EP3519180A1 - Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer - Google Patents

Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer

Info

Publication number
EP3519180A1
EP3519180A1 EP16801001.5A EP16801001A EP3519180A1 EP 3519180 A1 EP3519180 A1 EP 3519180A1 EP 16801001 A EP16801001 A EP 16801001A EP 3519180 A1 EP3519180 A1 EP 3519180A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
wall
clasp
supported
composite material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP16801001.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Christos Sotirious Haritou
Alan Fada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP3519180A1 publication Critical patent/EP3519180A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • B32B29/02—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/04—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/14—Layered products comprising a layer of metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
    • B32B15/20—Layered products comprising a layer of metal comprising aluminium or copper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B29/00—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard
    • B32B29/002—Layered products comprising a layer of paper or cardboard as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/022—Non-woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/024—Woven fabric
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • B32B7/14—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
    • B32B2255/02—Coating on the layer surface on fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2255/00—Coating on the layer surface
    • B32B2255/26—Polymeric coating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/02—Synthetic macromolecular fibres
    • B32B2262/0276—Polyester fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
    • B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
    • B32B2262/101—Glass fibres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70—Other properties
    • B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
    • B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/40—Closed containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2607/00—Walls, panels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B47/00—Suction cups for attaching purposes; Equivalent means using adhesives
    • F16B47/003—Suction cups for attaching purposes; Equivalent means using adhesives using adhesives for attaching purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wall skins and the provision of a monitorable interstitial space between a surface of a wall and a skin attached to the wall, and in particular to the provision of monitorable interstitial spaces for hulls of tanks and similar objects.
  • Tanks are commonly used for storing fluids. Environmental damage may occur if a fluid storage tank leaks. Obviously the nature and extent of damage caused by leakage from a tank will depend on the nature of the fluid in the tank and the amount of leakage. There are applications both above and below ground where it is desirable to provide a twin walled tank where the space between the twin walls can be monitored to establish whether the integrity of the either tank wall has been compromised.
  • leakage from the tank can be monitored by various leak monitoring devices.
  • One such leak monitoring device monitors a vacuum in the air gap. A change in pressure indicates an integrity failure in the inner lining or the outer tank wall.
  • Lining an existing tank provides a number of advantages.
  • the lining is selected so as not to be corrodible by the fluid stored in the tank. If there is an interstitial space this space can be monitored to establish whether there is any leakage of fuel from the tank.
  • the publication WO 00/32394 describes a method of lining a fuel storage tank in which a keying means is applied to the surface of a tank. A corrosion barrier is then applied to the keying means. An interstitial grid is then applied to the tank and pliable glass reinforced plastics material is laid onto the grid. The glass reinforced plastics material is then exposed to ultra violet rays to cure the material and form a hardened inner liner shell for the tank.
  • the protective clothing available is only impervious to these gases for a limited period of time, after which the worker must come out of the tank, dispose of the protective clothing and be de-contaminated.
  • the risk of hospitalisation resulting from exposure to noxious gases during the laying up the glass reinforced plastics material is significant.
  • An apparatus and method for lining a tank so as provide a monitorable interstitial space is described in GB2444486.
  • This apparatus uses sheet material having adhesive applied to both sides to attach itself and the other components of the lining to the wall of a tank.
  • the apparatus and method described in this invention have been found to be particularly effective in the lining of both underground and above-ground fuel storage tanks.
  • Fuel storage tanks are generally placed in the ground with their longitudinal axis extending in the horizontal plane. It has been found that when such tanks have been empty for long periods, particularly if the vacuum applied to the interstitial space has been removed for lengthy periods of time (for example months or years), the lining in the upper part of the tank and around domed parts of the tank. It has also been found that when used in connection with tanks having their longitudinal axis extending in the vertical plane the weight of the liner can pull the liner from the wall to which it is attached. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved apparatus and method.
  • a wall having a supported wall skin as specified in any of Claims 1 to 10 attached thereto.
  • the supported wall skin may be a lining for an inner or outer surface of a wall of a tank for example.
  • the invention provides for the efficient lining of tanks so as to provide a lining which is impervious to fluids, and which may be specified so as to be impervious to corrosive fluids such as biofuels.
  • a suitable fluid impervious layer such as aluminium foil is used, a barrier to fumes is provided.
  • an interstitial space is provided between the lining and the surface being lined. The interstitial space can be monitored. By monitoring the interstitial space it is possible to detect failure of either the lining or the surface which is lined.
  • the invention provides a fast and safe method of lining a wall. Further, where a vacuum is used during application of the lining any faults in the lining may be identified and made good.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a tank lined with a supported liner according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figure 1 in a first stage of construction
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in a second stage of construction
  • Figure 3a is a plan view of a component of the supported liner.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 in a final stage of construction.
  • FIG 1 there is shown a tank 20, having its longitudinal axis extending the vertical direction.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the supports 6 and their relative positions on the wall 1.
  • FIGS 2 to 4 illustrate the supported liner and the method of lining a wall 1 in more detail.
  • the liner comprises a first layer of flexible material 2 coated with adhesive on both sides thereof.
  • the flexible material is a paper impregnated with adhesive.
  • Each side of the flexible material 2 is typically covered with a layer of peel-off material which when peeled off reveals the sticky surface.
  • the peel-off layer is removed from one surface of the flexible material 2 and that surface is presented up to and press on to the inner surface of the wall 1.
  • a layer of non-woven grid material 3 is attached to the surface of the flexible material 2 of the first layer that is distal from the wall 1.
  • the non- woven grid is open and highly permeable, and in the present example a thermoplastic.
  • the adhesive applied to the surface of the flexible material 2 is sufficient to hold the layer of non-woven grid material 3 onto the flexible material 2.
  • additional adhesive either in a layer or in spots may be provided between the flexible material 2 and the non-woven grid material 3.
  • a third layer of the composite material is formed by a fluid impervious layer comprising a foil sheet 4 having adhesive applied to at least one side thereof. Prior to attachment of the foil sheet 4 to the non-woven grid 3 a peel off layer is removed from the adhesive covering one side of the foil sheet. This adhesive attaches the foil sheet to the non-woven grid 3.
  • a fourth layer of the composite material comprises a scrim layer 5, which in the present example is formed of woven fibre glass or polymer such as polyester.
  • the scrim layer 5 may be a separate layer that is attached to the foil sheet 4 by a suitable adhesive.
  • the adhesive is typically provided on one of the third or fourth layers, with a peel off layer covering the adhesive until it is required.
  • the function of the non-woven grid material 3 together with the layers of material between which it is sandwiched is to provide a monitor able interstitial space. Monitoring is typically achieved by applying a vacuum to the interstitial space and monitoring the vacuum. If the walll of the tank or the outer layer of the composite material is compromised the vacuum will fail.
  • Each support element 6 comprises a base 7 from one side of which a pin 9 extends.
  • the other side of the base 7 has a layer of material 8 having adhesive on both sides thereof.
  • the adhesive on one side of the material 8 attaches the said material to the base 7, with the adhesive to the other side of the material 8 attaching the support element 6 to the surface of the flexible material 2 distal from the wall 1.
  • the material 8 could attach the support element 6 directly to the wall 1 with the base 7 sitting between the wall 1 and the flexible material 2.
  • the pin 9 pierces the flexible material 2, the non-woven grid material 3, the foil 4 and the scrim layer 5.
  • a cap 10 shown best in Figure 3a
  • the cap 10 includes an opening 10a which is slightly smaller in diameter of the pin 9. Slots 12 are cut in the cap 10 so that when the cap 10 is pressed on to the pin 9 the opening 10a can become larger, thereby allowing the cap 10 to be pressed on to the surface of the scrim layer 5. Any force acting in the opposite direction that would tend to push the cap 10 off the pin 9 causes the opening 10a to close onto the pin 9, friction therebetween resisting movement of the cap along the pin away from the base 7.
  • the final layer of the composite material is then applied to the scrim layer 5.
  • the final layer of the composite material is a sealant layer 13, typically an epoxy layer that is applied as a liquid and which cures to form a fluid impervious layer.
  • the textile grid 3 is therefore encapsulated within the composite material 1.
  • the interstitial space of the composite material 1 is formed by the non-woven grid 4.
  • the grid 4 is formed by two arrays of elongate elements arranged at an angle to each other, with the elements of each respective array lying in a different plane and thereby allowing for the free passage of fluid (for example air) through the grid.
  • the grid 4 is formed from high density polyethylene PDPE).
  • the invention lies in the combination of the support elements, a part of the support element passing through at least some of the layers of sheet material of the lining, and the end of the support element being encapsulated within an outer layer.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Lining Or Joining Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Abstract Flexible Membrane Double Skin Tank Lining Apparatus and Method. A lining system for lining a surface generates a fluid impervious lining and an interstitial space between said lining and said surface. The system includes a layer comprising a flexible material having an adhesive coating on each side thereof, a second layer of flexible material, and a spacing means to generate a gap between the first and second layers, the gap constituting the interstitial space, and a coating, the coating comprising a curable material which cures to form a hard fluid impervious coating.

Description

Supported Wall Skin with Interstitial Spacer
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to wall skins and the provision of a monitorable interstitial space between a surface of a wall and a skin attached to the wall, and in particular to the provision of monitorable interstitial spaces for hulls of tanks and similar objects.
Background of the Invention
Tanks are commonly used for storing fluids. Environmental damage may occur if a fluid storage tank leaks. Obviously the nature and extent of damage caused by leakage from a tank will depend on the nature of the fluid in the tank and the amount of leakage. There are applications both above and below ground where it is desirable to provide a twin walled tank where the space between the twin walls can be monitored to establish whether the integrity of the either tank wall has been compromised.
If a double skinned tank contains an air gap between the outer tank wall and the interior lining, leakage from the tank can be monitored by various leak monitoring devices. One such leak monitoring device monitors a vacuum in the air gap. A change in pressure indicates an integrity failure in the inner lining or the outer tank wall.
Whilst the present invention could be utilised with new single wall tanks, if a twin walled new tank is desired, in all likelihood a twin metal walled tank would be specified. The supported liner of the invention will therefore be most useful as a retro-fit to existing tanks.
Lining an existing tank provides a number of advantages. For example, the lining is selected so as not to be corrodible by the fluid stored in the tank. If there is an interstitial space this space can be monitored to establish whether there is any leakage of fuel from the tank.
The publication WO 00/32394 describes a method of lining a fuel storage tank in which a keying means is applied to the surface of a tank. A corrosion barrier is then applied to the keying means. An interstitial grid is then applied to the tank and pliable glass reinforced plastics material is laid onto the grid. The glass reinforced plastics material is then exposed to ultra violet rays to cure the material and form a hardened inner liner shell for the tank.
To line a tank following the method described in WO 00/32394 requires a team of men working for thirty to forty five days, with one man of the team working in the tank at any one time. Due to the toxic nature of the gases given off by the resins used in the laying up of the pliable glass reinforced plastics material onto the grid, and the ability of those gases to pass through the skin and into the bloodstream of humans, the length of time a worker may spend in the tank is severely limited, and special protective clothing must be worn and breathing apparatus used. Whilst in the tank the workers wear clothing that is impervious to the gases given off by the resins used in the laying up of the glass reinforced plastics material. However, the protective clothing available is only impervious to these gases for a limited period of time, after which the worker must come out of the tank, dispose of the protective clothing and be de-contaminated. The risk of hospitalisation resulting from exposure to noxious gases during the laying up the glass reinforced plastics material is significant.
An apparatus and method for lining a tank so as provide a monitorable interstitial space is described in GB2444486. This apparatus uses sheet material having adhesive applied to both sides to attach itself and the other components of the lining to the wall of a tank. The apparatus and method described in this invention have been found to be particularly effective in the lining of both underground and above-ground fuel storage tanks.
Fuel storage tanks are generally placed in the ground with their longitudinal axis extending in the horizontal plane. It has been found that when such tanks have been empty for long periods, particularly if the vacuum applied to the interstitial space has been removed for lengthy periods of time (for example months or years), the lining in the upper part of the tank and around domed parts of the tank. It has also been found that when used in connection with tanks having their longitudinal axis extending in the vertical plane the weight of the liner can pull the liner from the wall to which it is attached. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved apparatus and method.
Summary of the Invention
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a supported wall skin as specified in Claim 1.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of providing a wall with a supported skin as specified in Claim 11.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a wall having a supported wall skin as specified in any of Claims 1 to 10 attached thereto.
The supported wall skin may be a lining for an inner or outer surface of a wall of a tank for example.
The invention provides for the efficient lining of tanks so as to provide a lining which is impervious to fluids, and which may be specified so as to be impervious to corrosive fluids such as biofuels. Where a suitable fluid impervious layer such as aluminium foil is used, a barrier to fumes is provided. Further, an interstitial space is provided between the lining and the surface being lined. The interstitial space can be monitored. By monitoring the interstitial space it is possible to detect failure of either the lining or the surface which is lined.
The invention provides a fast and safe method of lining a wall. Further, where a vacuum is used during application of the lining any faults in the lining may be identified and made good.
The presence of the mechanical support that passes through some of the layers of the composite material enhances the integrity of the wall skin.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and are by way of example:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a tank lined with a supported liner according to the invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figure 1 in a first stage of construction;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in a second stage of construction;
Figure 3a is a plan view of a component of the supported liner; and
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional elevation of the lined tank illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 in a final stage of construction.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a tank 20, having its longitudinal axis extending the vertical direction. Figure 1 illustrates the supports 6 and their relative positions on the wall 1.
Figures 2 to 4 illustrate the supported liner and the method of lining a wall 1 in more detail. The liner comprises a first layer of flexible material 2 coated with adhesive on both sides thereof. In the present example the flexible material is a paper impregnated with adhesive. Each side of the flexible material 2 is typically covered with a layer of peel-off material which when peeled off reveals the sticky surface. The peel-off layer is removed from one surface of the flexible material 2 and that surface is presented up to and press on to the inner surface of the wall 1. With the peel-off material removed from the other surface of the flexible material 2 of the first layer, a layer of non-woven grid material 3 is attached to the surface of the flexible material 2 of the first layer that is distal from the wall 1. The non- woven grid is open and highly permeable, and in the present example a thermoplastic. The adhesive applied to the surface of the flexible material 2 is sufficient to hold the layer of non-woven grid material 3 onto the flexible material 2. However, additional adhesive, either in a layer or in spots may be provided between the flexible material 2 and the non-woven grid material 3.
A third layer of the composite material is formed by a fluid impervious layer comprising a foil sheet 4 having adhesive applied to at least one side thereof. Prior to attachment of the foil sheet 4 to the non-woven grid 3 a peel off layer is removed from the adhesive covering one side of the foil sheet. This adhesive attaches the foil sheet to the non-woven grid 3.
A fourth layer of the composite material comprises a scrim layer 5, which in the present example is formed of woven fibre glass or polymer such as polyester. The scrim layer 5 may be a separate layer that is attached to the foil sheet 4 by a suitable adhesive. The adhesive is typically provided on one of the third or fourth layers, with a peel off layer covering the adhesive until it is required.
The function of the non-woven grid material 3 together with the layers of material between which it is sandwiched is to provide a monitor able interstitial space. Monitoring is typically achieved by applying a vacuum to the interstitial space and monitoring the vacuum. If the walll of the tank or the outer layer of the composite material is compromised the vacuum will fail.
In order to better support the composite material a plurality of support elements 6 are provided in the composite material. Each support element 6 comprises a base 7 from one side of which a pin 9 extends. The other side of the base 7 has a layer of material 8 having adhesive on both sides thereof. The adhesive on one side of the material 8 attaches the said material to the base 7, with the adhesive to the other side of the material 8 attaching the support element 6 to the surface of the flexible material 2 distal from the wall 1. However, the material 8 could attach the support element 6 directly to the wall 1 with the base 7 sitting between the wall 1 and the flexible material 2.
In the illustrated example, the pin 9 pierces the flexible material 2, the non-woven grid material 3, the foil 4 and the scrim layer 5. When each of the aforementioned layers are in place a cap 10 (shown best in Figure 3a) is pressed on to the pin 9. The cap 10 includes an opening 10a which is slightly smaller in diameter of the pin 9. Slots 12 are cut in the cap 10 so that when the cap 10 is pressed on to the pin 9 the opening 10a can become larger, thereby allowing the cap 10 to be pressed on to the surface of the scrim layer 5. Any force acting in the opposite direction that would tend to push the cap 10 off the pin 9 causes the opening 10a to close onto the pin 9, friction therebetween resisting movement of the cap along the pin away from the base 7. With the cap 10 in place as shown in Figure 3, the pin 9 is cut off adjacent the cap 10. The final layer of the composite material is then applied to the scrim layer 5. The final layer of the composite material is a sealant layer 13, typically an epoxy layer that is applied as a liquid and which cures to form a fluid impervious layer.
The textile grid 3 is therefore encapsulated within the composite material 1. The interstitial space of the composite material 1 is formed by the non-woven grid 4. The grid 4 is formed by two arrays of elongate elements arranged at an angle to each other, with the elements of each respective array lying in a different plane and thereby allowing for the free passage of fluid (for example air) through the grid. In the present example the grid 4 is formed from high density polyethylene PDPE).
The invention lies in the combination of the support elements, a part of the support element passing through at least some of the layers of sheet material of the lining, and the end of the support element being encapsulated within an outer layer.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise each feature disclosed is one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claims

A supported wall skin providing an interstitial space, formed from a composite material, the composite material comprising a plurality of layers including: i. a first layer of flexible material having adhesive on at least one surface thereof; ii. a layer comprising a spacer; and iii. a second layer of flexible material: wherein layers of the composite material are attached one to the other by adhesive between adjacent layers, and wherein the spacer provides the interstitial space between the said first and second layers of flexible material within the said composite material, characterised by: at least one support element, the support element comprising a base and extending from the base at least one piercing member configured for piercing at least one of the layer of flexible material, and a clasp adapted to engage with the piercing member and to slide with respect thereto in a direction towards the base and to resist sliding in a direction away from the base, wherein the base is attachable to the wall or to one of the layers of the composite material; and a fluid impervious material covering the clasp and the free end of the piercing member.
A supported wall skin according to Claim 1, wherein the base of the or each support element is attached to a layer of flexible material or directly to a surface of the wall.
A supported wall skin according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the base includes an adhesive layer, said adhesive layer for attaching the base to the surface of the wall or the layer of flexible material.
A supported wall skin according to any preceding claim, wherein the piercing element is pin.
5. A supported wall skin according to any preceding claim, wherein the clasp includes an opening and wherein the clasp is configured such that the opening may increase in size to permit sliding of the clasp on the piercing element in one direction and to may decrease in size to resist sliding of the clasp on the piercing element in the opposite direction.
6. A supported wall skin according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of support elements.
7. A supported wall skin according to Claim 6, wherein the plurality of support elements are arranged in rows and/ or columns.
8. A supported wall skin according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid impervious material covering the or each clasp and piercing member is a curable coating.
9. A supported wall skin according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid impervious material covering the or each clasp an piercing member is in the form of a continuous layer covering the or each clasp and the layer of flexible material most distant from the wall.
10. A supported wall skin according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each clasp and piercing member are covered by respective discrete regions of fluid impervious material.
11. A method of providing a wall with a supported skin as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 comprising the steps of: i. attaching one or more of the support elements to a surface of the wall or to a layer of the composite material; ii. building up layers of the composite material one on top of the other the layers pierced by the piercing members of the or each support elements; iii. sliding the clasp on to and along the piercing member of the support element so that the face of the clasp proximate the wall presses onto the layer of the composite material most proximate the clasp; iv. removing the portion of the piercing member extending beyond the face of the clasp distal from the wall; v. applying a curable coating to the surface of the composite material distal from the surface wall, which coating cures to form a hard fluid impervious layer; and vi. curing the said coating.
12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein a vacuum connection is made through the surface to be lined to the interstitial space.
13. A method according to Claim 12, comprising the step of applying a vacuum to the interstitial space prior to the application of the curable material.
14. A wall having a supported wall skin as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10 attached
thereto.
15. A supported wall skin and method of providing a supported wall skin substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.
EP16801001.5A 2016-10-03 2016-10-03 Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer Withdrawn EP3519180A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB2016/053064 WO2018065743A1 (en) 2016-10-03 2016-10-03 Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3519180A1 true EP3519180A1 (en) 2019-08-07

Family

ID=57391995

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP16801001.5A Withdrawn EP3519180A1 (en) 2016-10-03 2016-10-03 Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3519180A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018065743A1 (en)

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2768076B1 (en) * 1997-09-10 2000-08-04 Peguform France METHOD FOR PRODUCING A RIGIDIFIED ZONE INSERT FORMING IN A COMPOSITE SANDWICH PANEL, AND PANEL COMPRISING SUCH A ZONE
GB9903711D0 (en) 1998-12-01 1999-04-14 New Lake International Limited Tank lining
GB0619254D0 (en) * 2006-09-29 2006-11-08 Haritou Christos S Double skin tank lining with interstitial spacer
GB2536885B (en) * 2015-03-27 2018-07-25 Sotirious Haritou Christos Supported wall skin with interstitial spacer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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