Multi-purpose tank for treating and / or temporary storage of a liquid

Abstract

The invention relates to a multipurpose tank device (1) for the treatment and / or temporary storage of a liquid, delimited by a base (2) from which extends a vertical peripheral wall (3), surmounted by an upper closing wall (4) comprising an access opening (5) or manhole. The present multipurpose tank device is characterized in that said peripheral wall (3) comprises, in an angularly offset manner, at least two series (S1, S2) of at least three connection bases (e1, e2, e3; e'1, e'2, e'3) to at least one hydraulic line, the three bases (e1, e2, e3; e'1, e'2, e'3) of a series (S1, S2) being distributed at different levels along the height of said peripheral wall (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the general field of treatment and purification of liquids, in particular water containing various charges, and in particular the field of storage, sanitation, or pretreatment of such liquids.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a liquid treatment tank device having a particular geometry and characteristics allowing, on the one hand, great versatility and, on the other hand, a wide variety of installations.

[0003] Traditionally, in the state of the art, in the field of the treatment of rainwater or other liquids containing elements to be eliminated, an installation or device is designed with a specific use in mind for which it is intended and according to its future location.

[0004] Thus, we know of, in particular, special tank devices such as grease and / or starch separators, hydrocarbon separators, coarse solid matter separators, various specific storage tanks or decolloiders for sanitation, etc., such devices sometimes being associated with the lifting or pumping function.

[0005] We know, in the state of the art, of the international application WO2018 / 232466 which describes a device for removing pollutants (raw pollutants, organic waste, sediments, hydrocarbons...) from water, in particular rainwater, and improving its quality.

[0006] This device includes a water inlet, a hydraulic circuit from this water inlet, comprising at least two tanks nested one inside the other, and an outlet downstream of the hydraulic circuit, the latter incorporating at least one contaminant separation element (filter, magnetic separator, etc.).

[0007] This device, which requires the separate manufacture of two distinct tanks followed by their assembly, is of complicated design.

[0008] Furthermore, and generally with regard to existing tank devices, the materials, plastics, concrete or metal, used in the manufacture of such devices intended for various uses in the field of liquid treatment, as well as the geometry, cubic or cylindrical, or the dimensions of the devices, and their internal arrangements, are therefore very diverse.

[0009] Such a multiplicity of treatment tank devices poses numerous problems, particularly in terms of manufacturing.

[0010] For example, for the production of such devices, when they are made of plastic materials and manufactured by rotomolding, it is necessary to have molds adapted to the different configurations, particularly in terms of sizes, geometries, etc.

[0011] It also follows from the above that the diversity in devices, and consequently in the molds to manufacture them, leads to storage problems for all these elements.

[0012] Document EP1156570A2 describes an example of a modular tank.

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a single multipurpose liquid treatment tank allowing for different configurations and uses with this single tank, whether for liquid storage, sanitation, hydraulics or even pretreatment of water loaded with grease, hydrocarbons, etc., as well as various positionings of the device, namely buried, elevated, in the presence or absence of groundwater.

[0014] Thus, the invention relates to a multipurpose tank device for the treatment and / or temporary storage of a liquid, delimited by a bottom from which extends a vertical peripheral wall, surmounted by a closing upper wall comprising an access opening or manhole.

[0015] The present multipurpose tank device is characterized by the fact that said peripheral wall has, in an angularly offset manner, at least two series of at least three connection bases to at least one hydraulic line, the three bases of a series being distributed at different levels on the height of said peripheral wall, at least one connection base defining a flat surface provided with at least one pre-cutting zone for a connection opening of at least one hydraulic line of determined section and the flat surface has several concentric pre-cutting zones, each pre-cutting zone being defined for the connection of hydraulic lines of different sections.

[0016] According to specific modes of implementation: at least one connection base defines a flat surface provided with at least one connection opening for at least one hydraulic pipe of a specified cross-section; at least one opening is equipped with a sleeve for the leak-proof connection of a hydraulic pipe of a specified cross-section; the device comprises two sets of three connection bases offset angularly by 180°; the multi-purpose tank device comprises two sets of three connection bases and two sets of two connection bases, said two sets of three connection bases being offset angularly by 180° and said two sets of two connection bases being offset angularly by 180°; the device comprises three sets of three connection bases offset angularly by 120°; the device comprises four sets of three connection bases offset angularly by 90°.

[0017] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description relating to embodiments which are given only as indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0018] Understanding this description will be facilitated by referring to the attached drawings, in which: [ Fig.1 ] represents, in perspective, a particular embodiment of a multipurpose tank device according to the invention, having, around the perimeter of the peripheral wall of said device, four series of several connection bases, namely two series of three bases facing each other, and two series of two connection bases also facing each other, three of these four series being visible, at least partially, in the figure, with an angular offset of 90° between two adjacent series of bases; Fig.2 ] represents a side view of a multipurpose tank device conforming to the figure 1 ; Fig.3 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a first specific configuration called "sludge separator" dedicated to the pretreatment of a liquid, for the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in the liquid, one of the upper bases allows the creation of a connection for an inlet of the liquid to be sludged, while a second upper base, the one facing the base at the level of which the water inlet is located, allows the creation of a connection for an evacuation of the liquid, sleeves for connection to inlet and outlet pipes are also shown in the figure; Fig.4 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a second specific configuration called "hydrocarbon separator / sludge remover" for the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in a liquid, one of the bases in the upper part of the tank allows for the creation of a connection for the inlet of the liquid to be descaled, while a second upper base, the one facing the base where the water inlet is located, allows for the creation of a connection for the discharge of the liquid, an opening for the connection of an inlet pipe being visible in the figure, as well as a sleeve for the connection of a discharge pipe, to which sleeve is also connected, internally to the tank, a siphonic water intake with a sealing device preventing the discharge of pollutants downstream; Fig.5 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a third specific configuration called "hydrocarbon separator / settling tank with bypass", dedicated to the pretreatment of a liquid, for the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in this liquid, as well as for the removal of light pollutants, one of the upper bases allows the creation of a connection for a liquid inlet, while a second upper base, the one facing the base at which the water inlet is located, allows the creation of a connection for a liquid outlet, an inlet opening being visible in the figure, as well as an internal bypass device within the tank between the two facing upper bases; Fig.6 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a fourth specific configuration called "Grease Separator" for the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in a liquid, as well as for the removal of light pollutants, one of the upper bases allows the creation of a connection for an inlet of the liquid to be separated, while a second upper base, the one facing the base at which the water inlet is located, allows the creation of a connection for an outlet of the liquid, the connection sleeves to the inlet and outlet pipes are also shown in the figure, as well as a siphon water intake connected to the outlet sleeve; Fig.7 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a fifth specific configuration called "grease and starch separator" for the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in a liquid, and for the removal of other pollutants such as oils, greases and starches, one of the upper bases allows the creation of two connections for two liquid inlets via two different networks, while a second upper base, the one facing the base where the water inlets are located, allows the creation of a connection for liquid drainage, two connection sleeves to the two water inlets, as well as a connection sleeve to a drainage pipe, are also shown in the figure; Fig.8 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a sixth specific configuration called "starch separator" for pretreatment to remove starches contained in the liquid, one of the upper bases allows for the creation of a connection for a liquid inlet, while a second upper base, the one facing the base where the water inlet is located, allows for the creation of a connection for a liquid outlet, the connection sleeves to the inlet and outlet pipes also being shown in the figure; [ Fig.9 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a seventh particular configuration called "floating tipping bucket flushing" for the sanitation of a liquid, one of the intermediate bases allows the creation of a connection for a liquid inlet, while a second base, in the lower part of the tank, and located on the series of three bases facing the series of bases at the level of which the water inlet is located, allows the creation of a connection for a liquid outlet, an opening for connection to an inlet pipe and a sleeve for connection to an outlet pipe, said sleeve being also connected to a tipping bucket at the lowest point of the tank, are also shown in the figure; Fig.10 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in an eighth particular configuration called "decolloider" for the sanitation of a liquid, one of the upper bases allows the creation of a connection for a liquid inlet, while a second upper base allows the creation of a connection for a liquid outlet, the sleeves for connection to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are also shown in the figure, as well as a lower filter and a device for unclogging said filter; [ Fig.11 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a ninth specific configuration called "rainwater storage" for storing a liquid, one of the upper bases allows for the creation of a connection for a liquid inlet, while a second upper base allows for the creation of a connection for a liquid outlet, the sleeves for connection to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are also shown in the figure, as well as an internal filtration device for the tank; [ Fig.12 ] represents, in perspective and transparency, a tank according to the figure 1 in a tenth particular configuration called "rainwater storage and regulation" for the storage and release of a liquid, one of the upper bases allows the creation of a connection for an inlet of the liquid, while a lower base allows the creation of a connection for an outlet of the liquid, the sleeves for the connection to an inlet pipe and to an outlet pipe are also shown in the figure, as well as a device for limiting the internal leakage rate of the tank;

[0019] With reference to these drawings, the present invention relates to a tank device 1, which is intended to be capable of constituting a multipurpose tank, allowing, by means of a single device, preferably made of polyethylene by rotomolding, a wide variety of applications and configurations.

[0020] Thus, such a tank device 1 can be implemented for different types of treatment or pretreatment and / or temporary storage of a liquid, charged or not, which must pass through said device 1.

[0021] Some examples of tank configurations will be detailed, without limitation, later in the description, with particular reference to figures 3 à 12 .

[0022] For these purposes, the tank device 1 according to the invention is delimited, in its lower part, by a bottom 2, from which extends a vertical peripheral wall 3, the latter being surmounted, in its upper part, by a closing wall 4 comprising an oblong access opening 5 for a manhole, preferably with a lifting ring.

[0023] Thus, and as shown in the figures of the attached drawings, the present multipurpose tank 1 device may preferably consist of an enclosure having a generally cylindrical shape and a vertical axis.

[0024] The bottom 2 of the tank device 1 is preferably provided with two integrated slopes, and with reservations for pallet truck forks.

[0025] Such slopes are particularly useful for certain applications, and allow in particular the removal of an internal element, especially for grease separator devices, the slopes thus allowing the removal of a partition delimiting the mud removal and separation functions.

[0026] The said base 2 can also advantageously be provided with at least one insert for anchoring in concrete, in the case of hydrostatic pressure.

[0027] According to the invention, the multipurpose tank device 1 comprises at least, provided in its vertical peripheral wall 3, a first series S1 comprising at least three connection bases e1, e2, e3 of said tank 1 to at least one hydraulic line and a second series S2 also comprising at least three connection bases e1', e2' and e3' of the present tank 1 to at least one hydraulic line.

[0028] The bases e1, e2, e3; e1', e2' and e3' which make up the same series S1; S2 of bases are superimposed on the height of the peripheral wall 3 of the multipurpose tank device 1 according to the invention.

[0029] Each of these series S1 and S2 more specifically comprises, a first connection base e1, e1' located in the upper part of the peripheral wall 3 of the tank device 1, a second base e2, e2' located in the middle part of said peripheral wall 3, for example approximately halfway up, and, finally, a third base noted e3, e3' in the lower part of the wall 3, near the bottom 2 of the tank 1, e1, e2 and e3 being superimposed on the same level of the wall 3 and e1', e2' and e3' being superimposed on the same level of the wall 3.

[0030] On the figures 1 And 2 The attached drawings thus show, in particular, a first series S1 of three connection bases e1, e2 and e3 and a second series S2 also comprising three connection bases e1', e2' and e3'. Note, however, that on the figure 1 , the third e3' connection base of the second S2 series is not visible, while the second e2' base of this S2 series is only partially visible.

[0031] It should also be noted here that, according to a feature of the present invention, the two series S1 and S2 of three connection bases e1, e2, e3 and e1', e2' and e3' are angularly offset on the peripheral wall 3 of said multipurpose tank device 1.

[0032] Thus, preferably, when said multipurpose tank device 1 according to the invention comprises only two series S1, S2 of three connecting bases e1, e2, e3 and e1', e2' and e3', these are angularly offset by an angle of 180°, so that the first connecting base e1 of the first series S1, in the upper part of the tank 1, is located opposite the first connecting base e1' of the second series S2, the same for the intermediate bases e2, e2' and for the bases e3, e3' in the lower part of the two series S1 and S2 of bases.

[0033] However, such an example of an embodiment, in which the device comprises only two sets of three bases, is not shown in the accompanying figures.

[0034] That being said, in a particular embodiment shown in particular in figures 1 and 2, in addition to the two series S1 and S2 of three connection bases e1, e2, e3 and e1', e2' and e3', the multipurpose tank device 1 of the invention may include at least a third series S3 of connection bases to at least one hydraulic line, or even a fourth series S4, although the latter is not visible in the figures, the bases of said third and fourth series S3 and S4 being provided on the height of the vertical peripheral wall 3 of said tank 1.

[0035] The additional series S3 and S4 of connection bases may comprise at least two superimposed connection bases e1", e2", as illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 , or three superimposed bases, or even more, according to other examples of implementation which are not shown.

[0036] In this case, when the multipurpose tank device 1 is equipped with four sets of superimposed bases, these are preferably offset angularly by 90° around the perimeter of the peripheral wall 3.

[0037] When the device 1 comprises two series of three superimposed bases and two series of two superimposed bases, the two series of three bases are advantageously positioned opposite each other on the periphery of the peripheral wall 3, as is the case for the two series of two bases.

[0038] It is also conceivable that the multipurpose tank device 1 comprises three series, of which at least two have three bases, the remaining series or series of bases having at least two, with an angular offset of 120° between each of the series of bases.

[0039] Regardless of the number of S series and the number of bases e in each of these S series, each of the bases has the function of enabling the connection of the multipurpose tank device 1 to at least one hydraulic line for the inlet and / or outlet of a liquid which must be treated or temporarily stored in said device 1.

[0040] A connection base e which comprises the multipurpose tank device 1 of the invention defines a flat surface advantageously provided with at least one pre-cutting area for a connection opening of at least one hydraulic pipe having a determined cross-section, without any trace of cutting on the mold.

[0041] The flat surface thus defined at the level of a connection base e comprises a plurality of concentric pre-cut zones, each of these pre-cut zones being defined for the connection of hydraulic pipes of different sections.

[0042] It is thus possible to easily connect, by means of the multipurpose tank device 1 according to the invention, circular hydraulic pipes of different sections, depending on the use for which said device 1 is intended.

[0043] It is also conceivable, in one embodiment, that a connection base e with which the said multipurpose tank device 1 of the invention is equipped defines a flat surface directly provided with at least one connection opening for at least one hydraulic pipe having a determined cross-section.

[0044] In this scenario, it is envisaged that at least one opening can advantageously be fitted with a sleeve for the connection, in a watertight manner, of a hydraulic pipe of determined cross-section to said multipurpose tank device 1.

[0045] In practice, and as illustrated on the figures 1 And 2In the attached drawings, some of the connection bases included in the multipurpose tank device 1 of the invention may define a flat surface having a connection opening for at least one hydraulic line, while some other connection bases are provided with several concentric pre-cut areas.

[0046] Thus, on the figure 1 , in the first series S1 comprising three bases e1, e2 and e3, the first base e1 located in the upper part of the tank 1 has a connection opening 6 to a hydraulic line, while the second base e2 and the third base e3, located respectively in the middle and lower parts of the tank 1, are each provided with a pre-cut area 72, 73 facilitating the making of an opening for a watertight connection of a hydraulic line of cross-section corresponding to that of said opening.

[0047] Also represented are, on the figures 1 And 2 , two circular pre-cut zones 71", 72", respectively at the level of the connection bases e1" and e2" of the third series S3 of bases which the multipurpose tank device 1 according to the invention may include.

[0048] The same may apply to the two connection bases of a fourth series, not visible in the figures, which are located opposite the connection bases e1" and e2" on the vertical peripheral wall 3 of the tank device 1.

[0049] Also, the first connection base e1' of the second series S2 of bases, in the upper part of tank 1, may include an opening for connection to a hydraulic line, while the base e2' in the middle part and the base e3' in the lower part each have a circular pre-cut area allowing the possibility of creating an opening for a connection.

[0050] Thus, the versatility of device 1 results from an increase in functional surfaces around the perimeter of the peripheral wall 3, in the form of a plurality of bases arranged in series. The perimeter of the peripheral wall 3 may also include a plurality of ribs arranged, in particular, along a generatrix, allowing for optimal distribution of forces and thus preventing vertical and peripheral crushing of the tank.

[0051] Now, referring to the figure 3 A first example of a so-called "sludge remover" configuration of a tank device 1 according to the invention is described, intended more particularly for the pretreatment of a liquid within a sanitation network, in particular for the elimination of coarse elements and macro-waste, such as plastic films, packaging, gravel, sand, etc., contained in the liquid.

[0052] In this configuration, the liquid, in particular water to be treated, is conveyed to the device 1 by an inlet pipe, not shown, connected in a sealed manner to a sleeve 8 positioned at the connection opening 6 provided in the upper connection base e1 of the first series S1 comprising three bases e1, e2 and e3.

[0053] These waters are evacuated, after treatment, by an evacuation pipe connected, also in a watertight manner, to an 8' sleeve positioned, itself, at the level of the 6' connection opening of the upper connection base e1' which faces the base e1 and which is located at the level of the second series S2 also comprising three bases e1', e2' and e3'.

[0054] In an example of the operation of tank 1 in this configuration, the waters arriving through the inlet pipe connected to the sleeve 8 are directed towards the lower part and to the sides of tank 1, by a deflector 9 which can be fitted to the sleeve 8.

[0055] The recovery of the decanted water is carried out in the water flow opposite the inlet, through the evacuation sleeve 8', the trapped elements being deposited at the level of the bottom 2 of the tank 1.

[0056] Now, referring to the figure 4 A second example of the configuration that the tank device 1 according to the invention can take is described, also for the pretreatment of water within a sanitation network, when said water is loaded with light liquids, such as oils and hydrocarbons, in addition to containing coarse elements and macro-waste.

[0057] The configuration shown here is therefore called a "hydrocarbon separator / sludge trap".

[0058] The wastewater arrives via a pipe, not shown, connected at the level of the opening 6 made on the base e1, in the upper part of the tank 1, downstream of which, inside said tank 1, there is a deflector 10 allowing the water to be directed downwards and to the sides of said tank 1.

[0059] Water evacuation takes place, after coalescence on a medium positioned at the level of a siphon, with a siphonic water intake 11, allowing light liquids, in particular oils and hydrocarbons, to be trapped on the surface of the tank 1.

[0060] It should also be noted that an automatic shut-off device 12 at the level of the siphon water intake 11 prevents any discharge of hydrocarbons downstream of the tank 1.

[0061] The siphonic water intake 11 is connected, in the downstream part of the tank 1, at the level of an opening 6' which has the connection base e1', to a treated water evacuation pipe, the latter not being shown in the figure.

[0062] Note that the oblong access opening 5 at the upper closing wall 4 allows two positions for the installation of a manhole at the level of this access opening 5. The position of this manhole can be central at the level of the access opening 5 or it can be offset depending on the position, for example, of the automatic closing device 12.

[0063] Thus, in addition to the versatility of the tank device 1 by means of the bases arranged in series, said device 1 presents a modularity at the level of access to the inside of the enclosure.

[0064] With reference to the figure 5 A third example of the configuration that the tank device 1 according to the invention can take is described, also for the pretreatment of water within a sanitation network, when said water is loaded with light liquids, such as oils and hydrocarbons, in addition to containing coarse elements and macro-waste.

[0065] In this configuration, a bypass device 13 is integrated into the tank device 1, allowing the treatment of only part of the incoming liquid flow by means of an inlet pipe, not shown, connected in a sealed manner to the sleeve 8 positioned at the connection opening 6 provided in the upper connection base e1 of the first series S1 comprising three bases e1, e2 and e3.

[0066] Thus, when the liquid to be treated arrives in the tank device 1, a first box 131 acts as a storm overflow, retaining part of this liquid in the tank 1, while the excess water is directed directly to the outlet at the level of the connection opening, not visible, which is part of the base e1' which faces the base e1 and which is located at the level of the second series S2 also comprising three bases e1', e2' and e3'.

[0067] The portion of the water that is retained in the tank and that must be treated is directed downwards and to the sides of tank 1 by a deflector, not visible, positioned at the inlet of the structure.

[0068] The evacuation of the treated water is carried out, after coalescence on a medium positioned at the level of a siphon, with a siphon water intake 11, allowing the trapping of light liquids, in particular oils and hydrocarbons, on the surface of the tank 1, an automatic closure device 12 at the level of the siphon water intake 11, being provided to prevent any discharge of hydrocarbons downstream of the tank 1.

[0069] A second box 132, connected to the siphon water intake 11, allows the connection between the pre-treated water in the tank 1 and the untreated, excess water, which is passed directly into the bypass pipe 13, said second box 132 being connected, at the level of an opening which has the upper connection base e1', to a treated water evacuation pipe, the latter not being shown in the figure.

[0070] With reference to the figure 6 , is described a fourth example of configuration of the present tank device 1, in which it is more particularly intended for the pretreatment of water loaded with grease.

[0071] Such a configuration can then be called a "grease separator" and allows, on the one hand, the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in the wastewater, such as sink residues, and, on the other hand, the removal of oils and grease from kitchens, restaurants, and other food service establishments. The pre-treated wastewater can then be discharged into a sewer system downstream of tank 1.

[0072] In this configuration, the water to be treated is conveyed to the device 1 by an inlet pipe, not shown, connected in a watertight manner to a sleeve 8 positioned at the connection opening 6 provided in the upper connection base e1 which comprises a first series S1 of three connection bases e1, e2, e3.

[0073] The waters are directed towards the lower part and the sides of tank 1, by a deflector positioned at the inlet of said tank 1.

[0074] The pre-treated water is returned via a siphonic water intake 14, which traps oils and greases on the surface of the tank 1. This siphonic water intake is connected to a drain sleeve 8' positioned at the connection opening 6' of the upper connection base e1', which faces the base e1. The connection base e1' is located at the level of the second series S2, which also comprises three bases e1', e2', and e3'.

[0075] The said 8' drain sleeve is also connected, in a sealed manner, to a drain pipe, not shown, downstream and external to device 1.

[0076] Now, referring to the figure 7 , is described a fifth example of the configuration that the tank device 1 according to the invention can take, which can be implemented for the pretreatment of water loaded with fats and starches.

[0077] Such a configuration can then be called a "Grease and starch separator" and allows, on the one hand, the removal of coarse elements and macro-waste contained in the water, such as sink residues, and, on the other hand, the removal of oils, fats and starches through a dedicated network most often fed by a potato peeler.

[0078] Here again, wastewater can originate from kitchens, restaurants and other food service establishments or agri-food activities, and must be treated before being discharged into the sewage system.

[0079] As shown, one of the connecting bases, in this case the upper base e1, which comprises the first series S1 of three bases e1, e2, e3, is provided, in this case, with two connecting openings 6, 61. Note that the two openings 6, 61 may have different diameters, as illustrated in the figure 7 , opening 6 being of smaller diameter than opening 61.

[0080] Each of these connection openings 6, 61 is equipped with a sleeve 8, 81, and each sleeve 8, 81 allows a leak-proof connection to a liquid supply line feeding the tank 1 via two different networks.

[0081] A second upper base e1', which faces the base e1 at the level of which the two openings 6, 61 for the arrival of the water to be treated are located, and which is located at the level of the second series S2 also comprising three bases e1', e2' and e3', is provided with an opening 6'. This is equipped with a sleeve 8' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a treated water discharge pipe.

[0082] As regards the operation of the tank 1 device in such a configuration, the water to be treated arriving via two different networks (greases and starches), each connected to one of the two sleeves 8, 81, is directed downwards and to the sides of the tank 1 by a deflector positioned downstream of each opening 6, 61, inside said tank 1.

[0083] The pre-treated water is taken up by a siphon water intake, allowing the starches to be trapped at the bottom of tank 1, and the oils and greases on the surface of tank 1.

[0084] It should also be noted that a water spraying device, also not shown in the figure described, can be positioned in the upper part of the tank device 1, to reduce foams from the starch network.

[0085] Now, referring to the figure 8 , is described a sixth example of a configuration which can be achieved using the tank device 1 according to the invention, and which can be implemented for the pretreatment of water loaded with starches.

[0086] Such a configuration can then be called a "Starch Separator" and allows for the interception of starches from potato peelers, in particular, from kitchens, restaurants and other food businesses or agri-food activities, before the pre-treated water is discharged into a sanitation network downstream of the tank device 1.

[0087] In this configuration, one of the connection bases included in the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, in this case the upper base e1 is provided with a connection opening 6, at the level of which is positioned a connection sleeve 8 for a watertight connection to an incoming pipe of the water loaded with starches to be treated.

[0088] A second upper base e1', in particular the one facing the base e1 at the level of which the opening 6 for the arrival of the water to be treated is located, is provided with an opening 6' equipped with a sleeve 8' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a treated water evacuation pipe for their conveyance to a downstream sanitation network.

[0089] Regarding the operation of the tank 1 device in such a configuration, the water to be treated arriving through the pipe connected to the sleeve 8 is directed downwards and to the sides of the tank 1 by a deflector positioned at the inlet of the structure.

[0090] The pre-treated water is taken up by a siphonic water intake opposite the inlet, in this case by a portion of the 8' sleeve internal to tank 1 associated with a siphonic water intake, this configuration allowing the starches to be trapped at the bottom of tank 1 and the floating matter to be trapped on the surface.

[0091] It should also be noted that a water spraying device, not shown in the figure described, can be positioned in the upper part of the tank device 1, to reduce foams from the starch network.

[0092] Now, referring to the figure 9 , is described a seventh example of a configuration which can be achieved using the tank device 1 according to the invention, and which can be implemented in the treatment of domestic wastewater.

[0093] Such a configuration can more specifically be called "floating tipping bucket flushing" and allows storage then evacuation and distribution of pre-treated domestic wastewater to spreading beds (sands, reeds...) located downstream of tank device 1.

[0094] In this configuration, one of the connection bases included in the first series S1 of base on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, in this case the intermediate base e2 of the first series S1 comprising three bases, positioned approximately in the middle part of the height of said peripheral wall 3, is provided with a connection opening 62. At this point, a supply pipe (not shown) of domestic wastewater to be treated can be connected in a watertight manner.

[0095] Opposite this first series S1, in other words, at an angular offset of 180° on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, is located a second series S2 comprising three bases e1', e2' and e3'. One of these bases, in this case base e3' in the lower part of the tank 1, is provided with an opening 63' fitted with a sleeve 83' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a treated water discharge pipe for its conveyance to spreading beds located downstream of said tank 1.

[0096] As regards the operation of the tank device 1 in such a configuration, domestic wastewater arriving through a pipe connected to the opening 62 of the intermediate base e2 feeds the tank 1 and leads to a defined volume, before triggering a high-flow gravity discharge, at the lowest point of the tank 1, by means of a bucket 15 fixed at the level of the bottom 3 of the tank 1 and connected to the discharge sleeve 83'.

[0097] Now, referring to the figure 10 , is described an eighth example of a configuration which can be achieved using the tank device 1 according to the invention, and which can be implemented in the treatment of pre-treated water.

[0098] Such a configuration can more specifically be called a "decolloider" and allows the filtration of previously pre-treated water with the aim of protecting spreading beds located downstream of the tank device 1.

[0099] In this configuration, one of the connection bases included in the first series S1 of bases on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, in this case the base in the upper part e1, is provided with a connection opening 6.

[0100] This one is fitted with an 8 sleeve for the watertight connection of an inlet pipe (not shown) of pre-treated water which must be filtered before being conveyed to the spreading beds.

[0101] This sleeve 8 is extended, inside the device 1, by an elbow-shaped portion and a vertical pipe 16 allowing the water to be treated to be conveyed to the bottom 3 of the tank 1, under a filter 17.

[0102] Opposite the upper base e1, that is to say, at an angular offset of 180° on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, is located a second upper base e1'. This is also provided with an opening 6' fitted with a sleeve 8' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a drainage pipe.

[0103] Regarding the operation of the tank 1 device in such a configuration, the pre-treated water arriving via a pipe connected to the sleeve 8 equipping the opening 6 of the upper base e1 feeds the tank 1 and is directed by the pipe 16 towards the bottom of the tank, under a filtering means 17. The water then passes through the latter from bottom to top, and is taken up at the top of the tank 1, at the level of the sleeve 8' connected to a pipe for the evacuation and conveyance of the pre-treated and filtered water to spreading beds downstream.

[0104] An interception of residual particles by device 1 in this configuration, downstream of a wastewater pretreatment, thus provides additional safety and protection of the infiltration structures located downstream of said device 1.

[0105] It should also be noted that a means of unclogging 18 of the filter 17 can be provided, advantageously in the central part of the tank device 1.

[0106] On the figure 11 , is represented a ninth example of a configuration which can be achieved by means of the tank device 1 according to the invention, and which can be implemented in the storage of water, in particular rainwater.

[0107] Such a configuration can be implemented in particular for the retention of rainwater from roofs or other sources.

[0108] Here, one of the connection bases included in the first series S1 of base on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, in this case the base e1 in the upper part, is provided with an opening 6 fitted with a sleeve 8 for the watertight connection of an incoming pipe (not shown) of rainwater.

[0109] Opposite the upper base e1, that is to say, at an angular offset of 180° on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, a second upper base e1' is located on a second series S2 of bases. This one is also provided with an opening 6' fitted with a sleeve 8' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a pipe for the reuse of rainwater, in particular by pumping.

[0110] An internal filtration device 19 in the tank 1 is connected to the inlet sleeves 8 and outlet sleeves 8'.

[0111] Now, referring to the figure 12, is described a tenth example of a configuration which can be achieved by means of the tank device 1 according to the invention, and which can be implemented in the storage and regulation of rainwater, in particular from runoff, for rainwater buffering and gravity evacuation at regulated flow rate thereof.

[0112] In such a configuration, one of the connection bases included in the first series S1 of bases on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, in this case the base in the upper part e1, is provided with an opening 6 fitted with a sleeve 8 for the watertight connection of an incoming pipe (not shown) of rainwater.

[0113] Opposite this first series S1, in other words, at an angular offset of 180° on the peripheral wall 3 of the device 1, is located a second series S2 comprising three bases e1', e2' and e3'. One of these bases, in this case base e3' in the lower part of the tank 1, is provided with an opening 63' fitted with a sleeve 83' allowing the creation of a watertight connection to a rainwater drainage pipe for conveyance to a sewage network or into the natural environment.

[0114] Prior to their discharge from tank 1, the rainwater passes through a leakage flow limitation device 20.

[0115] Thus, it appears from the examples of embodiment described above, which can also ensure a function of lifting or pumping water, that by means of a single multipurpose tank device 1 according to the present invention, a multitude of configurations are conceivable, noting further that the numerous examples described are not limiting of the invention, and that other configurations could still be taken by said device 1.

[0116] Note, for example, that in the configurations shown in the attached figures, the connection openings 6, 6' to allow the arrival and evacuation of the liquid are systematically opposite each other, in other words located on series of bases S1, S2 presenting an angular offset of 180° on the peripheral wall 3 of the tank 1.

[0117] However, it is entirely conceivable that a first connection opening (for the liquid inlet) is located on a first series comprising several bases, while a second connection opening (for the outlet) is located on a second series of bases offset angularly, relative to said first series of bases, by 90° or 120° on the peripheral wall 3 of the tank 1.

Claims

1. Multi-purpose tank device (1) for treating and / or temporarily storing a liquid, delimited by a bottom (2) from which a vertical peripheral wall (3) extends, topped by an upper closing wall (4) comprising an access opening (5) or manhole, said peripheral wall (3) including, in an angularly offset manner, at least two series (S1, S2) of at least three connection bases (e1, e2, e3; e1', e2', e3') to at least one hydraulic line, the three bases (e1, e2, e3; e1', e2', e3') of a series (S1, S2) being distributed at different levels over the height of said peripheral wall (3), each of these series (S1, S2) includes a first connection base (e1, e1') located in the upper part of the vertical peripheral wall (3) of the multi-purpose tank device (1), a second base (e2, e2') located in the central part of the height of said vertical peripheral wall (3), and, a third base (e3, e3') in the lower part of the vertical wall (3), near the bottom (2) of the tank (1), said connection bases (e1, e2, e3) of the first series (S1) being superimposed on the same level of the vertical wall (3) and said bases (e1', e2', e3') of the second series (S2) being superimposed on the same level of the vertical wall (3), at least one connection base (e2, e3) defining a flat surface provided with at least one pre-cut area (72, 73) for a connection opening of at least one hydraulic line with a predetermined cross-section, characterised in that the flat surface of at least one connection base includes a plurality of concentric pre-cut areas, each pre-cut area being defined for the connection of hydraulic lines with different cross-sections.

2. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to Claim 1 characterised in that at least one connection base (e1; e1') defines a flat surface provided with at least one connection opening (6, 6') of at least one hydraulic line with a predetermined cross-section.

3. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to Claim 2 characterised in that at least one opening (6, 6') is equipped with a sleeve (8, 8') for the leak-tight connection of a hydraulic line with a certain cross-section.

4. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it includes two series (S1, S2) of three connection bases (e1, e2, e3; e1', e2', e3') angularly offset by 180°.

5. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it has two series (S1, S2) of three connection bases (e1, e2, e3; e1', e2', e3') and two series (S3, S4) of two connection bases, said two series (S1, S2) of three connection bases (e1, e2, e3; e1', e2', e3') being angularly offset by 180° and said two series (S3, S4) of two connection bases being angularly offset by 180°.

6. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it has three series of three connection bases angularly offset by 120°.

7. Multi-purpose tank device (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it has four series of three connection bases angularly offset by 90°.

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