NL2028715B1 - Storage tank jacking apparatus - Google Patents
Storage tank jacking apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NL2028715B1 NL2028715B1 NL2028715A NL2028715A NL2028715B1 NL 2028715 B1 NL2028715 B1 NL 2028715B1 NL 2028715 A NL2028715 A NL 2028715A NL 2028715 A NL2028715 A NL 2028715A NL 2028715 B1 NL2028715 B1 NL 2028715B1
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- Netherlands
- Prior art keywords
- frame assembly
- storage tank
- linear actuator
- support portion
- lower support
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F1/00—Devices, e.g. jacks, for lifting loads in predetermined steps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F3/00—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads
- B66F3/24—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads fluid-pressure operated
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F3/00—Devices, e.g. jacks, adapted for uninterrupted lifting of loads
- B66F3/46—Combinations of several jacks with means for interrelating lifting or lowering movements
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to a storage tankjacking apparatus, configured to lift and lower a storage tank and comprising a frame assembly, comprising a lower support portion, with an aperture, and an upper support portion, and a linear actuator, arranged in the frame assembly and configured to undergo a change in length in between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the extended configuration of the linear actuator, the linear actuator projects through the aperture of the lower support portion, and wherein, in the retracted configuration of the linear actuator, the linear actuator does not project through the aperture of the lower support portion. The frame assembly comprises a side passage, configured to allow removal and insertion of the linear actuator in its retracted configuration from and into the frame assembly, while the storage tank is supported on the upper support portion of the frame assembly and while the lower support portion of the frame assembly rests on a ground plane or at least one cribbing element.
Description
P35177NLOO/TRE Title: Storage tank jacking apparatus Field of the invention The present invention relates to a storage tank jacking apparatus, configured to lift and lower a storage tank. The present invention further relates to a frame assembly for such a storage tank jacking apparatus, to a method of jacking a storage tank with respect to a ground plane and to a method of lowering a lifted storage tank.
State of the art For storing oil products, chemicals or foodstuff materials on land, storage tanks are used, which may have a horizontal diameter of more than 6 metres and a height of more than 10 metres. To carry out maintenance to these storage tanks, and in particular to replace a bottom of these storage tanks, it may be needed to lift the tank with respect to a ground plane on which it is arranged.
From United States patent US 4,807,851 A, a storage tank jacking apparatus is known, which comprises a frame assembly and a linear actuator. For lifting a single storage tank, multiple jacking apparatuses may be positioned around the perimeter of the storage tank, preferably equally spaced along the circumference of the storage tank, to ensure a balanced loading of the jacking apparatuses.
During use of such a jacking apparatus, the frame assembly is configured to rest on the ground plane, or a plurality of cribbing elements, for example wooden blocks, with a lower support portion thereof. An upper support portion is configured to support the storage tank, for example to support a lifting bracket attached to the tank. The linear actuator is configured to protrude through an aperture in the lower support portion, to contact the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements and to lift the frame assembly, and thereby lift the storage tank.
After the storage tank is lifted, the jacking apparatus is configured to remain in place underneath the storage tank, to allow maintenance work to be carried out, such as replacement of the tank bottom, during an extended period.
Object of the invention It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a storage tank jacking apparatus that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks, or at least to provide an alternative storage tank jacking apparatus.
2.
Detailed description The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a storage tank jacking apparatus, configured to lift and lower a storage tank and comprising: - a frame assembly, comprising a lower support portion, with an aperture, and an upper support portion, and - a linear actuator, arranged in the frame assembly and configured to undergo a change in length in between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, wherein, in the extended configuration of the linear actuator, the linear actuator projects through the aperture of the lower support portion, and wherein, in the retracted configuration of the linear actuator, the linear actuator does not project through the aperture of the lower support portion, characterized in that the frame assembly comprises a side passage, configured to allow removal and insertion of the linear actuator in its retracted configuration from and into the frame assembly, while the storage tank is supported on the upper support portion of the frame assembly and while the lower support portion of the frame assembly rests on a ground plane or on at least one cribbing element.
The storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention comprises a frame assembly and a linear actuator. The frame assembly comprises a lower support portion, with which the frame assembly is configured to rest on a ground plane or, depending on the desired height of the storage tank jacking apparatus, on one or more cribbing elements, such as wooden blocks, arranged on the ground plane. The lower support portion comprises an aperture, for example a central aperture, which is configured to expose the ground plane or a cribbing element, if present, from a location above the lower support portion and/or a location in the frame assembly.
Opposite to the lower support portion, the frame assembly comprises the upper support portion, with which the storage tank jacking apparatus is configured to support the storage tank, for example by means of an upper contact surface thereof. The upper support portion can, for example, be positioned underneath a bottom of the storage tank or underneath a lifting bracket attached to a side wall of the storage tank.
The linear actuator is, at least during use of the storage tank jacking apparatus for lifting storage tanks, arranged in the frame assembly. The linear actuator is configured to initiate the lifting of the storage tank, by lifting the frame assembly as the result of a change in length of the linear actuator. The length of the linear actuator can be altered in a range between a relatively small length in the retracted configuration and a relatively large length in the extended configuration.
The linear actuator may be of a hydraulic type, comprising a cylinder and a piston that is configured to move out of the cylinder, i.e. during movement of the linear actuator from the
-3- retracted position to the extended position. Alternatively, however, the linear actuator may be of a pneumatic type or of an electro-mechanical type. Nonetheless, all of these types of linear actuators comprise at least two components which can be actuated for linear displacement relative to each other.
When arranged in the frame assembly, the adjustment of the linear actuator may effect lifting and lowering of the frame assembly. In the extended configuration of the linear actuator, i.e. the linear actuator having the relatively large length, the linear actuator projects through the aperture in the lower support portion of the frame assembly. Accordingly, the linear actuator is configured to rest on the ground plane or, if present, on one or more of the cribbing elements. A lower end of the linear actuator may thereby project through the aperture, so that the lower support portion of the frame assembly no longer contacts the ground plane or cribbing and that the entire weight of the frame assembly and the linear actuator and, if present, of the storage tank rests on the linear actuator.
In the retracted position of the linear actuator, it does not project through the aperture.
Instead, the lower end of the linear actuator may then be located inside (within the boundaries of) the frame assembly, for example just above the lower suppart portion. In this configuration, the linear actuator does not contact the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements, so that the lower support portion is in contact with the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements and that the entire weight of the frame assembly and the linear actuator and, if present, of the storage tank rests on the frame assembly.
The storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention differs from the known jacking apparatuses in that the frame assembly comprises the side passage. The side passage is arranged in between the upper support portion and the lower support portion and is configured to provide access to the interior of the frame assembly in a substantially horizontal or sideways insertion direction, e.g. substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the linear actuator changes in length.
When the linear actuator is arranged in the frame assembly and in its retracted position, it does not project into the aperture of the lower support portion and is not in contact with the storage tank, the ground plane or cribbing directly. The side passage is dimensioned such, that the retracted linear actuator can be removed from the frame assembly, i.e. while the frame assembly rests on the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements with the lower support portion and while the storage tank rests on the upper support portion.
When it is needed to lower a lifted storage tank, for example when the maintenance to the storage tank has been completed, the linear actuator may be inserted in the frame assembly again. Until that moment, the storage tank could be resting on the frame assembly alone. By means of the linear actuator, the storage tank can be lowered according to a
-4- method that comprises steps in reverse order compared to the steps taking place during lifting of the storage tank.
Accordingly, the linear actuator may be removed from the frame assembly when a desired lifting height of the storage tank has been reached to carry any work to the storage tank. During the time required to complete the work, the linear actuator, being the most expensive component of the jacking apparatus, may be used in another frame assembly of another jacking apparatus being used in another jacking project.
The linear actuator in the present storage tank jacking apparatus is not fixedly connected to the frame assembly, but is instead removable therefrom, especially after the linear actuator was used to lift the storage tank with the storage tank jacking apparatus and while the storage tank remains supported by the frame assembly. The removal of the linear actuator may provide that it can be used in another frame assembly to lift or lower another storage tank, while the initial storage tank remains lifted. A single linear actuator, i.e. being the relatively expensive component in storage tank jacking apparatuses, can thus be used more often as compared to when it would have to remain in a single frame assembly all the time. This may provide the advantage that the present storage tank jacking apparatus can be used more efficient than existing jacking apparatuses. Only when actually lifting or lowering a storage tank, the linear actuator needs to be included in a frame assembly.
The storage tank jacking apparatus may comprise a single linear actuator, for example a single frame assembly and a single linear actuator. Alternatively, the storage tank jacking apparatus may comprise multiple linear actuators, for example two or four linear actuators, which are arranged in a single frame assembly.
The multiple linear actuators may be configured to lift the storage tank in tandem, i.e.
simultaneously lifting the storage tank. A benefit of simultaneous lifting may be that the lifting capacity of the storage tank jacking apparatus may be improved, compared to when only a single linear actuator were to be provided.
Alternatively, the multiple linear actuators may be configured to lift the storage tank in cascade, for example by means of two linear actuators. As such, the linear actuators may be moved into the extended configuration one after another, so that one of the linear actuators is moved into its extended configuration and that the other one of the linear actuators is moved into its retracted configuration. Each of the linear actuators may thereby alternatingly lift the storage tank, so that the lifting of the storage tank can be carried out faster compared to when only a single linear actuator were to be provided.
-5- In an embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the frame assembly further comprises an actuator accommodation device, configured to position the linear actuator in the frame assembly.
The actuator accommodation device may form a seat for the linear actuator in the frame assembly, to position the linear actuator such, that it may protrude through the aperture in its extended configuration. When arranged in the actuator accommodation seat, the linear actuator may rest on the frame assembly when it is in its retracted position and the frame assembly may rest on the linear actuator when the linear actuator is in its extended position.
Preferably, the actuator accommodation device may be provided such, that the linear actuator is configured to rest on the lower support portion of the frame assembly when it is in its retracted configuration. Similarly, the actuator accommodation device may be configured to let the frame assembly rest on the linear actuator with its upper support portion when the linear actuator is in the extended configuration.
The actuator accommodation device is beneficial to ensure a correct position and alignment of the linear actuator inside the frame assembly, to ensure reliable operation of the storage tank jacking apparatus.
In a further embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the actuator accommodation device comprises a locking device, configured to lock the position of the linear actuator in the frame assembly.
The locking device is configured to safeguard the position of the linear actuator in the frame assembly and to prevent unwanted removal of the linear actuator out of the frame assembly, in particular to prevent unwanted removal of the linear actuator during or lowering lifting of the storage tank.
In existing jacking apparatuses, such a locking device was not necessary, since the linear actuator was not removable from the frame assembly. In the present storage tank jacking apparatus, such removal is possible, but only desirable when the storage tank has been lifted or lowered to a desired height. Until this height has been reached, the locking device may prevent the linear actuator to shift from its desired position.
In a further embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the locking device comprises a removable locking bracket, configured to be fastened in front of the side passage.
The locking bracket is, when fastened to the frame assembly, configured to block the side passage in the frame assembly substantially. The side passage is thereby blocked to prevent removal of the linear actuator therethrough, so that the linear actuator must remain in place. Accordingly, a shape-fit locking of the linear actuator is obtained. Alternatively,
-6- however, a force-based locking of the linear actuator may be obtained, for example by means of a direct bolted connection between the linear actuator and the frame assembly.
The locking bracket may comprise a single bracket that is configured to extend horizontally in front of the side passage. This locking bracket may be attachable to the frame assembly by means of one or more bolts that are to be fastened in the frame assembly. Alternatively, the locking bracket may for example be attachable to the frame assembly by means of a quick-release mechanism.
In an embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the frame assembly further comprises a support element, configured to allow the linear actuator to be slid from and into the frame assembly in its retracted configuration along a substantially horizontal or sideways insertion direction.
By means of the support element, a sliding relative movement between the linear actuator and the frame assembly may be effected during removal of the linear actuator from the frame assembly and during insertion of the linear actuator into the frame assembly. By sliding the linear actuator, a person removing or inserting the linear actuator may not need to support the (weight of the) linear actuator vertically, but may only need to effect a horizontal sliding movement thereof relative to the frame assembly. Furthermore, the support element may contribute in positioning the linear actuator relative to the frame assembly, for example by fixing a vertical position of the linear actuator relative to the frame assembly.
In a further embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the support element is substantially U-shaped in a horizontal plane and open at a side facing the side passage, to allow insertion of the linear actuator.
The U-shaped support element is open at the side passage, i.e. where the linear actuator is to be inserted in the frame assembly in a sliding manner. This open side of the support element provides for convenient entry of the linear actuator into the support element. Preferably, the support element has a funnel shape at the open side thereof, to enable centring of the linear actuator and to further facilitate insertion of the linear actuator into the frame assembly.
In an alternative or additional embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the linear actuator comprises a circumferential ridge, having a shape substantially corresponding to the support element, with which the linear actuator is configured to be supported by the frame assembly in its retracted configuration.
The circumferential ridge of the linear actuator may have an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the support element of the frame assembly, thereby allowing interlocking
-7- between them and in particular allowing the linear actuator to rest on the support element with its circumferential ridge.
The circumferential ridge may have an annular shape, for example a substantially circular shape, whereas the support element, e.g. at least when the open side is not taken into account, may have a corresponding circular inner contour.
Furthermore, a nominal diameter of the linear actuator, i.e. where no circumferential ridge is provided, may substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the support element. As such, a horizontal shape-fit may be obtained between the linear actuator in the frame assembly, to prevent sideways shifting of the linear actuator within the frame assembly. In combination with the locking device disclosed herein, which is configured to prevent sliding of the linear actuator towards the open side of the support element, sliding movements of the linear actuator may be prevented entirely.
In an embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the linear actuator, in its extended configuration, is configured to support the frame assembly against its upper support portion.
According to this embodiment, the linear actuator may first lift itself upon moving from the retracted position to the extended position, i.e. as it will start to project through the aperture in the lower support portion of the frame assembly to rest on the ground plane or cribbing elements. The linear actuator will thus lift itself, until it contacts the frame assembly with a top end. This top end of the linear actuator thereby contacts the upper support portion of the frame assembly, so that, accordingly, the upper support portion will be, or will come into contact with the storage tank.
During lifting, i.e. during movement of the linear actuator from the retracted position to the extended position, other parts of the frame assembly, like the lower support portion, will not be loaded. This is because the linear actuator contacts the frame assembly right where the storage tank is supported. This may contribute in improving the stability of the storage tank jacking apparatus during lifting and lowering of the storage tank.
In an embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the linear actuator is of a hydraulic type, comprising a cylinder and a piston, wherein the piston is configured to slide relative to the cylinder to obtain the extended configuration and the retracted configuration of the linear actuator.
According to this embodiment, the piston may be configured to move out of the cylinder, i.e. during movement of the linear actuator from the retracted position to the extended position, in a downward direction relative to the cylinder and the frame assembly.
-8- Alternatively, the hydraulic linear actuator may be arranged oppositely, so that extension of the piston is carried out upwardly from the cylinder.
In other embodiments of the storage tank jacking apparatus, the linear actuator may be of a pneumatic type or of an electro-mechanical type, all of which comprise at least two components which can be actuated for linear displacement relative to each other.
In a further embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus, wherein the linear actuator is of a hydraulic type, in the extended configuration of the linear actuator, the piston extends through the aperture to rest on the ground plane or on one or more cribbing elements.
During extension of the piston, i.e. in the downward direction, the piston may move through the aperture in the lower support portion of the frame assembly to contact the ground plane or one or more cribbing elements. In the retracted position, the piston may be arranged substantially inside the cylinder, not projecting through the aperture. When moving into the extended configuration, the piston moves out of the cylinder and thus also moves through the aperture.
According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, in particular as recited in any of the claims 1 — 10.
The frame assembly according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the features and/or benefits disclosed in relation to the frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, in particular of the storage tank jacking apparatus recited in any of the claims 1 — 10.
Similarly, the frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the features and/or benefits disclosed in relation to the frame assembly according to the present invention, in particular of the frame assembly recited in any of the claims 11 — 15.
In an embodiment of the frame assembly, the upper support portion comprises a rotatable spindle, configured to adjust a height of the frame assembly upon rotation thereof.
The spindle may be used to adjust the frame assembly prior to the lifting, namely to raise or lower the upper support portion of the frame assembly relative is the lower support portion. In particular, the spindle may be used after the frame assembly has been positioned underneath the storage tank, in order to let the frame assembly contact the storage tank prior to lifting.
-9.- This has the benefit that any movements of the linear actuator of the storage tank jacking apparatus may effect lifting of the storage tank directly, instead of having the lift the frame assembly first. Furthermore, the adjustment of the spindle may contribute to levelling of the storage tank during lifting or lowering, i.e. where the storage tank is lifted or lowered by means of multiple different storage tank jacking apparatuses.
In an alternative or additional embodiment of the frame assembly, the upper support portion further comprises one or more lifting eyes.
The lifting eyes may be provided next to the upper contact surface of the upper support portion, so that they will not contact the storage tank during lifting thereof. The lifting eyes may allow for lifting of the frame assembly, for example lifting by an operator, e.g. manually or by means of a crane.
In an embodiment of the frame assembly, the lower support portion comprises a rectangular bottom plate, for example a square bottom plate, with the aperture defined therein. The rectangular bottom plate may form a lower contact surface of the frame assembly, with which it is configured to rest on the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements.
The rectangular bottom plate may provide additional stability for the frame assembly, to prevent it from tilting when the storage tank rests thereon. In particular, the rectangular bottom plate may have horizontal dimensions that are larger the horizontal dimensions of the upper contact surface of the frame assembly, so that the stability of the frame assembly is improved further. Accordingly, the lower contact surface may have a surface area that is larger, for example 4 times larger than the surface area of the upper contact surface.
The aperture in the rectangular bottom plate may be provided centrally, e.g. directly below the upper support surface, so that the frame assembly may be substantially symmetrical. A shape and cross-sectional area of the aperture in the rectangular bottom plate may be larger than the shape and cross-sectional area of the upper support surface to enable stacking of one frame assembly on top of another one.
In an embodiment, the frame assembly further comprises a plurality of struts, extending between the lower support portion and the upper support portion, wherein the side passage is defined between two adjacent struts.
The struts may form the physical connection between the upper support portion and the lower support portion, distally separating them. By means of the struts, the frame assembly may have a relatively open construction, for example lacking circumferentially enclosed frame parts in between the upper support portion and the lower support portion. As such, the side
-10- passage may be provided without significantly influencing the strength and rigidity of the frame assembly.
The struts may be attached to the lower support portion at outermost parts thereof. For example, the frame assembly may comprise four struts that are connected to the rectangular bottom plate at respective corners thereof, for example by means of a welded connection.
The struts may taper inwardly, seen in an upward direction from the lower support portion towards the upper support portion. Seen from the side, the frame assembly may thereby comprise a somewhat triangular shape.
The struts may be hollow tubes that have a substantially circular cross-section, to provide for sufficient strength, e.g. both in the axial direction of the struts and against buckling of the struts, whilst being relatively light.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of jacking a storage tank with respect to a ground plane with a storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, in particular as recited in any of the claims 1 — 10, comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the frame assembly with the linear actuator in its retracted configuration inserted in the frame assembly on the ground plane or on one or more cribbing elements and with the upper support portion connected to the storage tank, e.g. underneath a lifting bracket of the storage tank, (b) bringing the linear actuator into its extended configuration to lift the frame assembly relative to the ground plane or at least one cribbing element, to lift the storage tank, (c) providing one or more cribbing elements in a resulting space between the ground plane or the cribbing elements and the lower support portion, (d) bringing the linear actuator into its retracted configuration to lower the frame assembly, onto the cribbing elements with the lower support portion, to lower the storage tank, (e) optionally repeating steps (b) to (d) to further lift the storage tank relative to the ground plane, and {fy removing the linear actuator out of the frame assembly through the side passage.
The lifting method according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the features and/or benefits disclosed in relation to the frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, in particular of the storage tank jacking apparatus recited in any of the claims 1 — 10.
For lifting the storage tank, the frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus is positioned underneath the tank, so that the tank is lifted when the frame assembly is lifted. During this first step of positioning, the linear actuator may either be arranged inside the frame assembly or may be located outside the frame assembly. In the latter case, however,
-11- the linear actuator needs to be inserted in the frame assembly through the side aperture before lifting of the storage tank can take place.
Optionally, the method may comprise the step of adjusting the height of the frame assembly relative to the ground plane. This may be done by arranging the frame assembly on top of cribbing elements located on the ground, to raise the entire frame assembly. Alternatively or additionally, a spindle of the frame assembly may be rotated to adjust a mutual distance between the lower support portion and the upper support portion of the frame assembly, so that the upper support portion may contact the storage tank.
By bringing the linear actuator to its extended position, it may protrude through the aperture in the lower support portion of the frame assembly to become resting on the ground plane or cribbing elements, thereby lifting the frame assembly and thus also lifting the storage tank that ends up resting on the frame assembly.
During moving the linear actuator to its extended position, the lower support portion of the frame assembly will come loose from the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements, which creates a resulting space, e.g. a free space, in between the ground plane or the one or more cribbing elements and the lower support portion of the frame assembly.
This resulting space is filled with cribbing elements, which rest on the ground plane or on the other cribbing elements that were already present underneath the frame assembly. Next, the frame assembly can be lowered by bringing the linear actuator back towards the retracted position. The lower support portion of the frame assembly thereby ends up resting on the newly placed cribbing elements, thus resting higher than before.
With the linear actuator in the retracted position, it can be removed from the frame assembly, while the storage tank remains resting on the frame assembly. The linear actuator can be re-used for lifting another storage tank, in combination with another frame assembly.
When the storage tank has not been lifted sufficiently, further cribbing elements may be positioned underneath the aperture of the lower support portion, i.e. through which the linear actuator projected. By bringing the linear actuator towards the extended configuration again, the frame assembly and the storage tank can be lifted further, after which more cribbing elements can be positioned underneath the frame assembly onto which the frame assembly can be lowered. These latter steps can be repeated several times, until a desired height is achieved.
According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of lowering a lifted storage tank with a storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, in particular as recited in any of the claims 1 — 10, wherein the storage tank is, e.g. with a strut thereof, connected to the upper support portion of the frame assembly,
-12- wherein the frame assembly rests on one or more cribbing elements with its lower support portion, and wherein the cribbing elements rest on a ground plane, the method comprising the steps of: (A) inserting the linear actuator in the frame assembly through the side passage, (B) bringing the linear actuator into its extended configuration to lift the frame assembly relative to the cribbing elements, to lift the storage tank, (C) removing at least one cribbing element below the frame assembly, (D) bringing the linear actuator into its retracted configuration to lower the frame assembly, i.e. onto at least one other cribbing element or onto the ground plane with the lower support portion, to lower the storage tank, (E) optionally repeating steps (B) to (D) to further lower the storage tank relative to the ground plane, and (F) removing the linear actuator out of the frame assembly through the side passage.
The lowering method according to the present invention may comprise one or more of the features and/or benefits disclosed in relation to the frame assembly of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, in particular of the storage tank jacking assembly recited in any of the claims 1 — 10.
The steps for carrying out this method occur in reverse order compared to the steps in the method of lifting the storage tank. At the onset of lowering the storage tank, the storage tank initially rests on the frame assembly, whereas the frame assembly initially rested on one or more cribbing elements. The linear actuator may initially not be present in the frame assembly, since the linear actuator can be removed from the frame assembly when the storage tank rests on the frame assembly.
As a first step, the linear actuator is being inserted in the frame assembly through the side passage in the frame assembly while it is in its retracted position. After this, the linear actuator is moved into the extended position to become resting on the cribbing elements on the ground plane, or on other, e.g. lower, cribbing elements and to lift the frame assembly, and thereby lift the storage tank from the initial cribbing elements. These initial cribbing elements can now be removed, after which the linear actuator can be moved back into the retracted configuration to lower the frame assembly onto the ground plane.
Also here, the steps of moving lifting the frame assembly, removing cribbing elements and lowering the frame assembly can be repeated in case the frame assembly initially rested on multiple cribbing elements, e.g. multiple layers of cribbing elements stacked on top of each other.
-13- Brief description of drawings Further characteristics of the invention will be explained below, with reference to embodiments, which are displayed in the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically depicts a perspective view on an embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 depicts the storage tank jacking apparatus of figure 1 in exploded view, Figure 3 depicts the storage tank jacking apparatus of figure 1 with part of its frame assembly cut away, Figure 4A depicts a front view on the storage tank jacking apparatus of figure 1 with the linear actuator in the retracted position, Figure 4B depicts a front view on the storage tank jacking apparatus of figure 1 with the linear actuator in the extended position, Figure 5 depicts a rear view on an embodiment of the frame assembly according to the present invention, Figures 6a — 6f schematically depict the steps of lifting and lowering a storage tank by means of the method according to the present invention, and Figures 6g and 6h schematically depict steps of an alternative lifting method according to the present invention.
Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used to refer to corresponding components or to components that have a corresponding function. Detailed description of embodiments Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a storage tank jacking apparatus, to which is referred with reference numeral 1. The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 is configured to lift and lower a storage tank 100, for example in case repairs and/or maintenance to the storage tank 100, e.g. to a bottom thereof, is needed. For lifting a single storage tank 100, multiple jacking apparatuses 1 may be positioned around the perimeter of the storage tank 100, preferably equally spaced along the circumference of the storage tank 100, to ensure equally balanced loading of the jacking apparatuses. The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 comprises a frame assembly 10, which is shown in detail in figure 5. The frame assembly 10 comprises a lower support portion 11, with which the frame assembly 10 is configured to rest on a ground plane G or, depending on the desired height of the storage tank jacking apparatus 1, on one or more cribbing elements 102, such as wooden blocks, arranged on the ground plane G.
-14 - The frame assembly 10 comprises an aperture 12 in the lower support portion 11, which is presently embodied as a central aperture. The frame assembly 10 is substantially mirror symmetric with respect to a left-right mirror plane. The central aperture 12 is located centrally inside the frame assembly 10, e.g. at the left-right mirror plane. The central aperture 12 is configured to expose the ground plane G or the cribbing elements 102, if present, from a location above the lower support portion 11, in particular from a location in the frame assembly 10.
The lower support portion 11 comprises a square bottom plate 17, with the aperture 12 defined therein. The square bottom plate 17 forms a lower contact surface B of the frame assembly 10, with which it is configured to rest on the ground plane G or the cribbing elements 102. The square bottom plate 17 provides additional stability for the frame assembly 10, to prevent it from tilting when the storage tank 100 rests thereon. The square bottom plate 17 further has horizontal dimensions, i.e. a length and a width, that are larger than the horizontal dimensions of an upper contact surface T of the frame assembly 10. In the present embodiment, the lower contact surface B has a surface area that is about 4 times larger than the surface area of the upper contact surface T.
Opposite to the lower support portion 11, the frame assembly 10 further comprises an upper support portion 13. The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 is configured to support the storage tank 100 by means of the upper contact surface T of the upper support portion 13.
The upper support portion 13 is adapted to be positioned underneath a bottom of the storage tank 100 or underneath a lifting bracket attached to a side wall of the storage tank 100.
The central aperture 12 in the square bottom plate 17 is provided directly below the upper support surface T. A shape and cross-sectional area of the central aperture 12 in the square bottom plate 17 corresponds substantially to the shape and cross-sectional area of the upper support surface T to enable stacking of one frame assembly 10 on top of another one.
The frame assembly 10 further comprises four struts 18, which each extend between the lower support portion 11 and the upper support portion 13. The struts 18 form the physical connection between the upper support portion 13 and the lower support portion 11, distally, i.e. vertically, separating them. The frame assembly 10 has a relatively open construction as a result of the struts 18, for example lacking circumferentially enclosed frame parts in between the upper support portion 13 and the lower support portion 11.
The struts 18 are attached to the lower support portion 11 at outermost parts thereof. In particular, each of the four struts 18 is connected to the square bottom plate 17 at a respective corner thereof, by means of a welded connection. The struts 18 taper inwardly, seen in an upward direction from the lower support portion 11 towards the upper support
-15- portion 13. Seen from the side, in particular shown in figure 5, the frame assembly 10 has a somewhat triangular shape.
The struts 18 in the frame assembly 10 according to the present embodiment are hollow tubes that have a substantially circular cross-section, to provide for sufficient strength, e.g.
both in the axial direction of the struts 18 and against buckling of the struts 18, whilst being relatively light.
In the present embodiment, as is shown best in the exploded-view representation of figure 2, the upper support portion 13 comprises a rotatable spindle 14, configured to adjust a height of the frame assembly 10 upon rotation thereof. The spindle 14 is arranged in a cup 15 that is inserted in a ring of the upper support portion 10 and is attached to the cup 15 by means of a threaded connection. Upon rotation of the spindle 14 relative to the cup 15, for example by means of a dedicated key that grips into a set of notches of the spindle 14, the height of the upper contact surface T can be adjusted relative to the lower support portion 11. The spindle 14 can be used to adjust the frame assembly 10 prior to the lifting, namely to raise or lower the upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10 relative is the lower support portion 11. In particular, the spindle 14 can be used after the frame assembly 10 has been positioned underneath the storage tank 100, in order to let the frame assembly 10 contact the storage tank 100 prior to lifting.
The upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10 further comprises two lifting eyes 16, which are provided at opposite sides of the ring in which the spindle 14 is arranged. The lifting eyes 16 are in particular provided at the point where two struts 18 are connected to each other. This lifting eye 16 and both associated struts 18 are connected to each other by means of a welded connected as well. The lifting eyes 16 are provided next to the upper contact surface T of the upper support portion 13, so that they will not contact the storage tank 100 during lifting thereof. The lifting eyes 16 are configured to allow for lifting of the frame assembly 10, for example lifting by an operator.
The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 further comprises a hydraulic linear actuator 20, which comprises a cylinder 21 and a piston 22. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is arranged in the frame assembly 10 at least partially. The piston 22 is configured to slide relative to the cylinder 21, such that the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is configured to undergo a change in length in between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.
In figure 4a, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is shown in the retracted configuration, in which the piston 22 is arranged in the cylinder 21 almost completely. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 further comprises a support foot 23, with which the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is configured to rest on the ground plane G. In the retracted configuration, the support foot 23 is arranged inside the frame assembly 10 and does not project through the aperture 12 of the lower support portion 11.
- 16 - In figure 4b, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is shown in the extended configuration, in which part of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 projects through the aperture 12 of the lower support portion 11. In the extended configuration, the piston 22 has moved out of the cylinder 21 in a downward direction relative to the cylinder 21 and the frame assembly 10. The piston 22 thereby extends through the aperture 12 to rest on the ground plane G.
The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is, at least in the configuration shown in figures 1 and 4, i.e. during use of the storage tank jacking apparatus 1 for lifting storage tanks 100, arranged in the frame assembly 10. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is configured to initiate the lifting of the storage tank 100, by lifting the frame assembly 10 as the result of a change in length of the hydraulic linear actuator 20. As it is shown in figures 4a and 4b, the length of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be altered in a range between a relatively small length in the retracted configuration and a relatively large length in the extended configuration.
When arranged in the frame assembly 10, the adjustment of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 may effect lifting and lowering of the frame assembly 10. In the extended configuration of the hydraulic linear actuator, i.e. the hydraulic linear actuator 20 having the relatively large length, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 projects through the aperture 12 in the lower support portion 11. Accordingly, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is configured to rest on the ground plane G or, if present, on the cribbing elements 102. A lower end of the hydraulic linear actuator 20, i.e. the support foot 23, thereby projects through the aperture 12, so that the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10 no longer contacts the ground plane G and that the entire weight of the frame assembly 10 and the hydraulic linear actuator 20 and, if present, of the storage tank 100 rests on the hydraulic linear actuator 20, in particular on a lower surface S of the support foot 23.
The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is, furthermore, configured to support the frame assembly 10 against its upper support portion 13 in its extended configuration. It is best shown in figure 4a that an upper end of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 contacts the ring at the upper support portion 13, in which ring the spindle 14 is arranged. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is thereby configured to first lift itself upon moving from the retracted position to the extended position, i.e. as it will start to project through the aperture 12 in the lower support portion 11 and to rest on the ground plane G or cribbing elements 102. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 will thus lift itself, until it contacts the frame assembly 10 with a top end. This top end of the hydraulic linear actuator 20thereby contacts the upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10, so that, accordingly, the upper support portion 13 will be, or will come into contact with the storage tank 100.
During lifting, i.e. during movement of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 from the retracted position to the extended position, other parts of the frame assembly 10, like the lower support portion 11, will not be loaded. This is because the hydraulic linear actuator 20 contacts the
-17 - frame assembly 10 right where the storage tank 100 is supported. This may contribute in improving the stability of the storage tank jacking apparatus 1 during lifting and lowering of the storage tank 100. In the retracted position of the hydraulic linear actuator 20, it does not project through the aperture 12. Instead, the lower end of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 with the support foot 23 is then located inside the frame assembly 10, i.e. just above the lower support portion 11 in the present embodiment, as shown in figure 4a. In this configuration, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 does not contact the ground plane G or the cribbing elements 102, so that the lower support portion 11 is in contact with the ground plane G or the cribbing elements 102 and that the entire weight of the frame assembly 10 and the hydraulic linear actuator 20 and, if present, of the storage tank 100 rests on the frame assembly 10.
The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 according to the present invention differs from the known jacking apparatuses in that the frame assembly 10 comprises a side passage 30. The side passage 30 is configured to allow removal and insertion of the hydraulic linear actuator in its retracted configuration from and into the frame assembly 10. This removal and insertion is in a particular possible while the storage tank 100 is supported on the upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10 and while the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10 rests on a ground plane G.
In the present embodiment of the storage tank jacking apparatus 1, the side passage 20 30 is defined between two adjacent struts 18 at a front side of the frame assembly 10. A benefit thereof is that the side passage 30 may be provided without significantly influencing the strength and rigidity of the frame assembly 10, since that is mainly contributed to by the struts 18.
The side passage 30 is arranged in between the upper support portion 13 and the lower support portion 11 and is configured to provide access to the interior of the frame assembly 10 in a substantially horizontal insertion direction H, substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the hydraulic linear actuator 20 changes in length.
When the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is arranged in the frame assembly 10 and in its retracted position, it does not project into the aperture 12 of the lower support portion 11 and is not in contact with the storage tank 100 or the ground plane G directly. The side passage 30 is dimensioned such, that the retracted hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be removed from the frame assembly 10, in particular while the frame assembly 10 rests on the ground plane G or cribbing elements 102 with the lower support portion 11 and while the storage tank 100 rests on the upper support portion 13.
When it is needed to lower a lifted storage tank 100, for example when the maintenance to the storage tank 100 has been completed, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 may be inserted in the frame assembly 10 again, i.e. through the side passage 30. Until that moment, the
-18- storage tank 100 could be resting on the frame assembly 10 alone. By means of the hydraulic linear actuator 20, the storage tank 100 can be lowered according to a method that comprises steps in reverse order compared to the steps taking place during lifting or lowering of the storage tank 100.
As a difference with existing storage tank jacking apparatuses is the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the present storage tank jacking apparatus 1 not fixedly connected to the frame assembly 10. Instead, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is removable therefrom, especially after the hydraulic linear actuator 20 was used to lift the storage tank 10 with the storage tank jacking apparatus 1 and while the storage tank 100 remains supported by the frame assembly
10.
The removal of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 may provide that it can be used in another frame assembly to lift or lower another storage tank, while the initial storage tank 100 remains lifted. A single hydraulic linear actuator 20, i.e. being the relatively expensive component in storage tank jacking apparatuses, can thus be used more often as compared to when it would have to remain in a single frame assembly all the time. This may provide the advantage that the present storage tank jacking apparatus 1 can be used more efficient than existing jacking apparatuses.
The present frame assembly 1 further comprises an actuator accommodation device, configured to position the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10. The actuator accommodation device forms a seat for the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10, to position the hydraulic linear actuator 20 such, that it may protrude through the aperture 12 in its extended configuration. When arranged in the actuator accommodation seat, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 can rest on the frame assembly 10 when it is in its retracted position and the frame assembly 10 can rest on the hydraulic linear actuator 20 when the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is in its extended position.
The actuator accommodation device comprises a locking device, configured to lock the position of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10 and to safeguard the position of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10 and to prevent unwanted removal of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 out of the frame assembly 10, in particular to prevent unwanted removal of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 during lifting or lowering of the storage tank 100.
According to the present embodiment, the locking device comprising a removable locking bracket 31, which is configured to be fastened in front of the side passage 30. The locking bracket 31 is, when fastened to the frame assembly 10, i.e. as shown in figure 1, configured to block the side passage 30 in the frame assembly 10 substantially. The side passage 30 is thereby blocked to prevent removal of the hydraulic linear actuator 30
-19- therethrough, so that the hydraulic linear actuator 20 must remain in place. Accordingly, a shape-fit locking of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is obtained.
The locking bracket 31 is a single bracket that extends horizontally in front of the side passage 30, when attached to the frame assembly 10. This locking bracket 31 is attachable tothe frame assembly 10 by means of two bolts 32 that are to be fastened in the frame assembly 10. In the exploded-view representation of figure 2, the locking bracket 31 is displayed removed away from the frame assembly 10 and with the bolts 32 removed.
The locking bracket 31 is relatively thin at its ends, i.e. where it is configured to contact the struts 18 of the frame assembly 10 and where it is configured to receive the bolts 32. In between its end, the locking backet 31 is relatively thick so that it can contact the cylinder 21 of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to securely prevent the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to shift from its desired position.
The actuator accommodation device further comprises a support element 33, configured to allow the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to be slid from and into the frame assembly 10 in its retracted configuration along the horizontal insertion direction H. The support element 33 is substantially U-shaped in a horizontal plane and open at a side facing the side passage 30, to allow insertion of the hydraulic linear actuator 20.
By means of the support element 33, a sliding relative movement between the hydraulic linear actuator 20 and the frame assembly 10 can be effected during removal of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 from the frame assembly 10 and during insertion of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 into the frame assembly 10.
The U-shaped support element 33 is open at the side passage 30, i.e. the front side in the exploded-view representation of figure 2. This open side of the support element 33 provides for convenient sliding entry of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 into the support element 30.
To further improve the insertion of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10, the support element 33 has a funnel shape 34 at the open side thereof. The funnel shape 34 is configured to enable centring of the hydraulic linear actuator 30.
It is shown best in figure 5 that the support element 33 in the present embodiment of the frame assembly 10 further comprises a cage 35, which is located opposite to the side passage, e.g. at a rear side of the frame assembly 10. The cage 35 has an inner surface, facing the side passage 30, that has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the outer surface of the cylinder 21 of the hydraulic linear actuator 20. Upon insertion of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 into the frame assembly 10, i.e. upon sliding it over the support element 33, the cylinder 21 will eventually abut the cage 35. The locking bracket 31 can then be mounted in place on the struts 18 by means of the bolts 32, so that the cylinder 21 of the hydraulic
-20- linear actuator 20 will eventually be held in place between the cage 35 and the locking bracket 31.
The hydraulic linear actuator 20 comprises a circumferential ridge 24 at is bottom end, having a shape substantially corresponding to the support element 33. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is configured to be supported by the frame assembly 10 in its retracted configuration on the circumferential ridge 24. At the circumferential ridge 24, the linear actuator has an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the support element 33 of the frame assembly 10, thereby allowing interlocking between them and allowing the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to rest on the support element 33 with its circumferential ridge 24.
The circumferential ridge 24 has an annular, i.e. substantially circular, shape. The support element 33 has a corresponding circular inner contour. Furthermore, a nominal diameter of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 underneath the circumferential ridge 24 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the support element 33. As such, a horizontal shape-fit is obtained between the hydraulic linear actuator 20 in the frame assembly 10, to prevent sideways shifting of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 within the frame assembly 10. In combination with the locking bracket 31, which is configured to prevent sliding of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 towards the open side of the support element 33, sliding movements of the hydraulic linear actuator 20 may be prevented entirely.
In figures Sa — 6f, multiple steps of the lifting method according to the present invention are displayed. According to the method, a storage tanks 100 is lifted with respect to the ground plane G by means of the storage tank jacking apparatus 1 as shown in any of the figures 1-4.
In figures 6a — 6f, only part of the storage tank 100 is shown. The storage tank jacking apparatus 1 is, during lifting, configured to support a lifting bracket 101 that is attached to the storage tank 100.
In figure 6a, the frame assembly 10 is shown to be positioned underneath the lifting bracket 101 first, with the hydraulic linear actuator 20 inserted in the frame assembly 10. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 is in its retracted configuration and the frame assembly 10 rests on the ground plane G. The upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10 is connected to the storage tank, e.g. underneath a lifting bracket 101 of the storage tank 100.
According to this embodiment of the method, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is already arranged inside the frame assembly 10 during this first step of positioning. The height of the frame assembly 10 relative to the ground plane G is adjusted, by rotating the spindle 14 of the frame assembly 10 to adjust a mutual distance between the lower support portion 11 and the upper support portion 13 of the frame assembly 10, so that the upper support portion 13 contacts the lifting bracket 101 of the storage tank 100.
-21- It is shown in figure 6b that, as a next step, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is brought into its extended configuration to lift the frame assembly 10 relative to the ground plane G, to lift the storage tank 100. By bringing the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to its extended position, it protrudes through the aperture 12 in the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10 with its piston 22 and support foot 23, so that it will rest on the ground plane G. As a result, the frame assembly 10 is lifted and, in accordance, the storage tank 100 is lifted as well and ends up resting on the upper contact surface T of the frame assembly 10.
It is shown in figure 6b that, during moving the hydraulic linear actuator 20 to its extended position, the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10 will come loose from the ground plane G. This creates a resulting free space F in between the ground plane G and the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10.
The next step, shown in figure Sc, concerns the providing of two cribbing elements 102 in the resulting fee space F between the ground plane G and the lower support portion 11. This resulting free space F is filled with the cribbing elements 102, which rest on the ground plane G.
Next, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is brought into its retracted configuration to lower the frame assembly 10 onto the cribbing elements 102 with the lower support portion 11, to lower the storage tank 100. By lowering the frame assembly 10 by bringing the hydraulic linear actuator 20 back towards the retracted position, the lower support portion 11 of the frame assembly 10 ends up resting on the newly placed cribbing elements 102, thus resting higher than before on the ground plane G.
In case further lifting of the storage tank 100 is desired, another cribbing element 102 can be placed in between the two other cribbing elements 102, i.e. underneath the support foot 23, as is shown in figure 8e. When the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is now brought into its extended position again, the frame assembly 10 is lifted further as the support foot 23 will end up standing on the central cribbing elements 102. In case further cribbing elements 102 are placed on the earlier side cribbing elements 102, the frame assembly 10 can be lowered thereon, to be positioned higher, i.e. on two layers of cribbing elements 102.
It is shown in figure 6f, that the hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be removed from the frame assembly 10 when it is in the retracted position. The storage tank 100 thereby remains resting on the frame assembly 10, which in turn rests on the cribbing elements 102. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be re-used for lifting another storage tank, in combination with another frame assembly.
For carrying out the method of lowering a lifted storage tank 100 with the storage tank jacking apparatus 1, the steps are to be carried out in reverse order compared to the steps in the method of lifting the storage tank 100.
22.
At the onset of lowering the storage tank 100, the storage tank 100 initially rests on the frame assembly 10, whereas the frame assembly 10 initially rests on multiple cribbing elements 102, as is shown in figure Sf. The hydraulic linear actuator 20 may initially not be present in the frame assembly 10, since the hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be removed from the frame assembly 10 when the storage tank 100 rests on the frame assembly 10.
As a first step, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is inserted in the frame assembly 10 through the side passage 30 in the frame assembly 10 while it is in its retracted position, which step is shown in figure 6d.
After this, the hydraulic linear actuator 20 is moved into the extended position to become resting on the cribbing elements 102 on the ground plane G, as is shown in figure 6c. During this step, the frame assembly 10 and the storage tank 100 are lifted from the cribbing elements 102. These cribbing elements 102 can now be removed, as shown in figure 6b, after which the hydraulic linear actuator 20 can be moved back into the retracted configuration to lower the frame assembly 10 onto the ground plane G, as is shown in figure 6a.
As an alternative to the initial situation, i.e. prior to lifting of the storage tank 100, in figure Sa, figure 6g shows a step of positioning the frame assembly 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the method. In figure 6g, it is shown that the frame assembly is positioned on two cribbing elements 102 before the storage tank 100 is lifted. Figure 6h shows the situation after the storage tank 100 has been lifted, in which the frame assembly 10 ends up resting on two layers of cribbing elements 102.
Claims (17)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2028715A NL2028715B1 (en) | 2021-07-13 | 2021-07-13 | Storage tank jacking apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2028715A NL2028715B1 (en) | 2021-07-13 | 2021-07-13 | Storage tank jacking apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NL2028715B1 true NL2028715B1 (en) | 2023-01-18 |
Family
ID=77911074
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2028715A NL2028715B1 (en) | 2021-07-13 | 2021-07-13 | Storage tank jacking apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| NL (1) | NL2028715B1 (en) |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4807851A (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1989-02-28 | United Tank Lifting Technologies, Inc. | Process for lifting tanks |
| US5915672A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1999-06-29 | Dickey; Leslie A. | Collapsible jack stand and method therefor |
| US20100264387A1 (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-10-21 | Julio Realegeno-Amaya | Partition Lifter |
| US7878482B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2011-02-01 | Alltrade Tools Llc | Jack stand and jack combination and method of elevating a load |
-
2021
- 2021-07-13 NL NL2028715A patent/NL2028715B1/en active
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4807851A (en) | 1988-01-11 | 1989-02-28 | United Tank Lifting Technologies, Inc. | Process for lifting tanks |
| US5915672A (en) * | 1995-06-05 | 1999-06-29 | Dickey; Leslie A. | Collapsible jack stand and method therefor |
| US7878482B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2011-02-01 | Alltrade Tools Llc | Jack stand and jack combination and method of elevating a load |
| US20100264387A1 (en) * | 2009-04-15 | 2010-10-21 | Julio Realegeno-Amaya | Partition Lifter |
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