Abstract: In various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for constructing and testing of a barrier providing secondary containment for aboveground storage tanks. Concrete storage containers can be manufactured with primary steel tanks and spill containment formed using an airtight tank wrap. Concrete storage containers can be manufactured with a barrier providing secondary containment to meet or exceed most current codes and standards commonly required for the storage of petroleum, flammable, combustible and other hazardous liquids. Such storage containers can include one or more thermal barriers that provide enhanced resistance when subjected to liquid-pool/furnace fire tests. Additionally, a concrete exterior acts as a thermal mass reducing temperature variations. The concrete exterior further provides a non-corrosive, durable exterior having increased vehicle-impact and projectile-impact resistance.

Abstract: A storage container (2) having secondary containment venting by form of construction includes an primary container (4) defining a primary containment region (24), a secondary container (6) and an interstice (8) therebetween. A portion of the top (16) of the secondary container is weakened so that in the event of an overpressure within the interstice, the weakened region fails allowing the overpressure to be vented to atmosphere. Two bands (34, 36) of fluid-accepting and -conducting material are wrapped at an angle to one another around the primary container within the interstice. The bands of material help to ensure that any overpressure within the interstice is substantially equalized throughout the interstice so that if the secondary container does fail, it fails at the weakened region.

Abstract: A combination manway cover and pressure relief apparatus (2) for a tank (4) having a manway opening (14) and containing a fluid. A body (12) covers the manway opening and is guided and biased along a substantially vertical, linear path (16). The body is guided along the path by bolts (18) which pass through a plurality body, gasket and flange bolt holes (22, 23, 24). The weight of the body biases the body along the path toward the manway opening. Pressure relief for the tank is provided when the fluid pressure within the tank moves the body away from the manway opening.

Abstract: A storage vault (2, 182) includes an inner tank (4,4',152,180) entombed within a concrete outer tank (8) by first erecting a pair of sidewall forms (51) on a base plate (44) to create an open-top enclosure (54). The inner tank (180) can include a plastic tank (152) enclosed within an external framework (154), the combination (150) housed within a steel tank (174). A layer of concrete (56) is poured onto the base plate, the inner tank is lowered onto the layer of concrete, and concrete is poured into the enclosure to entomb the inner tank while the bottom layer of concrete is still wet. Reinforced hold-down bars (86) extend over the top of the enclosure and have downwardly extending hold-down tubes (92) which engage the top of the inner tank and keep the inner tank positioned horizontally and vertically. The hold-down bars are fastened to the base plate to keep the inner tank properly positioned.

Abstract: A vault for dual containment of the fluids by an inner tank and an outer tank is produced by the apparatus described. The tendency of the inner tank to bob up in response to buoyancy from fluid concrete is countered by a hold-down assembly. The hold-down assembly produces downward pressure on the tank which is distributed over a region of the upper surface of the tank by a pressure distribution device which is left embedded in the concrete. An adjustment device is coupled to the form to permit pushing or pulling on the tank manway to move the manway down or up to provide the proper location.

Abstract: A storage vault (2, 182) includes an inner tank (4,4',152,180) emtombed within a concrete outer tank (8) by first erecting a pair of sidewall forms (51) on a base plate (44) to create an open-top enclosure (54). The inner tank (180) can include a plastic tank (152) enclosed within an external framework (154), the combination (150) housed within a steel tank (174). A layer of concrete (56) is poured onto the base plate, the inner tank is lowered onto the layer of concrete, and concrete is poured into the enclosure to entomb the inner tank while the bottom layer of concrete is stil wet. Reinforced hold-down bars (86) extend over the top of the enclosure and have downwardly extending hold-down tubes (92) which engage the top of the inner tank and keep the inner tank positioned horizontally and vertically. The hold-down bars are fastened to the base plate to keep the inner tank properly positioned.

Abstract: A dual containment, free-standing, earthquake resistant, above-ground, flammable liquid storage vault is made by first pouring a reinforced concrete outer tank having a flat bottom, for stability, and side walls. The inner surface of the concrete outer tank is covered with an epoxy resin, the epoxy resin acting as an outer liquid barrier to provide secondary containment. A layer of gravel is placed on the epoxy resin covering the bottom of the outer tank. A primary containment steel inner tank is then placed in the outer tank with a space between the walls of the inner and outer tanks. That space is then filled with concrete when a concrete cap is poured covering the inner tank. Leaks from the inner tank are monitored at the gravel layer. The concrete outer tank has integrally formed skids extending from its lower surface for ease of movement and for visual inspection beneath the vault for leaks.

Abstract: A tank stabilizer (6, 50) for an above ground liquid storage tank (8) of the type having one or more bottom supports or skids (10) to support the tank a distance above a support surface (16). The tank stabilizer includes lateral supports (20,56), preferably trough-like or U-shaped structures, which are secured to the support surface and configured so the bottom supports fits snugly therein. The tank stabilizer restricts horizontal movement of the tank relative to the support surface during an earthquake. The tank stabilizer may include an upwardly extending liquid barrier (34) circumscribing the lateral supports to help contain any spills or leaks.

Abstract: An above-ground liquid storage system (2) includes a steel inner container (4) encased within a layer (6) of reinforced concrete. The steel container has an upper opening (12) in an upper wall (10) thereof. An overfill reservoir (14) is positioned within the container below the upper opening so that the contents of the overfill reservoir are protected by virtue of being within, rather than outside of, the container. A fill pipe (18) extends through the overfill reservoir to permit user to introduce a liquid, such as gasoline or fuel, into the container. The fill pipe has an upper end (26) positioned above the upper opening and a lower end (22) positioned below the upper opening. An upper barrier (40), including a cylindrical wall (30) covered by a removable cover (34) to define an operating region (43) above the upper opening, is used to seal the upper opening.

Abstract: A storage vault includes an inner tank entombed within a concrete outer tank by first erecting a pair of sidewall forms on a base plate to create an open-top enclosure. The wall forms are securely clamped together. A layer of concrete is then poured onto the base plate and the inner tank is restrained by lowered onto the layer of concrete. Concrete is poured into the enclosure to entomb the inner tank while the bottom layer of concrete is still wet. The inner tank is a pair of reinforced hold-down bars extending over the top of the enclosure and having a pair of downwardly extending hold-down tubes which contact the top of the inner tank. Back hold-down bar is forced downwardly by a chain which passes over the hold-down bar and is fastened to the base plate. After the concrete has set sufficiently, the hold-down bars and tubes are removed and the holes created by the hold-down tubes are filled with concrete.

Abstract: A method for making a storage vault includes a steel inner tank entombed within a reinforced concrete outer tank. The inner tank is covered with a thermal insulating spacer material and then wrapped with a sheet of liquid-impervious material to trap leaks from the inner tank. The spacer layer is made of a material which liquifies upon contact with the liquid stored within the inner tank. This permits the spacer layer to fill the space between the inner and outer tanks while permitting any leak to collect at a liquid collection region between the two. The leaked liquid collection region can be monitored through a leak detector tube. Since the covering of the inner tank with the spacer layer substantially fills the space between the inner and outer tanks, pouring the concrete outer tank is simplified and thermal insulation is maximized.

Abstract: A method for making a steel/concrete tank is provided. A steel interior tank is pressurized during or after pouring of a concrete outer tank around a steel inner tank. Pressurization is commenced before the concrete has set, and is maintained until substantial setting of the concrete. The resulting structure is less susceptible than previous structures to cracking of the exterior concrete upon pressure-testing of the structure for leaks.

Abstract: A storage vault includes an inner tank entombed within a concrete outer tank by first erecting a pair of sidewall forms on a base plate to create an open-top enclosure. The wall forms are securely clamped together. A layer of concrete is then poured onto the base plate and the inner tank is lowered onto the layer of concrete. Concrete is poured into the enclosure to entomb the inner tank while the bottom layer of concrete is still wet. The inner tank is restrained by a pair of reinforced hold-down bars extending over the top of the enclosure and having a pair of downwardly extending hold-down tubes which contact the top of the inner tank. A back hold-down bar is forced downwardly by a chain which passes over the hold-down bar and is fastened to the base plate. After the concrete has set sufficiently, the hold-down bars and tubes are removed and the holes created by the hold-down tubes are filled with concrete.