EP4211056B1 - Buckling stiffener ring and method for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a buckling stiffener ring according to claim 1 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, and a method according to claim 10 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank.

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

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

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

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

DE 10 2006 040174 B3 discloses a silo roof for round silos, the roof rafters being designed as a C-profile and connected to one another by crossbars, the crossbars connecting to the roof rafters at a distance from the upper edge of the roof rafters and the roof sheets being U-shaped at their edge edges and each U is open at the bottom. US 4,142,284 A discloses a method and apparatus for making a plurality of large diameter storage tanks from strip material. WO 2017/177279 A1 discloses a connection system for connecting wall panels in a storage tank assembly. US 3,057,054 A discloses a method for erecting steel tanks and similar enclosed structures.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution which can extend the service life of a cylindrical structure and/or broaden the suitability of a cylindrical structure for various areas of application. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a buckling stiffener ring for stiffening a cylindrical structure, which is cheaper and/or simpler and/or safer to use than existing solutions for stiffening a cylindrical structure.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a buckling stiffener ring according to claim 1 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank.

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

Especially with large cylindrical structures, deformations and/or other impairments in the load-bearing capacity can occur over their service life, in particular due to weakening and/or fatigue of the material. A change in the area of application of cylindrical structures can also result in a (further) stiffening of the cylindrical structure, in particular its upper end, and/or a covering, in particular against weather influences, being desired or required.

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

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

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

The solutions proposed here therefore make it possible in a particularly advantageous manner to stiffen and/or cover the cylindrical structure without having to take the cylindrical structure out of operation and/or needs to be emptied. In particular, the assembly of a dent stiffener ring described here and/or a foldable support structure described here is also possible under conditions in which there is little space available in the immediate vicinity of the cylindrical structure, in particular on the ground, and/or increased safety requirements, for example with regard to explosion protection , consist.

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

The intermediate supports are preferably designed in the shape of a ring segment and/or preferably have a radius which essentially corresponds to the radius of the reinforcing ring formed from the intermediate supports. The several intermediate supports are connected to one another via connecting elements to form the reinforcing ring. At one point on the reinforcing ring, a fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece is provided, with which a radius of the reinforcing ring can preferably be determined. One of the intermediate supports can also be designed as such a fitting piece and/or variable connecting piece. While essentially uniform and/or identically designed elements can preferably be used for the intermediate supports, an element with one dimension can then be selected for the fitting piece and/or as a variable connecting piece, which then closes the reinforcing ring in such a way that a radius is created, which essentially corresponds to the radius of the cylindrical structure. If there is a need to increase and/or reduce this radius, this radius can be adjusted, in particular by means of a variable connecting piece.

In this way, a modular buckling stiffener ring is provided, which can be manufactured to fit a radius of the cylindrical structure and assembled on site. This particularly facilitates the transport and assembly of the dent stiffener ring on the cylindrical structure, since in the vicinity of such cylindrical structures there is usually not enough space to pre-assemble an entire dent stiffener ring and attach it as an entire ring to the cylindrical structure. The modular design therefore has the advantage that the individual parts are lifted, for example by means of a lifting device such as a mobile crane, and transported to the cylindrical place of use Building can be brought and connected there and fixed to the cylindrical structure.

The buckling stiffener ring can be connected to the cylindrical structure in various ways. For example, a clamping connection between the dent stiffener ring and the cylindrical structure can be sufficient, preferably by using the fitting piece and/or the variable connecting piece to set a radius of the reinforcing ring which (in the case of a reinforcing ring arranged on an outside of the cylindrical structure) is smaller or equal to the radius of the cylindrical structure this point or (in the case of a reinforcing ring arranged on the inside of the cylindrical structure) is greater than or equal to the radius of the cylindrical structure at this point, so that a clamping effect results between the reinforcing ring and the cylindrical structure, which holds the reinforcing ring on the cylindrical structure.

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

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

According to the invention, the dent stiffener ring comprises a support ring for resting on an upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular on an end profile arranged at the upper end of the cylindrical structure.

Furthermore, the dent stiffener ring preferably comprises a plurality of fastening elements spaced apart in the circumferential direction for fastening the reinforcing ring to the cylindrical structure, wherein preferably one, several or all fastening elements is or are designed to attach the reinforcing ring to an end profile and / or to an inner and / or outer jacket of the cylindrical structure and / or to attach to the support ring.

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

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

The fastening elements and/or connecting elements can be designed, for example, as, preferably plate-shaped, buckling stiffeners. Preferably, such dent stiffeners can be arranged on the support ring and/or on the end profile, and can preferably be releasably fastened there. In particular, it is preferred to attach the fastening elements from below to the support ring and/or the end profile.

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

For example, the reinforcing ring can be attached to the end profile and/or the support ring via ropes or suspended from there. Supporting the reinforcing ring from below by connecting elements or supporting the reinforcing ring downwards by fastening elements is also an option for fastening the reinforcing ring to the cylindrical structure.

A further preferred development is characterized in that the support ring comprises a plurality of interconnected support ring segments, wherein preferably the support ring segments have a rectangular cross section orthogonal to the circumferential direction and/or the support ring segments have a height which corresponds to a maximum of 50% of an expansion of the support ring segments in the radial direction.

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

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

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

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that one, several or all of the fastening elements each have at least one contact plate for contact with a jacket of the cylindrical structure.

According to the invention it is provided that several adjusting elements, for example adjusting screws, are provided on the support ring for aligning the dent stiffener ring, in particular the support ring, in relation to the cylindrical structure, preferably in the radial direction. Pressure plates are preferably arranged between the adjusting elements and a jacket of the cylindrical structure.

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

Preferably, the contact plate and/or the pressure plates, in particular on their sides facing the shell of the cylindrical structure, are designed for distribution of the load introduction into the cylindrical structure and/or for fixation on the cylindrical structure and/or for decoupling, in particular a corrosive one Decoupling and/or acoustic decoupling and/or vibration decoupling from the cylindrical structure and/or for insulation from the cylindrical structure.

Preferably, the contact plate and/or the pressure plates have, on their sides facing the shell of the cylindrical structure, a non-corrosive and/or non-corrosive material, such as plastic and/or rubber and/or stainless steel, and/or an adhesive material, such as a Adhesive and/or Velcro material.

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

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

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

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

• Connection of the support ring to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile,
• Connection of adjacent support ring segments,
• Connection of carrier consoles with support ring segments,
• Connection of the fastening elements to the cylindrical structure and/or the support ring,
• Connection of the sub-elements to one another and/or to a plate plate,
• Connection of the fastening elements and/or the connecting elements with the intermediate supports,
• Connection of the fastening elements with the contact plates,

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

Providing hot-work-free connections has the advantage that assembly can be carried out, especially in potentially explosive environments, without having to take special safety measures. There is therefore the possibility of particularly safe and low-risk assembly. Providing detachable connections has the advantage that dismantling is easy. Further advantageous embodiment variants of the previously described dent stiffener ring result from a combination of individual, several or all of the preferred features described here.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a method according to claim 10 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, in particular an upper end of a substantially cylindrical structure.

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

Preferably the method further comprises:

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

In a preferred embodiment of the method it is provided that arranging the support ring includes arranging a plurality of support ring segments, wherein preferably the support ring segments are or are connected to one another and/or to support brackets arranged between them.

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

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

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step: introducing through-holes into a platform, in particular a circumferential walkway, of the cylindrical structure, wherein the through-holes are preferably produced without hot work, in particular without welding, and/or wherein one, several or all of the Fastening elements, preferably in the vertical direction, each protrude through a through recess.

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

• Ausrichten des Auflagerings relativ zum oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, vorzugsweise mittels Verstellelementen, insbesondere mittig zum zylinderförmigen Bauwerk.

According to the invention, the method further comprises:

• Aligning the support ring relative to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, preferably by means of adjusting elements, in particular in the middle of the cylindrical structure.

• Herstellen von Durchgangsöffnungen am oberen Ende des zylinderförmigen Bauwerks, insbesondere im Abschlussprofil, vorzugsweise ausgerichtet zu Durchgangslöchern des Auflagerings, wobei das Herstellen der Durchgangsöffnungen vorzugsweise heißarbeitfrei, insbesondere schweißfrei, erfolgt.

Preferably the method further comprises:

• Producing through openings at the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular in the end profile, preferably aligned with through holes in the support ring, the through openings preferably being produced without hot work, in particular without welding.

Preferably, the method further comprises the following step: arranging a foldable support structure on the dent stiffener ring, in particular attaching supports of the foldable support structure to the support ring, in particular the support consoles.

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

als heißarbeitfreie, insbesondere schweißfreie, Verbindung und/oder als lösbare Verbindung, vorzugsweise als Schraubverbindung und/oder Klemmverbindung.Preferably, the method further comprises the following step: establishing one or more, preferably all, connections between the elements to be assembled, in particular one, several or all of the following connections

• Connection of the support ring to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile,
• Connection of adjacent support ring segments,
• Connection of carrier consoles with support ring segments,
• Connection of the fastening elements to the cylindrical structure and/or the support ring,
• Connection of the sub-elements to one another and/or to a plate plate,
• Connection of the fastening elements and/or the connecting elements with the intermediate supports,
• Connection of the fastening elements with the contact plates,

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

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

The previously described method and its preferred developments have features or process steps that make them particularly suitable for being used for or with a buckling stiffener ring according to the invention and its developments.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by using a previously described buckling stiffener ring for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, and/or by using a previously described buckling stiffener ring in a previously described method.

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

Regarding the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of each aspect and its preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details described with respect to the respective other aspects.

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

The previously described device and the method are particularly suitable for use with a foldable support structure described in more detail below and the associated method also described in more detail below.

The foldable support structure for a cover of a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, preferably comprises a central element with a central axis, at least three supports attached to the central element, each with at least two arms that are movable relative to one another, preferably a maximum extension of the supports in the radial direction from the Central axis in a first mounting position is smaller than a maximum extension of the carrier in the radial direction from the central axis in a supporting position.

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

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

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

Preferably, the maximum extent of the carriers in the radial direction from the central axis in the first assembly position is a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 30%, further preferably a maximum of 25%, in particular a maximum of 20%, of the maximum extent of the carriers in the radial direction from the central axis in the Carrying position.

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

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

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

In a further preferred embodiment it is provided that the foldable support structure has four or more than four supports, each with at least two arms that are movable relative to one another. An embodiment with four carriers is particularly preferred. The four or more than four carriers are preferably also spaced apart in the circumferential direction, preferably equidistantly spaced in the circumferential direction. According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that at least two of the arms are connected to one another via a lockable hinge. The connection of at least two of the arms via a lockable hinge has the advantage that a lock can be made, particularly in the carrying position, which preferably fixes the relative position of the arms to one another in the carrying position. In this way, it can be ensured that a stable and reliable position is achieved in the supporting position in which the supporting structure carries or supports the cover of the cylindrical structure and prevents the supporting position from being accidentally or unintentionally dissolved.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least two of the arms are connected to one another via a cable pull, wherein preferably the cable pull can be coupled, in particular releasably coupled, to an actuator element, for example a preferably remote-controlled winch, in particular an electric winch. The connection of at least two of the arms via a cable pull has the particular advantage that in this way the relative position of the arms to one another can be changed during assembly of the support structure, in particular when moving the support structure from the first assembly position into the support position

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

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

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

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

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

According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that in the carrying position one, two or all carriers, in particular one arm, preferably the respective outer arm, in particular the respective second arm, one, two or all carriers, with a Carrier console can be connected or connected, and / or that the foldable support structure can be connected or connected in the carrying position with a dent stiffener ring.

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

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

Furthermore, a method for assembling a foldable support structure for covering a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, is preferred, comprising: providing a previously described foldable support structure, preferably providing a dent stiffener ring and / or a support console, in particular at an upper end of the cylindrical structure, lifting the Supporting structure in the first assembly position over the cylindrical structure, moving the supporting structure into the supporting position, attaching the supporting structure to the upper end of the cylindrical structure, preferably to the buckling stiffener ring and/or to the support console.

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

Preferably, the method further comprises one, several or all of the following steps:

• Providing at least one assembly aid, in particular a winch, at an upper end of the cylindrical structure,
• Connecting, preferably releasably connecting, the assembly aid to one of the supports, in particular an arm, preferably the outer arm, in particular the second arm, preferably with the engagement element of the second arm, via a first cable pull,
• Controlling, in particular loosening, the first cable pull between the first and third arms,
• Controlling, in particular tightening, the cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid,
• Locking the first hinge arranged between the first and second arms,
• further control, in particular tightening, of the first cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid,
• further controlling, in particular tightening, the first cable pull between the carrier and the assembly aid, against the force of the spring element, in particular beyond a dead center and / or up to a stop, which preferably ensures that the fourth and fifth arms are in the carrying position include an angle of less than 180° on a side facing away from the spring element and/or on a side directed downward in the carrying position,
• Locking the second hinge disposed between the first and third arms.

In particular, it is preferred that moving the supporting structure into the supporting position includes these steps.

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

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

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

In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step: inserting one, two or more rafters, preferably designed as truss elements, preferably a first end of one of the rafters on the central element and a second end of one of the rafters on an upper end of the Cylindrical structure, in particular on a dent ring, is arranged.

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

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

This configuration has the advantage that the supporting structure only has a limited vertical extent even during assembly. This is particularly advantageous if, for example, the lifting device, such as a mobile piece of equipment, is limited in height and/or the cylindrical structure continues to be in operation or filled during the assembly of the supporting structure, and thus the space within the cylindrical structure is not or is at least to a large extent not freely accessible for assembly.

The previously described assembly method and its preferred developments have features or process steps that make them particularly suitable for being used for or with a described support structure and its developments.

Furthermore, it is preferred to use a previously described foldable support structure to cover a cylindrical structure, in particular a tank, preferably in combination with a buckling stiffener ring, and/or by using a previously described foldable support structure in a previously described method.

For the advantages, design variants and design details of the assembly process and its developments, please refer to the previous description of the corresponding device features.

Regarding the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of each aspect and its preferred embodiments, reference is also made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and details described with respect to the respective other aspects.

Figur 1:

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Beulsteifenrings und einer faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der Tragposition mit Sparren;

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Beulsteifenrings und der faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der Tragposition gemäß Figur 1 ohne Sparren;

Figur 4:

das obere Ende eines Tanks mit einem darauf angeordneten Beulsteifenring mit einer darüber positionierten faltbaren Tragkonstruktion in der ersten Montageposition;

Figur 5:

das vergrößerte Detail A gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 6:

das vergrößerte Detail B gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 7:

das vergrößerte Detail C gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 8:

den vergrößerten Schnitt D-D gemäß Figur 2 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 9:

das vergrößerte Detail E gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 10:

den vergrößerten Schnitt G-G gemäß Figur 2 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 11:

das vergrößerte Detail H gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 12:

das vergrößerte Detail I gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 13:

das vergrößerte Detail J gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 14:

das vergrößerte Detail K gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 15:

ein weiteres vergrößertes Detail gemäß Figur 1 (einige Details ausgeblendet);

Figur 16a-j:

die faltbare Tragkonstruktion in einer ersten sowie mehreren weiteren Montagepositionen (in Figur 16g zusammen mit dem oberen Ende eines Tanks und einem darauf angeordneten Beulsteifenring) sowie in der Tragposition;

Figur 16k-l:

vergrößerte Ausschnitte aus Figur 16a;

Figur 16m:

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Figur 16j;

Figur 17a-e:

das erste verriegelbare Scharnier in verschiedenen Positionen;

Figur 18a-d:

das zweite verriegelbare Scharnier in verschiedenen Positionen;

Figur 19:

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Montage einer faltbaren Tragkonstruktion zur Abdeckung eines zylinderförmigen Bauwerks; und

Figur 20:

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Aussteifung eines im Wesentlichen zylinderförmigen Bauwerks.

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

Figure 1:

a three-dimensional representation of a buckling stiffener ring and a foldable support structure in the supporting position with rafters;

Figure 2:

a top view Figure 1 ;

Figure 3:

a three-dimensional representation of the buckling stiffener ring and the foldable support structure in the carrying position Figure 1 without rafters;

Figure 4:

the upper end of a tank having a buckling ring disposed thereon with a foldable support structure positioned thereover in the first assembly position;

Figure 5:

the enlarged detail A according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 6:

the enlarged detail B according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 7:

the enlarged detail C according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 8:

the enlarged section DD according to Figure 2 (some details hidden);

Figure 9:

the enlarged detail E according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 10:

according to the enlarged section GG Figure 2 (some details hidden);

Figure 11:

the enlarged detail H according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 12:

the enlarged detail I according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 13:

the enlarged detail J according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 14:

the enlarged detail K according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 15:

another enlarged detail according to Figure 1 (some details hidden);

Figure 16a-j:

the foldable supporting structure in a first and several further assembly positions (in Figure 16g together with the upper end of a tank and a buckling stiffener ring arranged thereon) and in the carrying position;

Figure 16k-l:

enlarged sections Figure 16a ;

Figure 16m:

an enlarged section Figure 16j ;

Figure 17a-e:

the first lockable hinge in various positions;

Figure 18a-d:

the second lockable hinge in various positions;

Figure 19:

a schematic flow diagram of a method for assembling a foldable support structure to cover a cylindrical structure; and

Figure 20:

a schematic flow diagram of a method for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure.

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

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

In the figures, identical or essentially functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals. General descriptions usually refer to all exemplary embodiments and/or representations, unless differences are explicitly stated.

The foldable support structure 1 comprises a central element 10 with a central axis Figure 3 can be seen, equidistantly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction.

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

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

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

As especially in comparison Figures 2 and 4 can be seen, a maximum extension E _MP1 of the carrier 100 in the radial direction from the central axis X in the first mounting position MP1 is smaller than the maximum extension E _TPR of the carrier 100 in the radial direction from the central axis This results in the particularly preferred compact, particularly compact in the radial direction, shape of the foldable support structure 1 in the first assembly position MP1. In this first assembly position MP1, the supporting structure 1 can be used, for example in Figure 4 shown, can be moved with a hoist (not shown) into a position above a cylindrical structure, in particular above its upper end 91, with a dent stiffening ring 2 preferably being arranged on the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure.

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

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

Starting from these first assembly positions, as in particular in the Figures 16b to 16i shown, via the further assembly positions MP2 to MP8, the foldable support structure 1 from the first assembly positions MP1 into the in Figure 16j carrying position TP.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first lockable hinge 121 is in the Figures 17a to 17e presented in more detail. Here, a first locking element 302 successively surrounds a locking bolt 301, which is arranged on the first arm 111, in the locking process. A second spring-loaded locking element 303 arranged on the second arm 112 engages in the in Figure 17e Locking position shown then into the first one Locking element 302 means that the locking can only be released again against the spring loading of the second locking element 303.

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

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

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

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

The buckling stiffener ring 2 serves to stiffen an essentially cylindrical structure, as shown, for example, in the figures as the upper end 91 of a tank 90. The central element of the dent stiffener ring 2 is a reinforcing ring 230, which comprises a plurality of ring segment-shaped intermediate supports 231, which are connected to one another via connecting elements 221.

In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the reinforcing ring 230 is connected via fastening elements 220 in the form of buckling stiffeners 223 to a support ring 210 for resting on the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular on the end profile 92 arranged there, here in the form of an angle steel, such as in Figure 8 to recognize, attached. The support ring 210 includes several support ring segments 211 as well as support consoles 240 spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

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

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

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

The reinforcing ring 230 preferably has a fitting piece and/or variable connecting piece 225 at one point (cf. in particular Figure 9 ), with which in particular a radius of the reinforcing ring 230 can be determined in a step 2004b. In this way, the radius of the reinforcing ring 230 can be coordinated with the radius of the cylindrical structure.

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

To fix the dent stiffener ring 2 on the cylindrical structure, through openings 95 are produced in step 2006 at the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular in the end profile 92. These through openings 95 are preferably aligned with through holes 212 of the support ring. These through holes 212 of the support ring 210 are preferably designed as elongated holes in order to still have good coverage for the upper end 91 of the cylindrical structure, in particular for the end profile 92, even after the support ring has been aligned relative to the upper end of the cylindrical structure. The production of the through openings 95 in step 2006 is preferably carried out without hot work, for example by punching and particularly preferably aligned with the through holes 212 of the support ring 210, for example by the Through openings 95 are produced by punching through the through holes 212 of the support ring 210. The production in step 2007 of one, several or preferably all connections between the elements to be assembled is preferably carried out without hot work and/or as a detachable connection, on the one hand to ensure safe assembly even during operation of the cylindrical structure, in particular in an explosion-prone environment enable and/or to enable dismantling.

In a further step 1008, 2008, the foldable support structure 1 can be fastened in its carrying position TP on the dent stiffener ring 2, in particular on the support consoles 240 of the support ring 210.

Reference symbol list

1

foldable supporting structure

10

Central element

100

carrier

1000

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

11

Stop device for a hoist

110

poor

111

first arm

112

second arm

113

third arm

114

fourth arm

115

fifth arm

12

Contact area to accommodate at least one person

121

first lockable hinge

122

second lockable hinge

123

hinge

131,

pulley

132 140

Spring element

150

Attack element for a cable pull

2

Dent stiffener ring

2000

Method for bracing a substantially cylindrical structure

210

Support ring

211

Support ring segment

212

Through holes of the support ring

220

fastener

221

connecting element

97

Rafters

222

contact plate

223

Dent stiffener bar

224

Partial element

225

variable connector

226

tab plate

230

Reinforcement ring

231

Intermediate carrier

240

Carrier console

250

Adjusting element

251

pressure plate

301

Locking bolt on the first arm

302

first locking element on the second arm

303

second locking element on the second arm

311

Locking bolt on an enlarged end of the first arm

312

first locking element on the third arm

313

second locking element on the third arm

314

Stop at an enlarged end of the third arm

315

safety bolt

414

Stop on a projection of the fifth arm

415

Stop bolt on an enlarged end of the fourth arm

90

cylindrical structure in the form of a tank

91

upper end of the cylindrical structure

92

Final profile

93

Platform of the cylindrical structure

94

Passage recesses in the platform of the cylindrical structure

95

Through openings on the end profile

96

Assembly aids

EMP1

Extension of the carrier in the radial direction in the first assembly position

ETPR

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

Ev

Extension of the foldable supporting structure in the vertical direction

MP1

first assembly position

MP2

second mounting position

MP3

third mounting position

MP4

fourth mounting position

MP5

fifth mounting position

MP6

sixth mounting position

MP7

seventh mounting position

MP8

fifth mounting position

TP

Carrying position

X

Central axis

v

Vertical axis

α1

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

α2

in the carrying position of the fourth and fifth arms on a side facing away from the spring element and/or on a side facing downwards in the carrying position

α3

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

α4

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

Claims (15)

1. Buckling stiffener ring (2) for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank (90), comprising

   - a plurality of intermediate supports (231) which are connected via connecting elements (221) and form a reinforcing ring (230), and

   - wherein a fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece (225) are/is arranged at least between two adjacent intermediate supports (231), wherein preferably the fitting piece and/or the variable connecting piece (225) are/is designed to define a radius of the reinforcing ring (230),
   wherein

   - the buckling stiffener ring (2) comprises a support ring (210) for supporting on an upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, characterized in that

   - a plurality of adjustment elements (250), for example adjustment screws, for aligning the buckling stiffener ring (2) in relation to the cylindrical structure, preferably in the radial direction, are provided on the support ring (210).
2. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein

   - the support ring (210) is designed for supporting on an end profile (92) arranged at the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, and/or

   - a plurality of fastening elements (220) which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction are intended for fastening the reinforcing ring (230) to the cylindrical structure, wherein preferably one, a plurality or all of the fastening elements (220) is or are designed to fasten the reinforcing ring (230) to an end profile (92) and/or to an inner and/or outer casing of the cylindrical structure and/or to the support ring (210).
3. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one, more than one or all of the fastening elements (220) and/or connecting elements (221) is or are designed in the form of a buckling stiffener web or a plurality of buckling stiffener webs (223).
4. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support ring (210) comprises a plurality of interconnected support ring segments (211), wherein preferably the support ring segments (211) have a rectangular cross section orthogonally to the circumferential direction, and/or the support ring segments (211) have a height which corresponds at maximum to 50% of an extent of the support ring segments (211) in the radial direction.
5. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support ring (210) has a plurality of through holes (212), preferably in the form of elongate holes, for fastening the support ring (210) to the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile (92), and/or a plurality of carrier brackets which are spaced apart in the circumferential direction, are preferably arranged between adjacent support ring segments (211) and are preferably connected to them, in particular by a, preferably releasable, screw connection.
6. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one, a plurality or all of the fastening elements (220) each have two or more, preferably interconnected, partial elements (224), and/or characterized in that one, a plurality or all of the fastening elements (220) each have at least one contact plate (222) for contact against a casing of the cylindrical structure.
7. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that contact pressure plates (251) are arranged between the adjustment elements (250) and a casing of the cylindrical structure.
8. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one, two or a plurality of further reinforcing rings (230) are provided with a plurality of intermediate supports (231) in each case.
9. Buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more, preferably all of the connections between the elements to be mounted, in particular one, a plurality of all of the following connections

   - connection of the support ring (210) to the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile (92),

   - connection of adjacent support ring segments (211),

   - connection of carrier brackets (240) to support ring segments (211),

   - connection of the fastening elements (220) to the cylindrical structure and/or to the support ring (210),

   - connection of the partial elements (224) to one another and/or to a fishplate (226),

   - connection of the fastening elements (220) and/or of the connecting elements (221) to the intermediate supports (231),

   - connection of the fastening elements (220) to the contact plates (222)

   is or are designed as a connection which is free from hot working, in particular free from welding, and/or as a releasable connection, preferably as a screw connection and/or clamping connection.
10. Method (2000) for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank (90),

    comprising:

    - providing (2004a) a plurality of intermediate supports (231) and a plurality of connecting elements (221),

    - forming (2004b) a reinforcing ring (230) by connecting in each case two adjacent intermediate carriers (231) via a respective connecting element (221),

    - arranging (2004c) a fitting piece and/or a variable connecting piece (225) at least between two adjacent intermediate supports (231),

    - preferably defining (2004d) a radius of the reinforcing ring (230) by means of the fitting piece and/or the variable connecting piece (225),

    characterized by:

    - arranging (2001), in particular placing, a support ring (210) on an upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, in particular on an end profile (92) arranged at the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, and preferably securing (2002) the support ring (210), for example by screw clamps,

    - aligning (2005) the support ring (210) relative to the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, preferably by means of adjustment elements (250), in particular centrally with respect to the cylindrical structure.
11. Method according to the preceding claim,
    comprising:

    - arranging (2001), in particular placing, the support ring (210) on an end profile (92) arranged at the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, and preferably securing (2002) the support ring (210), for example by screw clamps, and/or

    - arranging (2003 a) a plurality of fastening elements (220) spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the cylindrical structure, in particular on the end profile (92) and/or on an inner and/or outer casing of the cylindrical structure and/or on the support ring (210).
12. Method according to at least one of the two preceding claims,
    characterized in that:

    - the arranging (2001) of the support ring (210) includes the arranging of a plurality of support ring segments (211), wherein preferably the support ring segments (211) are connected to one another and/or to carrier brackets (240) arranged in between, and/or

    - the arranging (2001) of the support ring (210) comprises the arranging of a plurality of carrier brackets (240) spaced apart in the circumferential direction, wherein preferably the carrier brackets (240) are arranged between adjacent support ring segments (211) and are preferably connected to them, in particular by a, preferably releasable, screw connection, and/or

    - one, a plurality or all of the fastening elements (220) each have two or more, preferably interconnected, partial elements (224), and/or

    - introducing (2003b) through cutouts (94) into a platform (93), in particular a peripheral running web, of the cylindrical structure, wherein the through cutouts (94) are preferably produced free from hot working, in particular free from welding, and/or wherein one, a plurality or all of the fastening elements project through one through cutout (94) each, preferably in the vertical direction.
13. Method according to at least either of the preceding claims 11 and 12,
    characterized by:

    - producing (2006) through openings (95) at the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, in particular in the end profile (92), preferably aligned with respect to through holes (212) in the support ring (210), wherein the through openings (95) are preferably produced in a manner free from hot working, in particular free from welding, and/or

    - arranging (2008) a foldable supporting construction (1) on the buckling stiffener ring (2), in particular fastening supports (100) of the foldable supporting construction to the support ring (210), in particular to the support brackets (240).
14. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims 11-13,
    characterized by:

    producing (2007) one or a plurality, preferably all of the connections between the elements to be mounted, in particular one, a plurality or all of the following connections

    - connection of the support ring (210) to the upper end (91) of the cylindrical structure, in particular to the end profile (92),

    - connection of adjacent support ring segments (211),

    - connection of carrier brackets (240) to support ring segments (211),

    - connection of the fastening elements to the cylindrical structure and/or to the support ring (210),

    - connection of the partial elements to one another and/or to a fishplate (226),

    - connection of the fastening elements and/or of the connecting elements to the intermediate supports (231),

    - connection of the fastening elements to the contact plates (222),

    as a connection which is free from hot working, in particular free from welding, and/or as a releasable connection, preferably as a screw connection and/or clamping connection.
15. Use of a buckling stiffener ring (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1-9 for stiffening a substantially cylindrical structure, in particular a tank (90), and/or in a method according to at least one of the preceding claims 10-14.

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