Patent Application
20220161993
The present application claims the priority of earlier Singapore patent application Nr. 102019109760 that was filed on 21 Nov. 2019. The present application further claims the priority of earlier Chinese Utility Model application Nr. 201922481683.8 that was filed on 31 Dec. 2019. The present application additionally claims the priority of earlier Chinese invention patent application Nr. 201911414932.X that was filed on 31 Dec. 2019 too. The present application moreover claims the priority of earlier Korean invention patent application Nr. 10-2020-0011070 that was filed on 30 Jan. 2020. The present application besides claims the priority of earlier Malaysian patent application Nr. PI 2019 007789 that was filed on 26 Dec. 2019.
The present patent application primarily relates to a sectional panel tank for storing liquids (such as water and chemical solutions), solids, gases and sludge. The application also relates to a method of making the sectional panel tank. The application further relates to a prefabricated unit panel for assembling the sectional panel tank; and a method of making the prefabricated unit panel.
Current tanks for aggressive chemicals and hazardous wastes are prefabricated in a factory and then transported as a whole or as semi-finished parts to be assembled on site. However, known technologies of manufacturing the tanks are time consuming, machinery/labour intensive and host specific.
Meanwhile, sectional panel tanks for water are widely demanded due to their economical, scalable and potable advantages. However, the current technologies are not suitable for the water tightness due to a weakness of elastomeric gaskets or seals that join the panels together. The known sectional panel tank thus has a short term of usage although panels thereof can last much longer. The known sectional panel tanks are also limited by their poor biological and chemical resistance of panel materials, such as fiberglass, reinforced polymer, hot dipped galvanized, and stainless steel. In addition, the known sectional panel tanks cannot resist natural disasters such as earthquakes. Therefore, the present application aims to provide one or more sectional panel tanks that are more durable and scalable for storing or transporting liquids (such as water and chemical solutions), solids, gases, slurry and/or sludge securely and reliably. Alternatively speaking, the present application aims to provide a new purpose for sectional panel tank. In addition, the sectional panel tank of the subject application can resist biological and chemical hazardous materials and earthquakes.
As a first aspect, the present application discloses a sectional panel tank (i.e. panel tank, panel assembled tank or concealed container). The sectional panel tank comprises one or more side walls (i.e. sidewalls) that are joined together in forming the sectional panel tank. The side wall comprises a first unit panel having a first extension at a first edge of the first unit panel and a second unit panel having a second extension at a second edge of the second unit panel. The extensions (e.g. first extension; second extension) are also known as flanges, which may be folded or bent (e.g, at about 90°) at the edges of the unit panels respectively. The second extension and the second extension are preferably joined together contiguously by fasteners (e.g. bolts and nuts) such that no gasket is required at their contacting areas. Accordingly, the second unit panel is then connected or attached to the first unit panel for providing a continuous surface of the side wall. As a whole, the first unit panel and the second unit panel provide structural support to the side wall or the sectional panel tank. The first unit panel or the second unit panel may have various designs in terms of shape and dimensions. In some implementations, the first or the second unit panel size has a typical size of 1 meter (m)×1 meter (m) and a typical thickness of 20 millimetres (mm). It is understood to the skilled person that the thickness of the unit panel is also dependent on its materials. For example, the unit pane made of fiberglass reinforced polymers (FRP) typically has the thickness of 5 to 10 millimetres (mm); while the unit panel made of stainless steel (SUS standard) has the thickness of 2 to 4 millimetres (mm), subject to the height of the sectional tank.
The first unit panel and the second unit panel are optionally made of impermeable, corrosion resistive or resistant and structurally robust materials. For example, the unit panels or the side wall of the sectional panel tank may comprise hot pressed metals or metal alloys sheets, such as stainless steel (SUS 304 or SUS 316), mild steel (such as hot dipped galvanized (HUG) or epoxy coated), copper, bronze, brass or galvanized steel; plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene; and composites, such as fiberglass reinforced polymers (FRP) (FRP/SUS or HDG/SUS), or glass reinforced plastics (GRP), including rubbers, EPDM, and mixture of rubber and plastics. The unit panels made of plastics or composites are particularly suitable for chemical equipment such as tanks or vessels. For example, the chemical equipment with a size ranging from less than 1 meter to 200 meters are fabricated by FRP unit panels. In addition, the first unit panel and/or the second unit panel may be treated with any coating for additional functions, e.g. an impermeable coating (such as fluoropolymer, epoxy, phenolic, phosphate, PTFE and FFP) for water sealing; a water repellent coating (such as silicone, polyurethane and zinc) for water resisting; and a corrosion-proof or chemical resistant coating (such as PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE) for preventing corrosion. In particular, an ultraviolet (UV) laminate or gel coating is applied onto the FRP unit panel for preventing any damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays and meanwhile making a smooth surface.
The first unit panel and the second unit panel have substantially similar or identical shapes (e.g. square, rectangular, hexagonal), profiles, sizes, structures, materials and/or mechanical strength so that the first and second panels can be mass produced and standardized. In addition, surfaces or contours of the first unit panel, the second unit panel, the side wall or a combination of any of these (segments, panels, walls) can be curved (e.g. 3D geometric shape or 2D geometric shape) or straight. For example, the first unit panel and the second unit panel are aligned at an angle substantially larger than 90°, 120°, 150° (e.g. around 180° for being a flat side wall).
The first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined, affixed, or fastened together either detachably or permanently. In particular, they are contiguously, directly or immediately joined with direct surface contact at and/or by the first extension and the second extension without any intermediate materials, e.g. in the absence of any gasket, mechanical seal by the at least one fastener on the first extension and the second extension. In other words, the extensions or flanges of the first and second unit panels directly contact each other without any intermediate material so that the extensions or flanges can be tightened together strongly. Therefore, the first unit panel and the second unit panel have a line of division exposed, known as a seam joint.
The first extension and the second extension may adopt any form that provides structural support to the first unit panel and the second panel respectively. In particular, the first extension and the second extension are firmly and inflexibly jointed by touching each other directly without any foreign component between their contacting surfaces in order to form the side wall in a rigid form.
In some implementations, the first extension has one or more first flanges (or any other first external or internal ridge or rim for attachment) at the edges of the first unit panel. A flange is an example of the first extension or second extension, which is an external or internal ridge of the first unit panel, the second unit pane or another panel as an extra rim or lip, which provides structural support for strength, as a flange of an iron beam, an I-beam or a T-beam; or for attachment to another object, as the flange on the end of a pipe, steam cylinder, etc., or for a flange of a rail car or tram wheel. The first flange is folded from an inner side to an external side of the first unit panel or the sectional panel tank. The external side is a side exposed to air or ambient when the sectional panel tank is filled with content. Similarly, the second extension has one or more second flanges (or any other second external or internal ridge or rim for attachment) at the edges of the second unit panel. The second flange is also folded from an inner side to an external side of the second unit panel or the sectional panel tank. As discussed above, the first flange and the second flange are firmly and inflexibly jointed by touching each other directly without any foreign component (such as a gasket) between their contacting surfaces.
In some implementations, the first extension comprises a first margin (i.e. flange) of the first unit panel at its edges; while the second extension comprises a second margin (i.e. flange) of the second unit panel at its edges. The first margin or second margin preferably comprises an engagement hole (i.e. through hole, perforation) for receiving a securing means (e.g. fastener). The first margin and the second margin are directly fastened together (e.g. stacked) for making the first unit panel and the second unit panel as a unitary piece, thereby forming the side wall of the sectional panel tank. In particular, the first margin and the second margin have substantially similar or identical materials and/or thicknesses respectively, so that the first margin and the second margin can be produced along with the first unit panel and the second unit panel respectively. The first margin or the second margin may be also known as flange.
The sectional panel tank optionally comprises a jointer (also known as a plaster, a paste or any solidified plastic material), such as polymeric welding joint applied at the seam on inner sides of the first unit panel and the second unit panel of the sectional panel tank. The jointer thus bridges a gap between the neighbouring unit panels such that the inner sides or surfaces of the first unit panel and the second unit panel form a continuous surface, which is impermeable to solid, liquid or gas. Since inner sides of the sectional tank are covered by a continuous sheet or surface of impermeable material (e.g. polymer), the sectional panel obviates the gasket sealing between flanges or unit panels. For example, if inner sides of unit panels of the sectional panel tank are covered by polymer sheets, the jointer can be provided by polymer welding by adopting the polymer similar or identical to that of the inner sides. In particular, the jointer is made of a same material as the first unit panel and the second unit panel (i.e. stainless welding on SUS panel, PP welding on homogenous PP panels). The jointer is applied for preventing any leakage of the liquid or the gas in the sectional panel tank from the seam. The jointer may be formed by any suitable method according to a specific material of the jointer. For example, a thermoplastic welding is adopted when the jointer comprises one or more thermoplastic materials. Accordingly, the jointer is alternatively known as a welding joint, a welder, a sheet joint, a surface joint, a liner joint, a polymer joint or a polymer welding joint, butt weld joint, hot gas weld joint, electro fusion weld joint, extrusion weld joint, infrared weld joint, ultrasonic weld joint, laser weld joint, etc. depending on relevant materials or methods adopted.
In some implementations, the jointer has a conductive strip applied at the seam on the inner sides of the first unit panel and the second unit panel if the inner sides have thermoplastic materials. The conductive strip has electrical conducting materials (such as carbon particles, carbon nanotubes or graphene, metal particles) which are embedded inside a thermoplastic base material (such as HDPE) and form continuous electrical conducting paths. When the conductive strip is subjected to an induction heater having an electromagnet and an electronic oscillator, a high-frequency alternating current (AC) through the electromagnet would heat the electrical conducting materials (i.e. induction heating) and further melt the thermoplastic base material for sealing the seam between the first and second unit panels. Preferably, the thermoplastic base material would permeate thorough the seam and be visually inspected externally. If the thermoplastic base material forms a continuous path at the seam from outside the first and second unit panels, the first and second unit panels are reliably connected together.
The first unit panel optionally comprises a structural panel extending between the first extensions (such as the first flanges) at the first edges of the first unit panel for resisting pressure and weight of a load inside the sectional panel tank. The structural panel may comprise any component that has a high strength and good durability under pressure (e.g. water pressure) and various environmental conditions (such as temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, corrosion, wind and rain). In addition, the structural panel may also have embossments (such as a cross embossment at a center of the structural panel) for further resisting the pressure. The structural panel may have various shapes and sizes, such as a square shape with an edge of around 1.2 meter (or around 4.0 feet) or 1.0 meter in length. For another example, the structural panel has a rectangular shape with a length of 2.0 meters and a width of 1.0 meter. For another example, the structural panel has a curved shape for assembling cylindrical sectional panel tank.
The structural panel may have various structure. For example, the structural panel has a single layer made of stainless steel or fiberglass reinforced polymers (FRP). For example, the structural panel has an inner layer made of stainless steel and an exterior layer made of fiberglass reinforced polymers (FRP). In the former case, the first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined via metal welding; and in the latter case, the first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined via solvent welding. Alternatively, the structural panel has an inner layer made of fiberglass reinforced polymers (FRP) and an exterior layer made of stainless steel. Similarly, the first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined via metal welding.
The sectional panel tank optionally comprises one or more linings joined, attached, affixed, adhered or fixed onto the inner side, exterior side or both of the side wall (such as the encapsulation of the unit panel; especially in the case of partition unit panels within the tank itself where both surfaces of the unit panels are exposed to the stored content), in order to prevent biological and chemical corrosion and resultant leakage of the fluid, solid, gas or sludge stored inside the sectional panel tank. The lining may have a dimension large enough for covering an inner area of the sectional panel tank. Moreover, the lining may comprise a plurality of lining sheets. The lining sheets may have a same or various dimensions for covering the first unit panel or the second unit panel. For example, one single lining sheet is used for covering the first unit panel. Alternatively, multiple lining sheets are joined together for covering the second unit panel. In addition, the lining is optionally connected to the jointer at the seam for further strengthening the jointer. In some implementations, the lining has a thickness in a range of 0.5 millimetre (mm) to 6 millimetre (mm), such as 2˜4 mm (i.e. from two to four millimetres) preferably, or 1 to 5 mm (La from one to five millimetres) preferably. One or more of the lining or linings are extendable and/or flexible. Hence, the one or more linings are able to hold water inside the sectional panel tank even if the unit panels of the sectional panel tank are broken or breached. The unique ability of holding liquid content (e.g. water or hazardous chemical solutions) is beneficial, desired and/or critical for keeping integrity of the sectional panel tank, even when the sectional panel tank experience earthquake, collision and/vibration. Another point for consideration is a “double containment system” wherein two layers of linings are formed over a same side of the unit panel, in such design, even if there is a breach from the inside, no risk would occur of exposure of the content inside the sectional panel tank to the outside. In addition, a leakage sensor can be incorporated between the two linings to detect such breach to effect timely repair. The leakage detection is particular important for storage of hazardous chemicals or waste inside the sectional panel tank.
The lining may comprise a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material or both. The thermoplastic material includes thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers. Thermoplastics include but are not limited to PerFluoroAlkoxy (PFA), PolyFluoroEth, Polyethylene (PE) (such as low density PE (LDPE), Cross Link PE (XLPE), High Density PE (HDPE), and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)), Polypropylene (PP) (such as PP Random (PPR)), PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), EthyleneChloroTrifFluoroEthylene (ECTFE), PolyVinyliDeneFluoride (PVDF), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) and Perfluoroalkoxy Alkanes (PFA). The thermoset material includes but is not limited to EthyleneVinylalcOHol (EVOH), PolyVinylChoride (PVC), PolyStyrene (PS), PolyCarbonate (PC), PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Therefore, the lining is bound or secured to the inner side of the side wall by a hybrid joining method if the first unit panel is made of metals or metal alloys (such as stainless steel sheet) or a plastic joining if the first unit panel is made of plastic or composites. In particular, the hybrid joining comprises adhesive and solvent bonding (such as hot-metal adhesive bonding), as well as welding (such as thermal welding). The hybrid joining method is optionally conducted in combination of suitable mechanical bonding (such as gaskets) or joining methods (such as clinching or press joining). An adhesion strength of the lining to the first unit panel is optionally examined or tested by peel test and/or shear test with multiple force-extension courses.
The lining is optionally preformed (e.g. coated, moulded, adhered, attached or casted) onto the inner side, exterior side or both including the first extension (such as the flanges) of the first unit panel. The preforming process may be conducted by any suitable method accordingly to a nature of the sectional panel tank. For example, the sectional panel tank is made of metals (such as stainless steel), the preforming process is conducted by mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, moulding or a combination of any foregoing technologies.
The mechanical fastening method often uses clamping components or fasteners (such as, nuts, bolts, screws or rivets) or integrated design elements (such as snap-fit or press-fit). In addition, the mechanical fastening may also require mechanical operations such as drilling holes or making screw threads. The mechanical fastening method has several advantages such as simplicity, reliability and easy inspection and repair.
Alternatively, the adhesive bonding method optionally applies adhesives (such as heat sensitive adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive) between the lining and the first unit panel. The adhesives bond the lining (such as polyester, fiberglass, felt, geotextile, and fabric backed liner (FBL)) and the first unit panel together by creating chemical and/or physical reactions for forming intermolecular forces at an interface of the lining and the first unit panel. The adhesive bonding method has a major advantage of homogeneously distributing internal stresses throughout both the lining and the first unit panel, especially if incorporating an intermediate layer (e.g. fabric material) between the lining and the first unit panel.
Alternatively, the coating method applies the lining as a coat onto the structural panel. For example, the coating method adopts a thermal spray coating of lining materials to the structural panel whose inner surface is cleaned and roughened before the coating process. The thermal spray coating method is suitable for a variety of materials, including metal alloys, oxide and nonoxide ceramics, plastics, cermets, and composite structures comprised of metals, ceramics, and plastics. The thermal spray coating may generate the lining of various thickness, typically from 2.5 micrometres (μm) to 6.5 millimetres (mm). In addition, the thermal spray coating method has a rapid deposition rate and low processing costs. Furthermore, the thermal spray coating does not need a high temperature and thus would not create hazardous degradation to the structural panel during the processing.
The welding method comprises shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), ultrasonic welding, laser welding, friction stir welding, or friction spot welding when the lining and the unit panel are made of metal materials. For example, the lining material is titanium, whilst the panel material is stainless steel. The specific welding method is selected according to chemical and physical natures of the lining material and the panel material. The specific welding method is selected according to chemical and physical natures of the lining material and the panel material.
The moulding method is conducted by firstly pre-heating the thermoplastics lining, granules or pellets to a soften state and then directly applying the soften lining onto the panel. The moulding method further comprises compression moulding, injection moulding, blow moulding, rotational moulding, extrusion moulding, and thermoforming. In contrast, the preforming process is conducted by a polymeric joining method if the unit panel is made of polymers or polymeric composites (such as Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP)). The preforming process is thus conducted by mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, solvent bonding or a combination of any foregoing technologies. The mechanical fastening method and the adhesive bonding method are generally similar to those described above for the sectional panel tank made of metals. The preforming process is applicable to FRP or metal (e.g. stainless steel), basically independent of the materials of which the unit (substrate) panel is made.
The welding method for polymers or polymeric materials comprises external heating methods including hot-gas welding, hot wedge welding, extrusion welding, hot plate welding, infrared (IR) welding and laser welding; as well as internal heating methods. The internal heating methods further comprises mechanical ways including spin welding, stir welding, vibration welding (i.e. friction welding) and ultrasonic welding; and electromagnetic ways including resistance welding (also known as implant welding or electrofusion welding), induction welding, dielectric welding and microwave welding. In addition, thermal spraying technologies are also suitable for welding of polymers or polymeric materials, including electrical means (such as plasma or arc) or chemical means (combustion flame). In particular, plasma spraying or plasma coating is adopted for welding a thin layer of polymers or polymeric materials.
The solvent bonding method is particularly suitable for preforming the lining onto the unit panel when the unit panel has a layer of thermosetting polymers. In particular, the polymers or polymeric materials are amorphous (such as PolyVinylChoride (PVC), acrylic (AK) and PolyStyrene (PS), PolyCarbonate (PC), PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)). A solvent is applied at the interface of two unit panels for plasticizing the surfaces of the polymers or polymeric materials.
The lining optionally comprises a bonding layer on one surface or both surfaces of the lining. For example, the bonding layer comprises a fabric backed liner (FBL) having a thin layer of any fabric material (such as felt, polyester) to provide a rough or coarse surface for adhesives. For another example, the bonding layer comprises a thin homogenous layer of mechanical fixtures having a plurality of anchors, surface texture, extensions, legs, studs. In particular, various fillers may be embedded inside gaps between studs for specific purposes. When the fillers are porous materials (such as aerogel, rigid polyurethane (PUR), polyisocyanurate (PIR), mineral wool), the lining provides a thermal insulation function, fire resistance function, noise reduction function and a mechanical cushion function. The thermal insulation function ensures that the sectional panel tank is workable in special regions (such as high latitude countries in cold winter) or for special applications (such as spa). The mechanical cushion function ensures that the lining is tightly pushed against the unit panel under a pressure of the water stored inside the sectional panel tank. In addition, the lining may work as a matrix for holding firmly various functional particular substances inside the lining without losing the functional particles when in contact with water. For example, the lining may hold a self-cleaning particular substance (such as titanium dioxide (TiO2)) for removing any debris or sediments from the self-cleaning surface automatically. The self-cleaning particular substance is optionally superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic or photocatalytic. The lining may further hold an antimicrobial particular substance (such as silver nanoparticles) for killing any microbial-organism in the water.
The lining optionally comprises a fore layer (or first layer) and a base layer (or second layer). In particular, the fore layer and the base layer are co-extruded at manufacturing to form a homogenous boned liner. Typically, the fore layer and the base layer have a fore colour and a base colour respectively. The base colour is preferably distinctively different to human's eyes from the fore colour, so that any erosion, wear or destruction of an exposed fore layer of the two layers will uncover an underneath base layer of the two layers for an easy vision inspection. If the base colour is observed in the inner side of the sectional panel tank, repair or replacement is then warranted.
Both layers are joined by co-extrusion and/or The base and fore layers are optionally made of a same or similar materials for a homogenous joint. In some implementations, the total thickness is in a range from 1.0 to 6.0 millimetres (mm). The base layer and the fore layer have a base thickness and a fore thickness respectively. Typically, the fore layer thickness account for no more than 50% (such as 10% or 30%) of the total thickness.
The sectional panel tank may further comprise a thermal insulation layer for reducing temperature fluctuation of the fluid inside the sectional panel tank. The thermal insulation layer is made of thermal insulation material that slows down heat transfer by conduction or convection, especially in a thickness direction of the first unit panel. The thermal insulation material comprises fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, aerogel, pyrogel, natural fibres (such as hemp, sheep's wool, cotton and straw) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam. The mineral wool further comprises glass wool, rock wool and slag wool. The polystyrene also further comprises expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XEPS). In particular, the thermal insulation material is preferred to be hydrophobic or non-absorbing to water, such as fiberglass.
The thermal insulation layer is optionally sandwiched between the unit panels and the lining. Due to its light weight, the thermal insulation layer can be held in place without further assistance. In particular, the thermal insulation layer is completely encapsulated by the unit panels and the lining such that the thermal insulation layer would be on one hand protected from external shocks and on the other hand not in touch with the liquid, solids, gas or sludge stored inside the sectional panel tank.
Alternatively, the thermal insulation layer, the external side of the first unit panel is treated or processed for being substantially reflective to light, heat, infrared wave or any other types of irradiation. In particular, since stainless steel (also known as inox steel or inox) is reflective to solar and thermal irradiations, the first unit panel made of stainless steel may achieve a same or similar reflective effect without the treatment. In addition, the reflective effect of stainless steel is further compounded by not converting wavelengths of incoming light. Therefore, solar energies carried by the incoming light are directly sent back into space substantially without atmospheric absorption, which effectively prevents re-radiation from the outside environment.
In addition to the thermal insulation layer, the sectional panel tank may also comprise a radiant barrier layer for further suppressing temperature fluctuation of the fluid inside the sectional panel tank. The radiant barrier layer is reflective to heat radiation (such as visible light or infrared waves) and thus reduces heat transfer. The radiant barrier layer optionally comprises a very thin and mirror-like aluminium foil. Alternatively, an external side first unit panel maybe treated with low heat transmission material such as chromium oxide and Iriotec pigments. It is understood to a skilled person that the thermal insulation is not to limit to heat reflection and heat dispersion layer only, a heat absorption coating on the exterior, interior or both exterior and interior can also be incorporated to keep the sectional panel tanks warm at night and/or during the winter months. In addition, a photovoltaic coating and/or laminate can also be harnessed for energy where needed.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a shield layer for protecting the thermal insulation layer and the fireproofing layer. The shield layer is made of structural material resisting to loads and impacts. The structural material comprises iron, concrete, aluminium (Al), composites, masonry, timber, adobe, alloy, bamboo, carbon fibres, fiber reinforced plastics and mudbrick. The iron further comprises wrought iron, cast iron, steel and stainless steel. The concrete further comprises reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete. The shield layer is optionally positioned externally to the thermal insulation layer and the fireproofing layer.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a cover, an access hole (e.g. manhole), a ladder or a combination of the foregoing objects. The cover is used for partially or completely covering the sectional panel tank for preventing foreign contaminates. The cover optionally comprises a plurality of cover unit panels that are assembled and/or joined together into the single unitary piece of cover. Alternatively, the cover may be a pre-fabricated part and loaded as a whole onto the side wall of the sectional panel tank. The access hole is made as an opening to access the inner space of the sectional panel tank by a worker or technician for inspection, maintenance, or even modification (e.g. upgrading). The access hole is preferably located near a periphery edge of the sectional panel tank of the cover for easy access. The ladder comprises a bottom end at or near the ground; and a top end at or slightly higher than the cover. In particular, the top end is in vicinity of the access hole such that an operator can easily get to the access hole by climbing the ladder until the top end.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a framework (e.g. structural bracing) that is either detachably or permanently connected to the first unit panel, the second unit panel or both for upholding structural integrity of the sectional panel tank. For example, the structural bracing may comprise an internal bracing and/or an external bracing. The internal bracing and the external bracing is often made of steel (such as steel rods) or even polymer which can withhold the designed pressure. The framework is optionally made of wood, engineered wood, concrete, structural steel or a combination of any of these. In addition, the framework comprises a side frame detachably connected to the side wall of the sectional panel tank. The side frame may further comprise a steel beam structure, a portal frame structure (also known as goal post structure), or box frame structure (also known as picture frame structure), or a cage frame structure. The box frame structure is particularly suitable since multiple horizontal bars and multiple vertical poles are combined together to create the box frame structure. Furthermore, the framework may also comprise a roof beam detachably connected to the cover of the sectional panel tank for maintaining a shape of the cover. The framework comprises one or more rods that connects inner sides or outer sides of two opposite unit panels.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises an external foundation (also known as or structure) for supporting the framework. For example, the sectional panel tank comprises a concrete foundation (such as concrete flat foundation or plinth spaced at regular intervals) as the external foundation for supporting the sectional panel tank including the framework. The external foundation may also comprise a I-shaped (double-T) foundation, a slab-on-ground foundation or a frost protected foundation. One or more corner bracings (such as angle bar) are applied at the external foundation for structurally supporting the foundation. The corner bracing has a shape and a size adaptable to a specific foundation.
The framework optionally comprises at least one rod, shaft or other internal bracing that connects or fixes the inner sides of two opposite unit panels. In contrast to the side frame detachably connected to the external side of the sectional panel tank, the rods are secured inside the sectional panel tank by connecting the rods to the inner sides of two first unit panels at opposite sides of the sectional panel tank (i.e. opposite first unit panels). In addition, some internal bracings are tied diagonally to the unit panel.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises one or more sensors, communication modules (e.g. Internet-of-Things IoT device), or a combination of these for a monitoring operation status (such as water level) of the sectional panel tank. For example, water leak sensors are embedded behind the lining for detecting any leakage of the lining. If water stored inside the sectional panel tank is leaked though the lining, the water leak sensors would be triggered when the water gets in touch with the water leak sensors. In addition, the sectional panel tank may also have a warning device connected to the sensors and/or the communication modules for generating a warning signal (such as sound or light) to an operator of the sectional panel tank. Furthermore, the sectional panel tank may comprise solar panels for generating and providing electrical power to other components such as the sensors and the communication modules.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a drainage panel having a drainage hole, orifice or valve for discharging the fluid away from the sectional panel tank. In some implementation, the drainage hole is positioned at a bottom or sidewall of the sectional panel water tank for automatically discharging the fluid due to the gravity. In addition, the sectional panel tank may also comprise an inlet for filling the liquid into the sectional panel tank, an overflow pipe for diffusing the liquid out of the sectional panel tank, and an air vent for ventilation or pressure relief if the sectional panel tank is sealed when in operation.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a cross connector (e.g. external bracket) configured to join four corners of neighbouring unit panels together. The cross connector provides an additional mechanical force for joining the unit panels and thus makes the sectional panel tank a unitary storage device.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises an inner partition or board completely encapsulated with the lining for providing an inner portion of the sectional panel tank. In this way, the sectional panel tank is divided into a plurality of smaller and independent cells for storing a same liquid or different liquids. Therefore, each cell may be constructed, maintained, inspected and repaired without any interference from any other cell. In addition, the lining may also be joined or attached to the inner partition for preventing communication of the liquids from individually cells.
The sectional panel tank optionally further comprises a base frame for holding the sectional panel tank at a building site (e.g. ground, rooftop). The base frame is either detachably or permanently attached to the bottom of the sectional panel tank. In addition, the base frame is optionally connected to the external foundation and or the framework of the sectional panel tank.
In addition to the side wall, the sectional panel tank may further comprise a bottom having a bottom extension. The bottom and the side wall are directly joined at the bottom extension and the side wall. For example, the first unit panel further comprises a side extension (such as a side flange) matching the bottom extension (such as a bottom flange) of the bottom. The bottom and the first unit panel are directly or contiguously joined by fixing the side extension and the bottom extension together.
If the sectional panel tank is elevated from the ground, the plastic welding (polymer welding) alone can join a bottom seam between the bottom extension and the side extension. In addition, the sectional panel tank also comprises a bottom jointer or bottom protector applied at a bottom seam (also known as bottom gap or bottom joint) between the bottom extension and the side wall. The bottom jointer is applied to the bottom seam between the bottom extension and the side extension on the inner side of the first unit panel and an inner side of the bottom respectively. The bottom jointer is similar to the jointer at the seam between the first extension and the second extension. The bottom jointer is used for providing additional coverage that there is no leakage at the bottom seam. The bottom jointer is particularly important in a scenario when the plastic welding cannot reach a standard quality.
The bottom jointer is formed by any suitable method according to a specific material of the bottom jointer. For example, the bottom jointer is made by a thermoplastic welding method. The thermoplastic welding method is conducted by a mechanical welding means, a thermal welding means, an electromagnetic welding means, or a chemical welding means (also known as solvent welding). The mechanical means includes but not limited to ultrasonic welding (20-40 kHz), stir welding (1-100 Hz), vibration welding (100-250 Hz) and spin welding (1-100 Hz). The electromagnetic welding means includes but is not limited to induction welding (5-25 MHz), microwave welding (1-100 GHz), dielectric welding (1-100 MHz) and resistance, implant or electrofusion. The thermal welding means includes but is not limited to hot gas welding (such as tack welding and rod welding), extrusion welding, infrared welding, laser welding, hot wedge welding and hot plate or butt fusion welding. The thermoplastic welding is examined by using various methods for testing welding integrity. The methods include but are not limited to creep test (such as creep rupture test and tensile creep test), impact test, shear test, peel test (BS EN 12814-4), bend test (DVS), tensile test (DVS) and hydrostatic pressure test (ASTM). For example, the thermoplastic welding is examined by a non-destructive test (NDT) for ensuring a welding quality of the bottom. The non-destructive test includes but is not limited to holiday spark test, ultrasonic test, leak-tightness test, radiography and visual inspection (DVS). In particular, the non-destructive test comprises a holiday spark test for identifying unacceptable discontinuities such as pinholes, holidays, bare spots or thin points.
The sectional panel tank is also subjected to leakage test and vacuum test if gas would be stored inside the sectional panel tank. It is understood to a skilled person that the leakage test and vacuum test could refer to known standards, such as standards set by the DVS German Welding Society.
The bottom for the sectional panel tank may comprise a single component of any load bearing material (such as concrete, metal or compacted soil) and the lining is attached thereon for interfacing with the unit wall panel. The single component of the bottom may comprise one or more weight-bearing parts, such as a stainless steel plate, sump and compacted soil plate for providing a flat bottom surface. The lining is then applied for completely covering the flat bottom surface; and then the sectional panel tank is directly built on the lining and the flat bottom surface. This technology is particularly used for oil storage tanks and chemical waste tanks. Alternatively, the bottom of the sectional panel tank may also comprise a third unit panel and a fourth unit panel similar to the first unit panel or the second unit panel. The third and the fourth unit panels are contiguously joined together for forming the bottom. For example, the bottom extension comprises a third extension (such as a third flange) and a fourth extension (such as a fourth flange) at peripheral edges of the third unit panel and the fourth unit panel respectively. The third extension and the fourth extension are joined together for forming the bottom. In some implementations, the bottom made of unit panels is supported above the ground by plinth or other heavy base. It is understood that the unit wall panels are not limited to a square shape, but might be of any other shapes, which are suitable for constructing a container (e.g. cylindrical container).
Similarly, the sectional panel tank may further comprise a roof. In particular, the roof is made of a chemically resistant material to chlorine gas or other corrosive chemicals (in gas state or liquid state) containing chlorine groups. Similar to the bottom of the sectional panel tank, the roof may be made of a single component (such as a monolithic covering) or assembled by a plurality of the unit panels (i.e. top unit panels) having top extensions. Similarly, the top extensions are joined together for forming the roof. The top extensions may be joined at top joints by nuts or bolts either inwardly (i.e. the top extension extending or pointing into the inner side of the sectional panel tank) or outwardly (i.e. the top extension extending or pointing out of the outer side of the sectional panel tank). In the former case, one or more supporting structures (such as steel bar) are provided below the roof for supporting the top joints since a human or an inspection machine often to walk on the roof. In the latter case, a flat and strong structure may be laid on the roof for covering the top unit panels and the top joints for the human or the inspection machine to walk on the roof. In addition, one or more supporting structures (such as steel bar) are provided at the top extension for supporting the roof. Meanwhile, the roof and the side wall are directly joined at the top extension and the side wall. For example, the first unit panel further comprises a side extension (such as a side flange) matching the top extension (such as a top flange) of the roof. The roof and the first unit panel are directly joined by fixing the side extension and the top extension together. In some implementations, the side extension is folded in a horizontal direction and is thus parallel to the roof. In some implementations, the top extension is folded in a vertical direction and is thus parallel to the first unit panel. It is noted that all the above technologies joining the bottom and the side wall (such as plastic welding) are also suitable for joining the roof and the side wall.
The sectional panel tank optionally comprises a securing means for securing the first extension and the second extension of the side wall. For example, the first extension and the second extension have a first engaging hole and a second engaging hole respectively. The first engaging hole and the second engaging hole match each other in terms of size and position. The securing means comprises an engaging screw and an engaging nut. The engaging screw passes through the first and second engaging holes from the first extension and then rests on the first extension by a slotted head of the engaging screw. Then the engaging nut secures the engaging screw from the second extension on a thread of the engaging screw and thus fastens the first securing means. In addition, the securing means may further comprise a reinforcement plate arranged between the slotted head of the engaging screw and the first extension for avoiding damages to the first extension. Similarly, the sectional panel tank comprises another securing means for securing the third extension and the fourth extension of the bottom.
The first securing means and the second securing means (e.g. fasteners) may comprise a first coating and a second coating respectively for preventing any leakage from the first and second extensions. The first coating and the second coating are optionally compatible with the lining when covered by the lining, including material compatibility, including chemical compatibility. For example, the first coating and the second coating are made of the thermoplastic material such as PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE. In particular, the first coating or the second coating is integrated with the first lining or the second lining for forming a unitary component by any method described above (such as co-extruding).
The sectional panel tank optionally comprises a fixture for joining, fastening or fixing the side extension and the bottom extension together. Similarly, the fixture may also comprise a fixing coating compatible with the lining such as thermoplastic material including PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE. In particular, the fixing coating is also integrated with the lining as a unitary component by any method described (such as co-extruding).
The jointer including the bottom jointer is strongly combined with the lining at their joints by suitable methods according to the materials of the jointer and the lining, such as thermoplastic welding for thermoplastic materials. In some implementations, the combination is so strong that the jointer and the lining become a unitary structure. In other words, the unitary structure would not break first from the joints which has even stronger mechanical properties than the lining itself. In addition, if made of thermoplastic materials, the unitary structure would not be easily broken but expand substantially homogenously under pressure. The homogenous expansion guarantees that there is no weak position for the unitary structure such that the unitary structure can resist a rather large force. The degree of expansion is determined by the specific thermoplastic materials and thickness of the lining sheets under a certain force. For example, the unitary structure would expand for 3 to 9 times, or particularly 4 to 7 times. Therefore, if one of the unit panels of the sectional panel tank is broken or spoiled, water stored inside the sectional panel would be held by the unitary structure and not leaked outside the sectional panel tank. Under pressure of the stored water, the unitary structure would expand homogenously and not be breached easily. As a result, the unitary structure formed by the jointer and the lining provide an additional protection to the sectional panel tank in addition to the unit panels.
As a second aspect, the present application also discloses a prefabricated unit panel for the sectional panel tank of the first aspect. The prefabricated unit panel comprises a structural panel having an extension; and a lining sheet preformed on an inner side of the structural panel for substantially or completely covering the structural panel, including the extension. The lining sheet optionally comprises a thermoplastic material (such as PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE); while the structural panel optionally comprises metals or metal alloys (such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass or galvanized steel), plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), composites (such as fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) or glass reinforced plastics (GRP)).
Similar to the lining of the first aspect, the lining sheet comprises a base layer (also known as signal layer) of a first colour and a fore layer of a second colour, such that erosion of one of the layers (such as the fore layer) will expose another layer (such as the base layer) for vision inspection of premature wear or damage. The base layer (i.e. first layer) of the first colour and the fore layer (i.e. second layer) of a second colour are contiguously joined together.
The lining sheet is optionally preformed on an inner side of the structural panel for substantially or completely covering the structural panel, possibly including the extension.
Similar to the securing means of the first aspect, the extension optionally comprises an engaging hole for a securing means such as an engaging screw and an engaging nut. Accordingly, the lining sheet may comprise a through hole matching (e.g. size or diameter similar or identical) the engaging hole of the extension in terms of size and position for the securing means. Therefore, the extension and the lining sheets of one prefabricated unit panel are fixed together with those of another prefabricated unit panel by the securing means.
The lining sheet optionally comprises a bonding layer for bonding to the inner side of the structural panel tightly for forming a unitary structure. The structural panel preferably has a smooth surface facing towards the lining sheet for coupling the lining sheet to the structural panel more reliably via the vacuum forming process. For example, the bonding layer comprises a fabric backed liner (FBL) having a thin layer of any fabric material (such as felt, polyester) for increasing the contact areas. For another example, the bonding layer comprises a thin homogenous layer of mechanical fixtures having a plurality of anchors, surface texture, extensions, legs, studs for increasing the contact areas.
The inner side of the structural panel provides a rough surface for binding the lining sheet tightly for forming a unitary structure. In some implementations, the inner side has a plurality of protrusions for increasing the contact areas between the structural panel and the lining sheet. The protrusions may have any shapes and sizes as long as the protrusions do not create hindrance to the tight bonding of the lining sheet and the structural panel into the unitary component. The lining sheets substantially covers the structural panel completely including the extension for maximizing the contact areas between the structural panel and the lining sheet. Excessive lining material extending out of the extension is completely trimmed away after the thermoforming process. Alternatively, a small portion of the excessive lining material is kept for the thermoplastic welding for joining two adjacent prefabricated unit panels. As a result, the inner sides of the structural unit panels are completely covered by the lining sheets and thus excluded from contact with water stored in the sectional panel tank. Since the thermoplastic materials are chemically stable and resistance to almost all hazardous wastes (such as biological or chemical solutions), the sectional panel tanked assembled by the prefabricated unit panels are also suitable for storing chemical solutions, in addition to water.
The prefabricated unit panel optionally further comprises a thermal insulation layer sandwiched between the structural unit panel and the lining sheet. The thermal insulation ensures that the sectional panel tank is workable in special regions (such as high latitude countries in cold winter) or for special applications (such as spa). The thermal insulation layer may be made up of any insulation materials which can effectively prevent heat conduction across the structural panel. The thermal insulation layer may have fibrous insulation materials (such as silica, glass fibers, rock wool, mineral wool, slag wool and alumina silica fibres), cellular insulation materials (such as closed-cell polystyrene, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, polyolefin and elastomers), granular insulation materials (such as calcium silicate, expanded vermiculite, perlite, cellulose, diatomaceous earth and expanded polystyrene), and any combination of the foregoing objects.
In particular, the thermal insulation layer may be made of aerogel which on one hand has excellent thermal insulation with a typical R-value of around 20 due to its extremely low pore sizes for reducing gas conduction and on the other hand incredible low density between 0.001 to 0.5 gram per cubic meter (g/cm3) for reducing weight of the prefabricated unit panel as a whole. The thermal insulation layer has a spacer for holding the aerogel for maintain a certain thickness of the thermal insulation layer. For example, the space has a porous material having a plurality of pores for the aerogel to fill. In other words, the space act as a backbone to the thermal insulation layer when aerogel is adopted.
In some implementations, the lining sheet, the structural panel and the second thermal insulation layer are formed into the unitary structure via a thermoforming process. The thermoforming process is also known as a plastic thermoforming process since the lining sheet predominantly comprises thermoplastic materials. Exemplary thermoplastic materials include PerFluoroAlkoxy (PFA), PolyFluoroEth, Polyethylene (PE) (such as low density PE (LDPE), Cross Link PE (XLPE), High Density PE (HDPE), and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)), Polypropylene (PP) (such as PP Random (PPR)), PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), EthyleneChloroTrifFluoroEthylene (ECTFE), PolyVinyliDeneFluoride (PVDF), Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) and Perfluoroalkoxy Alkanes (PFA). The thermoset material includes but is not limited to EthyleneVinylalcOHol (EVOH), PolyVinylChoride (PVC), PolyStyrene (PS), PolyCarbonate (PC), PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
The thermoforming process refers to any process in which the lining sheet is heated to soften, then conforms to the concave or female contours of the structural panel from the inner side under either negative pressure or positive pressure, and finally is cooled to environmental temperature for fixing the concave or female contours. In addition to the concave or female contours from the inner side, the thermoforming process can be also applied to convex or male contours from an external side of the structural panel for attaching another lining sheet or similar thermoplastic sheet to the external side tightly.
The thermoforming process may comprise a vacuum forming process in which the contours are formed under the negative pressure which pulls the lining sheet onto the inner side, the exterior side or both of the structural panel. The vacuum forming process is suitable for relatively large structural panel (such as 1-meter×1-meter size); and also have lower running costs. Alternatively, the thermoforming process comprises a pressure forming process under the positive pressure. The pressure forming process is suitable for the structural panel which has complex shapes and subtle details on the contours since lining sheet is formed more uniformly with tight tolerances to the contours. It is appreciated that the thermoforming process optionally comprises a combination of the vacuum forming process and the pressure forming process for the relatively large structural panel having complex shapes and subtle details to the contours.
In some implementations, the lining sheet and the second thermal insulation layer are formed into a moulded structure via a moulding process. The moulded structure is then thermoformed with the structural panel into the unitary structure, via the vacuum forming process, the pressure forming process or a combination thereof. As a result, the first thermal insulation layer and the second thermal insulation layer provide double thermal insulation abilities to the sectional panel tank assembled by the prefabricated unit panels; and the first lining sheet and the second lining sheet also provide double protection abilities for preventing leakage of the water or chemical solutions stored inside the sectional panel tank.
As a third aspect, the present application also discloses a method of making the side wall for the sectional panel tank of the first aspect. The method of making comprises a step of providing a first unit panel having a first extension at its peripheral edge; a step of providing a second unit panel having a second extension at its peripheral edge; a step of directly joining the first unit panel and the second unit panel together by securing a securing means at the first extension and the second extension; and a step of applying a jointer at a seam between the first extension and the second extension on inner sides of the first unit panel and the second unit panel. The jointer is applied by any suitable method discussed in the first aspect. If made of fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP), the first unit panel and the second unit panel are provided by any suitable method, including sheet moulding compound (such as compression moulding), hand laid, bulk moulding compound (such as injection moulding, transfer moulding and compression moulding), and compression moulding. In particular, the applying step may comprise a thermoplastic welding process. The thermoplastic welding process is optionally conducted by a mechanical welding means, a thermal welding means, an electromagnetic welding means or a chemical welding means.
The method of making optionally comprises a step of joining or attaching a lining onto the inner sides of the first unit panel and the second unit panel separately or collectively. The lining has all the characteristics described in the first aspect. The lining is prepared by any suitable method, including but not limited to injection moulding, pultrusion, rotational moulding, compression moulding, extrusion, thermoforming or vacuum forming, calendaring and blow moulding. In particular, the joining step optionally comprises a thermoforming process. The method of making optionally further comprise a step of examining the jointer by a non-destructive test. The non-destructive test comprises a holiday spark test or vacuum test.
The method of making optionally comprises a step of selecting the lining for resisting corrosion of a predetermined host. For example, the lining is selected not to be made of step-growth polymers (such as polyesters, polyamides o polycarbonates) when the sectional panel tank stored an acid solution or a base solution as the predetermined host. In addition, the method of making also optionally comprises a step of coating the securing means for avoiding a leakage of the predetermined host. Preferably, the coating is made of a same or similar material with the lining for easily and firmly joining the coating and the lining together. In some implementations, the coating and the lining are integrated together as a unitary component before they are joined onto the unit panel.
The joining step may further comprise a first step of providing a fore layer and a base layer; a second step of co-extruding the fore layer and the base layer for forming a homogenous bonded layer; and a third step of attaching the homogeneous bonded layer onto the inner side of the first unit panel. As described above, the fore layer has a fore colour; and the base layer has a base colour different from the fore colour for an easy visual inspection. In particular, the joining step comprises a step of joining the lining onto the first extension and the second extension for directly joining the first unit panel and the second unit panel. In this way, the method of making does not need any gasket inserted between the first extension and the second extension. Therefore, existing problems of the gasket such as leakage and corrosion are overcome; and the first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined more tightly and durably at the first and second extension.
As a fourth aspect, the present application also discloses in the case of thermoset lining such as PVC, ABS, PMMA (Acrylic), etc. a method of joining an individual lined sectional panel tank having two parts. The method of joining comprises a step of pressing the two parts; and a step of applying a jointer at a seam between the two parts. The two parts of the sectional panel tank is pressed together tightly such that the seam has a dimension less than 0.5 millimetres (mm) for creating a capillary effect. The jointer is in a liquid state and then goes into the seam due to the capillary effect. The jointer is finally fixed at the jointer and completely covers the seam for preventing any leakage. For example, a solution with a resin dissolved or suspended enters into the seam due to the capillary effect; and then the resin is fixed inside and near the seam by solvent welding.
As a fifth aspect, the present application also discloses a method of making the prefabricated unit panel for the sectional panel tank described in the second aspect. The method of making the prefabricated unit panel comprises a step of providing a structural panel having an extension; a step of providing a lining sheet larger than the structural panel; and a step of attaching the lining sheet onto an inner side of the structural panel. In particular, the lining sheet completely covers the extension of the structural panel.
The lining optionally comprises a thermoplastic material. Accordingly, step of attaching may be conducted by a thermoforming method that is suitable for the thermoplastic material.
The lining optionally comprises a fore layer having a fore thickness and a base thickness having a base thickness. In some implementations, the fore thickness accounts for around 50% of the total thickness, such as ranging from 150 to 200 micrometres.
The structural panel is made of impermeable, corrosion resistive and structurally robust material, including metals or metal alloys (such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, galvanized steel, aluminium, titanium, etc.), plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), composites (such as fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) or glass reinforced plastics (GRP) carbon fiber).
The method of making the prefabricated unit panel optionally comprises a step of attaching a thermal insulation layer sandwiched between the structural panel and the lining for reducing temperature fluctuation.
The attaching step optionally comprises a thermoforming process for incorporating the lining sheet and the structural panel tightly into a unitary component if the lining sheet is made of thermoplastic materials. The unitary component can be directly used as the prefabricated unit panel without further processing or modification. The unitary component means the lining sheet would not be detached or removed completely from the structural panel during normal operation of the prefabricated unit panel.
The thermoforming process optionally comprises a vacuum forming process for bonding the lining sheet and the structural panel into the unitary component. The vacuum forming process comprises a step of aligning the lining sheet over the inner side of the structural panel; a step of heating the lining sheet to be pliable for deformation; and a step of forming the lining to the inner side through bonding the lining sheet and the structural panel by a negative pressure or even substantially vacuum. In the heating step, the lining sheet is controlled to reach a temperature at or slightly above a glass transition temperature (Tg) but well below a rubbery state of the thermoplastic material of which the lining sheet is made. In addition, different locations of the lining sheet may be heated to different temperatures suitable for distinct features of the contours of the structural panel. To a specific location, the more concave or convex, the higher the temperature should be heated to for allowing more pliable deformation of the lining sheet at the specific location.
The forming step may comprise a procedure of moving the structural panel upwardly towards the lining sheet at a predetermined position; a procedure of vacuum forming the lining sheet to the structural panel for transferring contours of the inner side of the structural panel to the lining sheet via vacuum; and a procedure of cooling the lining sheet for crystalizing the contours to the lining sheet. In addition, the forming step optionally further comprises a step of puffing downwardly the lining sheet towards the structural panel for facilitating the step of moving the structural panel towards the lining sheet.
The thermoforming process optionally comprises a pressure forming process. In contrast to the vacuum forming process, the pressure forming process creates a positive pressure for bonding the lining sheet and the structural panel by pushing the lining sheet downwardly towards the lining sheet after the lining sheet is heated to become pliable for deformation. In addition, the thermoforming process may comprise a combination of the vacuum forming process and pressure forming process by creating a negative pressure under the lining sheet for pulling the lining sheet downwardly and a positive pressure above the lining sheet for pushing the lining sheet downwardly, respectively.
The method of making the prefabricated unit panel may further comprise a step of applying an adhesive layer between the lining sheet and the inner side of the structural panel. The adhesive layer provides additional force to bind the lining sheet and the structural panel.
The method of making the prefabricated unit panel may further comprise a step of applying a thermal insulation layer between the lining sheet and the inner side of the structural panel. As described above, the thermal insulation layer is made of low density materials (such as aerogel) for being sandwiched between the lining sheet and the structural panel into the unitary structure.
The accompanying figures (Figs.) illustrate embodiments and serve to explain principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that these figures are presented for purposes of illustration only, and not for defining limits of relevant applications.
As shown in
A second unit panel 250 is provided for being joined with the first unit panel 200 for forming the first sectional panel tank 100. The second unit panel 250 is identical to the first unit panel 200 as described in
In addition to the third unit panel 300, a fourth unit panel 350 is provided for being joined with the third unit panel 300. The fourth panel 350 is identical to the third unit panel 300 as described in
Instead of the external framework 132, the sectional panel tank 500 comprises an internal framework 532. The internal framework 532 comprises one or more rods 536 that connect the inner sides of two opposite unit panels 514. The rod 536 further comprises one or more beams 538 configured to connect inner sides of the opposite side walls 506, 508, 510, 512; and one or more poles 540 configured to connect inner sides of the bottom 502 and the cover 504. Similar to the structural panel 202, 252, 302, 352, the rod 536 optionally comprises metals or metal alloys (such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass or galvanized steel), plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), composites (such as fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) or glass reinforced plastics (GRP)). In addition, the rod 536 is completely encapsulated by a lining 542 for resisting corrosion of the liquid 534. Accordingly, the lining 542 is either preformed or applied later on-site. The beam 538 and the pole 540 are arranged vertically to and thus support the side walls 506, 508, 510, 512 and the cover 504 respectively.
Two curved unit panels 714 are joined together. Similarly, more curved unit panels 714 are joined together for forming the fourth sectional panel tank 700. Alternatively, a single curved unit panel 714 can also join itself for forming a cylindrical component; and multiple cylindrical components are joined vertically together for forming the fourth sectional panel tank 700.
The partition part 802 is firstly assembled from the second side 814 by joining the first unit panel 200 and the second unit panel 250 together at the joint 290 between the first lining sheet 204 and the second lining sheet 254. The first and second unit panels 200, 250 are then further joined at the joint 290 from the first side 812 of the partition part 800. The partition part 800 finally further comprises an additional lining sheet 816 covering the first side 812, particular the joint 290. Therefore, the joint 290 is protected from the first side 812 by the additional lining sheet 816 and from the second side 814 by the first and second lining sheets 204, 254. In other words, the partition part 802 is protected from the first fluid 808 by the pre-formed lining sheets 204, 254 at the first side 812; and from the second fluid 810 by the post-formed additional lining sheet 816 after the partition part 800 is assembled from the first side 812.
In particular, the third step S300 further has a first procedure S310 of moving the structural panel 910 upwardly towards the lining sheet 920; a second procedure S320 of vacuum forming the lining sheet 920 to the structural panel 910 for transferring contours of the inner surface 912 of the structural panel 910 to the lining sheet 920; and a third procedure S330 of cooling the lining sheet 920 for crystalizing the contours to the lining sheet 920 and thus joining the structural panel 910 and the lining sheet 920 together.
In the application, unless specified otherwise, the terms “comprising”, “comprise”, and grammatical variants thereof, intended to represent “open” or “inclusive” language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, non-explicitly recited elements.
As used herein, the term “about”, in the context of concentrations of components of the formulations, typically means+/−5% of the stated value, more typically +/−4% of the stated value, more typically +/−3% of the stated value, more typically, +/−2% of the stated value, even more typically +/−1% of the stated value, and even more typically +/−0.5% of the stated value.
Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments may be disclosed in a range format. The description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed ranges. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the application will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10201910976U | Nov 2019 | SG | national |
| PI2019007789 | Dec 2019 | MY | national |
| 201911414932.X | Dec 2019 | CN | national |
| 201922481683.8 | Dec 2019 | CN | national |
| 10-2020-0011070 | Jan 2020 | KR | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/SG2020/050677 | 11/20/2020 | WO | 00 |
