CN112824239B - Assembled plate type storage box - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a split panel type storage tank, which comprises one or more side walls, wherein the split panel type storage tank is connected together when the split panel type storage tank is formed. Wherein at least one of the side walls comprises a first cell plate having a first extension at a first edge; and a second cell plate having a second extension at a second edge. The first cell plate and the second cell plate are joined to form a continuous surface on the side wall by joining the first extension and the second extension. No gasket is required between the first extension and the second extension. The application also discloses a manufacturing method of the spliced plate type storage tank and a repairing method of the spliced plate type storage tank. The application also discloses a prefabricated unit plate with a lining plate for the spliced plate type storage tank and a manufacturing method thereof.

Description

Assembled plate type storage box

Technical Field

The present application claims priority from the initial singapore patent application, having application number 10201910976U, having application date 2019, 11, 21, entitled "split plate tank" (Sectional Panel Tank). All relevant content of this singapore priority patent application is incorporated by reference into this application.

The invention relates to an assembled plate type storage tank. The application also relates to a manufacturing method of the spliced plate type storage tank and a maintenance method of the spliced plate type storage tank. The present application further relates to a method for manufacturing a prefabricated unit panel for such a panel-type tank.

Background

Today, tanks for corrosive chemicals and hazardous waste are usually prefabricated in a factory and then transported in their entirety or semi-finished products to be assembled on site. However, the prior art of manufacturing tanks is very time consuming, mechanically/labor intensive, and can only be used to store specific substances.

In contrast, a split panel tank has the advantage of being economical, scalable and easy to transport and is therefore widely used for storing water. However, the elastic washers or seals that join the assembly plates together are fragile and the prior art is not suitable for sealed storage of water. The panel-type tanks that store water or chemicals are also limited by the chemical resistance cross-over of the materials of the panel (e.g. fiberglass, reinforced polymer, hot dip coated stainless steel).

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above-mentioned problems with the prior art, the present application aims to provide one or more modular plate-type tanks which are more durable and expandable so that water or chemical solutions can be safely and reliably stored or transported. In other words, the application aims at providing a new use of the split plate tank.

In a first aspect, the present application discloses a split panel tank (or referred to as a panel tank, a panel assembly tank, or a closed container). The panel tank comprises one or more side walls connected to each other to form the panel tank, the side walls comprising a first cell plate having a first extension at a first edge thereof for supporting the first cell plate; and a second cell plate having a second extension at a second edge thereof, the first and second cell plates being devoid of other items (e.g., no seals, gaskets, liners, rubber gaskets, flexible plastic sheets or gaskets, etc.) therebetween and directly abutting each other, and the first and second cell plates being in contact tight connection (joined) at the first and second sidewall extensions by at least one fastener. And, by connecting the second extension and the first extension, the second cell plate is connected or attached to the first cell plate to form a continuous surface at the side wall. In general, the first and second cell plates provide structural support for the side walls or the fabricated panel tank. The shape and size of the first unit panel or the second unit panel have design flexibility. In some embodiments, the first or second cell plate has a size no greater than four square meters and a thickness of at most 20 millimeters (mm), alternatively 16 mm, alternatively 10 mm, alternatively 6 mm, alternatively 4 mm, such as 2 mm or less (e.g., 1.2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm).

Optionally, the first and second cell plates comprise or are made of impermeable, corrosion-resistant or corrosion-resistant, and structurally strong materials. For example, the sidewalls of the cell plates or the split plate type tank may comprise hot-pressed metal or metal alloy plates, such as stainless steel (SUS 304 or SUS 316), low carbon steel (e.g., hot dip coating (HDG) or epoxy coating), copper, bronze, brass, or plated steel; plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene; and composite materials such as glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) (FRP/SUS or HDG/SUS) or Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), including rubber, EPDM, and mixtures of rubber and plastic. Cell sheets made of plastic or composite materials are particularly suitable for use as chemical storage devices, such as tanks or containers. For example, chemical storage devices having dimensions from less than 1 meter to 20 meters are manufactured from a unitary sheet of Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP). In addition, the first cell plate and/or the second cell plate may be treated with known coatings to have additional functions, such as a water impermeable coating (e.g., fluoropolymer, epoxy, phenolic, phosphate, PTFE, and FEP) for sealing water; waterproof coatings (e.g., silicone, polyurethane, and zinc) are used for hydrophobic properties; and corrosion or chemical resistant coatings (e.g., PE, PP, PVDF and ECTFE) for corrosion protection. In particular, a gel coat is coated on the FRP unit plates to prevent Ultraviolet (UV) rays from damaging the FRP unit plates while smoothing the surfaces thereof.

The first and second cell plates have substantially the same or similar shape (e.g., square, rectangular, hexagonal), profile, size, structure, material, and/or mechanical strength such that the first and second cell plates can be mass produced and standardized. In addition, the surface or contour of the first cell plate, the second cell plate, the side walls, or any combination of these (sections, plates, walls) may be curved (e.g., three-dimensional geometry or two-dimensional geometry) or straight. For example, the first cell plate and the second cell plate are aligned at an angle substantially greater than 90 °, 120 °, 150 ° (e.g., a planar sidewall of about 180 °).

The first and second cell plates may be removably or permanently attached, secured or fastened together. In particular, they are continuously, directly connected at and/or by the first and second extensions, the surfaces of which are in direct contact without any intermediate material. For example, the first extension and the second extension are mechanically sealingly connected by at least one fastener without the use of a gasket. In other words, the extensions or flanges of the first and second unit plates are in direct contact with each other without any intermediate material, so that the extensions or flanges can be firmly connected. Thus, the first and second cell plates have exposed separation lines, referred to as seams.

The first and second extensions may take any form that provides structural support for the first and second cell plates, respectively. In particular, the first extension and the second extension are firmly and inflexibly joined by direct contact with each other without any other object between their contact surfaces (e.g. without rubber gaskets or washers), so as to form the side walls in the form of a rigid connection.

In some embodiments, the first extension has one or more first flanges (or any other first external or internal ridges or edges for attachment) at the edge of the first cell plate. The flange is one example of a first extension or a second extension that is an external or internal ridge of the first cell plate, the second cell plate, or another cell plate, as an additional rim or lip that provides structural support for increased strength. Flanges such as iron beams, i-beams or T-beams; or a flange for connection to another object, such as a pipe, cylinder or the like, or a flange for a rail car or trolley wheel. The first flange is folded from the inner side to the outer side of the first unit plate or the spliced plate type storage tank. Similarly, the second extension has one or more second flanges (or any other second external or internal ridges or edges for connection) at the edges of the second cell plate. The second flange is also folded from the inside to the outside of the second cell plate or split plate tank. As described above, the first flange and the second flange are firmly and non-flexibly joined by being in direct contact with each other without any other object (e.g., a gasket) between their contact surfaces.

In some embodiments, the first extension includes a first edge portion of the first cell plate at an edge thereof; the second extension portion includes a second edge portion of the second unit plate at an edge of the second unit plate. The first and second edge portions are directly fastened together (e.g., stacked) to connect the first and second unit panels together to form a side wall of the panel-style tank. In particular, the first and second edge portions have substantially the same or similar material and/or thickness, respectively, such that the first and second edge portions may be manufactured with the first and second cell plates, respectively. The first edge portion or the second edge portion may also be referred to as flange.

Optionally, the split panel tank comprises a sealant, stucco, paste, adhesive or any other cured plastic material applied at the seams inside the first and second cell panels of the split panel tank. In particular, the sealant is made of the same material as the first and second unit plates, i.e., stainless steel welding is performed on the SUS plate, and PP welding is performed on the homogeneous PP panel. The sealant is to prevent leakage of liquid from the splice tray tank from the seam. The sealant may be formed by any suitable method depending on its particular material. For example, when the sealant includes one or more thermoplastic materials, thermoplastic welding is employed.

Optionally, the first cell plate comprises a structural plate extending between first extensions (e.g. first flanges) at a first edge of the first cell plate to resist pressure and weight of fluid within the panel-style tank. The structural panel may include any component that still has high strength and good durability under pressure (e.g., water pressure) and various environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, corrosion, wind, and rain). In addition, the structural panel may also have embossments (e.g., cross embossments at the center of the structural panel) to further resist the above-described pressure. The structural panels may have various shapes and sizes, such as square with a side length of about 1.2 meters (or about 4.0 feet) or a side length of about 1.0 meters.

Optionally, the split panel tank comprises one or more liners joined, attached, fixed, adhered or otherwise affixed to one side (e.g., an inside surface) of the first cell panel or the split panel tank for preventing corrosion of the first cell panel by fluid inside the split panel tank. The liner may be of a size large enough to cover the inside walls of the split plate tank. Further, the liner may comprise a plurality of liner sheets. The backing sheet may have the same or different sizes to cover the inner wall of the first cell plate or the second cell plate. For example, a backing sheet is used to cover the first cell plate. Alternatively, a plurality of liners are attached together to cover the second cell plate. Optionally, the liner is attached to the sealant at the seam to further strengthen the sealant. In some embodiments, the thickness of the liner is in the range of 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 6 mm, alternatively 2 to 4 mm, or 1 to 5 mm. One or more of the liners may be extensible and/or flexible. Thus, the one or more liners are able to retain water within the split panel tank even if the cell plates of the split panel tank are broken or damaged. The integrity of the split panel tank is very beneficial, desirable and/or critical to its unique ability to store liquid substances (e.g., water or hazardous chemical solutions) even if the split panel tank experiences earthquakes, collisions and/or vibrations.

The liner may comprise a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, or a composite of both. Thermoplastic materials include thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers. The thermoplastics include, but are not limited to, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylfluoride, polyethylene (PE) (e.g., low Density PE (LDPE), crosslinked PE (XLPE), high Density PE (HDPE), and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)), polypropylene (PP) (e.g., random PP (PPR)), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (PVDF), fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), and Perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA). The thermoset materials include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Thus, if the first cell plate is made of metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel plate), the liner is bonded or fixed to the inner sidewall by a hybrid connection method; if the first cell plate is made of plastic or composite material, it is bonded or fixed to the inner sidewall by a plastic connection method. In particular, the methods of hybrid joining include adhesive and solvent bonding (e.g., hot metal adhesive bonding), and welding (e.g., thermal welding). Alternatively, the hybrid connection method may also incorporate a suitable mechanical bond (e.g., a gasket) or connection method (e.g., riveting or crimping). The adhesion strength of the liner to the first cell plate may be checked or tested by a peel test and/or a shear test, which performs a plurality of force-stretching processes.

Optionally, the liner is preformed (e.g., molded, glued, or cast) onto the inside surface of the first cell plate including the first extension (e.g., flange). The preforming process may be carried out by any suitable method depending on the nature of the panel tank. For example, the split panel tank is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel) and the preforming process is performed by mechanical fastening, bonding, welding, molding, or a combination of any of the foregoing techniques.

The mechanical fastening methods typically use clamping assemblies or fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws, or rivets) or integrated design elements (e.g., snap-fit or press-fit). In addition, the mechanical fastening may also require mechanical operations, such as drilling or threading. The mechanical fastening method has several advantages, such as being simple, reliable and easy to inspect and repair.

The adhesive bonding method is to apply an adhesive (e.g., a polymer adhesive) between the liner and the first cell plate. The adhesive bonds the liner and the first cell plate together by creating intermolecular forces at the interface between the liner (e.g., polyester, fiberglass, felt, geotextile, and fabric liner (FBL)) and the first cell plate by creating a chemical and/or physical reaction. The main advantage of the bonding method is that the internal stresses are distributed uniformly over the lining and the first cell plate, in particular if an intermediate layer (e.g. a textile material) is added between the lining and the first cell plate.

When both the liner and the cell plates are made of a metal material, the welding method includes 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. For example, the material of the lining is titanium (Ti), and the material of the cell plate is stainless steel. The specific welding method is selected according to the chemical and physical properties of the lining material and the cell plate material.

The molding process first preheats the granules or pellets of the thermoplastic liner to a softened state and then applies the softened liner directly to the cell plate. The molding process also includes compression molding, injection molding, blow molding, rotational molding, extrusion molding, and thermoforming. Conversely, if the cell plates are made of a polymer or polymer composite material, such as a glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), the preforming process may be performed by a polymer joining method. Thus, the preforming process may be performed by mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding, solvent bonding, or a combination of any of the foregoing techniques. The mechanical fastening and bonding methods are generally similar to the methods described above for metal splice plate tanks. The preforming process is applicable to FRP or metal (e.g., stainless steel) substantially independent of the material from which the cell plates are made.

The welding method of the polymer or the polymer material includes an external heating method, which further includes hot gas welding, hot wedge welding, extrusion welding, hot plate welding, infrared welding, and laser welding; and internal heating methods, which further include mechanical means including spin welding, stir welding, vibration welding (i.e., friction welding), and ultrasonic welding; and electromagnetic, including resistance welding (also known as implant welding or electrofusion welding), induction welding, dielectric welding, and microwave welding. In addition, thermal spray techniques are also suitable for welding polymers or polymeric materials, including electrical means (such as plasma or electric arc) or chemical means (combustion flame). In particular, plasma spraying or plasma coating may also be used to weld thin layers of polymer or polymer materials.

The solvent bonding method is particularly suitable for preforming a liner on the cell plate when the cell plate is made of a polymer or polymeric material. In particular, the polymer or polymeric material is amorphous, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic (AK), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). A solvent is applied at the interface of the two cell plates to plasticize the surface of the polymer or polymer material.

Optionally, the liner includes an adhesive layer on one or both surfaces of the liner. For example, the tie layer includes a fabric support liner (fabric backed liner (FBL)) having a thin layer of any fabric material (e.g., felt, polyester) for providing a roughened surface to the adhesive. For another example, the adhesive layer comprises a uniform sheet with mechanical fastening means having a plurality of anchors, surface textures, extensions, legs, and/or studs. In particular, various fillers may be embedded in the gaps between the studs to meet various objectives. When the filler is a porous material (e.g., aerogel, rigid Polyurethane (PUR), polyisocyanurate (PIR), mineral wool), the liner has a thermal insulation function, a fire protection function, a noise reduction function, and a mechanical cushioning function, respectively. The insulating function ensures that the panel tank can be used in special areas (e.g. in high-latitude countries in cold winter) or in special applications (e.g. hydrotherapy centers). A mechanical cushioning function ensures that the pressure of the stored water in the panel tank presses the liner tightly against the cell plates. In addition, the liner can be used as a substrate to firmly fix specific substances having various functions within the liner without losing functional particles upon contact with water. For example, the liner may contain a self-cleaning specialty substance (e.g., titanium dioxide (TiO) ₂ ) For automatically removing any debris or sediment on its surface. Optionally, the self-cleaning particulate matter is superhydrophobic, superhydrophilic, or photocatalytic. The liner may further contain antimicrobial particulate matter (e.g., silver nanoparticles) for killing any microorganisms in the water.

Optionally, the liner includes a front layer (or first layer) and a bottom layer (or second layer). In particular, the front and bottom layers are coextruded at the time of manufacture to form a uniform, strong bond liner. Typically, the front and bottom layers have front and bottom colors, respectively. For human eye observation, the front and base colors are preferably substantially different, such that when the front layer is corroded, worn or damaged, the underlying layer is exposed, thereby facilitating visual inspection. If the ground colour is observed inside the split panel tank, this means that maintenance or replacement is required.

The front and bottom layers are co-extruded and bonded. Optionally, the front and bottom layers are made of the same or similar materials to achieve uniform bonding. In addition, the overall thickness of the liner cannot be too thick (i.e., greater than 20 millimeters) nor too thin (i.e., less than 0.5 millimeters). In some embodiments, the total thickness is in the range of 1.0 to 6.0 millimeters (mm). The front layer and the bottom layer have a front layer thickness and a bottom layer thickness, respectively. Typically, the front layer thickness does not exceed 50% (e.g., 10%) of the total thickness.

The split panel tank may further comprise a thermal barrier for reducing fluid temperature fluctuations within the split panel tank. The insulating layer is made of an insulating material that slows heat transfer by slowing conduction or convection. Such insulation materials include fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane foam, polystyrene, aerogel, thermogel, natural fibers (e.g., hemp, wool, cotton, and straw) and Polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam. The mineral wool further includes glass wool, rock wool and slag wool. The polystyrene further includes Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XEPS). Preferably, the insulating material is hydrophobic or non-water absorbing, such as glass fibers.

The insulation layer further comprises a plurality of insulation sheets assembled on the outer side of the plate-type storage tank. The outer side is exposed to the external environment and is not in contact with the fluid inside the plate tank. In some embodiments, one or more insulation sheets are attached to the outside of the first cell plate or the second cell plate. The heat insulating sheet is assembled into the heat insulating layer during or after the process of bonding the first and second unit plates to the panel-type tank. Alternatively, the insulation layer is manufactured as one integral part, which is integrally attached to the outside of the plate-type tank after joining the first and second cell plates.

Alternatively, the outer surface of the first cell plate may also be treated to substantially reflect infrared, reflected light, heat, infrared waves or any other type of radiation for use in place of the insulating layer. In particular, since stainless steel (also referred to as inox steel or inox) can reflect solar light and heat radiation, the first unit plate made of stainless steel can achieve the same or similar reflection effect without being treated. In addition, the reflection effect of stainless steel can be further enhanced by not converting the wavelength of the incident light. Solar energy carried by incident light is not basically absorbed by the atmosphere and directly returns to space, so that secondary radiation from the external environment is effectively prevented.

In addition to the insulating layer, the panel-style tank may also include a radiation blocking layer for further inhibiting temperature fluctuations of the fluid within the panel-style tank. The radiation blocking layer may reflect thermal radiation (e.g., visible or infrared) thereby reducing heat transfer. Optionally, the radiation blocking layer comprises a thin mirror-like aluminum foil. Alternatively, the outside of the first cell plate may be treated with a low heat transfer material (e.g., chromium oxide and Iriotec pigment).

If the insulation is flammable, such as cellulose, polyurethane foam and polystyrene, the split panel tank may also include a fire barrier that encapsulates the insulation. Preferably, the fire-blocking layer is compatible with the insulating material. For example, when polystyrene is selected as the heat insulating material, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) may be used to make the flame retardant layer.

In some embodiments, the fire protection layer comprises a plurality of fire protection sheets. One or more of the fire protection sheets are attached to the first or second cell plate. The fire protection sheet may be assembled into the fire protection layer during or after the first and second unit panels are coupled to the panel-type tank. In this way, the heat insulating sheet is sandwiched between the first unit plate and the fire preventing sheet. Alternatively, the fire-resistant layer is made as one integral piece, which is integrally attached to the outside of the split plate tank after the first and second cell plates are combined.

Optionally, the panel-type tank further comprises a protective layer for protecting the heat insulating layer and the fireproof layer. The protective layer is made of a load bearing and impact resistant structural material. The structural materials include iron, concrete, aluminum, composite materials, masonry, wood, adobe, alloys, bamboo, carbon fiber, fiber reinforced plastics, and mud bricks. The iron further includes wrought iron, cast iron, steel, and stainless steel. The concrete further comprises reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete. Optionally, the shielding layer is located outside the insulating layer and the fire-resistant layer.

Optionally, the panel tank further comprises a roof, an inspection hole (e.g., manhole), a ladder, or a combination of the foregoing. The top cover is used for partially or completely covering the spliced plate type storage tank so as to prevent foreign matter pollution. Optionally, the top cover comprises a plurality of top cover cell plates that are assembled and/or integrated into the top cover. Alternatively, the top cover may be a preform and be integrally loaded onto the side walls of the panel tank. The inspection holes serve as openings for workers or technicians to enter the panel-style tank for inspection, maintenance or even finishing (e.g., upgrades). Preferably, the inspection aperture is located at a peripheral edge of the top cover to facilitate access. The bottom end of the ladder is positioned on or near the ground, and the top end of the ladder is positioned at or slightly above the top cover. In particular, the tip is near the manhole, thereby facilitating access to the manhole by an operator by climbing a ladder to the tip.

Optionally, the panel-style tank further includes a frame (e.g., structural support) that is removably or permanently attached to the first unit panel, the second unit panel, or both to maintain the structural integrity of the panel-style tank. For example, the structural support may include an internal support and/or an external support. The inner and outer supports are typically made of steel (e.g., steel rods) or even polymers that can withstand the design pressures. Alternatively, the frame is made of wood, engineered wood, concrete, structural steel, or any combination of these. In addition, the frame includes a side frame that is removably connected to a side wall of the split panel tank. The side frames may further comprise steel girder structures, portal frame structures (also known as goal post structures) or box frame structures (also known as picture frame structures) or cage frame structures. The box frame structure is particularly suitable, being formed by a combination of a plurality of horizontal bars and a plurality of vertical bars. In addition, the frame may further include a top beam detachably coupled to the top cover to maintain the shape of the top cover.

Optionally, the split panel tank further comprises an external base (also referred to as a base structure) for supporting the frame. For example, the split panel tank includes a concrete foundation (e.g., a concrete foundation or base spaced at regular intervals and flat) for supporting the split panel tank including the frame. The outer base may include an I-shaped (double T-shaped) base, an above-ground flat base, or an anti-frost base. One or more corner supports (e.g., angle irons) are employed on the outer base for structurally supporting the base. The corner supports have a shape and size suitable for a particular base.

The frame comprises at least one support rod, shaft or pull rod for connecting or fixing the inner sides of two opposite unit plates in the spliced plate type storage tank. The rod, shaft or tie rod is secured inside the split panel tank by connecting the rod, shaft or tie rod to two opposing first cell plates (i.e. two first cell plates are opposite inside) on either side of the inside of the split panel tank, as opposed to the side frame which is detachably connected to the outside of the split panel tank. In addition, some of the internal supports are tied together with the cell plates in a diagonal fashion.

Optionally, the split panel tank further comprises one or more sensors, communication modules (e.g., internet of things devices), or a combination thereof for monitoring the use and operational status (e.g., water level) of the split panel tank. Furthermore, the panel-style tank may also have a warning device connected to the sensor and/or communication module for alerting an operator of the panel-style tank (e.g. an acoustic or optical signal). In addition, the panel-style tank may also include solar panels for generating and providing power to other components (e.g., sensors and communication modules).

Optionally, the panel-style tank further comprises a drain plate having a drain hole, orifice or valve for draining fluid from the panel-style tank. In some embodiments, the drain hole is located at or near the bottom of the split panel tank and fluid is automatically drained due to gravity. In addition, the split panel tank may further comprise an inlet for flowing liquid into the split panel tank, an overflow pipe for discharging liquid out of the split panel tank, and a vent for ventilation or pressure relief, if the split panel tank needs to be sealed.

Optionally, the panel-style tank further includes a cross connector (e.g., a T-bracket) that may be configured to connect the end corners (e.g., four corners) of adjacent ones of the cell panels. The cross-connectors additionally provide mechanical force for connecting the cell plates, thus making the split plate tank an integral storage device.

Optionally, the panel-type tank further comprises an internal partition or plate for partitioning the interior space of the panel-type tank. In this way, the split panel tank is divided into a plurality of smaller and independent units for storing the same or different liquids. Thus, individual ones of the units may be constructed, maintained, inspected, and repaired without interference from other units. In addition, the liner may also be connected or attached to the internal partition to prevent fluid stored in the different units from communicating.

Optionally, the panel-style tank further comprises a base frame for supporting the panel-style tank at a construction site (e.g., ground, roof). The base frame is detachably or permanently fixed to the bottom of the splice plate tank. Optionally, the base frame is connected to an outer base and/or an outer frame of the split panel tank.

In addition to the side walls, the panel-style tank may also include a bottom wall having a bottom wall extension. The bottom wall and side wall are snugly and directly connected at the bottom wall extension and side wall. For example, the first cell plate also includes a sidewall extension (e.g., sidewall flange) that mates with a bottom wall extension (e.g., bottom wall flange) of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the first cell plate are directly connected by securing the side wall extension and the bottom wall extension. In some embodiments, the sidewall extension is folded in a horizontal direction so that it is parallel to the bottom wall. In some embodiments, the bottom wall extension is folded in a vertical direction so that it is parallel to the first cell plate.

It is sufficient to use only said plastic weld to join the bottom seam between the bottom wall extension and the side wall extension. In addition, the split panel tank also includes a bottom sealant or bottom protectant, sealing means or member applied at the bottom seam (also referred to as the bottom gap or bottom interface) between the bottom wall extension and the side wall extension. A bottom sealant is applied to the bottom seams between the side wall extensions inside the first cell plate and the bottom wall extensions inside the bottom wall, respectively. The bottom sealant is similar to the sealant at the seam between the first and second extensions. The bottom sealant is used to provide a double assurance to ensure no leakage at the bottom seam. The bottom sealant is particularly important in cases where the plastic weld fails to meet quality standards.

The bottom encapsulant may be formed using any suitable forming method depending on the particular material. For example, the bottom encapsulant is made, formed, or composed by a thermoplastic welding process. Thermoplastic welding is performed by mechanical welding, thermal welding, electromagnetic welding, or chemical welding (also referred to as solvent welding). The mechanical welding means include, but are not limited to, ultrasonic welding (20-40 kilohertz (kHz)), stirring welding (1-100 hz), vibration welding (100-250 hz), and spin welding (1-100 hz). Such electromagnetic welding means include, but are not limited to, induction welding (5-25 megahertz (MHz)), microwave welding (1-100 gigahertz (GHz)), dielectric welding (1-100 MHz), and resistive, implant, or electrofusion. Such thermal welding means include, but are not limited to, hot gas welding (e.g., spot and stick welding), extrusion welding, infrared welding, laser welding, thermal wedge welding, and hot plate or butt fusion welding. Thermoplastic welding is inspected by using various methods of testing the integrity of the weld. These methods include, but are not limited to, creep testing (e.g., creep rupture testing and tensile creep testing), impact testing, shear testing, peel testing (BS EN 12814-4), bending testing (DVS 2203-1 and DVS), tensile testing (DVS 2203-5), and hydrostatic pressure testing (ASTM). Thermoplastic welding is checked, for example, by non-destructive testing (NDT), to ensure the quality of the welding of the bottom wall. The nondestructive testing includes, but is not limited to, a flare test (holiday spark test), ultrasonic testing, tightness testing, radiography, and visual inspection (DVS 2202-1). In particular, the missing spark detection (holiday spark test) is used to identify unacceptable discontinuities such as pinholes, missing points, bare points or thin points.

The bottom wall of the split panel tank may comprise a single component, which may be constructed of any load bearing material (e.g., concrete, metal, or compacted soil); and a liner attached thereto for attachment to the cell plate sidewall. The single component of the bottom wall may include one or more load bearing members, such as stainless steel plates, water collection troughs, and compacted soil plates, to provide a flat bottom surface. And then completely covering the planar surface with the liner; the fabricated panel tank is then mounted directly over the liner and flat surface. The technology is particularly suitable for oil storage tanks and chemical waste liquid tanks. Alternatively, the split panel tank bottom wall may further comprise a third and fourth cell panel similar to the first or second cell panel described above. The third and fourth cell plates combine to form a bottom wall. For example, the bottom wall extension includes a third extension (e.g., a third flange) and a fourth extension (e.g., a fourth flange) at peripheral edges of the third and fourth cell plates, respectively. The third extension and the fourth extension combine to form a bottom wall. In some embodiments, the bottom wall made of cell plates is supported above the ground by a base or other heavy base. It will be appreciated that the cell plates are not limited to square, but may be any other shape suitable for constructing the panel-style tank (e.g., cylindrical container).

Similarly, the split panel tank may also include a top wall. In particular, the top wall is made of a material that is chemically resistant to chlorine or other chlorine-containing corrosive chemicals. Similar to the bottom wall of the split panel tank, the top wall may be made from a single component (e.g., a unitary cover) or assembled from a plurality of unit panels having top wall extensions (i.e., top wall unit panels). Similarly, the top wall extensions are connected to form the top wall. The top wall extensions may be connected at top wall seams by nuts or bolts, which may be connected inwardly (i.e., the top wall extensions extend or point to the inside of the split panel tank) or outwardly (i.e., the top wall extensions extend or point to the outside of the split panel tank). In the former case, one or more support structures (e.g., rebar) are provided below the top wall to support the top wall seam as a person or machine needs to walk on the top wall. In the latter case, a flat and sturdy structure may be placed on the top wall to cover the top wall cell panel and top wall seam for a person or machine to walk on the top wall. In addition, one or more support structures (e.g., rebar) are provided at the top wall extension to support the top wall. At the same time, the top wall and the side wall are directly connected at the top wall extension and the side wall. For example, the first cell panel also includes sidewall extensions (e.g., side flanges) that mate with the top wall extensions (e.g., top wall flanges). By securing the side wall extension and the top wall extension, the top wall and the first cell plate may be directly connected. In some embodiments, the sidewall extension is folded in a horizontal direction, and thus parallel to the top wall. In some embodiments, the top wall extension is folded along a vertical direction, and thus parallel to the first cell panel. It should be noted that all of the above techniques of joining the bottom wall and side wall (e.g., plastic welding) are also applicable to joining the top wall and side wall.

Optionally, the panel-type tank further comprises a fixing means (i.e. a first fixing means) for fixing the first and second extensions of the side walls. For example, the first and second extension portions have first and second engagement holes, respectively. The first and second engagement holes are matched to each other in size and position. The securing means comprises an engagement screw and an engagement nut. The engagement screw passes from the first extension through the first engagement hole and the second engagement hole and then rests on the first extension through the slotted head of the engagement screw. The coupling nut then secures the coupling screw from the second extension to the threads of the coupling screw, thereby tightening the securing means. In addition, the fixing device may further include a reinforcing plate disposed between the slotted head of the engagement screw and the first extension to avoid damage to the first extension. Similarly, the split panel tank may further comprise further fixing means (i.e. second fixing means) for fixing the third and fourth extensions of the bottom wall.

The first and second fixtures may include first and second coatings, respectively, for preventing leakage from the first and second extensions. Optionally, the first and second coatings are compatible with the liner when covered by the liner. For example, the first and second coatings are made of a thermoplastic material, such as FEP, PFA or UHMWPE. In particular, the first coating or the second coating is made integral with the first liner or the second liner using any of the methods described above (e.g., coextrusion) to form a unitary component.

Optionally, the panel-style tank further comprises a fastening means for securing the side wall extension and the bottom wall extension. Similarly, the fastening means may also comprise a fastening coating compatible with the liner, such as a thermoplastic material (including FEP, PFA or UHMWPE), to avoid damage (e.g. leakage) to the panel tank. In particular, the fastening coating may also be integrated with the liner as a unitary component by any of the aforementioned methods (e.g., coextrusion).

In a second aspect, the present application also discloses a prefabricated unit panel for use in a panel-style tank as described in the first aspect of the present application. The prefabricated unit panel includes a structural panel having an extension; and a pre-formed lining on the inside of the structural panel that completely covers the structural panel including the extension. Optionally, the liner comprises a thermoplastic material (e.g., FEP, PFA, or UHMWPE); the structural panels comprise a metal or metal alloy (e.g., stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, or galvanized steel), a plastic (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), a composite material (e.g., fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) or Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)).

Similar to the liner in the first aspect of the present application, the liner sheet includes a base layer having a first color and a front layer having a second color such that corrosion of one of the layers (e.g., the front layer) will expose the other layer (e.g., the base layer) for visual inspection of whether it is prematurely worn or damaged.

Optionally, the extension includes engagement holes for securing means (e.g. engagement screws and nuts), similar to the securing means in the first aspect of the application, the backing sheet may include through holes that match the engagement holes of the extension in size and location, which are also used for the securing means. Thus, the extension and liner panel of one prefabricated unit panel are fixed with the extension and liner panel of another prefabricated unit panel by the fixing means.

In a third aspect, the present application also discloses a method for manufacturing a side wall for a panel-style tank as described in the first aspect of the present application. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps: step one, providing a first cell plate having a first extension at its peripheral edge; step two, providing a second cell plate with a second extension part at the peripheral edge thereof; step three, the first unit plate and the second unit plate are tightly attached and directly combined by fixing the fixing device on the first extension part and the second extension part; and step four, applying sealant at exposed joints between the first extending parts on the inner sides of the first unit plates and the second extending parts on the inner sides of the second unit plates. The sealant may be applied by any suitable method described in the first aspect. If made of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP), the first and second cell plates may be made by any suitable method, including sheet molding (e.g., compression molding), hand lay-up, integral molding (e.g., injection molding and transfer molding), and compression molding. In particular, the applying step in step four may comprise a thermoplastic welding process. Optionally, the thermoplastic welding process is performed by a mechanical welding device, a thermal welding device, an electromagnetic welding device, or a chemical welding device.

Optionally, the manufacturing method further comprises a step of: a liner is joined or attached to the inner sides of the first and second cell plates. The liner has all of the features described in the first aspect of the present application. The liner may be prepared by any suitable method including, but not limited to, injection molding, pultrusion, rotational molding, compression molding, extrusion, thermoforming or vacuum forming, calendaring and blow molding. Optionally, the bonding step comprises a thermoforming process. Optionally, the method of preparing further comprises the step of inspecting the sealant by a non-destructive test. The non-destructive test includes a missing paint spark test.

Optionally, the method of manufacturing further comprises a step of selecting a liner to prevent corrosion of the fluid stored in the panel tank. For example, when the split panel tank stores an acidic or alkaline solution, the liner should not be made of a polymer that is stepwise polymerized (e.g., polyester, polyamide, or polycarbonate). Optionally, the method of manufacturing further comprises a step of coating the fixture to avoid leakage of the storage fluid. Preferably, the coating is made of the same or similar material as the liner so that the coating and liner can be easily and securely joined. In some embodiments, the coating and liner are integrated as a unitary component prior to being bonded to the cell plate.

In the step of combining the third step, the method may further include the following steps: the first step, providing a front layer and a bottom layer; secondly, adopting a coextrusion method to combine the front layer and the base layer to form a uniform bonding layer; and thirdly, attaching the uniform adhesive layer to the inner side of the first unit plate. As described above, the front layer has a front color and the bottom layer has a base color different from the front color to facilitate visual inspection. In particular, the step of bonding of the third step may further include bonding a liner to the first and second extensions for directly bonding the first and second cell plates. In this way, the manufacturing method does not require any gasket to be interposed between the first extension and the second extension. Thus, the manufacturing method overcomes the problems of leakage and corrosion caused by the use of washers. And the first and second cell plates may be more tightly and permanently joined at the first and second extensions.

In a fourth aspect, the present application also discloses a method of joining a lined split panel tank having two parts (e.g., a bottom wall and a side wall) using a thermoset liner such as PVC, ABS, PMMA, or the like; the bonding method includes: the first step, the two parts are compressed; and a second step of applying a sealant at the joint between the two parts. The two parts of the split plate tank are tightly pressed together so that the seam is less than 0.5 millimeters (mm) in size, thereby creating a capillary action. The sealant is in a liquid state and then enters the seam due to capillary action. The sealant is ultimately secured at the seam and completely covers the seam to prevent leakage. For example, a dissolved or suspended resin solution enters the seam due to capillary action. The resin in the resin solution is then fixed inside the joint and in the vicinity of the joint by solvent welding.

In a fifth aspect, the present application also discloses a method of repairing an existing split panel tank having two portions, a bottom wall and a side wall; the repair method may include: step one, providing a lining; step two, applying sealant at the joint between the bottom wall and the side wall; and step three, attaching the liner to the inner side surface of the existing split panel tank. Since the inside surface of the existing split panel tank includes the bottom surface of the bottom wall and the side surfaces of the side walls, the liner needs to completely cover the bottom and side surfaces to prevent leakage.

When the liner is larger in size than the inner side of an existing split panel tank, the liner may be integrally attached to the inner side. In particular, the liner may cover the sealant at the seam without any joining process. The liner needs to be soft and pliable to fit existing fabricated panel storage tanks. For example, the liner comprises a thermoplastic material. Prior to attaching the liner to the existing split panel tank, the thermoplastic material may be softened by heating the thermoplastic material at a temperature slightly above its glass transition temperature. Alternatively, certain materials with lower heating requirements (e.g., PE and PP) do not require the softening step described above. The softening step described above also depends on the shape and design of the cell plate. Still alternatively, the liner may comprise a plurality of liner sheets. The size of each lining is smaller than the inner side surface of the existing spliced plate type storage tank. Thus, the repair method further comprises the step of attaching the liner sheet to completely cover the inside surface of the existing panel tank.

Alternatively, the existing split panel tank is a cubic tank having four sides (i.e., front, rear, left and right surfaces), the rectangular tank being rectangular or square in cross-sectional view. Thus, the cubic tank has four joints around the four sides, namely: a first joint between the front surface and the right surface, a second joint between the right surface and the rear surface, a third joint between the rear surface and the left surface, and a fourth joint between the left surface and the front surface. The repair method further comprises the steps of: in the first step, four binding bonds are respectively applied to the four joints, namely: the first bond is applied at the first joint, the second bond is applied at the second joint, the third bond is applied at the third joint, and the fourth bond is applied at the fourth joint.

The seams of the cubic tank include four linear seams, namely: a first linear seam between the front surface and the bottom surface, a second linear seam between the right surface and the bottom surface, a third linear seam between the back surface and the bottom surface, and a fourth linear seam between the left surface and the bottom surface. Thus, the sealant includes a first sealant, a second sealant, a third sealant, and a fourth sealant at the first linear seam, the second linear seam, the third linear seam, and the fourth linear seam, respectively.

The existing split plate tank may also be a cylindrical tank, which is circular in cross-section, compared to the cubic tank described above. The cylindrical tank has only one side and the side is closed on itself with one or more joints; however, the sides are limited by the current ability to manufacture liners of the desired size. The cylindrical tank has only one circular seam between the bottom surface and the side surface.

Optionally, when the liner is a thermoplastic material, the step of applying in the second step includes a thermoplastic welding process. The thermoplastic welding process comprises a mechanical welding device, a thermal welding device, an electromagnetic welding device or a chemical welding device. In particular, hot gas welding may be performed for temporarily welding several selected welding spots. Instead, extrusion welding is used to join the liner sheet to the first and second cell sheets, which is a particular aspect of the present application.

The repair method may further comprise a step of inspecting the panel-type tank by a non-destructive test. The non-destructive test may include the step of performing a missing paint spark test.

The repair method may further comprise a step of selecting the lining on the basis of existing panel-type tanks. The repair method may further include selecting the liner to prevent corrosion of the stored fluid.

Optionally, the attaching step in the third step further includes: the first step, providing a front layer and a bottom layer; secondly, forming a uniform bonding lining on the front layer and the bottom layer by a coextrusion method; in a third step, the uniform adhesive lining is attached to the inside of the split panel tank. As described above, the front layer has a front color. For easy visual inspection, the base layer has a base color different from the front color.

In a sixth aspect, the present application also discloses a method for manufacturing a prefabricated unit panel for a panel-built tank as described in the second aspect of the present application. The manufacturing method of the prefabricated unit plate comprises the following steps: step one, providing a structural plate with an extension part; providing a lining board larger than the structural board; and step three, attaching the lining board to the inner side of the structural board. In particular, the lining panel completely covers the extension of the structural panel.

Optionally, the liner comprises a thermoplastic material. The attachment step of step three may thus be performed by a thermoforming method suitable for thermoplastic materials.

Optionally, the liner includes a front layer having a front thickness and a bottom layer having a bottom thickness. In some embodiments, the front thickness is about 50% of the total thickness (i.e., the sum of the front thickness and the bottom thickness), such as in the range of 150 to 200 microns.

The structural panels are made of impermeable, corrosion resistant, and structurally strong materials, including metals or metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, galvanized steel, aluminum, titanium, etc.), plastics (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) or fiberglass reinforced plastics (GRP) carbon fibers).

Optionally, the method for manufacturing the prefabricated unit board comprises a step of attaching a heat insulation layer to the outer side of the structural board, so that temperature fluctuation of liquid in the assembled plate type storage tank caused by temperature change of the environment outside the assembled plate type storage tank can be reduced.

Compared with the prior art, the spliced plate type storage tank provided by the invention is more durable, can be expanded, has wide application range, can safely and reliably store or transport water or chemical substance solutions, and has remarkable practical value; in addition, the manufacturing method does not need to insert any gasket between the first extension part and the second extension part, and the problems of leakage, corrosion and the like caused by using the gasket are overcome.

Drawings

The drawings (figures) illustrate embodiments and serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are presented for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation as to the relevant features.

Fig. 1 is a partially exploded view of a first split panel tank with an outer base.

Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of a first split panel tank without an external base.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view and a sectional view of the first cell plate.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first nailed cell plate.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of two first cell plates in fig. 2 vertically combined.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the backing sheet.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of two of the first cell plates of fig. 3 in orthogonal combination.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bending cell plate.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the third cell plate.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of two third cell plates of fig. 9 vertically combined.

Fig. 11 is a partially exploded view of a second split panel tank with an outer base.

Fig. 12 is a partially exploded view of a second split panel tank without an external base.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third split panel tank.

Fig. 14 is a partially exploded view of a fourth split panel tank.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an arcuate cell plate.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a combination of two of the arcuate cell plates of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a first split panel tank.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second split panel tank.

The reference numerals in the figures are shown below:

100. a first spliced plate type storage tank; 102. a bottom wall; 104. a top cover; 106. a front wall; 108. a rear wall; 110. a left wall; 112. a right wall; 114. a unit plate; 116. checking the hole; 118. a ladder; 120. a drain hole; 122. a drain pipe; 124. an inlet; 126. an outlet; 128. a top end; 130. an outer base; 132. an outer frame; 134. a liquid; 136. a liner; 138. edges; 140. a soil plate;

200. a first unit plate; 202. a first structural panel; 204. a first liner sheet; 206. a first insulating layer; 208. a first extension; 210. a first front flange; 212. a first front edge; 214. a first rear flange; 216. a first rear edge; 218. a first left flange; 220. a first left edge; 222. a first right flange; 224. a first right edge; 226. an inner surface; 228. an outer surface; 230. a first embossing; 235. a fastener; 240. nailing; 242. a first side; 244. a second side; 246. a gap; 248. a filler; 250. a second unit plate; 252. a second structural panel; 254. a second liner sheet; 256. a second insulating layer; 258. a second extension; 260. a second front flange; 262. a second front edge; 264. a second rear flange; 266. a second rear edge; 268. a second left flange; 270. a second left edge; 272. a second right flange; 274. a second right edge; 276. an inner surface; 278. an outer surface; 280. a second embossing; 290. a joint; 292. a joint; 294. a sealant; 296. a first layer liner; 297. a first layer thickness; 298. a first layer liner; 299. a first layer thickness;

300. A third unit plate; 302. a third structural panel; 306. a third insulating layer; 308. a third extension; 310. a third front flange; 312. a third leading edge; 314. a third rear flange; 316. a third trailing edge; 318. a third left flange; 320. a third left edge; 322. a third right flange; 324. a third right edge; 326. an inner surface; 330. an adhesive; 335. a fastener; 340. a liner; 350. a fourth cell plate; 352. a fourth structural panel; 356. a fourth insulating layer; 358. a fourth extension; 360. a fourth front flange; 362. a fourth front edge; 364. a fourth rear flange; 366. a fourth trailing edge; 368. a fourth left flange; 370. a fourth left edge; 372. a fourth right flange; 374. a fourth right edge; 376. an inner surface; 390. a joint; 392. a joint; 394. a sealant; 396. lining the first layer; 398. lining the first layer;

400. bending the unit plate; 402. a bending portion; 404. a first portion; 406. a second portion;

500. a second spliced plate type storage tank; 502. a bottom wall; 504. a top cover; 506. a front wall; 508. a rear wall; 510. a left wall; 512. a right wall; 514. a unit plate; 516. checking the hole; 518. a ladder; 520. a drain hole; 522. a drain pipe; 524. an inlet; 526. an outlet; 528. the top end of the ladder; 530. an outer base; 532. an inner frame; 534. a liquid; 536. a support rod; 538. a cross beam; 540. a vertical rod; 542. a liner; 544. a soil plate;

600. A third spliced plate type storage tank; 602. a bottom wall; 604. a top cover; 606. a front wall; 608. a rear wall; 610. a left wall; 612. a right wall; 614. a unit plate; 634. a liquid; 636. a facility; 638. pit holes; 640. ground surface;

700. a fourth assembled plate type storage tank; 702. a bottom wall; 704. a top cover; 706. a sidewall; 714. arc-shaped unit plates; 716. checking the hole; 718. a ladder; 720. a drain hole; 722. a drain pipe; 724. an inlet; 726. an outlet; 728. the top end of the ladder; 730. an outer base; 734. a liquid; 750. a fifth unit board; 751. a sixth unit plate; 752. an arc-shaped structural plate; 754. a liner; 756. an arc-shaped heat insulation layer; 758. an arcuate extension; 760. a front edge; 762. a front edge; 764. a rear edge; 766. a rear edge; 768. a left edge; 770. a left edge; 772. a right edge; 774. a right edge;

800. a first split panel tank; 801. assembled plate type storage tank; 802. a partition member; 804. a first sub-container; 806. a second sub-container; 808. a first fluid; 810. a second fluid; 812. a first side; 814. a second side; 816. attaching a lining sheet; 850. a second partition assembly plate type storage tank; 851. assembled plate type storage tank; 852. a partition member; 854. a first sub-container; 856. a second sub-container; 858. a first fluid; 860. a second fluid; 862. a first side; 864. a first side; 866. a first additional liner sheet; 868. a second additional liner sheet.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a partially exploded view of a first split panel tank 100 having an outer base 130. As can be seen from the illustration in fig. 1: first split panel tank 100 has a cubic dimension with a bottom wall 102, a top cover 104, and four side walls, including a front wall 106, a rear wall 108 (not shown), a left wall 110 (not shown), and a right wall 112. Thus, the first split panel tank 100 has 12 edges 138. The bottom wall 102, top cover 104 and side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 are assembled from a plurality of cell plates 114. The first panel tank 100 also includes an inspection hole or manhole 116 at the corner of the top cover 104, a ladder 118 secured to the right wall 112, a drain hole 120 connected to a drain pipe 122, an inlet 124 and an outlet 126, which are located above and below the front wall 106, respectively. In particular, the top end 128 of the ladder 118 is positioned adjacent the access opening 116. In addition, the outer base 130 is placed on the ground to support the first split panel type tank 100. The outer frame 132 is connected to the plurality of unit panels 114 for maintaining the structural integrity of the first split panel tank 100. The first panel tank 100 is adapted to store a liquid 134 (not shown) in its interior space. The interior space is defined by a bottom wall 102, a top cover 104, and four side walls 106, 108, 110, 112. Liquid 134 enters and exits the interior space through inlet 124 and outlet 126, respectively. In addition, the liquid 134 may be more quickly discharged from the inner space through the drain pipe 122 and the drain hole 120.

Fig. 2 is a partially exploded view of first split panel tank 100 without outer base 130. As can be seen from fig. 2: all of the features of the first split panel tank 100 are the same as in fig. 1, except that the bottom wall 102 is not required. Preparing a compacted and flat earth plate 140 on the ground; liner 136 is then laid over soil plate 140. Vertical sidewalls 106, 108, 110, 112 and engaging top cover 104 with sidewalls 106, 108, 110, 112 to construct first split panel tank 100 directly onto liner 136. In particular, the first split panel tank 100 of fig. 2 is suitable for oil storage and chemical waste treatment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view (fig. 3 (a)) and a cross-sectional view (fig. 3 (b)) of the first cell plate 200. As can be seen from the illustration in fig. 3: the first cell plate 200 includes a first structural plate 202, a first liner sheet 204, a first insulation layer 206, and a first extension 208. The first extension 208 further includes four flanges folded at about 90 degrees at four edges of the first cell plate 200, respectively, namely: a first front flange 210 folded at a first front edge 212, a first rear flange 214 folded at a first rear edge 216, a first left flange 218 folded at a first left edge 220, and a first right edge flange 222 folded at a first right edge 224. Thus, the first structural plate 202 extends between the four flanges 210, 214, 218, 222. The first structural plate 202 is made of stainless steel that is impermeable, corrosion resistant, and mechanically strong to withstand the pressure of the fluid 134. The four flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 are formed by folding the four edges 212, 216, 220, 224, respectively, at about 90 degrees. In other words, the four flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 are substantially perpendicular to the four edges 212, 216, 220, 224, respectively. In particular, the first structural plate 202 has a dimension of less than 4 square meters and a thickness of about 2 millimeters (mm). The first liner sheet 204 also has a thickness of about 2 millimeters (mm). Accordingly, the first cell plate 200 has a total thickness of about 4 millimeters (mm).

In addition, as shown in fig. 3 (b), the first liner sheet 204 has two flat sides, namely a first side 242 and a second side 244. The first side 242 is bonded to the inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202, which is joined by thermoforming to form the first cell panel 200. In particular, the first liner sheet 204 completely covers the inner surface 206 including the first structural panel 202 and the first extension 208. The first liner sheet 204 is made of a thermoplastic material (e.g., UHMWPE). Since the first liner sheet 204 is in direct contact with the liquid 134, it is required to be waterproof and not prone to corrosion by water and almost all chemical solutions. The first thermal barrier 206 is formed on the outer surface 228 of the first structural plate 202 to reduce temperature fluctuations of the fluid 134. The first insulating layer 206 is made of fiberglass, which is lightweight and hydrophobic. In addition, the first cell plate 200 further includes first embossments 230 on the first structural plate 202 to further enhance the mechanical properties of the first structural plate 202.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first cell plate 200 with studs 240. As can be seen from fig. 4: the first backing sheet 204 is comprised of a first side 242 having a plurality of studs 240 and a second side 244 having a planar surface. The first side 242 is assembled toward the first structural panel 202; while the second side 244 is in direct contact with the liquid 134 stored in the first split panel tank 100. A continuous gap 246 is formed between the first structural plate 202 and the first side 242 of the first liner sheet 204. A porous filler 248 (e.g., aerogel) is filled within the gap 246 to provide both an insulating function and a mechanical cushioning function. The insulating function ensures that first panel tank 100 is still usable or suitable for a particular application (e.g., hydrotherapy) in cold winter in high-latitude countries. The mechanical cushioning function ensures that the first liner panel 204 is urged tightly against the first structural panel 202 under the pressure of the liquid 134 stored in the first split panel tank 100. In particular, the first side 242 of the first liner panel 204 is devoid of studs 240 at the flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 for tight and secure engagement with the first structural panel 202.

As described above, the plurality of cell plates 114 are combined to form the first split panel type tank 100. Accordingly, fig. 5 provides the second cell plate 250 to be combined with the first cell plate 200. The second cell plate 250 is identical to the first cell plate 200 in fig. 3. In other words, the second cell plate 250 includes the second structural plate 252, the second liner sheet 254, the second insulation layer 256, and the second extension 258. The second extension 258 further includes a second front flange 260 folded at a second front edge 262, a second rear flange 264 folded at a second rear edge 266, a second left flange 268 folded at a second left edge 270, and a second right edge flange 272 folded at a second right edge 274. The second liner sheet 254 and the second insulation 256 are bonded to the inner surface 276 and the outer surface 278, respectively, of the second cell plate 250. The second cell plate 250 also includes second embossments 280 for further enhancing the mechanical properties of the second structural panel 252.

Fig. 5 (a) is a cross-sectional view of two unit panels 200, 250 of fig. 2 vertically joined to form side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first split panel tank 100 as in fig. 1 and 2. The second unit panel 250 is identical to the first unit panel 200, and has all the features shown in fig. 3. The second unit plate 250 has a second structural plate 252, a second backing sheet 254, and a second insulation layer 256, which are identical to the first structural plate 202, the first backing sheet 204, and the first insulation layer 206, respectively. The second cell plate 250 also has a second extension 258 (including a second front flange 260 at a second front edge 262, a second rear flange 264 at a second rear edge 266, a second left flange 268 at a second left edge 270, and a second right flange 272 at a second right edge 274) and a second embossment 280. The first and second unit plates 200 and 250 are joined at a joint 290 between the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 by a thermoplastic welding method. In addition, fasteners 235 (e.g., screws) further join the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 at the joint 290.

Fig. 5 (b) is an enlarged sectional view of the joint 290. As best seen in fig. 5 (b), the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 are joined together at a joint 290. In more detail, the first liner sheet 204 and the second liner sheet 254 are in direct contact at the joint 290. The joint 290 also has a seam 292 even though the first and second liner panels 204, 254 are tightly compressed. The thermoplastic welding process uses a sealant 294 for joining the first liner sheet 204 and the second liner sheet 254. The sealant 294 is so strong that the joint 290 can seal the liquid 134 stored therein during the service life of the first split panel tank 100. In contrast to the conventional art, no gasket is required to prevent leakage of the liquid 134 from the junction 290. In addition, the first insulation layer 206, the first embossment 260, the second insulation layer 256, and the second embossment 280 terminate outside the joint 290.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liner sheets 204, 254. As can be seen from fig. 6: the backing sheet 204, 254 includes a first layer of backing 296 attached to the inner surface 226, 276 of the cell plate 200, 250; and a second liner 298 attached thereto that is in contact with the liquid 134 within the first split panel tank 100. The first and second liners 296 and 298 have first and second layer thicknesses 297 and 299 of 200 microns and 1800 microns (1.8 millimeters), respectively. Both the first liner 296 and the second liner 298 are made of the same thermoplastic material, such as UHMWPE, so that they can be easily and reliably attached as a unit. Because both the first liner 296 and the second liner 298 are waterproof, the liner panels 204, 254 have dual protection against leakage of the liquid 134. In particular, the first liner 296 is blue; and the second liner 298 is black. The first liner 296 is exposed if the second liner 298 is corroded or damaged to facilitate visual inspection. If the first layer of color is observed in the inner surfaces 226, 276 of the cell plates 204, 254, the second layer of liner 298 has been corroded or destroyed and therefore needs to be replaced or repaired. Similarly, the cell plates 200, 250 are also horizontally joined together to form the bottom wall 102 and/or top cover 104 of the first split panel tank 100.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of two first cell plates 200, 250 of fig. 3, which are orthogonally combined. As can be seen from fig. 7: the cell plates 200, 250 are joined orthogonally or substantially at right angles to form the edge 138 of the first split panel tank 100. The first cell plate 200 of the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 and the second cell plate 250 of the bottom wall 102 or top cover 104 are placed vertically and then bonded by thermoplastic welding. Similarly, the present application also provides for additional cell plates (not shown) to be combined with the first cell plate 200 and the second cell plate 250 to form the corners of the first split panel tank 100. The additional cell plate is identical to the first cell plate 200 but belongs to two adjacent side walls 106, 108, 110, 112. In other words, the additional cell plates, the first cell plate 200 and the second cell plate 250 are all placed orthogonally and joined together at the corners of the first split panel tank 100.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bending cell plate 400. As can be seen from fig. 8: as an alternative to fig. 7, a bent unit panel 400 is also used to form the edge 138 of the first split panel tank 100. Except for the bent portion 402 as the edge 138, the bent cell plate 400 has all the features of the first cell plate 200 or the second cell plate 250. Bending cell plate 400 is bent orthogonally or substantially at right angles at bending portion 402. Thus, bending cell plate 400 has a first portion 404 and a second portion 406. The bent portion 402 is located at the edge 138 of the first split panel tank 100. The first portion 404 of the bent cell plate 400 is joined to the first cell plate 200 to form a sidewall 106, 108, 110, 112; and a second portion 406 thereof engages with the second cell plate 250 to form the bottom wall portion 102 or the top cover 104.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the third cell plate 300. As can be seen from fig. 9: similar to the first cell plate 200 or the second cell plate 250, the third cell plate 300 includes a third structural plate 302, a third insulation layer 306, and a third extension 308. The third extension 308 also includes a third front flange 310 folded at a third front edge 312, a third rear flange 314 folded at a third rear edge 316, a third left flange 318 (not shown) folded at a third left edge 320 (not shown), and a third right flange 322 (not shown) folded at a third right edge 324 (not shown). However, the third cell plate 300 does not have a structure similar to the first backing sheet 204 or the second backing sheet 254.

In addition to the third unit panel 300, the present application also provides a fourth unit panel 350 for coupling with the third unit panel 300. The fourth unit plate 350 is identical to the third unit panel 300 described in fig. 9. In other words, the fourth cell plate 350 includes a fourth structural plate 352, a fourth insulation layer 356, and a fourth extension 358. The fourth extension 358 further includes a fourth front flange 360 folded at a fourth front edge 362, a fourth rear flange 364 folded at a fourth rear edge 366, a fourth left flange 368 folded at a fourth left edge 370, and a fourth right flange 372 folded at a fourth right edge 374.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of two of the third and fourth cell plates 300, 352 of fig. 9 vertically joined to form the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first split panel tank 100 of fig. 1 or 2. The third cell plate 300 and the fourth cell panel 350 are joined at a joint 390 between the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 by a metal welding method. The joint 390 has a seam 392 even though the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 are pressed against each other. Accordingly, the present application incorporates a sealant 394 for connecting the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 using a metal welding method. In contrast to conventional techniques, the present application does not require the use of gaskets to prevent leakage from the junction 390. To further extend the useful life of the first split panel tank 100, the present application incorporates a single continuous liner 340 instead of two liner sheets 204, 254 to cover the inner surface 326 of the third cell panel 300, the inner surface 376 of the fourth cell panel 350, and the joint 390 to prevent leakage. Similarly, the unit panels 300, 350 are also horizontally joined together to form the bottom wall 102 and/or top cover 104 of the first split panel tank 100. In addition, adhesive 330 is applied to third structural panel 302 and fourth structural panel 352 for further securing liner 340 in place.

Fig. 10 is also an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engagement portion 390. In contrast to fig. 5, the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 are pressed against each other without a backing plate or conventional gasket therebetween. The joint 390 includes a seam 392 that is sealed by a sealant 394 by a solvent welding process. The liner 340 is then joined to the joint 390 from the inner surfaces 326, 376 to further prevent leakage from the joint 390. Additionally, fasteners 335 (e.g., screws) further join the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 at a junction 390.

Fig. 11 is a partially exploded view of a second split panel tank 500 having an external base. As can be seen from fig. 11: similar to first split panel tank 100, second split panel tank 500 includes a bottom wall 502, a top cover 504, a front wall 506, a rear wall 508 (not shown), a left wall 510 (not shown), and a right wall 512, which are constructed from a plurality of cell panels 514. Second split panel tank 500 further includes inspection hole 516, ladder 518, drain hole 520, drain pipe 522, inlet 524, outlet 526, and outer base 530. Liquid 534 is stored within second split panel tank 500.

Unlike the outer frame 132 of fig. 1 or 2, the second split panel tank 500 includes an inner frame 532. The inner frame 532 includes one or more support bars 536 that connect the inner sides of two opposing cell plates 514. The branch 536 further includes one or more cross-braces 538 configured to connect the inner sides of the two opposing side walls 506, 508, 510, 512; and one or more vertical bars 540 configured to connect bottom wall 502 and the inside of overcap 504. Alternatively, the material of the support bar 536 is similar to the structural plates 202, 252, 302, 352, including metals or metal alloys (e.g., stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass, or galvanized steel), plastics (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene), composites (e.g., as Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics (FRP) or fiberglass reinforced plastics (GRP)). In addition, the support bar 536 is completely enclosed by the liner 542 to prevent erosion of the liquid 534. The liner 542 may be preformed or applied later in the field. Cross members 538 and vertical members 540 are perpendicular to sidewalls 506, 508, 510, 512 and top cover 504, respectively, and thus support sidewalls 506, 508, 510, 512 and top cover 504, respectively.

Fig. 12 is a partially exploded view of a second split panel tank 500 without an external base. As can be seen from fig. 12: all of the features are the same as the second split panel tank 500 of fig. 11, except that the bottom wall 502 is not present. Preparing a compacted and flat ground plate 544 on the ground; liner 542 is then laid over ground plate 544. Second split panel tank 500 is constructed directly over liner 542 by erecting sidewalls 506, 508, 510, 512 and attaching overcap 504 to sidewalls 506, 508, 510, 512. Fig. 12 is particularly useful for oil storage and chemical waste treatment.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a third split panel tank 600. As can be seen from fig. 13: third split panel tank 600 has some of the features of either first split panel tank 100 or second split panel tank 200, and basically includes a bottom wall 602, a top cover 604 (not shown), a front wall 606 (not shown), a rear wall 608 (not shown), a left wall 610 and a right wall 612, each of which is constructed from a plurality of cell panels 614. However, third split panel tank 600 is not a separate device, bottom wall 602 and four side walls 606, 608, 610, 612 are surrounded and supported by facility 636. As shown in fig. 13, the facility 636 includes a pit 638 dug in the ground 640. Because the floor 640 provides structural support for the bottom wall 602 and the four side walls 606, 608, 610, 612, the cell plate 614 is subjected to less pressure from the liquid 634 (not shown) stored in the third split panel tank 600. Thus, the third split panel tank 600 does not require additional features such as the outer base 130, 530, the outer frame 132 or the inner frame 532, and the embossments 230, 280. Therefore, the third split panel tank 600 is less costly to construct and maintain.

Fig. 14 is a partially exploded view of a fourth split panel tank 700. As can be seen from fig. 14: in contrast to the split panel tanks 100, 500, 600 having a cubic size, the fourth split panel tank 700 has a cylindrical size. The fourth split panel storage tank 700 includes a bottom wall 702, a top cover 704, and a side wall 706, each of which is assembled from a plurality of arcuate unit panels 714. The fourth split panel storage tank 700 also includes an access inspection aperture 716, a ladder 718, a drain aperture 720, a drain 722 (not shown), an inlet 724, an outlet 726, and an external base 730. Liquid 734 (not shown) is stored inside the fourth split panel storage tank 700.

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the arcuate cell plate 714. The arcuate cell sheet 714 also includes an arcuate structural sheet 752, an arcuate insulation layer 756, and an arcuate extension 758. Similar to extensions 208, 258, 308, 358, arcuate extension 758 includes four edges at four edges of arcuate cell plate 714, namely front edge 760 (not shown) at front edge 762, rear edge 764 (not shown) at rear edge 766, left edge 768 at left edge 770, and right edge 772 at right edge 774, respectively. In particular, the four edges 760, 764, 768, 772 are not folded at an angle (e.g., 90 degrees) to the edges 762, 768, 770, 774, respectively. Thus, the arcuate structural plate 752 extends between the four edges 760, 764, 768, 772.

Similar to fig. 5 or 10, two arcuate unit panels 714 are joined such that more arcuate unit panels 714 are joined in turn to form a fourth split panel storage tank 700. Alternatively, a single arcuate unit panel 714 may be combined with itself to form a cylindrical component; and a plurality of cylindrical members are vertically combined to form the fourth split plate type tank 700. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of two arcuate unit plates 714 of fig. 15 joined, i.e., a fifth unit plate 750 and a sixth unit plate 751, both of which are arcuate unit plates 714. Specifically, the right edge 772 of the fifth cell plate 750 and the left edge 768 of the sixth cell panel 752 overlap and are joined. A single continuous liner 754 is then bonded to the inner surfaces of the fifth and sixth cell plates 750 and 751.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a first split panel tank 800. The first split panel tank 800 includes a panel tank 801 similar to the panel tanks 100, 500, 600, 700 described previously. The first split panel tank 800 is completely divided by the dividing member 802 into a first sub-container 804 and a second sub-container 806. The first sub-container 804 and the second sub-container contain a first fluid 808 (not shown) and a second fluid 810 (not shown), respectively. In particular, the first fluid 808 and the second fluid 810 cannot communicate through the partition 802. The partition 802 includes a first side 812 and a second side 814 that are in contact with the first fluid 808 and the second fluid 810, respectively.

The separator 802 is first assembled from the second side 814 in the same manner as in fig. 5. I.e., the first cell plate 200 and the second cell plate 250 are joined together at a junction 290 between the first liner sheet 204 and the second liner sheet 254. The first unit panel 200 and the second unit panel 250 are then further joined at the joint 290 from the first side 812 of the first split panel tank 800. Finally, the first side 812, and in particular the joint 290, is covered with an additional backing sheet 816. Thus, the joint 290 is protected at the first side 812 by the additional liner sheet 816; and protected at a second side 814 by the first liner panel 204 and the second liner panel. In other words, the partition 802 is protected from the first fluid 808 by the protection of the first liner sheet 204 and the second liner sheet 254 prefabricated at the first side 812; while the second side 814 is protected from the second fluid 810 by an additional liner sheet 816 that is not formed until after assembly of the partition member 802.

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a second split panel tank 850. As can be seen from fig. 18: the second split panel tank 850 includes a split panel tank 851, which is similar to the split panel tanks 100, 500, 600, 700 described previously; and a partition member 852 assembled from the third cell plate 300 and the fourth cell plate 350 in fig. 10. Similar to partition member 800, partition member 852 is used to completely separate second split panel tank 850 into first sub-container 854 and second sub-container 856, first sub-container 854 and second sub-container 856 containing first fluid 858 and second fluid 860, respectively. Unlike the partition member 802, the partition member 852 is formed by joining the third unit plate 300 and the fourth unit plate 350 at the joint 390 from both side surfaces thereof (i.e., the first side surface 862 and the second side surface 864). The partition component 852 also includes a first additional liner panel 866 and a second additional liner panel 868 covering the first side surface 862 and the second side surface 864, respectively. In other words, after assembly of the second split panel tank 850, the partition member 852 is protected from the first fluid 858 and the second fluid 860 by the subsequently formed first additional liner sheet 866 and second additional liner sheet 868, respectively.

In practice, the word "comprising" and its grammatical variants are used to mean "open" or "inclusive" language, including not only the stated elements but also allowing for the inclusion of additional non-explicit stated elements unless otherwise specified.

The term "about" as used herein in describing the concentrations of the constituent components generally means that the deviations do not exceed +/-5% of the stated values, even +/-4%, +/-3%, +/-2%, +/-1% or +/-0.5%.

In this disclosure, some embodiments may employ a range format. The description of the ranges is merely for convenience and brevity of description and should not be construed as a rigid limitation on the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, a range formulation encompasses all possible sub-ranges as well as individual values within the range. For example, a range of "1-6" should be understood to encompass both sub-ranges 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., as well as individual values within the range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This rule applies regardless of the range size.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various modifications and adaptations of the application can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the application, and that such modifications and adaptations should not exceed the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. A split panel tank comprising: at least one side wall for connecting with other side walls to form the assembled plate type storage tank; the at least one sidewall includes: a first unit plate having a first sidewall extension at an edge thereof for supporting the first unit plate; a second cell plate having a second sidewall extension at an edge thereof; wherein the first and second unit panels are abutted against each other at the first and second sidewall extensions and are connected by at least one fastener; the method is characterized in that: a sealant is applied at the seam between the first and second sidewall extensions, the sealant being made of the same material as the first and second cell plates.

2. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first cell plate includes a structural plate positioned between the edges of the first cell plate for taking up the pressure of the fluid within the panel tank.

3. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: at least one liner attached to one side of the first cell plate is also included for protecting the first cell plate from corrosion.

4. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one liner comprises a thermoplastic material.

5. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the at least one liner includes a first layer having a first color and a second layer having a second color.

6. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a frame attachable to the first unit panel, the second unit panel, or both, is also included for maintaining the integrity of the fabricated panel tank structure.

7. The split panel tank of claim 6, wherein: the frame includes at least one support bar attachable to the inside of two opposing cell plates.

8. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: and at least one sensor, communication module or combination thereof for detecting the operational status of the panel-style tank.

9. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: also included are cross connectors that can be configured to connect adjacent cell plate end corners.

10. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the inner partition plate can be used for dividing the inner space of the spliced plate type storage tank.

11. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: further comprising a bottom wall having an extension, the bottom wall extension being connected to the at least one side wall at the bottom wall extension; and providing a sealant at a bottom seam between the bottom wall extension and the at least one side wall.

12. The split panel tank of claim 11, wherein: the bottom wall includes a third cell plate and a fourth cell plate.

13. The split panel tank of claim 11, wherein: the sealant is thermoplastic welded at the bottom seam.

14. A split panel tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: further comprising a securing means operable to secure the first and second sidewall extensions.

15. The split panel tank of claim 11, wherein: fastening means are also included which can be used to secure the side wall extension and the bottom wall extension.

16. A prefabricated unit panel for use in the manufacture of a panel-style tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein: comprising a structural plate having an extension; and a backing sheet preformed on the inside of the structural panel and capable of substantially completely covering the inside of the structural panel.

17. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein: the liner sheet comprises a thermoplastic material.

18. The prefabricated unit panel according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: the liner sheet includes a first layer having a first color and a second layer having a second color.

19. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein: the extension comprises an engagement hole for receiving a fixing means for connecting two of the prefabricated unit panels.

20. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 19, wherein: the backing sheet includes a through hole that mates with the engagement hole.

21. A method of manufacturing a side wall of a panel-style tank as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

providing a first cell plate having a first extension at an edge thereof;

providing a second cell plate having a second extension at an edge thereof;

directly connecting the first and second unit plates by fixing the first and second extension parts; and

a sealant is applied at the seam between the first extension and the second extension.

22. The method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 21, wherein: further comprising attaching a liner to the inside of the first cell plate, the liner comprising a first layer having a first color and a second layer having a second color.

23. The method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 22, wherein: the liner is attached by thermoforming.

24. The method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 21, wherein: the sealant is applied by thermoplastic welding.

25. The method of manufacturing as set forth in claim 21, wherein: the first extension and the second extension are fixed by a fixing means.

26. The method of manufacturing of claim 22, wherein the step of attaching a liner to the inside of the first cell plate comprises:

a first step of fixing the first layer having the first color on the inner side of the first unit board; and

and a second step of fixing the second layer having the second color to the first layer.

27. A method of making a prefabricated unit panel for a fabricated panel storage tank as claimed in claim 1, comprising:

providing a structural panel having an extension;

providing a backing sheet having a size substantially greater than the structural panel; and

attaching the backing sheet to the inside of the structural panel;

wherein the backing sheet substantially covers the extension of the structural panel.

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