Modularized asphalt heat preservation storage tank
By using modular design and gradient thickness insulation structure, the problems of poor insulation effect and high maintenance cost of traditional asphalt storage tanks are solved, and the effects of temperature difference control and rapid maintenance are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610061138.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional asphalt storage tanks have shortcomings in terms of heat preservation, energy saving, and structural maintenance, resulting in poor heat preservation effect, high cost, long maintenance cycle, and high expenses.
It adopts a modular design, combining a gradient thickness insulation structure and a composite tank, and achieves rapid assembly through the first and second connecting mechanisms. The modular design allows for partial replacement.
It enables precise control of the temperature difference inside the tank, improves insulation efficiency, reduces maintenance costs and cycles, and enhances asset availability and operational flexibility.
Smart Images

Figure CN121590878A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of auxiliary processing equipment for waterproof membranes, specifically, a modular asphalt insulation storage tank. Background Technology
[0002] Asphalt is an important material for road and bridge construction and waterproofing. During its production and transportation, the proper insulation and storage of raw materials is crucial for ensuring quality and reducing energy consumption. Currently, most asphalt storage tanks widely used in industrial applications are integrally welded cylindrical vertical fixed-roof tanks. In practice, especially when dealing with high-viscosity, easily solidifying, and temperature-sensitive modified or specialty asphalt raw materials, the structural design of these traditional tanks has revealed several technical bottlenecks that urgently need to be addressed, primarily in terms of insulation performance and structural maintenance.
[0003] Firstly, regarding thermal insulation and energy saving, traditional storage tanks use a uniformly thick insulation layer to wrap the tank walls and top. However, the heat loss distribution in actual operation is extremely uneven. Due to hydrostatic pressure, the density of the asphalt inside the tank is slightly higher at the bottom than at the top, and the bottom heating coils are usually concentrated. If heat replenishment is uneven, it can easily lead to a significant temperature difference between the upper and lower layers, accelerating the sedimentation of the modifier. A uniform insulation layer design is clearly an "egalitarian" and crude solution. As a result, to meet the insulation requirements of the most demanding parts, the overall insulation layer is forced to be thicker, leading to increased materials and costs, while the insulation capacity of the upper part is relatively excessive, resulting in low system energy efficiency. This structural design flaw is one of the fundamental reasons restricting the economic efficiency of storage tank operation.
[0004] Secondly, regarding structural maintainability, the integral welded tank structure presents a maintenance challenge due to the need for complete replacement. Storage tanks are exposed to high temperatures and corrosive gases over extended periods, making localized areas more susceptible to corrosion, leakage, or water immersion failure of the insulation layer. In the event of such localized damage, current technologies often require emptying the tank, undertaking large-scale or even complete dismantling, repair, and redoing of the insulation—a time-consuming and costly process, with construction quality heavily influenced by site conditions. This indivisible, integral nature results in long maintenance cycles, high costs, and difficulty in optimizing lifecycle costs. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular asphalt insulated storage tank, which systematically solves the problems of poor insulation effect, high cost, and high maintenance cost through the design of a gradient variable thickness insulation structure and a modular composite tank structure.
[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following technical means: A modular asphalt insulated storage tank, comprising: The bottom storage segment, serving as the bottom end, has a first insulation layer constructed on its sidewalls; The middle storage section, as the middle part, has a second insulation layer on its side walls; The top storage section has an adjustable cover plate at the top, which serves as the top, and the side walls have a third insulation layer. The middle storage segment is connected to the bottom storage segment via a first connecting mechanism, and the middle storage segment is connected to the top storage segment via a second connecting mechanism. The first insulation layer is constructed as a first equal-width annular layer, the second insulation layer is constructed as a variable-diameter annular layer with a decreasing diameter from bottom to top, and the third insulation layer is constructed as a second equal-width annular layer. The thickness of the third insulation layer does not exceed the minimum thickness of the second insulation layer, and the maximum thickness of the second insulation layer does not exceed the thickness of the first insulation layer.
[0007] Preferably, the bottom storage section is closed at its bottom end and connected to a discharge mechanism at its bottom end, while the top end of the bottom storage section is open and connected to the bottom end of the middle storage section.
[0008] Furthermore, both ends of the middle storage segment are open, with the top end used to communicate with the top storage segment and the bottom end used to communicate with the bottom storage segment.
[0009] Furthermore, a first retaining ring is coaxially mounted on the inner wall of the bottom end of the middle storage section. The first retaining ring extends into the bottom storage section, and the outer wall of the first retaining ring abuts and fits against the inner wall of the bottom storage section.
[0010] Furthermore, the connection point between the top of the first retaining ring and the middle storage segment is constructed with an arc-shaped chamfer structure.
[0011] Furthermore, the top storage segment includes a tube extending through both ends, a third insulation layer disposed on the side wall of the tube, an adjusting cover plate coaxially disposed at the top of the tube, a bearing plate coaxially disposed inside the tube, a screw threadedly mounted on the bearing plate, the screw extending upward and rotating through the adjusting cover plate and coaxially connected to the rotating end of a rotating motor, the rotating motor being fixedly mounted on the outer top surface of the adjusting cover plate, a vertically extending limiting groove constructed on the side wall of the tube, and a limiting block slidably disposed within the limiting groove mounted on the outer wall of the adjusting cover plate.
[0012] Furthermore, the support plate includes a mounting plate for threaded connection with the screw, and a horizontal connecting rod is arranged around the outer edge of the mounting plate, the other end of the connecting rod being connected to the inner wall of the tube.
[0013] Furthermore, a second retaining ring is coaxially installed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the tube. The second retaining ring extends into the middle storage section. The outer wall of the second retaining ring is separated from the inner wall of the middle storage section. A sealing ring is installed on the inner wall of the top end of the middle storage section. The inner ring wall of the sealing ring is fitted with the outer wall of the second retaining ring.
[0014] Furthermore, the first connecting machine includes a first female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the bottom storage segment and a first male block disposed at the bottom of the middle storage segment. The first male block is inserted into the first female groove, and a horizontal first bolt is installed on the bottom storage segment, the first bolt passing through the first female groove and the first male block.
[0015] Furthermore, the two-connector includes a second female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the middle storage section and a second male block disposed at the bottom of the top storage section. The second male block is inserted into the second female groove, and a horizontal second bolt is installed on the middle storage section, the second bolt passing through the second female groove and the second male block.
[0016] The present invention has the following beneficial effects during use: This invention employs a gradient-thickness insulation design based on heat flux density analysis. Specifically, the tank wall insulation layer adopts a three-dimensional configuration of "thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom" according to the natural distribution of heat dissipation intensity, constructing a high-strength "thermal barrier" in the lower part of the tank where heat dissipation is strongest and where it connects to the foundation. Simultaneously, by setting different first, second, and third insulation layers, a three-dimensional temperature control system is formed on the sidewalls, precisely controlling the axial and radial temperature differences within the tank to a very small range. This completely eliminates the problems of modifier segregation and uneven asphalt thermal aging caused by large temperature differences between the top and bottom of traditional storage tanks, providing a fundamental guarantee for the long-term stable storage of high-quality specialty asphalt.
[0017] Furthermore, this invention deconstructs large storage tanks from indivisible monolithic equipment into standardized prefabricated functional modules. This ensures optimal insulation and sealing performance for each module. On-site, modules are connected via a first or second connecting mechanism, enabling rapid and high-quality assembly unaffected by weather or welder skills. This modular design allows for partial replacement of the tank. When a part of the tank is damaged, there is no need to clean the tank and stop production; only the faulty module needs to be disassembled and replaced, greatly improving asset availability and operational flexibility. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A frontal view of the structure.
[0021] Among them, 1-bottom storage section, 2-first insulation layer, 3-middle storage section, 4-second insulation layer, 5-top storage section, 6-adjusting cover plate, 7-third insulation layer, 8-first retaining ring, 9-pipe body, 10-screw, 11-rotating motor, 12-limiting groove, 13-mounting plate, 14-connecting rod, 15-second retaining ring, 16-sealing ring. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.
[0024] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this invention can be combined with each other.
[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0027] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a modular asphalt insulated storage tank includes: The bottom storage segment 1 serves as the bottom end, and the side wall is constructed with a first insulation layer 2; The middle storage section 3, as the middle part, has a second insulation layer 4 on its side wall; The top storage section 5 has an adjustable cover plate 6 at the top, and the side walls have a third insulation layer 7. The middle storage segment 3 is connected to the bottom storage segment 1 through a first connecting mechanism, and the middle storage segment 3 is connected to the top storage segment 5 through a second connecting mechanism. The first insulation layer 2 is constructed as a first equal-width annular layer, the second insulation layer 4 is constructed as a variable-diameter annular layer with a decreasing diameter from bottom to top, and the third insulation layer 7 is constructed as a second equal-width annular layer. The thickness of the third insulation layer 7 does not exceed the minimum thickness of the second insulation layer 4, and the maximum thickness of the second insulation layer 4 does not exceed the thickness of the first insulation layer 2.
[0029] Thus, this invention employs a gradient-thickness insulation design based on heat flux density analysis. Specifically, the tank wall insulation layer adopts a three-dimensional configuration of "thin at the top and thick at the bottom" according to the natural distribution of heat dissipation intensity, constructing a high-strength "thermal barrier" in the lower part of the tank body where heat dissipation is strongest and the connection area with the foundation. At the same time, by setting different first insulation layer 2, second insulation layer 4, and third insulation layer 7, a three-dimensional temperature control is formed on the side wall, precisely controlling the axial and radial temperature difference inside the tank within a very small range. This completely eliminates the problems of modifier segregation and uneven thermal aging of asphalt caused by large temperature differences between the top and bottom of traditional storage tanks, providing a fundamental guarantee for the long-term stable storage of high-quality special asphalt.
[0030] Furthermore, this invention deconstructs large storage tanks from indivisible monolithic equipment into standardized prefabricated functional modules. This ensures optimal insulation and sealing performance for each module. On-site, modules are connected via a first or second connecting mechanism, enabling rapid and high-quality assembly unaffected by weather or welder skills. This modular design allows for partial replacement of the tank. When a part of the tank is damaged, there is no need to clean the tank and stop production; only the faulty module needs to be disassembled and replaced, greatly improving asset availability and operational flexibility.
[0031] Specifically, the bottom storage section 1 is closed at the bottom and connected to a discharge mechanism at the bottom, while the top of the bottom storage section 1 is open and connected to the bottom of the middle storage section 3.
[0032] Furthermore, both ends of the middle storage segment 3 are open, with the top end used to communicate with the top storage segment 5 and the bottom end used to communicate with the bottom storage segment 1.
[0033] Meanwhile, a first retaining ring 8 is coaxially installed on the bottom inner wall of the middle storage section 3. The first retaining ring 8 extends into the bottom storage section 1, and the outer wall of the first retaining ring 8 abuts against and fits against the inner wall of the bottom storage section 1.
[0034] Furthermore, the connection between the top of the first retaining ring 8 and the middle storage segment 3 is constructed with an arc-shaped chamfer structure.
[0035] Furthermore, the top storage segment 5 includes a tube 9 extending through both ends, the third insulation layer 7 is disposed on the side wall of the tube 9, the adjusting cover plate 6 is coaxially disposed at the top end of the tube 9, a bearing plate is coaxially disposed inside the tube 9, a screw 10 is coaxially threaded on the bearing plate, the screw 10 extends upward and rotates through the adjusting cover plate 6 and is coaxially connected to the rotating end of the rotating motor 11, the rotating motor 11 is fixedly installed on the outer top surface of the adjusting cover plate 6, the side wall of the tube 9 is constructed with a vertically extending limiting groove 12, and a limiting block is slidably disposed in the limiting groove 12 on the outer wall of the adjusting cover plate 6.
[0036] Furthermore, the support plate includes a mounting plate 13 for threaded connection with the screw 10, and a horizontal connecting rod 14 is arranged around the outer edge of the mounting plate 13, the other end of the connecting rod 14 being connected to the inner wall of the tube body 9.
[0037] Meanwhile, a second retaining ring 15 is coaxially installed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the tube body 9. The second retaining ring 15 extends into the middle storage section 3. The outer wall of the second retaining ring 15 is separated from the inner wall of the middle storage section 3. A sealing ring 16 is installed on the inner wall of the top end of the middle storage section 3. The inner ring wall of the sealing ring 16 is fitted with the outer wall of the second retaining ring 15.
[0038] In addition, the first connecting machine includes a first female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the bottom storage segment 1 and a first male block disposed at the bottom of the middle storage segment 3. The first male block is inserted into the first female groove, and a horizontal first bolt is installed on the bottom storage segment 1, the first bolt passing through the first female groove and the first male block.
[0039] Furthermore, the two connecting machines include a second female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the middle storage section 3 and a second male block disposed at the bottom of the top storage section 5. The second male block is inserted into the second female groove, and a horizontal second bolt is installed on the middle storage section 3, the second bolt passing through the second female groove and the second male block.
[0040] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A modular asphalt insulated storage tank, characterized in that, include: The bottom storage segment (1) serves as the bottom end, and the sidewalls are constructed with a first insulation layer (2). The middle storage section (3), as the middle part, has a second insulation layer (4) on its side wall. The top storage section (5) has an adjustable cover plate (6) at the top, and the side walls have a third insulation layer (7). The middle storage section (3) is connected to the bottom storage section (1) through a first connecting mechanism, and the middle storage section (3) is connected to the top storage section (5) through a second connecting mechanism. The first insulation layer (2) is constructed as a first equal-width annular layer, the second insulation layer (4) is constructed as a variable-diameter annular layer with a reduced diameter from bottom to top, and the third insulation layer (7) is constructed as a second equal-width annular layer. The thickness of the third insulation layer (7) does not exceed the minimum thickness of the second insulation layer (4), and the maximum thickness of the second insulation layer (4) does not exceed the thickness of the first insulation layer (2).
2. The modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom storage section (1) is closed at the bottom and connected to a discharge mechanism at the bottom. The top of the bottom storage section (1) is open and connected to the bottom of the middle storage section (3).
3. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the middle storage segment (3) are open, with the top end used to communicate with the top storage segment (5) and the bottom end used to communicate with the bottom storage segment (1).
4. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, A first retaining ring (8) is coaxially mounted on the inner wall of the bottom end of the middle storage section (3). The first retaining ring (8) extends into the bottom storage section (1), and the outer wall of the first retaining ring (8) abuts against and fits against the inner wall of the bottom storage section (1).
5. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the first retaining ring (8) and the connection position of the middle storage segment (3) are constructed with an arc-shaped chamfer structure.
6. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top storage section (5) includes a tube (9) that runs through both ends. The third insulation layer (7) is provided on the side wall of the tube (9). The adjusting cover plate (6) is coaxially provided at the top of the tube (9). A bearing plate is coaxially provided inside the tube (9). A screw (10) is coaxially threaded on the bearing plate. The screw (10) extends upward and rotates through the adjusting cover plate (6) and is coaxially connected to the rotating end of the rotating motor (11). The rotating motor (11) is fixedly installed on the outer top surface of the adjusting cover plate (6). The side wall of the tube (9) is constructed with a vertically extending limiting groove (12). A limiting block that slides in the limiting groove (12) is installed on the outer wall of the adjusting cover plate (6).
7. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support plate includes a mounting plate (13) for threaded connection with the screw (10), and a horizontal connecting rod (14) is arranged around the outer edge of the mounting plate (13), the other end of the connecting rod (14) being connected to the inner wall of the tube body (9).
8. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second retaining ring (15) is coaxially installed on the inner wall of the bottom end of the tube (9). The second retaining ring (15) extends into the middle storage section (3). The outer wall of the second retaining ring (15) is separated from the inner wall of the middle storage section (3). A sealing ring (16) is installed on the inner wall of the top end of the middle storage section (3). The inner ring wall of the sealing ring (16) is fitted with the outer wall of the second retaining ring (15).
9. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting machine includes a first female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the bottom storage section (1) and a first male block disposed at the bottom of the middle storage section (3). The first male block is inserted into the first female groove, and a horizontal first bolt is installed on the bottom storage section (1). The first bolt passes through the first female groove and the first male block.
10. A modular asphalt insulation storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two-connector includes a second female groove coaxially disposed at the top of the middle storage section (3) and a second male block disposed at the bottom of the top storage section (5). The second male block is inserted into the second female groove, and a horizontal second bolt is installed on the middle storage section (3). The second bolt passes through the second female groove and the second male block.