Tank Wrap Systems With Polymer Coupling Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank coverings are labor-intensive to apply and repair, often compromised by harsh environments such as high humidity and winds, leading to increased costs and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of tank wrap systems comprising a single unit of polymer with coupling members affixed to its exterior, allowing for quick and easy installation, durability, and protection against environmental damage, featuring a polyurea-based material with self-leveling properties for seamless coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective coating is applied by painting or spraying in harsh environments, then the container surface is covered, but the coating becomes compromised due to contamination from high humidity and winds
Solution Approach 1:
The container is moved to a controlled environment (shop or facility) before applying the protective coating, eliminating exposure to harsh environmental conditions during the coating application process. This preliminary preparation ensures the coating is applied under optimal conditions without contamination from humidity or wind.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled environment (shop or facility) serves as an intermediary between the container and the harsh external environment, providing a protected space for coating application that shields against environmental contaminants while maintaining coating integrity.
2Quantity of substance
If protective coating is applied in harsh environments, then coverage is achieved, but labor intensity increases and installation time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The container is prepared and positioned in a controlled environment before coating application, with all necessary surface preparation and masking completed in advance. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming adjustments and repairs that would be necessary if coating were applied in harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled environment facility acts as an intermediary workspace that enables efficient coating application by providing stable conditions, proper ventilation, and controlled temperature, thereby increasing installation speed and reducing labor intensity compared to field application.
3Reliability
If protective coating is applied in harsh environments, then the container is covered, but repair costs increase due to compromised coating
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating is applied in a controlled environment with proper surface preparation, masking, and curing conditions established before application. This preliminary preparation ensures optimal adhesion and uniform application, eliminating the need for future repairs that would arise from improper application in harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled environment facility serves as an intermediary that guarantees proper coating application conditions, resulting in a durable, defect-free coating that requires minimal or no repair, thereby reducing long-term maintenance costs.
4Quantity of substance
If protective coating is applied by painting or spraying, then the container surface is covered, but the process becomes difficult in high humidity and winds
Solution Approach 1:
The container is brought into a controlled environment facility before coating application, and all environmental variables (humidity, temperature, air flow) are predetermined and controlled. This preliminary setup eliminates the operational difficulties of painting or spraying in high humidity and winds, allowing workers to apply coating under optimal, stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled environment facility acts as an intermediary workspace that shields the coating application process from harsh external conditions, providing stable temperature, controlled humidity, and protected air flow, thereby making the painting or spraying process easier and more predictable.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes tank wrap systems that cover containers. The tank wrap systems include tank wraps having a single sheet of a first polymer having an interior surface formed of the first polymer that faces a container, and an exterior surface formed of the first polymer that faces opposite the interior surface. A first coupling member formed of a second polymer is affixed to the exterior surface of the single sheet, and the first coupling member is couplable to a second coupling member of another tank wrap to couple the tank wrap and the other tank wrap and allow the tank wrap system to removably cover the exterior of the container.