Dual Tank Structure with Common Secondary Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oilfield industry, portable tanks require complex and costly secondary containment structures for each tank, which increases material and manufacturing costs, especially when treatment is performed on site, necessitating a second tank assembly with its own containment system.
Innovation Solution
A dual tank structure with a common skid base and integral secondary containment spanning below both tanks, where the containment volume is greater than the largest tank but less than the combined storage volume, allowing for reduced containment volume and costs while maintaining adequate protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate containment structures are provided for each tank, then adequate protection for each tank is ensured, but material costs and manufacturing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate containment structures into a single common containment structure that supports both tanks. The containment structure includes a single membrane draped over a shared barrier or dike system, eliminating the need for separate containment assemblies for each tank while maintaining adequate protection for both tanks simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The common containment structure serves multiple functions: it provides secondary containment for both the first tank and the second tank, supports both tanks on a shared base frame, and reduces overall material requirements. This multi-functional design allows one containment structure to perform the protective role that would otherwise require two separate structures.
2Reliability
If separate containment structures are provided for each tank, then each tank is adequately protected, but the containment volume required increases beyond what is necessary
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the containment requirements of two tanks into a single common containment volume, the patent eliminates redundant containment space. The shared containment structure only requires volume equal to or slightly greater than the larger of the two tanks, rather than requiring separate containment volumes for each tank that would sum to a much larger total volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second tank assembly with its own containment system is provided for on-site treatment, then hydrocarbon separation capability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the containment systems of two functionally distinct tanks (one for receiving produced fluids and one for receiving separated hydrocarbons) into a single common containment structure. This merging maintains the functional versatility of having separate treatment and storage capabilities while reducing the complexity of managing two independent containment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual tank structure includes first and second tanks with a common secondary containment structure which are all integrally supported on a common base frame. The common base frame includes longitudinal skids so as to be suitable for transport using a conventional winch truck. A passageway with an integral valve therein permits selective communication between the tanks. The common containment structure has a containment volume which is greater than a storage volume of a largest one of the first tank and the second tank and which is less than a combined storage volume of both the first tank and the second tank.