GB721193A - Improvements in or relating to containers for storing oil or like liquids lighter than water - Google Patents

Abstract

721,193. Tanks. EDHOLM, H. June 28, 1950 [June 29, 1949], No. 16214/60. Class 69(1). A container formed by a cavity b (Fig. 1) in a water-bearing rock or concrete, in which oil or like liquid lighter than water is stored in direct contact with a portion of the cavity walls and on a water bed 8 held in balance by a water column 9 so that the oil level is substantially independent of the subsoil water level, comprises means such as a pipe 10 for withdrawing oil from the container and means for adjusting the height of the water column and therefore the oil level so that said portion of the cavity walls is everywhere subjected to a subsoil water pressure which is greater than the oil pressure and the water column pressure at the same level. A fluid-tight lining 2 of concrete or sheet metal is provided at the top of the cavity. Thus, in the lower part of the cavity, the subsoil water pressure indicated by the line g is greater than the oil pressure within the container filled to the level ho2 indicated by the line o2 and the pressure in the water column 9 below the level hv2 indicated by the line v2. A space is left between the fluid-tight lining and the rock which may be supplied with water to raise the subsoil water level. In the form shown in Fig. 2 the fluid-tight lining is in the form of a narrow winze 2 and the water bed 8 communicates with a large water surface hv via pipes 9 and 9a and/or a horizontal funnel 24 and bore 25. The subsoil water pressure at the upper part of the cavity is raised by one or more shielding holes 23. In another form, a fluid-tight cover is fitted at the bottom of 'the winze and water is supplied to the space above the cover from whence it is fed to the water bed, the space thus acting as a buffer. The cover may be slightly permeable to water to protect it from damge by the oil. In further forms, the space in the winze above the cover may .be used for heating the oil before removal, an automatic pump may be used to remove water from the water bed as subsoil water leaks -in and the exposed rook surrounding the winze may be roofed over and water under pressure supplied to the space between the roof and the rock to maintain the subsoil water pressure at a high level.