US2539453A - Apparatus for mounting tanks in a cargo vessel - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 30, 1951 H. MARLOW EIAL APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING TANKS IN A CARGO VESSEL Filed on. 20, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jan. 30, 1951 H. MARLOW ET AL 2,539,453

'APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING TANKS IN A CARGO VESSEL Filed Oct. 20, 1947 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 llj 1|I u 5 &1 iii Q T :I: I" ,p

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Jan. 30, 1951 H. MARLOW ET AL APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING TANKS IN A CARGO VESSEL 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed 001;. 20, 1947 Jan. 30, 1951 MARLOW ET AL 2,539,453

APPARATUS FOR MOUNTING TANKS IN A CARGO VESSEL Filed Oct. 20, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan. 30, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS. FOR, MOUNTING -I A NI Sv IN A. CARGO VESSEL.

Harry'Marlow and James E; Steele, Beaumont,

Tex., assignors tion, Tulsa; Okla.

to' Warren' Petroleum Corpora- Application October 20, 1947, Serial No. 780,820

7 Claims;

Our invention consists in new and useful improvements in apparatus for mounting tanks in a cargo vesseland relates more particularly to.

sure or by shifting of the ship structure, while.

at the. same time maintaining the tanks securely in position.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for sealing the spaces between thetanks and the hold of the ship to eliminate the possibility of weather, water, or the contents of the.

tanks, entering the hold.

A further object of the invention is to provide a rigid base mountin for each of the tanks while the upper portions of the tanks above the base are permitted to expand and contract in a verti cal direction.

A still further object of the invention is toprovide means which, in addition to securing, the tanks in position, subject to vertical expansion and contraction, will maintain the annular shape of the walls of the tanks and avoid distortion due to pressure conditions within the tank. Our

improved structure will permit Wide variations in temperature and pressure structure itself.

With the above and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, our invention consists in the novel features herein set forth, illustrated in the accompanying drawin s.

and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings in which numerals of like character designate similar parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, showing one inboard. tank andone outwithout placing strains or stresses on the ship structure, as allmovement of the tanks is independent of the ship board tank of each row, mounted in accordance with our invention;

Figure 2' is an enlarged transverse sectional view showing the tank wed'ging means and coam ing ring sealing means for the hatch of one of' the inboard tanks;

Figure 3 isan elevational view taken at right angles to Figure 2, with certain parts omitted for clarity;

Figure i is a sectional View taken on line 4'-4 of Figure 2, further illustrating the tank Wedging means Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illus-- trating the base mounting of one of the'tanks; Figure 6 is a fragmentary planview showing asegment of one of the circular base rings;

Figure? is avertical sectional view of the sealing means for the manhole riser of one of the outboard tanks; and

Figure 8-is a transverse sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 7;

In the embodiment of our invention illustrated in Figure 1; It represents one of a series of Iongitudinally spaced tanks forming an inboard row, and I! represents one of-a similar series of tanks forming an adjacent outboard row, said tanks being located in the hold of a cargo vessel substantially entirely below the deck l2 thereof. From this point "on, we Will discuss the various elements of our invention by referenceto individual tanks, it being understood that each of the inboard tanks i0, is mounted inthe same. manner and likewise, each of the outboard tanks.

is mounted in the samemanner.

The base of the inboard tank Ill is rigidlyv mounted in thehold of the vessel by means of a. vertically disposed circulartsleeve 63, the upper portion of which encircles'the base of the tank with its edge preferably Welded to. the tank wall. The lower edge of the sleeve i3 is Welded' to an annular ring'M-forming an inwardly directed flange, reinforcediat spaced intervals by brackets l5 welded or otherwise suitably secured to the sleeve E3. The sleeve [3 and ring M are bolted to an annular tank foundation it, having aninwardly directed flange ll, thus firmly securing the base of the tank in place against movement .in any direction. For purposes of ad justment, an annular chock l8- may be interposed betweenthe rin Ill-and flange ll;

The outboard tank H is similarly mounted by means of a sleeve 13a welded to the wall of the tank and secured to an annular foundation lfia, the latter being preferably of greater height than the foundation l6 for the inboard tank H), due to the difference in the sizes of the two tanks.

The upper end of the inboard tank i8 extends through the hatch iii, the latter being bounded by a vertically extending coaming ring 29 having an outwardly extending flange 2i and being reinforced at intervals around the ring by a series of vertically disposed, radiating fins 22. A wedge retaining ring or collar 23 surrounds the upper portion of the tank adjacent the upper end of the coaming ring and is spaced outwardly from the walls of the tank It, said wedge retaining ring having welded to its outer face, an annular flange 24 which rests upon and is welded to the coaming ring flange 21, thus rigidly securing the wedge retaining ring 23 in fixed relation to the coaming ring 26. 4

At spaced intervals within the wedge retaining ring 23, we provide segmental wedge units 25, preferably composed of hardwood or other suitable material. As shown in Figure 3, which omits the coaming ring 23 and the flange 24 for purposes of clarity, the wedge units 25 are preferably made-up of a series of individual vertically disposed wedge elements arranged in juxtaposition, in the form shown, four such elements being employed. As shown in Fig. 4 each of these wedge elements is arcuate in transverse cross section so that the composite wedging surface of each wedge unit forms a segment which conforms to the contour of the adjacent area of the wall of the tank. The upper extremities of the wedge units are inclined inwardly toward the tank In to support a cross plate 25, the opposite extremities of which extend beyond the respective wedge units and are apertured to receive the upper ends of hook-like adjusting bolts 27, the lower ends or hook portions 28 of which are directed outwardly and engage suitable openings 23 in the wedge retaining ring 23. By means of nuts 38, threadedly engaging the upper ends of the bolts 21, the plate 26 is drawn downwardly to cause wedging action of the wedge units 25 within the ring 23.

Interposed between each of the wooden wedge unit 25 and the inner wall of the wedge retaining ring 23, we preferably provide a supplemental steel wedge member 3i, the inner face of which is inclined in the opposite direction from the inclination of the adjacent face of the corresponding wedge unit 25. Thus, when the tank is being adjusted into position the supplemental wedge members 3| are tapped into place from their lower edges, after which the nuts 30 are tightened on the bolts 21, forcing the wedge units 25 downwardly to firmly wedge the tank in place. By this arrangement and the proper disposition of the series of wedge units, it will be apparent that the walls of the tank are supported radially against stresses and strains caused by variations in pressure within the tank and distortion of the tank wall is avoided.

Similar wedging assemblies may be employed at various locations intermediate the vertical extremities of the tank, one such additional means 2311 being illustrated in Figure 1, wherein the wedge retaining ring is suitably secured to a rigid support 32. From Figure 1, it will also be seen that the outboard tank H is supported in a like. manner by an identical wedge assembly 23b secured to the supporting means 32 within the hold of the ship.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the sealing means for the inboard tank l0 consists of an annular hood-like umbrella plate 33 preferably composed of copper or galvanized metal, its upper edge embracing and being secured to the outer face of an annular flanged ring 3t which is welded or otherwise secured to the tank l0 above the wedge means 25. The lower portion of umbrella plate 33 flares outwardly and hoods the wedge assembly, its lower edge overlying the retaining ring 23 and being secured at spaced intervals around said ring by means of brackets 35, welded to the outer face of the ring 23.

Beneath the metallic umbrella plate 33, we provide additional flexible sealing means which preferably consists of one or more layers of waterproof canvas or similar material 36, the opposite edges of which are secured in place by the same means which secure the umbrella plate. The securing means illustrated consist of bolts 31 arranged at spaced intervals around the flanged ring 34, the inner ends of said bolts abutting clamping rings 38 so that the edge of the canvas element 36 which is interposed between the ring 38 and the wall of the tank It, is firmly pressed against the tank wall. The bolts 31 extend through the upper portion of the umbrella plate 33 and carry lock nuts 39 by means of which the upper portion of the umbrella plate may be firmly clamped against the outer face of the flanged ring 34.

The lower edges of the umbrella plate 33 and the canvas sealing means 38 are similarly secured in place within the brackets 35 by bolts 40, nuts 41 and clamping ring 42, as will be seen from Figure 2. By this arrangement the required degree of flexibility required to compensate for expansion, contraction and slight shifting of the tank with respect to the ship structure, is permitted due to the nature of the materials employed in the sealing means. The shape and material of the metallic umbrella plate 33 protects the sealing assembly against injury by solid objects and at the same time permits relative movement of the tank. The canvas sealing means 36 underlying the umbrella plate, being tightly sealed at its edges, protects the hatch i9 against the weather and avoids the entrance of any of the tank contents into the hold of the ship.

Again referring to Figure 1, it will be seen that the outboard tank II is entirely below the deck I2 with its manhole riser Ha extending through a suitable opening in the deck. Means generally similar to the sealing means for the upper portion of the inboard tank are employed for sealing the area around the riser Ila. The deck I opening is provided with a coaming ring 43 as shown in detail in Figures 7 and 8, said coaming ring extending through the opening in the deck and being welded or therwise rigidly secured in place in spaced relation to the manhold riser I la. An outwardly and downwardly flaring umbrella plate 44 composed of copper, galvanized metal, or other suitable material, preferably provided with a central annular crimp 45 to permit flexibility, is clamped around the riser Ila and the upper end of the coaming ring 43. Any suitable means may be employed for securing the umbrella plate 44 in place so as to form a hood for the upper end of the coaming ring, the means shown in the drawing comprising clamping rings 46 and 41 secured by suitable bolts and 5, nuts. 48-and 49. Rubber. packing ringsiilare preferably inserted between the umbrella plate M an'd theadJacent' faces of, the manhold riser Ila and the coaming ringdtltoiinsurethe sealing of the deck opening. Due to the smaller area to be protected-by themanhold riser sealing means, the specific structure of the'latter may be modified from that employed at the hatch. Thus, the canvas sealing member 35 is replaced by the packing rings 50. In this arrangement the umbrella plate-protects against hard or solid objects entering the coaming ring and the rubber packing ring seals against moisture and weather.-

Tanks mounted in accordance with our invention are readily adaptable for the piping connections and fluid control system illustrated and described in the aforementioned applications of Rex V. Phelps. It will be apparent that tanks mounted as herein described are assured a firm rigid support at their bases, yet are permitted a suflicient degree of flexibility to compensate for expansion, contraction and the shifting movement of the ship structure while under way, or while loading. Furthermore, the openings provided in the deck for the reception of the tanks are effectively sealed against the weather, and the tanks are supported against distortion by the improved wedge means above described.

From the foregoing, it is believed that our invention may be readily understood by those skilled in the art without further description, it being borne in mind that numerous changes may be made in the details of the construction without departing from the spirit of the invention as set out in the following claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent that while we have described our invention as used in connection with a cargo vessel, the various elements of the invention may be employed in any enviroment where the ends herein sought, are to be attained.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an assembly for supporting and reinforcing the upper portion of a vertical tank which projects through an opening in a platform, a coaming ring bounding said opening, an annular retaining ring having vertical side walls freely encircling said tank means securing said retaining ring to said coaming ring in parallel, spaced relation to the walls of said tank, wedge means interposed between the vertical side walls of said retaining ring and the wall of said tank, firml embracing the latter at annularly spaced points, to prevent outward distortion of said tank and yieldingly gripping said tank to compensate for relative movement thereof with respect to said platform.

2. In an assembly for supporting and reinforcing the upper portion of a vertical tank which projects through an opening in a platform, a coaming ring bounding said opening, an annular retaining ring having vertical side walls freely encircling said tank means securing said retaining ring to said coaming ring in parallel,- spaced relation to the walls of said tank, supporting elements interposed between the vertical side walls of said retaining ring and the wall of said tank, firmly embracing the latter at annularly spaced points, to prevent outward distortion of said tank and yieldingly gripping said tank to compensate for relative movement thereof with respect to said platform, and separate sealing means comprising a flexible hood sealed at its upper edge around said tank at a point above said ring, with itslower. edgeroverlying said retaining ring, and means -carried.bythe latter for sealing said overlying edge. around the outer surface of said retaining ring.

3. In an assembly forsupportingand reinforcing the upper portion-of a vertical tank which projects through an opening in a platform, a coaming ring bounding said opening, an annular retaining ring; having vertical side walls freely. encircling said tank, means securing said retaining ring to said coaming ring in parallel, spaced relation to the walls of said tank, a series of wedgemembers of. arcuate transverse crosssec-tion, arranged inspaeed relation around said tankand interposed betweenthe latter, and the vertical side walls of said retaining ring, said wedge members firmly embracing the wall of said tank to prevent outward distortion thereof, and yieldingly gripping said tank to compensate for relative movement thereof with respect to said platform, and adjusting bolts respectively anchored at one end on said retaining ring with their opposite ends operatively engaging said wedge members for forcing said wedges into operative engagement between said tank and ring.

4. A tank mounting assembly for a vertical tank which projects through an opening in a platform, comprising a fixed retaining ring mounted in said opening in spaced relation to said tank, a series of segmental wedges arranged in spaced relation round said tank and in wedging relation to said ring, adjusting means comprising a plate spanning the upper extremities of respective wedges, and means operatively engaging said plate for forcing said wedges into engagement with said tank.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said wedges are arranged in groups, said plate spanning the upper ends of respective groups of wedges, and adjusting bolts extending between said plate and ring for forcing said wedges into operative engagement.

6. In combination with a coaming ring of a cargo vessel and a vertical tank extending therethrough, tank supporting and reinforcing means comprising an annular retaining ring having vertical side walls freely encircling said tank, in parallel spaced relation to the walls thereof, means securing said retaining ring adjacent the upper end of said coaming ring, a series of wedge units spaced around said tank between the vertical side walls of said retaining ring and the wall of said tank, said wedge units firmly embracing the tank to prevent outward distortion and yieldingly gripping the tank to compensate for relative movement thereof with respect to said coaming ring, and adjusting means anchored on said retaining ring for forcing said Wedge units into operative wedging engagement.

7. Means for supporting and reinforcing a vertical tank mounted in the hold of a cargo vessel and projecting through a coaming ring of the vessel, comprising an annular retaining ring having vertical side walls encircling said tank in parallel spaced relation to the walls thereof adjacent the coaming ring, means securing said retaining ring to the coaming ring, a second annular retaining ring having vertical side walls encircling said tank, in parallel spaced relation to the walls thereof at an intermediate point between said first ring and the lower extremity of the tank, means securing said second retaining ring in fixed position, a series of wedge units spaced around said tank between each of said retaining rings and the wall of said tank, said 8 wedge units firmly embracing the tank to pre- Number Name Date vent outward distortion and yieldingly gripping 1,841,417 Murphy Jan. 19, 1932 the tank to compensate for relative movement 2,048,312 Zulver July 21, 1936 thereof, and adjusting means for forcing said 2,073,982 Woodruff Mar. 16, 1937 wedge units into operative wedging engagement. 6

HARRY MARLOW FOREIGN PATENTS JAMES E. STEELE. Number. Country Date 1,372 Great Britain May 14, 1866 REFERENCES CITED 5,298 Great Britain Nov. 26, 1825 The following references are of record in the 10 OTHER REFERENCES file of this patent: Book publication: Boat Construction by H. 1. UNITED STATES PATENTS Chapelle, pub. by W. W. Norton 00., N. Y., 1941;

pages 313 and 581-583, inclusive. Number Name Date 48,767 Gove Ju1y 11, 1865 15

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