Joint seal for panels used to form sectional tanks

Abstract

A sealing mechanism to seal between a first and a second tank panel. The sealing mechanism comprises an elastomeric seal and a retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent a side surface of the first tank panel. The side surface is at an angle to the inner face and extends between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel. The retainer extends along a side edge of the inner face of the first tank panel and outwardly from the side edge, terminating laterally exterior to the side surface. The retainer limits the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward the center of a tank, at least partially formed by the first and second tank panels, when the elastomeric seal is compressed by securing of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a U.S. National Stage Application of PCT International Application No. PCT / CA2023 / 051697, filed on Dec. 19, 2023, which claims priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 436,999, filed on Jan. 4, 2023, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to the field of tanks formed from a plurality of panels that are releasably secured together. In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a joint seal to seal between such panels.BACKGROUND

[0003] Tanks that are portable in nature are used in a wide variety of industries and applications. In some cases portable tanks are complete units that are moved from place to place or job site to job site. However, where the tanks are required to hold substantial volumes of material their sheer size prevents them from being transported in an assembled form. In such cases the tanks are typically formed from sections or panels that are transported to a job site and then assembled in place.

[0004] If the tank is to remain in positon for an indefinite or permanent time frame, the individual panels can be welded or otherwise permanently fixed together. However, where the length of time the tank is to be used is limited, the panels need to be releasably secured together in a manner that permits the tank to be readily and easily disassembled when it is no long required so that its components can be shipped to another location and re-assembled for further use.

[0005] Where the panels of a tank are to be releasably securable, depending upon the nature of the material to be stored within the tank in some cases a mere bolting or otherwise securing the panels together may be sufficient to retain the contents therein. For example, where the tank is to be used to store grain, bolting or otherwise tensioning flanges on adjacent panels may create a seal between the panels that is sufficient to prevent the grain from escaping. However, where material to be received within the tank is of a very fine particle size, simply bolting or otherwise tensioning adjacent panels together may not be sufficient. For example, where the portable tank in question is to be used to retain fracking sand at an oil well production site, a simple flange connection between the two adjacent panels will typically not be sufficient to prevent the very fine grains of sand from escaping through joints between the panels. Further, the load applied to the panels by sand within the tank can have the effect of flexing the panels outwardly as sand is loaded into the tank. Such a flexing can cause small gaps to form in joints between adjacent panels. Any gaps that may be formed further enhances the ability for small grains of sand to leak from the tank.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a sealing mechanism to seal between adjacent panels in tanks formed from a plurality of panels that are releasably secured together.SUMMARY

[0007] In an embodiment the present disclosure provides a sealing mechanism to seal between a first and a second tank panel that may be secured together to form at least a portion of an outer wall of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising an elastomeric seal, and a retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent a side surface of the first tank panel, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel; when so secured the retainer extending along a side edge of the inner face of the first tank panel and extending outwardly from the side edge terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface; the retainer limiting the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion of a tank, at least partially formed by the first and second tank panels, when the elastomeric seal is compressed by the securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank panel.

[0008] In a further embodiment there is provided a sealing mechanism to seal between a first and a second tank panel that may be secured together to form at least a portion of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising an elastomeric seal having a lateral flange and a longitudinal ridge positioned along an outer edge of the lateral flange, the longitudinal ridge perpendicular to the lateral flange, and a retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent a side surface of the first tank panel, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel; the retainer fixing the elastomeric seal to the inner face of the first panel along a side edge thereof by compressing the lateral flange against the inner face of the first tank panel, with the longitudinal ridge of the elastomeric seal abutting a side surface of the retainer; when so secured, the retainer extending along the side edge of the first tank panel and extending outwardly from the side edge terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface, the retainer limiting the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion of the tank formed at least partially from the first and second tank panels when the elastomeric seal is compressed by the securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank pane; the retainer having a concave portion, the elastomeric seal at least partially received within the concave portion.

[0009] In still a further aspect there is provided a sealing mechanism to seal between a first and a second tank panel that may be secured together to form at least a portion of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising an elastomeric seal having a lateral flange, and a retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent to a side surface thereof, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face of the first tank panel and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel; the retainer having a longitudinal flange securable along a side edge of the first tank panel; the lateral flange of the elastomeric seal compressed between the longitudinal flange of the retainer and the inner face of the first tank panel when the retainer and the elastomeric seal are secured to the first tank panel such that the retainer fixes the elastomeric seal in a position that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the side surface of the first tank panel, when so secured the retainer extending along the side edge of the first tank panel and outwardly from the side edge, terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface; the retainer limiting the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion, of the tank at least partially formed from the first and second tank panels, when the elastomeric seal is compressed by the securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank panelBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is an upper side perspective view of a portable tank constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an upper side perspective view of the assembled sidewall of the portable tank shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the side wall shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one of the tank panels used to form the sidewalls of the tank of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the tank panel shown in FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an interior side perspective view of the tank panel shown in FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 7 is an interior side view of the tank panel shown in FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an upper side perspective view of the side panels of the tank shown in FIG. 2 where one panel remains in a state of assembly.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the partially assembled panels shown in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an enlarged detailed view of two of the adjacent panel members shown in FIG. 9 prior to being positioned in their assembled configuration.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a view subsequent to FIG. 10 showing the panel members in their assembled configuration.

[0022] FIG. 12 is an upper side perspective view of the elastomeric seal positioned between the panel members in FIG. 11.

[0023] FIG. 13 is an end view of the elastomeric seal shown in FIG. 12

[0024] FIG. 14 is a detailed upper interior perspective view of the joint between the two panel members shown in FIG. 10.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a detailed upper interior perspective view of the joint between the two panel members shown in FIG. 11.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a detailed plan view of the joint between the two panel members shown in FIG. 10 prior to rotation of the panel members into their assembled configuration.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a view subsequent to FIG. 16, wherein the panel members have been rotated into their assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 17, wherein one of the panel members has been displaced outwardly following assembly, showing a maintaining of the seal between the two adjacent panel members.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 17 demonstrating the seal between two adjacent panel members when an edge of one of the panel members has been deformed or damaged.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure may be embodied in a number of different forms. The specification and drawings that follow describe and disclose some of the specific forms of the present disclosure.

[0031] With reference to the attached drawings, there is shown a tank 1 constructed of a plurality of panels 2 and that employs a sealing mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. From a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that a wide variety of different tanks, in terms of their size, configuration, construction, and end-use, could utilize the sealing mechanism described herein.

[0032] For purposes of illustration, FIG. 1 shows a typical tank 1 that is constructed from a plurality of individual tank panels 2. In this embodiment, tank 1 is shown with an enclosed top 3 and is mounted on a support structure 4. An unloading mechanism 5 may be utilized to extract the contents of the tank for use. In this embodiment, tank 1 is a cylindrical tank having a generally circular cross-section, where panels 2 are of an arcuate shape and are secured or fastened together along side surfaces 6 to form the overall cylindrical shape. The side surfaces 6 of individual tank panels may be secured together in a variety of different ways, including bolting together flanges along side surfaces 6. In some instances circumferential cables or rods 7 may help to maintain panels 2 in position, and may also accommodate some of the side loading upon the panels that occurs when tank 1 is filled with material. In an alternate embodiment, circumferential strength and rigidity may be provided to tank 1 through the use of arcuate strengthening ribs 8 positioned upon the exterior surface of each individual panel member (see specifically FIG. 4). The strengthening ribs of adjacent panels may be bolted or otherwise secured together so that they effectively form a series of circumferential, generally horizontal, ribs situated about the exterior of tank 1.

[0033] With particular reference to FIGS. 8 through 11, there is Illustrated a common manner in which tank 1 is assembled from a plurality of individual panels 2. Typically, individual panels will be lifted by a crane or other hoisting equipment and placed adjacent to another panel so that the respective adjacent side surfaces 6 of the panels can be bolted or otherwise secured together. Commonly, the mechanical mechanisms for securing individual panel sections together allow for the panels to be rotated about a vertical axis to permit a panel member to be moved in an arcuate direction inwardly, or outwardly, from the center of the tank in order to assist in aligning it with the next panel to be erected. One method of securing adjacent side surfaces of two panels together involves the use of generally vertically oriented pins or rods inserted through bores or holes within overlapping flanges that extend outwardly from each respective panel. In this manner, the flanges and the rods or pins act like a hinge that secures two adjacent panels together, while still allowing a panel to be rotated relative to its adjacent panel so that it can be aligned with the next panel to be erected. FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 attempt to illustrate that feature.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a sealing mechanism to seal between two adjacent tank panels that are secured together to form a portion of tank 1. It is expected that a similar sealing mechanism will be used at each joint between pairs of panels that comprise the outer or exterior wall of tank 1. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure the sealing mechanism is comprised generally of an elastomeric seal 9 and a rigid retainer 10. From a thorough understanding of the present disclosure as described below and shown in the attached drawings one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that retainer 10 could take any one of a variety of different forms and could be comprised of a variety of different materials. One of the possible embodiments of retainer 10 is described and shown herein. It is expected that in most instances retainer 10 will be metallic, however, other types of rigid materials could also be used.

[0035] Retainer 10 is securable to the inner face 11 of a tank panel 2 along or adjacent to a side surface 6. The retainer may be secured in any of a variety of different manners. It is expected that in many instances retainer 10 will be bolted or screwed to panel 2. It will be appreciated that the side surface 6 will be at an angle to inner face 11, extending from inner face 11 to an outer surface 12 of panel 2. Most commonly side surface 6 will be at an approximate right angle to inner face 11. When secured to inner face 11, retainer 10 extends laterally outward from the side edge of the inner face, terminating at a position that is laterally exterior to side surface 6 (see FIG. 16). Retainer 10 fixes or secures the elastomeric seal 9 along the outer side edge of inner face 11, at a position that is parallel or largely parallel to side surface 6. As Illustrated in the attached drawings, in an embodiment retainer 10 extends essentially continuously along inner face 11 from its top to its bottom, and extends outwardly from side surface 6, terminating at a position that is laterally outward or exterior to side surface 6 (for example, see in particular FIGS. 14 through 19 where the outer longitudinal edge of retainer 10 extends beyond side surface 6). In other potential embodiments retainer 10 could be in the form of segments that are each individually secured, in a general end to end manner, along inner face 11 at a position that is parallel to side surface 6 and generally from the top to the bottom of panel 2.

[0036] Retainer 10 secures or maintains elastomeric seal 9 so that it is least partially adjacent to side surface 6 of panel 2 to which it is mounted, and so that it extends at least partially rearwardly from inner face 11 of the panel. That is, retainer 10 secures elastomeric seal 9 in a position such that at least part of the seal effectively extends adjacent to side surface 6 of panel 2 in a direction toward outer surface 12 of the panel, with a portion of retainer 10 positioned on the inward side (ie. on the side of the elastomeric seal that generally faces in interior of the tank—see FIGS. 14 and 16).

[0037] From an appreciation of the present disclosure as described in further detail below, it will be understood that retainer 10 thus limits the displacement of elastomeric seal 9 in an inward direction toward a central portion of tank 1 when the elastomeric seal is compressed upon securing a second tank panel to the side surface of an adjacent tank panel and arcuately rotating the secured panel such that it is positioned to form part of the outer circumferential wall of tank 1.

[0038] Elastomeric seal 9 may have an elongated body 13 having a longitudinally oriented lateral flange 14. Lateral flange 14 serves a purpose of assisting in securing elastomeric seal 9 to inner face 11 of panel 2. Lateral flange 14 may be sandwiched between inner face 11 of tank panel 2 and retainer 10 (for example, see FIG. 16). In an embodiment, elastomeric seal 9 may further include a longitudinal ridge 15 positioned along an outer edge 16 of lateral flange 14. Longitudinal ridge 15 may be generally perpendicular to lateral flange 14 such that a longitudinal or side surface of retainer 10 abuts longitudinal ridge 15 when retainer 10 is secured to inner face 11 of panel 2, with elastomeric seal 9 sandwiched between the retainer and the inner face of the panel (see again FIG. 16). In this manner, lateral ridge 15 will help to maintain elastomeric seal 9 in its desired location along the side surface 6 of panel 2. Further, the width of lateral flange 14 (indicated generally by 17 in FIG. 13) can be designed such that an installer of elastomeric seal 9 merely needs to abut longitudinal ridge 15 with the side surface of retainer 10 in order to ensure that elastomeric seal 9 and its sealing surfaces (described below) will be positioned at the desired location along side surface 6 of panel 2.

[0039] In an embodiment, elastomeric seal 9 includes a convex surface 18 (see FIG. 13) that both contacts side surface 6 of panel 2 and that also contacts an adjacent side surface of a second tank panel when the second tank panel is secured to the first tank panel and positioned in its desired location to form a portion of the outer wall of tank 1. Further, retainer 10 may comprise a concave portion 19 into which elastomeric seal 9 is at least partially received. As shown in the embodiment in the attached drawings, retainer 10 may include a first portion 20 which is sandwiched against lateral flange 14 of elastomeric seal 9. Retainer 10 may further include a second portion 21 which, in an embodiment, is at an angle to first portion 20 such that it extends from first portion 20 inwardly toward a central portion of tank 1 when first portion 20 is secured to inner face 11 of panel 2. Further, retainer 10 may include a third portion 22 that is oriented approximately perpendicularity to second portion 21 and that extends in a direction away from the interior of tank 1 and toward a plane generally aligned with inner face 11 of panel 2 (see FIG. 16). The relative positions of portions 21 and 22 have the effect of creating concave portion 19 which receives at least a portion of elastomeric seal 9.

[0040] It will be appreciated from the described structure, and that shown in the attached drawings, that in an embodiment of the present disclosure concave portion 19 will have the effect of assisting in limiting a displacement of elastomeric seal 9 in a direction toward the central portion of tank 1 when the elastomeric seal is compressed.

[0041] One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that elastomeric seal 9 could be formed from a wide variety of different materials that exhibit “elastomeric” properties or that are generally flexibly resilient such that they can be compressed when under load to form a seal between two adjacent tank panels. In many cases it is expected that elastomeric seal 9 will be formed through an extrusion process. To assist in the ability of elastomeric seal 9 to be compressed under load, in an embodiment it may include a longitudinal cavity or bore 24 that is generally open to the atmosphere at one or both ends to permit air to enter or escape cavity or bore 24 as the seal is compressed and allowed to resiliently expand.

[0042] To further assist in an understanding of the present disclosure, reference will be made to FIGS. 14 through 19 which demonstrate an embodiment that may be used when sealing between two adjacent panels that form a portion of the exterior wall of a tank. FIGS. 14 and 16 illustrate two adjacent tank panels 2 where their side surfaces have been secured adjacent to one another through the use of pins or rods 25 and connecting plates 26 (see FIG. 16). Initially, the two adjacent panels are simply placed next to one another without appreciably impacting elastomeric seal 9, which will be located along side surface 6 of one of the panels. At this point the two panels will not be in their final positions, with one (the second) panel positioned in a radial position that is out swung from its final desired location (see generally FIGS. 9 and 10). Pins or rods 25 can then be inserted to hold the two adjacent panels together. Once the two adjacent panels have been secured together the second panel can be swung in an inward direction (relative to the interior of the tank) in order to align the panel in a manner that allows it to be positioned so as to form part of the arcuate exterior wall of tank 1 (see generally FIGS. 3 and 11). Once the second panel has been positioned in its desired location, the process can be repeated with a third panel being connected to the second panel. The process continues to be repeated until the desired number of panels are secured together to form a desired circumference that serves as the side wall of tank 1.

[0043] With specific reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the second panel is secured to the first panel but not yet rotated into its final position, its side surface 6 will either not contact elastomeric seal 9 or will only be in very slight contact with the exterior surface of the seal. As the second panel is rotated into its desired position to form part of the exterior circumference of tank 1, its side surface 6 will be compressed into convex portion 18 of elastomeric seal 9, causing a compression of the seal against inner face 11 of the second panel. It is expected that in many instances a portion of elastomeric seal 9 will also be forced into the longitudinal gap 27 that will exist between the respective side surfaces 6 of the two adjacent panels (see FIG. 17). It will be further appreciated that retainer 10, by limiting the displacement of elastomeric seal 9 in an inward direction toward the central portion of tank 1, will cause the elastomeric seal to be tightly compressed against the inner face 11 of the second panel in a manner that will help prevent the contents of tank 1 from escaping through the two adjacent panels. Where elastomeric seal 9 is formed with a longitudinal cavity or bore 24, compression of the seal will be assisted through the ability of the seal to collapse into itself within cavity or bore 24 (see FIG. 17).

[0044] With reference to FIG. 18, there is depicted an embodiment of the present disclosure where the second panel has shifted in position during use of tank 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 the respective side surfaces 6 of the two adjacent tank panels are either relatively coplanar or in the same general arc that forms the interior surface of tank 1. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 18 the second tank panel has been displaced outwardly. In this embodiment, the functionality of retainer 10, by limiting an inward displacement of elastomeric seal 9 and forcing the seal to be tightly compressed against the inner face 11 of the second tank panel, helps to present a structure where the seal is able to expand slightly and accommodate a shifting of the position of the second tank panel. It will further be appreciated that the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 could occur in situations where tank 1 is exposed to vibration, for example during earthquakes. In such situations, the nature of the seal structure described will help to maintain a seal between adjacent panels, even where those panels are in a state of relative movement.

[0045] Retainer 10 enhances the ability of the seal to accommodate variations in the surfaces of tank panels and movement of the tank panels. One example of such an accommodation is shown in FIG. 19. In this embodiment the side surface 6 of the second tank panel is shown to have been damaged, for example as could occur if the panel was dropped or impacted during transport or assembly. In this instance side surface 6 of the panel is bent in a direction away from inner surface 11. Nevertheless, the combination of elastomeric seal 9 and retainer 10, and the ability of retainer 10 to limit the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction when the seal is compressed, helps to ensure an effective seal between the two adjacent panels, even where one of the panels has sustained some damage. Forming retainer 10 from a metallic or other similar rigid and impact resistant material, and effectively encasing the outer portion of elastomeric seal 9 with the retainer, will help to protect the seal from becoming damaged during transport and storage of individual tank panels.

[0046] It will be appreciated from a thorough understanding of the present disclosure described above and shown in the attached drawings that there is provided a robust sealing mechanism to seal between two adjacent panels that form a portion of the exterior wall of a tank. That seal will help to prevent the loss of material stored within the tank through gaps between the adjacent panels, and will also accommodate a degree of relative movement between the respective panels without a loss of the integrity of the seal. As demonstrated, the seal can also accommodate damaged portions or imperfections in the sealing surface along the edge or surface of a panel.

[0047] It is to be understood that what has been described are the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. A sealing mechanism to seal between a first tank panel and a second tank panel that are securable together to form at least a portion of an outer wall of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising:an elastomeric seal; anda retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent a side surface of the first tank panel, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel;wherein the retainer, when secured, extends along a side edge of the inner face of the first tank panel and extends outwardly from the side edge terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface; andwherein the retainer limits the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion of a tank, at least partially formed by the first and second tank panels, when the elastomeric seal is compressed by securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank panel.

2. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a lateral flange, the lateral flange securable to the inner face of the first tank panel.

3. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastomeric seal has a convex surface that contacts the side surface of the first tank panel, and that also contacts a side surface of the second tank panel when the second tank panel is secured to the first tank panel.

4. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a hollow cavity to assist in its compressibility.

5. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the retainer comprises a longitudinal flange, the lateral flange of the elastomeric seal compressed between the longitudinal flange of the retainer and the inner face of the first tank panel when the retainer and the elastomeric seal are secured to the first tank panel.

6. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 5 wherein the retainer further comprises a concave portion, the elastomeric seal at least partially received within the concave portion, the concave portion assisting in limiting the displacement of the elastomeric seal in a tank inwardly direction when the elastomeric seal is compressed by the securement of the second tank panel to the first tank panel.

7. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first and second tank panels are concave and when secured together form at least a portion of a tank having a circular cross-section, the concave portion of the retainer forcing a compression of the elastomeric seal between adjacent side surfaces of the first and second tank panels and against an inner face of the second tank panel when the second tank panel is secured to the side surface of the first tank panel.

8. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the elastomeric seal further includes a longitudinal ridge positioned along an outer edge of the lateral flange, the longitudinal ridge perpendicular to the lateral flange, the retainer abutting the longitudinal ridge when the retainer is secured to the inner face of the first tank panel, the lateral ridge assisting in maintaining the elastomeric seal in a desired location along the side surface of the first tank panel.

9. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 6 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a convex portion that is dimensioned to be matingly received within the concave portion of the retainer.

10. A sealing mechanism to seal between a first tank panel and a second tank panel that are securable together to form at least a portion of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising:an elastomeric seal having a lateral flange and a longitudinal ridge positioned along an outer edge of the lateral flange, the longitudinal ridge perpendicular to the lateral flange; anda retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent a side surface of the first tank panel, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel;wherein the retainer fixes the elastomeric seal to the inner face of the first panel along a side edge thereof by compressing the lateral flange against the inner face of the first tank panel, with the longitudinal ridge of the elastomeric seal abutting a side surface of the retainer;wherein the retainer, when secured, extends along the side edge of the first tank panel and extends outwardly from the side edge terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface, the retainer limiting the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion of the tank formed at least partially from the first and second tank panels when the elastomeric seal is compressed by the securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank pane; andwherein the retainer has a concave portion, the elastomeric seal at least partially received within the concave portion.

11. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 10 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a convex portion that is dimensioned to be matingly received within the concave portion of the retainer.

12. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a hollow cavity to assist in its compressibility.

13. A sealing mechanism to seal between a first tank panel and a second tank panel that are securable together to form at least a portion of a tank, the sealing mechanism comprising:an elastomeric seal having a lateral flange; anda retainer securable to an inner face of the first tank panel and adjacent to a side surface of the first tank panel, the side surface being at an angle to the inner face of the first tank panel and extending between the inner face and an outer surface of the first tank panel;wherein the retainer has a longitudinal flange securable along a side edge of the first tank panel;wherein the lateral flange of the elastomeric seal is compressed between the longitudinal flange of the retainer and the inner face of the first tank panel when the retainer and the elastomeric seal are secured to the first tank panel such that the retainer fixes the elastomeric seal in a position that is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the side surface of the first tank panel, and wherein the retainer, when secured, extends along the side edge of the first tank panel and outwardly from the side edge, terminating at a position laterally exterior to the side surface; andwherein the retainer limits the displacement of the elastomeric seal in an inward direction toward a central portion, of the tank at least partially formed from the first and second tank panels, when the elastomeric seal is compressed by securement of the second tank panel to the side surface of the first tank panel.

14. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 13 wherein the elastomeric seal further includes a longitudinal ridge positioned along an outer edge of the lateral flange, the longitudinal ridge perpendicular to the lateral flange, the retainer abutting the longitudinal ridge when the retainer is secured to the inner face of the first tank panel.

15. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 14 wherein the retainer further comprises a concave portion, the elastomeric seal at least partially received within the concave portion.

16. The sealing mechanism as claimed in claim 15 wherein the elastomeric seal includes a convex portion that is dimensioned to be matingly received within the concave portion of the retainer.

Images