Stationary Tank Patents (Class 220/565)
  • Patent number: 5481790
    Abstract: A system for mounting access plates for covering an access opening onto storage tanks and the like. A backing plate assembly comprising two semi-circular, rigid backing plates is provided. The backing plates are passed individually into the interior of the tank where the backing plate assembly is reconfigured. The backing plate assembly located within the interior of the tank provides a solid structure that can be used to anchor the access plate onto the tank wall over the opening. Interior and exterior gaskets are used to create a fluidtight seal around the opening and to facilitate assembly of the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Clarus Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Koreis, Monte M. Koreis
  • Patent number: 5450978
    Abstract: The present invention, in its most elemental form, comprises an above ground storage vessel for volatile liquids in which an inner storage chamber is formed in proportion to an outer shell, leaving a space between them which is capable of containing up to 110% of the storage capacity of the inner storage chamber, which chamber is completely encapsulated in a volume of a non-conductive particulate medium of a type which has the capacity to entrap up to 45% of its volume of the storage vessel within its boundaries, and which is sufficiently compactible as to be capable of supporting the entire storage vessel and its contents centrally within the confines of a protective outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: A.G.T. Vault
    Inventors: Gilbert M. Crisp, Jack R. Crisp
  • Patent number: 5421478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage tank for storing liquid products such as petroleum byproducts and toxic waste, that has an inner and outer tank. The inner tank holds the liquid, while the second tank is provided to protect the surrounding environment. Apparatus may be provided to detect moisture between the two tanks. Apparatus may be provided to prevent liquid in the inner tank from freezing. A roof is provided over the inner tank to reduce the risk of precipitation mixing with the liquids in the tank, and to increase safety of any animals or humans venturing near the tanks. A baffle is provided to reduce the pressure of any liquid entering the tank to reduce the risk of damage to the inner tank and prolong the life thereof. A vent is provided to allow vapors to escape to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Wilbur Lovato
  • Patent number: 5417146
    Abstract: An apparatus for the carbonation of liquids, such as water, comprises a liquid storage tank coupled to a carbonizer having a carbonated liquid holding tank which presents a carbon dioxide atmosphere to liquid introduced therein. The liquid introduced into the holding tank blends with the carbon dioxide atmosphere, and is held in the tank for withdrawal upon demand. The liquid storage tank maintains a liquid therein at ambient pressure, and has a draw tube for liquid removal positioned proximate the bottom wall of the tank. The tank has a channel system in the tank bottom to allow liquid to collect therein to maximize the amount of liquid which may be withdrawn. Liquid level switches sense the level of liquid within the channel system and are coupled to the carbonizer to prevent its operation when insufficient liquid is present in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Standard Keil Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zimmer, Michael J. De Young
  • Patent number: 5407091
    Abstract: A water storage outer tank (1) has an opening (9) in the top (5) and an opening (10) in the bottom (6). An open topped elongated diverter tank (13) with an open top and a discharge opening (17) is housed within the outer tank (1) with a discharge opening (17) sealingly mounted over the outer tank bottom opening (10) and the open top of the diverter tank (13) aligned with the tank opening (9). A divider (24) with a valve seating opening (25) divides the diverter (13) into an upper zone and a lower zone which houses a buoyant float valve (26). Openings (23) upstream of the divider (24) pass water from the diverter upper zone to the interior of the tank (1) when the diverter tank lower zone is filled with water to the extent that the float valve (26) seals off the opening (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Inventor: Martin Wallis
  • Patent number: 5407134
    Abstract: A liquid distributor having a pair of variable displacement pumps driven by a single electric motor, the rotation speed of which is determined by a voltage from a controller in response to a predetermined ground speed and application rate which mixes a chemical with water in a desired proportion and delivers a solution to be directed into an open furrow just prior to the furrow being covered with dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Max H. Parks
  • Patent number: 5405036
    Abstract: In a large multipart liquid container a cylinder lining wall is formed from glass fiber reinforced plastic, can be connected to a bottom part and a cover to form a liquid-tight tank, and is constructed at least from thoroughly cured, prefabricated flexible-stiff mat material which can be rolled up under pretension as a transport item of a smaller diameter than the final diameter of the finished container to be passed through narrow wall openings. The cylinder wall can be put together from two molded parts, of which a first corresponds to the dimensions of the finished container and the other has a length shortened in comparison with the first to correspond to the smaller inside diameter, as a double wall and thus can be worked on in situ to form the finished container by connecting to at least one bottom part and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Haase Tank GmbH
    Inventor: Harry Haase
  • Patent number: 5398841
    Abstract: A peninsula which extends outwardly from a wall of a container for receiving and supporting a fluid-dispensing pump thereon for dispensing liquid in the container. The peninsula has a pump mounting platform surface that is elevated above ground level and set back from an outer edge of the peninsula for preventing another object from colliding with the pump. An upraised curb, which includes a pair of outwardly extending walls and an interconnecting rear wall, borders the sides and rear of the platform surface to shield and support the pump. The peninsula has a sump basin in the platform surface that is positioned underneath the pump for collecting leaking fluid from the pump and associated piping and containing the fluid in an environmentally safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Clawson Tank Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Harding
  • Patent number: 5381923
    Abstract: An overflow control for liquid storage tanks is provided. Fluid overflowing from the inlet port or a vent port of a liquid storage tank is collected within a spill collection chamber that overlies the inlet port and the vent port. The spill collection chamber also overlies a spill storage chamber that receives liquid from the spill collection chamber when the liquid in the spill collection chamber raises to a level sufficient to enter the inlet port of the spill storage chamber. The spill collection chamber is formed in fluid tight relationship to the storage tank and to the spill storage chamber. The liquid storage tank may also be positioned within a dike that has a second spill collection chamber to capture overflow from the tank spill collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Highland Tank & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Richard W. O'Dea
  • Patent number: 5379507
    Abstract: A tank construction including an outer shell of steel material comprised of two half members welded together. The half members are formed by a deep drawing process. An inner shell of non-corrosive material is cast inside the outer shell by a rotational casting procedure with the external surface of the inner shell located adjacent the internal surface of the outer shell. The inner shell of non-corrosive material provides a substantially leak-fight liner for the outer shell to thus prevent contact between the contents of the tank and the outer shell. The rotational casting of the inner shell inside the outer shell is accomplished by charging the outer shell with a non-corrosive material and then subjecting the outer shell to a rotational casting movement while heat is applied to the outer shell. The outer shell serves as a mold for the inner shell wherein the mold (outer shell) becomes a permanent part of the completed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: State Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 5364012
    Abstract: A method of forming a tank system and a tank system formed thereby wherein the tank system comprises a plastic tank covered by a metal shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Gail F. Davis, Joe B. Kersey
  • Patent number: 5361930
    Abstract: A septic tank is constructed from top and bottom shells. The top and bottom shells are nestable within like top and bottom shells in order to allow greater numbers of septic tanks to be shipped one a cargo truck or railroad car. In a preferred embodiment, both the top and bottom shells have peripheral flanges that interlock together. The septic tank is assembled at its sight of intended use by placing the top and bottom shells together, inserting a gasket material between the interlocking peripheral flanges, and affixing a plurality of clips over the interlocking peripheral flanges to hold the top and bottom shells together. Preferably, the peripheral flanges serve the function of an integral antifloatation collar for the septic tank. The antifloatation collar increases the cross sectional area of the septic tank over which soil is applied, and allow the tank to be firmly held in the ground without the use of an anchor or ground screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Carlos Perry
  • Patent number: 5346092
    Abstract: A baffle or dividing wall 13, 14 disposed in a tank is connected to the inner wall of the tank jacket 10 via a ring 15, 21 of triangular profile. The outer diameter of the intermediate wall is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the tank so that the wall may be readily inserted into the tank. One leg 16 of the proHie ring 15 forms an extension of the curvature of the intermediate wall 13, whereas the other leg 17 closes the gusset-type region between the convex side of the intermediate wall 13 and the tank jacket 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard, deceased
  • Patent number: 5346093
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in an above-ground storage system for volatile liquids wherein there is a horizontally extending cylindrical storage tank located in a dike, the tank having a top vent through which liquid may escape; the vent being surrounded by a collar and top cover to form a chamber around the vent and the collar having an outlet to drainage means down into the dike; the improvement comprising a weir so positioned in the collar that a limited overflow of liquid from the tank through the vent is retained by the weir within the collar at the top of the tank and escaping to the dike only when the capacity of the weir is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Areo-Power Unitized Fueler Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis De Benedittis, Charles A. Frey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5335815
    Abstract: A method for mounting a tank in a compatible precast concrete half shell wherein the tank is supported on ribs at a spaced distance from the inner wall of the half shell includes positioning of the half shell by means of at least partially filled, flexible containers of coagulate material which are wedged between the container and the inner wall of the half shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: The Reinforced Earth Company
    Inventor: Allan H. Josselyn
  • Patent number: 5333752
    Abstract: A storage container unit comprises an inner tank for containing a hazardous liquid disposed within an outer tank. The side wall of the inner tank is spaced radially inwardly of the side wall of the outer tank to provide an annular air chamber. The top wall of the inner tank has a radially outwardly extending annular lip which overlaps an annular flange on the upper edge of the said wall of the outer tank to close the air chamber. The outer tank and air chamber provide a secondary dike against the escape of hazardous liquid, and also prevents accidental contamination of the annular space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Clawson Tank Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Harding, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5314027
    Abstract: A fire suppression system for a double walled storage tank having an inner tank for containing a flammable liquid and an outer tank separated from the inner tank by a defined space. A leakage detector monitors any leakage of the flammable liquid from the inner tank into the space. A temperature sensor triggers a flow of coolant into the space in the event combustion of the flammable liquid is detected. If no leakage of flammable liquid has been previously detected, the flow of coolant exits the space and is sprayed on the outer surface of the outer tank. If leakage has been detected, the coolant and any entrained flammable liquid are safely diverted to a remote location. In the preferred embodiment, the inner tank is coated with a ceramic paint for added insulation and the outer tank is treated with a fire resistant coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Donald A. Wood
  • Patent number: 5305631
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for detecting leaks in, cathodically protecting, determining the effectiveness of such cathodic protection, and/or remediating fluid leaked from an aboveground storage tank. At least one substantially horizontal bore is formed beneath an aboveground storage tank and a slotted pipe or casing is positioned within the bore. The pipe or casing can be simultaneously advanced within the substantially horizontal bore while the bore is being formed. Slotted tubing and at least one anode are positioned within the slotted casing. The bore is filled with coke breeze and current is supplied to the anode(s) to cathodically protect substantially the entire tank bottom. The anode and slotted tubing can be removed to provide a passageway for remediation of fluid leakage from the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Corrocon, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Whited, Jack L. Leatherman, John L. Markham
  • Patent number: 5299709
    Abstract: An above ground storage tank is provided having an inner tank for primary storage, and an outer casing surrounding the inner tank. The outer casing includes both a casing body defining an opening, and a removable lid positioned over the opening. A fire-resistant seal is provided between the lid and casing body to inhibit transmission of fire and explosion hazards to stored materials, as well as preventing leaks and spills from escaping containment. It is preferred to further add a weather-resistant sealant around the periphery of the fire-resistant seal to inhibit weathering thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Flexicore Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Beerbower, Charles L. Allen, Jr., Lowell R. Klaber, John F. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 5289942
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank made of a plurality of steel plates welded together is reinforced by winding a plurality of continuous, high tensile strength, non-metallic filaments around and in contact with the plates and applying a resin to the filaments to define a composite material of the filaments in a resin matrix. In one embodiment, substantially the entire exterior surface of the shell is covered by the composite material to form a reinforcing jacket. In another embodiment, the composite material is formed into a plurality of spaced reinforcing bands extending around the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Norman C. Fawley
  • Patent number: 5289857
    Abstract: A plurality of hydrocarbon storage tanks, each storage tank has a) a fill conduit, b) a vapor recovery conduit and c) a vent line. The vent lines of the hydrocarbon storage tanks are directly connected to the vapor recovery risers and a manifold bar is connected to every vent line. The system allows for the maximum recovery of vapors during simultaneous filling of at least three storage tanks. The system also includes a vapor recovery pipe connected to at least one of the vent lines for receiving the vapor recovered from the vapor-recovery unit of hydrocarbon nozzles which dispense hydrocarbons to automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Charles E. Pyles
  • Patent number: 5287986
    Abstract: A containment tank assembly for the safe storage of liquids wherein an enclosed storage tank is positioned within an open-top containment tank. A space is provided between the adjacent side walls of the storage and containment tanks for receiving any leakage from the storage tank, and a roof extends over the space between the side walls to prevent the leaked liquid in the space from becoming contaminated with rain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Abell Corporation
    Inventor: James O. Frost
  • Patent number: 5285922
    Abstract: A dual compartment liquid storage tank has a bottom wall, an annular side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall and a top cover, to define an interior space. A bulkhead extends across the interior space to divide it into two separate compartments completely isolated from one another. The bulkhead is arcuately curved about a vertical axis and is marginally sealed to the bottom and side walls and top cover to prevent transmission of liquid from one compartment to the other. The curved configuration of the bulkhead withstands pressure differentials due to unequally filled compartments without buckling or distortion or failure of the seals, more effectively than a flat bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Clawson Tank Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Harding
  • Patent number: 5282546
    Abstract: A composite above ground liquid storage vault. The vault includes an inner tank defining a containment cavity for the liquid. The inner tank is enclosed within an insulating layer and a monitor tube is positioned adjacent to the insulating layer so as to extend to a location exterior of the vault. A liquid impervious membrane encapsulates the monitor tube, the insulating layer and the inner tank. The encapsulated inner tank is positioned within an outer tank and spaced apart from the interior surfaces of the outer tank by spacers supporting the encapsulated inner tank. A structural and insulating material is located within this space so as to completely surround the inner tank and form a fire wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Darleen K. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5273180
    Abstract: A tank leakage containment system which includes an open-topped containment tank of rectangular parallelepiped configuration, thus having a bottom, parallel end walls and parallel side walls. A pair of spaced saddle subassemblies project upwardly from the bottom wall and support a cylindrical fluid storage tank. The cylindrical storage tank has a capacity substantially less than the capacity of the open-topped containment tank, and lifting lugs are secured to the exposed upper side of the storage tank. The containment tank has skids mounted on the lower side thereof to facilitate movement across the ground, and has a towing bar extending across at least one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Spade Leasing, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonnie B. Whatley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5271493
    Abstract: A liquid container for the above-ground storage of flammable fuels is shown having an inner tank with a bottom surface, side surfaces, and a top surface placed within an outer shell having a bottom surface and side surfaces, The bottom surfaces of the inner tank and outer shell are spaced apart from each other by first bottom spacers which connect the two bottom surfaces. The side walls of the inner tank and outer shell are also spaced apart from each other by second side spacers which connect the tank and shell. The bottom and side spacers for connecting the tank and shell prevent the inner tank from floating within the outer shell when an insulating material, such as concrete, is added therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: William Y. Hall
  • Patent number: 5269436
    Abstract: To improve the strength, resistance to leaks, and formation of tears and fissures in the inner wall of a double-wall tank, the inner wall is formed, as described in the inventor's earlier U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,895 (U.S. Pat. No. Re. 33,421) by a plurality of foil or sheet elements which are overlapped at the edges, and covered by a plastic, preferably epoxy layer. The sheet elements are preferably aluminum foils of from 0.15 to 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm thickness. The plastic layer is reinforced by a multi-ply, preferably two-ply, glass fiber fabric, which is so woven that the layers or plies of the fabric are interwoven or interlocked. The fabric is embedded in the plastic coating, before it is cured, for example by rolling it into the plastic coating. To assure good fitting of the inner wall against the outer wall, a vacuum is applied in the space formed by the projections or puckers of the sheet elements and the outer wall before the plastic coating has cured, and maintained until it is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Adisa Entwicklungs AG
    Inventor: Werner Bachmann
  • Patent number: 5269173
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and process for monitoring flat bottomed tanks for leaks utilizing a sensor cable, barrier layer or film impermeable to the leaking medium and a compensation layer housing the sensor cable and on which the tank bottom is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Klaus Henneck, Hans Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 5263603
    Abstract: An insulating system for storage tanks uses vertical straps and horizontal cables to form a web on the outer surface of a spherical storage tank. Fasteners and clamps positioned at intervals along the vertical straps anchor the cables in place. Panel sections are positioned transversely to the horizontal cables, the panel sections having opposing side flanges that are folded over flanges on adjoining panel sections as well as the attachment means looped around the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Insultherm, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. McBride
  • Patent number: 5252302
    Abstract: A container is arranged to include an internal cavity to receive at least one porous bag member therewithin, with the porous bag member arranged to contain manure and composting therewithin for seepage into the container when fluid is directed therein. A modification of the container structure is arranged to include a plurality of support members, each including a screen grid floor to permit screening of various components to prevent their flow from the container. Sponge inserts are arranged for positioning selectively on each screen floor to impart various additives into a fertilizer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventors: George Schmidt, Tammy L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5251473
    Abstract: Inner and outer welded steel protective tanks are separated by a space containing a granular insulating material such as perlite preventing excessive heating of fuel in a storage space in the inner tank, even when there is a fire at the site. The inner tank is subdivided into portions by a partition defining a storage space and an overfill containment space receiving overflow from the storage space portion, with a sensor detecting overflow. The overflow containment space is also arranged to collect separated fuel when the tank system is used with a vapor recovery system. The granular insulating material acts as an explosion suppressant by dissipating heat and fuel vapors which may be present in the insulation space as a result of leakage from the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Ace Tank & Equipment Company
    Inventor: R. Allan Reese
  • Patent number: 5249698
    Abstract: A fire and heat resistant vault construction is provided for the storage of hazardous or polluting liquids which comprises an inner cylindrical tank for storing such liquids and an outer casing in which the inner cylindrical tank is housed. The outer casing is of two-piece construction and includes a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner surface thereof in engagement with portions of the outer tank wall and defining a plurality of air spaces between the inner wall of the casing and the outer tank wall. The ribs are discontinuous at the bottom of the casing so as to define a channel along the bottom of the casing. Thus, liquid spilled during filling of the tank or liquid leaking from the tank can collect in the channel. The outer casing further includes an indicator device such as a plug of transparent material located in the bottom of the casing, for providing a visual indication that liquid has collected in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventors: Philip Cruver, Mark Cruver, Reginald L. Olson
  • Patent number: 5244110
    Abstract: In a heated transport tank, the lower zone of the tank jacket 10 is surrounded by an outer shell 15 spaced from the jacket by socket-type projections 16 integrally formed in the shell 15. The outer shell 15, which forms a vapour flow chamber 20, extends throughout the axial length of the tank. At an intermediate location, where the tank is supported by a transverse bar 11 of a base structure via a transverse saddle 25, the socket-type projections 16 are reinforced by spacers inserted between the tank jacket 10 and the shell 15, each spacer being formed as a stack of comparatively thin annular discs. The individual discs are capable of conforming themselves to the local curvature of the tank jacket 10 and following instantaneous variations in curvature, thereby ensuring a uniform distribution of forces under all load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Westerwalder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard, deceased
  • Patent number: 5231811
    Abstract: A storage structure, particularly for fluids but also useful for storing solids, which in one embodiment includes at least a portion thereof comprising a structural wall having opposing sides, at least one said side having an insulating and protecting built-up layered finish covering which retards heat transfer, the passage of water vapor through the insulation and/or the condensation of water on the one said side, the built-up layered finish covering including a layer of insulation positioned on the one said side of the wall; a solid unitary vapor barrier layer applied to the outer surface of the insulation board as a viscous liquid or paste which hardens into a solid layer; a reinforced stucco basecoat layer applied onto the vapor barrier layer; and a stucco topcoat layer applied onto the stucco basecoat layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Chicago Bridge & Iron Technical Services Company
    Inventors: John S. Andrepont, Robert J. Bannon, Michael P. Duff
  • Patent number: 5191785
    Abstract: A vessel for containing an electro-conductive fluid, the vessel having a laminated wall structure and including an outer structural shell, an inner corrosion-resistant lining made of electrically non-conductive material, constituting a barrier between the structural shell and electro-conductive fluid in the vessel. An electrically resistive medium is mounted between the structural shell and the corrosion-resistant lining, the resistive medium carrying an array of electrodes mounted in spaced apart relationship at fixed and known locations. A main electrode is mounted in the vessel extending into the electro-conductive fluid which forms an electric path between the main electrode and the resistive medium in occurence of a fault in the corrosion-resistant liner, such that electro-conductive fluid is allowed to contact the resistive medium. An electronic controller impresses a voltage difference across electrodes of the array for causing electric current to circulate through the resistive medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: CPF Chemical Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: John A. Kidd, Swong V. Hoa, Ramesh Janardhanam
  • Patent number: 5179971
    Abstract: A dual wall containment vessel for liquids including environmentally hazardous fluids having a recessed foundation for supporting the sidewalls of the primary containment tank while maintaining a fluid impermeable secondary tank that completely surrounds and contains the primary tank. The present invention further provides for containment and detection of leaks occurring in the primary tank, the secondary tank, or both by utilizing multiple floors and routing of escaped fluids to locations at which they can be detected or observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Melvin D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5180190
    Abstract: A damage-resistant containment device includes a high strength fiber covering the surface of the container and an elastomeric matrix supporting the fiber and bonding the fiber to the surface of the container. The device and method provide a damage-resistant polyolefin container which may be used to transport hazardous fluids by vehicles, such as trucks, on publicly used thoroughfares.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Joe B. Kersey, Gail F. Davis
  • Patent number: 5172584
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding stored material and for containing and detecting leaks of the stored material from the apparatus having a tank, a containment baffle, and a leak detection system. The tank includes a tank bottom having a continuous surface for supporting the stored material. A shell surrounds such stored material. The shell is disposed above the continuous surface of the tank bottom in continuous sealing contact therewith. The containment baffle is a baffle plate having a continuous surface for supporting the stored material. The baffle plate is disposed above the tank bottom and within the shell. The baffle plate is in continuous sealing contact with the shell so as to form a containment space between the baffle plate and the tank bottom. The baffle plate is rigidly supported above the tank bottom. A fill of aggregate material is interposed between the baffle plate and the tank bottom for structural support of the baffle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: CoreTank, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace F. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5172825
    Abstract: A process for storing a refined liquid hydrocarbon product in a storage tank having a dead volume. The process comprises filling the dead volume with a rigid crosslinked polymer gel and storing product in the remaining internal volume of the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Marathon Oil Company
    Inventor: Carl D. Clay
  • Patent number: 5158201
    Abstract: An underground storage tank having secondary containment comprising a self-supporting, semi-rigid thin wall located on the inside of the tank. The thin inner wall completely lines the inside of the tank and is structurally independent of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Bartlow
  • Patent number: 5127540
    Abstract: A double-walled thickener tank has an outer shell bottom and an inner shell bottom spaced to form interconnected or a discrete void space therebetween. An incompressible load-carrying permeable material such as oil-impregnated sand is compacted in the void space(s) to provide a support for the inner shell bottom and confined fluid in the tank. Any leakage of fluid from the tank through the inner shell bottom is initially confined in the void spaces and conveyed down a slight slope on the top surface of the outer shell bottom so the leakage fluid drains into an interior space of a double-wall or single-wall discharge cone at the center of the tank where the leak and void spaces are accessed to detect any leaking of fluid from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: M. James Lillywhite, Michael E. Horn
  • Patent number: 5118006
    Abstract: A tank container includes a cylindrical tank having its one end connected to an end frame 14 by means of an end saddle structure 12. In the area of its other end, the tank 10 is connected to an end frame 13 by means of a saddle structure 11 in such a manner that the tank bottom 20' provided at this tank end projects through the end frame 13. The saddle structure 11 comprises three rings interconnected partly by welding and partly by screwing, with the innermost ring being welded to the cylindrical portion of the tank envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 5103996
    Abstract: A fire resistant tank apparatus adapted for transportation and for installation above-ground to receive and dispense a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and includes a metallic tank having a lightweight wall structure, including an upright side wall or walls, a top wall and bottom wall; first port structure on the top wall defining access porting to the tank interiorp; second support structure beneath the bottom wall to support the tank at an installation site; and fire resistant material consisting essentially of a mixture of vermiculite and Portland cement applied as a coating to the outer side or sides of the tank walls, and hardened in situ to define a relatively lightweight shell enclosing the tank; the shell having thickness between about 1/4 inch and 1 inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: LRS, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. McGarvey
  • Patent number: 5102005
    Abstract: An underground storage tank assembly and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A steel primary fluid storage tank is provided having an outer, peripheral surface. A secondary fluid storage container being formed of curable plastic material and having a substantially smooth inner surface is tightly secured about the outer, peripheral surface of the primary fluid storage tank. The interstitial spaces formed between the outer surface of the primary container and the inner surface of the secondary container permit the desired migration of fluid therethrough to allow the detection of any fluid leaking through the primary tank or secondary tank. Various methods for forming the secondary fluid storage container are disclosed. The outer surface of the primary tank and/or the inner surface of the secondary fluid storage container may be textured for applications requiring enhanced fluid migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Trusco Tank, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared A. Trussler
  • Patent number: 5096087
    Abstract: A double containment and leak detection apparatus and method including a tank having a bottom and a surrounding shell, with a containment baffle above the bottom and a leak detector in a containment space between the containment baffle and the tank bottom. The containment baffle includes a baffle plate sealingly joined to the interior of the shell to form a sealed containment space between the containment baffle and the bottom. The leak detector is installed in the containment space to detect the presence of stored material held in the tank in the event such material leaks into the containment space. The leak detection means is connected, through a leak-proof access, to means external to the tank for responding to such leaks of stored material so detected inside the containment space. The invention further includes a primary containment, made of liner material, located inside the tank above the containment baffle and within the shell, capable of containing such stored material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: CoreTank, Inc.
    Inventor: Horace F. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5082034
    Abstract: An above-ground secondary containment dispensing system for a primary tank holding liquids. The system includes a 10,000 gallon primary tank and a secondary containment unit which includes a dike surrounding the tank. In the preferred embodiment, the dike is a right parallepiped having an open top and a floor. Preferably, the dike is provided with internal support means to support the tank above the floor of the dike and an external support means to support the dike above the ground to enable the entire unit to be moved easily. A loading platform is mounted adjacent to the tank and includes both glycol and water loading arms. In the preferred embodiment, a single pump is used for both tank off-loading and to issue product to the de-icing units. Preferably, a level detector mounted in the tank is operatively associated with the pump to disable the pump when the tank is full and/or to provide an indication to a user when the tank is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Four Seasons Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald E. Soper
  • Patent number: 5065893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathodic protection system for an above-ground storage tank having a metal bottom, both new and retrofitted bottoms. A leak containing dielectric safety membrane is spaced a short distance below and extends beneath the tank bottom generally parallel thereto forming a narrow envelope. Compacted electrolytic conductor is positioned between the membrane and the tank bottom supporting the tank bottom embedding a horizontally disposed cathodic protection anode, the anode being in the form of a matrix or grid of interconnected titanium bars and ribbons. A reticulate dielectric insulator may be embedded in the electrolytic conductor and positioned directly above the anode and such insulator is operable to keep any portion of the anode from contacting the tank bottom and to maintain a generally uniform spacing between the anode and tank bottom. The ribbons extend transversely of the bars and are spot welded on uniform centers to bars on diameters or major chords of a circular tank bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Corrpro Companies Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Kroon, Gary Goldsmith, Michael K. Baach, James B. Bushman
  • Patent number: 5056680
    Abstract: A storage tank with secondary containment with a manway for entry into the interior of the tank has an assembly which is dimensioned to fit within the manway. An annular space between the assembly and manway wall is formed which can be monitored for leakage. When secondary containment is provided by a bladder within a rigid tank, the assembly further comprises a flange at its bottom surface and a ring element dimensioned to mate with the lower flange. Securing means hold the bladder between the lower flange and ring element. Secondary containment of the manway is also provided by the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce R. Sharp
  • Patent number: 5033640
    Abstract: A wall for a fluid container which includes a pair of vertically extending side beams between a pair of horizontally extending upper and lower beams. An arcuate panel is secured in the area defined by the vertically and horizontally extending beams. When the fluid container is filled iwth a fluidic material, fluid pressure applied to the arcuate inner surface deflects the panel downwardly in tension to force the upper beam downwardly to thereby compress the side beams between the upper and lower beams and thereby add significant static structural integrity to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Joseph Oat Corporation
    Inventor: Maurice Holtz
  • Patent number: 5033637
    Abstract: A system for storing waste fluids such as engine oil in bulk, which can be situated at a service station or other centralized waste storage facility. The system is charactrized by a relatively large tank having an access opening which is surrounded by a receptacle. A removable grate is provided within the receptacle over the access opening, so that articles such as oil filters may be placed in the receptacle for draining. The tank is supported relative to the ground or other flat surface by a pedestal. The system is an integral unit which may be deployed by a crane or other lifting mechanism to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: U-Fuel, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Michael Webb