Elevated Storage Tank Frame for Rough Terrain Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage tanks are prone to damage and corrosion when transported over rough terrain and are difficult to inspect for leaks, leading to potential environmental contamination and short lifespan due to exposure to corrosive chemicals and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank design featuring a support frame with elevated ground clearance and wheels for mobility, a corrosion-resistant and flexible internal lining, and visible surfaces for inspection, along with a recirculation and wash line system to prevent corrosion and facilitate drainage and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage tanks are transported over rough terrain with low ground clearance, then the tank can be moved to various locations, but the tank is prone to damage from impacting rocks, bumps, and terrain features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support frame that elevates the tank vertically, adding ground clearance as a new dimensional parameter. This allows the tank to be transported over rough terrain without direct contact, resolving the contradiction between mobility and damage resistance by changing the vertical position of the tank relative to the ground surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary between the tank and the rough terrain. Instead of the tank directly contacting rocks and bumps, the support frame mediates the interaction, protecting the tank from damage while maintaining mobility capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If storage tanks are positioned directly in contact with the ground, then the tank is stable and easy to position, but the tank is exposed to moisture and mud causing corrosion and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By elevating the tank on a support frame with ground clearance, the tank is removed from direct contact with the ground surface. This dimensional change protects the tank from moisture and mud while the support frame provides a stable base for positioning the tank at various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame serves as an intermediary that separates the tank from the corrosive ground environment. This intermediary structure prevents direct exposure to moisture and mud, thereby reducing corrosion and improving reliability while maintaining positioning capability.
3Ease of operation
If storage tanks are positioned directly on the ground, then the tank is easy to position and stabilize, but leaks on the bottom or underside are difficult or impossible to detect visually
Solution Approach 1:
Elevating the tank on a support frame brings the bottom and underside surfaces into a higher vertical dimension that is accessible for visual inspection. This dimensional change allows personnel to walk around and examine all surfaces of the tank, making leak detection feasible while maintaining easy positioning capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If storage tanks are used to store corrosive chemicals, then the tank can fulfill its storage function, but the dual action of external environmental corrosion and internal chemical corrosion leads to short life spans and frequent field failures
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the tank from external environmental corrosion by preventing direct contact with moisture and mud. This reduces the external corrosive action, thereby extending the service lifespan of tanks storing corrosive chemicals while maintaining full storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ground contact (moisture and mud exposure) into a benefit by using the support frame to create clearance. This eliminates the external corrosion pathway, allowing the tank to withstand the harsh chemical storage environment for extended periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank including a frame and a tank assembly. The tank assembly including a vessel supported by the frame and having a first end, a second end, and a polygonal sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. The vessel further having a top, a bottom, at least one side, and an internal surface, and an outlet fluidly coupled with the bottom; and a chemical-resistant lining associated with the internal surface of the sidewall and being substantially flexible. The frame is configured to support the tank assembly so that the bottom of the vessel is elevated a distance above a surface to allow for visual inspection of the top, bottom, and the at least one side of the sidewall.