U.S. patent application number 11/825051 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for modular tank unit for ship, barge and rail transportation.
Invention is credited to Nicholas W. deBerardinis.
Application Number | 20090134171 11/825051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40668838 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090134171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
deBerardinis; Nicholas W. |
May 28, 2009 |
Modular tank unit for ship, barge and rail transportation
Abstract
A modular tank unit for utilizing vessels of opportunity to
serve as carriers for transportation and handling of specialty
liquids or flowable particulate products or to serve as a terminal
ashore receiving and dispensing to truck, rail, barge or other
receiving facilities. The modular tank unit has a rectangular
intermodal framework of predetermined dimension and tare weight
permitting its transportation by cargo vessel, hopper barge and by
rail for positioning inland or at shore facilities. A tank may be
adapted for other modes of transportation and may be removably
secured within the rectangular framework. The modular tank unit in
its smaller dimension can be transported empty by rail and can be
positioned in the field by portable crane. The modular tank unit
defines a pump compartment having a pumping and draining manifold
and portable pump and valve assembly for fluid handling, enabling
the modular tank unit to be "active" for power energized pumping or
"passive" for gravity discharge.
Inventors: |
deBerardinis; Nicholas W.;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES L. JACKSON
10723 SUGAR HILL DR.
HOUSTON
TX
77042
US
|
Family ID: |
40668838 |
Appl. No.: |
11/825051 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/562 ;
220/1.5; 220/23.91; 220/630; 220/668; 220/86.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/44 20130101;
B65D 90/24 20130101; B65D 90/22 20130101; B65D 88/128 20130101;
B65D 90/0033 20130101; B65D 2590/0091 20130101; B65D 88/54
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/562 ;
220/1.5; 220/630; 220/86.1; 220/23.91; 220/668 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/12 20060101
B65D088/12; B65D 88/10 20060101 B65D088/10 |
Claims
1. A modular tank unit comprising: a generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework defining a plurality of upper and lower
corners and having a standard intermodal width and length, and a
maximum intermodal height of substantially 17 feet and having
sufficient structural integrity for lifting and movement of said
generally rectangular tank framework by crane, fork-lift and other
container handling apparatus, said generally rectangular intermodal
tank framework defining a tank receptacle; international standard
intermodal lifting and locking fittings being fixed at said
plurality of upper and lower corners of said generally rectangular
tank framework; and a tank being located within said tank
receptacle and being supported by said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework.
2. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: fork-lift
receptacles being defined by said generally rectangular tank
framework and having sufficient structural integrity to permit
handling of said generally rectangular tank framework and a tank by
a fork-lift truck; and said tank being composed of a plurality of
tank panels mounted within said generally rectangular intermodal
tank framework and causing said tank to have a generally
rectangular configuration.
3. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of
tank supports being located within said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework; and said tank being removably supported
by said plurality of tank supports and being adapted for other
modes of transportation.
4. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: a tank support
structure being secured within said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework and having tank support members
configured for supporting a tank of a particular geometry; and a
plurality of lifting and locking socket fittings being mounted to
said tank support structure and facilitating locked retention of
said tank support structure within said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework.
5. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: said generally
rectangular intermodal tank framework having the general form of a
parallelepiped having bottom wall framework members; said tank
being defined by tank panels fixed to said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework and defining at least one sloping bottom
wall of said at least one tank and being in supported engagement
with said bottom wall framework members; a sump arranged to receive
liquid residue within said tank and being collected from said
sloping bottom wall; and a controllable tank filling and discharge
mechanism supported by said generally rectangular intermodal tank
framework and being in fluid handling communication with said tank
and said sump.
6. The modular tank unit of claim 5, comprising: said controllable
tank filling and discharge mechanism being releasably mounted to
said tank framework.
7. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: said tank being
defined by a plurality of substantially flat panels each being
fixed to one another and being supported by said generally
rectangular intermodal tank framework; and
8. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: a pump receptacle
being mounted on generally rectangular intermodal tank framework
and being located externally of said tank; and a pump and manifold
system being located in said pump receptacle and being selectively
operated to pump fluid into said tank and being selectively
operated to discharge fluid from said tank.
9. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: said generally
rectangular intermodal tank framework and said tank being supported
on a truck bed for highway transportation; and said generally
rectangular intermodal tank framework and said tank having an
intermodal height, together with the height of the truck bed, not
exceeding 13 feet and having an intermodal width of substantially 8
feet, permitting highway transportation thereof.
10. The modular tank unit of claim 1, comprising: said tank being
supported in removable assembly with said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework; and fluid inlet and discharge conduits
being provided for said tank and permitting filling and discharge
thereof.
11. The modular tank unit of claim 10, comprising: tank supports
being located within said generally rectangular intermodal tank
framework and receiving a rail car tank in releasably supported
relation and permitting intermodal transportation thereof.
12. A modular tank unit for intermodal transportation and for land
based terminating, comprising: a generally rectangular intermodal
tank framework having the footprint of a standardized cargo
container and defining upper and lower corners and a maximum
intermodal width of 8 feet, an intermodal length, and a maximum
intermodal height of 17 feet, said generally rectangular intermodal
tank framework defining a tank receptacle and having sufficient
structural integrity for lifting and movement thereof by crane,
fork-lift and other conventional container handling apparatus; a
tank located within said tank receptacle and together with said
generally rectangular intermodal tank framework having a tare
weight permitting transportation thereof by cargo vessels, waterway
hopper barges and rail cars; and lifting and locking sockets being
mounted to said generally rectangular intermodal tank framework and
receiving lifting devices permitting lifting and handling of said
modular tank unit by crane, permitting locking of stacked modular
tank units and permitting modular tank units to be locket together
on block.
13. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: a pump and
manifold assembly being removably mounted to said tank framework
and being selectively positioned in releasable fluid pumping
connection with said tank and being operated to selectively
discharge fluid from said tank and pump fluid into said tank
14. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: said tank being
composed of a plurality of tank panels fixed to said generally
rectangular intermodal tank framework and defining top, bottom,
side and end walls forming a tank configuration of substantially
rectangular parallelepiped form, said bottom wall having sloping
bottom surfaces sloping to a sump,
15. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: said tank and
said generally rectangular intermodal tank framework defining a
pump compartment within said tank framework and externally of said
tank; and a pump and valve controlled manifold assembly being
mounted within said pump compartment and being connected in pumping
communication with said tank.
16. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: tank supports
being located within said generally rectangular intermodal tank
framework and receiving a rail car tank in releasably supported
relation and permitting intermodal transportation thereof.
17. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: a tank support
structure being positioned within said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework and having a plurality of tank supports
of a configuration corresponding to the configuration of said tank
and having a plurality of lifting and locking sockets establishing
selective locking of said tank support structure within said
generally rectangular intermodal tank framework; and said tank
being a railway car tank removed from its railway wheel assembly
and being positioned within said generally rectangular intermodal
tank framework and in supported relation with said plurality of
tank supports and being secured to said generally rectangular
intermodal tank framework by said plurality of lifting and locking
sockets and retainer members.
18. The modular tank unit of claim 12, comprising: a power
energized fluid handling system having fluid connections for
filling and discharge connection with said tank; and said power
energized fluid handling system having a mounting framework
containing a motor driven pump, a pump control system and pump
conduits and having mounting devices for mounting thereof
externally of said tank framework.
19. The modular tank unit of claim 17, comprising: said plurality
of multidimensional metal panels being corrugated metal panels.
20. The modular tank unit of claim 17, comprising: said plurality
of multidimensional metal panels being flat metal panels
cooperatively defining smooth internal tank wall surfaces and
defining a tank structure suitable for storage and transportation
of food products; and a plurality of fillet panels being connected
with said multidimensional metal panels at top, bottom and side
walls of said tank structure and defining smoothly curved surfaces
facilitating ease of tank cleaning.
Description
RELATED INVENTIONS
[0001] Portable liquid cargo tanks or containers capable of being
employed for instant terminaling and ship conversion have been
developed as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,365,980 and 5,460,208,
both issued to Nicholas W. deBerardinis, the inventor of the
subject matter presented herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to containers or
tanks within which liquid or fluidized solid particulate cargo can
be stored and can be transported by differing types of cargo
carriers including ship, open inland hopper barge and rail
transportation systems. The containers or tanks are designed to be
releasably retained by the cargo carrier systems and are
transferable from one container adapted cargo carrier system to
another. More particularly, the present invention concerns a
self-contained liquid cargo container having integrated therewith a
replaceable pumping and valve controlled manifold system for
loading and discharging liquid cargo as desired and for
transferring liquid cargo from one tank to another. The present
invention also concerns storage and transportation tanks that are
capable of being employed as instant cargo terminating for storage
and distribution and have maximum limitations of height, width and
length that facilitate transportation of a predetermined volume of
product and can be shipped either empty or completely filled and
without any requirement for special permits for handling by
container ship, hopper barge and lowboy trucks.
[0004] This invention also relates to a container capable of use as
a prefabricated, self-contained and self-supporting liquid products
terminal transportable to remote locations for immediate use for
storing and dispensing liquid products in large quantities ("bulk
liquids"). In addition, the container can be combined with other
containers to form a series of containers serving as a single large
but portable terminal facility. The container either can be active
and dispense its liquid product by a pump, or it can be passive and
dispense its liquid products by gravity or by attachment to an
external pump, such as a portable pump or a connection in series to
an active container. In addition, the modular tank unit may also be
used to easily convert all or part of a dry cargo vessel, waterway
barge or rail car to a temporary or permanent liquid products
carrier.
[0005] This invention also relates to methods of using a container
to quickly and easily create a bulk liquid products storage and
dispensing terminal facility for flammable, explosive, hazardous
and non-hazardous liquid products, as well as certain flowable bulk
dry products, even in remote and primitive locations lacking basic
support services such as electricity. Such a facility would be
capable of storing and dispensing such products immediately upon
arrival.
[0006] This invention also relates to methods of using a container
to quickly and easily convert all or part of a dry cargo vessel,
hopper barge or rail car into a carrier for flammable, explosive,
hazardous and non-hazardous liquid products.
[0007] This invention also concerns methods of using two or more
containers to establish a loaded terminal facility at a location
previously lacking available terminal facilities for bulk
flammable, explosive, hazardous and non-hazardous liquid products
and bulk pneumatically flowable dry particulate products.
[0008] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0009] Bulk liquids are traditionally transported in specialized
tanker vessels. These ships are relatively few in number compared
to dry cargo vessels and require specialized terminal facilities
for discharging their cargo ashore for storage and further
distribution. These bulk liquid terminals are usually provided with
a power source to pump the stored liquid out of the terminal.
[0010] Dry cargo vessels are generally configured to transport a
plurality of containers of standardized sizes and shapes
("standardized cargo containers") which are described below. The
conversion of dry cargo vessels into liquid product carriers is
desirable in order to increase the number of vessels able to carry
bulk liquid products. Further, the use of multiple discrete liquid
product containers to convert the dry cargo vessels for liquid
handling capability is preferred in order to maximize the increased
flexibility conversion offers in determining the portion of a
vessel's dry cargo capacity to convert into liquid cargo
capacity.
[0011] In addition, many commonly transported and stored liquid
products require certain safety features on their containers.
Petroleum products, for example, require that pressures within a
container be maintained within a certain range in order to prevent
the development of an explosive or combustible condition within a
tank or an implosion of the tank should a negative internal
pressure be developed. Also, an inert gas blanket must fill the
ullage (the space between the surface of the liquid and the top
wall of the container) in order to prevent an explosive or
combustible gas mixture from developing. Oxygen-containing gases,
such as air, must be excluded from any place in which petroleum
vapor might gather in a dangerous quantity, therefore, a proper
venting system is required. Fire-fighting or fire-prevention
systems also may be needed. Tanks for petroleum products may be
provided with a fire retardant foam generation system which will be
automatically energized in the event an elevated threshold
temperature is sensed internally or externally of the tank or
container.
[0012] Many locations have the ability to make liquid products from
local raw materials, but currently lack a terminal facility or tank
farm to store the manufactured liquid products pending the arrival
of an appropriate carrier. Therefore, these locations export raw
solid materials instead of manufactured liquid products, to their
economic detriment. It is desirable therefore to provide modular
tank units that can be used individually or in concert to provide a
storage and terminating facility without necessitating the time and
expense for construction of a permanent terminating facility.
[0013] Currently, a liquid products terminal facility or tank farm
able to receive off-loaded bulk liquid cargo or to store bulk
liquid cargo pending the arrival of a liquid products carrier must
be constructed using traditional means encompassing much expense,
pre-planning and requiring a lengthy period of time for its
construction.
[0014] The inventor, except for the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,365,980 and 5,460,208, mentioned above, is not aware of any
container that can be used to convert all or part of a dry products
carrier into a liquid products carrier and that can also be used as
a transportable, prefabricated bulk liquid products terminal
capable of rapidly creating a storage and dispensing facility for
bulk liquid products even in remote and primitive areas or to be
easily loaded and unloaded aboard a dry cargo vessel. Further, this
inventor is not aware of the existence of portable products
containers that are of specific dimensional and volumetric ranges
to permit their transportation by cargo vessels, hopper barges and
railway hopper cars.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,746,034 to Ata et al. discloses a portable
liquid container which can be stacked up to three units high. When
stacked, the containers can be connected in a manner permitting the
upper tanks to drain into the lowest tank. Liquid is discharged
solely by gravity through a valve located underneath the container
which is connected by a pipe to a hole located in the lowest point
of a floor which has four sloping triangular portions whose apices
converge at the lowest point.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,973 to Wiese discloses a storage tank
having a double-walled bottom which permits the insulation of the
tank bottom, and a flanged discharge valve suitable for the
double-walled bottom configuration for gravity discharge of the
liquid.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 2,328,080 to Hansen discloses a stationary
storage tank located inside a housing designed to reduce
condensation and with a hood or cowl located over the tank to
facilitate the exit of fumes from the housing and to prevent
moisture, dirt and other undesirable elements from entering the
housing.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 3,814,290 to Gerhard discloses the use of a
trough in the interior of a tank to promote easy draining and
cleaning of a liquid cargo tank that has a plurality of
compartments.
[0019] The above containers are not specifically designed to serve
as a dual purpose transportation container and terminal for storing
and dispensing bulk liquid products, including flammable or other
hazardous liquid products. None provide access for a person to
enter the container, none has an active means of pumping the stored
liquid out of the container, none has an active fire protection or
control means attached, nor does any have a means for providing and
maintaining an inert gas cover when necessary or required, or for
venting the container other than directly into the atmosphere at
the tank top.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,139 to Lohse discloses a detachable
power unit comprising an internal combustion engine and an energy
transducer for attachment to freight containers.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 3,386,605 to Lafont discloses a large plastic
bag able to permit standard modular size demountable cargo
containers to carry bulk liquid cargo instead of packaged
cargo.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,143,588 to Exler discloses a ventilation
system comprising walls and channels inside a "deepfreeze"
container to maintain an even temperature and humidity throughout
the interior of the container transporting standard dry cargo at a
controlled temperature.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 2,954,003 to Farrell et al. discloses a liquid
products tank capable of transporting liquified gas at low
temperatures in the hold of a ship using cables, keys and keyways
to secure the tank so that changes in the size of the tank due to
temperature extremes will not affect the ability of the ship to
transport the tank. The tank is suspended within a thermal barrier
so that it may carry cryogenic cargo without significant warming
and without harmful contact with the ship's structure.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 3,067,713 to Meesen discloses a freighter for
low-temperature liquified gas comprising tanks of light alloy metal
mounted in a series of corrugated and beveled guides within the
insulated hold of a ship to allow movement of the tank in all
directions due to changes in tank dimensions brought about by
temperature extremes of the liquified gas cargo to be carried in
the tanks.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 3,115,984 to Henry et al. also discloses a
tanker for carrying low-temperature liquified gas comprising at
least one multiple compartment tank in an insulated hold specially
constructed for use aboard the tanker.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,803 to Sylverest discloses a
self-contained and self-powered sea terminal which floats on the
surface of the sea designed to store and discharge liquids through
pumps located onboard the terminal.
[0027] None of these prior art references discloses the degree of
transportability and features necessary to allow a container for
flammable, explosive, hazardous, or non-hazardous liquid products
both to be carried aboard a dry cargo vessel thereby permitting its
use as a liquid products carrier), and to be used as a
prefabricated, transportable liquid products terminal facility for
use in areas lacking needed terminal facilities. These features in
a container allow the shipment of liquid products aboard a greater
number of types of vessels and to a greater number of places.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a
liquid products container that can be transported to a desired
location lacking a liquid products terminal or tank farm (even to a
remote location lacking an available electrical supply), and can
serve as a prefabricated, self-contained terminal immediately able
to store and dispense flammable, hazardous or explosive liquid
cargo, as well as non-hazardous liquid cargo and many types of
pneumatically flowable pulverulent dry bulk cargo, such as cement,
lime, sulphur, etc.
[0029] It is another object of this invention to provide a
multiple-container liquid products terminal facility wherein each
of the containers is provided with a protective compartment which
is adapted to receive a portable or replaceable power energized
pumping and valving system permitting power energized fluid
handling to and from single or multiple containers when the
containers are situated within a carrier or are employed in concert
to create a terminating facility.
[0030] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
multiple-container liquid products terminal facility at a remote
location without undue expense or unnecessary duplication of
equipment by using a single active container in association with
one or more passive containers, or by using one or more passive
containers in association with some other external pump source or
in a location and manner permitting gravity discharge of the
containers' contents.
[0031] It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
liquid products container that can carry many types of liquid cargo
and be easily loaded onto and carried aboard a dry cargo vessel,
thereby converting said vessel in whole or in part to a liquid
products carrier and increasing the amount and type of
transportation available to carry bulk liquid cargo.
[0032] It is another object of this invention to provide a storage
container for liquid products capable of dispensing its liquid
product immediately upon its arrival and filling at a desired
location, even in a remote area.
[0033] It is a still further object of this invention to provide an
economically efficient means for remote locations to store and
dispense various amounts of bulk liquid cargo under necessary
storage conditions pending the arrival of an appropriate
carrier.
[0034] It is a still further object of this invention to provide a
method for increasing the number of vessels able to serve as an
appropriate carrier for bulk liquid products or bulk flowable dry
products.
[0035] It is a principal feature of the present invention to
provide a novel portable liquid cargo container or tank that can be
secured within and transported by a wide range of different cargo
carrying systems including container carrying cargo vessels, open
inland hopper barges operating in rivers and intercoastal
waterways, railway hopper cars, container handling trucking systems
and the like.
[0036] It is another feature of the present invention to provide a
novel portable liquid cargo container or tank that can be employed
for liquid cargo storage and transportation and has the facility
for shore-side storage and liquid cargo handling and also has the
facility for independent movement on bodies of water by means of
tow-boats and the like.
[0037] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a
novel portable liquid cargo container or tank that incorporates an
on-board pumping and fluid handling system having a power energized
pump, desired piping, hoses and valves to permit power energized
loading and off-loading of liquid cargo and permits transfer of
liquid cargo between similar tanks.
[0038] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a
novel portable liquid cargo container or tank that incorporates an
on-board pumping and fluid handling system that is designed and
installed in a manner facilitating simple and efficient
installation and removal from a cargo transfer compartment located
within the lower portion of a tank framework and facilitates
personnel access to the cargo transfer compartment when the tank is
installed in a carrier for transportation.
[0039] It is an even further feature of the present invention to
provide a novel portable liquid cargo container or tank that may be
filled or discharged by gravity if desired and is of a particular
external dimension and geometry permitting mounting of the tank
apparatus for transportation by any of the various types of
carriers that may be used for transportation and handling.
[0040] It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a
novel portable liquid cargo container or tank having a dimension
permitting connection and locking of the bottom of the tank to
conventional container connection points and having a height that
is sufficiently low to permit a conventional barge cover to be
mounted to a barge and in covering relation with the tanks that are
secured within a barge.
[0041] Briefly, these and other objects are obtained by a liquid
products container comprising, in its preferred configuration, a
hollow body for liquid products having a size and shape able to fit
directly, without modification, into the container cells of a
containerized cargo vessel or into the hold of a bulk dry cargo
vessel for easy and rapid transportation to a remote location. The
container further preferably comprises a power source, a deep-well
pump, a firefighting system, a venting system, a pressure-control
system and an inert gas system. These features allow immediate use
of the invention as an independent terminal for bulk petroleum
products, other flammable, hazardous or explosive bulk liquid
products, and non-hazardous bulk liquid produces or flowable dry
bulk produces regardless of available shore facilities.
[0042] In its preferred configuration, this container has the
footprint of a standard shipping container with two short side
walls and two long side walls, but has the overall height of
approximately five standard shipping containers stacked one on top
of the other in their normal shipping mode. The storage tank and
supporting structure are preferably four standard shipping
containers high, and the top frame and associated devices are no
more than an additional standard shipping container in height. The
height may be varied in order to fit various dockside crane
capabilities or vessel configurations without changing the basic
function of the unit. The footprint may be varied to fit any other
mode of transportation without changing the basic function of the
unit.
[0043] The container preferably has two basic forms: passive and
active and each container is convertible from passive to active
simply by installing a replaceable power energized pumping and
valving system in a power system compartment. The container
comprises standard container lifting attachments on its top and
fork-lift channels at its bottom. It has devices for controlling
the pressure inside the container, for providing and maintaining an
inert gas cover in the ullage, and for preventing or fighting
fires. Preferably, it has two conduits and fittings at its bottom
that terminate at hose or pipe connection fittings for connection
to one or more other containers, a pipeline, or a gravity
dispensing outlet, or for connection to a dispensing valve. To
reduce clingage and residual liquid product, the bottom floor is
preferably slanted from each short side wall toward a centralized
drain section which is in communication with drainage and pumping
fittings. The drainage and pumping conduits exit the container via
hose or pipe connections that are located in the power system
compartment. In the absence of a power energized pumping and
valving system or in addition thereto, the container is capable of
being gravity drained simply by opening a drain valve within the
power system compartment. The power system compartment is of proper
dimension and location for access by personnel for operation of the
replaceable power energized pumping and valving system.
[0044] The active container comprises, in addition to the above, a
pump for pumping its cargo out and through a dispensing device such
as a loading arm (or rack), and, preferably, a meter with a prover
to measure the amount of cargo dispensed, and a power source for
the pump, which may either be connected to a local power supply,
such as steam or electricity, or to an internal combustion engine
connected to the container itself.
[0045] In its preferred method of use, an empty modular tank unit
is loaded into the hold of a dry cargo vessel. The tank unit is
then attached to a common vent system that also serves any other
similar units loaded into the same cargo hold. One or more
containers may then be filled with bulk liquid cargo (or
pneumatically flowable dry cargo), thereby converting the dry cargo
carrier at least in part into a liquid products carrier. If the
cargo is to be transported to a port lacking a liquid products
storage and dispensing facility, at least one unit remains empty.
The vessel then sails to a remote port lacking a liquid products
storage and dispensing facility.
[0046] If the remote port has a liquid products storage and
dispensing facility, the cargo can be off-loaded directly into such
facility. However, if the port lacks such a facility, the empty
unit is off-loaded first. A first full tank unit on board the
vessel then discharges its cargo into the off-loaded empty tank
unit. Once transfer of the liquid cargo into the off-loaded unit is
completed, the now-empty first tank unit is off-loaded, such as by
means of a shore based crane or shipboard crane and is then filled
with cargo from a second full unit still in the vessel's cargo
hold. This process continues until all desired units and cargo are
off-loaded. This process results in a new storage and dispensing
shore facility able to immediately dispense liquid (or flowable
dry) products.
[0047] The same process can be used to move the terminal and cargo
overland to a location remote from the shore by transporting one or
more empty containers by truck, train or other transportation means
from the port to the desired location where they are off-loaded,
transferring the cargo of a filled first container by tank truck,
tank cars, pipeline or other transportation means from the port to
the new location, filling the empty container, transporting the
now-empty first container by truck, train or other transportation
means to said location, and filling it with cargo transported by
tank truck, tank car, pipeline or other transportation means from a
second full unit. Again, this process continues until all desired
units and cargo are transported to the desired remote overland
location.
[0048] Of course, trucks, trains or other transportation means
configured for carrying standard containers can be used to
transport filled and empty containers overland as well, with the
same process as for dry cargo vessels being used for loading and
unloading.
[0049] According to the best mode of practicing the present
invention a generally rectangular portable liquid cargo container
or tank is provided having the rectangular tank footprint of a
conventional cargo container or a cargo container of other standard
dimension. Though discussed herein particularly as a liquid cargo
container or tank, it should be borne in mind that a cargo tank
embodying the principles of the present invention can also be
provided to handle pneumatically fluidized solid particulate as
well. The portable liquid cargo container or tank is provided with
locking receptacles at its bottom corners, permitting the tank to
be locked in releasable assembly within a cargo container cell of a
ship, hopper barge or rail car for safe transportation. In one form
of the invention the tank has a preferred height of 16' 6'' and a
maximum height of 17'0'' enabling the tank unit to be transported
by railway hopper cars with adequate clearance with respect to
bridges, tunnels, overhead wires and the like. When the modular
tank unit is to be transported by hopper barge on rivers or other
waterways, this maximum tank height also permits a barge cover to
be installed to cover the mounted tanks within the cargo container
cells of an inland river or waterway hopper barge.
[0050] The modular tank unit (MTU) is a portable tank which sits on
or above the ground and has a standard foot-print of a container no
higher than five container high, no wider than will fit into a
standard container cell (or multiples thereof, if adjusted to
accommodate wider tanks, and no longer will fit into a standard
container cell). The MTU is designed to have an "active" form with
its own designed pumping and draining manifold and pump system and
a "passive" form with the pumping and draining manifold and pump
system removed and limiting the MTU to gravity discharge of the
tank contents. The MTU is preferably provided with one or more
sloped bottom walls defining a sump which has communication with
the pumping and draining manifold and pump system via pumping and
draining conduits that extend into a worker accessible pump system
compartment. The pumping and draining manifold and pump system of
the MTU may be composed of metal, non-metal or composite components
and may be skid mounted so that it may be easily installed within
or removed from the worker accessible compartment. The MTU itself
may be composed or metal or non-metal components and is provided
with a system for vapor recovery and an upper wall having a worker
access hatch and access ladder, thus providing for internal tank
inspection and cleaning when needed. The MTU functions as a
self-sustained terminal for receiving or delivering liquids to or
from rail cars or trucks. Additionally, the tanks can be fitted
with apparatus for wholesale and retail dispensing. The tanks may
have fork-lift slots permitting them to be moved around for
positioning in the locale. The principle use of the MTU is to
utilize vessels of opportunity for transportation in all bodies of
water, and rail for location positioning inland or at a shore based
terminating facility.
[0051] Each of the tanks or containers of the present invention is
provided with a tank framework to which is mounted corrugated or
flat plate material that defines the sides, ends, bottom and top
walls of a sealed liquid tight tank. The bottom wall of the tank is
defined by wall panels that slope downwardly to a discharge opening
located at or near the center portion of the tank.
[0052] The sloping bottom wall of the tank, within the tank
framework, defines a fluid handling compartment within which is
located a pump and fluid handling unit having connection hoses and
conduit that are connected with a tank discharge located at the
bottom center of the tank. The pump and fluid handling unit is
provided with suitable control valves to permit filling and
discharge of one or more tanks that may be connected in series or
parallel via the use of suitable connection hoses. The pump and
fluid handling unit is in the form of a portable unit that can be
easily and simply installed or removed via the use of a fork-lift
truck.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0053] So that the manner in which the above recited features,
advantages and objects of the present invention are attained and
can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the
preferred embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended
drawings, which drawings are incorporated as a part hereof.
[0054] It is to be noted however, that the appended drawings
illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the
invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0055] In the Drawings:
[0056] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing a modular tank unit
representing the preferred embodiment and best mode of the present
invention;
[0057] FIG. 2 is an elevation view showing the right end portion of
the modular tank unit of FIG. 1;
[0058] FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the left end portion of
the modular tank unit of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 4 is a is a plan view showing the upper or top wall
portion of the modular tank unit of FIG. 1; and
[0060] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1
and showing the lower portion of the modular tank unit of FIGS.
1-4;
[0061] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the framework and wall
sheeting or panels of the lower portion of the modular tank unit of
FIGS. 1-4;
[0062] FIG. 7 is an end view showing the framework of the modular
tank unit;
[0063] FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing the framework of
the lower portion of the modular tank unit and particularly showing
the sloping bottom wall and centrally located sump;
[0064] FIG. 9 is another partial sectional view showing the
framework of the lower portion of the modular tank unit and
particularly showing the bottom wall and grating support members of
the worker access compartment;
[0065] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the worker access compartment of
the modular tank unit of FIGS. 1-4 further showing the grating
support members of the worker access compartment;
[0066] FIG. 11 is an isometric illustration of a replaceable power
energized pump and valving system which is designed for
installation in the worker accessible compartment of the modular
tank unit is FIGS. 1-10;
[0067] FIG. 12 is another isometric illustration of a replaceable
power energized pump and valving system which is designed for
installation in the worker accessible compartment of the modular
tank unit is FIGS. 1-10;
[0068] FIG. 13 is an isometric illustration showing in broken line
a generally rectangular tank framework and showing tank supports
supporting a tank within the framework;
[0069] FIG. 14 is another an isometric illustration showing the
generally rectangular tank framework of FIG. 13 and showing the
detailed configuration of the tank support members, with no tank
present within the framework;
[0070] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a tank support structure having
tank supports and either being a fixed structure within the
framework or a portable structure that is secured and locked with
respect to the framework structure;
[0071] FIG. 16 is an end view of the tank support structure showing
the configuration of the tank supports and further showing lifting
and locking sockets by which the tank support framework or tank
support structure is handled;
[0072] FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing one end portion of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention having a removable
pump and valve compartment that is located externally of the
external tank framework and further showing internal tank surfaces
having smooth intersection as is desirable for handling food grade
materials; and
[0073] FIG. 18 is a sectional view similar to that of FIG. 17,
showing a different mounting location for a removable or
non-removable fluid handling or pump and valve system.
DEFINITIONS
[0074] The term "intermodal" as used herein concerns containers and
other structures that have particular dimensions and are otherwise
adapted for some or all of the various modes of current day
transportation including sea, rail and truck transportation
systems. The term "intermodal length" as used herein concerns
containers and other devices that have a suitable length, such as
30 feet, 40 feet, 53 feet, etc that adapt them for being placed,
locked or otherwise secured in or on the transportation cells of
various sea, rail and truck carriers. The term "intermodal width"
as used herein means containers and other transportable devices
having a width of substantially 8 feet so that they may be received
within the intermodal transportation cells of various types of
carriers and having a width permitting transportation in accordance
with standard roadway regulations. The term "fluid" as used herein
is intended to encompass liquid cargo material and other solid
particulate cargo that is capable of being fluidized and caused to
flow by means of injected air or other gas.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0075] Referring now to the drawings and first to FIG. 1, a modular
tank unit is shown generally at 10 and is preferably of generally
rectangular configuration, having a tank framework structure shown
generally at 11 and providing a pair of generally parallel side
walls 12 and 14 and a pair of generally parallel end walls 16 and
18. The modular tank unit further defines a top wall structure 20
and a bottom wall structure 22. Though shown to be of generally
rectangular configuration, it is to be borne in mind that the
modular tank unit may have other forms without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Typically, however, the
modular tank unit is intended to be received and locked within the
container cells of a cargo vessel, hopper barge or train car; thus
the footprint that is defined by its bottom structure is typically
the same as that of a conventional cargo container. The bottom
portion of the framework of the modular tank unit defines corner
fittings 24, 26, 28 and 30 that receive the positioning and locking
pins of a container cell and thus permit the modular tank unit to
be precisely position and locked to the vessel or other carrier
structure. The top of the tank framework defines tank lifting
fittings 32, 34, 36 and 38 that are adapted to receive lifting
apparatus to permit lifting and handling of the tank by dock based
lifting apparatus. Preferably the tank lifting fittings are
standard container lifting sockets which are located at the upper
corners to the tank structure. The lifting sockets also permit
stacking of another modular tank unit or a cargo container to
provide for multiple stacking of tanks or containers as
desired.
[0076] The modular tank unit of the present invention has a maximum
height permitting it to fit on a standard river hopper barge and a
standard rail "well" or container car without requiring any special
adjustment or equipment. The modular tank unit has a maximum tare
weight to fit on a standard river hopper barge and a standard rail
"well" or container car without requiring any special adjustment or
equipment. The modular tank unit is also of a dimension to be
received within the hull of a river hopper barge three tanks wide
and four tanks deep to construct a tank barge with a certificate of
inspection by the United States Coast Guard. Additionally the
modular tank unit is designed to operate as a self standing
terminal ashore, meeting or exceeding safety standards and capable
of loading from and discharging to trucks and rail without needing
additional or external equipment and can be operated manually or by
remotely controlled apparatus. Though shown in the drawings as
having tank walls constructed of corrugated material such as steel,
it should be borne in mind that it is not the intention to limit
the spirit and scope of this invention to tanks with corrugated
walls. The walls of the tank may be manufactured of smooth or flat
plate material that is preferably steel, but may be composed of any
suitable non-metal material for the intended service.
[0077] The top wall 20 of the modular tank unit 10 is provided with
an access hatch 40 having a man-way hatch opening that is normally
closed by an access cover 42. The top wall may also be provided
with an inert gas injection system 44 to permit the dispensing of
an inert gas, such as nitrogen into the ullage to thus maintain a
non-combustible and non-explosive environment within the tank. The
inert gas injection system 44 includes a gas supply 45, which may
simply be in the form of a compressed gas bottle and has a pressure
regulator 47 which maintains a desired range of inert gas pressure
within the tank The top wall or any other portion of the tank may
also be provided with a system 49 for dispensing fire retardant
foam or other fire retardant medium within the tank to suppress any
fire or unusual temperature conditions that may occur within the
tank during its shipment, storage, dispensing or other
handling.
[0078] To permit worker access to the top wall 20 for purposes of
inspection or service activities, the end wall 18 is provided with
a permanently mounted ladder structure 46 that basically extends
from the bottom to the top of the framework structure of the
modular tank unit. If desired however, the ladder 46 may not be
permanently mounted to the framework structure but may be of
portable nature so that it can be moved from tank to tank as
needed.
[0079] To enable the modular tank unit to be moved about a site,
such as a terminating or dispensing site, the bottom of the
framework is provided with fork-lift openings 48 and 50. Preferably
the framework is provided with internal fork-lift tubes 47 and 49,
shown in FIG. 5, that are in registry with the openings 48 and 50
and thus permit the arms of a fork-lift truck to enter fully into
the openings without coming into contact with any other part of the
framework or bottom structure of the unit. Additionally, the
tubular members 47 and 49 are of sufficient structural integrity
that the metal will not become bent or yielded even when maximum
fork-lift forces are applied during lifting and handling of the
tank by a fork-lift truck. This feature minimizes the potential for
deformation of the tank structure when the tank is being moved
about.
[0080] As shown at the right hand portion of the elevational view
of FIG. 1 and in the end elevational view of FIG. 2 the lower
portion of one of the ends of the tank defines a worker accessible
region 52 within the generally rectangular framework. The worker
accessible region 52 is defined in part by an upper tank wall panel
54 and a substantially vertical tank wall panel 56 are fixed to
tank framework members. Opposed sides 58 and 60 and a front part 62
of the worker accessible region 52 are open except for the presence
of vertical tank framework members 64 and 66 and horizontal tank
framework members 68, thus permitting a worker to enter the worker
accessible region and conduct activities concerning pumping or
draining the tank or pumping from one tank to another. If desired,
the substantially vertical tank wall panel 56 may extend to the
upper framework members
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 the tank framework 11 provides
generally horizontal bottom support members 70 that are configured
to support a bottom tank wall 72. The generally horizontal bottom
support members 70 are configured to define sloping bottom wall
portions 74 and 76 and to define a centrally located wall portion
78 defining a sump 80 for collection of tank contents in a manner
permitting draining or pumping thereof. This feature permits
substantially all of the tank contents of the modular tank unit to
be discharged either by pumping or gravity discharge. This feature
also permits efficient cleaning of the tank, such as by internal
spray cleaning, when a modular tank unit is intended to be changed
from one fluid medium to another.
[0082] As is evident from FIGS. 9 and 10, within the worker access
compartment a support grate framework is shown generally at 82 and
includes external side framework members 84 and 86 and end
framework members 88 and 90. Internal framework strut members 92
and 94 are connected with the external framework members and divide
the grate framework into four generally rectangular framework
components. As shown in FIG. 9 a grate member 96 is shown to be
resting on and positioned by the grate framework and permits a
worker to walk on the grating to accomplish fluid handling
activities. The grating is open, thus permitting any spillage of
liquid to pass through the grating and be caught by a bottom wall
that defines the bottom wall of the worker access compartment.
Thus, nominal spillage of liquid or dry material from the tank unit
will be contained until such time as it can be recovered and
disposed of.
[0083] Within the worker access compartment may be located a power
energized pumping and valve controlled manifold system shown
generally at 100 in FIGS. 11 and 12. The modular tank unit is
provided with pump discharge conduits, each in valve controlled
communication with a power energized pump 101, that permit
selective pump discharge either into the upper portion of the tank
unit or from the lower portion or sump of the tank unit. The pump
system incorporates a manifold 102 with an appropriate conduit
arrangement permitting the pump 101 to be utilized for suction,
such as for filling of the tank from a remote source of fluid, or
for pumping, such as for discharge of fluid from the tank. The pump
is driven by an electric motor 104 The power energized pumping and
valving system may be skid mounted, thus permitting it to be
efficiently assembled to or removed from a worker access
compartment. A single replaceable power energized pumping and
valving system may be selectively employed to provide fluid
handling activities for a plurality of tank units. When a power
energized pumping and valve controlled manifold system is located
within a worker access compartment and is connected with the fill
and discharge conduit system of a modular tank unit, the tank unit
is deemed "active" because of its self contained pumping capability
for filling and discharge. In the alternative, when a power
energized pumping and valve controlled manifold system is not
present within a worker access compartment, the tank unit is deemed
"passive" because it can receive fluid only when it is pumped by
another pump mechanism and it can discharge fluid only by gravity
discharge or by being connected to the suction of a remotely
located pump.
[0084] A control box 106 is mounted adjacent the pump and motor and
contains the various electronic components that facilitate
selective and automatic control of the various fluid handling
systems of the tank unit.
[0085] An alternative tank framework is shown generally at 110 in
FIG. 7 and is defined by a plurality of vertical support members
112 and 114 and by external transverse strut members 116 and 118
and by internal framework strut members 120. As explained above,
corrugated or flat tank panels are fixed, such as by welding, to
the various tank framework members and collectively define a tank
compartment.
[0086] It is desirable, according to the principles of the present
invention to provide a generally rectangular tank storage and
transportation framework having corner fittings enabling the
framework or the framework and its contents to be lifted, handled
and transported by various intermodal carrier systems. With
reference particularly to FIGS. 13-16 a rectangular framework is
shown generally at 130 and is provided with upper and lower
longitudinal structural members 132 and 134, which for purposes of
clarity and understanding are shown in broken line. The rectangular
tank storage and transportation framework 130 is also composed of
horizontal and vertical end structural members 136 and 138 and is
provided with upper and lower corner fittings 140 and 142 or
standard container lifting sockets that enable similar tank storage
and transportation frameworks to be locked in stacked relation
and/or locked in block or side by side relation by means of
conventional locking pins and locking mechanisms. Especially when
the frameworks are being transported aboard a ship, barge or other
vessel, it is appropriate that they be secured or locked with
respect to container cells of the vessel and locked in stacked
relation as well as being locked in block or side by side relation
to maintain the security of the cargo as the vessel is subject to
wave action, wind and other elements. The same is true when the
tank transportation frameworks are stacked onto carrier systems
such as train cars, trucks and the like.
[0087] A plurality of tank support structures 144 are fixed within
the lower portion of the framework 130 and are adapted to provide
support for one or more tanks 146. The tank 146 may conveniently
take the form of a rail car tank that is simply lifted from its
rail car wheel assembly and positioned within the framework and
onto the tank support structures 144. The tank support structures
144 may be of any suitable form, such as in the form of a plurality
of tank support cradles of the nature shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
Additionally, the tank support structures 144 are provided with
locking devices, such as lifting and locking sockets, permitting
the tank or tanks to be secured and locked in assembly with the
tank support cradles. This system permits a rail car tank to be
simply and efficiently removed from its wheel assemblies and placed
within an intermodal transportation framework.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a tank support structure is
shown generally at 150 which can be simply placed and secured
within a generally rectangular intermodal transportation framework
of the nature shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this case the tank
support structure is shown to comprise longitudinal structural
members 152 and 154 to which a plurality of transverse tank support
cradles 156 are fixed. If desired, each of the tank support cradles
may take the form shown in FIG. 16, defining arcuate tank support
surfaces 158 or tank support surfaces that are configured to
receive the lower portion of a tank of other design. The transverse
tank support cradles 156 may each be provided with lifting and
locking sockets 160 and 162 or in the alternative the tank support
structure may be provided with corner lifting and locking sockets,
thus permitting lifting and handling of the tank support structure
as well as the generally rectangular intermodal tank support and
transportation framework.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, to ensure maximum tank volume
within a given tank frame dimension and provide for loading and
offloading fluid of one or more tanks, it may be desirable to
provide a replaceable fluid handling or pump and valve system that
is releasably connected to or mounted on the tank framework but is
intended to be located externally of the tank framework. A
generally rectangular intermodal modular tank system embodying the
principles of the present invention is shown generally at 170 in
FIG. 17 and comprises a tank framework structure 172 having upper
and lower horizontal framework structural members 174 and 176 and
vertical framework structural members 178. Corners of the tank
framework are provided with lifting and locking sockets such as
shown at 180 and 182, thus permitting the modular tank systems to
be lifted and handled by crane devices and permitting locking of
the modular tank systems to transportation systems, such as ships,
barges, trains and trucks or to be locked to one another.
[0090] Tank panels, such as side panels 184, end panels 186, top
panels 188 and bottom panels 190 are fixed in suitable fashion to
interior surfaces of the various structural members of the tank
framework. For handling various non-food grade solid and liquid
materials, the side, end, and top tank panels may be composed of
corrugated metal material, such as steel, aluminum, or composite
metal materials. Typically the bottom wall will be composed of
substantially flat metal material so that product movement will not
be compromised by corrugations. When food grade liquid and solid
materials are being handled all of the panel members will
preferably be composed of a flat, smooth material such as steel,
stainless steel, aluminum, etc. The tank panels may be lined with
any of a number of polymer materials if desired for compatibility
with the particular liquid or pulverant material for which the tank
is particularly designed.
[0091] When food grade material are being transported by the
modular tank system of the present invention the tank may need to
be cleaned after a material has been discharged. Cleaning of the
tank may be necessary to prevent the development and growth of
bacteria, especially in tank corners where the tank panels are
joined. For this reason, filet panels, such as shown at 192, 194
and 196 are connected to and merge smoothly with the side, top and
end wall panels of the tank structure. This feature eliminates any
sharp corners within the tank and provides for ease of internal
tank cleaning.
[0092] Modular tank units constructed according to the principles
of the present invention can be provided with permanently mounted
power driven pump, valve and piping systems to facilitate loading
and discharge of the tank contents. However, to minimize the cost
of the modular tank units it is desirable to provide power driven
pump, valve and piping systems that are of portable nature and can
be temporarily mounted on or near a tank framework when needed for
purposes of loading and unloading one or more modular tank units.
When not needed the portable power driven pump, valve and piping
system may be removed from a modular tank unit and can be used
elsewhere or stored for future use. To ensure that modular tank
units equipped with power driven pump, valve and piping systems
have maximum volumetric capacity for a tank framework of a given
dimension, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a power energized fluid
handling system, shown generally at 200, is provided with a pump
framework 202 having lifting and locking sockets 204 that are
adapted for locking connection with the lifting and locking sockets
180 of the tank framework. This feature provides for temporary
mounting and support of the fluid handling system by the modular
tank system and externally of the tank framework. The fluid
handling system may be of the character shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 or
may have any other suitable form and characteristics that may be
employed within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The
pump framework 202 has bottom and top structural members 206 and
208 and end structural members 210. The pump framework 202 also
incorporates mounting structural members 212 that are designed and
constructed for removable attachment to the tank lifting fittings
180 and for releasable attachment to the end structural members 178
of the tank framework.
[0093] The embodiment shown in FIG. 18 indicates that the portable
power energized valve, pump and piping unit may be temporarily
mounted to the lower portion of the tank framework if desired.
Also, if desired the portable power energized valve, pump and
piping unit may be temporarily mounted to the sides or top of the
tank framework if desired. It is only necessary that the tank
framework be provided with connection mounts of any suitable
character so that the portable power energized valve, pump and
piping unit may be releasably mounted at any suitable location on
the exterior of the tank framework that is suitable for the manner
by which the tank framework is handled or positioned. A power
energized pump 214, pump control 216 and pump conduit system 218
are mounted within the pump framework 202 and thus are removable
from the modular tank unit when the power energized fluid handling
system 200 is detached from the tank framework and removed. The
framework 202 of the power energized fluid handling system 200 may
be provided with exterior closure or cover panels if desired to
ensure that the pump unit is protected from contamination by dust,
dirt, oil, water that might be present in the local environment.
When needed, the portable power energized valve, pump and piping
unit is simply lifted by a crane or other lift system and moved to
a desired location on a tank framework, where it is secured in
place by means of lifting fittings, mounting pins or other
connection and locking devices. After mounting of the pump unit
exteriorly of the tank framework, hoses or conduits of the pump
unit will be connected with loading and discharge conduits of a
modular tank unit and an electrical connection will be made to
provide electrical power for operation and control of the pump unit
and any additional accessories that may be provided.
[0094] The partial sectional view of FIG. 18 illustrates a
generally rectangular intermodal modular tank system which may be
substantially identical with respect to the modular tank system set
forth in FIG. 17, the difference being the location of a power
energized fluid handling system which is designated 200a on the
tank framework. In FIG. 18 similar reference numerals are employed
to identify similar components as compared with FIG. 17. The power
energized fluid handling system 200a may be releasably connected to
the lower portion of one end of the tank framework so that it may
be more readily accessible by workers standing at the level of the
ground, floor or support surface "S" on which the intermodal
modular tank system rests. Alternatively, the power energized fluid
handling system may be temporarily or releasably mounted to a side
portion or a top portion of the tank framework. The power energized
fluid handling system 200a may be releasably connected with the
tank framework by means of lifting and locking sockets such as
shown at 209 and 211 or it may be releasably connected with the
tank framework by means of mounting pins that are received by
registering mounting openings or by means of simple bolt and nut
assemblies.
[0095] External mounting of the power energized fluid handling
system permits the tank to have maximum volume within the tank
framework and permits the intermodal modular tank system to be
manufactured at minimal expense. A power energized fluid handling
system may then be selectively mounted to the tank framework of an
intermodal modular tank for filling or discharge of the tank. When
a number of intermodal modular tanks are interconnected to form a
terminal a single power energized fluid handling system may be used
to accomplish filling or discharge of a number of tanks.
[0096] In view of the foregoing it is evident that the present
invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and
features hereinabove set forth, together with other objects and
features which are inherent in the apparatus disclosed herein.
[0097] As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the
present invention may easily be produced in other specific forms
without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The
present embodiment is, therefore, to be considered as merely
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and
all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalence
of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *