Flexible Tank End Closure Reinforcement for Rupture Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible tanks face challenges with leakage and rupture during long multi-modal shipments, especially when not supported by the end or side walls of shipping containers, due to dynamic forces and pressure exerted by liquid dynamics, which can lead to damage and interference with container placement.
Innovation Solution
The flexible tank design incorporates an external cover made of high-strength vinyl fabric with reinforced polyester thread and end closures that include a nylon rope securing mechanism, along with optional baffles to control liquid dynamics and prevent bursting, allowing the tank to withstand increased pressures and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flexible tanks are used without end support, then they can be used in larger shipping containers, but they are prone to rupture due to dynamic forces and liquid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tank is divided into multiple layers (inner liner, intermediate layer, outer layer) with each layer serving specific functions. The end closure is also segmented into multiple components (end closure layer, reinforcement layers, stitching patterns) to distribute and manage stress effectively throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tank employs composite construction with different materials for different layers: the inner liner provides liquid containment, the intermediate layer provides structural strength, and the outer layer provides durability. The end closure uses composite reinforcement with stitching patterns that combine multiple materials to resist rupture while maintaining container compatibility.
2Reliability
If the flexible tank is made longer to extend beyond container walls for support, then end support is provided, but it interferes with container placement and stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tank design proactively addresses the support problem by incorporating reinforced end closures and internal support structures that eliminate the need for external protrusion. This preliminary reinforcement prevents the need for extended length, thereby avoiding interference with container stacking and placement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the tank length in one dimension to achieve support, the invention transitions to reinforcing the end closure area with multiple layers and stitching patterns in a different dimensional approach. This allows the tank to maintain its length within container dimensions while achieving the necessary structural support through enhanced end closure construction.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional stitching is used at flexitank ends, then manufacturing is simple, but the stitching is prone to being pulled out under increased pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The end closure area receives specialized attention with different construction qualities compared to the rest of the tank. Multiple reinforcement layers and enhanced stitching patterns are applied specifically at the end closures where stress concentration occurs, while the main body maintains simpler construction for ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The end closure is pre-reinforced with multiple layers and enhanced stitching patterns during manufacturing, preparing this critical area to withstand the increased pressures and dynamic forces that will occur during transport, thereby preventing seam failure before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible tank has one or more inner layers and one or more outer layers enclosing the inner layers. It has an improved structure to prevent leakage and rupture when making a long multi-modal shipment of large quantities of a liquid, including when the flexible tank is not supported by the end or side walls of a shipping container.