PORTABLE TANK, AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A TANK AT A WELL SITE

Abstract

A portable tank is described herein. An assembled tank features an upper ring and a lower ring. The upper ring comprises a series of arcuate upper panels coupled together to form the upper ring. The lower ring comprises a series of arcuate lower panels coupled together to form the lower ring. The upper and lower panels are coupled together using T-shaped coupling configurations. Upper panels are secured to corresponding lower panels using jaw connectors.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of prior art.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive concept relates to the field of hydrocarbon recovery operations. More particularly, the invention relates to a tank that is designed to hold a large volume of hydraulic fracturing fluid, wherein the tank may be assembled at a well site and then broken down and transported away when a hydraulic fracturing operation is completed.

TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Hydraulic fracturing is the parting of a deep subsurface rock matrix through the injection of a pressurized liquid. Hydraulic fracturing typically consists of injecting water (or brine) with friction reducers into a formation at such high pressures and rates that the reservoir rock parts and forms a network of fractures. In some cases, viscous fluids such as shear thinning, non-Newtonian gels or emulsions are used, either in addition to or instead of an aqueous fluid.

The fracturing fluid is typically mixed with a proppant material such as sand, crushed granite, ceramic beads, aluminum oxide, or other granular materials. The proppant serves to hold the fracture(s) open after the hydraulic pressures are released. Fractures help valuable hydrocarbon fluids migrate towards the wellbore. In some cases, fractures may be as small as one mm in width, with the width being sustained by the proppant material.

The process of hydraulic fracturing is sometimes referred to as hydro-fracturing, or just fracking. The technique has become common in wellbore completions in North America, particularly for extended-length, horizontally-completed wells in shale gas, tight gas, tight oil, and coal seam gas formations.

Fracking is typically done prior to placing a well on-line for production. However, in some instances, a formation fracturing operation may be conducted as part of a stimulation procedure during the life of the well.

Fracking operations require large volumes of water. As fracking sites are often very remote, portable tanks may be used to provide the required amount of water on-site during fracking operations. There is a need to provide portable tanks that are easily transported to a fracking site and readily assembled at the site. The present application relates to a portable water tank which may be transported to and assembled at the site of a remote hydraulic fracturing operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the present application can be better understood, certain illustrations and figures are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selected embodiments and elements of a portable tank and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope for the portable tank as described herein may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled portable tank of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a portion of the assembled tank of FIG. 1. Four panel sections are visible, with the panels being stacked to form two levels.

FIG. 3 is a close-up side view of a jaw connector securing an upper panel to a lower panel, in one arrangement.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first end of a tank panel of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second end of a tank panel of the present invention, in one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the second end of a tank panel of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is front view of a tensioning system used for securing laterally adjoining panels of an assembled tank, in one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7, taken along line D-D.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the tensioning system of FIG. 7, taken along line d-d of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a tank 100 of the present invention, in one embodiment. The tank 100 is shown in its assembled form. The assembled tank 100 features an upper ring 110 and a lower ring 112, representing upper and lower levels of the tank 100. The upper ring 110 comprises a series of arcuate upper panels that are coupled through the use of a novel tensioning system (shown at 700 and described below in connection with FIGS. 7 through 11). Upper panels 102 and 104 are examples of laterally adjoining panels held together through the tensioning system 700.

The lower ring 112 also comprises a series of arcuate lower panels. These panels are also coupled together using the tensioning system 700 to form the lower level. Lower panels 106 and 108 are examples of laterally adjoining panels held together through the tensioning system 700.

Each of the panels 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. spans approximately 8 feet from top to bottom. Further, each of the panels 102, 104, 106, 108, etc. is approximately 31 feet in length. Of course, it is understood that other dimensions may be adopted depending on the volume of fracturing fluid to be held in the tank 100. The upper ring 110 sits atop and is secured to the lower ring 112 to form an assembled tank 100 with a height of approximately 16 feet.

Under one embodiment, both the upper ring 110 and the lower ring 112 comprises 14 panels. The respective panels of the upper 110 and lower 112 rings may be either aligned or offset. Under this embodiment, the assembled tank 100 provides a tank fill height of 16 feet with a tank diameter of approximately 138 feet. The upper 110 and the lower 112 ring panels comprise structural steel but may also comprise other material sufficiently strong to withstand burst and hoop forces applied against the ring panels and connecting elements when the tank 100 is filled with aqueous fluid. Such tank may be filled to hold approximately 1.79 million gallons of water or other liquid. Such large fluid volumes are increasingly necessary at well sites having horizontally-oriented wellbores in excess of 1,500 feet, or even in excess of 5,000 feet. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that extended-reach wellbores are completed in stages, with each stage involving the injection of many thousands of gallons of fluid to fracture incremental portions of the formation.

Alternative embodiments of the portable tank include variable upper panel, lower panel and assembled tank heights. As one example, upper 110 and lower 112 rings may each comprise 10 panels. Such panels may span approximately 8 feet in height from top to bottom and may be approximately 30 feet, 2 inches in length. Such embodiment results in a tank diameter of approximately 96 feet. As another example, upper 110 and lower 112 rings may each comprise 18 panels. Such panels may span approximately 8 feet in height from top to bottom and may be approximately 29 feet, 8 inches in length. Such embodiment results in a tank diameter of approximately 170 feet.

FIG. 2 shows a portion of an assembled tank 100 including two upper panels 202, 204 and two lower panels 206, 208. Upper panels 202, 204 reside upon and are secured to corresponding lower panels 206, 208. The upper panels 202, 204 are secured to the lower panels 206, 208 using respective jaw connectors 210, 212 and 214, 216 in a manner already described in U.S. Application No. 61/879,067, filed Sep. 17, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of jaw connector 210 of FIG. 2. Jaw connector 210 is affixed to reinforcement rib 244. As seen in FIG. 2, an upper portion of the lower panel 206 features a ledge 242. The ledge 242 is disposed circumferentially along the upper portion of the lower panel 206. A lower portion of the upper panel 202 features a corresponding ledge 240. The ledge 240 is disposed circumferentially along the lower portion of the upper panel 202. As seen in FIG. 3, the upper panel ledge 240 sits upon the lower panel ledge 242 thereby coupling the panels 202, 206.

A jaw connector 210 secures the upper 202 panel to the lower panel 206. A bottom portion 260 of the jaw connector 210 is affixed to the lower panel 206 at reinforcement rib 244. In coupling the upper panel 202 with the lower panel 206, an upper portion 270 of the jaw connector 210 is placed upon the upper panel ledge 240. When the bolts of the jaw connector 210 are secured, the jaw connector 210 serves to bind the upper panel 202 to the lower panel 206. The jaw connector 210 may be used at one or multiple locations along the periphery of the upper-lower ring coupling as required to secure the upper panels to corresponding lower panels.

Referring again to FIG. 2, upper panel 202 features first end 202A and second end 202B. Upper panel 204 features a first end 204A and a second end 204B. Lower panel 206 features a first end 206A and a second end 206B. Lower panel 208 features first end 208A and second end 208B. Upper panel 202 is coupled to upper panel 204 at coupling point comprising 202B, 204A. Lower panel 206 is coupled to lower panel 208 at coupling point comprising 206B, 208A. Note that upper and lower panels are substantially the same with the exception that lower panels include optional vertical reinforcing ribs (see FIG. 2, 244).

As already mentioned above, upper panels and lower panels shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 comprise structural steel. Further, each such panel is welded to a tank liner or tank wall (hereinafter referred to as simply the liner). Such liner comprises steel skin. FIGS. 8 and 9 show upper panel 202 welded to liner 540 and upper panel 204 welded to liner 440. Under one embodiment, a panel may also include a reinforcement liner. FIGS. 8 and 9 show that upper panel 202 is welded to liner 540, which is then further welded to reinforcement liner 570. It should be noted that any upper or lower panel (or any combination thereof) may include an additional reinforcement liner depending upon the structural requirements of a tank deployment.

FIG. 4 shows the first end 204A of upper panel 204. The first end 204A comprises a series of longitudinally disposed T-shaped connecting plates 404, 406. FIG. 4 also shows tension plates 408, 410. FIG. 8 shows tension plate 408 in greater detail. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8 together, the tension plate 408 comprises a first tension plate 422 and a second tension plate 420. A first tension plate 422 is affixed to an outer edge of a connecting plate 404 and extends outward in a direction perpendicular to the connecting plate 404. A second tension plate 420 is affixed to both the connecting plate 404 and first tension plate 422 and occupies a plane orthogonal to both the connecting plate 404 and the first tension plate 422.

FIG. 5 shows the second end 202B of the upper panel 202. The second end 202B includes a series of longitudinally disposed T-shaped receiving plates 502, 504, 506, 508. The receiving plates 502, 504, 506, 508 (as part of upper panel 202) are affixed to liner surface 540. The receiving plates 502, 504, 506, 508 and liner surface 540 provide receiving cavities 542, 544 for receiving connecting plates 404, 406. FIGS. 5 and 6 also show vertically disposed locking plates 550, 552 affixed to receiving plates 506, 508. As one example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the vertically disposed locking plates 550, 552 affixed to receiving plates 506, 508. The locking plates 550, 552 and receiving plates 506, 508 form slots (or shoulders) for receiving and securing corresponding corners of connecting plates.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 together, slots/shoulders 554 and 556 receive corresponding corners 454 and 456 of connecting plate 406 when panels 202 and 204 are secured to one another as further described below. It should be noted that all first end connecting plates and second end receiving plates interlock in this manner when panels 202 and 204 are secured to each other.

FIG. 5 also shows tensioning components which function to secure panel 202 and 204. The tensioning components are coupled to panel 202 and include a guide plate 562, tensioning screw 564, and locking wedge manipulator 568. The tensioning components cooperate with tension plate 408 coupled to panel 204 (FIG. 4) to form a tensioning system 700 which secures panels 202 and 204 together. FIG. 7 shows functional operation of guide plate 562, tensioning screw 564, locking wedge manipulator 568 and tension plate 408 in a secured configuration.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show guide plate 562, tensioning screw 564, locking wedge manipulator 568 and tension plate 408 in greater detail. The operation of such tensioning system 700 is described herein with respect to panels 202 and 204 (and corresponding connecting plate 404 and receiving plates 502, 504). However, it should be understood that the described tensioning system 700 functions in substantially the same manner in securing any two panels of an assembled tank 100.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an installer secures panels 202 and 204 together by manipulating connecting plate 404 into cavity 542 (see also FIG. 5) formed in receiving plates 502, 504. The installer may use pry bars (not shown) in combination with tensioning screw 564 to slide connecting plate 404 under corresponding locking plates 554, 556 until connecting plate 404 securely opposes receiving plates 502, 504 in slots/shoulders (not shown) under corresponding locking plates 554, 556 of receiving plates 502, 504. The installer turns tensioning screw 564 to increase pressure on second tension plate 422 to secure connecting plate 404 under corresponding locking plates 554, 556.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the installer may then insert the locking wedge manipulator 568 into dish 570 positioned below tension plate 408. The locking wedge manipulator 568 is coupled to locking wedge 572. The locking wedge comprises a finger 574 (see FIG. 11) which resides between receiving plate 502 and connecting plate 404 in order to ensure that connecting plate 404 maintains its position under locking plates 554, 556.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tensioning system 700 of FIG. 7, taken along line D-D of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 shows locking plate 554 affixed to receiving plate 502, and locking plate 556 affixed to receiving plate 504. FIG. 10 also shows the locking wedge manipulator 568 coupled to locking wedge 572. FIG. 10 also shows connecting plate 404.

FIG. 11 is a cross section view of the tensioning system 700 of FIG. 10, taken along line d-d of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows connecting plate 404. FIG. 11 shows locking plate 556 affixed to connecting plate 504. FIG. 11 shows guide plate 562. FIG. 11 also shows the locking wedge manipulator 568 coupled to locking wedge 572 residing in dish 570. The locking wedge 572 is coupled to finger 574.

The portable tank assembly 100 as seen in FIG. 1 enables a large-volume tank to be transported to a remote well site via over-the-road trailer. As described herein, the upper ring comprises a series of panels and the lower ring also comprises a series of panels, forming two levels. The disassembled upper ring panels and lower ring panels may be transported in sections to the well site. A tarp is placed on a cleared location where assembly begins. The lower panel segments are assembled end-to-end using the novel coupling system described herein. The assembled lower panels comprise the lower ring. Once the lower ring is in place, the first upper panel is coupled to the lower ring using one or more jaw connectors. Once the first upper panel is in place, upper panels are installed one by one using the novel couplings system described herein whereby each upper panel is also coupled to the lower ring using one or more jaw connectors. When the tank is assembled, the tarp may be folded up and over the outer periphery of the tank and circumferentially coupled to the upper end of the upper ring. The tank (as shown and described with respect to FIG. 1) may be filled to hold approximately 1.79 million gallons of water or other liquid in one embodiment, but embodiments are not so limited. When the tank is drained of water in connection with a hydro-fracturing operation, it may be disassembled by simply reversing the above described process. The tank panels and hardware may then be loaded onto a trailer and transported from the well site.

The portable tank is of course not limited to use at a well site. The portable tank may be used at other locations where there is a need to hold large volumes of water. As one example, the portable tanks may be transported to and assembled at flood locations to provide temporary storage of flood waters. The portable tanks may also be used at water recycling locations, e.g. at locations where large volumes of water previously used in fracking operations are recycled. Firefighting operations in remote locations may trigger a need for mobile and rapidly deployable water storage capabilities during firefighting operations. The portable tank components provide mobile and high capacity water storage capabilities and may be deployed at any location where there is an need to hold water in tanks or holding vessels.

A method for fabricating a water tank is also provided herein. In one aspect, the method first comprises removing a plurality of arcuate tank panels from the bed of a trailer. Each panel has a length A−B according to the formula:

A−B=(D×π)/n₁

• • wherein: D=Diameter of the tank; and
  •  n₁=number of panels.

Each panel has a first end and a second opposing end. The first end of each panel is configured to interlock with the second end of an adjoining panel. Each panel further comprises a liner. The liner is affixed along an inner surface of each arcuate tank panel and has a first end and a second end. The first end of each liner resides intermediate the first and second ends of an associated tank panel, while the second end extends beyond the second end of the associated tank panel.

The method also includes interlocking adjoining tank panels to form a cylindrical container having an open top. The interlocking step may be performed by using the tensioning system described herein. The method further includes mechanically compressing adjoining tank sections so that adjoining tank panels further form a fluidically-sealed container.

In one aspect, A−B is at least 28 feet in length and at least 5 feet in height. In a preferred embodiment, the water tank comprises a first level of arcuate tank panels, with each panel having a length A−B, and a second level of arcuate tank panels residing on the second level of arcuate tank panels. Optionally, each panel in the second level of tank panels also has a length A−B. Alternatively, each panel in the second level of tank panels has a length C−D according to the formula:

C−D=(D×π)/n₂

• • wherein: D=Diameter of the tank; and
  •  n₂=number of panels in the second level.

Under an embodiment, each panel fabricated from one or more of a metallic and polycarbonate material, and each liner is fabricated from one or more of a metallic and polycarbonate material.

Under an embodiment, the first end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors, and the second end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors configured to mate with the connectors at the first end of an adjoining panel.

Under an embodiment, at least some of the connectors at the first end of each panel and the mating connectors at the second end of each panel are (i) T-shaped, (ii) circular-shaped, or (iii) combinations thereof.

Under an embodiment, the second end of each panel comprises one or more guide plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, each second end guide plate having a through-opening, the first end of each panel comprises one or more tension plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel.

Under an embodiment, the method further comprises running a bolt through the through-opening, wherein the mechanically compressing adjoining tank sections comprises rotating the bolt.

Under an embodiment, at least two of the connectors at the second end of each panel comprises a locking plate, each locking plate residing on an outer surface of an associated connector and providing a shoulder that contacts a mating connector on the first end of an adjoining panel.

Under an embodiment, the second end of each panel further comprises one or more locking wedge plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel and residing below the one or more tension plates at a first end of an interlocked panel.

Under an embodiment, the method comprises placing the one or more locking wedge plates in a dish residing beneath the one or more tension plates.

Under one embodiment, a water tank comprises a plurality of arcuate tank panels, each panel having a length A−B according to the formula:

A−B=(D×π)/n₁

• • wherein: D=Diameter of the tank
  •  n₁=number of panels.

Under an embodiment each panel has a first end and a second opposing end, with the first end of each panel configured to interlock with the second end of an adjoining panel; each panel further comprises a liner, the liner affixed along an inner surface of each arcuate tank panel and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each liner resides intermediate the first and second ends of an associated tank panel, and the second end extends beyond the second end of the associated tank panel; and the first end and the second opposing end of each panel including tensioning components configured to mechanically compress the interlocked adjoining panels to form a fluidically sealed cylindrical container having an open top.

Under an embodiment, the first end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors, the second end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors configured to mate with the connectors at the first end of an adjoining panel, wherein at least some of the connectors at the first end of each panel and the mating connectors at the second end of each panel are (i) T-shaped, (ii) circular-shaped, or (iii) combinations thereof.

Under an embodiment, the second end of each panel comprises one or more guide plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, each second end guide plate having a through-opening. The first end of each panel comprises one or more tension plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, wherein the one or more guide plates are configured to receive a bolt through the through opening, wherein the one or more tension plates are configured to oppose the bolt, wherein the tensioning components are operable to mechanically compress adjoining tank sections by rotating the bolt, the tensioning components including the one or more guide plates and the one or more tension plates.

Under an embodiment, at least two of the connectors at the second end of each panel comprises a locking plate, each locking plate residing on an outer surface of an associated connector and providing a shoulder that contacts a mating connector on the first end of an adjoining panel.

Under an embodiment, the second end of each panel further comprises one or more locking wedge plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel and residing below the one or more tension plates at a first end of an interlocked panel, wherein the one or more locking wedge plates reside within a dish of the one or more guide plates, the one or more locking wedges including a portion that resides between the first end and the second end connectors to maintain the mechanically compressed configuration of the interlocking adjoining panels.

It is understood that the portable tank of FIG. 1 and the method for assembling the tank are merely illustrative. Other arrangements may be employed in accordance the embodiments set forth below. Further, variations of the portable tank may comply with the spirit of the embodiments set forth herein.

Claims

1. A method for fabricating a water tank, comprising: removing a plurality of arcuate tank panels from the bed of a trailer, each panel having a length A−B according to the formula: A−B=(D×π)/n1 wherein: D=Diameter of the tank n1=number of panels; and each panel has a first end and a second opposing end, with the first end of each panel configured to interlock with the second end of an adjoining panel; and each panel further comprises a liner, the liner affixed along an inner surface of each arcuate tank panel and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each liner resides intermediate the first and second ends of an associated tank panel, and the second end extends beyond the second end of the associated tank panel;interlocking adjoining tank panels to form a cylindrical container having an open top;mechanically compressing the interlocked adjoining tank sections so that adjoining tank panels further form a fluidically-sealed container.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein A−B is at least 28 feet in length and at least 5 feet in height.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the water tank comprises a first level of arcuate tank panels, with each panel having a length A−B, and a second level of arcuate tank panels residing on the second level of arcuate tank panels.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein each panel in the second level of tank panels also has a length A−B.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein each panel in the second level of tank panels has a length C−D according to the formula: C−D=(D×π)/n2 wherein: D=Diameter of the tank n2=number of panels in the second level.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein: each panel is fabricated from one or more of a metallic and polycarbonate material; andeach liner is fabricated from one or more of a metallic and polycarbonate material.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein: the first end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors; andthe second end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors configured to mate with the connectors at the first end of an adjoining panel.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein at least some of the connectors at the first end of each panel and the mating connectors at the second end of each panel are (i) T-shaped, (ii) circular-shaped, or (iii) combinations thereof.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein: the second end of each panel comprises one or more guide plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, each second end guide plate having a through-opening;the first end of each panel comprises one or more tension plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel; andthe method further comprises: running a bolt through the through-opening; andwherein the mechanically compressing adjoining tank sections comprises rotating the bolt.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: at least two of the connectors at the second end of each panel comprises a locking plate, each locking plate residing on an outer surface of an associated connector and providing a shoulder that contacts a mating connector on the first end of an adjoining panel.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein: the second end of each panel further comprises one or more locking wedge plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel and residing below the one or more tension plates at a first end of an interlocked panel; andthe method further comprising placing the one or more locking wedge plates in a dish residing beneath the one or more tension plates.

12. The method of claim 2, wherein: the first end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed hooks; andthe second end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed pins configured to receive a corresponding hook at the first end of an adjoining panel.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein mechanically compressing adjoining tank sections comprises gravitationally dropping the series of hooks onto the series of pins.

14. The method of claim 2, further comprising: transporting the plurality of arcuate tank panels over the road to a wellsite.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: placing an aqueous fracturing fluid into the assembled cylindrical tank at the wellsite.

16. A water tank, comprising: a plurality of arcuate tank panels, each panel having a length A−B according to the formula: A−B=(D×π)/n1 wherein: D=Diameter of the tank n1=number of panels; and each panel has a first end and a second opposing end, with the first end of each panel configured to interlock with the second end of an adjoining panel; and each panel further comprises a liner, the liner affixed along an inner surface of each arcuate tank panel and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each liner resides intermediate the first and second ends of an associated tank panel, and the second end extends beyond the second end of the associated tank panel; and the first end and the second opposing end of each panel including tensioning components configured to mechanically compress the interlocked adjoining panels to form a fluidically sealed cylindrical container having an open top.

17. The water tank of claim 16, wherein: the first end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors; andthe second end of each panel comprises a series of vertically disposed connectors configured to mate with the connectors at the first end of an adjoining panel, wherein at least some of the connectors at the first end of each panel and the mating connectors at the second end of each panel are (i) T-shaped, (ii) circular-shaped, or (iii) combinations thereof.

18. The water tank of claim 17, wherein: the second end of each panel comprises one or more guide plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, each second end guide plate having a through-opening;the first end of each panel comprises one or more tension plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel, wherein the one or more guide plates are configured to receive a bolt through the through opening, wherein the one or more tension plates are configured to oppose the bolt, wherein the tensioning components are operable to mechanically compress adjoining tank sections by rotating the bolt, the tensioning components including the one or more guide plates and the one or more tension plates.

19. The water tank of claim 18, wherein: at least two of the connectors at the second end of each panel comprises a locking plate, each locking plate residing on an outer surface of an associated connector and providing a shoulder that contacts a mating connector on the first end of an adjoining panel.

20. The water tank of claim 18, wherein: the second end of each panel further comprises one or more locking wedge plates extending transverse from an outer surface of the panel and residing below the one or more tension plates at a first end of an interlocked panel, wherein the one or more locking wedge plates reside within a dish of the one or more guide plates, the one or more locking wedges including a portion that resides between the first end and the second end connectors to maintain the mechanically compressed configuration of the interlocking adjoining panels.