U.S. patent application number 17/519977 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for parts assembly, panel, and tank.
The applicant listed for this patent is GROUPE INDUSTRIES FOURNIER INC.. Invention is credited to William BELANGER, Daniel CLICHE, Michel GINGRAS, Stephane POMERLEAU, Martin RICHARD.
Application Number | 20220056723 17/519977 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005954983 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220056723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BELANGER; William ; et
al. |
February 24, 2022 |
PARTS ASSEMBLY, PANEL, AND TANK
Abstract
A parts assembly, a tank, and a panel discussed, including a
first wall; a second wall, a first edge of the first wall facing a
second edge of the second wall; a first flange connected to and
extending outward from the first wall; a second flange connected to
and extending outward from the second wall, the second flange being
spaced from and disposed opposite the first flange; at least one
fastener extending through and connecting the first flange and the
second flange, the at least one fastener being pre-tensioned; and
at least one rigid spacing member disposed between the first flange
and the second flange, the rigid spacing member being spaced from
the at least one fastener, the rigid spacing member being in
contact with the first and second flanges, the at least one
fastener being disposed between the rigid spacing member and the
first and second walls.
Inventors: |
BELANGER; William; (Thetford
Mines, CA) ; CLICHE; Daniel; (Thetford Mines, CA)
; GINGRAS; Michel; (Thetford Mines, CA) ; RICHARD;
Martin; (Levis, CA) ; POMERLEAU; Stephane;
(Disraeli, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GROUPE INDUSTRIES FOURNIER INC. |
Thetford Mines |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005954983 |
Appl. No.: |
17/519977 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16957945 |
Jun 25, 2020 |
|
|
|
PCT/CA2019/050341 |
Mar 20, 2019 |
|
|
|
17519977 |
|
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|
|
62646666 |
Mar 22, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/40 20130101; B65D
90/08 20130101; E04B 1/08 20130101; B65D 90/024 20130101; B65D
88/08 20130101; E04H 7/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 7/06 20060101
E04H007/06; B65D 88/08 20060101 B65D088/08; B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02; B65D 90/08 20060101 B65D090/08; E04B 1/41 20060101
E04B001/41 |
Claims
1. A tank comprising: a first curved wall including a first edge
extending vertically along the first curved wall; a second curved
wall including a second edge extending vertically along the second
curved wall, the first edge facing the second edge; a first flange
connected to and extending vertically and radially outward from the
first curved wall; a second flange connected to and extending
vertically and radially outward from the second curved wall, the
second flange being spaced from the first flange; at least one
fastener extending horizontally through and connecting the first
flange and the second flange, the at least one fastener being
pre-tensioned; and at least one rigid spacing member disposed
between the first flange and the second flange, the at least one
rigid spacing member being spaced radially outward from the at
least one fastener, the at least one rigid spacing member being in
contact with the first and second flanges, the at least one
fastener being disposed radially between the at least one rigid
spacing member and the first and second walls.
2. The tank of claim 1, wherein the first edge abuts the second
edge.
3. The tank of claim 1, wherein: the first flange is offset from
the first edge; the second flange is offset from the second edge;
and the first edge and the second edge are aligned with a space
between the first flange and the second flange.
4. The tank of claim 1, wherein the first flange and the second
flange are disposed equidistant from a corresponding one of the
first edge and the second edge.
5. The tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one rigid spacing
member is a rigid shim connected to one of the first flange and the
second flange.
6. The tank of claim 5, wherein the rigid shim is welded to the
first flange.
7. The tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one rigid spacing
member is disposed between a first outward end of the first flange
and a second outward end of the second flange, the first outward
end and the second outward end being ends of the first and second
flanges radially outward of the first wall and the second wall.
8. The tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one rigid spacing
member is a single rigid spacing member extending along an entire
vertical height of the first flange and the second flange.
9. The tank of claim 1, wherein: the first flange is welded to the
first wall; and the second flange is welded to the second wall.
10. The tank of claim 1, wherein at least the first curved wall and
the second curved wall form a first cylindrical wall assembly.
11. The tank of claim 10, wherein: the first cylindrical wall
assembly includes a first horizontal flange extending outward from
a top edge of the first curved wall and a second horizontal flange
extending outward from a top edge of the second curved wall, the
first horizontal flange and the second horizontal flange defining a
first circumferential flange of the first cylindrical wall
assembly; and further comprising: a second cylindrical wall
assembly, the second cylindrical wall assembly including a second
circumferential flange extending outward from a bottom edge of the
second cylindrical wall, the second cylindrical wall assembly being
disposed on top of the first cylindrical wall assembly, the first
circumferential flange abutting and being fastened to the second
circumferential flange.
12. The tank of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is a
plurality of fasteners spaced vertically through the first flange
and the second flange.
13. The tank of claim 1, further comprising at least one sealing
member disposed between the first edge and the second edge, the
first edge and the second edge abutting the at least one sealing
member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is a divisional application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/957,945, entitled "Parts Assembly,
Panel, and Tank", filed Jun. 25, 2020, which is a National Phase
Entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2019/1050341,
filed Mar. 20, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/646,666, entitled "Parts Assembly, Panel, and
Tank", filed Mar. 22, 2018, the entirety of each of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] The present technology relates to the field of assemblies
for joining walls, and more specifically to parts assemblies,
panels, and tanks.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Large storage structures, such as field-erected tanks,
leaching tanks, or cisterns, are often constructed from many metal
panels bolted and/or welded together, directly at the structure's
desired location. Overall costs of such field-erected structures
include not only material costs, but also the time necessary to
assemble the structure.
[0004] In order to prevent leakage of materials, especially
liquids, through the panels assembled together, the edges of the
panels are welded together. Large welds passing through the
thickness of the wall are necessary to hold and seal the panels
together, using, for example, forge welding or butt welding. While
generally effective for providing structural strength for the
assembly and for sealing the joint between the walls, these types
of welding are highly time consuming and specialized work. Each
additional joint to weld is therefore a significant increase of
costs for the overall structure. Further, time on-site spent
welding panels together cannot generally be reduced by pre-welding
panels together, as such structures generally must be assembled and
welded on-site due to their large size.
[0005] Some such structures use flanges that abut each other to
bolt together adjacent panels, those flanges being thick enough to
support highly tightened bolts. Thick flanges increase material
costs, and the joints will generally still require extensive
welding.
[0006] There is therefore a desire for structures that can be
assembled and sealed in a time and cost efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at
least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.
[0008] According to a first broad aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a parts assembly including a first wall; a second
wall, a first edge of the first wall facing a second edge of the
second wall; a first flange connected to and extending outward from
the first wall; a second flange connected to and extending outward
from the second wall, the second flange being spaced from and
disposed opposite the first flange; at least one fastener extending
through and connecting the first flange and the second flange, the
at least one fastener being pre-tensioned; and at least one rigid
spacing member disposed between the first flange and the second
flange, the at least one rigid spacing member being spaced from the
at least one fastener, the at least one rigid spacing member being
in contact with the first and second flanges, the at least one
fastener being disposed between the at least one rigid spacing
member and the first and second walls.
[0009] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
edge of the first wall abuts the second edge of the second
wall.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange is offset from the first edge; the second flange is offset
from the second edge; and the first edge and the second edge are
aligned with a space between the first flange and the second
flange.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange and the second flange are disposed equidistant from a
corresponding one of the first edge and the second edge.
[0012] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is a rigid shim connected to one of the
first flange and the second flange.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present technology, the rigid
shim is welded to the first flange.
[0014] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is disposed between a first outward end of
the first flange and a second outward end of the second flange, the
first outward end and the second outward end being ends of the
first and second flanges opposite the first wall and the second
wall.
[0015] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is a single rigid spacing member extending
along an entire height of the first flange and the second
flange.
[0016] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange is welded to the first wall; and the second flange is welded
to the second wall.
[0017] In some embodiments of the present technology, the parts
assembly further includes at least one sealing member disposed
between the first edge of the first wall and the second edge of the
second wall, the first edge and the second edge abutting the at
least one sealing member.
[0018] According to another broad aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a parts assembly including a first wall; a second
wall; a first flange connected to and extending outward from the
first wall; a second flange connected to and extending outward from
the second wall, the second flange being spaced from and disposed
opposite the first flange; at least one rigid spacing member
disposed between the first flange and the second flange, the at
least one rigid spacing member being in contact with the first and
second flanges, the first wall, the second wall, the first flange,
the second flange, and the at least one rigid spacing member
forming a closed perimeter defining a space; and at least one
fastener extending through the first flange, the space, and the
second flange and connecting the first flange to the second flange,
the at least one fastener being pre-tensioned, the at least one
fastener being spaced from the at least one rigid spacing
member.
[0019] According to another broad aspect of the present technology,
there is provided a parts assembly including a first wall; a second
wall, a first edge of the first wall facing a second edge of the
second wall; a first flange connected to and extending outward from
the first wall; a second flange connected to and extending outward
from the second wall, the second flange being spaced from and
disposed opposite the first flange; at least one fastener extending
through and connecting the first flange and the second flange, the
at least one fastener being pre-tensioned; and at least one rigid
spacing member disposed between the first flange and the second
flange, the at least one rigid spacing member being spaced from the
at least one fastener, the at least one rigid spacing member being
in contact with the first and second flanges, the at least one
rigid spacing member being disposed at at least one of: above the
at least one fastener, and below the at least one fastener.
[0020] According to yet another broad aspect of the present
technology, there is provided a tank including a first curved wall
including a first edge extending vertically along the first curved
wall; a second curved wall including a second edge extending
vertically along the second curved wall, the first edge facing the
second edge; a first flange connected to and extending vertically
and radially outward from the first curved wall; a second flange
connected to and extending vertically and radially outward from the
second curved wall, the second flange being spaced from the first
flange; at least one fastener extending horizontally through and
connecting the first flange and the second flange, the at least one
fastener being pre-tensioned; and at least one rigid spacing member
disposed between the first flange and the second flange, the at
least one rigid spacing member being spaced radially outward from
the at least one fastener, the at least one rigid spacing member
being in contact with the first and second flanges, the at least
one fastener being disposed radially between the at least one rigid
spacing member and the first and second walls.
[0021] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
edge abuts the second edge.
[0022] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange is offset from the first edge; the second flange is offset
from the second edge; and the first edge and the second edge are
aligned with a space between the first flange and the second
flange.
[0023] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange and the second flange are disposed equidistant from a
corresponding one of the first edge and the second edge.
[0024] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is a rigid shim connected to one of the
first flange and the second flange.
[0025] In some embodiments of the present technology, the rigid
shim is welded to the first flange.
[0026] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is disposed between a first outward end of
the first flange and a second outward end of the second flange, the
first outward end and the second outward end being ends of the
first and second flanges radially outward of the first wall and the
second wall.
[0027] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is a single rigid spacing member extending
along an entire vertical height of the first flange and the second
flange.
[0028] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange is welded to the first wall; and the second flange is welded
to the second wall.
[0029] In some embodiments of the present technology, at least the
first curved wall and the second curved wall form a first
cylindrical wall assembly.
[0030] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
cylindrical wall assembly includes a first horizontal flange
extending outward from a top edge of the first curved wall and a
second horizontal flange extending outward from a top edge of the
second curved wall, the first horizontal flange and the second
horizontal flange defining a first circumferential flange of the
first cylindrical wall assembly; and further including a second
cylindrical wall assembly, the second cylindrical wall assembly
including a second circumferential flange extending outward from a
bottom edge of the second cylindrical wall, the second cylindrical
wall assembly being disposed on top of the first cylindrical wall
assembly, the first circumferential flange abutting and being
fastened to the second circumferential flange.
[0031] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one fastener is a plurality of fasteners spaced vertically through
the first flange and the second flange.
[0032] In some embodiments of the present technology, the tank
further includes at least one sealing member disposed between the
first edge and the second edge, the first edge and the second edge
abutting the at least one sealing member.
[0033] According to yet another broad aspect of the present
technology, there is provided a panel including a wall; a first
flange having a first end connected to a first end portion of the
wall, the first flange being offset from a first side edge of the
first end portion, the first flange defining a first plurality of
apertures for receiving fasteners therethrough; at least one rigid
spacing member connected to a second end of the first flange, the
second end of the first flange being opposite the first end of the
first flange; a second flange having a first end connected to a
second end portion of the wall, the second end portion being
disposed opposite the first end portion, the second flange being
offset from a second side edge of the second end portion, the
second flange defining a second plurality of apertures for
receiving the fasteners therethrough, the first plurality of
apertures being defined between the first end portion of the wall
and the at least one rigid spacing member; and at least one third
flange connected to at least one of a top edge and a bottom edge of
the wall, the first flange, the second flange, and the third flange
extending in a same direction away from the wall.
[0034] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one third flange includes: a top flange connected to the top edge
of the wall; and a bottom flange connected to the bottom edge of
the wall.
[0035] In some embodiments of the present technology, the at least
one rigid spacing member is a single rigid spacing member extending
along an entire vertical height of the first flange.
[0036] In some embodiments of the present technology, the first
flange is welded to the first end portion of the wall; the second
flange is welded to the second end portion of the wall; and the at
least one rigid spacing member is welded to the first flange.
[0037] For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial
orientation are defined with respect to the standard operational
orientation of the tank. Specifically, vertical is meant to
represent a direction generally orthogonal to the ground upon which
the tank rests when oriented in its standard operational
orientation.
[0038] For purposes of this application, the term "tank" refers to
any number of structures which includes, but is not limited to: a
field-erected tank, a leaching tank, a cistern, a reservoir, a
silo, a bin, a standpipe, a pumpbox, and a receptacle.
[0039] Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one
of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not
necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some
aspects of the present technology that have resulted from
attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy
this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically
recited herein.
[0040] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and
advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become
apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings
and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] For a better understanding of the present technology, as
well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is
made to the following description which is to be used in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a top, front side perspective view of a tank;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a top, front side perspective of a panel of the
tank of FIG. 1, shown in isolation;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the panel of
FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a close-up, partial view of the tank of FIG.
1;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a flange assembly of the
tank of FIG. 1, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a close-up partial view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flange assembly of
FIG. 6, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a close-up partial view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0051] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the flange assembly of
FIG. 9, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
[0052] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0053] FIG. 12 is a top, front side perspective view of another
non-limiting embodiment of a tank according to the present
technology;
[0054] FIG. 13 is a close-up partial view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0055] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the flange assembly of
FIG. 13, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0056] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another non-limiting
embodiment of a flange assembly according to the present
technology;
[0057] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of yet another
non-limiting embodiment of a flange assembly according to the
present technology, with panels being spaced apart and fasteners
having been removed; and
[0058] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of yet another
non-limiting embodiment of a flange assembly according to the
present technology, with panels being spaced apart and fasteners
having been removed.
[0059] It should be noted that the Figures may not be drawn to
scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] The present detailed description is intended to be only a
description of illustrative examples of the present technology. The
following description relates to ways of manufacturing and
designing a tank, a panel for a tank, and a parts assembly for
joining two walls. Other ways of manufacturing and designing the
tank, the panel, and the assembly are contemplated and this
technology would encompass these other known ways and designs.
[0061] A tank 100 according to an embodiment of the present
technology is illustrated in FIG. 1. The illustrated tank 100 is a
field-erected process tank, but it contemplated that the present
technology could apply to different types of tanks 100. It is
further contemplated that the present technology is not generally
restricted to tanks, but could be implemented in the construction
of storage tanks, leaching tanks, reservoirs, silos, bins,
standpipes, receptacles, pump boxes, and cisterns, whether composed
of cylindrical or polygonal-shaped walls.
[0062] The tank 100 is built from three cylindrical wall assemblies
110, each one being built from multiple panels 200. The bottommost
cylindrical wall assembly 110 includes a door panel 130, which
allows access to an interior of the tank 100 during assembly or
maintenance. The door panel 130 is connected to the panels 200 of
the bottommost cylindrical wall assembly 110 in the same manner as
the panels 200 are connected together. The panels 200 will be
described in more detail below.
[0063] The wall assemblies 110 are vertically stacked and fastened
together, as will be described below. A roof 120 is also fastened
to a topmost cylindrical wall assembly 110. A floor (not shown) is
further fastened to a bottom-most cylindrical wall assembly 110. In
some embodiments, the tank 100 could be built from more or fewer
cylindrical wall assemblies 110. Some embodiments of the tank 100
may not include the roof 120 and/or the floor. In some embodiments
without the roof 120, the tank 100 could include a bridge connected
to and extending over a top side of the tank 100.
[0064] The upper two cylindrical wall assemblies 110 are built from
three panels 200 fastened together, while the bottom most
cylindrical wall assembly 110 is formed from four panels 200.
Depending on the specific embodiment, the cylindrical wall
assemblies 110 could be formed from more or fewer panels 200.
Connecting the panels 200 together to form the wall assembly 110
will be described in more detail below. Some of the panels 200 have
pipes 107 or other fixtures 109 extending therethrough.
[0065] Each cylindrical wall assembly 110 includes a top
circumferential flange 112 and a bottom circumferential flange 114.
Both the top flange 112 and the bottom flange 114 define a
plurality of through-holes. During assembly of the tank 100, one
cylindrical wall portion 110 is stacked on top of another
cylindrical wall portion 110. Fasteners are then inserted and
fastened through the apertures of the bottom circumferential flange
114 of the wall assembly 110 on top and the apertures of the top
circumferential flange 112 of the wall assembly 110 disposed below.
It is contemplated that the bottom flange 114 of the bottommost
cylindrical wall assembly 110 could be omitted in some embodiments.
Similarly, it is contemplated that the top flange 112 of the
topmost cylindrical wall assembly 110 could be omitted in some
embodiments.
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the panels 200 is
shown in isolation and will now be described in more detail. While
one panel 200 of the tank 100 will be described, it should be noted
that the remaining panels 200 are substantially similar to the
panel 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. The panels 200 are described with
respect to their orientation when assembled together to form the
tank 100, but it is contemplated that the panels 200 could be
reoriented in different embodiments.
[0067] The panel 200 includes a curved wall 202. In the
cross-section of FIG. 3, it appears that the wall 202 is fairly
flat or planar. It should be noted however that the wall 202 is
quite large relative the end portions of the panel 200 illustrated
in FIG. 3 and the curvature is simply not apparent in this figure.
A central portion of the wall 202 has been omitted for
simplicity.
[0068] It is contemplated that the panel 200 could be more or less
curved, depending on the embodiment. The panel 200 is shaped to
form a part of the circumference of the final tank 100, and the
curve and length of the wall 202 will depend on variables such as
the desired circumference and radius of curvature of the tank 100,
as well as the number of panels 200 to be connected to form a given
cylindrical wall assembly 110. In such applications, it is
contemplated that the wall 202 could be planar or nearly planar,
for example when implementing the panels 200 for construction of a
slurry pumpbox.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment of the field-erected leaching
tank 100, the panels 200 are formed from carbon steel. The
materials used to form the panels 200, or even the components
(described below) of the panels could vary depending on the
specific application. The panels 200, or the panel components,
could be made from materials including, but not limited to:
industrial grade plastic, hardened steel, aluminum, and stainless
steel. Some of the panels 200 also include two reinforcing ribs
216, but it is contemplated that the panels 200 could include more
or fewer ribs 216. The panels 200 of the bottommost cylindrical
wall assembly 110, for instance, do not include reinforcing ribs
216.
[0070] The panel 200 includes a top horizontal flange 212 extending
radially outward along and welded to a top edge of the wall 202.
The panel 200 also includes a bottom horizontal flange 214
extending radially outward along and welded to a bottom edge of the
wall 202. When the three (or four) panels 200 are connected to form
one of the cylindrical wall assemblies 110, the three top
horizontal flanges 212 form the top circumferential flange 112 and
the three bottom horizontal flanges 214 form the bottom
circumferential flange 114. Both the top horizontal flange 212 and
the bottom horizontal flange 214 define a plurality of
through-holes for receiving the fasteners for fastening one
cylindrical wall assembly 110 to another, as described above.
[0071] The wall 202 has a right side end portion 204, as viewed
from an exterior side of the tank 100, with a vertical edge 206. At
an opposite end of the wall 202, the panel 200 also has a left side
end portion 208 with a vertical edge 210. Each edge 206, 210 is
beveled to form a v-shaped groove when two panels 200 abut, as will
be described in more detail below.
[0072] It is contemplated that the edges 206, 210 could be
differently shaped, for example to form a u-shaped groove when two
panels 200 abut. It is also contemplated that the edges 206, 210
could be flat such that no groove is formed when two panels 200
abut.
[0073] The panel 200 includes a right flange 220 welded to an
exterior side of the right side portion 204 by inner and outer
welds 205. The flange 220 is offset from the edge 206 and extends
along the vertical length of the wall 202. The flange 220 defines a
plurality of apertures 222 for receiving fasteners therethrough, as
will be described in more detail below.
[0074] The panel 200 further includes a left flange 230 welded to
the left side portion 208 by inner and outer welds 209. The flange
230 is offset from the edge 210 and extends along the vertical
length of the wall 202. The flange 230 defines a plurality of
apertures 232 for receiving fasteners therethrough, as will be
described in more detail below.
[0075] In the present embodiment, the flanges 212, 214, 220, 230
all extend in a same direction away from the wall 202, specifically
in the radial direction outward, away from the wall 202. While the
flanges 212, 214, 220, 230 are welded to the wall 202, it is
contemplated that the flanges 212, 214, 220, 230 could be connected
to the wall 202 in any one of many different manners depending on
the application. Methods of connecting one or more of the flanges
212, 214, 220, 230 to the wall 202 could include, but are not
limited to: fastening, gluing, epoxying, and soldering.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the flanges 220, 230 are
offset from their respective edges 206, 210 by an equal distance.
In some embodiments, the flange 220 could be disposed nearer to or
farther from the edge 206 than the flange 230 is disposed to the
edge 210. In some embodiments, one of the flanges 220, 230 could be
integrally formed with the wall 202, as will be described below
with regards to FIG. 15.
[0077] The panel 200 includes a rigid spacing member 250 connected
to an outward end of the right flange 220. The rigid spacing member
250 is spaced from the apertures 222, and as such is spaced from
fasteners received therethrough when the flange 220 is connected to
another panel 200 (described below). In some embodiments, it is
contemplated that the rigid spacer 250 could be connected to the
left flange 230. It is also contemplated that the rigid spacer 250
could be integral to one of the flanges 220, 230. As will be
described further below, it is also contemplated that the rigid
spacing member 250 could be provided separately from the panel 200,
such that the rigid spacing member 250 is disposed between adjacent
panels 200 only upon assembly of the cylindrical wall assembly 110
or the tank 100.
[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid spacing member 250
is a carbon steel shim 250 welded to a right side of the right
flange 220 by a weld 251. It is contemplated that the rigid spacing
member 250 could take various forms depending on specifics of a
given embodiment, including but not limited to: stainless steel,
aluminum, hardened plastic, and various other metals. The rigid
spacing member 250 extends vertically along an entire height of the
flange 220. In some embodiments, however, the rigid spacing member
250 could extend only along portions of the flange 220.
[0079] It is contemplated that the rigid spacing member 250 could
be a series of rigid spacing members 250 disposed along the height
of the flange 220. It is also contemplated that some of the panels
200 may include one rigid spacing member 250 connected to each of
the flanges 220, 230. In such an embodiment, neighboring panels 200
may omit the rigid spacing member 250 completely, assuming that the
assembly 110 of such an embodiment contains an even number of
panels 200. In other such embodiments, all the panels 200 may
include the two rigid spacing members 250, where the walls 202 and
the flanges 220, 230 of each panel 200 are adapted such that the
rigid spacing member 250 of one panel 200 abuts the corresponding
rigid spacing member 250 of the neighboring panel 200.
[0080] Having described the various components of one panel 200,
connection between two adjacent panels 200 will now be described
with regard to FIGS. 4 and 5, where the contact area between two
adjacent panels 200 can be seen in more detail. In order to
distinguish between the two panels 200, the panel 200 disposed to
the left of the contact area will be referred to as the left panel
200a and the panel 200 disposed to the right of the contact area
will be referred to as the right panel 200b. Also, reference
numerals for elements of the panel 200a will be provided with the
suffix "a" and reference numeral for elements of the panel 200b
will be provided with the suffix "b".
[0081] When the panels 200a, 200b are assembled together, the edge
206a and the edge 210b come together and face each other. In the
present embodiment, the edges 206a, 210b are directly abutting.
With the edges 206a, 210b brought together, the rigid spacing
member 250a contacts the flange 230b, such that the rigid spacing
member 250a is disposed between and in contact with both flanges
220a, 230b. As can be seen in at least FIG. 5, the walls 202a,
202b, the flanges 220a, 230b, and the rigid spacing member 250a
form a closed perimeter defining a space 258.
[0082] As can also be seen in FIG. 5, the flange 220a is spaced
from, and disposed opposite the flange 230b. As is mentioned above,
the flanges 220a, 230b are each offset from their respective edges
206a, 210b. The edges 206a, 210b are aligned and centered with the
space between the 220a, 230b. While the flanges 220a, 230b are
equidistant from their respective edges 206a, 210b, it is
contemplated that the flanges 220a, 230b could each be nearer to or
farther from their respective edges 206a, 210b so long as the
flanges 220a, 230b remain spaced from each other.
[0083] To connect the panels 200a, 200b together, a plurality of
fasteners 260 are inserted through the apertures 222a in the flange
220a and the apertures 232b in the flange 230b. The fasteners 260
extend through the flange 220a, the space 258, and the flange 230b,
connecting the flange 220a to the flange 230b. In the present
embodiment, the fasteners 260 are bolts and nuts 260 extending
horizontally through the apertures 222a, 232b to connect the
flanges 220a, 230b. The bolts 260, when installed in the flanges
220a, 230b, are disposed radially between the walls 202a, 202b and
the rigid spacing member 250a. The bolts 260, when installed, are
aligned with each other and are spaced vertically through the
flanges 220a, 230b. It is contemplated that different kinds of
fasteners could be used to connect the flanges 220a, 230b,
including but not limited to: rivets and dowel pins.
[0084] To aid in forming a dust- or liquid-proof seal between the
panels 200, such that the material stored in the tank 100 generally
cannot leak out between the edges 206a, 210b, the bolts 260 are
pre-tensioned. Specifically, the bolts 260 are tightened to a
pre-determined torque, which forces the flanges 220a, 230b, and
thus the connected walls 202a, 202b, toward each other. It is
contemplated that in some cases the edges 206a, 210b may not
necessarily form a dust- or liquid-proof seal, for example where
the tank 100 is destined to store larger rocks, etc.
[0085] In the present technology, the necessary pre-tensioning is
based on determination of adequate fasteners properties as well as
flange and walls properties. Adjustable fastener properties could
include, but are not limited to: number of fasteners 260, material
of the fasteners 260 and fastener size. Properties to be determined
for the wall 202 and the flanges 220, 230 could include, but are
not limited to: thickness, width of each flange 220, 230, material
of the wall 202, and material of each flange 220, 230. Properties
are selected such that the resulting assembly 299 produces an
adequate contact between the walls 202 and/or the spacing member
250 and the flange 220 to withstand usage for the specific
application considered.
[0086] With an adequate design determined, the fasteners 260 having
been pre-tensioned, the resulting assembly will generally maintain
contact without shifting or relative movement between panels 200,
whether the tank 100 is under pressure, has been filled, or is
empty. By pre-tensioning the fasteners 260, disposed radially
between two contact areas (the edges 206, 210 and the flange 220
and the spacing member 250), the forces on the panels 200 are
distributed toward the contact areas and thus over a larger area.
In some prior systems, the tension forces may tend to be
concentrated near the fasteners 260 and thus the forces holding the
panels 200 together are distributed over a smaller area. This can
lead to a greater likelihood of relative movement or shifting
between panels 200 when the tank 100 sees an increase in pressure
(i.e. when the tank 100 is being filled). In some embodiments,
sealing the walls 202 by pre-tensioning the fasteners 260 may also
produce a decrease in the field work necessary during assembly of
the tank 100.
[0087] In embodiments where the rigid spacing member 250a is not
connected to one of the flanges 220a, 230b, the rigid spacing
member 250a is inserted between the flanges 220a, 230b before the
bolts 260 are pre-tensioned.
[0088] While tightening the bolts 260 through such spaced flanges
220a, 230b would generally otherwise cause a flaring or separation
of the edges 206a, 210b, the rigid spacing member 250a aids in
keeping the edges 206a, 210b in contact. The rigid spacing member
250a contacts the flanges 220a, 230b on exterior portions of the
flanges 220a, 230b, on a side of the bolts 260 opposite the edges
206a, 210b. As such, the exterior portions of the flanges 220a,
230b cannot move toward each other, thereby keeping inward and
outward ends of the flanges 220a, 230b approximately equidistant.
In this way, the edges 206a, 210b are similarly forced together and
remain in contact.
[0089] To further secure the connection between the panels 200a,
200b, a 3 mm groove weld is performed along the edges 206a, 210b,
specifically on an interior side of the walls 202a, 202b where the
edges 206a, 210b form a beveled v-shaped groove. It is contemplated
that different types of welds may be performed on the interior side
of the walls 202a, 202b, but need not be the time-consuming welding
method of the prior art. In some embodiments, the pre-tensioning of
the bolts 260 is sufficient to cause a plasticisation of the two
edges 206a, 210b to further aid in preventing materials from
passing between the edges 206a, 210b. It is also contemplated that
different preparations could be applied to the edges 206a, 210b
before, during, or after assembly, including for example, epoxies
or sealants.
[0090] In some embodiments, other sealing methods could be
included, either in place or in addition to the weld described
above. For example, a sealant material could be applied between the
edges 206a, 210b: either to one of the edges 206a, 210b or both of
the edges 206a, 210b. In some embodiments, a bonding material, such
as a glue or epoxy, could be applied between the edges 206a, 210b:
either to one of the edges 206a, 210b or both of the edges 206a,
210b. It is also contemplated that a sealant or polymer could be
applied to any of the interior side of the edges 206a, 210b, an
interior side of the panels 200 or the tank 100, or in the vicinity
of the edges 206a, 210b.
[0091] The assembly made up of the walls 202a, 202b, the flanges
220a, 230b, the rigid spacing member 250, and the fasteners 260 is
also referred to herein as a parts assembly 299. While the
connection of the panels 200a, 200b is described herein relative to
their use in constructing the tank 100, it should be noted that the
parts assembly 299 could apply to creating secure connections
between different types of walls. For example, the parts assembly
299, as well as the different embodiments of parts assemblies
described herein below, could be utilized to secure the walls of
many different apparatuses. These could include, but are not
limited to, reservoirs, silos, bins, standpipes, receptacles,
cisterns, pumpboxes, pipes and plumbing installations, and
plateworks. In embodiments such as pipes and plumbing
installations, the flange assembly 299 could be generally annular,
wrapping around the circumference of the pipe rather than extending
along its length.
[0092] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, another non-limiting
embodiment of a parts assembly 399 of adjacent end portions of a
left panel 300a and a right panel 300b, according to the present
technology is illustrated. Elements of the assembly 399 and the
panels 300 that are similar to those of the assembly 299 and the
panels 200 retain the same reference numeral.
[0093] The parts assembly 399 includes a flange 320a extending
outward from the wall 202a of the left panel 300a and a flange 330b
extending outward from the wall 202b of the right panel 300b.
[0094] The flange 320a defines a plurality of staggered apertures
322a and 324a. The apertures 322a and 324a extend vertically along
the flange 320a, with all of the apertures 322a being radially
aligned with one another and all of the apertures 324a being
radially aligned with one another. The apertures 322a are
horizontally closer to the wall 202a than the apertures 324a.
Similarly, the flange 330b defines a plurality of corresponding
staggered apertures 332b and 334b, with all of the apertures 332a
being radially aligned with one another and all of the apertures
334a being radially aligned with one another. The apertures 332a
are horizontally closer to the wall 202a than the apertures
334a.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 8, another non-limiting embodiment of
a parts assembly 499 of adjacent end portions of two panels 400
according to the present technology are illustrated. Elements of
the assembly 499 and the panels 400 that are similar to those of
the assembly 299 and the panels 200 retain the same reference
numeral.
[0096] The parts assembly 499 includes a sealing member 480 for
aiding in creating a seal between the edges 206a, 210b of the walls
202a, 202b. Rather than abutting directly, the edges 206a and 210b
each abut and compress the sealing member 480. The bolts 260 are
pre-tensioned as described above, and the sealing member 480 simply
aids in further sealing the edges 206a, 210b.
[0097] In the present embodiment, the sealing member 480 is a
rubber gasket 480, but it is contemplated that the sealing member
480 could take various forms, including but not limited to: a
plastic gasket, polyurethane member, epoxy, and any of various
elastomer members. While illustrated as extending only slightly
past the walls 202a, 220b, it is contemplated that the sealing
member 480 could extend farther into the space between the flanges
220a, 230b. It is contemplated that the sealing member 480 may be
received in a recess defined on an interior side of the wall 202 or
the flanges 220a, 230b.
[0098] The parts assembly 499 also includes a rigid spacing member
450a connected to the flange 220a. It is contemplated that the
rigid spacing member 450a could be connected to the flange 230b, or
could simply be disposed between the flanges 220a, 230b. Similarly
to the member 250, the rigid spacing member 450a is a metal shim
450a welded to the flange 220a. In the illustrated embodiment,
however, the shim 450 is welded to a more central portion of the
flange 220a and is not welded to the exterior edge of the flange
220a, although still disposed between the bolts 260 and the
exterior edge of the flanges 220a, 230b.
[0099] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, another non-limiting
embodiment of a parts assembly 599 of adjacent end portions of two
panels 500 according to the present technology are illustrated.
Elements of the assembly 599 and the panels 500 that are similar to
those of the assembly 299 and the panels 200 retain the same
reference numeral.
[0100] The parts assembly 599 includes a plurality of radially
extending rigid spacing members 550 connected to the flange 220a.
The rigid spacing members 550 are metal shim spacers 550 in the
present embodiment, but this is just one non-limiting example as
before. There is one spacer 550 disposed below (or above) each bolt
260. It is contemplated that fewer spacers 550 may be utilized, for
example, one spacer 550 being disposed in alternating spaces
vertically between the bolts 260. The spacers 550 extend radially
outward of the bolts 260. It is contemplated that the spacers 550
could be longer or shorter than the illustrated embodiment,
depending on the specific application.
[0101] The shims 550 are welded to the right flange 220a, but it is
contemplated that the shims 550 could be welded or otherwise
connected to the flange 230b in some embodiments.
[0102] It is also contemplated that some of the shims 550 could be
connected to the flange 220a, while the remaining shims 550 could
be connected to the flange 230b. It is also contemplated that the
shims 550 could be inserted between the flanges 220a, 230b during
assembly of the parts assembly 599. In some embodiments, it is
contemplated that the shims 550 could be included with the parts
assembly 299, where the shims 550 could be inserted between 2 or
more bolts 260, in addition to the rigid spacing member 250.
[0103] With reference to FIG. 11, another non-limiting embodiment
of a parts assembly 699 of adjacent end portions of two panels 600
according to the present technology are illustrated. Elements of
the assembly 699 and the panels 600 that are similar to those of
the assembly 299 and the panels 200 retain the same reference
numeral.
[0104] The parts assembly 699 includes a rigid spacing member 650a
connected to the flange 220a and a rigid spacing member 650b
connected to the flange 230b. The rigid spacing members 650a, b are
metal shim spacers 650a, b in the present embodiment, but this is
just one non-limiting example as before. The rigid spacing member
650a abuts the rigid spacing member 650b when the panels 600a, b
are connected together as describe above for the panels 200.
[0105] Another non-limiting embodiment of a tank 700 according to
the present technology is illustrated in FIG. 12. Elements of the
tank 700 and the panels 750 that are similar to those of the tank
100 and the panels 200 retain the same reference numeral
[0106] The tank 700 is made from six vertically extending panels
750. In contrast to the panels 200, the panels 750 extend
vertically to the full height of the tank 700. As such, the tank
700 is not composed of the multiple cylindrical wall assemblies 110
of the tank 100, but is rather directly formed by the panels 750.
Depending on the specific embodiment, it is contemplated that the
tank 700 could be made from more or fewer panels 750.
[0107] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, another non-limiting
embodiment of a parts assembly 899 of adjacent end portions of a
left panel 800a and a right panel 800b, according to the present
technology is illustrated. Elements of the assembly 899 and the
panels 800 that are similar to those of the assembly 299 and the
panels 200 retain the same reference numeral.
[0108] The parts assembly 899 includes a flange 820a extending
outward from the wall 202a of the left panel 800a and a flange 830b
extending outward from the wall 202b of the right panel 800b.
[0109] The flange 820a defines a plurality of horizontally aligned
apertures 822a and 824a. The apertures 822a and 824a extend
vertically along the flange 820a, with all of the apertures 822a
being radially aligned with one another and all of the apertures
824a being radially aligned with one another and each aperture 822a
having a corresponding aperture 824a vertically aligned with it.
The apertures 822a are horizontally closer to the wall 202a than
the apertures 824a. Similarly, the flange 830b defines a plurality
of corresponding horizontally aligned apertures 832b and 834b, with
all of the apertures 832a being radially aligned with one another
and all of the apertures 834a being radially aligned with one
another and each aperture 832a having a corresponding aperture 834a
vertically aligned with it. The apertures 832a are horizontally
closer to the wall 202a than the apertures 834a.
[0110] With reference to FIG. 15, another non-limiting embodiment
of a parts assembly 999 of adjacent end portions of two panels 900
according to the present technology are illustrated. Elements of
the assembly 999 and the panels 900 that are similar to those of
the assembly 299 and the panels 200 retain the same reference
numeral.
[0111] The right side end portion 204a of a panel 900a has a right
flange 920 integrally formed with the wall 202a. The flange 920a is
aligned with the edge 206a and extends along the vertical length of
the wall 202a. The flange 920 defines the plurality of apertures
222a for receiving fasteners therethrough, as was described in
relation to the flange 220 above. The panel 900b further includes
the left flange 230b, as is shown in FIG. 15 and which was
described in more detail above.
[0112] With reference to FIG. 16, yet another non-limiting
embodiment of a parts assembly 1099 of adjacent end portions of two
panels 1000 (a panel 1000a and a panel 1000b) according to the
present technology are illustrated. Elements of the assembly 1099
and the panels 1000 that are similar to those of the assembly 299
and the panels 200 retain the same reference numeral.
[0113] The side end portion 204a of the panel 1000a has a flange
1020a connected to and abutting the edge 206a of the wall 202a. The
flange 1020a is welded directly to the edge 206a by an inner weld
1005a. As such, the edge 210b abuts the flange 1020a when panels
1000a and 1000b are connected, rather than abutting the edge 206a.
The side end portion 208b of a panel 1000b has a flange 1030
connected to the wall 202b by inner and outer welds 1009b, offset
from the edge 210b. The flange 1030 has a rectangular cross
section, such that both welds 1009b are disposed toward an exterior
of the panel 1000b. The rigid spacing member 250 is welded to the
flange 1030 in the illustrated embodiment.
[0114] A modified version of the panel assembly 1099, identified as
panel assembly 1099', is illustrated in FIG. 17. In the assembly
1099', a panel 1000b ' includes a flange 1030b '. The flange 1030b
' is welded to the wall 202b by the outer weld 1009b, as before, as
well as an inner weld 1009b ' which is disposed in an undercut in
the flange 1030b'.
[0115] Modifications and improvements to the above-described
embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those
skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be
exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology
is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *