Inflatable Element Liquid Storage Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large storage tanks face issues with vapour and gas formation, emissions, and the risk of fire or explosion due to ambient air saturation and leakage, which are not effectively addressed by existing technologies, and they require a bundwall for liquid containment in case of tank failure.
Innovation Solution
A large storage tank design incorporating an inflatable element with accordion walls, combined with a flexible liquid holder, which adjusts volume to prevent vapour and gas formation by inflating with gas, and allows independent filling and draining, reducing the risk of fire and explosion, and eliminating the need for a bundwall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed roof storage tank is used, then the tank structure is simple and stable, but vapour and gas formation occurs in the free space above the liquid, leading to emissions and fire/explosion risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible liquid holder with a membrane bottom that can deform and adapt to volume changes. This flexible structure eliminates rigid compartments and allows the holder to expand or contract as liquid is added or removed, preventing the formation of vapour spaces that would occur in fixed-roof tanks. The membrane bottom flexes to maintain contact with the liquid surface, ensuring complete liquid coverage and eliminating free space where vapours could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic adaptability through the inflatable element and flexible membrane bottom that continuously adjust to the liquid volume. As liquid is pumped in or out, the system dynamically reconfigures its internal geometry, with the membrane bottom rising or falling to match the liquid level. This dynamic behavior prevents the formation of stagnant vapour spaces characteristic of fixed-roof tanks, thereby eliminating the source of harmful vapour emissions and fire risks.
2Reliability
If a floating roof storage tank is used, then vapour space is reduced, but the tank requires rim seals that can lead to rim fires from leaked vapour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the problematic rim seal component entirely by using a flexible liquid holder with a membrane bottom that extends to the tank wall. This design eliminates the annular gap between a rigid floating roof and the tank wall where rim seals would be required. The membrane bottom flexes to maintain continuous contact with the liquid, creating a seal without any mechanical rim seal components, thereby eliminating the source of rim fires.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane bottom acts as a continuous sealing surface that adapts to the tank wall geometry. Unlike rigid floating roofs that require separate rim seal mechanisms, the flexible membrane creates an inherent seal through its ability to conform and maintain contact with the liquid and tank structure, eliminating the need for rim seals and the associated fire hazard.
3Quantity of substance
If the tank is completely filled with liquid, then storage capacity is maximized, but cleaning becomes difficult and liquid losses occur during cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two independent functional segments: a flexible liquid holder for storing the bulk liquid and an inflatable element for maintaining pressure and preventing vapour formation. This segmentation allows the liquid holder to be completely filled with liquid while the inflatable element remains separate and can be deflated or removed for cleaning operations, eliminating the need to drain or clean the entire tank structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable element performs preliminary action by maintaining positive pressure on the liquid surface and preventing vapour space formation during normal operation. This preliminary prevention of vapour formation eliminates the need for subsequent cleaning of vapour spaces or associated equipment, and allows the liquid holder to be completely filled without risking liquid loss during maintenance operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If flexible liquid holders are used, then cleaning is reduced, but gas or vapour phases form inside the holder causing contamination and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable element serves as an intermediary between the liquid surface and the atmosphere, preventing direct contact between the liquid and air. By maintaining positive pressure and eliminating the vapour space, the inflatable element acts as a barrier that prevents gas and vapour formation, contamination, and emissions, while allowing the flexible liquid holder to maintain its cleaning advantages.
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
The solution effectively reduces vapour and gas emissions, prevents uncontrollable liquid expulsion, and minimizes the risk of fire and explosion, while allowing for efficient operation and reduced ground usage by ensuring the tank is filled to capacity without free space, thus enhancing safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable element (11) which is configured out of a flexible material and which is mountable upon the upper side of the liquid holder (1), so that in the use position within the storage tank (2) essentially the inflatable element (11) abuts against the roof (6) of the holder (1)
Implementation Method 2
the liquid phase is removed from the liquid holder (1) by pumping
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system for use interiorly in a storage tank (2), said storage tank (2) being suitable for storing a liquid load (3), the system comprising at least one liquid holder (1) for containing the liquid load (3) wherein the system further comprises: at least one inflatable element (11), suitable for containing an inflating gas (13).