Diaphragm type breather system for sealed storage structure

摘要

An improved breather system for a sealed storage structure. An annular flexible diaphragm is located within the upper portion of the storage structure and the inner periphery of the diaphragm is sealed to a central inlet feed tube, while the outer periphery is sealed to an impervious platform that is mounted on the wall of the structure beneath the roof. A manhole is provided in the roof for entry onto the platform by workmen in order to repair or replace the diaphragm. The diaphragm and platform separate the storage structure into a lower storage chamber and an upper chamber which is exposed to the atmosphere. The diaphragm will move up and down within the structure in accordance with the pressure differential between the chambers. The diaphragm has a substantially greater surface area than the cross section area of the storage structure, so there is substantial travel between its uppermost and lowermost positions to thereby greatly increase the breathing capacity over conventional breather systems.