U.S. patent application number 11/684887 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-18 for method for erection of generally cylindrical structures and apparatus in accordance with the method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Agra Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pat S. Hinner.
Application Number | 20080222977 11/684887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39759995 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080222977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hinner; Pat S. |
September 18, 2008 |
METHOD FOR ERECTION OF GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL STRUCTURES AND
APPARATUS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METHOD
Abstract
A method for erecting a generally cylindrical structure such as
a tank and an apparatus erected in accordance with the method. The
method includes a step of positioning a plurality of pre-assembled
arcuate segments of a cylindrical wall at a location near a
foundation on which the structure is to be erected. A first arcuate
segment is disposed at a corresponding location on the foundation.
Subsequent arcuate segments are also disposed at intended locations
on the foundation such that segments intended to be adjacent to one
another have axially-extending edges abutting one another. When
positioning is completed such that an arcuate wall extends through
a full 360.degree., seams between the various segments are sealed
such as by welding.
Inventors: |
Hinner; Pat S.; (Gleason,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAWROCKI, ROONEY & SIVERTSON;SUITE 401, BROADWAY PLACE EAST
3433 BROADWAY STREET NORTHEAST
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
554133009
US
|
Assignee: |
Agra Industries, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39759995 |
Appl. No.: |
11/684887 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/192 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 7/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/192 |
International
Class: |
E04H 7/00 20060101
E04H007/00 |
Claims
1. A method for erecting a generally cylindrical wall of an
intended structure such that, when erected, an axis of said
structure is oriented substantially vertically, comprising the
steps of: (a) positioning a plurality of pre-assembled arcuate
segments of said cylindrical wall at a location proximate a
foundation on which said structure is to be erected; (b) disposing
a first arcuate segment at a corresponding situs on said
foundation; (c) disposing a second arcuate segment at a
corresponding situs on said foundation such that an axially
extending edge of said second arcuate segment generally abuts a
corresponding axially extending edge of said first arcuate segment;
(d) positioning one or more additional arcuate segments at
corresponding situses on said foundation such that an axially
extending edge of each of said additional arcuate segments
generally abuts a corresponding axially extending edge of an
adjacent arcuate segment, wherein said generally cylindrical wall
is completed; and (e) sealing seams defined by abutting edges.
2. A generally cylindrical wall erected in accordance with claim
1.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein axial dimensions of
said arcuate segments are generally the same.
4. A method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said axial
dimensions of said arcuate segments are generally the same as an
intended height of the intended structure.
5. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said arcuate
segments carry, spaced proximate each axially extending edge
thereof, an axially extending flange, and wherein, when an axially
extending edge of an arcuate segment generally abuts a
corresponding axially extending edge of an adjacent arcuate
segment, corresponding axially extending flanges are in
substantially full engagement along an interface.
6. A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said interface is
arcuately spaced from an abutment of said corresponding axially
extending edges.
7. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said sealing step
comprises welding adjacent arcuate segments along said abutment of
said corresponding axially extending edges.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention deals broadly with the construction
industry. More narrowly, however, it deals with the erection of
generally cylindrical structures. In a preferred embodiment, the
present invention focuses upon methods for erecting tanks for
containing fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tank containers are utilized in industry and commerce for
various purposes. In large petroleum farms, they are used to store
petroleum products during the distillation process. Tanks have
various uses in an agricultural environment. For example, they can
be used to store fertilizer or other farm fluids. In fact, the
applications for storage of liquids and gasses to which such tanks
are put is limited only by the imagination.
[0003] In the typical case, a substantially large portion of time
in assembling such tanks is performed outside in the general area
in which the tank is to be mounted on a foundation. The mating of
adjacent panels is typically accomplished by welding them together
onsite to form annular structures which are stacked to complete a
vertically-extending wall of the storage tank. An inordinate amount
of time is, therefore, dedicated to the erection of such a
structure.
[0004] Similarly, the investment in fuel and other energy costs in
operating cranes can also be excessive. This is due to the size and
weight characteristics of the assembly panels. It is also, at least
to some extent, a function of the significant amount of time which
must be invested in erecting such a tank.
[0005] It is to these dictates and drawbacks of the prior art that
the present invention is directed. It focuses upon a method for
erecting generally cylindrical storage tanks which is much less
time-consuming than any method known in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention includes a method for erecting a
generally cylindrical wall of an intended structure such as a
storage tank. Such structures, when erected, typically are disposed
about an axis which is oriented substantially vertically. In
accordance with the method of the present invention, a plurality of
arcuate segments of a cylindrical wall of the structure intended to
be erected are positioned at a location near a foundation on which
the structure is to be erected. One arcuate segment of the intended
structure, which previously was assembled inside, is disposed at a
location on the foundation which corresponds to the particular
segment. A jig can be used for this purpose. A second arcuate
segment is then disposed at a corresponding site on the foundation
such that an axially-extending edge of the second segment generally
abuts a corresponding axially-extending edge of the first arcuate
segment. One or more additional arcuate segments can then be
positioned at their corresponding locations on the foundation.
Again, corresponding axially-extending edges of the various
segments are brought into an abutting relationship wherein
corresponding edges are in substantial engagement. The generally
cylindrical wall intended to be erected is completed when all
segments have been assembled through a full 360.degree.. Once the
positioning of the various segments is completed, seams defined by
abutting edges of the segments are sealed.
[0007] It is envisioned that, in a preferred embodiment, axial
dimensions of the various arcuate segments are generally the same.
Such an axial dimension is, typically, the same as the intended
height of the structure to be erected.
[0008] Ease of assembly is facilitated by assembling the various
arcuate segments such that they carry, spaced proximate each
axially-extending edge thereof, an axially-extending flange. The
spacing of the flange from the proximate axially-extending edge is
such that, when corresponding axially-extending edges of adjacent
segments abut, corresponding axially-extending flanges are in
substantially full engagement along an interface of the
flanges.
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the interface of the
flanges is arcuately spaced from the abutment of the corresponding
axially-extending edges. Adjacent segments can, thereby, be more
easily mated to one another.
[0010] The present invention also includes a structure. The
structure invention is a generally cylindrical wall which is
erected in accordance with the present method.
[0011] The present invention is thus an improved method and
apparatus in accordance with the method for erecting a generally
cylindrical wall of a structure. More specific features and
advantages obtained in view of those features will become apparent
with reference to the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION,
appended claims and accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a storage tank
assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged sectional plan detail taken
along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 and
showing two arcuate wall segments detached and moved;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary detail taken from
the area encircled at 4 in FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the outside face of one of
the arcuate wall segments of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of the other arcuate wall
segment of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view detail along
line 7-7 in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken along line
8-8 in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken along line
9-9 in FIGS. 5 and 6; and
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view taken along
line 10-10 in FIGS. 5 and 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Referring now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference
numerals denote like elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1
illustrates a generally cylindrical structure such as a tank 20
known in commerce and industry as having innumerable applications.
Such a tank 20 has a wall 22 that, when erected, is generally
cylindrical in shape. FIG. 3 taken along reference line 3-3 shows
the generally circular cross-sectional shape. It will be understood
that using such a shape for a tank is not new and that tanks are
variously constructed to achieve such a shape. What is new in the
case of the present invention, however, is the method of
construction to achieve the cylindrical shape.
[0023] It will be understood that tanks known in the prior art
share a number of common features with a tank constructed in
accordance with the present invention. For example, FIG. 1
illustrates a foundation 24 upon which a tank 20 can be placed.
Further, the bottom 26 of the tank 20 can be generally conical in
shape, the wall sloping inwardly toward a generally
centrally-positioned drain system 28 through which liquid contents
of the tank 20 are removed therefrom. The drain system 28 includes
a conduit 30 extending from a central port 32 to a valve 34
accessible outside the foundation 24.
[0024] FIG. 1 also illustrates a roof or top wall 36 of the tank
20. Such a top wall 36 can also be generally conical with an
uppermost central location sloping downward and outward to the
periphery of an upper edge 38 of the wall.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows, in top plan, the cylindrical wall 22 of the
tank 20. In that figure, however, two adjacent arcuate segments 40
making up the wall 22 are shown at positions wherein they are not
installed to complete the wall 22 of the tank 20. The invention is
a method for erecting such a generally cylindrical wall 22 of a
tank 20. The tank 20, when erected, has an axis 42 which is
oriented substantially vertically. Arcuate segments 40 such as
those illustrated in FIG. 3 are positioned at a location proximate
the foundation 24 on which the tank 20 is to be erected. It will be
understood that such an arcuate segment 40 is typically made up of
a number of panels 44 which are welded together. Because of the
size of the panels 44 and of the arcuate segment 40 comprising
multiple panels, the manufacture of a single arcuate segment 40 can
be done, typically, within an enclosed and covered facility. It is
after the various segments 40 are completed, that they are
positioned at the location proximate the foundation 24 on which the
tank 20 is to be erected. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate two segments 40
intended to be installed adjacent one another in forming the tank
20. It will be noted that individual panels 44 making up one
segment 40 do not necessarily align, edge for edge, with panels of
the adjacent segment.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a tank wall 22 having one particular
radius of curvature. It can be the case that either the panels are
received by the manufacturer of the tank 20 in a planar
configuration and are rolled to the proper curvature, or that the
panels are pre-curved before delivery to the manufacturer of the
tank 20. In either case, the arcuity is imposed to the segment 40
at a time prior to the tank erection process. It will further be
understood that various radii of curvature can be employed, and,
where a larger tank is to be manufactured, a greater radius of
curvature will be utilized.
[0027] Once the preassembled arcuate segments 40 are complete,
however, they are positioned at the desired location. A first
arcuate segment 40 is disposed at a corresponding desired situs on
the foundation 24. A jig structure (not shown) can be utilized for
this purpose. Once the first arcuate segment 40 is placed in its
proper disposition, however, a second arcuate segment 40 is
disposed at its corresponding situs on the foundation 24. When the
segments 40 are properly positioned relative to one another, an
axially-extending edge 46 of the second arcuate segment 40
generally abuts a corresponding axially-extending edge 46 of the
first arcuate segment 40. Again, a jig can be utilized for
disposing the second arcuate segment 40 at the right location.
[0028] Additional arcuate segments 40 are introduced at their
corresponding situses on the foundation 24 so that an
axially-extending edge 46 of each of the additional arcuate
segments 40 generally abuts a corresponding axially-extending edge
46 of an adjacent arcuate segment 40. The measure of arcuity of the
segments 40 is coordinated with the width of the segments 40 so
that a full number of segments 40 will be utilized to produce a
smooth curvature wall 22.
[0029] It is, of course, desirable that the wall 22 of the tank 20,
when the tank 20 has been erected, be adequate to hold, for
example, a fluid to be loaded therein. It is envisioned, therefore,
that abutting edges 46 of the segments 40 be sealed. Sealing can be
accomplished by welding 48 adjacent arcuate segments 40 along the
line of abutment between adjacent segments 40. FIG. 2 shows a seam
48 which has been welded both to provide structural integrity and
to prevent leakage.
[0030] FIGS. 2, 7 and 8 illustrate structure by which adjacent
segments can be fitted together and securely held in place. Those
figures illustrate pairs of L-shaped stock 50, 52 which are welded
to the outside of an arcuate segment 40 proximate an
axially-extending edge 46 of a segment 40. The L-shaped stock is
staggered as at 70, however, so that, in the case of the edge 46 of
one segment 40, the stock 50 extends beyond the edge 46 of the
segment 40 and, in the case of the edge 46 of the other segment 40,
the stock 52 does not reach the edge 46 of the segment 40 to which
it is welded. The distance the stock 52 is recessed away from the
edge 46 of the segment 40 is substantially the same as the distance
the stock 50 secured to the corresponding segment edge 46 is
cantilevered beyond that edge 46. Such dimensioning facilitates
mating of edges 46 of adjacent segments 40.
[0031] As will be able to be seen, a leg 54 of one L-shaped stock
50 will extend generally perpendicular to the segment 40, and a leg
56 of the L-shaped stock 52 secured to the adjacent segment 40 will
be in an overlying relationship as at interface 58. Corresponding
axially-extending legs 54, 56 define flanges which are in
substantially full engagement along interface 58. Because of the
locations of the L-shaped stock 50, 52 relative to their
corresponding edges 46, the interface 58 is arcuately spaced from
the abutment of the corresponding axially-extending edges 46 of the
adjacent segments 40.
[0032] With the flanges in substantially full engagement along the
interface 58, they can function to assist the weld 48 along the
seam in holding the segments 40 in an integrated wall
configuration. FIGS. 2 and 7-8 illustrate apertures 60 which, when
the components are in a proper relationship relative to one
another, are in registration. With the apertures 60 so registered
and the flanges in full engagement, a bolt 62 can be inserted
through the registered apertures 60 and a nut 64 tightened onto the
bolt 62. Typically, one or more washers 66 would also be employed
to help maintain components in a securely connected array.
[0033] Typically, the segments would be secured together by the
nut-bolt arrangement prior to welding. The L-stock 50, 52 would, of
course, have been secured to segments 40 prior to mating of
adjacent segments 40, for example, by spot welding at holes 68 in
the L-stock 50, 52.
[0034] FIGS. 9 and 10 show structures similar to the L-stock
members 50, 52 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The L-stock members
50', 52' in FIGS. 9 and 10 are positioned near an annular
hoop-shaped structure 72 which is formed near the top of wall 22 of
tank 20. Hoop-like member 72 serves to support the top wall 36.
Means for securing the top wall 36 to cylindrical wall 22 can be
provided in any manner known in the prior art.
[0035] It will be understood that this disclosure, in many
respects, is only illustrative. Changes may be made in details,
particularly in matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement
of parts without exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention is as defined in the language of the
appended claims.
* * * * *