Ballasted Membrane Edge Retention for Gas Storage Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas storage facilities, particularly those for biogas, require extensive assembly and construction work due to the need for anchoring a membrane roof to a concrete foundation, which is time-consuming and costly, and necessitates significant demolition efforts during dismantling or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A gas storage device with a membrane attached to a retaining element designed as a ballast element that detachably rests on a receiving element, eliminating the need for concrete anchoring and allowing for quick and cost-effective construction and dismantling by using a detachable support system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the membrane is anchored to a concrete foundation, then the gas storage facility is secure and gas-tight, but extensive assembly and construction work is necessary during construction and dismantling
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is divided into a base component and a ballast component that can be separated. The base component remains anchored to the ground while the ballast component can be easily removed and repositioned, allowing quick membrane replacement without complete dismantling of the entire anchoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast element is designed to be movable and repositionable along the membrane edge. This dynamic design allows the retaining element to adapt to different storage volumes and membrane positions while maintaining the gas-tight seal, eliminating the need for permanent concrete anchoring for each configuration.
2Reliability
If the membrane is anchored to a concrete foundation, then the gas storage facility is secure, but concrete demolition and removal are necessary during dismantling or membrane replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is segmented into a permanent base component that remains in the ground and a removable ballast component. This segmentation allows the base to provide structural security while the ballast can be easily removed during dismantling or membrane replacement, avoiding concrete demolition.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast element is designed to be recovered and reused rather than discarded. During dismantling or membrane replacement, the ballast component is removed from the old position and can be repositioned or reused with the new membrane, eliminating the need for concrete demolition and reduction.
3Strength
If concrete anchoring is used, then the membrane is securely fixed, but the dynamic behavior of the gas storage tank cannot lead to damage to the substructure
Solution Approach 1:
The ballast element can move along the membrane edge and adjust its position dynamically. This allows the anchoring system to accommodate changes in storage volume and membrane tension without creating damaging stress concentrations in the substructure, while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballast element's position and distribution can be changed to adapt to different operational conditions. By adjusting the ballast configuration, the system maintains optimal fixation strength while accommodating dynamic behavior and preventing substructure damage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces assembly and dismantling efforts, lowers construction costs, and prevents damage to the substructure due to changing storage volumes, while enabling flexible adaptation to site conditions and weather variations.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining element is designed as a ballast element and is detachably resting on a receiving element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A gas storage tank (10) has a membrane (20) spanning a gas volume (G) and attached to the gas volume (G) by a membrane edge (22), and a retaining element (30) wherein the membrane edge (22) is connected to the retaining element (30). To simplify conventional designs with a concrete foundation, the invention provides that the retaining element (30) is designed as a ballast element and is detachably resting on a receiving element (40). The retaining element (30) is furthermore a hollow body (34) having at least one filling opening (36) for a ballast material (32), wherein the retaining element (30) is filled or can be filled with the ballast material (32). Advantageously, the hollow body (34) is tubular and, if necessary, subdivided into chambers (38).