Collapsible Frame Fluid Tank With Flexible Bladder for Rapid Relocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid storage solutions for hydrocarbon production, such as ring dykes, portable tanks, and excavated ponds, are labor-intensive, have limited capacity, and face challenges in setup, relocation, and regulatory compliance, particularly in remote locations.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible fluid storage tank comprising a flexible bladder supported by a collapsible rigid frame, which can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for large volume storage and transport, with features like tension members, strapping, and heating systems to maintain fluid temperature and integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If ring dyke with liner is used to form tank structure, then large volume storage is achieved, but labor intensive setup and disassembly is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsetup and disassembly labor

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tank structure is divided into modular components: a reusable rigid frame and a replaceable flexible bladder. The frame can be assembled once and reused multiple times, while only the bladder needs to be installed and removed for each storage operation, significantly reducing labor for setup and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bladder serves as the storage container, replacing the traditional liner in ring dykes. The bladder can be easily installed within the rigid frame and removed when needed, providing large volume storage with minimal labor investment for deployment and relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Quantity of substance

If ring dyke structure is used, then large volume storage is achieved, but frequent relocation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidrelocation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the tank into a permanent rigid frame and a movable flexible bladder, the system enables easy relocation. The frame remains at the site while the bladder can be quickly removed and transferred to another location, allowing frequent relocation of storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bladder design allows the storage container to be easily moved between locations. The bladder can be deflated, removed from the frame, transported to a new site, and reinstalled, providing high adaptability for frequent relocation while maintaining large storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If smaller portable tanks are used, then quick setup is achieved, but storage capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup speedVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the quick setup advantage of portable tanks with the large capacity of fixed structures. The rigid frame provides structural support for large volume storage, while the flexible bladder can be quickly installed and removed, enabling rapid deployment of high-capacity storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible bladder allows the tank to be quickly assembled by simply placing it within the pre-assembled rigid frame, and just as quickly disassembled by removing the bladder. This provides both quick setup capability and large storage capacity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Quantity of substance

If excavated ponds are used, then large volume storage is achieved, but regulatory compliance and environmental challenges arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidregulatory and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible bladder acts as a contained liner within the rigid frame, providing a controlled environment for fluid storage. This eliminates the need for excavated ponds and their associated regulatory, environmental, and geotechnical challenges while maintaining large storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12600561B2Fluid storage tank including a flexible bladder supported on a collapsible rigid frame

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 SLEEMAN MARLEA

AI summary

A fluid storage tank has a base structure, perimeter columns extending upward from the base structure and a flexible bladder contained within the perimeter columns to define a boundary of the tank. The base structure is arranged to be supported on a supporting foundation to span a bottom of the tank. The upright columns are releasably coupled to the base structure and extend upward at circumferentially spaced apart positions about a perimeter of the tank in a working position of the columns. The upright columns are collapsible from the working position to a transport position in which the columns are arranged to be bundled alongside one another. The flexible bladder is coupled to the upright columns and contains a fluid within the tank in the working position while being collapsible within the columns into the transport position.