WO2020161223A1

WO2020161223A1 - Tank made of composite material

Info

Publication number: WO2020161223A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/052963
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincenzo Tagliaferri; Roberto Papetti; Vittorio SISTO; Francesco DAVID
Original assignee: Frattelli Mazzocchia S.P.A.
Priority date: 2019-02-06
Filing date: 2020-02-06
Publication date: 2020-08-13
Also published as: IT201900001683A1

Abstract

A tank (for example a compacting container) made with a composite material, having as main characteristics a high lightness and resistance. Lightening (reduction of weight) of the structure of the tanks used in the field of urban waste collection, has different advantages, such as for example: minor fuel consumption (and therefore minor environmental pollution) by vehicles involved in the collection of urban waste; and the possibility to increase the quantity of transportable waste, without having to further burden the structure of the vehicles.

Description

TANK MADE OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tanks (for example compacting containers) and a method for their preparation, made with composite materials, having as main characteristics a high lightness as well as a high resistance. Lightening (reduction of weight) of the structure of the tanks usable in the urban waste collection, has different advantages, such as for example: reduced fuel consumption (and therefore reduced environmental pollution) by vehicles involved in the collection of urban waste and the possibility to increase the quantity of transportable waste, without having to further burden the structure of the vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In environmental engineering, waste management means the set of procedures or methodologies aimed ad handling the whole waste process, from their production up to their final destination, thus involving the collection step, transport, treatment (disposal or recycling) up to the reuse of waste materials, produced by human activity, in an attempt to reduce their effects on human health and the impact on the natural environment.

A particular interest in the decades relates to the reduction of the effects of the wastes on nature and environment thanks to the possibility of saving and recovering natural resources from them and reducing the production of waste themselves through the optimization of their management cycle.

In Italy, the integrated management of waste is first mentioned in the Leg. Decree 3 April 2006, n. 152 ("Environmental Regulations"), also known as Environmental Single Text (Testo Unico Ambientale).

Formerly, the Ronchi Decree, issued in implementation of the European Union directives on waste, had introduced the similar expression "unitary management of municipal waste", with which it referred, however, to overcoming the fragmentation of management and the principle of territorial self-sufficiency and proximity.

However the "integrated management" indicates a system aimed at handling the whole waste process (comprising production, collection, transport, treatment, final destination) with the purpose of energy and raw materials recovery, and thus, minimizing the fraction destined for the waste dump, and whose activities, even the construction and management of the plants (art. 201, paragraph 4, lett. a, art. 202, paragraph 5 of the Environmental Single Text), are entrusted to a single subject.

The matter is now collected in the aforementioned Environmental Single Text and its subsequent amendments and additions on the matter.

It addresses the issue of waste by outlining a series of priorities and actions within the integrated management logic of the problem (as described in part IV in Articles 180 and 181 in the order of priority defined Ay article 179). Specifically, it is spoken of:

• Priority criteria (Art. 179)

Development of clean technologies;

Conception and marketing of products, which do not contribute or give a minimum contribution to the production of waste and pollution;

Technological improvements in order to eliminate the presence of dangerous substances in the waste;

Active role of public administrations in the recycling of waste and its use as an energy source; • Prevention of waste production (Art. 180)

Correct assessment of the environmental impact of each product during its entire life cycle;

Tender specifications that consider the ability to prevent production;

Promote agreements and experimental programs to prevent and reduce the quantity and dangerousness of the waste;

Implement the DL 18 February 2005 n. 59 and Directive 96/61/EC specifically for the integrated reduction and prevention of pollution;

• Waste Recovery (Art. 181)

The recovery, reuse and recycling;

Production of secondary raw material by treating the waste themselves;

To promote through economic measures and specifications in tenders the market for reused products;

Use of waste to produce energy (energy recovery (cold biological oxidation, gasification, incineration)).

To date, the tank used by trucks for waste collection is a monocoque iron structure, consisting of elements of electro-welded carpentry, having the purpose of containing and transporting the waste deriving from the compactor collection and compaction process. The emptying inside the mother vehicles (or collection points) occurs by overturning through one or more hydraulic cylinders hinged in the lower part of the tank which places the same in the appropriate unloading position (about 90 °) to allow the gravity fall of the compacted waste. On the upper part of the tank there is an integrated cover unit and guides useful for sliding the compaction system with a shovel-slide trolley on Nylatron skids, which pushes the provided waste up to the appropriate compaction ratio (normally 3:1).

The tank includes all the interfaces necessary for the connection of the functional groups and is designed for the system passages/connections of the various components of the equipment, both hydraulic and electrical. Furthermore, the tank is perfectly watertight with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 7 me.

The welds are continuous and made in such a way as to guarantee perfect watertightness and adequate protection from corrosion.

The composition is thus made of:

two press-bent and calendered panels with a thickness ranging from 1.5 to 2 mm;

a molded loader having a thickness of 2 mm;

a molded bottom having a thickness that varies from 1.5 to 2 mm;

a molded chute having a thickness of 2 mm;

a guides/cover group (with mixed thicknesses).

The carpentry is completed by an upper frame of tubular elements, press-folded crosspieces, thick plates and bushes in the most stressed points.

In US4838418A, having the title "Flazardous waste container", a container for hazardous waste is described, formed by a central layer of corrugated cardboard, which is coated on both sides with glass fiber. Said container proves to be extremely resistant, impermeable to a wide range of chemicals and inexpensive to produce. A further embodiment, suitable for uses where greater protection is required, provides for the insertion of a smaller container (made with the same technique) into a larger container of the same type; the space between two containers is filled with a liquid foam plastic. The liquid foam plastic, once hardened, serves to prevent movement of the inner container with respect to the outer container, to provide thermal insulation and protect from bumps and breakage of the inner container.

In CN106742817, having the title "Container made of carbon fiber foam sandwich composite material", a container with a sandwich structure in carbon fiber foam is described. In particular the structure of each single panel, which constitutes the container, is made of five layers, in which the second and the fourth layer are made with carbon fiber foam, while the first, the third and fifth layer are made using one the following materials: carbon fiber, glass fiber or thermosetting resin.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the manufacturing of tanks (for example compacting containers) made of composite materials, having as main characteristics a high lightness, while having at the same time a high resistance. Lightening (weight reduction) of the structure of the tank used in the urban waste collection, has different advantages, such as for example: minor fuel consumption (and therefore minor environmental pollution) by vehicles involved in the collection of urban waste; and the possibility to increase the quantity of transportable waste, without having to further burden the structure of the vehicles.

The tank according to the present invention is characterized in that the composite material that constitutes it comprised a non-woven felt (three-dimensional mat) whose physical and mechanical properties vary depending on the application needs in terms of weight, thickness, grammage, percentage of fibers and auxiliary additives and degree of fiber orientation.

The tank according to the present invention is in composite material comprising a felt made of fibers and is produced through a process comprising the following steps:

STEP 1: Working the fibers for obtaining the felt

- Step 1A - Cutting the fibers

The fibers are cut through a cutting unit (rotary cutter) in order to obtain fibers of a size between 1-600 mm; preferably 15-300 mm; very preferably 30-60 mm in length.

Said fibers are selected from the group comprising: carbon fiber, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, aramid fiber, basalt fiber; carbon fibers are preferred; carbon fiber sheets from aerospace industry waste are highly preferred.

- Step IB - Opening the bundle of fibers

Once cut, the fibers are collected in a carding machine that allows you to open the bundle of fibers and untangle them.

- Step 1C - Adding an emulsifying product

The untangled fibers are subjected to a step called "enzymic step" in which, thanks to a pneumatic conveying system, the fibers are transported in a hopper in which, with the help of specific nozzles, an emulsifying product is nebulized with the dual objective to favor the sliding of the fibers and to reduce the electrostatic charge. By "emulsifying product" is meant a substance capable of stabilizing an emulsion, acting as a surfactant or stabilizer. - Step ID - optional - Increasing the adhesiveness of fibers

Optionally, in this step a resinoid substance/primer is applied which is useful for promoting the adhesiveness of the fibers to the matrix. This step is particularly important, because it allows to protect the mechanical properties of the fibers and makes them more wettable.

- Step IE - Adding auxiliary support fibers

Subsequently, the fiber mass of the previous steps is mixed by means of a mixing unit with auxiliary support fibers selected from the group comprising: natural fibers, such as cotton or flax; organic polyester fibers (PES); polyestereketone fibers (PEEK); inorganic glass, metal and/or aramid fibers; wherein these auxiliary support fibers are present in a dose of 0.5-50%, preferably 1-10%; very preferably 5% of the total composition. The auxiliary support fibers allow homogeneous reinforcement and guarantee specific functional properties.

- Step IF - Carding

The fibers thus obtained/treated of the previous stages feed a carding machine, preferably aerodynamic carding, in which the fibers are untangled, air-formed and distributed according to a partially parallel orientation. The advantage of aerodynamic carding, in addition to the fact that it is cheaper, is that it preserves the length of the fibers since contact with the mechanical parts is minimized. From the aerodynamic carding step, a veil of fibers oriented according to a three-dimensional and one-way architecture is obtained.

- Step 1G - Stratifying veils of fibers

The veil of fibers is subsequently stratified and joined together with other veils to create a fabric with a flat textile structure of the desired thickness and weight.

- Step 1H - Welding of the veils

To promote cohesion, the different layers of veils are heated until the fibers are thermally welded to each other due to the effect of heating, thus obtaining a non-woven fabric.

- Step 1L - Compressing the welded veils

To increase the compactness of the structure, the non-woven fabric of the previous step is passed through rollers, obtaining a non-woven felt (three-dimensional mat) whose physical and mechanical properties vary depending on the application needs in terms of weight, thickness, grammage, percentage of fibers and auxiliary additives and degree of fiber orientation.

STEP 2 - Making a tank mold

The molds of the tanks can be made of wood, epoxy boards, metal or composite material. Generally, metal or composite molds are used to produce numerous components, whereas wooden molds are used for the production of prototypes.

STEP 3 - Assembling the tank mold

The mold of the tank is assembled, if composed of several parts, and covered with a release product to facilitate the detachment of the finished product when the lamination is finished.

STEP 4 - Cutting the felt

The felt (the three-dimensional mat obtained after STEP 1), as reinforcement material, is cut to obtain reinforcement shapes that adapt to the tank mold made and assembled during STEPS 2 and 3. STEP 5 - Laying the felt on the tank mold

The application of the reinforcement material (the felt) on the tank mold is carried out dry, facilitating its positioning on said mold and allowing the use of reinforcement material with high grammage. Said spreading provides for the positioning of several layers of reinforcing material allowing to make a laminate.

STEP 6 - optional - Covering the tank mold

If the application of the reinforcement materials of step 5 continues over time, it is advisable to cover the mold of the tank with plastic sheeting between one working session and the next, to avoid that residues of fibers or powders settle on the reinforcement material.

STEP 7 - optional - Keeping the felt in position on the tank mold

It must be ensured that the reinforcing materials positioned on the tank mold during STEP 5 do not move during the subsequent phases. Inert spray adhesives that do not interfere with the resin are used to hold the fabrics in place. Alternatively, specially designed pins, particularly long and thin, can be used to hold the fabrics together.

STEP 8 - Laying infusion aids on the tank mold

Once the lamination step of the reinforcement material (the felt) has been completed, the mold must be covered with infusion aids, i.e. tools that allow the flow of the resin inside the laminate and therefore the execution of the infusion process.

STEP 9 - Placing an infusion network on the tank mold

The infusion network consists of pipes, fittings, valves, couplings and traps that allow vacuum suction and resin injection into the vacuum bag. The resin infusion channels generally consist of tubes that start from the storage tanks and arrive at the product.

After laying the infusion network, it is necessary to prepare the suction channels that are necessary for the creation of the vacuum.

STEP 10 - Laying the vacuum bag

The next step is to lay out the vacuum bag, which is placed above all the layers previously described. The vacuum bag consists of an air-impermeable plastic film, which is spread over the mold and fixed along its entire perimeter to prevent air from entering.

The vacuum bag must then be shaped, placed on top of the mold and cut along the perimeter. Finally, the perimeter of the vacuum bag must be fixed to the flange of the mold outside the suction lines.

STEP 11 - Producing the vacuum

When the previous steps have been completed correctly, vacuum can be created by using a pumping station consisting of one or more pumps to allow the air present between the vacuum bag and the mold to flow out.

STEP 12 - Infusing a resin

The resin must first be poured into the containers and then the catalyst and any additives, such as accelerators or retarders are added. The temperature range within which the infusion can be carried out ranges from 16 °C to 32 °C.

As soon as the catalyst has been added, the stop taps of the infusion lines must be opened to allow the resin to begin to flow into the mold. The infusion can be said to be completed when all the areas have been reached by the resin, at this point it is noted that the resin begins to enter the suction lines and at the same time the depression value undergoes a sudden drop.

At the end of STEP 12 a tank in composite material is obtained (see Figures 3 and 4) having a weight 58% lower than the FE 360/510 iron tank currently in use. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the new tank are shown in Tables 2a, 2b 2c, 2d, 2e.

It is therefore an object of the present invention a tank made of composite material, comprising a felt made of fibers, said tank comprising:

a right broadside (1);

a load slide (2);

a crossbar for rotation supports(3);

a cover (4);

a tank bottom (5);

a left broadside (6);

a platform (7);

a crossbar for the uplift cylinder (8);

a crossbar for the push compaction cylinders (9);

characterized by the fact that:

the broadsides (1 and 6) comprise:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a bottom tube made of composite material;

o a top tube made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

the platform (7) comprises:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a tube made of composite material;

o a bottom plate made of iron FE 360/510;

o a lining made of composite material;

o blades made of iron FE 360/510;

the tank bottom (5) comprises:

o a panel made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

o a crossbar made of composite material; o the load slide (2) comprise:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a crossbar made of composite material;

o blades made of iron FE 360/510;

o bushings made of iron FE 360/510;

o a sheet made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

and in which said composite material is obtained through a method for preparation comprising the following steps:

STEP 1: Working the fibers for obtaining the felt;

- Step 1A - Cutting the fibers

- Step IB - Opening the bundle of fibers

- Step 1C - Adding an emulsifying product

- Step ID - optional - Increasing the adhesiveness of fibers

- Step IE - Adding auxiliary support fibers

- Step IF - Carding

- Step 1G - Stratifying veils of fibers

- Step 1H - Welding of the veils.

STEP 2 - Making a tank mold;

STEP 3 - Assembling the tank mold;

STEP 4 - Cutting the felt;

STEP 5 - Laying the felt on the tank mold;

STEP 6 - optional - Covering the tank mold;

STEP 7 - optional - Keeping the felt in position on the tank mold;

STEP 8 - Laying infusion aids on the tank mold;

STEP 9 - Placing an infusion network on the tank mold;

STEP 10 - Laying the vacuum bag

STEP 11 - Producing the vacuum

STEP 12 - Infusing the resin

It is a further object of the present invention a tank made of composite material, wherein:

the right broadside (1) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the load slide (2) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the cover (4) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the tank bottom (5) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm;

the left broadside (6) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm;

the platform (7) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm.

It is a further object of the present invention a tank made of a composite material, wherein:

the right broadside (1) has a size of 12,000 mm x 3,000 mm, preferably 7,500 mm x 2,000 mm, most preferably 3,100 mm x 1,250mm;

the load slide (2) has a size of 2,500 mm x 5,000 mm, preferably 2,100 mm x 3,000 mm, most preferably 1,700 mm x 1,500 mm;

the tank bottom (5) has a size of 2,500 mm x 3,000 mm, preferably 2,100 mm x 1,800 mm, most preferably 1,700 mm x 1,200mm;

the left broadside (6) has a size of 12,000 mm x 3,000 mm, preferably 7,500 mm x 2,000 mm, most preferably 3,100 mm x 1,250 mm;

the platform (7) has a size of 12,000 mm x 2,500 mm, preferably 7,500 mm x 1,900 mm, most preferably 2,100 mm x 1,300 mm.

It is evident to the average skilled in the art that in accordance with the present invention the shape or size of the tank may vary according to the use for which it is prepared/set up.

the bottom plate of the platform (7) and/or the blades of the platform (7) are optionally made in composite material;

the blades of the load slide (2) and/or the bushings of the load slide (2) are optionally made of composite material;

the guides and the cover (4) are optionally made of composite material.

the right broadside (1), load slide (2), the cover (4), tank bottom (5), the left broadside (6) and the platform (7) may be made by intercalating, as a non-limiting example, two external layers of metallic material and a central layer of composite material (sandwich).

A further object of the present invention is a tank made of composite material, in which metallic and/or non-metallic materials of any geometric shape and size, for example, without limitation, panels, bars and/or tubes can be inserted.

The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, with particular reference to the Figures here attached and described below. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In Figure 1 (state of the art) a 3D view of the iron tank (FE 360/510) is shown, used by the trucks for the collection of the urban waste, comprising:

a right broadside (1);

a load slide (2);

crosspiece for the rotation supports (3);

a cover (4).

All the components of the tank of Figure 1 are made of iron (FE 360/510).

In Figure 2 (state of the art) a futher 3D view of the iron tank (FE 360/510) is shown, used by trucks for the collection of urban waste, comprising:

a tank bottom (5).

a left broadside (6);

a platform (7);

a crossbar for the uplift cylinder (8);

a crossbar for the push compaction cylinders (9).

All the components of the tank of Figure 2 are made of iron (FE 360/510).

In Figure 3 a 3D view of the tank made of composite material according to the present invention is shown, comprising:

a right broadside (1);

crosspiece for the rotation supports (3);

a cover (4);

a tank bottom (5).

Table 1 shows the constituent elements of the tank and the materials in which these elements are made: all the elements which constitutes the right broadside (1), that is a panel, a bottom tube, an top tube and covers, are made of composite material;

the load slide (2) comprises a panel, a crosspiece, blades, bushings, a metal sheet and linings, in which the panel, the crosspiece, the metal sheet and the linings are made of composite material, while the blades and bushings are made of iron (FE 360/510);

the cover (4) is made of iron (FE 360/510);

all the elements that make up the tank bottom (5), i.e. a panel, linings and a crossbar, are made of composite material.

In Figure 4 a further 3D view of the tank made of composite material is shown, comprising:

a load slide (2);

a left broadside (6); a platform (7);

a connection for the uplift cylinder (8);

a crossbar for the push compaction cylinders (9).

Table 1 shows the constituent elements of the tank and the materials, in which these elements are made: all the elements that make up the left broadside (6), i.e. a panel, a bottom tube, an top tube and linings, are made of composite material;

the platform (7) includes a panel, a tube, a lower plate, a lining and blades, in which the panel, the tube and the lining are made of composite material, while the lower plate and the blades are made of iron (FE 360/510).

Figure 5 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the tank in composite material. This analysis represents the deformation state of the tank in lifting action. The points of the tank where the deformation (expressed in meters) is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the deformation is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

Figure 6 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the tank in composite material. Said analysis represents the tension state (expressed in Pascal) of the tank in lifting action. The points of the tank where the tension state is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the tension state is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

Figure 7 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the tank in composite material. Said analysis represents the deformation state of the tank in compaction action. The points of the tank where the deformation state (expressed in meters) is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the tension state is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

Figure 8 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the tank in composite material. Said analysis represents the tension state (expressed in Pascal) of the tank in compaction action. The points of the tank where the tension state (expressed in meters) is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the tension state is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

Figure 9 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the tank in composite material. Said analysis represents the deformation state of the tank in a vertical static position. The points of the tank where the deformation state (expressed in meters) is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the tension state is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

Figure 10 reports the FEM analysis (finite element analysis) of the new tank in composite material. Said analysis represents the tension state (expressed in Pascal) of the tank in a vertical static position. The points of the tank where the tension state is lower are indicated by the black colour; whereas the points of the tank where the tension state is higher are indicated by the dark grey colour.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 - Process for the preparation of the carbon fiber felt

CUTTING THE CARBON FIBERS

The recycled carbon fibers were collected to be cut through a cutting unit (rotary cutter) so as to obtain a homogeneous size of the fibers, having a length of 45 mm.

OPENING THE BUNDLE OF CARBON FIBERS Once the carbon fibers were cut, they were collected in a carding machine that allowed to open and untangle the bundle of fibers to face the next stages.

ADDING AN EMULSIFYING PRODUCT

Subsequently, using a pneumatic conveying system, the carbon fibers were transported in a hopper in which, with the help of specific nozzles, an emulsifying product was sprayed.

INCREASING OF THE ADHESIVENESS OF THE FIBERS

A resinoid substance/primer useful to promote the adhesiveness of the fibers to the matrix was applied, to protect the mechanical properties of the carbon fibers and make them more wettable.

ADDING AUXILIARY SUPPORT FIBERS

Subsequently, the mass of carbon fibers was mixed, through a mixing unit, for 5% of the total composition, with flax fibers.

CARDING

The fibers thus obtained were processed with an aerodynamic carding machine, in which the fibers were untangled, air-formed and distributed according to a partially parallel orientation. Following aerodynamic carding, a veil of fibers oriented according to a three-dimensional and one-way architecture was obtained.

STRA TIFYING VEILS OF FIBERS

The veil of fibers was subsequently stratified and joined together with three other veils of fibers to create a non-woven fabric with a flat textile structure.

WELDING THE VEILS

To promote cohesion, the four fiber veils were heated by thermal means. Due to the heating effect, the fibers that formed the veils were welded to each other, resulting in a non-woven fabric.

COMPRESSING THE WELDED VEILS

To increase the compactness of the structure, the non-woven fabric was passed through rollers, obtaining a non-woven felt (three-dimensional mat) having a 1 mm thickness.

At the end of Phase 1, the carbon fibers of the starting material were thus transformed into a non-woven felt (three-dimensional mat).

ESEMPIO 2 - Process for preparing a tank made of composite material.

The elements, which constitutes the tank, were made in composite material using 6 layers of carbon fiber felt prepared as described in Example 1. The thickness of each layer was 1 mm.

Said layers were oriented at a 0°/90°/0°/90° to obtain an almost isotropic laminate.

For the infusion process, an epoxy-vinylester resin was used.

At the end of the process, the tank was found to have a total weight of 152 Kg.

Table 1 reports all the constituent elements of the tank and relating manufacture materials. TABLE 1 - Constituent elements of the tank and relating manufacture materials.

It will be apparent to the average skilled in the art that:

in some parts of the tank less subjected to stress, the layers of felt used/usable can be less than 6; in other parts of the tank more subjected to stress the layers of felt used/usable can be more that 6;

the right broadside (1), the load slide (2), the cover (4); the tank bottom (5); the left broadside (6) and the platform (7) can be made by intercalating, as non-limiting example, two outer layers of metallic material and a central layer of composite material (sandwich);

inside said structure in composite and/or non metallic material of any geometric shape and size, as non limiting example, bars and/or tubes. EXAMPLE 3 - Physico-mechanical test on the tank in composite material.

The tank in composite material obtained as described in the examples 1 and 32 mentioned above, were subkected to the following physico-mechanical tests: tensile, bending tests, Flat-top cylinder Indenter for Mechanical Characterization (FIMEC) and modal analysis, to evaluate its mechanical strength, in particular: maximum compaction load;

maximum compaction stress;

maximum lifting load;

maximum lifting stress;

wherein:

the right broadside (1) reported a value for the maximum load in compaction of 2,500 daN;

the bottom of the tank (5) reported a value for the maximum load in compaction of di 2,500 daN; the left broadside (6) reported a value for the maximum load in compaction of 2,500 daN;

the platform (7) reported a value for the maximum load in compaction of 2,500 daN;

the right broadside (1) reported a value for the maximum stress in compaction of 5 daN/mm²; the bottom of the tank (5) reported a value for the maximum stress in compaction of di 5 daN/mm²;

the left broadside (6) reported a value for the maximum stress in compaction of 5 daN/mm²;

the platform (7) reported a value for the maximum stress in compaction of 5 daN/mm²;

load slide (2) reported a value for the maximum lifting load of 2,000 daN;

the platform (7) reported a value for the maximum lifting load 2,000 daN;

the right broadside (1) reported a value for maximum lifting stress of 3 daN/mm²;

the load slide (2) reported a value for maximum lifting stress of 5 daN/mm²;

the bottom of the tank (5)reported a value for maximum lifting stress of 5 daN/mm²;

the left broadside (6) reported a value for maximum lifting stress of 3 daN/mm²;

the platform (7) reported a value for maximum lifting stress of 5 daN/mm²;

the total weight of the tank was 152 Kg.

The results obtained from these tests are reported in tables 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e. TABLES 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e - Physico-mechanical characteristics of a tank made of composite material.

TABLE 2a

TABLE 2b

TABLE 2c

TABLE 2d

TABLE 2e

The physico-mechanical characteristics of an iron tank (FE 360/510) are shown in Tables 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e - (state of the art).

TABLES 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e - Physico-mechanical characteristics of an iron tank (FE 360/510) - (state of the art).

TABLE 3a

TABLE 3b

TABLE 3c

TABLE 3d

TABLE 3e

The total weight of the iron tank was 365 Kg.

Comparing tables 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d 2e and respectively tables 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e the following improvements were noted:

- 58% reduction of the total weight;

59% average reduction of the maximum stress in compaction;

56.5% average reduction of the maximum lifting stress.

The new tank was found to be, compared to the iron tank already in use, lighter and more resistant. All this brought great advantages in terms of:

- fuel saving;

decreased wear on the truck wheels;

decreased wear of the mechanical parts of the truck;

greater loading capacity.

Claims

1. A tank made of composite material comprising a felt made of fibers, said tank comprising: a right broadside (1);

a load slide (2);

a crossbar for rotation supports(3);

a cover (4);

a tank bottom (5);

a left broadside (6);

a platform (7);

a crossbar for the uplift cylinder (8);

a crossbar for the push compaction cylinders (9);

characterized by the fact that:

the broadsides (1 and 6) comprise:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a bottom tube made of composite material;

o a top tube made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

the platform (7) comprises:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a tube made of composite material;

o a bottom plate made of iron FE 360/510 and/or in composite material;

o a lining made of composite material;

o blades made of iron FE 360/510 and/or in composite material;

the tank bottom (5) comprises:

o a panel made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

o a crossbar made of composite material;

the load slide (2) comprises:

o a panel made of composite material;

o a crossbar made of composite material;

o blades made of iron FE 360/510 and/or in composite material;

o bushings made of iron FE 360/510 and/or in composite material; o a sheet made of composite material;

o linings made of composite material;

STEP 1: Working the fibers for obtaining the felt;

STEP 2 - Making a tank mold;

STEP 3 - Assembling the tank mold;

STEP 4 - Cutting the felt;

STEP 5 - Laying the felt on the tank mold;

STEP 6 - optional - Covering the tank mold;

STEP 7 - optional - Keeping the felt in position on the tank mold;

STEP 8 - Laying infusion aids on the tank mold;

STEP 9 - Placing an infusion network on the tank mold;

STEP 10 - Laying the vacuum bag;

STEP 11 - Producing the vacuum;

STEP 12 - Infusing a resin;

wherein STEP 1 comprises the following steps:

- Step 1A - Cutting the fibers;

- Step IB - Opening the bundle of fibers;

- Step 1C - Adding an emulsifying product;

- Step ID - optional - Increasing the adhesiveness of fibers;

- Step IE - Adding auxiliary support fibers;

- Step IF - Carding;

- Step 1G - Stratifying veils of fibers;

- Step 1H - Welding the veils;

- Step 1L - Compressing the welded veils.

2. The tank of claim 1, in which:

the right broadside (1) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm;

the load slide (2) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the cover (4) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the tank bottom (5) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6 mm; the left broadside (6) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably

6mm;

the platform (7) has a thickness between 2-100 mm; preferably 3-25 mm; most preferably 6mm.

3. The tank of claim 1, in which:

- the right broadside (1) has a size of 12,000 mm x 3,000 mm, preferably 7,500 mm x 2,000 mm, most preferably 3,100 mm x 1,250 mm;

the tank bottom (5) has a size of 2,500 mm x 3,000mm, preferably 2,100 mm x 1,800 mm, most preferably 1,700 mm x 1,200 mm;

4. The tank of claim 1, in which the cover (4) is made of composite material.

5. The tank of claim 1, having a structure in composite material, in which within of said structure in composite material, are inserted metallic materials and/or non-metallic materials.