Modular Indefinite Volume Combined Tank for Oil Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid storage tanks for oil exploitation are inefficient due to long construction times, poor safety, and limited reusability, requiring numerous tanks and posing risks with weak joints that can lead to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A modular indefinite volume combined tank system comprising a tank body module formed by splicing strip plates and dumbbell connectors, a tank bottom module with a cement foundation and concrete cloth, and an inflating module with a pot-shaped top cover and acid-resistant liner, allowing for easy assembly, disassembly, and volume adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple small storage tanks are used to meet liquid storage demand, then storage capacity is achieved, but site occupation increases to 1/3 of the construction site
Solution Approach 1:
The tank body is divided into multiple detachable wall plates that can be assembled and disassembled. Each wall plate is a standard module that can be combined in different quantities to achieve different storage capacities, allowing flexible adaptation to various site conditions without requiring multiple separate tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes from using multiple separate small tanks occupying ground area to a single large-diameter tank that utilizes vertical space more efficiently. By increasing the diameter dimension and using the detachable wall plate structure, the tank achieves large storage capacity while minimizing site occupation
2Quantity of substance
If a large storage tank with diameter 20-30m and height 15-20m is used, then storage capacity is improved, but construction time increases and safety deteriorates due to layer-by-layer welding
Solution Approach 1:
The tank body is segmented into standard wall plates that can be manufactured separately and then assembled on-site using connectors. This eliminates the need for time-consuming layer-by-layer welding and allows parallel manufacturing of multiple wall plates, significantly reducing construction time
Solution Approach 2:
The wall plates and connectors are designed as standardized components that can be pre-manufactured and prepared before site arrival. The connectors are designed with pre-drilled holes and standardized dimensions, allowing wall plates to be quickly assembled without on-site fabrication or complex welding operations
3Quantity of substance
If a large storage tank is used, then storage capacity is improved, but reusability decreases as it cannot be easily disassembled and transported
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is designed with detachable wall plates connected by standardized connectors that can be quickly disconnected. This segmentation allows the tank to be disassembled into transportable modules that can be moved to different locations and reassembled, enabling repeated utilization and adaptation to different workplace requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized wall plates and connectors can be used to construct tanks of different sizes and configurations. The same modular components serve multiple functions: they can be assembled into different diameter tanks, transported separately, and reconfigured for different storage needs, providing universal applicability across various oil exploitation scenarios
4Adaptability or versatility
If simple structure combined tank is used to support disassembly, then reusability is improved, but strength and tightness deteriorate with poor joint performance
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors are pre-manufactured with standardized dimensions, pre-drilled coaxial through-holes, and integrated sealing structures. The sealing rings are pre-installed in the connectors, ensuring proper sealing position and eliminating the need for complex sealing operations during assembly, thereby guaranteeing joint tightness
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between wall plates, integrating multiple functions: mechanical connection through bolts, sealing through integrated sealing rings, and structural support. This intermediary design ensures that the joint between detachable wall plates achieves strength and tightness comparable to welded joints while maintaining disassembly capability
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 modular design ensures quick installation, excellent sealing, infinite volume expansion, good corrosion resistance, and easy maintenance, reducing construction time and labor costs while enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The inflating module comprises a top cover and a liner, wherein the top cover is an inflated cover shaped like a pot cover, a cylindrical liner is connected below the top cover, the liner is also of an inflated structure
Data Source
AI summary
A modular indefinite volume combined tank is provided, including a tank body module, a tank bottom module and an inflating module, wherein the tank body module is formed by splicing a plurality of wall plates and connectors, and the wall plates and the connectors form a tank body. The tank bottom module includes a strip-type steel plate, concrete cloth, annular steel plate and a cement foundation. The strip-type steel plate is paved on the cement foundation, the annular steel plate is arranged in the upper side of the outer edge of the strip-type steel plate, the annular steel plate is encircled by a plurality of arc-shaped steel sheets, a ring of annular edge is arranged in the annular steel plate to be connected to the upper tank body, and a layer of concrete cloth is arranged between the lower side of the annular steel plate and the strip-type steel plate.