EP1234784B1 - Sealing device for the annular space between a container internal wall of a vertical cylindrical container for fluid and the floating roof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for sealing the annular gap between a container inner wall of a vertical circular container intended for a liquid and a floating blanket, with a circumferential, to the container inner wall applying sealing ring, with a number in the container circumferential direction stringing together Sliding / sealing body with extending in the vertical direction sealing surfaces, with at least one circumferential, the annular gap between the sealing ring and an outer wall the floating ceiling bridging sealing membrane and with a variety on the circumference of the floating cover distributed and attached to this pressure units that the span variable annular gap and the sealing ring at least at a first Press the site against the inner wall of the container, with at least some of these pressure units have at least one base arm which is arranged obliquely in the annular gap, extends between the sealing ring and floating ceiling outer wall and at least the sealing ring or the floating ceiling outer wall is applied and its angular position to the sealing ring changes when changing the annular gap width, wherein the Andrückung of the Sealing ring is supported by at least a first spring element and wherein the first Spring element and the base arm are connected to each other in such a way that when narrowing Annular gap, the pressure force is increased against the sealing ring.

Such sealing arrangements find primarily in construction site manufactured large containers with vertical axis use, also called floating roof tanks or fixed roof tanks be designated. Such containers have a floating cover, which is covered by the Fluid is carried and rises with the changing liquid level or decreases. For sealing the annular gap between the container wall and the edge of Floating blanket used seal arrangements are from the floating ceiling worn himself. Due to container ovalities and eccentric floating position of Floating ceiling, the constructively planned annular gap widths of a centric Floating roof of about 150 to 300 mm to real annular gap widths in practice reach from 500 to 600 mm with extreme tank ovalities and eccentric floating position.

The seal assembly used has not only the task, the vertical and horizontal movement of the floating ceiling occurring, variable gap effectively seal, but at the same time the floating ceiling itself opposite the container shell to center.

As far as in the present description of floating ceiling is spoken, so are including on the one hand indoor floating ceilings from solid roof tanks and on the other Floating roofs of floating roof tanks to understand.

• Trag- und Andruckeinheiten
• ein behälterwandseitig anliegendes, ringförmig geschlossenes Kontaktelement, z.B. in der Form von Gleitblechen
• mindestens eine, den Ringspalt zwischen Kontaktelement und Schwimmdecke überspannende, flexible Dichtungsmembran.

Sealing arrangements of the type considered essentially comprise three basic elements:

• Support and pressure units
• a container wall side fitting, annularly closed contact element, for example in the form of sliding plates
• at least one, the annular gap between the contact element and floating ceiling spanning, flexible sealing membrane.

From US-PS 2,829,795 a support and pressure device is known which consists of a four-armed, weight-loaded Andrückschere consists of the seal and centering can be used by floating ceilings. In this Andruckschere extends a rod from a lower edge of the floating ceiling obliquely upwards to the on the inner wall of the container adjacent sliding plate. A second rod extends from the upper edge of the Floating ceiling sloping down and is at the intersection with the first bar articulated. This second bar is then at a right angle to the container axis Angled down and carries at its lower end a weight, which under action Gravity spreads this scissor assembly and thus the sliding plate or the Sealing ring presses against the container inner wall. The change of the pressure forces this Scissor arrangement with narrowing annular gap is highly degressive and leads to an unsatisfactory centering of the floating ceiling. There is also a pressure on the height of the liquid level is not provided. US Pat. No. 2,696,930 describes an arrangement comparable to that of US Pat. No. 2,829,795, which, however, lacks the weight at the end of one rod; this rod is not applied to the sliding plate.

Another seal arrangement with individual pressure and support elements is from the US-PS 3,565,279 known. The parts of the individual pressure and support elements are in Formed by V or semicircular leaf springs, halfway up the edge attached to the floating roof; the vertically extending upper spring arm section is bolted to the sliding and sealing body while extending downwardly, lower spring arm slidably abuts the sliding and sealing body. This V-shaped Suspension spring can meet the requirements placed on such a support and pressure device will not meet, especially for large annular gap widths; she is suitable in essential only for small annular gap changes starting from the annular gap width, for which she is designed. The force curve of the simple leaf spring is at annular gap reduction degressive, which leads to insufficient centering of the floating ceiling.

US-PS 3,261,496 shows a sealing arrangement in which the individual support and pressure devices Press a sliding plate of low height against the container wall and Moreover, wear a weather sheet in the desired position over the annular gap. These Arrangement has a kind of Y-shaped spring. As lower pressure of the sliding plate another, separately arranged leaf spring is used. This structure is to this effect disadvantageous that it is designed very stiff and the pressure springs too large forces exercise. The Y-shaped spring combination presses only against the upper end of the sliding plate and, because it is firmly connected to the edge of the sliding plate, causes a deformation of the sliding plate with changing annular gap widths. One arm of the spring combination, slidably abutting the container wall with an angled portion and with its free end the weather sheet carries, due to the friction at the Damaged container wall and then loses its support function for the weather sheet. When hooking this angled elbow on the container wall can the entire construction will be destroyed. Furthermore, this support and pressure device leaves no large annular gap changes, in the area of which an effective seal can be done.

Finally, a seal assembly using a three-arm pressure shears known, the scissors arranged by one in its center and against a support arm supporting helical spring is tensioned. The Andrückung of Sliding plate in a second, lower area is made by additional, V-shaped bending springs. Such an arrangement forms the preamble of claim 1. The effect of relatively small coil spring is low and the pressure forces of the scissors are only on a point. The increase in force of the helical coil spring with Spaltverkleinerung is slightly degressive and the force curve of the additional leaf spring is highly degressive. It follows that this seal arrangement at a relatively high cost for the Andrucksystem does not provide a favorable force distribution against the sealing ring.

Also, various sealing arrangements with one-armed and unbranched leaf springs known from spring rods and spring plates, in addition to straight and angled spring arms hook-shaped or S-shaped and U-shaped spring shapes are applied. However, all mentioned springs have a degressive force curve with annular gap reduction and contribute insufficiently to Dachzentrierung. Furthermore, the relatively slender spring support elements often insufficient buckling and buckling strength, thereby corresponding sealing devices with large gap widths or high frictional forces often be destroyed by dents or buckling.

The invention is based on the object, a device for sealing the annular gap of the type mentioned above in such a way that the above-mentioned disadvantages be avoided, and in particular the high centering forces with progressive increase in force with annular gap reduction, high buckling and buckling stability as well as supportability have large annular gaps, and which can be produced at low cost.

This object is achieved by a device for sealing the annular gap between a container inner wall of a fluid-determining round container and a Floating cover according to the features of claim 1. The device is characterized characterized in that the at least one first spring element at least a part of a first Andruckarmes forming the sealing ring at a second location, that of the first Position is spaced, presses against the container wall that the first Andruckarm with the Base arm is positively connected and the angular direction and length of the first Andruckarms are dimensioned such that the first Andruckarm at all annular gaps extending in relation to the base arm in the opposite direction to the sealing ring and slidingly engages the sealing ring, and wherein under annular gap change the base arm performs a rotational movement in a first direction of rotation and the first Andruckarm a Rotary movement in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation performs.

• Es können hohe Zentrierungkräfte mit progressivem Kraftanstieg bei geringer Spaltverkleinerung erhalten werden.
• Die beiden Stellen, an denen der Basisarm einerseits und das mindestens erste Federelement andererseits an die Gleit- und Dichtkörper andrücken, können weit voneinander beabstandet werden, was eine ausgezeichnete Verteilung der Andruckkräfte mit sich bringt.
• Durch den Basisarm wird eine Grundstabilität und damit auch eine Beul- und Knickstabilität erreicht.
• Die Anzahl der benötigten Konstruktionselemente kann gering gehalten werden, woraus sich geringe Herstellkosten ergeben.

With such an arrangement, the following advantages are achieved in particular:

• It can be obtained high centering forces with progressive force increase with low gap reduction.
• The two points at which the base arm on the one hand and the at least first spring element on the other hand press on the sliding and sealing body, can be widely spaced, which brings an excellent distribution of pressure forces.
• The basic arm achieves basic stability and thus buckling and buckling stability.
• The number of required construction elements can be kept low, resulting in low manufacturing costs.

A particular advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is to emphasize that the spring and centering forces not only due to the changing spring tension due to an annular gap reduction, but also by the changing Position of the base arm, obliquely in the annular gap between the floating ceiling and Sealing ring runs. The base arm, on which the spring element is held, exerts a torque on the spring arm, such that the smaller the gap, the change in position the base arm additionally biases the spring arm. The branching one another Elements, i. the base arm and the first spring element, which is at least a part of a first pressure arm, obtained in annular gap reduction a different Turning and tense each other. The torques are in horizontal forces transformed.

Furthermore, additional spring bars can be provided and designed so that these from a certain annular gap reduction additional spring forces by elastic up cause plastic deformation. To increase the spring action of the spring arms, can the ends of the spring bars are rolled under a certain radius.

The individual spring elements can run straight or simply or repeatedly be angled. These spring elements are each with other straight or angled Rods to a support and / or pressure device firmly connected and functional combined.

In a preferred embodiment, a second spring element is provided which, at least forms a part of a second Andruckarms, the non-positively with the base arm connected is. The angular direction and length of the second Andruckarms is doing so dimensioned so that the second Andruckarm at all annular gaps in relation to the Base arm extends in the opposite direction to the floating ceiling outer wall and attacking at this. This structure has the advantage that in this way the pressure forces of Base arm can be increased easily on the sealing ring.

Advantageously, a first spring element and a second spring element approximately in the center of the annular gap width attached to the base arm. This results in a compact Construction and high pressure forces at low cost of the pressure device.

Both the first and the second Andruckarm are expediently as spring bars educated.

Alternatively, the first and / or the second Andruckarm a bending stiff Comprise arm part and a resilient arm part. By this subdivision of Andruckarms can be further appropriate spring elements, such as coil springs or Torsionsfederstäbe, come into use.

The first spring element and the second spring element can simplify a continuous Form spring arm, which is attached approximately in Federarmmitte center on the base arm. One end of the continuous spring arm is then supported against the sealing ring and the the other end of the spring arm pushes against the floating ceiling outer wall. This arrangement brings further advantages of spring design and fastening as well as cost advantages.

To increase the spring forces, a cross member can be provided with his Middle and at right angles to the base arm is attached running. This cross member serves as Carrier to at the two ends of the cross member respectively the first and / or the second spring element and a corresponding to this first and / or second spring element attach further first and / or second spring element. With this arrangement the spring elements, arranged on both sides of the base arm, doubled.

Also, the base arm can be designed as a spring bar, provided the size of the Ring gap changes and the size of the expected vertical forces allow a safe dimensioning of the base arm.

When vertical alignment of the pressure device and in particular when using more rigid Base arms, the pressure device at the same time for vertical support the sealing arrangement can be used.

With horizontal alignment of the pressure device and use of resilient pressure arms The transmission of vertical forces requires a stronger dimensioning of the pressure springs and a special holder of the movable spring arms ahead.

On the base arm, a bending knee in the form of a U-shaped, resilient arm part is provided be with the free end of the bending knee on the sealing ring or the Floating ceiling exterior wall is attached. Such a bending knee forms a kind of resilient, a spring force on the sealing ring performing hinge, each in close spans the annular gap.

In order to effectively limit the minimum of the annular gap width, the free end of the resilient Andruckarms be rolled semicircular. The diameter of the semicircle should be greater than the smallest, desired or expected annular gap width, so that before reaching the smallest annular gap a strong centering of the rolled-up End of spring goes out.

The end of the sealing ring or on the floating ceiling outer wall slidably fitting end the Andruckarms can be performed by a catch bracket, wherein such a catching bar is attached to the sealing ring or the floating ceiling outer wall, in a kind and way that the Andruckarm in its movement perpendicular to its longitudinal axis is fixed and can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis. By such Tail bar ensures that of the Andruckarmen vertical forces between the sealing ring and floating ceiling can be transferred.

The first and second pressure arms may be two legs of an X-shaped arrangement form, in which case the other two legs of the X-shaped arrangement of the base arm form. Moreover, in such a structure, a Andruckarm- and a base arm leg form a V-shaped unit, wherein the legs of a unit of the Sealing ring are assigned and the legs of the other unit of the floating ceiling outer wall be assigned. Such arrangements lead to particularly compact and inexpensive construction of the pressure units.

Also, two X-shaped pressure units in their longitudinal axis directly behind each other are arranged, wherein the two adjacent to the floating ceiling outer wall Spring arms have a connecting web and the attachment of the two pressure units done with the floating ceiling outer wall at the connecting web. This XX-shaped Arrangement is suitable for the horizontal arrangement in the annular gap and allows a space-saving arrangement.

Furthermore, it is possible, two X-shaped pressure units in their longitudinal axis directly behind each other to arrange, with the respective adjacent spring arms on the Schwimmdekken outer wall and on the sealing ring each have a connecting web and wherein the Fastening the pressure units with the floating ceiling on the floater ceiling side Connecting web takes place and the connecting web on the sealing ring in a catch is guided. This arrangement is preferable when the horizontally arranged Pressure unit to transmit vertical forces.

The spring bars, as mentioned above, can be made of spring-hard steel strip are and preferably have a thickness between 2 - 3 mm.

Figur 1

einen Ausschnitt eines Rundbehälters im Bereich dessen Wand sowie einen Teil der auf dem Flüssigkeitsspiegel aufschwimmenden Schwimmdecke, gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Abdichten des Ringspalts zwischen Behälterinnenwand und Schwimmdecke,

Figur 2

eine weitere Vorrichtung zum Abdichten des Ringspalts entsprechend einer zweiten Ausführungsform in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Figur 3

eine Darstellung, entsprechend der Figur 1, einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Abdichten des Ringspalts,

Figur 4

eine weitere Schnittdarstellung, die eine vierte Ausführungsform zeigt,

Figur 5

eine wiederum perspektivische Darstellung mit einer fünften Ausführungsform,

Figur 6

eine sechste Ausführungsform in einer Schnittdarstellung,

Figur 7

eine siebte Ausführungsform, wobei gegenüber den Ausführungsformen in den Figuren 1 bis 6 die Trag- und Andruckteile horizontal in dem Ringspalt verlaufen,

Figur 8

eine Ansicht auf den Ringspalt, von oben gesehen, mit horizontal im Ringspalt angeordneten, X-förmigen Andruck- und Trageinheiten gemäß einer siebten Ausführungsform, und

Figur 9

eine Anordnung, die mit der Ausführungsform, die in Figur 8 dargestellt ist, vergleichbar ist, allerdings geringfügig modifiziert, gemäß einer achten Ausführungsform.

Further details of the invention will become apparent from various examples, which are described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings show

FIG. 1

a detail of a round container in the region of its wall and a part of the floating ceiling floating on the liquid level, according to a first embodiment of a device for sealing the annular gap between the container inner wall and the floating ceiling,

FIG. 2

a further device for sealing the annular gap according to a second embodiment in a perspective view,

FIG. 3

a representation, corresponding to the figure 1, a third embodiment of an apparatus for sealing the annular gap,

FIG. 4

another sectional view showing a fourth embodiment,

FIG. 5

another perspective view with a fifth embodiment,

FIG. 6

a sixth embodiment in a sectional view,

FIG. 7

A seventh embodiment, wherein compared to the embodiments in Figures 1 to 6, the support and pressure parts are horizontal in the annular gap,

FIG. 8

a view of the annular gap, seen from above, with horizontally arranged in the annular gap, X-shaped pressure and support units according to a seventh embodiment, and

FIG. 9

an arrangement that is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, but slightly modified, according to an eighth embodiment.

A device for sealing the annular gap between a container wall 2 of a Round container 1, which is filled with a liquid 3, and one above the liquid level, denoted by the reference numeral 4, floating floating ceiling. 5 is shown in FIG. In this floating ceiling 5, the edge region of the Floating blanket made of a typical ring pontoon, which consists of a bottom 6, a upper floor 7 and a floating ceiling outer wall 8 is constructed.

The floating cover 5 is dimensioned with respect to the diameter thereof so that between the floating ceiling outer wall 8 and the container wall 2 an annular gap 9 remains. This annular gap 9 is required so that the floating ceiling 5 among the different Liquid levels 4 can float freely up and down. To each Centering of the floating cover 5 in the different positions are, in the annular gap, distributed around the vertically aligned floating cover outer wall 8, individual Sealing arrangements, designated 10, arranged, which a sealing ring 11, also as Designated sliding plate, press against the inside of the container wall 2. This sealing ring 11 is flat against the inner wall of the round container 1 at.

Such a sealing arrangement 10 comprises a support arm or base arm 12, which is from the center of the floating ceiling outer wall 8 via the annular gap 9 obliquely upwards extends to the upper portion of the sliding plate 11. This base arm 12 is at the Floating ceiling outer wall 8 and the sliding plate 11 by means of one arranged there Bearing brackets 13 and support bracket 15 and an axle 14 and 16 in the form of a Held bar, wherein the respective axis 14, 15 in a vertically aligned Slightly shift slot. On the base arm 12 is on a transverse part 18 a first Andruckarm 17 fastened by means of screw 19. This attachment point on the cross member 18 is located at the lower end of the base arm 12 near the bearing block 13. The first Andruckarm 17 itself is made of a first spring element 17 a, the extends to the lower portion of the sealing ring 11 and there with a runner-shaped bent end 17 b applies, and two arcuate spring parts 17 c and 17d constructed in the region of the screw 19. The two curved spring parts 17c and 17d form a clockwise or clockwise direction Loop or recess, which is a corresponding bias of the first spring element 17a exercises. This first Andruckarm 17 is made of a spring-hard steel strip, preferably made with a thickness of about 2 mm and a width of 40 to 80 mm.

As can be seen from the structure of the arrangement 10, becomes closer Annular gap 9, i. when the floating cover outer wall 8 closer to the container wall 2 moves, by the changed position of the first Andruckarms 17, the pressing force of the blade-shaped bent end 17b at the lower part of the sealing ring eleventh elevated; at the same time but when erecting the base arm 12, a torque in the arcuate Spring parts 17c and 17d generated, which via the cross member 18 on the base arm 12 is transmitted and causes a pressing force against the support bracket 15.

As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1, this V-shaped arrangement shown is used of the base arm 12 and the first Andruckarms 17 a pressing force of the sliding plate eleventh both in the upper region of the sliding plate 11 and in the lower region at the height of the liquid level 4. This creates a very simple design of Support and pressure unit with two contact areas on the sliding plate 11th

Since the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is one open at its top Circular container is, the annular gap 9 in the upper part with a sealing membrane 20 sealed at the top of the sliding plate 11 with a clamping profile 21 with a Screw 22 and at a floating ceiling edge angle 25 with a Clamping profile 23 and a screw 24 is attached.

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a sealing arrangement, designated by 30, shown.

Insofar as in the individual embodiments, as described below with reference to FIGS to 9 described, components and parts are used, which are in the respective Figures are identical or comparable, the same reference numerals are used, so that the remarks on these parts and elements given to the one figure are transferable to the corresponding other figures.

The seal assembly 30 of Figure 2 comprises a base arm 32 which is the base arm 12 corresponds in Figure 1 and corresponding obliquely in the annular gap 9 from the lower region the floating ceiling outer wall 8 extends in the direction of the container wall 2. The Sliding sheet, indicated in Figure 2 with 31, is only about half the height of the Schwimmdekken outer wall 8 dimensioned accordingly. At the top 31a, the inside angled, closes a sealing membrane 42 which rests against the container wall 2 and backed by a foam padding element 43 and a receiving profile 40 is worn on. At the upper edge 40 a, the sealing membrane 20 by means of Clamping profile 44 and screw 45 held. In the middle of the base arm 32 is a Cross member 18 attached, with a left and a right section evenly over the base arm 32, extending at right angles thereto, protrudes. At each end this cross member 18 is in each case a downwardly extending first spring arm 37 and an upwardly extending second spring arm 38 is arranged. The first one Spring arm 37 and the respective second spring arm 38 are connected via an intermediate piece 39, integrally formed, connected, via this intermediate piece 39, the attachment the cross member 19 by means of screw 19 takes place. The spring arms 37 and 38 intersect with the angular direction of the base arm 32, wherein the first spring arms 37 on the Slide plate 31 abut in the region of the liquid level 4 and the sliding plate to the Press container wall 2, while the two spring arms 38 in the upper part of Floating ceiling outer wall 8 abut. In Figure 2, the two sections of the base arm 32, which extend on both sides of the cross member 18, designated 32a and 32b. The two ends of the base arm are, according to the embodiment in Figure 1, by means of support bracket 15 and axle 16 on the receiving profile 40 and by means of bearing block 13th and axle 14 attached to the lower portion of the floating cover outer wall 8.

Viewed from the lateral projection form the base arm 32 with its two sections 32a and 32b and the spring arms 37 and 38 an X-shaped arrangement. It is recognizable that when the annular gap 9 decreases, the base arm 32 its angular position changed so that it is steeper in the annular gap 9, whereby a Rotary movement is exerted on the transverse part 18 and the spring arms 37 and 38 a Torque experienced and biased clockwise. Experienced at the same time the spring arms 37 and 38 an additional tension due to the tighter Ring gaps 9, so that they are also obliquely in the annular gap. The enlarged spring tension is in turn transmitted via the cross member 18 on the base arm 32. Consequently With annular gap reduction, all horizontally effective reaction forces at the end points are achieved the spring arms 37 and 38 and the base arm (32 a and 32 b) increases and the Centering forces for the floating floating ceiling 5 increases. Because of the double Preload action - angle change of the base arm and annular gap reduction - A progressive increase in spring forces is achieved with annular gap reduction.

In the third embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 3, for the sealing arrangement, designated 60, a base arm 62 obliquely in the annular gap 9 of the Floating ceiling outer wall 8 upwards to an attachment point with support bracket 15 and axis 16 running out running. The lower end of the base arm 62 is in shape a runner 62 c is formed and in a vertically extending U-shaped guide profile 63 so led that the skid 62c in the vertical direction within the U-profile 63 move can. With the base arm 62 is, about its center, via an axis 70 (the two Portions of the base arm 62 on both sides of the axis 70 are designated 62a and 62b), a rod-shaped Scherenaufhängeelement 67 hinged, which with its upper End in the region of the upper edge of the floating ceiling outer wall 8 on a bearing block 68 is held by means of axis 69. The base arm 62 with its two leg portions 62a and 62b and the Scherenaufhängeelement 67 form in the side view, as shown in Figure 3, a Y-shaped arrangement. In the middle of the base arm 62 between the two sections 62a and 62b, at the level of the axis 70, is a transverse part 18 attached. This cross member is, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 2, on both sides of the base arm 62 of this before. At both ends of this cross member 18, via an intermediate piece 72, a downwardly and obliquely to the sealing ring 11 erstrekkender first spring arm 71 and up and to the floating ceiling outer wall 8 out extending second spring arm 73 attached, in Figure 3, only the front, consisting of sections 71, 72 and 73 Federarmanordnung visible is. The respective ends of the first spring arm 71 and the second spring arm 73 are rolled or trained as skids; the rolled-up end of the first spring arm 71st is designated 71b. The principle of this scissors arrangement is again based on that with changing, narrowing annular gap both by the change of Angular position of the base arm 62 and by the reduction of the annular gap width 9 respectively a biasing component of the spring arms 71 and 73 is effected and horizontally effective forces at all end points of the spring arms 71 and 73 and the base arm 62a and 62 arise. The sliding plate or the sealing ring 11 is both in the region of the support angle 15 as well as in the region of the rolled Federarmteils 71b against the container wall pressed. From a certain, minimum annular gap width 9 sets the free end of the curled Federarmteils 71b against the floating ceiling outer wall 8 and makes a strong resistance to the further annular gap reduction. The rolled-up end 71b of the spring arm 71 replaces an otherwise necessary construction part for Minimum limitation of the annular gap 9. The diameter of the semicircular rolled-up Federendes 71b of the spring arm 71 is defined larger than the smallest, desired Annular gap width 9. The Y-shaped used in this third embodiment Shear support construction 62a, 62b, 67 allows a low overall height of the support and pressure unit.

This makes it possible, directly above the liquid level 4 between the sealing ring 11 and the floating cover outer wall 8 has an extending, primary sealing membrane 74, which has the purpose of the vapor space above the liquid level 4 to downsize and improve the seal.

FIG. 4 shows a sealing arrangement 90 of a fourth embodiment with an X-shaped one Structure of the support and pressure unit, shown in a side view. One Base arm 91, which in its operation with the reference to the embodiments 1 to 3 is comparable at its two ends with one each Biegeknie 91b and 91d provided, with which he on the one hand on the sealing ring 11 (on the Biegeknie 91b) by means of screw 94 and on the other hand on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 (bending knee 91d) by means of screw 95 is firmly screwed. At the bottom screw 95 is also the primary sealing membrane 74, which is also in Figure 3 is shown attached.

The base arm 91 in the form of the leaf spring bar additionally has a reinforcing spring 92 in the form of a doubling, which is followed by the bending knee 91b to the Screw 95 extends towards. Due to the turn existing crosspiece 18 For example, the base arm 91 is divided into an upper portion 91a and a lower portion 91c. On the cross member 18 are each a downwardly extending at both ends first spring arm 97 via an intermediate piece 98 and a second, upwardly extending second spring arm 99 fastened, wherein the second spring arm 99 is a rolled-up End 99b and the first spring arm 97 with an unspecified skid is provided. In principle, this construction corresponds to the sealing arrangement 90 of those the third, shown in Figure 3 embodiment, but without the scissor suspension element 67, which is provided in the embodiment of Figure 3 to the at its lower end only slide guided base 62 to hang. An embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, has the advantage that all supporting elements can simultaneously generate Andruckkräfte (this results in a cost advantage) and due to the bending knee use a compact design even with large annular gaps is possible.

Furthermore, in a side view in Figure 4, an XX-shaped pressure unit, in general denoted by the reference numeral 145, shown, which are additionally used can to achieve a pressure point in the lower region of the sealing ring 11; this Pressure point is below the liquid level 4 in the circular container. 1 filled liquid 3. This XX-shaped pressure unit 145 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS Figure 9 illustrated eighth embodiment will be described below.

The seal assembly, designated 110, shown in FIG. 5 and a fifth Embodiment is in its construction and in its operation with the arrangement the fourth embodiment in Figure 4 comparable. While in the fourth embodiment the base arm 91 and the respective two first spring arms 97 and the respective ones second spring arms 99 are connected to each other via the cross member 18 is in the Fifth embodiment of Figure 5, the cross member 18 omitted. The whole, X-shaped Support and pressure unit is composed of two V-shaped parts. Of the a, V-shaped angled spring bar has an upper leg 111 a, which is the upper Section of the base arm forms, and a lower portion 111 b, a first Spring arm forms. This base arm portion 111a is connected to an end portion 111c via a Screw 114 is firmly connected to the upper portion of the sealing ring 11. Of the lower part 111b of the spring rod is located with a unspecified shoe slidably on the sealing element 11.

The second V-shaped spring bar comprises an upper spring bar section 113a. a second spring arm, comparable to the second spring arm 73 in Figure 3 or the second spring arm 99 in Figure 4, forms and slidably on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 abuts in the upper region, while the second spring bar section 113b forms the lower part of the base arm and a bending knee 113c and a screw connection 95 fixed to the floating ceiling outer wall 8 above the liquid level 4 connected is. All parts of the base arm forming portions 111a and 113b and the first spring arm 111b and the second spring arm 113a are made of a spring hard Made of steel strip. In addition, the lower base arm portion 113b is a reinforcing spring 112 reinforced; this reinforcing spring 112 extends approximately to the middle the upper base arm portion 111a. The two V-shaped arrangements are over one Screw 116 connected to the X-shaped arrangement shown in Figure 5 together. The reinforcing spring can by means of an additional screw 115 on their upper end are connected to the base arm portion 111a while they, also having a bending knee 112c, together with the bending knee 113c on the attached lower end over the screw 95 on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 is. The fifth embodiment according to Figure 5 offers the advantage that by telescoping The V-shaped spring bars a simple, compact and inexpensive construction the support and pressure unit is possible.

A seal assembly according to a sixth embodiment is shown in FIG and generally designated by reference numeral 120. In contrast to the figures 1 to 5 is the section of a typical floating ceiling in open pan construction presented for a fixed roof tank. Therefore, the upper floor 7 is missing and with the reference numeral 122, a stiffening sheet of the floating ceiling outer wall 8 is shown. A Such floating ceiling has only about half the wall height of the wall 8 opposite to the Embodiments of Figures 1 to 5. This sixth embodiment sets, accordingly of the fifth embodiment, one composed of two V-shaped angled spring bars X-shaped support and pressure unit. In contrast to the embodiment 5, the respective legs of the angled spring bars in another Associated with the base arm and the first and second spring arms, by making the V-shaped arrangements with their opening either upwards or downwards pointing down. The lower, angled spring bar, designated by reference numeral 126, forms with its one leg a lower, on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 abutting portion 126c of the obliquely upward to the sealing ring 11 extending towards Base arm, while the other leg of the spring rod 126 obliquely downwardly extending portion 126a of the first spring arm forms. From the top, V-shaped angled spring bar 123, the left leg 123a forms the upper portion of the base arm, while the right leg 123c represents the second spring arm. This section 123c is fixed via a screw connection 125 at the upper area the floating ceiling outer wall 8 attached. The leg 123a has a designated 123b Biegeknie whose end with a screw 124 in the upper area the floating cover 11 is attached. The two V-shaped spring parts 123 and 126 are with parts of the sections 123a and 126c lying on one another by means of screw connections 19 connected. With 123d and 126b, the two bending knees are the V-shaped angled spring bars 123 and 126. This arrangement with a relatively simple and inexpensive Design of the carrying and pressure unit is suitable for light floating decks low height.

In Figure 7 is also, as in Figure 6, a seal assembly, designated by the reference numeral 130, for use on a light floating cover for a fixed roof tank shown. Comparable with Figure 2, the voltage applied to the container wall 2 Sealing ring of a arranged in the liquid 3 sliding plate 31 and a arranged over sealing membrane 42, by a foam padding element 43 and a receiving profile 40, which via screw 41 with the sliding plate 31st is connected, is held in a vertical position.

While in the figures 1 to 6, the support and pressure units described with the Arms and elements are vertically aligned, in Figure 7 support and pressure units shown, in which the individual units are each aligned horizontally, with a the elements 141b and 151d comprising lower, supporting pressure unit, the is associated with the sliding plate 31, and two upper, the parts 131d and 141d each comprising supporting pressure units on the receiving profile 40 above and below are attached. These supporting pressure units are shown in a plan view in FIG. 8, the illustration in Figure 8 corresponds to the lower pressure unit in Figure 7, the between sliding plate 31 and floating ceiling outer wall 8 is arranged.

The arrangement, as shown in FIG. 8 in plan view, comprises two X-shaped units, formed from two W-shaped bent spring bars, each of these units with the arrangement according to the figure 5 is in principle comparable. Each of these X-shaped Units comprise one composed of the legs 141b and 151b Base arm and a first spring arm 151a and a second spring arm 141a, by means of Screw connection 156 are connected. Each W-shaped subunit, composed each of the parts 151a, 151e, 151b, 151a, 151b and the parts 141b, 141a, 141d, 141a, 141b, includes an unspecified bending knee. The connecting bridge 151e is shown with the sliding plate, which is shown in Figure 8 for ease of illustration only and 31, horizontally slidably connected. The connecting bridge 141d is attached to the floating ceiling outer wall 8 by means of screw 142. Of the first spring arm 151a has a rolled-up end 151d, which in a catch 134th is guided so that this curled spring end horizontally, i. in the drawing plane in Figure 8, can move. The same applies to the section 141b, the right part forms of the base arm, which is also performed in such a catch 134. This arrangement not only has the function of pressing and centering, but also carries consisting of the parts 31, 31 a, 40, 42, 43 sealing ring. The further advantage of this Arrangement is that at low height of the floating ceiling outer wall 8 a Variety of effective pressure units can be accommodated, creating a high effective seal arrangement arises.

FIG. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of a pressure unit, in the horizontal arrangement, in the annular gap 9, comparable to Figure 8, with two X-shaped units, however have no carrying function. In contrast to the seventh embodiment according to Figure 8 is therefore only the second spring arm 141a, with the connecting web 141d on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 fixedly connected by means of screw 142 while the base arm portion 141b with a shoe on the floating ceiling outer wall 8 is present. The two other legs of the respective X-shaped units, i.e. a spring arm 143b forming the second part of the base arm and the leg 143a, which forms the first spring arm lie with the curled spring end 143d and an unspecified shoe on the sliding plate 31 at. The two X-shaped Units are made of two V-shaped and a W-shaped angled spring bar and screwed by means of the screw 144 adjacent to each other over a section. Such an arrangement as shown in FIG. 9 is then used if by means of this pressure unit no vertical forces between the floating ceiling and Sealing ring to be transferred, the vertical forces of a further construction part to be transferred.

In Figures 8 and 9, both floating roofs and Innenschwimmdecken be shown. The pressure devices of Figures 7 and 8 with the catch arms shown are, as already mentioned, not only for the pressing of the sealing ring, but also to take over vertical forces and thus to wear the sealing ring or support.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned that particularly effective in terms of emission reduction Pressure units are, on the one hand in the area of the liquid level and on the other hand at the upper end of the seal generate sealing forces.

The spring assemblies shown in Figures 6 and 7 are particularly suitable to achieve low heights of the seal assembly, as in indoor floating ceilings on solid roof tanks is appropriate. Indoor swimming pool ceilings have typical heights of about 400 mm, with annular gap widths of 200 mm. Floating roofs are against it a height of about 900 mm for annular gaps, which also in the range of 200 mm.

Claims (17)

1. A device for sealing the annular gap between an inner tank wall of a vertical circular tank for a fluid and a floating roof, comprising a surrounding sealing ring adjoining the inner wall of the tank, a plurality of sliding/sealing bodies which are juxtaposed in the circumferential direction of the tank and include vertically extending sealing surfaces, at least one surrounding sealing membrane bridging the annular gap between sealing ring and an outer wall of the floating roof, and a plurality of press units which are distributed over the circumference of the floating cover and secured thereto and which bridge the variable annular gap and press the sealing ring at least at a first position against the inner tank wall, at least individual ones of said press units comprising at least one basic arm which is obliquely arranged in the annular gap, extends between sealing ring and outer wall of the floating roof and rests at least on the sealing ring or the outer wall of the floating roof, and whose angular position relative to the sealing ring varies upon change in the annular gap width, the pressing of the sealing ring being supported by at least a first spring element, and the first spring element and the basic arm being interconnected such that with a narrowing annular gap the pressing force on the sealing ring is increased,
   characterized in that the at least one first spring element (17; 37; 71; 97; 11b; 126a; 143a; 151a) forms at least part of a first press arm (17; 37; 71; 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) which presses the sealing ring (11; 31, 31a, 40, 40a, 42, 43; 31) against the tank wall (2) at a second position spaced apart from the first position,
   that the first press arm (17; 37; 71; 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151 a) is non-positively connected to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b), and angular direction and length of the first press arm (17; 37; 71, 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) are dimensioned such that the first press arm (17; 37; 71; 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) in all annular gap widths in relation to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b) extends in opposite direction relative to the sealing ring (11; 31, 31a, 40, 40a, 42, 43; 31) and slidingly acts on the sealing ring,
   and wherein with a change in the annular gap the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b) performs a rotational movement in a first direction of rotation and the first press arm (17; 37; 71, 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) performs a rotational movement in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a second spring element (38; 73; 99, 113a; 123c; 141 b) forms at least part of a second press arm (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141b) which is non-positively connected to the basic arm (12, 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141 b, 143b; 141b, 151b), and angular direction and length of the second press arm (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141b) are dimensioned such that the second press arm in all annular gap widths in relation to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b) extends in opposite direction to the outer wall (8) of the floating roof and acts thereon.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first (17; 37; 71, 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) and/or the second (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141 b) press arm is/are a spring bar.
4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first (17; 37; 71, 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) and/or the second (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141b) press arm comprise(s) a rigid arm member and a resilient arm member.
5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first press arm (17; 37; 71, 97; 111b; 126a; 143a, 151a) is secured approximately in the middle of the annular gap width to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b).
6. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the second press arm (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141b) is secured approximately in the middle of the annular gap width to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b).
7. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the one first spring element (37; 71; 97) and the second spring element (38; 73; 99) form a continuous spring arm (37, 38, 39; 71, 72, 73; 97, 98, 99) which is approximately secured in the spring arm center centrally to the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b, 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b), one end of the continuous spring arm (37, 38, 39; 71, 72, 73; 97, 98, 99) being supported on the sealing ring (11; 31, 31a, 40, 40a, 42, 43; 31) and the other end of the spring arm on the outer wall (8) of the floating roof.
8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a cross member (18) is provided which is secured with its center and at a right angle to the basic arm (32), the first and/or the second spring element (37, 38) being held on the one end of the cross member (18) and, with respect to said first and/or said second spring element, a corresponding further first and/or second spring element (37, 38) being held on the other end of the cross member (18).
9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the basic arm (12; 32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126; 141b, 143b; 141b, 151b) is a spring bar.
10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the basic arm (91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123, 126) comprises a bending knee (91b; 91d; 112a, 113c; 123b) in the form of a U-shaped resilient arm member and the free end of the bending knee is secured to the sealing ring (11) or the outer wall (8) of the floating roof.
11. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the free end (71b; 99b; 143d; 151d) of the press arm (71; 99; 143a; 151a) is rolled in in the form of a semicircle, the diameter of the semicircle being larger than the smallest desired annular gap width.
12. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the end of the press arm (131d; 141b; 151a, 151d) which slidingly rests on the sealing ring (31, 31a, 40, 40a, 42, 43; 31) or on the outer wall (8) of the floating roof is guided by a catch (134), said catch (134) being secured to the sealing ring (31, 31a, 40, 40a, 42, 43; 31) or the outer wall (8) of the floating roof, so that the press arm (131 d; 141b; 151a, 151d) is fixed in its movement in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and can move in the direction of its longitudinal axis.
13. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first (17; 37; 71; 97; 111b; 126a; 143a; 151a) and the second (38; 73; 99; 113a; 123c; 141b) press arm form two legs (37, 38; 71, 73; 97, 99; 111b, 113a; 126a, 123c; 143a, 141a; 151a, 141a) of an X-shaped arrangement, the two other legs (32a, 32b; 62a, 62b; 91a/92a, 91c/92c; 111a/112a, 112b/113b; 123a; 126c; 143b, 141b; 151b, 141b) of the X-shaped arrangement forming the basic arm (32; 62; 91, 92; 111a, 112a, 112b, 113b; 123a, 123b, 126c; 143b, 141b; 151b, 141b).
14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that a respective press-arm leg (111b; 113a) and a basic-arm leg (111a, 112a; 112b, 113b) form a V-shaped unit (111a, 112a, 111b; 113a, 112b, 113b), the legs (111a, 112a; 111b) of the one unit being assigned to the sealing ring (11) and the legs (113a; 113b, 112b) of the other unit being assigned to the outer wall (8) of the floating roof.
15. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that two X-shaped press units are arranged in their longitudinal axis directly one after the other, the two neighboring spring arms (141a, 141a) on the outer wall (8) of the floating roof comprising a connection web (141d) and the two press units being secured with the outer wall (8) of the floating roof to the connection web (141d).
16. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that two X-shaped press units are arranged in their longitudinal axis directly one after the other, the respectively neighboring spring-arm/basic-arm legs (141a, 141a/151b, 151b) on the outer wall (8) of the floating roof and on the sealing ring (31) comprising a respective connection web (141d; 151e), and the press units being secured with the floating roof to the connection web (141d) at the floating roof side, and the connection web (151e) on the sealing ring (31) being guided in a catch (152).
17. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring bars are made from a spring-hard steel band and preferably have a thickness between 2 mm and 3 mm.

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