity less than the capacity of said drain trough, said inner trough being in communication with said collector hose, and liquid level sensing means mounted in said inner trough to signal the presence in said inner trough of a predetermined level ofliquid.

21. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 15 further comprising transfer line heating means adjacent said transfer line for a portion of the length thereof.

22. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 15 further comprising trough heating means positioned in said drain trough.

Claims

1. A spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal comprising extensible chute means extendable from a retracted storage position adjacent one of said terminals to an extended position extending outwardly from said one terminal to the other of said terminals, said chute means in said extended position being alignable directly beneath said transfer line to collect liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line, whereby when said transfer line is installed between said terminals, said extensible chute means can be extended from said retracted storage position to said extended position, and a drain trough in communication with said extensible chute means to receive liquid collected by said extensible chute means.

2. A spill collection system according to claim 1 wherein said extensible chute means is wound upon a spool positioned adjacent to one of said terminals and is movable between a retracted position on said spool and an extended position extending to the other of said terminals.

6. A spill collection system according to claim 5 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence of a predetermined level of liquid in said drain trough.

9. A spill collection system according to claim 1 wherein said chute means comprises a collector hose of diameter greater than the diameter of said transfer line, said collector hose surrounding said transfer line and being coextensive therewith between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal, one end of said collector hose terminating in said drain trough and in communication therewith, whereby liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line is collected in said collector hose and passed therefrom to said drain trough.

10. A liquid spill collection system for use with a liquid transfer line connected between a sending terminal and a receiving terminal comprising: a drain trough positioned adjacent one of said terminals, an extensible collector hose having a diameter greater than the diameter of said transfer line, said collector hose being extendable from a retracted storage position adjacent one of said terminals to an extended position surrounding said transfer line and coextensive therewith between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal, one end of said collector hose terminating in said drain trough, whereby when said transfer line is installed between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal said extensible collector hose can be extended from said retracted storage position to said extended position to collect liquid spilling or leaking from said transfer line and transfer said spilling or leaking liquid to said drain trough.

11. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence of a predetermined level of liquid in said drain trough.

12. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising an inner trough mounted in said drain trough and having a capacity less than the capacity of said drain trough, said inner trough being in communication with said collector hose, and liquid level sensing means mounted in said inner trough to signal the presence in said inner trough of a predetermined level of liquid.

13. A liquid collection system according to claim 10 further comprising transfer line heating means adjacent said transfer line for a portion of the length thereof.

15. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 10 further comprising an extensible boom having means engaging and supporting said transfer line and said collector hose, means adjacent one of said terminals attached to and supporting one end of said boom, and means adjacent the other of said terminals attached to and supporting the other end of said boom, whereby said boom, said transfer line, and said collector hose can extend or retract as necessary to compensate for relative motion between said sending terminal and said receiving terminal.

17. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 16 wherein said collector hose is of accordian-type pleated construction and is fixedly attached at one end to said trough and at the other end to said boom and said transfer line.

18. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 17 further comprising over-extension sensing and signalling means carried by said boom and responsive to the extension of said boom past a predetermined point.

19. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 15 further comprising liquid level sensing means mounted in said drain trough to signal the presence of a predetermined level of liquid in said drain trough.

20. A liquid spill collection system according to claim 19 further comprising an inner trough mounted in said drain trough and having a capacity less than the capacity of said drain trough, said inner trough being in communication with said collector hose, and liquid level sensing means mounted in said inner trough to signal the presence in said inner trough of a predetermined level of liquid.