Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – Assembling or joining
Utility Patent
1997-09-10
2001-01-02
Hughes, S. Thomas (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
Assembling or joining
C029S402090, C220S004120, C220S023900, C220S567100, C220S654000
Utility Patent
active
06167608
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the upgrading of an existing tank system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a tank within an existing tank so as to upgrade the existing tank system.
2. Discussion of the Background
In the field of upgrading existing tanks, it is usually necessary to either provide a sprayed on liner to the interior surface of existing tanks which are failing or leaking, or completely replace the existing tank. In applying a liner, the structure of the existing tank is not strengthened. Additionally, if the existing tank has buckled or has inversions, the application of a liner would only be a temporary repair and in most cases does not work. If the existing tank is to be completely replaced, this would result in disruption of the in situ soil condition and increased cost and time. In many instances, the replacement of an existing tank may make it necessary to close or disrupt the operation of an existing service station or facility for a long period of time (4-8 weeks).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a tank upgrading method which not only takes a minimum amount of time, but also strengthens the rigidity of the existing tank. The present invention also relates to a tank assembly of increased strength which includes inner and outer tanks. The method of the present invention involves the insertion of panel sections into the existing tank through a hole in the existing tank, and the expansion and sealing of the panel sections so as to account for the shape of the existing tank. The inserted panel sections are thereby assembled to form a new inner tank within the existing tank.
With the method of the present invention it is not necessary to replace the existing tank. Also, the new inner tank provides for a rigidity of the existing tank which is not possible utilizing only liners.
In the method of the present invention, when the rolled panel sections are inserted into the existing tank, they are sealed together and thus are assembled into a new inner tank which can be rated as a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved stand-alone tank. The method of the present invention can be applied to both single wall and double wall tanks based on the condition of the existing tank to be upgraded, both steel and fiberglass as well as hybrid steel/fiberglass tanks. The method can be further applied to tanks which are above or below ground.
The present invention therefore provides for a method of assembling a tank within an existing tank which comprises the steps making a panel on a cylindircal or flat mold, of rolling a panel section on an appropriate shaft or device so as to provide for a rolled or coiled panel section; applying at least one band circumferentially around the rolled panel section so as to provide for a securely banded rolled or coiled panel section; placing the banded rolled panel section within an existing tank; cutting the band or bands around the banded rolled or coiled panel section so as to permit an initial expansion of the rolled panel section; and further expanding the initially expanded rolled panel section to provide for an expanded rolled panel section which conforms to an inner circumference of the existing tank which generally conforms to the existing tank wall in intimate contact.
The present invention also provides for a method of assembling a second tank in a first tank thereby creating a double walled upgrade if desired, comprising the steps of cutting at least one hole in the first tank; rolling a first panel section; inserting the rolled first panel section in the first tank through the at least one hole; unrolling the rolled first panel section in the first tank; expanding the unrolled first panel section so as to conform to an inner circumference of the first tank; repeating the above steps for further panel sections and placing the panel sections adjacently or with gaps of any width therebetween along a length of the first tank; and sealing an axial seam of the panel sections and transverse seams between adjacent panel sections so as to assemble the second tank within the first tank.
The present invention also provides for a tank assembly which comprises an outer tank having closed ends and at least one outlet; and an inner tank formed by sealed panel sections and end cap sections. The inner tank adapts to a shape of the outer tank and abuts against the outer tank. The inner tank comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs which are spaced along a length of the inner tank. The circumferential ribs abut against an inner surface, generally in intimate contact, either continuously or at discrete points, of the inner tank and conform to a shape of the inner tank. The ribs may have offset spacers which are equally spaced or randomly spaced at discrete areas around the circumference to aid in spanning over an area which has a large deformation. The inner tank further comprises at least one opening which corresponds to the at least one outlet of the outer tank.
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patent: 5186215 (1993-02-01), Gilleland
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Berg, Sr. Robin L.
Burwell John R.
Clark John M.
Cozart Jermie E.
Hughes S. Thomas
Kelber Steven B.
Piper Marbury Rudnick & Wolfe LLP
Xerxes Corporation
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