LARGE CAPACITY CONTAINER AND METHOD FOR MAKING A LARGE CAPACITY CONTAINER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a large-capacity container, in particular a drinking water container, a food container or a container for pharmaceutical products, having a container base and a surrounding container wall which forms a receiving space, wherein an upper open end of the container wall is closed by a container roof which has at least a diameter of 3 m, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for producing a large-capacity container, in particular a drinking water container, a food container or a container for pharmaceutical products, having a container base and a surrounding container wall which forms a receiving space, after which an upper open end of the container wall is closed with a container roof which has at least a diameter of 3 m, according to the preamble of claim 12.

[0003] Large-capacity containers are known from the general state of the art, particularly as storage containers for liquid, gaseous, or solid products in various designs. The large-capacity containers known from the state of the art usually have a capacity of 40 to 50,000 m³.

[0004] Known large-capacity containers have a container base and a surrounding container wall, which forms a receiving space. The container wall can be made of any material, preferably metal, concrete, or reinforced concrete, in particular steel or stainless steel or reinforced concrete. Particularly when the large-capacity container is a drinking water container, a food container, or a container for pharmaceutical products, special requirements are placed on the large-capacity container to prevent contamination of the medium to be contained.

[0005] Large-capacity containers are usually sealed airtight or gas-tight and optionally have an agitator and various measuring, control and regulation devices (MSR), for example for process control.

[0006] For large-capacity containers used to store drinking water, food, and pharmaceutical products, it is advisable to construct the container wall from metal, particularly stainless steel. It is particularly advantageous if the container wall is formed from sheet metal strips that are welded together. For this purpose, an endless belt process can be used, in particular, to construct the container wall from sheet metal strips.

[0007] The container bottom can be designed as desired, preferably the bottom is formed by steel plates, in particular stainless steel plates, and / or concreted.

[0008] The containers known from the prior art, in which an upper, open end of the container wall is closed by a container roof, typically have a conical roof. Such container roofs are used in particular for drinking water containers, food containers, or containers for pharmaceutical products. The conical roofs are made of metal, particularly stainless steel, especially in the case of drinking water containers, in order to meet the standards applicable to the storage of drinking water. Large-capacity containers are known from documents GB727023A, US7743582B1, WO2019 / 178688A1, and GB824992A.

[0009] A disadvantage of the conical roofs known from the prior art is that the construction of the container roof is complex. A suitable support structure must be used to support the conical roof. Furthermore, the metal plates required to form the container roof must have a minimum thickness for stability reasons, resulting in correspondingly high material costs.

[0010] Large-capacity containers for storing products, in particular waste materials, are also known from the state of the art, in which the container roof is designed as a flat roof, i.e. in which the roof surface is flat or horizontal.

[0011] To secure the flat roof, it is intended to be connected to the upper, open end of the tank wall using clamps. To increase stability, a flange or reinforcement ring can be attached to the top of the flat roof. While clamps can create a stable and tight connection between the flat roof and the tank wall, they also create dead spaces, gaps, and untreated areas that are unsuitable for contamination-free storage. Therefore, conventional tank roofs designed as flat roofs are not suitable for large-capacity tanks where contamination-free storage is necessary, particularly for drinking water tanks, food tanks, or containers for pharmaceutical products.

[0012] The present invention is based on the object of creating a large-capacity container, in particular a drinking water container, a food container or a container for pharmaceutical products, which solves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enables storage of the media to be accommodated with as little contamination as possible.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention by claim 1.

[0014] The present invention is further based on the object of creating a method for producing a large-capacity container, in particular a drinking water container, a food container or a container for pharmaceutical products, which solves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enables the production of a large-capacity container that is as free from contamination as possible.

[0015] This object is achieved according to the invention by claim 12.

[0016] The large-capacity container according to the invention, in particular a drinking water container, a food container, or a container for pharmaceutical products, has a container base and a circumferential container wall forming a receiving space. An upper open end of the container wall is closed by a container roof having a diameter of at least 3 m. According to the invention, an annular circumferential support element is secured to an upper end region of the container wall, wherein the container roof is designed as a metal disc which spans the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner and closes it by being welded in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner to an underside of the metal disc facing the receiving space, preferably a circumferential edge of the metal disc, to the support element and / or to the upper end region of the container wall by means of a continuous first weld seam.

[0017] Preferably, the underside of the metal disc is welded to the carrier element.

[0018] According to the invention, it is provided that a circumferential edge of the metal disc and / or an upper side of the metal disc is welded to the carrier element in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous second weld seam.

[0019] Alternatively or in addition to a second weld seam, it can also be provided, for example, that the peripheral edge of the metal disc is glued, riveted, screwed or otherwise fastened to the carrier element on an upper side of the metal disc.

[0020] In principle, more welds can be provided in addition to the first weld and the second weld. Preferably, however, only the first weld and, optionally, the second weld are provided to secure the metal disc.

[0021] For the purposes of the invention, a continuous weld seam also includes a weld seam made from multiple sections. The continuous weld seam therefore does not necessarily have to be created in a single, continuous operation.

[0022] The inventor recognized that a combination of the aforementioned features could create a large-capacity container that enables particularly low- or contamination-free storage of products while being process-reliable and efficient to manufacture. Such a large-capacity container is particularly suitable for storing drinking water, food, or pharmaceutical products.

[0023] The term "metal disc" does not mean that it must be a circular metal disc. Nevertheless, for the large-capacity container according to the invention, it is preferable for the metal disc to be circular. For the purposes of the invention, however, a metal disc is generally understood to mean a flat or level metal surface that can have any shape when viewed from above, for example, elliptical, rectangular, square, or any other shape.

[0024] By attaching a ring-shaped, circumferential support element to an upper end region of the container wall, a particularly suitable support element for the container roof is created that can be designed independently of the container wall. By designing the container roof as a metal disc that spans the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner, a roof construction is selected that is particularly lightweight. It is particularly suitable if the metal disc is thin. Metal discs designed as container roofs of this type are also referred to in the prior art as membrane roofs. Designing the metal disc in such a way that it spans the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner can be implemented comparatively inexpensively by dispensing with struts, supports, beams, or reinforcing elements.

[0025] The metal disc according to the invention spans the upper open end of the container wall without supports or beams.

[0026] According to the invention, the upper open end of the container wall is closed by welding a gas-tight or liquid-tight connection between the underside of the metal disc facing the receiving space and the support element and / or the upper end region of the container wall by means of a continuous first weld seam. Optionally, the peripheral edge or the upper side of the metal disc can additionally be welded to the support element by means of a continuous second weld seam. By welding the metal disc, in particular the edge of the metal disc, to the support element, a dead space present in the prior art (clamps) can preferably be avoided.

[0027] By welding the metal disc to the support element using one weld, two welds, or even more welds from the bottom and top, both dead space and gaps as well as untreated areas are avoided. With this type of welding, corrosion at this point is not a concern.

[0028] The metal disc thus spans the upper open end in a cantilevered manner and is only supported by the ring-shaped support element.

[0029] By combining the above-mentioned measures, a stable, efficiently manufactured and low-contamination or contamination-free large-capacity container can be produced.

[0030] A further advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the variety of parts is reduced. To manufacture such a large-capacity container, it is sufficient to provide a support element and a metal disc adapted to it as the container roof for each diameter. These can be used for all containers of the same diameter, regardless of the height of the container or the height of the container wall.

[0031] The large-capacity container according to the invention preferably has a receiving space with a capacity or volume of 40 to 50,000 m³. The diameter can preferably be 3 m to 50 m³. For a design of the large-capacity container as a drinking water container, a volume of 100 to 10,000 m³ and a diameter of 5 to 40 m³ have proven particularly suitable.

[0032] It is advantageous if the metal disc spans the upper open end of the container wall horizontally. However, the metal disc can also form a curved shape, for example, one that curves inward or outward.

[0033] In particular, at least a slight sagging of the metal disc cannot always be completely avoided despite the bracing suggested below.

[0034] Because the metal disc spans the upper open end horizontally, the overall height of the container is advantageously lower than with a conical roof.

[0035] It is advantageous if the metal disc is welded to the support element (or the upper end area of ​​the container wall) without overlap.

[0036] It has been shown that a particularly advantageous connection between the metal disc and the support element can be achieved if the metal disc is welded to the support element without overlap. This advantageously avoids dead space or a gap between the metal disc and the support element, and furthermore, no untreated zones are created. The first and second weld seams can run directly adjacent to each other or toward each other.

[0037] It is advantageous if the outer diameter of the metal disc substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the support element. The metal disc can thus be welded to the support element (or to the upper end region of the container wall) in a freely suspended manner without overlapping. Such a design allows the metal disc to be welded to the support element, preferably to an edge, in particular to an outer edge of the support element facing the edge of the metal disc, in a particularly advantageous manner without creating dead spaces.

[0038] It is advantageous if the carrier element, viewed in cross-section, has at least two sections running at right angles to one another, wherein the carrier element is connected to the upper end region of the container wall in such a way that a first section of the carrier element runs substantially parallel to the container wall and is fixed to the container wall, and a second section of the carrier element runs substantially parallel to the metal disc.

[0039] It has been shown that the support element offers particularly good stability and, furthermore, the metal disc can be welded particularly advantageously if the support element has at least two sections that run at right angles to each other.

[0040] Preferably, the first section of the support element extends the container wall upwards. It is particularly preferred if the first section of the support element runs plane-parallel or essentially plane-parallel to the container wall. This means that if the container wall has a circular shape when viewed from above, the support element preferably also has a corresponding circular shape or a correspondingly adapted diameter.

[0041] It is advantageous if the second section extends radially outwards from the end of the second section which is adjacent to the first section.

[0042] It is advantageous if the support element is connected to the upper end region of the container wall in a materially and / or force-fitting manner, preferably welded.

[0043] The annular support element can be connected to the container wall in any desired manner, either by a material fit or a force fit. Welding the support element to the container wall is particularly suitable. Provision can be made for the support element to be placed on the upper end or upper edge of the container wall and to be connected there to the container wall in a material fit and / or a force fit, preferably by welding. Alternatively, provision can also be made for the support element to be welded to an inner or outer side of the container wall at the upper end region of the container wall in such a way that a first section of the support element and the upper end region of the container wall overlap.

[0044] According to the invention, it can be provided that the metal disc is welded by means of the first weld seam and / or the second weld seam essentially to a transition region between the first section and the second section of the carrier element.

[0045] It has proven particularly suitable if the metal disc is welded to a transition area between the first section and the second section of the support element. The transition area can be an edge, in particular an outer edge of the support element facing the edge of the metal disc. Because the first and (if applicable) the second weld seam weld the metal disc in the transition area between the first section and the second section, a particularly stable connection is achieved, while avoiding dead space or gaps and untreated zones.

[0046] It is advantageous if the support element is designed as a U-profile or an angle profile in cross-section.

[0047] A U-shaped or angled support element has proven particularly suitable. However, the support element can also be designed as a rectangular, square, or other profile.

[0048] The U-profile can be attached in different orientations.

[0049] The angle profile can, in particular, be a profile with an L-shaped cross section. It can also be provided that the angle profile has two sections of equal length when viewed in cross section.

[0050] According to the invention, it can be provided that the U-profile of the support element is arranged in such a way that, viewed in cross section, a third section which runs essentially parallel to the second section adjoins the end of the first section facing away from the second section, or viewed in cross section, a third section which runs essentially parallel to the first section adjoins the end of the second section facing away from the first section.

[0051] The two aforementioned U-profile orientations have proven particularly suitable in terms of stability. Furthermore, with the aforementioned U-profile orientations, the metal disc can be connected to the support element particularly advantageously using the two weld seams.

[0052] It is advantageous if a root of the first weld and a root of the second weld come together or merge into one another.

[0053] It has proven particularly suitable, both with regard to a particularly stable weld between the metal disc and the support element and with regard to the avoidance of dead spaces, gaps, and untreated zones, if the two weld seams are placed in such a way that the roots of the two weld seams meet or merge into one another. This results in a root-connected double weld.

[0054] The first and / or second weld seam may preferably be smooth.

[0055] According to the invention, it can be provided that the metal disc is designed as a thin and flexible metal disc.

[0056] It is advantageous if the metal disc is designed in such a way that the metal disc can be rolled up into a roll and rolled up again to cover the upper end of the container wall.

[0057] With regard to transport, it has proven particularly suitable if the metal disc can be rolled up into a roll and unrolled as a flat roof to cover the upper end of the container wall. The metal disc is designed to be correspondingly thin and flexible.

[0058] According to the invention, it can be provided that the metal disc is tensioned.

[0059] Tensioning the metal disc has proven particularly advantageous to prevent wrinkles from forming on the thin metal disc. The metal disc can be tensioned before it is welded to the carrier element.

[0060] It is advantageous if the metal disc has a thickness of 0.5 to 4.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably 0.8 to 2.5 mm, even more preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0061] The aforementioned dimensions have proven particularly suitable, on the one hand, to ensure that the metal disc has sufficient stability to span the open end of the container wall in a cantilevered manner, and on the other hand, to keep material costs as low as possible. Furthermore, the dead weight of the metal disc should also be as low as possible to allow it to span the upper open end of the container wall in a cantilevered manner.

[0062] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the metal disc is formed from a plurality of metal strips or plates welded together, preferably running parallel to one another.

[0063] It has proven particularly suitable to form the metal disc from a plurality of preferably parallel metal strips. Production can preferably take place in the factory. The metal disc formed from the metal strips can then be rolled up, preferably into a roll. In this rolled form, the metal disc can then be easily transported to the construction site, where it can be unwound and applied to the upper end of the container wall as a flat roof.

[0064] According to the invention, it can be provided that the container wall is formed from metal, preferably by spirally bent sheet metal strips.

[0065] The manufacture of container walls from metal, particularly from spirally bent sheet metal strips, is known in the art. A particularly suitable method is called the endless belt process and is used to construct container walls from sheet metal strips. In these systems, steel strips are pre-profiled and spirally welded together on the inside and outside. A molded, circumferential reinforcing rib can be provided on the outside, which ensures high stability when absorbing static and dynamic loads. The inside of the container is designed as an edgeless surface. A container manufactured using the endless belt process can be constructed on site in a particularly advantageous manner. The container grows upwards as additional sheet metal strips are fed to the lower end of the container.Preferably, the container roof according to the invention is attached before the container has reached its final height. The container roof is preferably installed when the container wall has a height of 1 to 4 m, in particular 2 to 3 m. This allows the weld seams to be placed in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0066] It is advantageous if the container wall is designed as a cylinder, preferably as a circular cylinder.

[0067] It has proven particularly suitable for the large-capacity container according to the invention if the container wall is designed as a cylinder, preferably a circular cylinder. This allows for particularly high forces to be absorbed. The metal disc is designed accordingly in plan view and preferably has the shape of a circular disc. The container thus has an overall cylindrical outer surface or container wall.

[0068] Such containers are particularly suitable for providing a receiving space with a volume of 40 to 50,000 m³ and preferably have a diameter of 3 to 50 m. Large-capacity containers with a container wall designed as a circular cylinder and having a diameter of 5 to 40 m and in which the receiving space has a volume of 100 to 10,000 m³ are particularly suitable for drinking water containers.

[0069] It has been shown that stainless steel, preferably high-alloy austenitic and ferritic-austenitic stainless steels, are particularly suitable as materials for the vessel wall and / or the support element and / or the metal disc and / or the vessel base. Stainless steels with the material numbers (European standard) 1.4404, 1.4571, 1.4162, and 1.4462 are particularly suitable.

[0070] It is particularly suitable if the container wall and / or the support element and / or the metal disc and / or the container base are made of the same material.

[0071] A wall thickness of 1.5 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 6 mm, more preferably 3 to 4 mm, and especially 3 mm, has proven particularly suitable for the container wall. The appropriate wall thickness can be determined based on the static requirements.

[0072] It is advantageous if the container base is made of concrete, reinforced concrete, preferably steel, in particular stainless steel. It may be advantageous if a foundation made of concrete or reinforced concrete is provided, and a container base made of steel, in particular stainless steel, is placed on this foundation. The container base can preferably be welded to a lower end of the container wall. The container base can preferably be formed from a plurality of metal strips or plates, preferably extending parallel to one another and welded together.

[0073] The large-capacity tank can be equipped with additional technical equipment. For example, a drinking water tank can be provided with an inlet and / or an outlet and / or an overflow (preferably with a siphon) and / or a pressure and vacuum relief valve and / or a lighting device and / or a dome cover and / or an air filtration system and / or a manhole and / or a sight glass and / or a staircase, possibly with platforms and / or additional fittings, agitators, pumps, and supply lines.

[0074] The large-capacity container according to the invention enables short construction times, high stability, and on-site machine production. The large-capacity container according to the invention has, in particular, smooth surfaces on the inside of the container wall and the support element, the underside of the metal disc, and the top of the container base, making the large-capacity container contamination-free or low-contamination and allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.

[0075] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the carrier element has a first side in cross section which runs substantially parallel to the container wall and a second side which runs orthogonally thereto and runs substantially parallel to the metal disc.

[0076] The design of the support element such that it has a first side in cross section which runs essentially parallel to the container wall and a second side which runs orthogonally thereto and which runs essentially parallel to the metal disc has proven to be particularly suitable for fixing, in particular welding, both the container wall and the metal disc.

[0077] It is advantageous if the support element is flush with both the container wall and the metal disc.

[0078] It is further advantageous if the first weld seam and / or the second weld seam and / or further weld seams, in particular a weld seam connecting the support element to the container wall, are arranged or run in such a way that no dead space is created. It is particularly advantageous if the second weld seam is arranged or runs in such a way that no dead space is formed between the metal disc and the support element, into which, for example, drinking water could penetrate.

[0079] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the carrier element has, in cross section, substantially the shape of a rectangle or a triangle.

[0080] Such a design is particularly suitable in combination with a design of the carrier element such that, in cross section, it has a first side which runs essentially parallel to the container wall and a second side which runs orthogonally thereto and runs essentially parallel to the metal disc.

[0081] It has been shown that the design of the support element in cross-section at least rectangular or triangular is particularly well suited to produce a stable, efficient and cost-effective large-capacity container, in particular for welding the metal disc.

[0082] The carrier element can preferably be designed as a plate, in particular as a ring plate.

[0083] It is advantageous if the support element is composed of several ring segments, so that a ring-shaped, circumferential support element is formed. It can be particularly advantageous if the support element is formed by ring plate segments. However, a design of the support element using ring segments is also suitable for all other illustrated cross-sectional shapes of the support element, in particular also for support elements with a cross-section that is essentially in the shape of a rectangle or a triangle or generally for a support element that has a first side in cross-section that runs essentially parallel to the container wall and a second side that runs orthogonally thereto and runs essentially parallel to the metal disc.

[0084] The ring segments can be welded, riveted, glued, screwed or otherwise connected in a form-fitting, force-fitting or material-fitting manner.

[0085] A method according to the invention for producing a large-capacity container, in particular a drinking water container, a food container or a container for pharmaceutical products, with a container bottom and a surrounding container wall which forms a receiving space, provides that an upper open end of the container wall is closed with a container roof which has at least a diameter of 3 m.According to the invention, it is provided that an annular circumferential support element is fixed to an upper end region of the container wall, wherein the container roof is designed as a metal disc and is applied in such a way that the metal disc spans the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner and closes it by welding a circumferential gap between an underside of the metal disc facing the receiving space and the support element (preferably) and / or the upper end region of the container wall (less preferably) in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous first weld seam.

[0086] Optionally, an upper side of the metal disc and / or a peripheral edge of the metal disc can also be welded to the carrier element by means of a continuous second weld seam.

[0087] The method according to the invention creates a stable, efficient and cost-effective large-capacity container with low or no contamination, which is particularly suitable for the storage of drinking water, food or pharmaceutical products.

[0088] The invention involves first attaching an annular support element to an upper end of the container wall. The support element may be connected, preferably welded, to the upper end region of the container wall in a materially bonded and / or force-locking manner. It is particularly preferred if the support element is placed on an upper end of the container wall and welded to the upper end of the container wall, so that the support element extends the upper end of the container wall upwards.

[0089] It is provided that in the method according to the invention the container roof is designed as a metal disc and is applied in such a way that the metal disc spans and closes the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner, i.e. without supports or beams. This is achieved by welding a circumferential gap between an underside of the metal disc facing the receiving space and the support element and / or the upper end region of the container wall in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous first weld seam. Optionally, a circumferential edge of the metal disc can also be welded to the support element on an upper side of the metal disc by means of a continuous second weld seam.

[0090] Preferably, the metal disc is welded to the support element or the upper end area of ​​the container wall without overlapping, i.e., in such a way that the metal disc does not overlap the support element. This reliably prevents the formation of dead space or untreated zones.

[0091] It is advantageous in the method according to the invention if the first weld seam and the second weld seam are set in such a way that a root of the first weld seam and a root of the second weld seam come together or merge into one another.

[0092] In the method according to the invention, it can further preferably be provided that the metal disc is designed as a thin and flexible metal disc.

[0093] In order to ensure that the metal disc is wrinkle-free in the final state, it can be provided that it is tensioned radially outwards before the metal disc is welded to the carrier element by means of the first weld seam.

[0094] In the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if the metal disc is rolled up into a roll and then rolled up again and optionally tensioned to cover the upper end of the container wall.

[0095] It has proven particularly advantageous if the metal disc is applied by first rolling it up into a roll and then transporting it, for example, from the manufacturing site to the construction site and then unrolling it there. The metal disc can preferably be manufactured at the manufacturing site to the desired dimensions so that, after the metal disc has been welded to the support element and / or to the upper end region of the container wall, it can seal the upper end of the container wall in a gas- or liquid-tight manner.

[0096] The metal disc may preferably be a so-called membrane roof, which is thin and flexible enough to allow the metal disc to be rolled up, particularly for transport purposes.

[0097] The thicknesses of the metal disc already mentioned with regard to the large-capacity container according to the invention are particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0098] It is also particularly suitable if the metal disc is formed from a plurality of metal strips welded together, preferably running parallel to one another.

[0099] Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for the method according to the invention if the container wall is formed from metal, preferably by helically bent sheet metal strips, preferably from stainless steel, in particular in the manner known from the endless belt method.

[0100] Features already described in connection with the large-capacity container according to the invention can, of course, also be advantageously implemented for the method according to the invention – and vice versa. Furthermore, advantages already mentioned in connection with the large-capacity container according to the invention can also be understood to apply to the method according to the invention – and vice versa.

[0101] It should also be noted that terms such as "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of features or steps—and vice versa.

[0102] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

[0103] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art to form further useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments.

[0104] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0105] They show schematically: Figure 1 shows a side view of a large-capacity container according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section through a large-capacity container according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2 in a first embodiment; Figure 4a a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2 in a second embodiment; Figure 4b shows a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2 in a third embodiment; Figure 4c shows a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2 in a fourth embodiment; Figure 5a a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2 in a fifth embodiment; and Figure 5b shows a schematic representation of section III of the Figure 2in a sixth embodiment; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the method for attaching the metal disc such that it spans the upper open end of the container wall in a self-supporting manner; and Figure 7 shows a further schematic representation of a section of an upper region of a large-capacity container according to the invention.

[0106] Large-capacity containers and methods for producing a large-capacity container are generally known from the prior art, which is why only the features essential to the invention will be discussed in more detail below.

[0107] Figure 1 shows a side view of a large-capacity container that is particularly suitable as a drinking water container, as a food container or as a container for pharmaceutical products.

[0108] In Figure 2 is a longitudinal section through the Figure 1 shown in principle in the large-capacity container.

[0109] How the Figures 1 and 2The large-capacity container has a container base 1 and a surrounding container wall 2, which forms a receiving space 3 for the medium to be contained. The medium to be contained can generally be a liquid, gaseous, or solid medium.

[0110] The large-capacity container shown in the example is particularly suitable for solid and liquid media.

[0111] The large-capacity container shown in the exemplary embodiment is a drinking water container, but the invention and the exemplary embodiment are not to be understood as being limited to this.

[0112] As can be seen from the Figures 1 and 2The tank bottom 1 is arranged on a foundation 4. The foundation 4 can, for example, be a reinforced concrete foundation. The tank bottom 1 can preferably be made of metal, in particular steel. In the exemplary embodiment, it is made of stainless steel.

[0113] The container wall 2 can be made of concrete or reinforced concrete. The container wall 2 can preferably be made of metal, in particular steel. In the exemplary embodiment, the container wall is made of stainless steel.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment, the container wall 2 is formed by spirally bent sheet metal strips 20 made of stainless steel. Preferably, the container wall 2 is manufactured using a so-called endless strip process. The stainless steel strips or bands used for this purpose are pre-profiled and spirally welded to each other inside and outside. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the two weld seams meet, so that a root-connected double weld is formed. The sheet metal strips 20 have molded-on circumferential reinforcing ribs 5, as in Figure 1shown in principle. Optionally, the container wall 2 can also be smooth on the outside (except for any weld seams) or formed in some other way; this is not necessarily important within the scope of the invention. The container wall 2 can, in principle, be manufactured in any desired manner, for example, even in tiers from individual sections. The inside of the container wall 2 is edgeless in the exemplary embodiment.

[0115] The container bottom 1 is preferably welded to a lower end 2a of the container wall 2.

[0116] As further shown by the Figures 1 to 6 As can be seen, an upper open end 2b of the container wall 2 is closed with a container roof 6. The container roof 6 has a diameter of at least 3 m.

[0117] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the large-capacity container has a diameter of 3 to 50 m, preferably 5 to 40 m, so that the container roof 6 also has a corresponding diameter. In the exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that the receiving space 3 of the large-capacity container has a volume of 40 to 50,000 m³, preferably in a drinking water container design, a volume of 100 to 10,000 m³.

[0118] The container wall 2 is preferably designed as a cylinder, in particular as a circular cylinder, as is the case in principle in the Figures 1 and 2 is shown.

[0119] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 3 to 5 As can be seen, an annular, circumferential support element 7 is fixed to an upper end region of the container wall 2, in the exemplary embodiment at the upper end 2b of the container wall 2.

[0120] According to the invention, the container roof 6 in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a metal disc which spans the upper open end 2b of the container wall 2 in a self-supporting manner. The metal disc 6 closes the upper open end 2b of the container wall 2 by connecting an underside 6a of the metal disc 6 facing the receiving space 3 to the support element 7 (cf. Figures 3, 4a, 4b , 4c and 5a ) and / or with the upper end area of ​​the container wall 2 (cf. Figure 5b ) is welded gas-tight or liquid-tight by means of a continuous first weld seam 8. In particular, it can be provided that a peripheral edge 6b of the metal disc 6 is welded to the carrier element 7 and / or to the end region of the container wall 2 (cf. in particular the Figures 3, 4a and 5a ).

[0121] In addition, the peripheral edge 6b and / or an upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 can be welded to the carrier element 7 with a continuous second weld seam 9, as shown in the Figures 3, 4a, 4b and 5a Alternatively or in addition to a second weld seam 9, it can also be provided, for example, that the metal disc 6 is additionally glued, riveted or screwed to the carrier element 7. This is shown only schematically and by way of example in Figure 4c a screw 90 indicated.

[0122] As can be seen from the figures, the metal disc 6 is arranged such that it spans the upper open end 2b of the container wall 2 in a horizontal manner. However, it can also be provided that the metal disc 6 is curved, for example, curved inwards or outwards. Figure 1Three variants for the course of the metal disc 6 are shown as examples in dashed lines.

[0123] In particular in the case of the outwardly curved metal disc 6, but possibly also in the case of the horizontally or inwardly curved metal disc 6, a stabilising means can optionally be provided (in Figure 1 also shown in dashed lines) in order to cause tensioning or stabilization of the metal disc 6 - nevertheless, the metal disc 6 can be self-supporting in the sense of the invention.

[0124] It is preferably provided that the metal disc 6 is welded to the carrier element 7 without overlap, as shown in particular in the Figures 2 , 3 , 4a and 5aThe outer diameter of the metal disc 6 in these embodiments essentially corresponds to the inner diameter of the carrier element 7. However, it can also be provided that the metal disc 6 overlaps the carrier element 7. Overlapping the carrier element 7 can be advantageous depending on the fastening technique, for example, if an adhesive connection, rivet connection or screw connection is provided in addition to the first weld seam 8. By way of example, the Figures 4b , 4c and 5b Embodiments of the invention with metal discs 6 that overlap the carrier element 7.

[0125] As can be seen in particular from the Figures 3 to 5b As can be seen, the carrier element 7 has at least two sections running at right angles to each other in cross section.

[0126] The carrier element 7 can be connected to the upper end region, in the exemplary embodiment the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, in such a way that a first section 7a of the carrier element 7 runs essentially parallel to the container wall 2 and is fixed to the container wall 2, and a second section 7b of the carrier element 7 runs essentially parallel to the metal disc 6, as shown in the Figures 3 to 5a In the above-mentioned embodiments, the annular support element 7 is welded to the upper end region of the container wall 2 or directly to the upper end 2b of the container wall 2 by means of a weld seam 10. The support element 7 thus extends the container wall 2 upwards at the upper end 2b.

[0127] However, the support element 7 can also be attached to an outer side of the container wall 2, for example in such a way that the support element 7 preferably ends at the same height (but possibly also higher or lower) with the container wall 2. The support element 7 can thus form a collar to reinforce the container wall 2, for example as in Figure 5b shown.

[0128] As can be seen from the Figures 3 to 5b As can be seen, the metal disc 6 is welded by means of the first weld seam 8 and / or the second weld seam 9 essentially to a transition region 70 between the first section 7a and the second section 7b of the carrier element 7. The transition region 70 can preferably be an edge, in particular an outer edge, of the carrier element 7.

[0129] The first weld 8 and the second weld 9 can, as is basically the case in the Figures 3, 4a and 5ais indicated, are set in such a way that a root of the first weld 8 and a root of the second weld 9 come together or merge into one another, so that a root-connected double weld is formed.

[0130] In the Figures 3 to 4c A cross-sectional design of the support element 7 is shown as a U-profile. Figures 5a and 5b a design of the support element 7 is shown in cross section as an angle profile.

[0131] In principle, other profile geometries can also be provided. The specific geometry is not necessarily important within the scope of the invention, although the U-profile and the angle profile have proven particularly advantageous. In principle, the support element 7 can thus be provided in a variety of shapes, provided they are suitable for enabling a gas- or liquid-tight welding of the support element 7 to both the container wall 2 and the metal disc 6.

[0132] The U-profile can be welded in various orientations to the container wall 2 or to the metal disc 6. Two particularly preferred orientations of the support element 7 are shown in the Figures 3 and 4a shown.

[0133] Figure 3shows an arrangement of the U-profile of the support element 7 such that, viewed in cross section, a third section 7c adjoins the end of the second section 7b facing away from the first section 7a, which third section runs essentially parallel to and at a distance from the first section 7a.

[0134] The Figures 4a-c show that the U-profile of the support element 7 is arranged in such a way that, viewed in cross section, a third section 7c adjoins the end of the first section 7a facing away from the second section 7b, which third section 7c runs essentially parallel to and at a distance from the second section 7b.

[0135] In the exemplary embodiment, the metal disc 6 is designed as a circular disc when viewed from above, since the container wall 2 is also circular in cross-section. In principle, the metal disc 6 can have any desired shape. The shape of the metal disc 6 is selected such that it is suitable for spanning the upper open end 2b of the container wall 2 in a self-supporting manner and for closing it by welding an edge 6b of the metal disc 6 to the support element 7 by means of the two weld seams 8, 9.

[0136] The design of the metal disc 6 in such a way that it has the shape of a circular disc is particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0137] In the exemplary embodiment, the metal disc 6 is designed as a thin and flexible metal surface. Such thin and flexible metal surfaces are also referred to in the prior art as a membrane roof.

[0138] The metal disc 6 is designed in such a way that the metal disc 6, as in Figure 6 shown, can preferably be rolled up into a roll. In order to use the metal disc 6 as a flat roof to cover the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, the metal disc 6 is then preferably unrolled again on the construction site. This is preferably done by rolling the metal disc 6 out on top of the container and welding it to the annular support element 7.

[0139] It can be provided, in a manner not shown in detail, that the metal disc 6 is tensioned in order to remove wrinkles or to smooth the metal disc 6 before the metal disc 6 is welded to the carrier element 7.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiment, the metal disk 6 has a thickness of 0.5 to 4.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably 0.8 to 2.5 mm, even more preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm, for example 1.5 mm.

[0141] As in principle in Figure 2 As shown, the metal disc 6 is formed from a plurality of welded metal strips 60 or plates, preferably running parallel to one another. Such a production process makes it possible to produce the metal disc 6 cost-effectively and individually in the desired shape or diameter.

[0142] The embodiment according to Figure 7shows a further advantageous embodiment of the carrier element 7 in cross-section. The carrier element 7 has a first side 701 in cross-section, which runs essentially parallel to the container wall 2. The carrier element 7 further has a side 702 extending orthogonally thereto, which runs essentially parallel to the metal disc 6.

[0143] In the embodiment according to Figure 7 The carrier element 7 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. In the embodiment according to Figure 7 the support element 7 is a rectangle in cross-section.

[0144] It has also proven advantageous if the support element 7 has essentially the shape of a triangle in cross section or is a triangle in cross section.

[0145] The support element 7 according to Figure 7can be connected to the metal disc 6 or the container wall 2 in the manner already described with regard to the embodiments according to the Figures 4 to 5b It is particularly advantageous if the Figure 7 The carrier element 7 shown is welded by means of a continuous first weld seam 8 and by means of a continuous second weld seam 9, wherein the first weld seam 8 preferably welds an underside 6a of the metal disc 6 to the carrier element 7 and the second weld seam 9 preferably welds an upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 to the carrier element 7. The weld seams 8, 9 are preferably set such that a root of the first weld seam 8 and a root of the second weld seam 9 come together or merge into one another.

[0146] The support element 7 is in Figure 7preferably formed by a plurality of ring segments that are connected to one another in such a way that the annular, circumferential support element 7 according to the invention is formed. The individual ring segments can preferably be connected to one another by gluing, riveting, screwing, or welding.

[0147] A design of the circumferential support element 7 by several ring segments is also suitable for the embodiments according to the Figures 4 to 5b .

[0148] The Figure 7 The carrier element 7 shown is preferably designed as a ring plate or by ring plate segments.

[0149] The Figure 7 The support element 7 shown preferably has a height or thickness of 10 to 30 mm. The thickness corresponds to the extension of the support element 7 along the first side 701.

[0150] The Figure 7The carrier element 7 shown further has a width, ie an extension starting from the side which adjoins or extends the container wall 2, in a direction orthogonal to the container wall 2 and thus along the second side 702, which is preferably 100 to 700 mm, in particular 100 to 600 mm, particularly preferably 300 to 600 mm.

[0151] The above description also serves to explain an embodiment of the method according to the invention. Placing the metal disc 6 on the upper open end 2b of the container wall 2, in which the metal disc 6 is initially present as a roll and then unwound or unrolled, is described in Figure 6 shown.

[0152] Welding the metal disc 6 to the support element 7 and / or to the upper end region of the container wall 2 can preferably be achieved by first welding a circumferential gap between the underside 6a of the metal disc 6 facing the receiving space 3 and the support element 7 and / or the upper end region of the container wall 2 (first weld seam 8). Additionally, the upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 and / or its circumferential edge 6b can then be welded to the support element 7 by means of the continuous second weld seam 9. The welding is preferably carried out in such a way that a root-connected double weld is produced.

[0153] An advantageous method according to the invention for producing a large-capacity container can preferably comprise the following steps: Preparation of the foundation 4, on which the container base 1 will be placed. The container base 1 can be formed from several metal strips that are welded together. Construction of the container wall 2. The container wall 2 can preferably be formed from the spirally bent sheet metal strips 20, wherein the endless belt method can be used. Welding of the support element 7 to the upper end 2b of the container wall 2, preferably when the container wall 2 has reached a height of 1 to 4 m, preferably 2 to 3 m. Rolling out the metal disc 6, wherein the metal disc 6 is preferably made from welded metal strips 60. Welding of the metal disc 6 by means of the first weld seam 8 and additionally by means of the second weld seam 9 to the support element 7 and / or to the upper end region of the container wall 2 (as described), preferably in such a way that a root-connected double weld is produced.Optionally, a second weld seam 9 is placed such that the root of the second weld seam 9 coincides with the root of the first weld seam 8 placed from below.

[0154] In the exemplary embodiment, it can be provided that a layer of bitumen or the like is finally applied to the upper side 6c of the metal disc 6 and that this is weighted down with gravel or the like.

[0155] The metal disc 6, the container wall 2, the support element 7, and the container base 1 are preferably made of the same material, preferably a weldable material, in particular steel, preferably stainless steel. In principle, any weldable material combination can be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that high-alloy, austenitic and ferritic-austenitic stainless steels, preferably with the material numbers 1.4404, 1.4571, 1.4162, or 1.4462, are used as the material.

Claims

1. A large container, in particular a drinking-water container, food container, or container for pharmaceutical products, having a container base (1) and a circumferential container wall (2), which forms a receiving space (3), wherein an upper, open end (2b) of the container wall (2) is closed by a container cover (6), which has at least a diameter of 3 m, wherein an annularly encircling support element (7) is fixed on an upper end region of the container wall (2), wherein the container cover is designed as a metal disc (6) which spans the upper, open end (2b) of the container wall (2) in a self-supporting manner and closes said end by virtue of the fact that a lower side (6a) of the metal disc (6), which lower side faces the receiving space (3), is welded in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner to the support element (7) and / or to the upper end region of the container wall (2) by means of a continuous first weld seam (8), characterized in that in addition an upper side (6c) and / or an edge (6b) of the metal disc (6) are / is welded to the support element (7) by means of a continuous second weld seam (9), wherein a root of the first weld seam (8) and a root of the second weld (9) seam come together or merge into one another.

2. The large container as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the metal disc (6) spans the upper, open end (2b) of the container wall (2), while running horizontally or in a curved manner.

3. The large container as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is welded to the support element (7) without overlapping.

4. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support element (7) has, in cross section, a first side (701) which runs substantially parallel to the container wall (2), and has a second side (702) which runs orthogonally thereto and which runs substantially parallel to the metal disc (6), and / or the support element (7) has, in cross section, substantially the shape of a rectangle or a triangle.

5. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support element (7) has, in cross section, at least two sections (7a, 7b) running at right angles to one another, wherein the support element (7) is connected to the upper end region of the container wall (2) in such a way that a first section (7a) of the support element (7) runs substantially parallel to the container wall (2) and is fixed on the container wall (2), and a second section (7b) of the support element (7) runs substantially parallel to the metal disc (6).

6. The large container as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is welded substantially to a transitional region (70) between the first section (7a) and the second section (7b) of the support element (7) by means of the first weld seam (8) and / or the second weld seam (9).

7. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, 5 or 6, characterized in that the support element (7) is designed as a U-profile or as an angle profile in cross section.

8. The large container as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the U-profile of the support element (7) is arranged in such a way that, when viewed in cross section, that end of the first section (7a) which faces away from the second section (7b) is adjoined by a third section (7c), which runs substantially parallel to the second section (7b), or, when viewed in cross section, that end of the second section (7b) which faces away from the first section (7a) is adjoined by a third section (7c), which runs substantially parallel to the first section (7a).

9. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is tensioned.

10. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the metal disc (6) has a thickness of 0.5 to 4.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 3.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2.5 mm, more preferably 0.8 to 2.5 mm, even more preferably 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm.

11. The large container as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is formed from a plurality of metal strips (60) or plates which are welded to one another and preferably run parallel to one another.

12. A method for producing a large container, in particular a drinking-water container, food container, or container for pharmaceutical products, having a container base (1) and a circumferential container wall (2), which forms a receiving space (3), according to which an upper, open end (2b) of the container wall (2) is closed by a container cover (6), which has at least a diameter of 3 m, wherein an annularly encircling support element (7) is fixed on an upper end region (2b) of the container wall (2), wherein the container cover is designed as a metal disc (6) and is applied in such a way that the metal disc (6) spans the upper, open end (2b) of the container wall (2) in a self-supporting manner and closes said end by virtue of the fact that a circumferential gap between a lower side (6a) of the metal disc (6), which lower side faces the receiving space (3), and the support element (7) and / or the upper end region of the container wall (2) is welded in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous first weld seam (8), characterized in that a circumferential edge (6b) of the metal disc (6) and / or an upper side (6c) of the metal disc (6) are welded to the support element (7) in a gas-tight or liquid-tight manner by means of a continuous second weld seam (9), wherein the first weld seam (8) and the second weld seam (9) are set in such a way that a root of the first weld seam (8) and a root of the second weld seam (9) come together or merge into one another.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is welded to the support element (7) without overlapping.

14. The method as claimed in any of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is designed as a thin and flexible metal disc (6).

15. The method as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the metal disc (6) is rolled up to form a roll and is rolled out again, tensioned and welded in order to cover the upper end (2b) of the container wall (2).