GB2453956A - Collapsible fluid storage system - Google Patents

Collapsible fluid storage system Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2453956A
GB2453956A GB0720727A GB0720727A GB2453956A GB 2453956 A GB2453956 A GB 2453956A GB 0720727 A GB0720727 A GB 0720727A GB 0720727 A GB0720727 A GB 0720727A GB 2453956 A GB2453956 A GB 2453956A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tank
fluid storage
collapsible
base
housing
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Withdrawn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
GB0720727A
Other versions
GB0720727D0 (en
Inventor
John Smurthwaite
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.)
Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne Ltd
Original Assignee
Flight Refuelling Ltd
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 Flight Refuelling Ltd filed Critical Flight Refuelling Ltd
Priority to GB0720727A priority Critical patent/GB2453956A/en
Publication of GB0720727D0 publication Critical patent/GB0720727D0/en
Publication of GB2453956A publication Critical patent/GB2453956A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/52—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/06—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers
    • B65D77/061—Liquids or semi-liquids or other materials or articles enclosed in flexible containers disposed within rigid containers the containers being mounted on a pallet
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/16—Large containers flexible
    • B65D88/1612—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
    • B65D88/1662—Flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] surrounded by a net
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/02—Wall construction
    • B65D90/021—Flexible side walls or doors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/12—Supports
    • B65D90/20—Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D90/12—Supports
    • B65D90/20—Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers
    • B65D90/205—Frames or nets, e.g. for flexible containers for flexible containers, i.e. the flexible container being permanently connected to the frame

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid storage system is provided using collapsible fluid storage units. The unit comprises a flexible tank 4 for containing the fluid, and a housing 2 surrounding the flexible tank, the housing supporting the tank in the assembled condition of the unit when the tank is in use, and being collapsible to reduce its size in at least one dimension when the tank is not in use. Telescopic upright side members 8 may be provided and a canopy 10 may be included, such that the canopy and base together form a container for the tank in a collapsed condition. A selected number of units can be connected together to provide a system having the required storage capacity.

Description

V
1 2453956
FLUID STORAGE SYSTEM
This invention relates to a fluid storage system, and in particular to such a system comprising collapsible fluid storage units.
Collapsible fluid storage tanks are required, for example, for use as temporary fuel stores. Previously such temporary storage was provided by the use of flexible fuel tanks. A fuel tank of an appropriate size had to be selected and transported to the required location. A disadvantage of this system is that the tanks have to include a strong liner material or bund' so that they can be used on rough ground.
Furthermore, the size of the tank had to be pre-selected and could not be subsequently changed at the location if requirements changed.
According to the present invention there is provided a collapsible fluid storage unit comprising a flexible tank for containing the fluid, and a housing surrounding the flexible tank, the housing supporting the tank in the assembled condition of the unit when the tank is in use, and being collapsible from the assembled condition to a collapsed condition to reduce its size in at least one dimension when the tank is not in use.
Thus the housing of the unit can form a container for transporting the tank in the collapsed condition, and can support the lank off the ground in the assembled condition, such that the tank does not require additional reinforcement.
The housing may, for example, include a base and a plurality of upright members extending from the base, the upright members being collapsible towards the base.
The housing may also include a canopy provided at the distal ends of the upright members, and the canopy and the base may meet each other in the collapsed condition to enclose the tank, and preferably to form a protective container for the tank.
Conveniently, the base and the canopy are substantially rectangular in shape, with the upright members provided one in each corner. Thus the housing may provide a cuboid space for the tank which may be "flattened" for transporting the unit. The collapsed units may thus easily be stackable for transportation. The tank may be cylindrical or cuboid in shape, and sized to fit within the cuboid housing.
The invention also comprises a fluid storage system comprising a plurality of collapsible fluids storage units and a plurality of pipes for connecting together the flexible tanks of the storage units. Thus a selected number of units may be connected together to provide the required storage capacity.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid storage unit according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the fluid storage system comprising a plurality of the fluid storage units of Figure 1.
Referring to Figure 1, a fluid storage unit comprises a housing indicated generally by 2, and a flexible tank 4 for containing a fluid such as fuel. The tank 4 is formed of a flexible material so as to be collapsible arid to be erectable by filling. The tank 4 in this example is cylindrical in shape when filled.
The housing 2 for the tank comprises a base 6, upright members 8, and a canopy 10.
The base 6 is a rectangular structure and includes cradles 12 for supporting the tank in the assembled condition shown in the Figure. The cradles 12 include pairs of short upright members 13 extending from the opposing long sides 7 of the base 6, and carrying straps 15 between them on which the tank 4 rests.
p... 3 The upright members 8 are provided one in each corner of the base 6. They have a length which extends beyond the top of the tank 4 when filled. Each upright member 8 is collapsible towards the base, for example being telescopic. The canopy 10 is attached or supported at the distal end of the upright members 8, and is also rectangular in shape. Thus the housing forms a cuboid space for accommodating the tank 4 in the assembled condition. The canopy 10 may extend a short distance down the sides of the upright members 8. Optionally, curtains' (not shown) may also be provided to cover the sides of the housing. This may provide protection from the weather, or may produce an enclosed space controllable by an environment conditioning unit, should this be required for example for heating or cooling.
When the tank is empty, it may collapse, and the upright members 8 may be collapsed telescopically towards the base such that the canopy moves towards the base, until the lower edge 14 of the canopy meets the outer edges 7, 9 of the base 6.
It can therefore be seen that the unit in the collapsed condition forms a flattened cuboid structure which encloses the collapsed tank for transport. For example, four such units 2 may be stacked on top of each other to fit within a container 16, as shown in Figure 2.
Referring to Figure 2, in use, the units may be shipped in containers 16 together with a further container 18 for containing connecting pipes 20. The units may then be assembled by extending the upright members 8 away from the base to raise the canopy 10, and filling the tanks 4. The tanks 4 may be joined together using connecting pipes 20 to form the required storage capacity. A series of units as shown in Figure 2 may be connected to a filling station 22. * . 4

Claims (9)

1. A collapsible fluid storage unit comprising a flexible tank for containing the fluid, arid a housing surrounding the flexible tank, the housing supporting the tank in the assembled condition of the unit when the tank is in use, and being collapsible from the assembled condition to a collapsed condition to reduce its size in at least one dimension when the tank is not in use.
2. A collapsible fluid storage unit as claimed in claim 1, in which the housing comprises a base and a plurality of upright members extending from the base, the upright members being collapsible towards the base.
3. A collapsible fluid storage unit as claimed in claim 2, in which the housing comprises a canopy provided at the distal ends of the upright members, such that the canopy and the base together form a container for the tank in the collapsed condition.
4. A collapsible fluid storage unit as claimed in claims 2 or 3, in which the base and the canopy are substantially rectangular in shape.
5. A collapsible fluid storage unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the housing is substantially cuboid in shape, and the tank is substantially cylindrical or cuboid in shape, and sized to fit within the cuboid housing.
6. A collapsible fluid storage unit as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5, in which the base comprises a cradle for supporting the tank.
7. A fluid storage system comprising a plurality of collapsible fluid storage units as claimed in any preceding claim, and a plurality of pipes for connecting together the flexible tanks of the storage units.
8. A collapsible fluid storage unit substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. A fluid storage system substantially as described herewith with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0720727A 2007-10-23 2007-10-23 Collapsible fluid storage system Withdrawn GB2453956A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720727A GB2453956A (en) 2007-10-23 2007-10-23 Collapsible fluid storage system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720727A GB2453956A (en) 2007-10-23 2007-10-23 Collapsible fluid storage system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0720727D0 GB0720727D0 (en) 2007-12-05
GB2453956A true GB2453956A (en) 2009-04-29

Family

ID=38829752

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0720727A Withdrawn GB2453956A (en) 2007-10-23 2007-10-23 Collapsible fluid storage system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2453956A (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2297740A (en) * 1995-02-10 1996-08-14 Peter Jeffrey Farrell Container apparatus for fluid materials
EP0845420A1 (en) * 1996-11-27 1998-06-03 Hoover Group Inc Flexible bag for liquids mounted on a frame
US5897012A (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-04-27 Sortwell & Co. Collapsible intermediate bulk container
US6223903B1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2001-05-01 Hossein Mansouri Collapsible shipping container
WO2003033380A2 (en) * 2001-10-19 2003-04-24 Peter Jeffrey Farrell Collapsible container apparatus for use in the storage and transportation of fluid material

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2297740A (en) * 1995-02-10 1996-08-14 Peter Jeffrey Farrell Container apparatus for fluid materials
EP0845420A1 (en) * 1996-11-27 1998-06-03 Hoover Group Inc Flexible bag for liquids mounted on a frame
US5897012A (en) * 1997-04-04 1999-04-27 Sortwell & Co. Collapsible intermediate bulk container
US6223903B1 (en) * 2000-03-02 2001-05-01 Hossein Mansouri Collapsible shipping container
WO2003033380A2 (en) * 2001-10-19 2003-04-24 Peter Jeffrey Farrell Collapsible container apparatus for use in the storage and transportation of fluid material

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0720727D0 (en) 2007-12-05

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)