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Self healing leaks in liquid storage tankers

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Higgler

Electrical
Dec 10, 2003
997
US
I'm curious why there aren't floating plates tied to the inner walls of supertankers or any large liquid transporting vessel. I would think that when a hole is ripped in the side or bottom of the vessel, that these added sections would naturally move into place due to the force of the liquid exiting the hole.
I realize that poking a hole inward makes a jaggard edge, but a plate would at least slow the outflow of the liquid. I also realize there is a high amount of force from the pressure build up, the plates have to be strong. The plates could be tub shaped and possibly remote controlled to position to stop the leak. That method would minimize cost whereby only one tub shaped item with controller would be needed.
Does any such "pseudo double hull" leak fixing structure exist?
The recent spill on the East Coast makes me ponder such things.
Thoughts on the subject?
kch
 
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