EA044099B1 - IMPROVED STORAGE TANK - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The present invention relates to an improved storage tank. The present invention is a storage tank that controls the temperature inside the storage tank relative to the ambient temperature, providing significant insulation from external weather conditions and minimizing the influence of external temperature; which makes it extremely resistant to weather conditions.

Prerequisites for creating the invention

There is a need to store fluids such as water for daily use. Sometimes it is necessary to store ice on an industrial scale for daily use. Sometimes such fluids need to be transported. Therefore, plastic containers, such as a tank, are widely used for storing and transporting fluids. A similar situation arises in the case of milk. Over the past few decades, the plastic tank has replaced metal and concrete tanks. Plastic tanks have many advantages, such as being lightweight and easy to use. At the same time, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that the stored fluids and ice are highly influenced by the ambient temperature, i.e. the water becomes hot in summer and cold in winter. Thus, it becomes too difficult to use the stored critical fluids in extreme weather conditions.

Many different measures have been taken to solve this problem. The first of these is the use of insulation. There are many plastic tanks that are used nowadays. Some of them have one or more layers. However, such tanks still have the problem of exposure to the environment or external temperature. Thus, control over the temperature inside the water tank has not yet been achieved. If the ambient temperature is greater than the temperature of the water in the tank, the temperature of the water inside the tank rises. The direct effect of temperature on water has its impact on the user experience. In addition, evaporation occurs, which results in the loss of water to the atmosphere. With the widespread use of these tanks, the total water loss is enormous and should be avoided.

In regions with extremely cold conditions, fluid storage is challenging. Fluid tends to solidify beyond its freezing point. Water, which is a very important fluid for all living things and a daily requirement, turns into ice in cold conditions. For daily use, such frozen water must be heated. The heating equipment needed to melt such ice is energy intensive and expensive.

In hot weather conditions, fluids such as water tend to evaporate very quickly. Loss of fluids due to evaporation results in huge losses for industry during the summer.

Foamed polyethylene is used to insulate several devices. Products are available in which polyethylene foam is placed between two surfaces of the tank walls. However, control of the ambient temperature using such devices is not achieved. The main reason is the limitation of expansion in polyethylene foam.

Another measure is to use an insulated casing over the water reservoir. However, insulated casings are comparatively more expensive than polyethylene foam and are ineffective. At the same time, the above problems are also not completely solved.

Ice boxes are used to store various items at temperatures below ambient temperature. However, ice chests are not effective for storing items at a controlled temperature for long periods of time. The outside temperature quickly affects them.

State of the art

There are various patents covering the present invention. The closest ones are listed below.

Japanese Patent JP 2016017649 A discloses a hot water storage tank unit, in which the hot water storage tank unit is capable of preventing positional deviation due to foaming in the hot water storage tank. The hot water storage tank unit includes: a hot water storage tank 2; an outer casing 3A housing the hot water tank 2; an inner leg 4 attached to the outer body 3A and attached to the hot water storage tank 2 at one end side of the hot water tank 2; and support members 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 attached to the outer body 3A and supporting the hot water tank 2 on the other end side of the hot water tank 2. When foaming is performed by laying the outer body 3A and injecting an undiluted solution 6a of the foamed thermal insulation material 6 between the outer body 3A and the hot water storage tank 2, the support members 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 adjust the positional deviation due to foaming of the hot water tank water 2.

Another Japanese Application No. JP 2015172470 discloses a hot water tank block and a manufacturing method thereof, which provides a hot water tank block showing

- 1 044099 high thermal insulation properties and low cost, as well as the method of its manufacture.

Solution: The hot water storage tank unit 1 according to the invention includes a hot water storage tank 2 in which heated hot water is stored; an outer housing 3 housing a hot water tank 2; and a foam insulating material 6 filling the space between the hot water storage tank 2 and the outer casing 3 for foaming, the outer casing 3 being formed to include a top plate 3d, a bottom plate 3e and side plates 3b, 3a and 3c , located on the side, wherein the central part of at least any of the top plate 3d, the bottom plate 3e and the side plates 3b, 3a and 3c is formed to be convex outward, and the outer surface of the outer body 3 has a light-blocking effect of protecting from sunlight.

Another Chinese application CN 201420347602 discloses a utility model with a vertical type electromagnetic water heater for storing water. The electromagnetic water heater contains an outer shell, a water tank and an electromagnetic heating unit. Moreover, the water tank and the electromagnetic heating unit are located in the outer shell, and the outer surface of the water tank is wrapped in a heat-insulating layer. The electromagnetic heating unit is located under the water tank, the air inlet and air outlet are formed at positions corresponding to the electromagnetic heating unit, at the bottom of the outer shell, a cold air cavity is formed between the electromagnetic heating unit and the air inlet, between the electromagnetic heating element and The air outlet creates a cavity for hot air. Moreover, the cavity for cold air and the cavity for hot air, respectively, communicate with the internal part of the electromagnetic heating element and are isolated by means of cold and hot air partitions. Adopting a unique heat dissipation air channel design, it achieves good ventilation effect and prevents the entry of external water and steam, which can affect the performance and insulation performance of the electromagnetic heating device.

However, the prior art does not solve existing problems and has disadvantages.

Disadvantages of the Prior Art

The prior art has at least all or any of the following disadvantages:

Most prior art solutions do not provide a storage tank to effectively control the temperature inside the tank relative to the ambient temperature over an extended period of time;

Most prior art solutions do not provide a storage tank to eliminate water loss due to evaporation of water in the summer, which amounts to about 10% of the storage volume and is therefore not environmentally friendly;

Most prior art solutions do not provide a storage tank that effectively provides significant isolation from external weather conditions;

Most prior art solutions do not provide a storage tank that effectively withstands external ambient temperatures;

most solutions of the prior art are not industrially scalable, nor are they intended for domestic use;

Many prior art solutions consume energy because they use additional heating equipment when used in cold weather conditions.

most of them are not economical.

Thus, there is an unmet need for an improved storage tank capable of controlling the temperature inside the tank relative to the ambient temperature, providing significant insulation from external weather conditions and minimizing the influence of the external temperature inside the storage tank, making it extremely resistant to weather conditions.

Objectives of the invention

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that effectively controls the temperature of the water inside the tank with ambient temperature over an extended period of time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that eliminates water loss due to evaporation and is therefore environmentally friendly during hot weather.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that effectively isolates fluid or ice within the tank from outside temperature.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that is effectively weather resistant.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that can be used in both industrial and domestic applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that is energy efficient by eliminating the need to use heaters in cold weather.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved storage tank that is economical.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1: Axonometric view of an improved storage tank.

Fig. 2: Axonometric cross-sectional view of a storage tank.

Fig. 3: Cross-sectional front view of the improved storage tank.

Fig. 4a: Cross-sectional view of the manhole cover.

Fig. 4b: Side view of the manhole cover.

Fig. 4c: Front cross-sectional view of the hatch cover.

Fig. 5: A perspective view of another embodiment of an improved storage tank.

Fig. 6a: A cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of an improved storage tank.

Fig. 6b: Front cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an improved storage tank.

Improved Storage Tank Component Reference Numbers.

100: Improved storage tank.

1: Outer container.

2: Inner container.

3: Polyurethane (PU) foam.

4: Manhole cover.

5: Ventilation hole.

6: Pipe connection.

7: Bottom of outer container.

8: Top of outer container.

9: Bolted connection.

10: Threads.

Disclosure of the invention

As a result of extensive research, the applicant has developed an innovative technology that provides a simple, economical and extremely effective product for storing critical fluids and ice with the following key characteristics:

a) monitoring the temperature inside the storage tank relative to the ambient temperature;

b) minimal influence of outside air temperature on the storage tank; thereby maintaining the state of the fluid medium for a long time;

c) providing significant insulation from external temperature, thereby making the storage tank extremely resistant to weather conditions.

In particular, the present invention provides an improved fluid and ice storage tank. In particular, fluids such as water, milk, industrial chemicals and the like can be stored in such an improved storage tank.

As shown in FIG. 1-3, the improved storage tank 100 according to the present invention contains:

outer container 1, inner container 2,

PU foam 3, manhole cover 4, vent 5, pipe connection 6 and threads 10, said outer container 1 forming the outer body of the improved storage tank 100; in this case, the outer container 1 remains in direct contact with the external environment. Inner container 2 is placed inside outer container 1.

Between the outer container 1 and the inner container 2 there is polyurethane foam 3; and the thickness of the polyurethane foam is in the range from 80 to 90 mm. Polyurethane foam 3, when used in this range, provides the storage tank 100 with the most effective results in terms of isolating the fluid filling the tank from the inside. Thereby

- 3 044099 of a certain size storage tank it is provided with the ability to control the temperature inside the tank relative to the ambient temperature, providing significant insulation from external weather conditions and minimizing the influence of external temperature inside the storage tank, thereby making it extremely resistant to weather conditions.

After placing the polyurethane foam 3 between the outer container 1 and the inner container 2, the polyurethane foam 3 is secured between the layers of the outer container 1 and the inner container 2, as shown in FIG. 2 and 3.

The inner container 2 and the outer container 1 are made of linear high density polyethylene (LDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene (PE) or any similar plastic material. The outer container 1 and the inner container 2 made of linear low density polyethylene (LDPE) or other plastic have a thickness in the range of 3 to 4 mm; wherein the improved storage tank is preferably manufactured by rotomoulding.

The manhole cover 4 is used to cover the improved storage tank 100, as shown in FIG. 1. The ventilation hole 5 provided in the manhole cover 4 is used for proper air circulation and to eliminate any unpleasant odor in the filled fluid/water and also to eliminate the possibility of vacuum/internal pressure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4a-c, where in FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of the hatch cover 4 in cross section. The manhole cover 4 is also internally filled with PU (polyurethane) foam 3 to provide insulation, as shown in FIG. 4a. A manhole cover 4 is provided separately to cover the top of the improved tank 100. Referring to FIG. 4c, which shows a front cross-sectional view of the hatch cover 4, threads 10 are provided on the bottom of the hatch cover 4 for fixing the hatch cover 4 to the top of the improved storage tank 100.

A pipe connection 6 is provided at the bottom of the improved reservoir 100 and is used to drain fluid if necessary. This is shown in Fig. 2 and 3.

In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, 6a and 6b, the improved storage tank 100 contains:

outer container 1, inner container 2,

PU foam 3, manhole cover 4, vent 5, pipe connection 6 and threads 10, said outer container 1 forming the outer body of the improved storage tank 100; in this case, the outer container 1 remains in direct contact with the external environment.

Said outer container 1 contains:

the outer container lower part 7, the outer container upper part 8, the bolted connection 9, wherein the outer container 1 is divided into two parts, namely the outer container lower part 7 and the outer container upper part 8.

The inner container 2 is located inside the lower part 7 of the outer container.

Between the lower part of the outer container 7 and the inner container 2 there is polyurethane foam 3; while the thickness of polyurethane foam is in the range from 80 to 90 mm. Polyurethane foam 3, when used in this range, provides the storage tank 100 with the most effective results in terms of isolating the fluid filling the tank from the inside. Due to this specific size of the storage tank, it is provided with the ability to control the temperature inside the tank relative to the ambient temperature, providing significant insulation from external weather conditions and minimizing the influence of the external temperature inside the storage tank, thereby making it extremely resistant to weather conditions.

After placing the polyurethane foam 3 between the outer container 1 and the inner container 2, the upper part 8 of the outer container is connected to the said lower part 7 of the outer container through a bolt connection 9. The upper part of the outer container 8 is sealed with polyurethane foam 3 between the layers of the outer container 1 and the inner container 2, as shown in Fig. 6a and 6b.

The inner container 2 and the lower part of the outer container 7 and the upper part of the outer container are made of linear high density polyethylene (LDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyethylene (PE) or any similar plastic material.

In the claimed improved tank 100, changes in internal temperature under the influence of external ambient temperature are negligible. The temperature inside the improved storage tank 100 is maintained for up to 24 hours. The improved storage tank 100 has an efficiency of 98-99%.

Thus, the claimed improved storage tank prevents water inside the tank from freezing over a significant period of time; thereby eliminating the need to use heaters to heat the fluid or ice within the reservoir. Improved reservoir prevents fluid evaporation in summer. Thus, energy consumption is saved; provides an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Such a tank can be used for both domestic and industrial purposes.

The benefits of the improved storage tank 100 can be clearly seen in the examples below.

Examples

Example 1.

An example is given to determine the conversion of ice to water after 24 hours; with respect to ice stored in an improved storage tank; take an improved tank with a capacity of 1000 liters, which is made of an outer container, an inner container of 3.5 mm thick linear high-density polyethylene (LDPE) and 85 mm thick polyurethane insulation inserted between the outer and inner containers. In this case, the said 1000-liter improved storage tank is filled with 365 kg of ice inside the tank at an external ambient temperature of 36.5°C, and when filling the tank - 30.0°C while recording the conversion the entire next day. The transformation of ice into water was recorded after 24 hours, the recorded data is given in table. 1.

Table 1

Initial mass of ice Mass of water collected after 24 hours Percentage of conversion of ice to water in 24 hours 365 kg 23.55 kg 6.45%

Table 1 shows that using the claimed improved storage tank, only 6.45% of the ice was converted to water in 24 hours at an ambient temperature of about 36.5°C.

Example 2.

An example is given to determine the change in water temperature (after mixing) after 24 hours when storing an improved tank outdoors, while the water poured inside the tank has a lower temperature than the ambient temperature. The improved 1000L capacity tank contains an outer container and an inner container made of 3.5mm thick Linear High Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and 85mm thick polyurethane insulation inserted between the outer and inner containers. The temperature of the water poured into the improved tank is 7.5°C, and the ambient temperature at the time of water supply was 23.1°C. The ambient temperature at the time of sampling was 27.2°C. The change in water temperature was recorded after 24 hours, the water was sufficiently stirred before the temperature was recorded. The recorded data is shown in the table. 2.

table 2

Initial water temperature Final temperature after 24 hours 7.5°С 7.9°С

Table Figure 2 shows that the temperature of the cold water inside the tank changed only slightly, by only 0.4°C after 24 hours, so this shows that the temperature of the outside air had no effect on the temperature of the water inside the tank.

Example 3.

An example is given to determine changes in water temperature (after mixing) after 24 hours when an improved storage tank was exposed to air and the water poured into the tank was at a higher temperature than the ambient temperature; The advanced 1000L storage tank contains outer and inner containers made of 3.5mm thick linear high-density polyethylene (LDPE); 85 mm thick polyurethane insulation inserted between the outer and inner containers. The temperature of the water poured into the improved tank is 40°C, and the ambient temperature at the time of water supply was 30.1°C. The ambient temperature at the time of sampling was 31.1°C. The change in water temperature was recorded after 24 hours, the water was sufficiently stirred before the temperature was recorded. The registered data is shown in the table. 3.

Table 3

Initial water temperature Final temperature after 24 hours 40°C 39.5°С

Table 3 shows that the temperature of the hot water inside the tank changed slightly, only by 0.5°C after 24 hours; thus, this shows that the temperature of the outside air had no effect on the temperature of the water inside the tank.

Example 4.

To determine changes in water temperature (after mixing) after 24 hours when the insulated container was in cold conditions and the water was at normal temperature; The storage tank has external dimensions of 530x530x460 mm and internal dimensions of 385x385x375 mm. The reservoir is made of 65.5 mm polyurethane sandwiched between a 4 mm thick linear high density polyethylene (LDPE) outer container and a 3 mm thick linear low density polyethylene (LDPE) inner container for the inner container. The improved tank was filled with water at a temperature of 28.5°C, the tank is in cold atmospheric conditions with air temperatures down to -15°C. The change in temperature was recorded after 24 hours; the recorded temperature values are given in table. 4.

Table 4

Initial water temperature Final temperature after 24 hours 28.5°С 20.6°С

Table 4 shows that when the improved reservoir was exposed to an extremely cold environment, the water remained liquid after 24 hours.

Advantages of the present invention

The present invention is an improved fluid and ice storage tank. In particular, fluids such as water, milk, industrial chemicals, etc.

The present invention is a storage tank configured to control the temperature inside the storage tank relative to an ambient temperature.

The present invention provides significant insulation from external weather conditions and minimizes the effect of external temperature on the internal temperature of the storage tank, thereby making it extremely resistant to weather conditions.

The present invention eliminates water loss due to evaporation and is therefore environmentally friendly in hot weather.

The present invention effectively isolates the fluid or ice inside the tank from the external temperature for 24 hours, thereby making the present invention effective and extremely resistant to weather conditions.

The present invention is used both in industry and in everyday life.

The present invention is energy efficient because it eliminates the use of heating equipment to heat water in cold weather.

The present invention is a cost-effective solution that provides effective heat resistance with efficiency up to 98-99% in terms of temperature control.

Claims (2)

1. An improved storage tank (100), wherein the improved storage tank contains: outer container (1), inner container (2), PU (polyurethane) foam (3), manhole cover (4), vent (5), pipe connection (6) and threads (10), wherein said outer container (1) forms the outer casing of the improved storage tank (100) ; in this case, the outer container (1) remains in direct contact with the external environment; wherein the inner container (2) is placed inside the outer container (1); between the outer container (1) and the inner container (2) polyurethane foam (3) is placed; after placing the polyurethane foam (3) between the outer container (1) and the inner container (2), said polyurethane foam (3) is secured between the layers of the outer container (1) and the inner container (2); said outer container (1) and inner container (2) are made of linear high-density polyethylene (LDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyethylene (PE); to close the improved storage tank (100) from above, a hatch cover (4) is used, which is designed to be removably fixed to the open upper part of the tank (100) by means of a thread (10) made on the bottom of the hatch cover (4); a vent hole (5) is provided in the manhole cover (4) for ventilation and proper air circulation to avoid any unpleasant odor in the filled fluid/water and also to eliminate the possibility of any vacuum/internal pressure, for which a vent is provided in the manhole cover a hole, wherein the manhole cover (4) also contains polyurethane foam (3) inside to provide insulation; - 6 044099 in the lower part of the improved tank (100) there is a pipe connection (6) for draining the fluid. 2. Improved tank (100) according to claim 1, in which the outer container (1) is divided into two parts, namely: a lower part (7) of the outer container and an upper part (8) of the outer container, and the inner container (2) is placed inside the lower part (7) of the outer container; between the lower part (7) of the outer container and the inner container (2) polyurethane foam (3) is placed; after placing the polyurethane foam (3) between the lower part (7) of the outer container and the inner container (2), the upper part (8) of the outer container is connected to the said lower part (7) of the outer container through a bolted connection (9); wherein closing the outer container by means of the upper part (8) secures the polyurethane foam (3) between the layers of the outer container (1) and the inner container (2).