EP1607348A1 - Cover for tanks and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover for a tank which consists of a container wall, lid, and penetrating pipes, pressure measurement gear, etc, comprises at least one laminate layer which is applied over the tank lid. The laminate layer is fixed to ribs (11), and is wear-, bacteria- and chemically resistant. The laminate layer extends over the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) and is fixed to it eg by adhesion. Board and/or film material, eg made of plastic or metal, are located under the bottom laminate layer, to cover holes or weak points in the lid (4). The ribs are located on the upper most laminate layer and are embedded. A filling material is located between the ribs and the laminate material.

Description

The invention relates to a cover for a tank having a container wall, a roof and optionally from the roof protruding vent pipe, Pumprohre, Pressure gauges, railing rods od. Like. Includes, wherein the cover at least a laminate layer applied over the roof of the tank.

Such a tank cover is known from US 1,599,109 A. This document discloses a tank whose roof panel is covered by laminate layers. there It is a weatherproof cover made of two layers of laminate, the consist of asphalt-impregnated felt or paper, and one against oil vapor resistant cover, either as a coating or in the form of a glue, Glycerin or impregnated with a certain content of paints layer of fibers is present. These layers arranged above the roof panel are not self-supporting, but rather are carried by the roof panel of the tank and are full on the stability of the tank Instructed roof panel. In case of gradual destruction of the roof panel by Corrosion and exposure to chemicals make them unable to do so to wear lying layers. The consequences of a collapse of the entire cover, especially with dangerous and inflammable substances are incalculable.

GB 1 499 206 describes a method for capping Food containers with a film, which in one embodiment also as a multilayer or laminated film may be present. The goal is to keep it in the container Food hygienic and airtight complete. As the film over the container is tense and neither underlying intermediate covers nor the film itself The issue of stability is not dealt with.

EP 0 963 727 A2 discloses a transparent container with one also transparent lid. These containers are thermally insulated Containers, such as vacuum bottles, coolers, lunch boxes and the like. Like the container itself, the lid is two-walled and in the area between the two walls a layer is arranged, the thermal radiation should shield. As an example, laminate is given. However, this concerns Document the invention in any way, since as in GB 1 499 206 the question stability does not even exist.

In the prior art tanks are known whose sheet metal or steel roof with a Gesperre are provided, which are arranged below the roof. So reveal the US 2,578,090 A and the US 2,461,537 A a tank whose roof is supported by a locking mechanism becomes. A laminate layer above the steel roof is not provided. Both the roof as well as its locking are the corrosion and stored in the tank chemicals exposed. Over time, the steel roof loses its reliability and the danger of a Roof collapse increases considerably. Replacing the entire roof if necessary, together with locking mechanism becomes unavoidable and causes besides enormous Effort (the contents of the tank must be removed) also considerable costs.

(Steel) tanks for storing water, hydrocarbons, chemicals, biological Material od. Like. Begin to rust after some time. Particularly affected is the Cover or roof of the tank, which depends on size, shape, material and Wall thickness sooner or later becomes unreliable and must therefore be replaced. Before a new roof can be mounted and welded to the tank wall, must first of all the contents are pumped out of the tank, which is dangerous, e.g. highly flammable and / or corrosive liquids or gases enormous effort means. Once the tank is tight again, the original content is refilled. In many cases, a vacant reserve tank is not available, so the above described procedure is out of the question.

These problems require a solution that is elegant and cost effective Restoration of the reliability of the tank is ensured.

This is according to the invention with a cover for a tank of the aforementioned Art achieved by the fact that the laminate layer with its firmly connected struts having. The cover according to the invention is particularly suitable for (storage) tanks, their original covering due to the effects of weathering, corrosion, Chemicals, etc. have become leaky and unreliable, but can be considered preventative Measure be used even with intact tank roofs. The struts of the Laminate layer itself cause a mechanically extremely stable cover which retains its function even if the original roof becomes unreliable due to corrosion and / or weathering and none Supporting or supporting function for a laminate layer arranged above it more. A self-supporting laminate cover makes it possible to extend the life or use period a tank to extend significantly, without it being necessary to apply the Cover to empty the interior of the tank.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are closer in the subclaims marked and set forth in the description.

Fig. 1 einen Tank, der mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Abdeckung versehen ist, und

Fig. 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Abdeckung mit Verstrebung von oben,

Fig. 3 einen Querschnitt durch die mit einer Verstrebung versehene Abdeckung.

Fig. 4 eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung, und

Fig. 5 einen Segmentausschnitt eines erfindungsgemäßen Tankdachs

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It shows the

Fig. 1 shows a tank which is provided with a cover according to the invention, and

2 shows a cover according to the invention with a strut from above,

Fig. 3 shows a cross section through the provided with a brace cover.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 5 is a segmental section of a tank roof according to the invention

Fig. 1 shows a tank 1 consisting of a bottom 2, a container wall 3 and a Roof 4. From the top, a vent pipe 5 extends into the interior of the tank. A railing for repair and maintenance work is in the area of the upper perimeter of the tank assembled. The roof 4 is severely affected by corrosion and has already rusted holes on. Directly on the roof 4 is a resin layer in shape a laminate provided, which surrounds the upper edge 6 of the container wall 3 and thus seals the tank. The laminate layer 7 is resistant to chemicals, Hydrocarbons or biological material, e.g. Bacteria, depending on which Purpose of the tank is used. This is necessary because on the one hand vapors the laminate layer. 7 on the other hand by condensation water chemicals and bacteria come directly into contact with the underside of the laminate layer 7. examples for suitable chemical resistant resins are vinyl ester resins.

Over the laminate layer 7 is another, the edge 6 of the container wall 3 encompassing Laminate layer 8 applied, which should withstand the effects of weather. Examples for weather resistant resins are epoxy resins or polyurthane resins. It can too a plurality of chemical-resistant layers 7 and a plurality of weather-resistant layers 8 be provided. Instead of the laminate layer 8 can also be a robust plastic or Metal foil, a preformed plastic roof and / or a coating, for example a lacquer layer, be provided.

In one embodiment, the laminate layer 7 is both resistant to weathering, as well against chemicals and / or bacteria. For this purpose, usable resins, for example Epoxy resins whose chemical resistance is not as high as, for example of vinyl ester resins is. A second laminate layer is not necessarily for this case necessary. However, this alternative is particularly advantageous to be used if the tank roof does not yet have any perforation holes.

Especially in tanks with aggressive chemicals and thus given very high However, the risk of corrosion poses a less favorable alternative to the above Embodiment is because the laminate layer specifically against the respective chemical must be aligned. The "introduction" of weather-resistant properties by Additives would reduce the efficiency against the chemical.

The laminate layers 7, 8 are applied to the ventilation stubs protruding from the roof, Pumprohre, pressure gauges, railing rods od. Like., Before applying the Laminate e.g. be cleaned by sandblasting, introduced and sealed with these bonded.

The upper edge 6 of the container wall 3 must be before the application of the laminate layers also cleaned or optionally freed from the paint. this happens preferably by sandblasting. On the sandblasted surface are along the Perimeter of the tank formwork 9, attached for example by gluing, which serve to stop the still liquid resin and a downflow to the container wall 3 to prevent. The formwork 9 may consist of several items that are next to each other lie and either together, e.g. through a clamping ring (or clamping rope) or separately attached to the upper edge 6.

The possibly present in the old roof 4 holes or weak points are with Sheets 10, preferably of plastic or metal, e.g. a sheet that is in front the application of the lowermost laminate layer 7 are placed or glued, covered. The resin layers 7, 8 are preferably present as a laminate. This is the roof 4 initially with a fabric layer, preferably glass mats or textile glass fabric, covered, which is then impregnated with resin. The lamination can be just as good done in reverse order, so first applying the resin and then the Pressing the fabric layer. With appropriate sizing, the laminate layers are 7, 8 self-supporting trained. Even if the roof 4 due to corrosion always becomes brittle and unreliable, the cover of the invention remains stable Received cathedral. This dome is supported by the container wall 3, at the top Edge 6 the cover is attached.

The mat for lamination, e.g. a glass mat od. Like., Is connected to the container wall. 3 or the formwork 9 and with the vent pipe 5, optionally nozzle for Pump lines, valves or pressure sensors, etc., if provided, glued.

Such a cover seals the tank 1 to the outside optimally and can both with leaky roofs as well as with still reliable roofs as preventive Measure against future leaks can be used. The application of the Cover according to the invention is simple and inexpensive compared to the repair of the tank and the associated reciprocating content. Especially the solution according to the invention is elegant because the old roof is still considered as Form for the resin layer is used after curing of the resin but no longer needed because the layer has its own struts anyway and is therefore self-supporting. In addition, the layers 7, 8 are much stronger compared to the original roof Resistant to chemicals, corrosion, weather (wet, acid rain ...) etc ..

The method according to the invention for applying at least one laminate layer is not only applicable to those kind of tanks shown in the figure. All possible shapes with horizontal, pomp, kinked, round, square, etc. Roofs or container walls can with a laminate layer according to the invention be covered. Self-supporting, essentially cylindrical tanks whose Cylinder axis is horizontal, come into question. The roof would be the upper one in this case Cylinder jacket.

In tanks, which are housed in a (warehouse) Hall, the application is unnecessary a weather-resistant layer. In the event that water tanks are sealed the criterion of chemical resistance is not given. It can too Laminates are used, which are weather-resistant and chemical- and / or are bacteria resistant. For outdoor tanks would be in this case only layer conceivable.

Fig. 2 shows, together with Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which on the top laminate layer 8 struts 11 are attached. These are especially at large tanks and tanks where the struts of the original roof due to corrosion are no longer reliable, required. By this measure becomes a self-supporting cover even in badly damaged roofs achieved. In the illustrated embodiment, the struts 11 along the Central axis halved plastic pipes, for example glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) Tubes by means of laminate coatings 12 with the top laminate layer. 8 are firmly connected and thereby a stiffening of the cover according to the invention represent. Of course, the tubes used as struts do not have to be round but may be of any cross-section, e.g. oval, triangular, quadrangular, etc .. As shown in detail in Fig. 3, the struts 11 between two Laminate coatings 12 embedded, whereby after curing of the Laminate coatings 12 a firm connection between the laminate layer 8 and the Bracing 11 exists. As a variant, the struts 11 of the Laminate coating 12 completely covered, so completely embedded in this be such as shown in Fig. 4. Establishing a firm connection between Laminate layer and strut by at least partially embedding the strut represents a particularly preferred embodiment, since the lamination and fastening done in one.

A particularly preferred embodiment is that the struts 11 between embed two laminate layers of the cover according to the invention. A solid Connection of the struts 11 with the cover is given from the outset and therefore requires no additional measures, such as additional laminate coatings, Glue etc., as is the case with struts 11 provided on the uppermost layer is. In addition, the struts completely enclosed by the laminate are 11 not exposed to environmental influences. It would also be conceivable to arrange the struts 11 directly on the roof 4 of the tank 1 and then applying the first Laminate layer. In this case, the struts 11 would be between roof 4 and first Laminate layer embedded, which also has a firm connection with the cover arises. Also a combination of all these variants, so struts 11 in several Layers or layers is possible, wherein the struts 11 of the individual layers optionally also offset from one another.

The adaptation of the struts 11 to the curvature of the cover or the Tank roofs occurs e.g. by simple bending and subsequent provisional Fix in a few places. The apparent from Fig. 3 cavity, the half pipe with forms the cover, optionally with a solidifying filler, For example, curing resin od. Like. To be filled, for example by means of Injection process. As a result, the strut additional stability or Stiffening effect lent. It is also conceivable, the half tube only as a form Use and after hardening of the brought into the interior of the tube resin again remove.

According to the requirements determined by static calculations, can be used to stiffen the cover every conceivable type of bracing be, of course, those that do not form a cavity with the cover. They can take the form of rods, beams, stiffening ribs, I-beams, molding tubes, etc. have a variety of cross-sections and thicknesses and a variety of Be made of materials such as steel, light metals, e.g. Aluminum, plastics, Synthetic resins, etc .. So also prefabricated laminate support would be conceivable. Also It would be possible, laminate stiffeners only during the application of a to form the cover according to the invention, e.g. by means of a mold or formwork. In this variant are the struts as thickening or reinforcing ribs of Laminate layer before and would thus be integral with this. All these embodiments It is common that the struts are firmly connected to the laminate layer.

In Fig. 2, the struts 11 extend from the edge of the tank roof to the center, where they are firmly connected with a wreath 13. In the event that a (vent) clip 5 protrudes in the middle of the tank 1, the rim 13 may be attached thereto, e.g. by Bonding. The wreath 13 itself may consist of the same materials and shapes that already listed for the struts 11.

The struts 11 of the cover according to the invention are preferably offset from or between the struts or supports 14 of the original tank roof (in the Fig. 2 indicated by dashed lines) arranged, whereby at least partially intact original struts 14 maximum stability is achieved. The Struts 11 are preferably slightly above the tank roof edge and form together with the underlying laminate layers a unit which as a whole of the upper edge 6 of the container wall 3 is supported.

The radial arrangement of the struts 11 shown in FIG. 2 represents only one for circular tanks preferred embodiment. Of course, the single struts 11, instead of in the wreath 13 to end, to the opposite Tank wall reach. Such a configuration is particularly suitable for square tanks.

Instead of a completely self-supporting cover, so a cover, the completely without the steel roof, can be the original locking of the Steel roof, if it is still intact, also exploit. Fig. 5 shows such Embodiment. You can see two segments of a circular tank cover, where the thin lines the original catch 14 for the tank roof and the thick lines represent the struts 11 according to the invention. The struts 11 are in the Sub-segments near the tank roof center tangentially preferably slightly inclined. In the larger sub-segments are two or more intersecting struts 11th intended. The areas between the original locking mechanism will be replaced by the inventive measure very well to a self-supporting cover.

Claims (24)

Cover for a tank comprising a container wall, a roof and, if appropriate, roof vent openings, pump pipes, pressure gauges, handrails or the like, the cover comprising at least one laminate layer applied over the roof of the tank, characterized that the laminate layer has with it is firmly connected struts (11). Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminate layer is weather-resistant and / or resistant to chemicals and / or bacteria. Cover according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the laminate layer engages over the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) and is secured thereto, for example by gluing or clamping. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the laminate layer ends at a at the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) fixed formwork (9). Cover according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that under the lowermost laminate layer plates and / or foils (10), preferably made of plastic or metal, for covering holes or weak points in the roof (4) are provided. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the laminate layer od with the projecting from the roof vent pipe, Pumprohren, pressure gauges, railing rods od. Like. Sealing is sealed. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cover comprises at least one chemical-resistant and / or bacteria-resistant laminate layer (7) and at least one over the laminate layer (7) arranged weather-resistant laminate layer (8). Cover according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cover at least one chemical-resistant and / or bacteria-resistant laminate layer (7) and, arranged over the laminate layer (7), at least one film, a preformed plastic or metal roof and / or a Coating, for example, a lacquer layer comprises. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the struts (11) on the uppermost laminate layer (8) are arranged and connected by means of laminate coating (12) with this. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the struts (11) between the roof (4) of the tank (1) and the lowermost laminate layer (7) are embedded. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that struts (11) are embedded between two laminate layers. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the individual struts (11) are connected in the middle of the cover via a ring (13), extend substantially radially to the container wall (3) and from the upper edge (6). the container wall (3) are supported. Cover according to claim 12, characterized in that the ring (13) encloses a nozzle (5) of the tank (1) projecting from the center of the cover and is fastened thereto. Cover according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the struts (11) along its axis are halved tubes, which are preferably made of fiberglass. A method for producing a reliable cover for a tank comprising a container wall, a roof and possibly protruding from the roof vent pipe, Pumprohre, pressure gauges, railing poles od. Like., With above the roof (4) at least one laminate layer is applied, characterized in that the laminate layer is provided with struts (11). A method according to claim 15, characterized in that prior to the application of the laminate layer (7) holes or weak points in the roof (4) with plates (10), preferably made of plastic or metal, are covered. Method according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that before the application of the laminate layer (7), the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) is cleaned, for example by sandblasting, and the laminate layer (7) over the upper edge ( 6) of the container wall (3) is guided and fixed there, for example by gluing and / or jamming, wherein optionally a formwork (9) for the laminate at the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) is attached. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that above the laminate layer (7) at least one weather-resistant layer (8) is applied or fixed. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the weather-resistant layer (8) over the upper edge (6) of the container wall (3) is guided and fixed there. Method according to one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that prior to the application of a first laminate layer (7) struts (11) on the roof (4) of the tank (1) are arranged. Method according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that struts (11) are embedded between two laminate layers. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that struts (11) are arranged on the uppermost laminate layer (8) and joined thereto by means of laminate coating (12). Method according to one of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that existing between the struts (11) and laminate layer cavities with a solidifying filler, such as thermosetting resin, are filled, preferably by injecting. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 23, characterized in that the individual struts (11) are fixedly connected via a ring (13) in the middle of the cover and guided substantially radially to the container wall (3).

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