DE202021106548U1 - Collapsible support structure for covering a cylindrical structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Comprising a foldable support structure (1) for covering a cylindrical building, in particular a tank (90).
- a central element (10) with a central axis (X),
- at least three carriers (100) fastened to the central element (10), each with at least two arms (110) movable relative to one another,
- wherein a maximum extension (E _MP1 ) of the carrier (100) in the radial direction from the center axis (X) in a first assembly position (MP1) is smaller than a maximum extension (E _TP ) of the carrier (100) in the radial direction from the Central axis (X) in a carrying position (TP).

Description

The invention relates to a foldable support structure for covering a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank.

The invention is used in particular in the case of large, essentially cylindrical structures, in particular large tanks. Large cylindrical structures or large tanks are defined here as cylindrical structures, in particular tanks, with a diameter of at least 10 m, in particular at least 15 m, in particular at least 20 m, in particular at least 25 m, and/or with a height of at least 3 m, in particular at least 5 m, in particular at least 10 m, in particular at least 15 m. Such cylindrical structures, especially tanks, often have a long service life, which can be well over 10 years.

Such cylindrical structures are used in particular in refineries and/or (petro)chemical plants, for example in order to produce and/or store large quantities of oil, gas or other substances. In particular, the invention is used in cylindrical structures, in particular tanks, which are used to produce and/or store liquid and/or gaseous substances, such as water, acids, bases, fuels, oils, liquid gases, chemicals.

The present invention is also preferably used in floating roof tanks. The roof of a floating roof tank floats on the substance stored in the tank and rises when it is filled or lowers when it is emptied.

Various challenges arise in connection with such cylindrical structures, in particular due to the often very high stresses in the application area of the cylindrical structures due to the type and quantity of the stored substances. The components of the cylindrical structure, in particular its walls and possibly its floating roof, as well as associated components such as covers, access stairs, etc., are often exposed to high loads. This can lead to damage and/or changes to the cylindrical structure, which can completely or at least partially limit the use of the cylindrical structure.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution which can extend the service life of a cylindrical structure and/or broaden the suitability of a cylindrical structure for different fields of application. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a support structure for a cover of a cylindrical structure that is cheaper and/or simpler and/or safer to use than existing covers.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a foldable support structure for a cover of a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, comprising a central element with a central axis, at least three supports fastened to the central element, each with at least two arms that can be moved relative to one another, with a maximum extension of the supports in radial direction from the central axis in a first mounting position is smaller than a maximum extent of the carrier in the radial direction from the central axis in a carrying position.

This foldable support structure thus has a compact first assembly position in which the support structure has smaller dimensions, particularly in the radial direction, than in its support position in which it is used to carry or support a cover of the cylindrical structure. In the compact first assembly position, the support structure can be easily transported, for example, and in particular can be made available in a small space in the immediate vicinity of the cylindrical structure to be covered.

The solution proposed here is based, among other things, on the following findings. In the areas where cylindrical structures are used, there is usually not much space to pre-assemble or provide large (retrofit) components corresponding to the dimensions of the cylindrical structure, such as a buckling reinforcement ring and/or a support structure for a cover in its support position.

In the case of large cylindrical structures in particular, deformation and/or other impairments of the load-bearing capacity can occur over the service life, in particular due to weakening and/or fatigue of the material. A change in the field of application of cylindrical structures can also result in a (further) stiffening of the cylindrical structure, in particular its upper end, and/or a cover, in particular against the effects of the weather, being desired or necessary.

For example, with older floating roof tanks in particular, it is often desirable to provide a cover at the top end, since the effects of the weather often have a negative impact on their service life of floating roof tanks, especially their seals. The accumulation of rainwater, for example, on floating roof tanks is often undesirable and can have negative consequences for both the cylindrical structure itself and its operational safety.

However, if the cylindrical structure was not yet designed to accommodate an additional cover when it was created, it is often necessary to additionally stiffen the cylindrical structure, in particular its upper end, and/or to provide it with a cover.

However, in the field of application of such cylindrical structures, the decommissioning of these structures for a conversion measure is usually associated with high costs and production interruptions or is simply not possible.

The solutions proposed here therefore make it possible in a particularly advantageous manner to enable the cylindrical structure to be stiffened and/or covered without the cylindrical structure having to be taken out of service and/or emptied for this purpose. In particular, the assembly of a buckling reinforcement ring described here and/or a foldable support structure described here is also possible under conditions in which there is only little space available in the immediate vicinity of the cylindrical structure, in particular on the ground, and/or increased safety requirements, for example with regard to explosion protection , consist.

The foldable support structure described here has the advantage, among other things, that with its compact first assembly positions, it takes up significantly less space in the radial direction than in its support position. In these first assembly positions, the foldable support structure can then be lifted over the cylindrical structure to be covered by a hoist, such as a mobile crane, and brought into the support position and then set down on an upper end of the cylindrical structure. In this way, the large radial extension of the support structure in the support position is only achieved above the cylindrical structure, shortly before the support structure is placed on the cylindrical structure. On the other hand, during transport, assembly and provision of the support structure, in particular on the ground and in the immediate vicinity of the cylindrical structure to be covered, the compact first assembly position with the smaller radial extent can be used.

A further advantage of the foldable support structure results from the fact that the structure can be used with cylindrical structures that are in operation and/or filled, since the foldable support structure can be brought into the support position outside, in particular above the cylindrical structure, in particular hanging on a hoist can, in order to then only have to be sold on an upper end of the cylindrical structure in the carrying position.

The maximum extent of the supports in the radial direction from the central axis in the first assembly position is preferably at most 50%, preferably at most 30%, more preferably at most 25%, in particular at most 20%, of the maximum extent of the supports in the radial direction from the central axis in the carrying position.

If the support structure is moved from the first assembly position to the support position, further assembly positions can be taken as intermediate positions. In these further assembly positions, the maximum extension of the carriers in the radial direction from the central axis can also be greater than the maximum extension of the carriers in the radial direction from the central axis in the carrying position. In particular, if these other assembly positions are taken when the supporting structure (e.g. held by a hoist such as a mobile crane) is located above the cylindrical structure to be covered, there is usually enough space available in the radial direction to accommodate such further take assembly positions.

The at least three supports fastened to the central element are preferably spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, particularly preferably spaced equidistantly from one another in the circumferential direction.

A preferred development is characterized in that the central element has a stop device for a hoist. It is also preferred that the central element has a footprint for accommodating at least one person. In this way, the central element can serve to accommodate a person during further assembly steps, who can carry out assembly activities and/or auxiliary activities, for example, when inserting rafters between the carriers and/or during further assembly steps, which will be described in more detail later.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the foldable support structure has four or more than four supports, each with at least two arms that can be moved relative to one another. An embodiment with four carriers is particularly preferred. The four or more than four tr ger are preferably also spaced in the circumferential direction, preferably spaced equidistantly in the circumferential direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least two of the arms are connected to one another via a lockable hinge. The connection of at least two of the arms via a lockable hinge has the advantage that locking can be carried out, particularly in the carrying position, which preferably fixes the relative position of the arms to one another in the carrying position. In this way it can be ensured that in the carrying position, in which the carrying structure carries or supports the cover of the cylindrical building, a stable and reliable position is achieved and the carrying position is prevented from being released accidentally or unintentionally.

Provision is also preferably made for at least two of the arms to be connected to one another via a cable pull, the cable pull preferably being able to be coupled, in particular detachably coupled, to an actuator element, for example a preferably remote-controlled winch, in particular an electric winch. The connection of at least two of the arms via a cable pull has the particular advantage that the relative position of the arms to one another can be changed in this way during assembly of the supporting structure, in particular when moving the supporting structure from the first assembly position to the supporting position

It is also preferred that at least two of the arms are connected to one another via a spring element, in particular a tension spring. The connection of at least two of the arms via a spring element has the advantage that the spring element can secure a relative position of the two arms to one another, in particular against the spring force. At the same time, however, this spring force can also be overcome during the assembly process, with the spring element preferably being positioned in such a way that after a dead center has been overcome, the spring force then secures a different relative position of the two arms to one another.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that at least one of the arms has an engagement element for a cable pull. A control element for a cable on one of the arms is preferred in order to be able to act on the arm and its positioning during assembly, in particular from a position remote from the arm.

A preferred further development is characterized in that one, several or all of the carriers have or have a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a fourth arm and a fifth arm, with the third and fourth arms preferably being on the central element are attached, preferably wherein the third arm is attached to the central member at a higher position than the fourth arm. It is preferably provided that the first arm connects the second arm to the third arm, and/or the second arm has an engagement element for a first cable pull, and/or the first and the third arm are connected via a second cable pull, and/or or the third and the fourth arm are connected to one another via a spring element, in particular a tension spring, and/or the fifth arm connects the third to the fourth arm. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the first and the second arm are connected to one another via a first lockable hinge, and/or the first and the third arm are connected to one another via a second lockable hinge, and/or the fourth and fifth arm via a hinge are connected to each other. It is further preferred that in the carrying position the first, second and third arms lie on a common, preferably curved, line.

A preferred development is characterized in that, in the carrying position, the fourth and fifth arms form an angle of greater than 180° on a side facing the spring element and/or on a side pointing upwards in the carrying position, and/or in the A stop is provided in the carrying position, which ensures that in the carrying position the fourth and the fifth arm enclose an angle of less than 180° on a side facing away from the spring element and/or on a side directed downwards in the carrying position. This embodiment represents a particularly secure carrying position in which an unintentional release from the carrying position can be reliably prevented.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that in the first mounting position the second and/or third and/or fourth arm are inclined to the vertical by less than 30°, preferably by less than 20°, and/or in the first mounting position the first and/or fifth arm are inclined to the vertical by less than 45°, preferably by less than 30°. This configuration is particularly preferred because it represents a particularly compact configuration in which the arms enclose only a relatively small angle to the vertical, which overall leads to the very compact first assembly positions, particularly in the radial direction.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that in the carrying position one, two or all carriers, in particular one arm, preferably the respective outer arm, in particular the respective second arm, one, two or all carrier(s), can be or is connected to a carrier bracket, and/or that the foldable supporting structure can be or is connected to a buckling reinforcement ring in the carrying position.

Especially in the carrying position, it is advantageous to be able to connect the supporting structure to a supporting bracket. The support brackets are preferably arranged on an upper end of the cylindrical structure and can, for example, be part of a buckling ring to be described later.

Further advantageous embodiment variants of the support structure described above result from the combination of individual, several or all of the preferred features described here.

Also described is a method for assembling a foldable support structure to cover a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, comprising: providing a foldable support structure as described above, preferably providing a buckling stiffener ring and/or a support bracket, in particular at an upper end of the cylindrical structure, lifting the supporting structure in the first assembly position over the cylindrical building, moving the supporting structure into the supporting position, fastening the supporting structure to the upper end of the cylindrical building, preferably to the buckling reinforcement ring and/or to the support bracket.

• - Bereitstellen mindestens eines Montagehilfsmittels, insbesondere einer Winde, an einem oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks,
• - Verbinden, vorzugsweise lösbares Verbinden, des Montagehilfsmittels mit einem der Träger, insbesondere eines Arms, vorzugsweise des äußeren Arms, insbesondere des zweiten Arms, vorzugsweise mit dem Angriffselement des zweiten Arms, über einen ersten Seilzug,
• - Ansteuern, insbesondere Lockern, des ersten Seilzugs zwischen dem ersten und dritten Arm,
• - Ansteuern, insbesondere Anziehen, des Seilzugs zwischen dem Träger und dem Montagehilfsmittel,
• - Verriegeln des zwischen dem ersten und zweiten Arm angeordneten ersten Scharniers,
• - weiteres Ansteuern, insbesondere Anziehen, des ersten Seilzugs zwischen dem Träger und dem Montagehilfsmittel,
• - weiteres Ansteuern, insbesondere Anziehen, des ersten Seilzugs zwischen dem Träger und dem Montagehilfsmittel, entgegen der Kraft des Federelements, insbesondere über einen Totpunkt hinaus und/oder bis zu einem Anschlag, der vorzugsweise sicherstellt, das der vierte und der fünfte Arm in der Tragposition auf einer dem Federelement abgewandten Seite und/oder auf einer in der Tragposition nach unten gerichteten Seite einen Winkel von kleiner als 180° einschließen,
• - Verriegeln des zwischen dem ersten und dritten Arm angeordneten zweiten Scharniers.

Preferably, the method further includes one, more, or all of the following steps:

• - Provision of at least one assembly aid, in particular a winch, at an upper end of the cylindrical structure,
• - connecting, preferably releasably connecting, the assembly aid to one of the carriers, in particular an arm, preferably the outer arm, in particular the second arm, preferably to the engagement element of the second arm, via a first cable pull,
• - Controlling, in particular loosening, the first cable pull between the first and third arm,
• - Activation, in particular tightening, of the cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid,
• - locking the first hinge arranged between the first and second arm,
• - Further control, in particular tightening, of the first cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid,
• - Further control, in particular tightening, of the first cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid, against the force of the spring element, in particular beyond a dead center and/or up to a stop, which preferably ensures that the fourth and fifth arms are in the carrying position enclose an angle of less than 180° on a side facing away from the spring element and/or on a side pointing downwards in the carrying position,
• - Locking of the second hinge arranged between the first and third arms.

In particular, it is preferred that bringing the support structure into the support position includes these steps.

• - Durchführen einer, mehrere oder alle der zuvor beschriebenen Schritte für zwei oder mehrere, vorzugsweise für alle, Träger der Tragkonstruktion,
• - Bereitstellen einer der Anzahl an Trägern entsprechenden Anzahl von Montagehilfsmitteln an einem oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks.

Furthermore, the method preferably comprises one, several or all of the following steps:

• - Carrying out one, several or all of the steps described above for two or more, preferably for all, carriers of the supporting structure,
• - Providing a number of mounting aids corresponding to the number of carriers at an upper end of the cylindrical structure.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of: inserting one, two or more rafters, preferably designed as framework elements, with a first end of one of the rafters preferably being attached to the central element and a second end of one of the rafters to an upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular on a buckling ring, is arranged.

The method steps described here are preferably carried out in an order that promotes the assembly process, which corresponds to the order given here in the textual order, but can also deviate from it. In particular, some steps can also be carried out repeatedly and/or alternately. The steps described serve in particular to bring the foldable support structure from the compact first assembly position into the support position and to fasten it to an upper end of the cylindrical structure in this support position. Further rafters can then be provided, which are also carried by the supporting structure and, like these, serve to support a cover of the cylindrical tank. Such a cover can include, for example, cover plates or similar cover materials that serve in particular represent a weather protection for the cylindrical structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that in all further assembly positions between the first assembly position and the carrying position, a maximum extension of the foldable supporting structure in the vertical direction is at most 80%, preferably at most 75%, of the maximum extension of the carrier in the radial direction from the central axis in the carrying position, and/or one, several or all of the steps described above are carried out in such a way that in all further mounting positions between the first mounting position and the carrying position a maximum extension of the foldable carrying position in the vertical direction is at most 80%, preferably at most 75% , corresponds to the maximum extension of the carrier in the radial direction from the central axis in the carrying position.

This configuration has the advantage that the support structure only has a limited vertical extent during assembly. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, the height of the hoist, such as a mobile crane, is limited and/or the cylindrical structure is still in operation or filled during the assembly of the supporting structure, and the space within the cylindrical structure is therefore not or is not freely accessible for assembly, at least to a large extent.

The assembly method described above and its preferred developments have features or method steps that make them particularly suitable for being used for or with a support structure according to the invention and its (n) developments.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by using a previously described foldable support structure for covering a cylindrical building, in particular a tank, preferably in combination with a buckling reinforcement ring. Also described is the use of a previously described foldable support structure in a previously described method.

For the advantages, design variants and design details of the assembly method and its developments, reference is made to the previous description of the corresponding device features.

With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the individual aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details that are described with reference to the respective other aspects.

Further advantageous embodiments result from the combination of individual, several or all of the preferred features and/or method steps described here.

The device and the method described above are particularly suitable for use with a buckling reinforcement ring described in more detail below and a corresponding method also described in more detail below.

A buckling stiffening ring for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, in particular an upper end of a substantially cylindrical structure, preferably comprises a plurality of intermediate supports which are connected via connecting elements and which form a reinforcing ring, and with a fitting piece and/or preferably at least between two adjacent intermediate supports a variable connecting piece is arranged, wherein preferably the fitting piece and/or the variable connecting piece is designed to define a radius of the reinforcement ring.

The buckling reinforcement ring described here has a reinforcement ring with several intermediate carriers, the intermediate carriers and/or the reinforcement ring being made of steel and/or being designed as a profile element, for example as a T, double T, I or H profile. The intermediate supports and/or the reinforcement ring preferably have a high tensile strength and/or rigidity, in particular a high flexural rigidity and/or torsional rigidity.

The intermediate carriers are preferably designed in the form of ring segments and/or preferably have a radius which essentially corresponds to the radius of the reinforcing ring formed from the intermediate carriers. The multiple intermediate carriers are connected to one another via connecting elements to form the reinforcement ring. A fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece is provided at one point on the reinforcement ring, with which a radius of the reinforcement ring can preferably be fixed. One of the intermediate carriers can also be designed as such a fitting piece and/or variable connecting piece. Thus, while essentially uniform and/or identically designed elements can preferably be used for the intermediate carrier, an element with one dimension can then be selected for the fitting piece and/or as a variable connecting piece, which then closes the reinforcing ring in such a way that a radius is created, the essentially corresponds to the radius of the cylindrical structure. If there is a need to further increase and/or reduce this radius, this radius can be adjusted, in particular by means of a variable connecting piece.

In this way, a buckling ring of modular construction is provided, which can be manufactured to match a radius of the cylindrical structure and assembled on site. This particularly facilitates the transport and assembly of the buckling reinforcement ring on the cylindrical structure, since there is usually not enough space in the vicinity of such cylindrical structures to preassemble an entire buckling reinforcement ring and attach it to the cylindrical structure as an entire ring. The modular design therefore has the advantage that the individual parts can be lifted, for example by means of a hoist such as a mobile crane, and brought to the place of use on the cylindrical structure, where they can be connected to one another and fixed to the cylindrical structure.

The connection of the buckling stiffener ring to the cylindrical structure can be done in different ways. For example, a clamped connection between the buckling reinforcement ring and the cylindrical structure may be sufficient, preferably by using the fitting piece and/or the variable connecting piece to set a radius of the reinforcement ring which (in the case of a reinforcement ring arranged on an outside of the cylindrical structure) is less than or equal to the radius of the cylindrical structure at that point is or (in the case of a reinforcing ring located on the inside of the cylindrical structure) greater than or equal to the radius of the cylindrical structure at that point such that there is a clamping action between the reinforcing ring and the cylindrical structure which holds the reinforcing ring to the cylindrical structure.

Furthermore, as described in more detail below, fastening elements can be provided with which the reinforcement ring can be fastened to the cylindrical structure.

An end profile can, for example, be an angle steel or another element, mostly used for reinforcement, at an upper end of a cylindrical building, which preferably forms the end of the upper end of the cylindrical building. For example, different rolled profiles, folded profiles and/or welded profiles can be used as the end profile.

According to a preferred embodiment, the buckling reinforcement ring comprises a bearing ring for resting on an upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular on a closing profile arranged at the upper end of the cylindrical structure.

Furthermore, the buckling reinforcement ring preferably comprises a plurality of fastening elements spaced apart in the circumferential direction for fastening the reinforcement ring to the cylindrical structure, with preferably one, several or all fastening elements being designed to attach the reinforcement ring to an end profile and/or to an inner and/or outer jacket of the cylindrical structure and / or to be attached to the support ring.

The fastening elements can also function as connecting elements and/or both one or more connecting elements and, for example, one fastening element can be provided between two adjacent intermediate carriers. For example, an intermediate carrier can connect two adjacent fastening elements to one another and/or the fastening elements can function as connecting elements connecting the intermediate carrier.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that one, several or all fastening elements and/or connecting elements are designed in the form of one or more buckling stiffener webs or buckling stiffener webs.

The fastening elements and/or connecting elements can be designed, for example, as preferably plate-shaped buckling stiffener webs. Such buckling stiffener webs can preferably be arranged on the support ring and/or on the closing profile, and can preferably be detachably fastened there. In particular, attachment of the fastening elements to the support ring and/or the end profile from below is preferred.

The fastening elements and/or connecting elements can also be designed in the form of one or more of the following options: rope(s) and/or rod(s) and/or support wedge(s) and/or strap connectors and/or head plates and/or screws and /or bolts and/or threaded rods and/or nuts and/or rivets.

For example, the reinforcement ring can be fastened to the end profile and/or the support ring by cables or suspended from there. A support of the reinforcement ring by connecting elements from below or a support of the reinforcement ring by fastening elements from below is also a fastening possibility of reinforcement ring on the cylindrical structure.

A further preferred development is characterized in that the support ring comprises a plurality of support ring segments connected to one another, with the support ring segments preferably having a rectangular cross section orthogonally to the circumferential direction and/or the support ring segments having a height which corresponds to a maximum of 50% of an extension of the support ring segments in the radial direction .

It is also preferred that the support ring has a plurality of through holes, preferably in the form of elongated holes, for fastening the support ring to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the support ring has a plurality of support brackets spaced apart in the circumferential direction, in particular for accommodating a supporting structure, which are preferably arranged between adjacent support ring segments and are preferably connected to them, in particular by a preferably detachable screw connection.

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that one, several or all of the fastening elements each have two or more sub-elements, preferably connected to one another.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that one, several or all of the fastening elements each have at least one contact plate for contact with a casing of the cylindrical structure. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that several adjustment elements, for example adjusting screws, are provided on the support ring for aligning the buckling reinforcement ring, in particular the support ring, in relation to the cylindrical structure, preferably in the radial direction, preferably between the adjustment elements and a jacket of the cylindrical structure Pressure plates are arranged.

The provision of contact plates between the fastening elements and the cylindrical structure and/or pressure plates between the adjustment elements and the cylindrical structure can in particular prevent or reduce the occurrence of crevice corrosion and/or other damage and/or impairment of the cylindrical structure and/or the buckling ring.

Preferably, the contact plate and/or the pressure plates, in particular on their sides facing the casing of the cylindrical structure, are designed for distribution of the load introduction into the cylindrical structure and/or for fixing to the cylindrical structure and/or for decoupling, in particular a corrosive one Decoupling and/or acoustic decoupling and/or vibrational decoupling from the cylindrical structure and/or for isolation from the cylindrical structure.

Preferably, the contact plate and/or the pressure plates have a non-corrosive and/or non-corrosive material, such as plastic and/or rubber and/or stainless steel, and/or an adhesive material, such as a Adhesive and/or Velcro material.

These configurations have various advantages. For example, corrosion, in particular bimetal corrosion and/or contact corrosion, can be avoided or reduced in this way. Furthermore, unevenness in the lateral surface can be compensated for and/or point or linear loads can be introduced into the cylindrical structure over a larger area. Furthermore, it is possible to completely or partially decouple the buckling stiffener ring from vibrations of the cylindrical structure, for example resulting from changes in the fill level, operation of an agitator, wind influence, which can also have acoustic advantages, among other things.

A further preferred development is characterized in that one, two or more further reinforcement ring(s) are provided, each with a plurality of intermediate carriers. Depending on the need for stiffening, it may be preferable to provide two or more reinforcing rings, preferably spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. The lower reinforcement rings can be connected to the cylindrical structure, in particular its upper end, via the reinforcement rings located above them, for example via common fastening elements. However, the reinforcement rings can also each have their own fastening elements or be held on the cylindrical component by a clamping effect.

• - Verbindung des Auflagerings mit dem oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, insbesondere mit dem Abschlussprofil,
• - Verbindung benachbarter Auflageringsegmente,
• - Verbindung von Trägerkonsolen mit Auflageringsegmenten,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente mit dem zylinderförmigen Bauwerk und/oder dem Auflagering,
• - Verbindung der Teilelemente untereinander und/oder mit einem Laschenblech,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente und/oder der Verbindungselemente mit den Zwischenträgern,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente mit den Anlageplatten,

als heißarbeitfreie, insbesondere schweißfreie, Verbindung und/oder als lösbare Verbindung, vorzugsweise als Schraubverbindung und/oder Klemmverbindung, ausgebildet ist bzw. sind.A preferred development is characterized in that one or more, preferably all of the connection(s) between the elements to be assembled, in particular one, more or all of the following connections

• - Connection of the support ring to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile,
• - connection of adjacent support ring segments,
• - connection of support brackets with support ring segments,
• - connection of the fasteners to the cylindrical structure and/or the support ring,
• - Connection of the sub-elements to each other and/or to a bracket plate,
• - Connection of the fastening elements and/or the connecting elements to the intermediate beams,
• - connection of the fastening elements with the contact plates,

is/are designed as a hot work-free, in particular weld-free, connection and/or as a detachable connection, preferably as a screw connection and/or clamp connection.

The provision of connections free of hot work has the advantage that the installation can be carried out in potentially explosive environments without having to carry out special safety measures. There is thus the possibility of a particularly safe and low-risk installation. The provision of detachable connections has the advantage that dismantling is easily possible.

Further advantageous embodiment variants of the buckling reinforcement ring described above result from the combination of individual, several or all of the preferred features described here.

• - Bereitstellen mehrerer Zwischenträger und mehrerer Verbindungselemente,
• - Bilden eines Verstärkungsrings durch Verbinden von jeweils zwei benachbarten Zwischenträgern über jeweils ein Verbindungselement,
• - Anordnen eines Passstücks und/oder eines variablen Verbindungsstücks zumindest zwischen zwei benachbarten Zwischenträgern,
• - vorzugsweise Festlegen eines Radius des Verstärkungsrings mittels des Passstücks und/oder des variablen Verbindungsstücks.

Also preferred is a method for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, in particular an upper end of a substantially cylindrical structure, comprising:

• - Provision of several subcarriers and several connecting elements,
• - Forming a reinforcement ring by connecting two adjacent intermediate carriers each via a connecting element,
• - arranging a fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece at least between two adjacent intermediate supports,
• - preferably setting a radius of the reinforcement ring by means of the adapter and/or the variable connector.

• - Anordnen, insbesondere Auflegen, eines Auflagerings auf ein oberes Endes des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, insbesondere auf ein am oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks angeordnetes Abschlussprofil, und vorzugsweise Sichern, insbesondere temporäres Sichern, des Auflagerings, beispielsweise durch Schraubzwingen, und/oder
• - Anordnen mehrerer Befestigungselemente in Umfangsrichtung beabstandet an dem zylinderförmigen Bauwerk, insbesondere an dem Abschlussprofil und/oder an einem inneren und/oder äußeren Mantel des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks und/oder an dem Auflagering, und/oder
• - Bereitstellen eines zuvor beschriebenen Beulsteifenrings.

Preferably, the method further includes:

• - Arranging, in particular placing, a support ring on an upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular on a closing profile arranged at the upper end of the cylindrical structure, and preferably securing, in particular temporarily securing, the support ring, for example by screw clamps, and/or
• - Arranging several fastening elements spaced in the circumferential direction on the cylindrical structure, in particular on the closing profile and/or on an inner and/or outer shell of the cylindrical structure and/or on the support ring, and/or
• - Providing a buckling stiffener ring as described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the method, provision is made for the arrangement of the support ring to include the arrangement of a plurality of support ring segments, with the support ring segments preferably being or being connected to one another and/or to carrier brackets arranged in between.

In a further preferred embodiment of the method, it is provided that the arrangement of the support ring includes the arrangement of a plurality of support brackets spaced apart in the circumferential direction, in particular for receiving a foldable supporting structure, the support brackets preferably being arranged between adjacent support ring segments and preferably connected to them, in particular by a, preferably detachable, screw connection.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that one, several or all of the fastening elements each have two or more partial elements which are preferably connected to one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of making through-holes in a platform, in particular a circumferential walkway, of the cylindrical structure, with the through-holes being produced preferably without hot work, in particular without welding, and/or with one, several or all of the Fastening elements, preferably in the vertical direction, protrude through a respective through-hole.

The through-holes in the platform of the cylindrical structure are preferably produced without hot work, in particular without welding.

• - Ausrichten des Auflagerings relativ zum oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, vorzugsweise mittels Verstellelementen, insbesondere mittig zum zylinderförmigen Bauwerk, und/oder
• - Herstellen von Durchgangsöffnungen am oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, insbesondere im Abschlussprofil, vorzugsweise ausgerichtet zu Durchgangslöchern des Auflagerings, wobei das Herstellen der Durchgangsöffnungen vorzugsweise heißarbeitfrei, insbesondere schweißfrei, erfolgt.

Preferably, the method further includes:

• - Aligning the support ring relative to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, preferably by means of adjusting elements, in particular in the middle of the cylindrical structure, and/or
• - Production of through-openings at the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular in the final profile, preferably aligned with through-holes of the support ring, wherein the production of the through-openings preferably takes place without hot work, in particular without welding.

Preferably, the method also includes the following step: arranging a foldable support structure on the buckling ring, in particular attaching supports of the foldable support structure to the support ring, in particular the support brackets.

• - Verbindung des Auflagerings mit dem oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, insbesondere mit dem Abschlussprofil,
• - Verbindung benachbarter Auflageringsegmente,
• - Verbindung von Trägerkonsolen mit Auflageringsegmenten,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente mit dem zylinderförmigen Bauwerk und/oder dem Auflagering,
• - Verbindung der Teilelemente untereinander und/oder mit einem Laschenblech,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente und/oder der Verbindungselemente mit den Zwischenträgern,
• - Verbindung der Befestigungselemente mit den Anlageplatten,

als heißarbeitfreie, insbesondere schweißfreie, Verbindung und/oder als lösbare Verbindung, vorzugsweise als Schraubverbindung und/oder Klemmverbindung.The method preferably also includes the following step: making one or more, preferably all, connections between the elements to be assembled, in particular one, more or all of the following connections

• - Connection of the support ring to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile,
• - connection of adjacent support ring segments,
• - connection of support brackets with support ring segments,
• - connection of the fasteners to the cylindrical structure and/or the support ring,
• - Connection of the sub-elements to each other and/or to a bracket plate,
• - Connection of the fastening elements and/or the connecting elements to the intermediate beams,
• - connection of the fastening elements with the contact plates,

as a connection without hot work, in particular without welding, and/or as a detachable connection, preferably as a screw connection and/or clamp connection.

The method steps described here are preferably carried out in an order that promotes the assembly process, which corresponds to the order given here in the textual order, but can also deviate from it. In particular, some steps can also be carried out repeatedly and/or alternately. The steps described serve in particular to attach the buckling reinforcement ring to a cylindrical structure, in particular to its upper end. Then, if necessary, a foldable support structure and, if necessary, additional rafters can be arranged to support a cover of the cylindrical tank.

The method described above and its preferred developments have features or method steps that make them particularly suitable for being used for or with a described buckling stiffener ring and its developments.

Also preferred is the use of an above-described buckling reinforcement ring for stiffening an essentially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, and/or by using an above-described buckling reinforcement ring in a previously described method.

For the advantages, design variants and design details of these further aspects of the invention and its developments, reference is made to the preceding description of the corresponding device features.

With regard to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of the individual aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details that are described with reference to the respective other aspects.

• 1: eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Beulsteifenrings und einer faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der Tragposition mit Sparren;
• 2: eine Draufsicht auf 1;
• 3: eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Beulsteifenrings und der faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der Tragposition gemäß 1 ohne Sparren;
• 4: das obere Ende eines Tanks mit einem darauf angeordneten Beulsteifenring mit einer darüber positionierten faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der ersten Montageposition;
• 5: das vergrößerte Detail A gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 6: das vergrößerte Detail B gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 7: das vergrößerte Detail C gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 8: den vergrößerten Schnitt D-D gemäß 2 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 9: das vergrößerte Detail E gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 10: den vergrößerten Schnitt G-G gemäß 2 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 11: das vergrößerte Detail H gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 12: das vergrößerte Detail I gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 13: das vergrößerte Detail J gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 14: das vergrößerte Detail K gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 15: ein weiteres vergrößertes Detail gemäß 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);
• 16a-j: die faltbare Tragkonstruktion in einer ersten sowie mehreren weiteren Montagepositionen (in 16g zusammen mit dem oberen Ende eines Tanks und einem darauf angeordneten Beulsteifenring) sowie in der Tragposition;
• 16k-l: vergrößerte Ausschnitte aus 16a;
• 16m: einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus 16j;
• 17a-e: das erste verriegelbare Scharnier in verschiedenen Positionen;
• 18a-d: das zweite verriegelbare Scharnier in verschiedenen Positionen;
• 19: ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Montage einer faltbaren Tragkonstruktion zur Abdeckung eines zylinderförmigen Bauwerks; und
• 20: ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Aussteifung eines im Wesentlichen zylinderförmigen Bauwerks.

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 : a three-dimensional representation of a buckling reinforcement ring and a foldable support structure in the support position with rafters;
• 2 : a top view of 1 ;
• 3 : a three-dimensional representation of the anti-buckling ring and the foldable support structure in the support position according to FIG 1 without rafters;
• 4 : the upper end of a tank with a buckling ring placed thereon with a collapsible support structure positioned thereabove in the first assembly position;
• 5 : the enlarged detail A according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 6 : the enlarged detail B according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 7 : the enlarged detail C according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 8th : according to the enlarged section DD 2 (some details hidden);
• 9 : the enlarged detail E according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 10 : according to the enlarged section GG 2 (some details hidden);
• 11 : the enlarged detail H according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 12 : the enlarged detail I according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 13 : the enlarged detail J according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 14 : the enlarged detail K according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 15 : another enlarged detail according to 1 (some details hidden);
• 16a-j : the foldable supporting structure in a first and several further assembly positions (in 16g together with the upper end of a tank and a buckling stiffener ring arranged thereon) and in the carrying position;
• 16k-l : enlarged excerpts from 16a ;
• 16m : an enlarged section 16y ;
• 17a-e : the first lockable hinge in different positions;
• 18a-d : the second lockable hinge in different positions;
• 19 : a schematic flow chart of a method for assembling a foldable support structure for covering a cylindrical structure; and
• 20 : a schematic flowchart of a method for stiffening an essentially cylindrical structure.

1 shows a three-dimensional representation of a buckling reinforcement ring 2 and a foldable support structure 1 in the support position TP with rafters 97, which is shown in FIG 3 shown without rafters. The foldable supporting structure 1 and the buckling stiffening ring 2 are shown together and are preferably used together, but using the foldable supporting structure 1 and the buckling stiffening ring 2 separately from one another, ie each individually, is possible and advantageous in many situations. The features and details presented below for the foldable supporting structure 1 and the buckling stiffener ring 2 therefore also apply to the foldable supporting structure 1 and the buckling stiffening ring 2 on their own, ie without the other object in each case.

2 shows a top view 1 and the 4 until 14 enlarged details as in 1 indicated and cuts as in 2 specified as well 15 another enlarged detail 1 . In the 16a-j is the foldable support structure 1 in a first assembly position MP1 and several further assembly positions MP2 to MP8 (in 16g shown together with the upper end 91 of a tank 90 and a buckling stiffener ring 2) arranged thereon and in the carrying position TP. the 17a-e and 18a-d show the first and second lockable hinges 121, 122 in different positions. the 19 and 20 Finally, schematic flowcharts show a method 1000 for assembling a foldable supporting structure to cover a cylindrical structure and a method 2000 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure.

Elements that are the same or have essentially the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. General descriptions generally relate to all exemplary embodiments and/or representations, unless differences are explicitly stated.

The foldable supporting structure 1 comprises a central element 10 with a central axis X and four supports 100 fastened to the central element 10 with arms 110 that can be moved relative to one another. The supports 100 are, as for example in FIG 3 to recognize, spaced equidistant from each other in the circumferential direction.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a total of five arms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 are provided for each carrier 100. The third arm 113 and fourth arm 114 are attached to the center member 10, with the third arm 113 being attached to the center member 10 at a higher position than the fourth arm 114. The first arm 111 connects the second arm 112 to the third arm 113. The third arm 113 and the fourth arm 114 are connected to one another via a spring element 140 . The fifth arm 115 connects the third arm 113 to the fourth arm 114.

The first arm 111 and the second arm 112 are connected to each other by a first lockable hinge 121 and the first arm 111 and the third arm 113 are connected to each other by a second lockable hinge 122 . The fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115 are connected to one another via a hinge 123 which, due to its position, does not necessarily have to be in the form of a lockable hinge.

The second arm 112, which represents the radially outer arm in the carrying position TP, has at its radially outer end an engagement element 150 for a first cable pull 131, which can be detachably attached to the engagement element 150. This first cable pull 131 is preferably connected to an assembly aid 96 in the form of a winch.

As in particular in the comparison of 2 and 4 can be seen, a maximum extension E _MP1 of the carrier 100 in the radial direction from the center axis X in the first assembly position MP1 is smaller than the maximum extension E _TPR of the carrier 100 in the radial direction from the center axis X in the carrying position TP. This results in the particularly preferred compact shape of the foldable supporting structure 1, in particular compact in the radial direction, in the first assembly position MP1. In this first assembly position MP1, the supporting structure 1, as for example in 4 shown, with a hoist (not shown) in a position above a cylindrical structure, in particular above its upper end 91, brought, wherein on the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure preferably a buckling ring 2 is arranged.

As in particular in 16g can be seen, the assembly process of the supporting structure 1 preferably proceeds in such a way that a maximum extension Ev of the foldable supporting structure 1 in the vertical direction corresponds to a maximum of 80% of the maximum extension E _TPR of the carrier in the radial direction from the central axis X in the carrying position TP. This limitation of the space requirement in the vertical direction is also advantageous in order to be able to use the foldable support structure 1 with lifting gear with limited height capacities and with cylindrical structures that are in operation or filled.

The hoist preferably acts on a stop device 11 of the central element 10 . In further assembly steps, in particular when inserting rafters 97, it is preferred if a person can be accommodated on the contact area 12 of the central element 10, for example in order to attach the rafters 97 to the central element 10.

Based on this first assembly positions can then, as in particular in the 16b until 16i shown, via the further assembly positions MP2 to MP8, the foldable supporting structure 1 from the first assembly positions MP1 to the in 16y Carrying position TP are spent.

In the first assembly positions MP1 are, as in particular in the 16k and 16l to recognize the second arm 112, the third arm 113, and the fourth at 114 inclined to the vertical by less than 10 °. The first arm 111 and the fifth arm 115 are inclined by less than 30° to the vertical in this first mounting position MP1.

When the support structure 1 is brought into the support position TP, the support structure 1 is preferably connected to an upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular via support brackets 240, which are preferably part of a buckling ring 2. For this purpose, preferably the outer ends of the respective outer arms, here the second arms 112, of the carrier 100 are connected to the carrier brackets 240, preferably detachably.

In order to bring a supporting structure 1 provided in a first step 1001 in a further step 1005 from the first mounting position 1 to the supporting position TP), the supporting structure 1 is preferably first lifted by a hoist (not shown) in the first mounting position MP1 above the cylindrical to be covered building (step 1004). At the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, assembly aids 96, for example winches, are preferably provided (step 1003), preferably according to the number of supports 100. Preferably, in a step 1002, a buckling stiffener ring 2, preferably with support brackets 240, is attached to the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure provided.

The respective outer arms, i.e. here the second arms 112, of the carrier 100 are connected to the assembly aids 96 in step 1006, preferably by means of a first cable 131, which acts on the engagement element 150 of the second arm 112. In a step 1007a, the second cable pull 132, driven away via an actuator element, for example a remote-controlled electric winch, which is detachably connected to the second cable pull 132, in particular loosened. Preferably at the same time or subsequently, in a step 1007b, the first cable pull 131 is tightened, preferably via the assembly aid 96, and the supporting structure is thus brought into the second assembly position MP2. By further activating the cable pulls 131, 132 in steps 1007d and 1007e, the support structure 1 is moved via the assembly positions MP3, MP4 to the assembly positions MP5 and in the assembly position MP6 then also against the force of the spring element 140 into the assembly position MP7, up to the mounting position MP8 and in the carrying position TP a dead center is exceeded and the spring element 140 secures the relative position of the fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115 against one another.

In particular, in the first assembly positions MP1, the spring element 140 keeps the third arm 113 and fourth arm 114 in their relative position close to each other. Only after activation of the first cable pull 131 and second cable pull 132 is in 16f sixth mounting positions MP6 shown, the angle between the fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115 increases against the spring force of the tension element 140 until finally a dead center is overcome between the seventh mounting position MP7 and the eighth mounting position MP8, so that the tension spring 140 is in the eighth mounting position MP8 and in the carrying position TP, secures the new relative position of the fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115 to each other. This relative position of the fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115, particularly in the carrying position TP, is in 16m shown in more detail. The fourth arm 114 and fifth arm 115 here form an angle α ₁ of greater than 180° on the side facing the spring element 140, which corresponds to the side pointing upwards in the carrying position. On the opposite side, here the side facing away from the spring element 140, which is directed downwards here in the carrying position, the fourth arm 114 and the fifth arm 115 form an angle α ₂ of less than 180°. For this purpose, a stop 414 is preferably provided which, as in 16k, I , m can be seen, for example, as a recess on a projection of the fifth arm 115 can be formed. This recess on the projection of the fifth arm 115 forms a stop 414 for the stop pin 415 at the enlarged end of the fourth arm 114, as in FIG 16k, I , m shown.

The first lockable hinge 121 between the first arm 111 and the second arm 112 is already locked in the fifth assembly position MP5 in step 1007c. In the carrying position TP, the second lockable hinge 122 between the first arm 111 and the third arm 113 has then also been locked by step 1007f.

The first lockable hinge 121 is in the 17a until 17e shown in more detail. During the locking process, a first locking element 302 successively encompasses a locking bolt 301 which is arranged on the first arm 111 . A second spring-loaded locking element 303 arranged on the second arm 112 engages in the in 17e illustrated locking position then into the first locking element 302 that the locking can only be released again against the spring loading of the second locking element 303.

The locking of the second lockable hinge 122 is in the 18a until 18d shown in more detail. Here, too, a locking bolt 311 is arranged on an enlarged end of the first arm 111 and a first locking element 312 and a second, spring-loaded locking element 313 are arranged on an enlarged end of the third arm 113 . During the locking process, the first locking element 312 successively engages the locking bolt 311 and initially moves the second locking element 313 counter to the spring force, in which case the in 18d is shown, the second locking element 313 engages with a lug in a corresponding groove in the first locking element 312 and can only be released again against the spring loading.

Furthermore, a stop 314 is preferably provided which, as in 18b can be seen as a recess at the enlarged end of the third arm 113 can be seen. This recess at the enlarged end of the third arm 113 forms a stop 314 for the locking bolt 311 at the enlarged end of the first arm 111, as shown in FIG 18d shown. In addition, recesses are provided in the first arm 112 and in the third arm 113, which in the locked position 18d are positioned so that they overlap and a safety bolt 315 can be arranged in this overlapping recess in order to additionally secure the lockable hinge 122 against unintentional opening.

In the support position TP, the support structure 1 is fastened in step 1008 at the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure to the support brackets 240 of the buckling ring.

In a further step 1009, several rafters 97 are preferably inserted and fastened between the central element 10 and the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular the buckling stiffener ring 2.

The buckling stiffening ring 2 serves to stiffen an essentially cylindrical structure, such as shown in the figures as the upper end 91 of a tank 90 . The central element of the buckling reinforcement ring 2 is a reinforcement ring 230 which comprises a plurality of intermediate carriers 231 in the form of ring segments which are connected to one another via connecting elements 221 .

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the reinforcing ring 230 is attached via fastening elements 220 in the form of buckling stiffeners 223 to a bearing ring 210 for bearing on the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular on the end profile 92 arranged there, here in the form of angle steel, such as in 8th to recognize, fastened. The support ring 210 comprises several support ring segments 211 and in Circumferentially spaced support brackets 240.

This configuration of the buckling stiffening ring 2 has the advantage that in a method 2000 for stiffening, for example in a first step 2001 a support ring can be placed on the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular on the end profile 92 . In a further step 2002, the support ring 210 is preferably secured, in particular temporarily, for example by screw clamps at the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure. In this way, the support ring 210 initially creates a ring structure which, in particular via the support brackets 240, can be used, for example, to accommodate a supporting structure 1 in the supporting position TP, but which can also be used to accommodate fastening elements 220, with which a reinforcement ring 230 can be attached to the support ring 210. For this purpose, preferably in a step 2003a, a plurality of fastening elements 220 are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the closing profile 92 of the cylindrical structure and/or on the support ring 210.

Alternatively, it is also possible to attach the reinforcing ring 230 directly to the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, for example to the end profile 92, and/or to attach it to the (inner or outer) shell of the cylindrical structure simply by clamping the reinforcing ring. It is also possible to support the reinforcement ring 230 downwards by means of fastening elements. The fastening elements embodied here in the form of buckling stiffener webs 223 can preferably comprise two or more partial elements 224 which are also preferably connected to one another.

A platform 93 is often arranged at the upper end 91 of a cylindrical structure, which platform can be walked on by people, for example for inspection purposes. This platform 93 can also be used for the purpose of assembling a buckling reinforcement ring 2 and/or a supporting structure 1. In particular, it can also be preferred that at least one reinforcement ring 230 should be arranged at a height below the platform 93 on the cylindrical structure. For this purpose, it is preferred if through-holes 94 can be made in the platform 93 in a step 2003b, in particular without hot work. This makes it possible to let the fastening elements 220 protrude through these through-holes 94 in the platform 93 . In this way, a reinforcement ring 230 arranged below the platform 93 can also be connected via fastening elements 220 to the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the closing profile 92 and/or a support ring 210 . In order to simplify assembly and attachment, it is therefore advantageous if the fastening elements 220 comprise partial elements 224 which are connected to one another, for example via a bracket plate 226.

Preferably, the reinforcing ring 230 has a fitting piece and/or variable connection piece 225 (cf. in particular 9 ) with which in particular a radius of the reinforcement ring 230 can be defined in a step 2004b. In this way, the radius of the reinforcement ring 230 can be matched to the radius of the cylindrical structure.

From the multiple intermediate carriers 231 provided in step 2004a, a reinforcement ring 230 is formed in step 2004b and in step 2004c a fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece 225 is arranged between two adjacent intermediate carriers 231 and preferably the radius of the reinforcement ring 230 by means of the fitting piece and/or of the variable link 225 is set in step 2004d. The alignment of the support ring 210 relative to the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure is preferably carried out by means of the adjusting elements 250, designed here for example as adjusting screws, in a step 2005. The step 2005 with the alignment of the support ring 210 can preferably also be carried out before steps 2004a-d will.

In step 2006, through openings 95 are produced at the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular in the end profile 92, in order to fix the buckling stiffening ring 2 to the cylindrical structure. These through openings 95 are preferably aligned with through holes 212 of the support ring. These through holes 212 of the support ring 210 are preferably designed as oblong holes in order to still have a good cover to the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the closing profile 92, even after the support ring has been aligned relative to the upper end of the cylindrical structure. The production of the through-openings 95 in step 2006 is preferably carried out without hot work, for example by stamping and particularly preferably aligned with the through-holes 212 of the support ring 210, for example by the through-openings 95 being produced by punching through the through-holes 212 of the support ring 210. The production in step 2007 of one, more or preferably all connections between the elements to be assembled is preferably done without hot work and / or as a detachable connection to a secure assembly during operation of the cylindrical structure, in particular their also in an explosion-endangered environment, and/or to enable dismantling.

In a further step 1008, 2008, the foldable support structure 1 can be fixed in its support position TP on the buckling reinforcement ring 2, in particular on the support brackets 240 of the support ring 210.

Reference List

1

foldable support structure

10

central element

100

carrier

1000

Method of assembling a foldable support structure to cover a cylindrical structure

11

Attachment device for a hoist

110

poor

111

first arm

112

second arm

113

third arm

114

fourth arm

115

fifth arm

12

Response area for accommodating at least one person

121

first locking hinge

122

second lockable hinge

123

hinge

131, 132

cable pull

140

spring element

150

Attack element for a cable pull

2

dent ring

2000

Method of stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure

210

support ring

211

support ring segment

212

through-holes of the support ring

220

fastener

221

fastener

97

rafters

222

attachment plate

223

buckling bar

224

part element

225

variable connector

226

tab plate

230

reinforcement ring

231

intermediate carrier

240

carrier console

250

adjustment element

251

pressure plate

301

Locking bolt on the first arm

302

first locking element on the second arm

303

second locking element on the second arm

311

Locking bolts on an enlarged end of the first arm

312

first locking element on the third arm

313

second locking element on the third arm

314

Stop at an enlarged end of the third arm

315

safety bolt

414

Hitting a ledge on the fifth arm

415

Stop bolts on an enlarged end of the fourth arm

90

cylindrical structure in the form of a tank

91

upper end of the cylindrical structure

92

graduation profile

93

Platform of the cylindrical structure

94

Through holes in the platform of the cylindrical structure

95

Through openings on the end profile

96

assembly aids

EMP1

Extension of the beams in the radial direction in the first mounting position

ETPR

Extension of the beams in the radial direction in the carrying position

possibly

Extension of the foldable support structure in the vertical direction

MP1

first mounting position

MP2

second mounting position

MP3

third mounting position

MP4

fourth mounting position

MP5

fifth mounting position

MP6

sixth mounting position

MP7

seventh mounting position

MP8

fifth mounting position

TP

carrying position

X

central axis

V

vertical axis

α1

in the carrying position of the fourth and fifth arm on a side facing the spring element and/or on a side directed upwards in the carrying position

α2

in the carrying position, the angle enclosed by the fourth and fifth arm on a side facing away from the spring element and/or on a side directed downwards in the carrying position

α3

Angle of inclination of the second and/or third and/or fourth arm to the vertical in the first mounting position

α4

Angle of inclination of the first and/or fifth arm to the vertical in the first mounting position

Claims (9)

Foldable support structure (1) for covering a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank (90), comprising - a central element (10) with a central axis (X), - at least three supports (100) fastened to the central element (10), each with at least two arms (110) that can be moved relative to one another, - a maximum extension (E _MP1 ) of the carrier (100) in the radial direction from the center axis (X) in a first assembly position (MP1) being smaller than a maximum extension (E _TP ) of the Carrier (100) in the radial direction from the central axis (X) in a carrying position (TP). Foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the central element (10) has a stop device (11) for a hoist and/or characterized in that the central element (10) has a contact surface (12) for receiving at least of a person. Foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foldable support structure (1) has four or more than four supports (100) each with at least two arms (110) movable relative to one another. Foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the arms (110) are connected to one another via a lockable hinge (121, 122) and/or characterized in that at least two of the arms (110) are connected to one another via a cable pull (131), the cable pull (131) preferably being able to be coupled, in particular detachably coupled, to an actuator element, for example a preferably remote-controlled winch, in particular an electric winch, and/or characterized in that at least two of the Arms (110) are connected to one another via a spring element (140), in particular a tension spring, and/or characterized in that at least one of the arms (110) has an engagement element (150) for a cable pull (132). Foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one, several or all of the carriers (100) have a first arm (111), a second arm (112), a third arm (113), a fourth arm (114) and a fifth arm (115), preferably the third and fourth arms (113, 114) being fixed to the central member (10), preferably the third arm (113) being at a higher position on the central member (10) is attached as the fourth arm (114). Collapsible support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first arm (111) connects the second arm (112) to the third arm (113), and/or - the second arm (112) is an engaging element (150) for a first cable pull (131), and/or - the first and the third arm (111, 113) are connected via a second cable pull (132), and/or - the third and the fourth arm (113, 114) are connected to one another via a spring element (140), in particular a tension spring, and/or - the fifth arm (115) connects the third to the fourth arm (113, 114), and/or - the first and the second arm (111, 112) about a first lockable hinge (121) are connected to each other, and/or - the first and the third arm (111, 113) are connected to each other via a second lockable hinge (122), and/or - the fourth and the fifth arm (114, 115) are connected to one another via a hinge (123). Foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - in the support position (TP) the first, second and third arms (111, 112, 113) lie on a common, preferably curved line, and/or - In the carrying position (TP) the fourth and the fifth arm (114, 115) on a side facing the spring element (140) and/or on a side pointing upwards in the carrying position (TP) an angle (α ₁ ) of greater than 180°, and/or - in the carrying position (TP) a stop (414) is provided which ensures that in the carrying position (TP) the fourth and the fifth arm (114, 115) are on a side facing away from the spring element and/or enclose an angle (α ₂ ) of less than 180° on a side pointing downwards in the carrying position (TP), and/or - in the first mounting position (MP1) the second and/or third and/or fourth arm (112, 113, 114) to the vertical by less than 30°, preferably by less a are inclined by less than 20°, and/or - in the first assembly position (MP1), the first and/or fifth arm (111, 115) are inclined by less than 45°, preferably by less than 30°, to the vertical. Foldable supporting structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the carrying position (TP) one, two or all carriers (100), in particular one arm (110) each, preferably the respective outer arm, in particular the respective second Arm (112), one, two or all carrier (s) (100), with a carrier bracket (240) can be connected or is connected, and / or characterized in that the foldable supporting structure (1) in the supporting position (TP) with a Dent ring (2) is connectable or connected. Use of a foldable support structure (1) according to at least one of the preceding Claims 1 - 8th for covering a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank (90).

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