U.S. patent application number 13/302932 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for fluid storage tank assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Magnetic Energy Services Inc.. Invention is credited to Neil Garritty, Marc Houle, Matthew Toews.
Application Number | 20120152960 13/302932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46179328 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120152960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toews; Matthew ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
FLUID STORAGE TANK ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A fluid storage tank assembly comprising a wall assembly, a
floor assembly and a roof assembly. The wall assembly providing a
thermal insulating layer comprising two or more wall sub-assemblies
removably stacked on top of each other that circumscribe an
interior chamber of the tank assembly. Each wall sub-assembly
comprises a plurality of removably interconnected wall panels
circumscribing a portion of the interior chamber. The wall assembly
is configured to house a liner for containing a fluid. The floor
assembly bounds a bottom portion of the interior chamber and
provides a thermal insulating layer. The roof assembly bounds a top
portion of the interior chamber and provides a thermal insulating
layer.
Inventors: |
Toews; Matthew; (Calgary,
CA) ; Houle; Marc; (Calgary, CA) ; Garritty;
Neil; (Calgary, CA) |
Assignee: |
Magnetic Energy Services
Inc.
Calgary
CA
|
Family ID: |
46179328 |
Appl. No.: |
13/302932 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/565 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 7/065 20130101;
E04H 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/565 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/52 20060101
B65D088/52; B65D 88/54 20060101 B65D088/54; B65D 90/54 20060101
B65D090/54; B65D 90/12 20060101 B65D090/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2011 |
CA |
2,759,147 |
Claims
1. A fluid storage tank assembly comprising: a wall assembly
circumscribing an interior chamber of the tank assembly and
providing a thermal insulating layer, the wall assembly comprising
two or more wall sub-assemblies removably stacked on top of each
other, each wall sub-assembly comprising a plurality of removably
interconnected wall panels circumscribing a portion of the interior
chamber, the wall assembly configured to house a liner for
containing a fluid; a floor assembly bounding a bottom portion of
the interior chamber and providing a thermal insulating layer; and
a roof assembly bounding a top portion of the interior chamber and
providing a thermal insulating layer.
2. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the floor
assembly comprises a surface gradient operable to direct fluids
contained in the tank assembly to a desired location on the floor
assembly.
3. The tank assembly as claimed claim 2, wherein the floor assembly
comprises: a plurality of floor panels; and an insulating layer
fixed to the floor panels and shaped to provide the surface
gradient.
4. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality
of floor panels comprise an arrangement of parallel substantially
rectangular panels configured to bound the bottom of the interior
of the wall assembly, each panel extending across the interior of
the wall assembly and having ends shaped to substantially conform
with the interior boundary of the wall assembly.
5. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality
of floor panels comprise an arrangement of substantially
rectangular panels configured to bound the bottom of the interior
of the wall assembly, and wherein panels located adjacent to the
interior boundary of the wall assembly shaped to substantially
conform with the interior boundary of the wall assembly.
6. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein a portion of
the floor panels near the desired location on the floor assembly
does not comprise a thermal insulating layer.
7. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the insulating
layer comprises a channel therein, the channel configured to
receive a suction pipe near the boundary of the interior of the
wall assembly and direct the suction pipe to the desired location
on the floor assembly.
8. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein each floor
panel is removably coupled to adjacent floor panels.
9. The tank assembly a claimed in claim 1, wherein each wall panel
further comprise an insulating layer fixed thereto.
10. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each wall
panel comprises a plurality of male connectors at one end and a
plurality of female connectors at an opposite end, the male
connectors configured to be received by and removably coupled to
the female connectors of an adjacent wall panel in a wall
sub-assembly, the female connectors configured to received by and
removably coupled to the male connectors of an adjacent wall panel
in the wall sub-assembly.
11. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein: the wall
assembly further comprises a plurality of joint pins and locking
bars; each male connector comprises one or more apertures
configured to receive a joint pin therethrough; each female
connector comprises one or more apertures configured to receive a
joint pin therethrough, each female connector further comprises a
plurality of gussets extending from an exterior surface of the
female connector and shouldering one of the apertures therein, each
gussets comprising an aperture configured to receive a locking bar
therethrough; the apertures of the male connectors and female
connectors configured to be in alignment with one another to
receive a joint pin therethrough when the male connectors are
received by the female connectors; and each locking bar is operable
to be received by the apertures of the gussets of a female
connector and interact with a joint pin received by a female
connector and a male connector received by the female connector to
resist the withdrawal of the joint pin therefrom.
12. The tank assembly as claimed in claims 1, wherein each wall
sub-assembly is removably coupled to an adjacent stacked wall
sub-assembly by a cooperating tongue and groove assembly.
13. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein: the wall
panel of at least one of the removably coupled wall sub-assemblies
comprises a bottom stiffener fixed to the wall panel at its bottom
edge and running parallel thereto, the bottom stiffener and the
portion of wall panel near its bottom edge defining the tongue of
the tongue and groove assembly; and the wall panel of at least the
other of the removably coupled wall sub-assemblies comprises a top
stiffener fixed to the wall panel an offset distance below its top
edge and running parallel thereto and a guide plate fixed to the
top stiffener and extending vertically therefrom, the top
stiffener, the guide plate and the portion of the wall panel within
the offset distance defining the groove of the tongue and groove
assembly.
14. The tank assembly as claimed in claims 1, wherein the roof
assembly further comprises a plurality of flexible roof segments
and a fastening assembly, the fastening assembly operable to couple
adjacent roof segments to one another.
15. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the roof
assembly further comprises a support pole assembly comprising one
or more poles extending from the bottom of the tank assembly above
the top of the wall assembly; the support pole assembly at least
partially supporting the roof segments.
16. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the roof
assembly further comprises a drainage assembly comprising a
plurality of apertures through the roof segments located at low
points on the roof segment formed by a natural sag of the roof
segments between the support pole assembly and the top of the wall
assembly.
17. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein each roof
segment comprises a top portion and a skirt portion, the top
portion configured to substantially cover the top of the wall
assembly, and the skirt portion configured to extend down a portion
of the exterior surface of the wall assembly.
18. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the skirt
portion of each roof segment is removably coupled to the wall
assembly.
19. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the roof
assembly further comprises a lifting assembly fixed to the roof
segments providing a point of attachment for positioning and
orienting the roof segments.
20. The tank assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the drainage
assembly further comprises a mesh layer over each aperture in the
roof segments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Canadian Application
Number______ filed Nov. 16, 2011, by the Canadian firm Gowling,
Lafleur, Henderson LLP, under attorney docket number A8124182CA,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a fluid storage tank
assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fluid fracturing processes in oil and gas completion
operations make use of large quantities of fluid typically stored
in large fluid storage tanks located in close proximity to a
wellbore. The tanks are typically assembled on a site on a
temporary basis and then removed when use of the tank at the site
is not longer required. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the
tank is located, the size of the tank and the effective storage
capacity of tank may be limited by local regulations, bylaws,
licensing requirements, and other restrictions respecting the
surface area covered by the tank, the permitted water levels in the
tank for the protection of wildlife, the maximum load sizes that
may be transported on public roads, and other factors. Some prior
art storage tank designs are unable to provide adequate storage
capacity while complying with such restrictions.
[0004] Further, the fluid contained within the storage tank is
typically maintained within specific temperature ranges suitable
for the fracturing process through the use of heating systems. The
cost of heating the fluid can be extremely high, especially in cold
environments. Some prior art storage tank designs do not provide
adequate insulation to effectively reduce heat loss from the tank,
thus, resulting in significant heating costs.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a fluid storage tank assembly comprising: [0006] a wall
assembly circumscribing an interior chamber of the tank assembly
and providing a thermal insulating layer, the wall assembly
comprising two or more wall sub-assemblies removably stacked on top
of each other, each wall sub-assembly comprising a plurality of
removably interconnected wall panels circumscribing a portion of
the interior chamber, the wall assembly configured to house a liner
for containing a fluid; [0007] a floor assembly bounding a bottom
portion of the interior chamber and providing a thermal insulating
layer; and [0008] a roof assembly bounding a top portion of the
interior chamber and providing a thermal insulating layer.
[0009] The floor assembly may comprise a surface gradient operable
to direct fluids contained in the tank assembly to a desired
location on the floor assembly. The floor assembly may comprise a
plurality of floor panels and an insulating layer fixed to the
floor panels and shaped to provide the surface gradient. The
plurality of floor panels may comprise an arrangement of parallel
substantially rectangular panels configured to bound the bottom of
the interior of the wall assembly, each panel extending across the
interior of the wall assembly and having ends shaped to
substantially conform with the interior boundary of the wall
assembly. Alternatively, the plurality of floor panels may comprise
an arrangement of substantially rectangular panels configured to
bound the bottom of the interior of the wall assembly wherein
panels located adjacent to the interior boundary of the wall
assembly shaped to substantially conform with the interior boundary
of the wall assembly. A portion of the floor panels near the
desired location on the floor assembly may not comprise a thermal
insulating layer. The insulating layer may comprise a channel
therein configured to receive a suction pipe near the boundary of
the interior of the wall assembly and direct the suction pipe to
the desired location on the floor assembly. Each floor panel may be
removably coupled to adjacent floor panels. The floor panels may
comprise plywood and the insulating layer may comprise foam
insulation.
[0010] Each wall panel may further comprise an insulating layer
fixed thereto. The insulating layer may comprise a spray foam
applied to the exterior surface of each wall panel. Each wall panel
may comprise a plurality of male connectors at one end and a
plurality of female connectors at an opposite end, the male
connectors configured to be received by and removably coupled to
the female connectors of an adjacent wall panel in a wall
sub-assembly, the female connectors configured to received by and
removably coupled to the male connectors of an adjacent wall panel
in the wall sub-assembly. The wall assembly may further comprise a
plurality of joint pins and locking bars, each male connector may
comprise one or more apertures configured to receive a joint pin
therethrough, each female connector may comprise one or more
apertures configured to receive a joint pin therethrough, each
female connector further comprises a plurality of gussets extending
from an exterior surface of the female connector and shouldering
one of the apertures therein, each gussets comprising an aperture
configured to receive a locking bar therethrough, the apertures of
the male connectors and female connectors may be configured to be
in alignment with one another to receive a joint pin therethrough
when the male connectors are received by the female connectors, and
each locking bar may be operable to be received by the apertures of
the gussets of a female connector and interact with a joint pin
received by a female connector and a male connector received by the
female connector to resist the withdrawal of the joint pin
therefrom. Each wall sub-assembly may be removably coupled to an
adjacent stacked wall sub-assembly by a cooperating tongue and
groove assembly. The wall panel of at least one of the removably
coupled wall sub-assemblies may comprise a bottom stiffener fixed
to the wall panel at its bottom edge and running parallel thereto,
the bottom stiffener and the portion of wall panel near its bottom
edge defining the tongue of the tongue and groove assembly, and the
wall panel of at least the other of the removably coupled wall
sub-assemblies may comprise a top stiffener fixed to the wall panel
an offset distance below its top edge and running parallel thereto
and a guide plate fixed to the top stiffener and extending
vertically therefrom, the top stiffener, the guide plate and the
portion of the wall panel within the offset distance defining the
groove of the tongue and groove assembly. Each wall panel may
further comprise a plurality of stiffeners coupled thereto for
providing additional structural support to the wall panel.
[0011] The roof assembly may further comprise a plurality of
flexible roof segments and a fastening assembly, the fastening
assembly operable to couple adjacent roof segments to one another.
The roof assembly further may comprise a support pole assembly
comprising one or more poles extending from the bottom of the tank
assembly above the top of the wall assembly, the support pole
assembly at least partially supporting the roof segments. The roof
assembly may further comprise a drainage assembly comprising a
plurality of apertures through the roof segments located at low
points on the roof segment formed by a natural sag of the roof
segments between the support pole assembly and the top of the wall
assembly. Each roof segment may comprise a top portion and a skirt
portion, the top portion configured to substantially cover the top
of the wall assembly, and the skirt portion configured to extend
down a portion of the exterior surface of the wall assembly. The
skirt portion of each roof segment may be removably coupled to the
wall assembly. The roof assembly may further comprise a lifting
assembly fixed to the roof segments providing a point of attachment
for positioning and orienting the roof segments. The lifting
assembly may comprise one or more of Velcro straps and safety
buckles. The roof segments may comprise vinyl with a water
resistant coating. The drainage assembly may further comprise a
mesh layer over each aperture in the roof segments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view of a modular fluid
storage tank assembly according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 provides a front perspective view and detailed views
of the wall assembly of the tank shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 3 and 4 provide front perspective views and detailed
views of the upper wall sub-assembly of the wall assembly shown in
FIG. 2.
[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 provide front perspective views and detailed
views of the lower wall sub-assembly of the wall assembly shown in
FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 7 provides a side elevation view and front perspective
view of a joint pin of the wall assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 8 provides a side elevation view and front perspective
view of a locking bar of the wall assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 9 provides a front perspective view of the coupling of
two adjacent wall panels as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the joint
pin shown in FIG. 7 and the locking bar shown in FIG. 8.
[0019] FIG. 10 provides a plan view and front elevation view of the
floor assembly of the tank shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIGS. 11A to 11C provide a front perspective view and
cross-sectional views of the roof assembly of the tank shown in
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 12 provides a flow diagram of a method of assembling
the tank shown in FIG. 1A according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
modular fluid storage tank assembly and a method of assembling the
same. The fluid storage tank assembly comprises a modular design
that facilitates the efficient transportation and the rapid
assembly and disassembly of the tank. Further, the fluid storage
tank assembly is designed to reduce heat loss from fluids contained
in the tank.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a fluid storage tank assembly
10 according to one embodiment is shown generally comprising a wall
assembly 20, a roof assembly 30, a floor assembly 40, and a liner
50.
[0024] Wall Assembly
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the wall assembly 20 generally
comprises an upper wall sub-assembly 210, a lower wall sub-assembly
250, joint pins 300, locking bars 320, wall braces 340, and clamp
assemblies 360. The components of the wall assembly 20 are
generally manufactured from steel plate of suitable grade and
thickness. Alternatively, the wall assembly 20 may be manufactured
from any suitable material. Further, while the wall assembly 20 is
depicted in the present embodiment as comprises upper and lower
wall sub-assemblies, it sis to be understood that the wall assembly
may comprises three or more wall sub-assemblies stacked on top of
one another.
[0026] The upper wall sub-assembly 210 generally comprises a
plurality of interconnected upper wall panels 212 forming an upper
hollow cylindrical enclosure. Similarly, the lower wall
sub-assembly 250 generally comprises a plurality of interconnected
lower wall panels 252 forming a lower hollow cylindrical enclosure.
The upper wall sub-assembly 210 is positioned on top of and in
axial alignment with the lower wall sub-assembly 250 forming an
extended hollow cylindrical enclosure configured to retain the
liner 50 within its interior. In the alternative, the wall assembly
20 may be configured to form other continuous circumferential
enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow polygonal cylindrical
enclosure.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each upper wall panel 212
generally comprises a wall plate 214, stiffeners 215, clamp mounts
222, female connectors 225, male connectors 236, stacking
components 237, and an insulating layer 245.
[0028] The wall plate 214 comprises a curved rectangular plate
having a curvature such that the assembly of a plurality of upper
wall plates 214 forms a continuous hollow circular cylindrical
enclosure. Alternatively, the wall plate 214 may comprise a planar
rectangular plate or other form of plate such that the assembly of
a plurality of upper wall plates 214 forms a continuous
circumferential enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow
polygonal cylindrical enclosure.
[0029] Stiffeners 215 are fixed to the wall plate 214 to provide
structural support, as well as, provide elements that can be used
for the positioning and orientation of the wall panel 212 during
assembly and disassembly of the tank 10. The stiffeners 215
generally comprise a top stiffener 216, vertical stiffeners 218, a
bottom stiffener 220, and lifting lug stiffeners 224. The top
stiffener 216 comprises an elongate "L" shaped beam fixed to the
wall plate 214 near its top edge and running parallel thereto from
one end to the other end of the wall plate 214. The vertical
stiffeners 218 comprise elongate rectangular plates fixed at one or
more locations along the length of the wall plate 214 and running
from the bottom to the top of the wall plate 214. The bottom
stiffener 220 comprises elongate rectangular tube fixed to the wall
plate 214 at its bottom edge and running parallel thereto from one
end to the other end of the wall plate 214. Lifting lug stiffeners
224 comprises rectangular plates fixed to the vertical stiffeners
218 and top stiffener 216 where an aperture is provided through the
lifting lug stiffener 224 and the vertical stiffener 218 or top
stiffener 216. The apertures serve as attachment points for hooks
or other devices for the positioning and orientation of the upper
wall panel 212 during assembly and disassembly of the tank 10.
Alternatively, the stiffeners 215 may comprise more or less
vertical, horizontal or other stiffeners for providing structural
support, as well as, elements that can be used for the positioning
and orientation of upper wall panels 212 during assembly and
disassembly of the tank 10.
[0030] Female connectors 225 generally comprise a female backbone
226, female inside plates 228, female outside plates 230, and
locking bar gussets 234, 236. The female backbone 226 comprises a
generally rectangular plate fixed to one longitudinal end of the
wall plate 214 running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate
214. The female backbone 226 has a thickness selected to permit the
male connectors 236 to be received by the female connectors 225.
Alternatively, the wall plate 214 may serve as the female backbone
226. The female inside plates 228 comprise generally rectangular
plates that are fixed to the inner surface of the female backbone
226 spaced along the length of the female backbone 226, and extend
away from the wall plate 214 in a direction parallel to the length
thereof Similarly, the female outside plates 230 comprise generally
rectangular plates that are fixed to the outer surface of the
female backbone 226 spaced along the length of the female backbone
226, and extend away from the wall plate 214 in a direction
parallel to the length thereof. Each female outside plate 230 is
positioned on the outside surface of the female backbone 226 so as
to oppose and pair with a corresponding female inside plate 228
fixed to the inside surface of the female backbone 226. In
addition, each female outside plate 230 and paired female inside
plate 228 comprise a set of apertures 229, 231 in alignment with
one another that are configured to receive a joint pin 300 (as
further described below). Each female connector 225 also comprises
locking bar gussets 232, 234 fixed to the outside surface of the
female outside plate 230 shouldering one of the apertures 231 in
vertical alignment with one another. The locking bar gussets 232,
234 comprise apertures 241 that are aligned with apertures 241 in
adjacent locking bar gussets 232, 234 that are configured to
receive a locking bar 320. As further described below, the aperture
241 of locking bar gusset 234 comprises an open-ended aperture that
extends to the top edge of the gusset 234 such that the handle 324
of the locking bar 320 can pass through the aperture 241 as the bar
322 of the locking bar 320 is inserted through the apertures 241 of
the locking bar gussets 232, 234. For the purpose of this
disclosure, each female inside plate 228, corresponding female
outside plate 230, the portion of the female backbone 226
therebetween, and locking bar gussets 234, 236, will be referred to
as a single female connector 225.
[0031] Male connectors 236 comprise generally rectangular plates
that are fixed to the longitudinal end of the wall plate 214
opposite to the longitudinal end to which the female connectors 225
are fixed, and extending away from the wall plate 214 in a
direction parallel to the length thereof Male connectors 236 are
spaced along the length of the end of the wall plate 214 such that
for each female connector 225 fixed to the opposite end of the wall
plate 214 there is a corresponding male connector 236 in vertical
alignment therewith. Each male connector 236 also comprises a set
of apertures 237 configured to be in alignment with apertures 229,
231 of a corresponding female connector 225 of an adjacent upper
wall panel 212 when received thereby. In this manner, when the male
connectors 236 of one upper wall panel 212 are received by the
female connectors 225 of another upper wall panel 212, the
apertures 229, 231 of each female connector 225 and the apertures
237 of each received male connector 236 will be in alignment such
that they are capable of receiving a joint pin 300
therethrough.
[0032] Stacking components 237 facilitate the stacking of upper
wall panels 212 upon one another during transportation or storage.
In addition, the stacking components 237 function to protect the
insulating layer 245 of the upper wall panels 245 from damage that
may be otherwise cause by adjacent stacked upper wall panels 212.
Stacking components 237 generally comprise stack up gussets 238
fixed near the longitudinal ends of the top stiffener 216 and
extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the
outer surface of the wall plate 214, and stack up stand offs 240
fixed near the longitudinal ends of the bottom stiffener 220 and
extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the
outer surface of the wall plate 214. In the alternative, other
stacking components suitable for facilitating the stacking of upper
wall panels 212 may be employed.
[0033] Clamp mounts 222 comprise generally "I" shaped mounting
brackets fixed to the outer surface of the wall plate 214 for
mounting clamp assemblies 360. As further described below, the
clamp assemblies 360 are mounted to the clamp mounts 222 and
clamped to the liner 50 to couple the liner 50 to the wall assembly
20. Alternatively, other clamp mount 222 configurations suitable
for mounting a clamp assembly 360 may be used.
[0034] An insulating layer 245 is coupled to the outside surface of
the wall plate 214. The insulating layer 245 may be comprised of
suitable spray foam applied to the outer surface of the wall plate
214. Alternatively, the insulating layer 245 may be coupled to the
inner surface of the wall plate 214. In the further alternative,
the insulating layer 245 may comprise insulating panels or other
insulating materials coupled to the outer and/or inner surface of
the wall plate 214.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, each lower wall panel 252
generally comprises a wall plate 254, stiffeners 253, guide plates
266, female connectors 267, male connectors 282, and stacking
components 283.
[0036] The wall plate 254 comprises a curved rectangular plate
having a curvature such that the assembly of a plurality of lower
wall plates 254 forms a continuous hollow circular cylindrical
enclosure. Alternatively, the wall plate 254 may comprise a planar
rectangular plate or other form of plate such that the assembly of
a plurality of lower wall plates 254 forms a continuous
circumferential enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow
polygonal cylindrical enclosure.
[0037] Stiffeners 267 are fixed to the wall plate 254 to provide
structural support, as well as, provide elements that can be used
for the positioning and orientation of the wall panel 252 during
assembly and disassembly of the tank 10. The stiffeners 267
generally comprise a top stiffener 256, vertical stiffeners 258, a
bottom stiffener 260, lifting lug stiffeners 262, and lifting lug
plates 264. The top stiffener 256 comprises an elongate rectangular
tube fixed to the wall plate 254 an offset distance below its top
edge and running from one end to the other end of the wall plate
254. The vertical stiffeners 258 comprise elongate rectangular
plates fixed at one or more locations along the length of the wall
plate 254 and running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate
254. The bottom stiffener 260 comprises an elongate "L" shaped beam
fixed to the wall plate 254 near its bottom edge and running
parallel thereto from one end to the other end of the wall plate
214. Lifting lug stiffeners 262 comprise rectangular plates fixed
to the vertical stiffeners 258 where an aperture is provided
through the lifting lug stiffener 224 and the vertical stiffener
218. Lifting lug plates 264 comprise tabs fixed to and extending
from the top stiffener 256 and having an aperture therethrough. The
apertures in the lifting lug stiffeners 262, vertical stiffeners
258, and lifting lug plates 264 serve as attachment points for
hooks or other devices for the positioning and orientation of the
lower wall panel 252 during assembly and disassembly of the tank
10. Alternatively, the stiffeners 267 may comprise more or less
vertical, horizontal or other stiffeners for providing structural
support, as well as, elements that can be used for the positioning
and orientation of the lower wall panel 252 during assembly and
disassembly of the tank 10.
[0038] Female connectors 267 generally comprise a female backbone
268, female inside plates 270, female outside plates 272,
horizontal guide plates 276, and locking bar gussets 278, 280. The
female backbone 268 comprises a generally rectangular plate fixed
to one longitudinal end of the wall plate 254 running from the
bottom to the top of the wall plate 254. The female backbone 268
has a thickness selected to permit the male connectors 282 to be
received by the female connectors 267. Alternatively, the wall
plate 254 may serve as the female backbone 268. The female inside
plates 270 comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to
the inner surface of the female backbone 268 spaced along the
length of the female backbone 268, and extend away from the wall
plate 254 in a direction parallel to the length thereof. Similarly,
the female outside plates 272 comprise generally rectangular plates
that are fixed to the outer surface of the female backbone 268
spaced along the length of the female backbone 268, and extend away
from the wall plate 254 in a direction parallel to the length
thereof. Each female outside plate 272 is positioned on the outside
surface of the female backbone 268 so as to oppose and pair with a
corresponding female inside plate 270 fixed to the inside surface
of the female backbone 268. In addition, each female outside plate
272 and paired female inside plate 270 comprise a set of apertures
271, 273 in alignment with one another that are configured to
receive a joint pin 300 (as further described below). Each female
connector 267 also comprises locking bar gussets 278, 280 fixed to
the outside surface of the female outside plate 272 shouldering one
of the apertures 273 in vertical alignment with one another. The
locking bar gussets 278, 280 comprise apertures 287 that are
aligned with apertures 287 in adjacent locking bar gussets 278, 280
that are configured to receive a locking bar 320. As further
described below, the aperture 287 of locking bar gusset 280
comprises an open-ended aperture that extends to the top edge of
the gusset 280 such that the handle 324 of the locking bar 320 can
pass through the aperture 287 as the bar 322 of the locking bar 320
is inserted through the apertures 287 of the locking bar gussets
278, 280. Further, the top and bottom female connectors 267 also
comprise horizontal guide plates 276 fixed to and spanning the
bottom of the female inside plate 270 and female outside plate 272
of each top and bottom female connector 267. The horizontal guide
plates 276 function to align and guide the male connectors 282 of
the wall panel 252 being received by the female connectors 267. For
the purpose of this disclosure, each female inside plate 270,
corresponding female outside plate 272, the portion of the female
backbone 268 therebetween, the locking bar gussets 278, 280, and
the horizontal guide plates 276 (as applicable to the top and
bottom female connectors 267), will be referred to as a single
female connector 267.
[0039] Male connectors 282 comprise generally rectangular plates
that are fixed to the longitudinal end of the wall plate 254
opposite to the longitudinal end to which the female connectors 267
are fixed, and extending away from the wall plate 254 in a
direction parallel to the length thereof. Male connectors 282 are
spaced along the length of the end of the wall plate 254 such that
for each female connector 267 fixed to the opposite end of the wall
plate 254 there is a corresponding male connector 282 in vertical
alignment therewith. Each male connector 282 also comprises a set
of apertures 283 configured to be in alignment with apertures 271,
273 of a corresponding female connector 267 of an adjacent upper
wall panel 252 when received thereby. In this manner, when the male
connectors 282 of one lower wall panel 252 are received by the
female connectors 267 of another lower wall panel 252, the
apertures 271, 273 of each female connector 267 and the apertures
283 of each received male connector 282 will be in alignment such
that they are capable of receiving a joint pin 300
therethrough.
[0040] Guide plates 266 comprise tabs fixed to and extending from
the top stiffener 256 spaced along the length of the top stiffener
256. The guide plates 266, top stiffener 256 and portion of the
wall plate 254 extending above the top stiffener 256, define a seat
configured to receive and support the base of an upper wall panel
212 therebetween. In this manner, the bottom of the upper wall
sub-assembly 210 is coupled to the top of the lower wall
sub-assembly 250 through a tongue and groove assembly. In the
alternative, the upper wall sub-assembly 210 may be coupled to the
lower wall sub-assembly 250 using other suitable coupling
mechanisms.
[0041] Stacking components 283 facilitate the stacking of lower
wall panels 252 upon one another during transportation or storage.
In addition, the stacking components 283 function to protect the
insulating layer 295 of the lower wall panels 252 from damage that
may be otherwise cause by adjacent stacked upper wall panels 252.
Stacking components 283 generally comprise stack up gussets 284
fixed near the longitudinal ends of the bottom stiffener 260 and
extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the
outer surface of the wall plate 254, and stack up stand offs 286
fixed near the longitudinal ends of the top stiffener 256 and
extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the
outer surface of the wall plate 254. In the alternative, other
stacking components suitable for facilitating the stacking of lower
wall panels 252 may be employed.
[0042] An insulating layer 295 is coupled to the outside surface of
the wall plate 254. The insulating layer 295 may be comprised of
suitable spray foam applied to the outer surface of the wall plate
254. Alternatively, the insulating layer 295 may be coupled to the
inner surface of the wall plate 254. In the further alternative,
the insulating layer 295 may comprise insulating panels or other
insulating materials coupled to the outer and/or inner surface of
the wall plate 254.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, joint pins 300 generally comprise a pin
prong 302 and pin handle 314. The pin prong 302 comprises spaced
fingers 306 extending from a base 304. The base 304 comprises a top
surface 308 spanning between adjacent fingers 306 and a bottom
surface 310 opposite the top surface 308. The fingers 306 are sized
to be received by and extend through (a) apertures 229, 231 of a
female connector 225 and apertures 237 of a male connector 236 of
upper wall panel 212 when received by the female connector 225, and
(b) apertures 271, 273 of a female connector 267 and apertures 283
of a male connector 282 of lower wall panel 252 when received by
the female connector 267. In addition, the fingers 306 comprise
bevelled tips to assist in positioning the fingers 306 into
apertures 229, 231, 236 and 271, 273, 283. The pin handle 314 is a
generally "U" shaped handle fixed to the bottom surface 310 of the
base 304 of the pin prong 302 defining a void 316 between the pin
handle 314 and bottom surface 310. Alternatively, the joint pin 300
may comprise any number of fingers 306.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 8, locking bars 320 generally comprise a
bar 322 and a handle 324. The bar 322 comprises a cylindrical rod
sized to be received by and extend through (a) apertures 241 of
locking bar gussets 232,234 of a female connector 225 of upper wall
panel 212 and (b) apertures 287 of locking bar gussets 278, 280 of
a female connector 267 of lower wall panel 252. The handle 324
comprises a cylindrical rod fixed to the bar 322 and extending in a
generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The handle 324 has a
thickness sized to fit between adjacent locking bar gussets 232,
234 and 278, 280.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, during the assembly of the upper wall
sub-assembly 210 and lower wall sub-assembly 250, adjacent wall
panels 212, 252 are interconnected by inserting the male connectors
236, 282 into the female connectors 225, 267 such that the
apertures 229, 231, 236 and 271, 273, 283 are in alignment. The
fingers 306 of a joint pin 300 are then inserted through the
apertures 229, 231, 236 and 271, 273, 283, until the top surface
308 of the base 304 of the joint pin 300 contacts the outer surface
of the female outside plate 230, 272 of the female connector 225,
267. The bar 322 of the locking bar 320 is inserted into and slid
through the apertures 241, 287 of locking bar gussets 232, 234 and
278, 280 and through the void 310 between the bottom surface 310 of
the base 304 of the pin prong 302 of the joint pin 300 and the
handle 314 of the joint pin 300. In the same motion, the handle 324
of the locking bar 320 is positioned to extend upwards such that it
can be slid through the aperture 241, 287 of locking bar gusset
234, 280. Once the handle 324 of the locking bar 320 has been slid
through the aperture 241, 287 of locking bar gusset 234, 280, the
handle 324 is rotated so that it extends downwards and rests
between the locking bar gusset 234, 280 and adjacent locking bar
gusset 232, 278. In this manner, the locking bar 320 prevents the
joint pin 300 from being withdrawn from the male connector 236, 282
and female connector 225, 267, and the locking bar 320 is prevented
from further translational motion without first rotating the handle
324 of the locking bar 320 so that it extends upwards and can
translate through the locking bar gusset 234, 280. This mechanism
of interconnecting adjacent wall panels 212, 252 of the upper wall
sub-assembly 210 and lower wall sub-assembly 250 provides a strong
and secure coupling between adjacent wall panels, 212, 252 capable
of resisting the high forces typically exerted by fluids contained
in the tank 10.
[0046] Referring again to FIG. 2, wall braces 340 generally
comprise supporting plates configured to extended between and
couple to the vertical stiffeners 218, 258 of vertically adjacent
wall panels 212, 252 in the assembled tank 10. The wall braces 340
function to restrict relative motion between vertically adjacent
wall panels 212, 252 in the assembled tank 10. Alternatively, other
forms of wall braces 340 that are suitable to restrict relative
motion between vertically adjacent wall panels 212, 252 in the
assembled tank 10 can be utilized.
[0047] Clamp assembly 360 generally comprises a clamp bar 362,
clamp 364 and anti-vibration mount 366. The clamp bar 362 comprises
a tube to which the clamp 364 is fixed to the outer surface and the
anti-vibration mounts 366 are fixed to the inner surface. The clamp
364 is configured to clamped to the liner 50 to couple the liner 50
to the wall assembly 20. The clamp assembly 360 is configured to
mount to the clamp mount 222 of upper wall panel 212.
[0048] Floor Assembly
[0049] Referring to FIG. 10, the floor assembly 40 functions to
insulate fluids contained in the tank 10 from the ground and direct
the fluids to the location within the tank 10 where a suction pipe
is located for withdrawing the fluid from the tank. The floor
assembly 40 generally comprises a plurality of modular floor panels
402 and an insulating layer 404. The floor panels 402 are
configured to substantially cover the entire surface area of the
ground captured within the interior circumferential boundary of the
lower wall sub-assembly 250. The panels 402 are manufactured from
overlapping plywood sheets that are glued and screwed together. The
plywood sheets are cut into elongate generally rectangular strips
that are configured to extend across a strip of the ground within
the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250. The floor panel(s)
402 crossing the centre of the ground within the interior of the
lower wall sub-assembly 250 will have the longest length, spanning
the diameter of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250,
followed by successively shorter length floor panels 402 the
further a floor panel 402 is located from the centre of the
interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250. The ends of the floor
panels 402 are shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the
interior circumferential boundary of the lower wall sub-assembly
250. Alternatively, the panels 402 may comprise a plurality of
rectangular panels for positioning within the interior portion of
the floor assembly 30 and plurality of shaped panels configured to
generally conform to the shape of the interior circumferential
boundary of the assembled lower wall sub-assembly 250 for
positioning adjacent to the boundary. In the further alternative,
the floor panels 402 may be manufactured from fibreglass, composite
fibreglass or any other suitable material. In he further
alternative the floor panels 402 may be coupled to one another by
Velcro or any other suitable attachment mechanism.
[0050] An insulating layer 404 is fixed to the top of the floor
panels 402. The insulating layer 404 comprises a plurality of
insulating foam panels that are positioned on top of the floor
panels 402 such that the elevation of the insulation at the
boundary of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250 is
higher than the elevation of the insulation at the centre of the
interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250. In this manner, the
gradient of the floor assembly 40 will tend to drain fluid within
the liner 50 contained by the tank 10 towards the centre of the
interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250 where a suction pipe
for withdrawing the fluid from the tank 10 will be located.
Further, the gradient of the floor assembly 40 permits the tank 10
to be assembled on surfaces that are not level since fluid the
gradient of the floor assembly 40 will compensate for imperfections
in the level of the surface and direct the fluid to the location of
the suction pipe. Alternatively, where it is desired to locate the
suction pipe at another location within the interior of the lower
wall sub-assembly 250, the insulating layer 404 can be configured
on top of the floor panels 402 such that the gradient of the floor
assembly 400 directs the fluid contained in the tank 10 to be
directed to that location.
[0051] An insulating layer 404 may be fixed to every floor panel
402 or only to a subset of floor panels 402 as is required to
provide a desired gradient of the floor assembly 40. For example,
in some embodiments, the floor panels 402 in closest proximity to
the intended location of the suction pipe have an insulating layer
404 fixed to the floor panels 402 in order to provide an area of
minimum elevation that the fluid in the tank 10 will be directed to
by the gradient of the floor assembly 40. In addition, a channel
may be cut into the insulating layer 404 to receive the suction
pipe near the boundary of the interior of the lower wall
sub-assembly 250 and direct the suction pipe to a desired location
within the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250.
Alternatively, the insulating layer 404 may be manufactured from
other suitable insulating materials.
[0052] Roof Assembly
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, the roof assembly 30
functions to cover the top of the tank 10 and thereby prevent
wildlife from entering the tank 10 and trap heat within the tank
10. The roof assembly 30 generally comprises roof segments 502, a
fastening assembly 508, a lifting assembly 512, a drainage assembly
514, and a support pole assembly 516.
[0054] Roof segments 502 comprise two roof halves 502A, 502B each
comprising a top portion 504A, 504B and a skirt 506A, 506B.
Alternatively, the roof segments 502 may comprise more than two
segments. When assembled, the top portion 504 of the roof segments
502 covers the top of the upper wall sub-assembly 200 and the skirt
506 extends down a portion of the exterior surface of the upper
wall sub-assembly 200. Optionally, the skirt 506 of the roof
assembly 30 may be coupled to the wall assembly 20 by way of a
tether or other suitable coupling.
[0055] The roof segments 502 are manufactured from a flexible
insulating material, such as, for example, vinyl treated with a
water proof coating, nylon, plastics or any other suitable
material. Alternatively, the roof segments 502 can be manufactured
from other suitable materials that can prevent wildlife from
entering the tank 10 and trap heat within the tank 10.
[0056] The roof segments 502 are divided into two halves in order
to facilitate the transportation and assembly of the roof assembly
30. The roof segments 502 are coupled to one another along their
interior edges 508 by way of the fastening assembly 510. The
fastening assembly 510 comprises Velcro straps and safety buckles
that are fixed to the roof segments 502 about the length of their
interior edges 508. Alternatively, the fastening assembly 510 may
comprise other suitable fastening components capable of fastening
the roof segments 502 to one another.
[0057] The lifting assembly 512 comprises lifting loops fixed to
the top portion 504 of the roof segments 502 about the length of
the interior edge 508 of the roof segments 502. The lifting
assembly 512 provides a point of attachment that can be coupled to
by a hook or other suitable device to position of the roof segments
502 on top of the upper wall sub-assembly 200 and in relative
position to one another to facilitate the fastening of the
fastening assembly 510. In the alternative, the lifting assembly
512 may comprise other suitable lifting components.
[0058] The support pole assembly 516 comprises a pole mounted on
top of the liner 50 about the centre of the floor assembly 40 and
extending vertically therefrom above the top of the wall assembly
20. The support pole assembly 516 functions to support a portion of
the weight of the roof assembly 30 and to direct rain water, snow
and other fluids forming on top of the roof assembly 30 to the
drainage assembly 514. The support pole assembly 516 may optionally
comprise a base positioned on top of the liner 50 and configured to
receive the bottom of the pole. The base may comprise a water tank
or other suitable base structure. Alternatively, the support pole
assembly 516 may comprises a plurality of poles mounted at desired
locations about interior of the tank 10.
[0059] The drainage assembly 514 functions to drain rain water,
snow and other fluids forming on top of the roof assembly 30 into
the tank 10. The drainage assembly 514 comprises a plurality of
drain apertures through the roof segments 502 located at low points
on the roof segments 502 that form due to the natural sag of the
roof segments 502 between the support pole assembly 516 and the top
of the wall assembly 20. The drainage assembly 514 also comprises a
mesh layer over each aperture to prevent wildlife from entering the
tank 10 therethrough.
[0060] Liner
[0061] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the liner 50 comprises a
flexible polyurethane container housed within the interior of the
wall assembly 20 and draped over the sides of the wall assembly 20
and coupled thereto by clamp assemblies 360. The liner 50 functions
to provide a water proof container for receiving fluid within the
tank 10.
[0062] Assembly Process
[0063] Referring to FIG. 12, one embodiment of a method 600 of
assembling the tank 10 is provided. In block 602, the components of
the tank 10 are transported to a site where the tank 10 is to be
assembled, typically by one or more semi-trailer trucks. In block
604, the components of the tank 10 are offloaded to desired
location on the site, typically by a picker truck.
[0064] In block 606, a first lower wall panel 252 is located to a
desired position and orientation, typically by a picker truck. The
first lower wall panel 252 is supported in an upright position by a
temporary support assembly, typically comprising removable support
beams. In block 608, the next lower wall panel 252 is positioned
and oriented next to the first lower wall panel 252 such that the
male connectors 282 of either the first lower wall panel 252 or
next lower wall panel 252 is received by the female connectors 267
of the other of the first lower wall panel 252 or next lower wall
panel 252 in alignment therewith. In block 610, the joint pin 300
is inserted through the aligned female connectors 267 and male
connectors 282, and locking bar 400 is inserted to secure the joint
pin 300, in the manner described above. In block 612, if the lower
wall sub-assembly 250 is completed, the method 600 proceeds to
block 614, otherwise, blocks 608 to 612 are repeated for the next
lower wall panel 252.
[0065] In block 614, a first upper wall panel 212 is located to a
desired position and orientation on top of the lower wall
sub-assembly 250, typically by a picker truck. As described above,
the bottom of the first upper wall panel 212 is received by the
seat defined by the guide plates 266, top stiffener 256 and portion
of the wall plate 254 extending above the top stiffener 256 of the
lower wall panel 252 for which the first upper wall panel 212 is
positioned on top of. The first upper wall panel 212 is positioned
with respect to its supporting lower wall panel 252 such that the
vertical stiffeners 218, 258 of the first upper wall panel 212 and
supporting lower wall panel 252 are in horizontal alignment. The
first lower wall panel 212 is supported in an upright position by a
temporary support assembly, typically comprising removable support
beams. In block 616, the next upper wall panel 212 is positioned
and oriented next to the first upper wall panel 212 such that the
male connectors 236 of either the first upper wall panel 212 or
next upper wall panel 212 is received by the female connectors 225
of the other of the first lower wall panel 212 or next lower wall
panel 212 in alignment therewith. In addition, similar to the first
upper wall panel 212, the next upper wall panel 212 is positioned
in the seat provide by a supporting lower wall panel 252. Similar
to the first upper wall panel 212, the next upper wall panel 212 is
positioned with respect to its supporting lower wall panel 252 such
that the vertical stiffeners 218, 258 of the next upper wall panel
212 and supporting lower wall panel 252 are in horizontal
alignment.
[0066] In block 618, the joint pin 300 is inserted through the
aligned female connectors 225 and male connectors 236, and locking
bar 400 is inserted to secure the joint pin 300, in the manner
described above. In block 620, if the upper wall sub-assembly 210
is completed, the method 600 proceeds to block 622, otherwise,
blocks 616 to 620 are repeated for the next upper wall panel
212.
[0067] In block 622, the wall braces 340 are attached to selected
vertical stiffeners 218, 258 of aligned lower wall panel 252 and
upper wall panels 212. In block 624, clamp assemblies 260 are
coupled to clamp mounts 222 of upper wall panels 212.
[0068] In block 626, the floor panels 402 are set out on the ground
within the interior circumferential boundary of the lower wall
sub-assembly 250 in their designated locations. In block 628, the
insulating layer 404 is fixed to the top of the floor panels 402
such that the elevation of the insulation at the boundary of the
interior of the lower wall sub-assembly 250 is higher than the
elevation of the insulation at the centre of the interior of the
lower wall sub-assembly 250.
[0069] In block 630, the liner is positioned inside of the wall
assembly 20, draped over the upper edges of the wall assembly 20
and coupled to clamp assemblies 260. In block 632, the suction pipe
for withdrawing fluid from the tank 10 and the inlet and outlet
pipes used for heating fluid contained in the tank 10 are inserted
into the interior of the liner 50 within the wall assembly 20.
[0070] In block 634, the support pole assembly 516 is mounted on
top of the liner 50 about the centre of the floor assembly 40 and
extending vertically therefrom above the top of the wall assembly
20. In block 636, the roof segments 502 are laid out on the ground
and are coupled together by the fastening assembly 508. In block
638, the assembled roof segments 502 are positioned on top of the
wall assembly 20 and support pole assembly 516 such that the skirt
506 of the roof assembly 30 extends down a portion of the exterior
of the wall assembly 20, typically through the use of a picker
truck. In 40, optionally, the skirt 506 may be coupled to the wall
assembly 20 by way of tethers or other suitable coupling
devices.
[0071] After the completion of method 600, the tank may be filled
with fluid and used in operation.
[0072] While particular embodiments of the present invention has
been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other
embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are
intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person
skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this
invention, not shown, are possible without departing from the
spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary
embodiment. The invention is therefore to be considered limited
solely by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *