Large fluid storage tank

Abstract

A tank that holds a large amount of fluid in a safe manner is disclosed. The canister can be easily and quickly constructed and detached for subsequent use. The liner has a lift belt lifted by a winch boom connected to the boom. An external securing strap is used to hold the liner in place. A connecting plate is fixed to a trunnion on each panel. The pressure pin allows the connection plate to bend such that the panel may form a circular or elliptical can. The panel is configured in a curved manner to form a circular or elliptical can wall.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 18 / 582,372, filed February 20, 2024, entitled “A LARGE FLUIDSTORAGE TANK,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 540,020, filed September 22, 2023, entitled “TANK FOR FRACKING FLUID,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in all their contents and teachings and are a part of this application for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, advancements in oil well drilling and extraction technologies have maximized the efficiency of the oil well extraction process. One such advancement relates to fracturing technology, in which fracturing fluid is pumped downhole under high pressure to fracture underground areas capable of producing oil. Fracturing typically occurs at depths of one mile or more, thus avoiding impact on groundwater levels or drinking water extraction areas.

[0004] The fracturing process requires fracturing fluid, which typically contains water and other chemicals that may aid in the process. It is beneficial to store the fracturing fluid in impermeable containers on the surface to prevent it from leaking and potentially causing contamination. Since hundreds of thousands of gallons of fluid are used in fracturing, these impermeable containers must be very large tanks capable of holding the fluid without leaking.

[0005] Large fluid storage tanks have a wide range of other uses for various other applications. For example, inexpensive and rapidly constructed water tanks can be used for municipal water storage and distribution, especially, but not limited to, emergency water storage. Manufacturing plants and processing facilities may use large liquid storage facilities for industrial fluid management, such as hydrostatic testing of oil, gas, water pipes, and their components. Another area is resource development projects, which require fluid control for fracturing and other similar processes, such as drilling and production operations. Environmental remediation includes controlling hazardous fluids generated by natural disasters, storing drinking water during natural disasters, and using water and fire-fighting repair fluids for firefighting. Other uses include agricultural irrigation and distribution, and water storage in drought-stricken areas or areas where infrastructure disruptions hinder the proper distribution and storage of water.

[0006] These are just a small fraction of the many different and wide applications of the water storage systems and other fluids (including hazardous liquids) that can utilize the disclosed invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention may include: a method for storing fluid, comprising: forming a tank wall with the steel panel by connecting a curved steel panel to a connecting plate; placing a manifold recessed below the ground below the tank wall such that an outer port and a manifold valve are located outside the tank wall and an inner port is located inside the tank wall; placing a liner inside the tank wall using at least two booms, the at least two booms attaching cables from the booms to a plurality of lifting straps located inside the liner; attaching the inner port to the liner with a waterproof gasket such that the interior of the liner is connected to the outer port, thereby allowing the fluid to be filled into the tank and drained from the tank; simultaneously lifting the liner on the tank wall using winches on the at least two booms such that at least a portion of the liner extends above the top of the tank wall; attaching a retaining strap on the liner to the exterior of the tank wall to secure the liner to the tank wall.

[0008] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a method of constructing a tank wall, comprising: providing a curved panel having a panel box located on the panel near the center of gravity of the panel; securing a panel box attachment to a lifting rod, the panel box attachment being configured to attach to the panel box; lifting one of the curved panels at a time and placing the curved panels in a circular tank wall; attaching the curved panels to each other using a connecting plate positioned above a trunnion, the trunnion being attached to the curved panels using a pressure pin inserted through an opening in the trunnion.

[0009] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a tank for storing fluid, comprising: a tank wall formed of curved steel panels connected together by connecting plates; a manifold recessed below the ground plane and below the tank wall, the manifold having an outer port located outside the tank wall and an inner port located inside the tank wall; a liner disposed inside the tank, the liner having a lifting band inside the liner and a fixing band positioned along the outer edge of the liner, the fixing band being attached to the outside of the tank wall to hold the liner in a proper position inside the tank; at least two winches connected to at least two booms configured to raise the liner inside the tank wall.

[0010] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a panel box attachment configured to be attached to a panel box on a tank panel, and comprising: a panel box plate; at least two retaining pins attached to the panel box plate; at least two retractable panel box pins movable to extend outward from the panel box pins and to extend inward to a retracted position in the panel box plate; and a pivot cylinder attached to the panel box plate to pivot the panel box plate. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a tank for storing fracturing fluid.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment shows the tank wall made of a panel.

[0013] Figure 3 Is placed Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the lining inside the tank wall in an embodiment of the method.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a tank wall consisting of a panel and a manifold.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a manifold located on the tank wall.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of the inner port of the manifold located inside the tank.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for fixing the inner port of the lining inside the tank.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for the lifting rod of the panel.

[0019] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation of a telescopic forklift with a movable panel.

[0020] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a panel box located on the panel.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation method that uses a boom to place the panel on the tank wall.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a connecting plate and trunnion used to connect the panel.

[0023] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of an implementation method for the connecting plate of the connecting panel.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a quick-attachment mechanism for moving a panel using a boom.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation of a lever for moving the panel box pin.

[0026] Figure 15 This is another schematic diagram of an implementation of the lever for moving the panel box pin.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a panel box that rotates counterclockwise.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a panel box that rotates clockwise.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the winch boom.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation method in which the lining is lifted from the inside of the tank by a strut.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a schematic isometric view of an implementation of a manhole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic isometric view of a tank 100 capable of storing a large amount of fluid. (See attached image.) Figure 1 As shown, the can 100 has a can wall 102 consisting of a plurality of panels 104 connected together. Figure 1 The structure shown is placed on a plastic mat 106, which is located on a generally flat and level area. The plastic mat 106 traps any leaks from the tank 100 to prevent them from being absorbed by the ground. Panels 104 are connected by a plurality of connecting plates 108. The interior of the tank wall 102 is covered by a liquid-impermeable liner 110. The liner 110 is fitted within the tank wall 102 to contain fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid may be fracturing fluid used for fracturing oil wells. A lifting belt 112 is used to lift the liner to a suitable position on the tank wall 102. The lifting belt 112 is connected to a boom with a winch to raise the liner using struts, as shown below. Figure 19 As disclosed in more detail in the document.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a side view of the tank wall 102, which includes a plurality of panels 104 forming the tank wall 102. The panels 104 are connected in a circular shape by connecting plates 116. A manifold 120 is located at the edge of the tank wall 102. Figure 2 It also shows the method for lining ( Figure 3 The boom 118 is raised above the tank wall 102.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lining 110 placed inside the tank wall 102. The lining 110 includes a series of connections to the hangers 118 ( Figure 2 The lifting belt 112 and the boom 118 are along the tank wall 102. Figure 2 The side lining 110 is raised. The lining is raised and curled at the top of the tank wall 102 so that the fixing strap 114 can be secured to the outside of the tank wall 102.

[0035] Figure 4 This is an elevation view of tank wall 102. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, two manifolds are positioned on opposite sides of the tank wall 102. The external port 122 is connected to... Figure 4 The internal port is not visible in the code. Similarly, internal port 128 is connected to... Figure 4 The external port that is not visible in the middle.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of manifold 120, used for filling and draining tank 100 with fluid. The fluid can be water, hazardous fluid, fracturing fluid, etc. The outer port 122 and valve 124 are located on the outside of the tank wall 102. Fluid can be transferred through the outer port 122, through the pressure chamber 126, to the inner port 128 to fill the tank. When the tank needs to be drained, valve 124 opens, and fluid flows through the outer port 122 for treatment. Figure 5 As shown, there are four external ports 122 and four associated valves 124. If needed, fracturing chemicals can be introduced through one or more valves, while water can be introduced through the other valves. In this way, pre-mixing of the fracturing chemicals is unnecessary, as the chemicals can be introduced individually through external ports 122. Figure 5 As shown, the pressure stabilizing chamber 126 can be recessed into the ground, such that the tank wall 102 is positioned on top of the pressure stabilizing chamber 126, and the tank wall 102 is located at the ground level. The manifold 120 is further disclosed in U.S. Patent 10,239,687, issued March 26, 2019, to Isaac Haskins, which is owned by the assignee of this application and whose entire disclosure and teachings are specifically incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] Various other chemicals and additives can be injected into the fluid in the tank via manifold connections. For example, chemicals and other additives can be used for preservation, testing and analysis, treatment, pH adjustment and composition modification purposes, as well as many other purposes. Because the tank can be used for a wide variety of applications, additives and chemicals can be used for each of those specific applications. Thus, chemicals can be added to prevent the biological growth or degradation of the fluid to preserve it. In this case, a microbial agent can be mixed into the storage water to prevent the growth of bacteria or algae. As another example, preservatives can be added to the fluid in the tank to prevent corrosion of the storage container components and piping due to the chemical properties of the stored fluid. Furthermore, the pH level of the fluid can be adjusted by adding chemicals and various compounds to achieve the desired pH level, which may be important for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of certain fluids. Chemical additives can also be used to facilitate the testing and analysis of the stored fluid. For example, tracer chemicals can be added to track the movement of fluid within the storage system. Chemical additives can also be used to modify the composition of the stored fluid for specific purposes, such as improving performance or meeting regulatory requirements. In some cases, chemicals or other additives can be added to adjust the density of the fluid to meet various operational or processing needs. Chemicals and other additives can be added to control or mask odors associated with the stored fluid. These can be controlled via manifold 120 ( Figure 5 Several examples of various additives and chemicals injected into fluids.

[0038] Figure 6 This is an isometric view highlighting the inner port 128 through the plastic mat 130. The liner 110 has an opening that matches the opening of the inner port 128. The liner 110 is then placed over and secured to the inner port 128 to prevent leakage.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of securing the liner 110 to the inner port 128 using fixing bolts 111. A gasket (not shown) is placed between the liner 110 and the inner port 128 to prevent leakage.

[0040] Figure 8 A series of panels in panel stack 136 are disclosed. A boom 138 is connected to a panel box attachment 135, which in turn is connected to a panel box 134 on panel 132. This boom, mounted on a telescopic forklift 142, is capable of lifting panel 132 from panel stack 136. Since panel box 134 is located at the center of gravity of panel 132, panel box attachment 135 can be connected to panel box 134 at either end or side of panel stack 136. In this way, telescopic forklift 142 can lift panel 132 from panel stack 136 and transport panel 132 for attachment to tank wall 102. Figure 8A panel carrier 140 for transporting the panel stack 136 is also shown.

[0041] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram of a telescopic forklift 142 transporting panel 132. The telescopic forklift 142 has a boom 138 with a panel box attachment 135 connected to the end of the boom. The panel box attachment 135 is connected to a panel box located at the center of gravity of panel 132 on panel 132 to facilitate the lifting and transport of panel 132. The panel box attachment 135 is fixed to the end of boom 138 and can be easily disconnected from the panel box after panel 132 is secured to the tank wall.

[0042] Figure 9B This is an isometric sectional view of panel box 134 located on panel 132. (Example) Figure 9B As shown, the panel box is formed by a support structure on the panel 132. The panel box 134 includes panel box pin holes 144 and 146 at the top and bottom of the panel box. Furthermore, panel box pin holes 148 and 150 are located on the side structure. These pin holes are equally spaced and positioned at a distance from the center of the panel box 134, such that retaining pins and panel box pins can be inserted in any of the four directions of the panel 132, thereby allowing the panel 132 to be lifted from the top, bottom, or any side. Figures 13-17 This was explained in more detail.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic isometric elevation view of the panel 132 placed on the tank wall 102. (See attached image.) Figure 10 As shown, boom 138 moves panel 132 to the vicinity of tank wall 102. Panel 132 is positioned along the ground or plastic mat 106. Figure 1 The painted lines on the can wall 102 are laid out so that panel 132 is correctly positioned to form a circular can. Before assembling the panels of the can wall 102, a plastic mat 106 is placed on a flat, level surface. The center of the can to be placed is marked, and then a rope or other device is attached to that center point, rotating the rope around the center point with the desired radius so that the placement position of the wall can be marked. Each panel is then placed along the marked edge of the can and attached to the adjacent panel. Figure 10 As shown, the boom 138 has a panel box attachment 135, which is attached to a panel box 134 on panel 132, placing panel 132 on the marked plastic mat 106. Then, a connecting plate 108 is attached to the adjacent panel 131. Figure 10 As shown, each panel has a panel housing, such as panel housing 134. The lift allows workers to connect the upper connecting plates, while the lower connecting plates can be connected between panels 132 and 131 by workers at ground level. Figure 10As shown, a greater number of connecting plates 108 are used at the lower part of the tank wall 102 because a greater force is generated at a lower level due to the depth of the water inside the tank.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a partial view of the connecting plate 108 and the manner in which the connecting plate 108 is fixed to the trunnions 152 and 154. Figure 11 As shown, connecting plate 108 is initially attached to panel 132. Adjacent connecting plates are connected to panel 131. Pressure pin 158 is disposed in the opening of trunnion 154 and holds connecting plate 108 in place on panel 132. Pressure pin 158 is removed, and connecting plate 108 has sufficient room for rotation so that the opening on connecting plate 108 can be positioned above trunnion 152. Connecting plate 108 is held on trunnion 154 by locking pin 162, which does not allow connecting plate 108 to disengage from trunnion 154, but still allows connecting plate 108 to rotate and move outward so that connecting plate 108 can be positioned above and onto trunnion 152. Pressure pin 158 can then be disposed in trunnion 154 to secure connecting pin 108 to trunnion 154. Similarly, another pressure pin (not shown) is inserted through trunnion 152 to secure connecting plate 108 to trunnion 152. Pressure pins, such as pressure pin 158, are made of high-strength steel that allows for the application of greater pressure while still holding the connecting plate 108 on the trunnion 154.

[0045] Figure 12 A connecting plate 108 is shown that is fixed to both trunnion 152 and trunnion 154. (See attached image.) Figure 12 As shown, the connecting plate is positioned above the trunnion 152, and the pressure pin 159 passes through the trunnion 152 and inserts above the connecting plate 108. Similarly, the pressure pin 158 is secured to the trunnion 154, which in turn secures the connecting plate 108 to the trunnion 154. Likewise, the pressure pin is made of high tensile strength steel to withstand the forces generated on the connecting plate 108 when the tank is filled with fracturing fluid.

[0046] Figure 13 This is an isometric elevation view of panel box attachment 135. The panel box attachment includes a panel box plate 174, which is rotatable from left to right in response to a left / right pivot cylinder 186. Panel box plate 174 has retaining pins 168 and 170. These retaining pins on the panel box plate are spaced apart for mounting to… Figure 9B The panel housing pin hole is shown. The panel housing 174 also includes a retractable panel housing pin 171 and a retractable panel housing pin 172. The retractable panel housing pins 171 and 172 can be manually actuated using the lever disclosed below. The retractable panel housing pins 171 and 172 are... Figure 9B The distal panel box pin holes are aligned as shown. The retractable panel box pins 171 and 172 secure the panel box 174 to the specified position. Figure 9B In the panel box 134 shown. The panel box attachment 135 uses a lifting hook 177 ( Figure 14 ), 178 and boom locking pin (not shown) are connected to the boom, the boom locking pin passing through boom locking pin opening 182 and boom locking pin opening 184 ( Figure 14 Assembly. The boom hooks 177 and 178 and the boom locking pin opening are assembled to the standard connection on the boom, so that the panel box attachment 135 can be easily connected to or disconnected from the boom. Hydraulic lines 176 are connected to the left / right pivot cylinder 186 to place the panel box plate 174 into the panel box 134. Figure 9B The panel box 174 is placed in the panel box 134 and slid, so that the fixing pins 168 and 170 slide into the opening, as shown. Figure 9B As shown, panel box pin holes 144, 146, 148, or 150. The hanger allows panel box 174 to move up and down, back and forth, and to rotate along the axis of the hanger. The left / right pivot cylinder 186 allows panel box 174 to pivot in the left-right direction so that panel box 174 can be fitted into panel box 134, as shown. Figure 9B As shown.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a rear view of panel box attachment 135. (See attached image.) Figure 14 As shown, fixing pins 168 and 170 are installed in fixed positions on the panel box 174. The operating lever 188 operates the retractable panel box pins 172 and 171 (…). Figure 13 ).like Figure 14 As shown, the retractable panel pin 172 is in the retracted position. Figure 14 Also shown are boom lock pin opening 182 and boom lock pin opening 184. Figure 14 The image also shows boom hook 177 and boom hook 178.

[0048] Figure 15 The control lever 188 is shown in the extended position, with the retractable panel box pin 172 extended. In this manner, the panel box can be locked in the panel box 134. Figure 9B In the middle. Manually operate the joystick 188 to retract and extend the panel box pins 171, 172.

[0049] Figure 16 This is a top view of the panel box attachment 135. The left / right pivot cylinder 186 is shown in the extended position, causing the panel box panel 174 to rotate counterclockwise.

[0050] Figure 17 This is a top view of panel box attachment 135, in which the left / right pivot cylinder 186 is in the fully retracted position, causing the panel box panel 174 to rotate continuously in a clockwise direction.

[0051] Figure 18 This is an isometric view of the winch boom 188 used to raise and lower the liner 110 and tank wall 102. The winch boom 188 uses a standard boom connection utilizing boom hooks 192, 194. A hydraulic winch 190 is housed in the winch boom 188 and attached to a cable 198 with hooks 200. Hooks 200 engage a strut, which is then connected to a lifting belt on the liner 110, such as... Figure 19 As disclosed in more detail in the document.

[0052] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the lining 110 is raised above the tank wall 102. According to this procedure, two booms 202 and 204 are used to raise the lining 110. (As shown...) Figure 19 As shown, boom 202 has a winch boom 203, which has a cable 205 connected to strut 212. Strut 212 is connected to lifting belts 209 and 211. Lifting belts 209 and 211 are connected to the interior of liner 110. Similarly, winch boom 200 is connected to boom 204 and has a cable 207 connected to strut 208. Strut 208 is connected to lifting belts 206 and 210. Winch boom 200 and winch boom 203 are activated simultaneously to evenly pull the liner upwards to the side of tank wall 102 until it reaches the top, and then the exterior of the liner is secured to the outside of the tank, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0053] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of a manhole 214 formed on the side of one of the panels. A liner is secured to the inside of the manhole 214 with a gasket. Then, a door is also attached to the outside of the manhole 214 with a gasket to prevent leakage. The door is secured to the flange 216 on the manhole 214 by fastening it tightly to the flange 216.

[0054] Therefore, the present invention provides an easily constructed tank for storing fluids, which allows fluids to be safely and easily transferred into or discharged from tank 100. Fracturing chemicals can also be added to water using a connector in a manifold to generate fracturing fluid. A series of panels can be easily lifted and positioned in place and joined together using connecting plates that securely and easily fasten the panels to form the tank wall. This can be done simply and quickly, followed by rapid disassembly for subsequent use. The liner is lifted using lifting straps and booms and secured to the outside of the tank wall using retaining straps. The retaining straps can be disconnected, allowing the liner to collapse into the tank wall for subsequent use. Unique panel box attachments allow each panel to be lifted using a panel box located at the center of gravity of each panel, thus allowing panels to be lifted and transported in any orientation. A winch boom using standard boom fittings is also used to lift and lower the liner in a simple and easy manner.

[0055] The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and other modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and modifications suitable for the intended particular use. Unless limited by the prior art, the appended claims are intended to include other alternative embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for storing fluid, comprising: The steel panels are used to form the tank wall by connecting them to the connecting plate; The manifold recessed below the ground is placed below the tank wall, such that the outer port and manifold valve are located on the outside of the tank wall, and the inner port is located on the inside of the tank wall; The liner is placed inside the tank wall using at least two booms, which attach cables from the struts to multiple lifting straps located inside the liner; The inner port is attached to the liner using a waterproof gasket, such that the interior of the liner is connected to the outer port, thereby allowing the fluid to be filled into and drained from the tank; The liner is simultaneously lifted against the tank wall using winches on the at least two booms, such that at least a portion of the liner extends above the top of the tank wall; The lining is secured to the outside of the tank wall by attaching the fastening straps to the lining.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The external port includes at least two ports, each of which has a valve, allowing water to be injected into the tank through at least one of the two ports, and allowing fracturing chemicals to be injected into the tank through at least the other of the at least two ports.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: An opening is formed in the liner, which aligns with a manhole in one of the curved steel panels when the liner is placed inside the tank wall. Seal the liner to the manhole; Place the waterproof door over the manhole.

4. A method for constructing a tank wall, comprising: A curved panel is provided, the curved panel having a panel box located on the panel near the center of gravity of the panel; The panel box attachment is secured to the boom, and the panel box attachment is configured to be attached to the panel box; One of the curved panels is lifted at a time and placed inside the circular tank wall; The curved panels are attached to each other using a connecting plate positioned above the trunnion, which is attached to the curved panels using a pressure pin inserted through an opening in the trunnion.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The panel box is formed from the structural members of the curved panel and has an opening that aligns with a pin on the panel box attachment.

6. A tank for storing fluid, comprising: The tank wall is formed of curved steel panels, which are connected together by connecting plates; A manifold recessed below the ground plane and below the tank wall, the manifold having an outer port located outside the tank wall and an inner port located inside the tank wall; A liner disposed inside the tank, the liner having a lifting band inside the liner and a fixing band positioned along the outer edge of the liner, the fixing band being attached to the outside of the tank wall to hold the liner in place inside the tank. At least two winches are connected to at least two booms, which are configured to raise the lining inside the tank wall.

7. A panel box attachment, the panel box attachment being configured to attach to a panel box on a tank panel, and comprising: Panel box; At least two retaining pins are attached to the panel box plate; At least two retractable panel box pins, the at least two retractable panel box pins being movable to extend outward from the panel box pins and to extend inward to a retracted position in the panel box panel; A pivot cylinder, which is attached to the panel box to pivot the panel box.

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