WO2024017451A1

WO2024017451A1 - Storage tank having a collection device, collection device and individual trough

Info

Publication number: WO2024017451A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/069971
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franz Stuhlbacher; Dr. h.c. Heinrich SCHAEFFLER
Original assignee: Fuxs Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-07-17
Filing date: 2022-07-17
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage tank, more particularly a large storage tank for more particularly flammable liquids, having a tank casing, wherein on the inner circumference and/or outer circumference, a collection device having a segmentation is provided for liquid exiting a tank interior, which collection device, in a preferred embodiment, can be equipped with a fire- and explosion-resistant metal grid structure and/or with which a ring extinguishing apparatus can be associated. The invention also relates to a collection device of such a storage tank and to an individual trough. The collection device can be arranged on storage tanks when the storage tanks are produced, or can be retrofitted on existing storage tanks.

Description

STORAGE TANK WITH A COLLECTION DEVICE, COLLECTION DEVICE AND SINGLE TUB

The invention relates to a storage tank, in particular a large storage tank for liquids, with a collecting device and a collecting device provided for such storage tanks.

Tank farms usually include several storage tanks in which combustible fuels and/or fuels are stored. Products such as motor gasoline (MOGAS and AVGAS), heating oil, diesel fuel, heavy oil, naphtha, liquefied natural gas, vegetable oil and alcohol are stored there. Tank farms are also used for temporary storage of petroleum and in the chemical industry for oil and chemical products.

If the shell of the storage tank is damaged, for example by natural events such as lightning strikes or negligent or intentional damage, the stored, usually flammable contents can escape from the storage tank in an uncontrolled manner. Such damage can be hole-shaped, for example caused by bombardment of the storage tank, crack-like or unspecified, for example as a group of holes, cracks or other openings penetrating the tank shell.

In combination with atmospheric oxygen, flammable gases are formed which can catch fire due to external influences, such as lightning strikes or intentional or negligent arson. When the leaked liquid burns off, it is not uncommon for the entire tank, including its contents, to be affected. This can lead to the complete destruction of the tank and significant damage due to the loss of the tank contents. Conventional storage tanks usually have a capacity of several tens to 20,000 or more cubic meters. Once the fire has progressed to a certain extent, extinguishing it is almost impossible. The strong heat development in the area of the tank jacket can cause deformation or melting of the jacket material and the fire can spread to neighboring storage tanks.

Conventional storage tanks have a collecting space in their surroundings for leaking tank contents. However, this is filled with the escaping liquid in an uncontrolled manner, making it more difficult to extinguish the fire if it catches fire. Both The collecting trough of conventional storage tanks is usually a trough surrounding the circumference of the storage tank, into which the escaping liquid flows and collects.

The object of the present invention is to provide a storage tank which has a collecting device which enables the escaping liquid to be collected in a controlled manner and limited to the area of damage to the tank shell. The proposed storage tank thus provides an increase in safety for storage tanks.

This object is achieved by a storage tank according to claim 1 and a collecting device assigned to the storage tank according to claim 25 and an individual trough according to claim 39.

The storage tank according to the invention is in particular a large storage tank for, in particular, flammable liquids. This has a rigid tank jacket that limits the tank volume and can also be designed as a double jacket tank. The storage tank has a segmented collection device on the inner circumference and/or outer circumference for liquid emerging from a tank interior.

In one embodiment, the storage tank has a collecting basin which is arranged on the outer circumference of the tank jacket and extends concentrically thereto and which completely surrounds the storage tank.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage tank is designed with a closed or open roof and has a preferably floating inner roof (IFR, Internal Floating Roof) arranged in the tank interior. The collecting device either extends over the entire surface of the floating inner roof or is provided in the area of the sealing gap between the inner roof and an inner circumference of the tank shell. If flammable liquid or its gases escape from the sealing gap or the surface of the roof (e.g. through a cable duct or a manhole provided on the roof), it is collected in the segments of the collecting device arranged inside the tank and concentrated in this area. This effectively prevents uncontrolled expansion of the liquid surface over the entire inner roof. Extinguishing measures in the event of a fire caused by the escaping liquid as well as measures to secure the escaping liquid can then be limited to individual segments, ie areas of the inner roof. This also significantly increases safety in the interior of storage tanks with a floating inner roof, so-called fixed roof tanks.

In the event of an ignition source occurring according to ATEX acc. EN 1127-1 or suspected external damage, in the event of an explosion of the vapor-air mixture in the metallic grid structure, the pressure wave is strongly absorbed and a subsequent fire is also greatly reduced.

Both embodiments are covered by the invention and contribute to the inventive concept of spatially limiting and efficiently combating liquid leaks and their gas-air mixtures that occur in conjunction with atmospheric oxygen and any fires that develop after the leak. The arrangement according to the invention covers both the case in which liquid escapes via or onto the inner roof or outwards from the tank jacket if there is damage to the interior.

Likewise, due to the electrically conductive function of the metallic grid structure, an electrostatic charge is detected in the entire volume area and can thus be brought to an earth arrester.

A storage tank, which has a combination of collecting devices arranged inside and outside in or on the storage tank, is also covered by the invention.

According to the invention it is provided that the collecting device has a segmentation which is formed by a plurality of individual troughs arranged adjacently. These individual tubs are each separate units. The advantage of the design according to the invention is that if, for example, negligent or intentional damage is caused to the tank shell, from which the stored contents escape uncontrollably, the escaping liquid or gases flow into the individual tub or a few adjacent individual tubs and thus do not spread uncontrollably in the entire outside and /or distributed inside the storage tank. The liquid outlet can thus be limited to a defined circumferential area. On the one hand, this has advantages when it comes to diverting the escaping tank contents, and on the other hand, the fire remains, especially if the escaping liquid catches fire limited to a spatially and locally delimited section of the circumference of the storage tank and can be deleted there more easily. The entire tank jacket is also not affected and damaged by the fire or the high temperature that develops. In conventional storage tanks, where in the event of a fire the fire spreads around the entire circumference of the storage tank, the tank jacket loses strength due to the high heat, which results in static problems across the entire tank. An uncontrolled distribution of the fire across the entire storage tank is avoided by the arrangement according to the invention. One aim of the invention is to limit the heat development in areas away from the tank jacket in the event of a fire. This makes it possible to keep the tank jacket stable in terms of its strength and shape for longer.

The fire area is reduced and limited by the segmentation of the many individual tanks. This means that a concentrated extinguishing agent attack is possible and is significantly more effective despite using less extinguishing agent.

It is considered favorable if the individual tubs lie against one another along their respective side walls or are connected to one another. As a result, a trough or collecting basin is formed which also surrounds the entire storage tank or overlaps the surface or inner circumferential partial surface of the inner roof and has the segmentation according to the invention. In the embodiment with the collecting device assigned to the inner roof, this can also only be designed as an annular device along the inner circumference. The segmentation can be created in both cases, i.e. when arranged on the inner and outer circumference by drawing in partition walls and thus forming a trough-like structure.

Segmentation enables locally concentrated extinguishing operations with less extinguishing agent required. It proves to be advantageous that an effective extinguishing agent can be used in a limited fire compartment and that extinguishing measures do not have to be taken on the entire circumferential area of the storage tank or the entire area of the inner roof in order to bring the source of the fire under control. This results in a significant advantage of the arrangement according to the invention compared to conventional storage tanks. According to the invention it is provided that the entire collecting device or the individual troughs have a radial and/or concentric segmentation. The radial segmentation prevents the escaping tank contents from flowing away around the entire tank or spreading over the entire inner roof, while the concentric segmentation prevents the escaping liquid that flows into the collecting device or the respective segment in an area of the collecting device or concentrated in the collecting pan. The concentric segmentation takes into account the fact that depending on the area in which the damage to the tank shell occurs, a different ejection distance or distribution of the outflowing liquid occurs.

In an embodiment of the invention that is considered advantageous, it is provided that the individual troughs are formed by installing or inserting partitions, for example welded, into a collecting device surrounding the entire circumference of the tank, inside or outside, and thereby forming the segmentation of the collecting device. The sections of the collecting device or collecting basin formed by partition walls are then to be understood as individual troughs in the sense of the present invention. This embodiment therefore also describes a retrofit solution for existing collecting basins that are already located on the outer circumference of the storage tank or for retrofitting floating interior roofs on storage tanks with a closed or open roof on the entire interior roof surface or limited to the area of the sealing gap.

The storage tank according to the invention is characterized in an embodiment considered advantageous in that the collecting basin or the individual troughs forming it form a preferably annular structure corresponding to an external geometry of the storage tank. The annular structure can be arranged either in the bottom area of the storage tank, i.e. in the area of the tank foot and/or in the area of its upper end, i.e. in the head area of the storage tank. Of course, there is also the possibility of collecting basins constructed in accordance with the invention being arranged both in the foot area and in the head area of the storage tank.

A corresponding ring-shaped structure can of course also be arranged on the surface of the inner roof of a storage tank with a floating inner roof. The collecting device according to the invention has the following advantages in summary:

- a wildfire remains limited to a few areas or segments of the containment facility and can be extinguished with less extinguishing agent,

- The burn-off is less,

- Smoke production is greatly reduced, often by up to 90% compared to fires in conventional storage tanks,

- The temperature load on the tank jacket is lower and firefighting teams can therefore get closer to the fire.

The advantages mentioned are additionally increased by combining the segmentation of the collecting device with a fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure inserted in the individual troughs or segments and described in detail below, which in one embodiment is also referred to as FREAS (Fire Retarding Explosion Absorbing System). If a fire-retardant metal grid structure is mentioned in the present invention, this also includes a fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure. Both terms are equivalent and have the same effect next to each other.

It is considered advantageous if a fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is provided distributed over the entire collecting device and/or in individual or each individual trough or segment, which completely or partially fills the interior of the individual trough. Preferably, the fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is fixed below an upper edge of the individual trough. The fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure can be provided lying on a grid or floating in the individual tub or segment.

In an embodiment considered to be favorable, the fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is filled with a buoyancy body, preferably with a fuel-resistant, hardenable foam material introduced in the middle of the metal grid structure.

In a further alternative embodiment, the fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is formed by at least one film material rolled up into a coil and having a grid structure. The shape of the coil or coils is included in particular adapted or adaptable to the internal shape of the collecting device and/or the individual trough(s) or segment(s) of the individual trough in order to achieve the greatest possible surface coverage.

As an alternative to forming one or more coils, the fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal lattice structure can, in an advantageous development of the invention (30), be formed by cylindrical bodies provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies preferably consisting of a rolled-up, lattice structure having film material are formed and form the metal grid structure provided according to the invention as a single or multi-layer layer. The bulk material can also be collected in liquid-permeable bags or containers and made available in the form of, for example, pillows. Their shape and size can then be adapted to the conditions at the place of use.

The heat-absorbing function of the metal grid structure, which is also present in all embodiments, is also referred to as the open lid effect.

In order to ensure that the liquid emerging from the storage tank flows in unhindered, it is provided that the individual troughs are open on their top side facing the storage tank. In addition to allowing the liquid to flow in unhindered, this also allows easier and faster pumping, for example with submersible pumps. In addition, the open-top design of the individual tubs makes it easier to extinguish liquids that have caught fire and are located in the respective individual tubs. The introduction of extinguishing foams or other extinguishing liquid into the tub or the collecting basin is thus significantly simplified.

An advantageous development of the invention provides that in the embodiment of the collecting device as a collecting trough, the collecting basin or the individual troughs have a floor and the floor has a slope extending away from the storage tank. Liquid flowing into the individual trough or the collecting basin thus collects in the area of the bottom of the individual trough or the collecting basin, which is furthest away from the tank jacket. If the liquid catches fire, there is a certain distance between the burning liquid and the Tank jacket secured. Due to the inclined floor surface, the liquid always flows to the lowest point of the individual tub or collecting basin. In addition to the fire protection effects, this also simplifies the removal of the escaping liquid, for example using pumps. Additional fire retardants, which are described below, can be placed or filled in the deepest area of the tub. This makes it possible to save fire-retardant material.

A further embodiment of the storage tank according to the invention, which is considered to be favorable, provides that the collecting basin or the individual troughs have a circumferential channel arranged on the bottom or one or more channel sections. Liquid flowing into the collecting basin or the individual troughs can be directed away from the storage tank via this channel or the channel sections. This increases security. Of course, there is also the possibility that in collecting basins or individual tubs that have an inclined floor, this slopes towards the channel or channel section. The channel or channel sections can also be connected to a drainage system to drain the collected liquid from the storage tank, for example into a collection or replacement tank. This design further reduces the risk to the storage tank, especially in the event of burning liquid. Even if the liquid catches fire, there is no heat development directly on the tank jacket that could permanently damage the tank jacket. It is also advantageous from an economic point of view to divert the escaping liquid and pour it into a separate storage container.

In a further development of the previously described storage tank with a channel or channel sections, it is considered favorable if the channel or the channel sections are completely or partially covered with a fuel-permeable, fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure or a fire- and explosion-retardant material. This further increases safety because the liquid escaping from the storage tank prevents a fire and significantly reduces the spread of the fire.

In connection with the development described above, it is considered advantageous if the channel or the channel sections have a drain. The liquid can then be drained into a safe area and collected there.

The use of a fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure in the storage tank according to the invention, the collecting device according to the invention and/or the individual trough according to the invention causes a metal wick effect. As a result, if the liquid collected in the collecting device and/or the individual trough catches fire, the burning rate is reduced by more than half, since the cooling effect significantly reduces the burning rate, and the development of smoke is also drastically reduced. As a rule, in the case of fires in conventional storage tanks, it can be observed that the heat from the fire, particularly over large areas, creates a strong thermodynamic flow effect, which leads to increased air access to the fire. The air fans the fire further through correspondingly disadvantageous flow dynamics or turbulence, increasing the burning rate and increasing temperature. This makes extinguishing work more difficult and quickly extinguishing the fire is almost impossible.

The use of a fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure in the storage tank according to the invention or the collecting device according to the invention or an individual trough almost completely avoids this flow effect or significantly reduces its effect. Firefighting measures can therefore be carried out more effectively and the tank shell can be better protected. The presence of the installed metal grid structure not only prevents the fire from igniting further and reduces the temperature of the fire, but also prevents the extinguishing agent, usually extinguishing foam, from being transported by the inflowing air. This increases the efficiency of the extinguishing measures and saves time for further extinguishing operations.

The metal grid structure, also known as FREAS (Fire Retarding Explosion Absorbing System), keeps the flame cool, reducing the rate of combustion and the associated smoke production. The fire and explosion-retardant metal grid structure acts according to the principle of the open lid as a pressure absorber in the event of explosions, but liquids can flow through this structure unhindered and collect in the channel or channel section. In a development of the storage tank according to the invention, it is characterized in that the outer walls of the individual troughs form an additional jacket of the storage tank that is closed on the circumference. The individual troughs or at least the outer troughs of the collecting device have a wall height that essentially corresponds to the height of the storage tank and thus form an outer or inner shell of the storage tank, spaced from the actual tank jacket. If the tank jacket is damaged, the liquid then enters the space between the shells and can be collected and drained away there. The second shell is preferably dimensioned such that the volume of the intermediate space essentially corresponds to that of the storage tank.

In this context, it is considered advantageous if the external collecting basin is assigned an additional or integrated outer wall that is higher than the collecting basin. The outer wall also serves to introduce the liquid into the respective individual troughs or the segments of the collecting basin. In this embodiment, it is irrelevant at what height of the storage tank damage has occurred, since the ejected liquid hits the outer wall and flows from it into the respective collecting trough. In this case, too, there are the advantages as already described above. Due to the segmentation of the collecting trough and the provision of individual troughs, liquid escape is limited to a clearly defined area of the collecting trough. Liquid is prevented from accumulating around the entire perimeter of the storage tank. Any fires that may arise due to the ignition of an air-gas mixture that forms will then remain limited to the area of the individual segments and cannot develop around the entire tank. This makes it easier to extinguish such fires and to drain away the escaping liquid.

An advantageous development of the storage tank according to the invention provides that in each individual trough or each segment of the collecting device or the collecting basin at least one overflow to at least one adjacent individual trough or each adjacent segment is provided. The overflow is, for example, a pipe section inserted into adjacent side walls of the individual tubs or a partition wall of the individual tubs or a segment wall or designed as an overflow edge cut out of the side or partition wall of the individual tub or the segment wall. This configuration ensures that when the individual tubs or segments are filled quickly, the liquid can flow in a controlled manner into the immediately adjacent individual tubs or segments. This increases the time until protective or countermeasures are taken, such as draining the escaping liquid. This configuration also allows better control of a developing fire, since it is ensured that the liquid or fire can only develop and spread in the original segment and the adjacent segments or individual troughs. Overall, this saves time for protective and extinguishing measures.

The overflow is preferably provided in the area below an upper edge of the individual tub and/or segment or is cut into these as overflow edges.

The overflow or overflow edge ensures that the surface of the collected liquid always remains below the top edge. The overflow or the overflow edge is provided below, preferably for example approximately 10 cm below the upper edge, or is installed in the area of approximately 2/3 of the height of the tub or segment wall.

The overflow or the overflow edge is provided below or within, but preferably always below, the surface of the metal grid structure inserted in the individual troughs or segments of the collecting trough. Preferably, the overflow or the overflow edge is arranged in the area of the upper third of the total height of the fire-retardant metal grid structure. The overflow or overflow edge ensures that the entire fire-retardant metal grid structure, or at least part of it, always remains above the liquid level and that the grid structure is never completely flooded. The interaction between the liquid and the metal grid structure creates an additional cooling effect that reduces the fire temperature.

In an advantageous development of the storage tank according to the invention, it is provided that the previously described explosion- and fire-retardant metal grid structure is filled in part of the individual troughs or in each individual trough. This has the advantage of preventing inflammation of the fluid that has entered these segments or tubs liquid is prevented. Should the liquid nevertheless ignite, the fire-retardant metal grid structure prevents the fire from spreading and excessive heat development during the fire. The fire-retardant metal grid structure completely or partially fills the interior of the individual trough or segments of the collecting basin and is arranged in the individual troughs or segments in such a way that complete flooding of the metal grid structure is prevented. This can be achieved, for example, by the metal grid structure projecting beyond the height of the individual tub. The fire-retardant metal grid structure can be arranged either floating or fixed in the segments or individual troughs of the collecting basin. It is considered advantageous if the fire-retardant metal grid structure is fixed below an upper edge of the individual trough, but projects beyond the upper edge and can therefore never be completely covered by liquid. As stated above, the overflow already described is conveniently arranged within or below the fire-retardant metal grid structure.

Fully or partially filling the individual tubs or segments of the collecting device with the fuel-permeable, fire-retardant metal grid structure or another fire- and explosion-retardant material further increases safety, since the liquid escaping from the storage tank prevents the liquid from burning or significantly prevents the expansion of a fire that develops is reduced. A metal wick effect also occurs when using the metal grid structure. As a result, if the liquid collected in individual trays or individual segments catches fire, the burning rate is reduced by more than half, as the cooling effect significantly reduces the burning rate. As a rule, in the case of fires in conventional storage tanks, it can be observed that the heat from the fire, particularly over large areas, creates a strong thermodynamic flow effect, which leads to increased air access to the fire. The air fans the fire further through correspondingly disadvantageous flow dynamics or turbulence, increasing the burning rate and increasing temperature. This makes extinguishing work more difficult and quickly extinguishing the fire is almost impossible. The use of the metal grid structure in the individual troughs or segments of the collecting trough on the storage tank according to the invention almost completely avoids this flow effect or significantly reduces its effect. Firefighting measures can therefore be carried out more effectively and the tank shell is better protected to be protected. The presence of the installed metal grid structure not only prevents the fire from igniting further and thus reduces the temperature of the fire, but also prevents the extinguishing agent, usually extinguishing foam, from being transported by the inflowing air. This increases the efficiency of the extinguishing measures and saves time for further extinguishing operations. Already the introduction of the fuel-permeable, fire-retardant metal grid structure or another fire- and explosion-retardant material in individual troughs or segments or trough or segment rings shows significant protective effects against the development of fire and explosions and increases the efficiency of extinguishing measures. This is mainly due to the segmentation of the collecting device according to the invention. It is therefore not absolutely necessary to equip all tubs or segments.

The metal grid structure, also known as FREAS (Fire Retarding Explosion Absorbing System), keeps the flame cool, reducing the rate of combustion and the associated smoke production. The fire-retardant metal grid structure acts as a pressure absorber in the event of explosions based on the principle of the open lid, but liquids can flow through this structure unhindered and collect in the collecting tray or the segments of the collecting tray.

In addition, in a further development of the invention it can be provided that a drainage system for rainwater or other liquids is provided within the individual troughs or segments, preferably arranged on the bottom side. This ensures that the individual trays or segments of the collecting basin are always empty and that in the event of damage, escaping liquid does not mix with collected water or the like.

A maximum radial extent in the embodiment of the collecting device as a collecting basin is essentially defined by the height of the storage tank. When creating or installing the collecting pan according to the invention on a storage tank, the height of the storage tank must be taken into account because this ultimately defines the maximum ejection distance of the liquid emerging from damage to the tank jacket. The higher the tank, the greater the radial expansion of the collecting basin must be chosen to ensure that a If there is damage, for example in the upper area of the storage tank, the escaping liquid can flow safely into the individual trays or segments of the collecting basin. This configuration ensures that all liquid is collected and that the liquid does not flow out uncontrolled into an area outside the collecting basin. The potential respective ejection distances can be calculated in a simple manner.

In any case, the accumulated volume of the individual troughs or segments essentially corresponds to the maximum volume of the storage tank. When dimensioning the collecting basin or producing the individual troughs to form the collecting basin after connection, this is calculated depending on the volume and height of the diameter of the storage tank and the collecting basin is planned and manufactured accordingly.

In a development of the storage tank according to the invention that is considered to be favorable, it is provided that in the area of an upper edge of the collecting device, the individual troughs or segments, an annular extinguishing and / or cooling device extending over the inner or outer circumference of the collecting device is provided. The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device is preferably arranged on the outer or inner circumference or centrally above the collecting device. It is possible for each individual trough or row of segments to be assigned a ring extinguishing and/or cooling device. In this embodiment, it is considered a favorable further development if the ring extinguishing device extends over the entire inner or outer circumference or is designed to be segmented. If a fire occurs due to liquid that has flowed into the collecting device, the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device can be used to react very quickly and the source of the fire can be contained or the fire extinguished. Ring extinguishing and/or cooling device can also be provided as a cooling device. In any case, by taking extinguishing measures quickly, the storage tank or tank casing in the area of the fire can be protected. The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device and in particular the embodiment provided in a preferred development of the invention as a water mist extinguishing system achieves, in addition to fighting the fire, also cooling of the tank jacket and thus prevents the jacket material from melting. The immediate initiation of extinguishing measures also prevents the fire from spreading Spread to neighboring storage tanks or the immediate surrounding area of the burning tank. By using a water mist extinguishing system, smoke development is also significantly reduced or limited to the immediate source of the fire. This simplifies extinguishing measures and protects the area around the burning tank from smoke.

In this context, it is considered favorable if the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device has water mist nozzles that are evenly arranged over its entire length. In this context, individual water mist nozzles can be activated in the area of the respective fire or the entire extinguishing system can be activated, thus achieving a cooling effect. The water mist nozzles are preferably designed in such a way that a strong nebulization of the liquid still occurs even at low pressures in the liquid line. The nozzles can also be designed in such a way that the emerging liquid forms a water or water mist curtain that encloses or at least shields the source of the fire.

The steam mist extinguisher can be activated quickly and thus contribute to containing a fire in the early phase. Steam mist extinguishing can also be integrated into existing extinguishing systems or combined with other systems as an additional extinguishing system. Overall, the use of a ring extinguishing line with water mist nozzles has several advantages. First of all, containing the fire or limiting its impact saves time before a more extensive extinguishing operation can be initiated. Furthermore, a smaller amount of extinguishing agent is necessary, since steam mist extinguishing can also be carried out without the addition of an extinguishing agent (e.g. AFFF), ie only with water as the extinguishing and/or cooling medium, in particular without triggering the otherwise negative effect of a grease fire. The steam mist extinguishing also has a cooling effect on the tank jacket and thus increases its service life in the event of a fire in the area. The extinguishing steam reduces the disadvantageous thermodynamics of the fire, also due to its cooling effect. Since smaller amounts of extinguishing agent/water are used, there is less contamination of the liquid emerging from the storage tank, for example the stored fuel, and the liquid can be cleaned more easily. In interaction with the material of the metal grid structure described above, in particular with the FREAS material, the steam mist extinguishing reduces the explosion area and thus the risk of explosion during the fire. In this context, it is considered advantageous if the ring quenching and/or cooling device is arranged below and/or above the metal grid structure. In the case of the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device arranged below the metal grid structure, the cooling function predominates in the event of a fire, while the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device arranged above the metal grid structure supports the fire-retardant properties of the metal grid structure in the event of a fire and significantly improves the fire-fighting options.

What is considered advantageous in this context is that the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device can be easily maintained. Connecting to an existing water pipe system ensures that no germs form in the extinguishing agent, which would reduce the extinguishing ability. When using a ring extinguishing and/or cooling device as described above, there is no need to stock up on conventional extinguishing agents, such as foams. The extinguishing ability of these foams generally decreases as they age, meaning that conventional extinguishing systems require a significant amount of maintenance. This is avoided by using a ring extinguishing and/or cooling device with water mist nozzles and the possible use of water as an extinguishing agent. Of course, it is also possible for the water atomized via the water mist nozzles to be mixed with an extinguishing agent. The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device can also be provided as a self-sufficient system and then has a storage tank for the extinguishing agent, usually water, as well as a suitable pumping system, optionally provided with a self-sufficient power generator, which is activated in the event of a fire, then the liquid pressed and misted through the water mist nozzles. The size and performance of the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device is of course adapted to the size of the storage tank or its volume.

The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device can be arranged on the outside of the storage tank with the collecting device arranged on the outer circumference. If the collecting device is provided on the floating inner roof of a storage tank, the ring extinguishing and / or cooling device is arranged inside the tank and there Reception facility assigned. This includes storage tanks with both closed and open roofs. When combining external and internal collecting devices, a ring extinguishing and/or cooling device is preferably assigned to both.

The invention also includes the collecting device of the storage tank described above and has all the features described there with reference to the collecting device. The collecting device can be arranged on storage tanks when they are newly built or retrofitted on existing storage tanks. The collecting device is either arranged in prefabricated individual parts on the storage tank or on the inner roof of the storage tank or is manufactured directly there. If the storage tank already has a collecting basin, the collecting device according to the invention or a collecting basin is produced by installing partition walls and thereby producing a segmentation. The arrangement of the collecting device according to the invention on or in a storage tank is not limited to retrofitting existing storage tanks, but can also be planned and manufactured when new storage tanks of this type are manufactured. Regarding the features of the collecting device or the collecting basin, reference is made to the previous description of the storage tank. As already stated, the collecting device is formed by connecting a large number of prefabricated individual troughs. Alternatively, individual trays can be used in a prefabricated structure, for example a catch basin, to achieve segmentation. The segmentation and formation of individual troughs can also be created by installing partitions in an existing or prefabricated ring or annular catch basin.

In an advantageous embodiment of the collecting device according to the invention in a storage tank with a closed or open roof and a preferably floating inner roof arranged in the tank interior, the collecting device extends over the entire inner roof. Also included in this case is an embodiment in which the collecting device is only provided in the area of the sealing gap between the inner roof and an inner circumference of the tank jacket. The invention covers both the interior and exterior of storage tanks Reception devices are provided, which can of course also be combined with one another.

In summary, the following advantages compared to conventional storage tanks can be achieved by designing a storage tank according to the invention:

If the escaping liquid catches fire, the fire area, i.e. the extent of the fire, is reduced and limited to this by the segmentation or the individual troughs. This makes a concentrated extinguishing agent attack possible and is more effective when using less extinguishing agent.

The fire area can be led away from the tank jacket in order to keep the temperature load on the jacket material lower. This means that the strength of the tank shell, which is usually made of steel, is maintained for a longer period of time.

The metal grid structure used in one embodiment of the invention (preferably FREAS) keeps the flame cool, reduces the burning rate and the associated smoke development.

The fire-retardant metal grid structure acts as a pressure absorber based on the open lid principle, but liquids can flow through this structure unhindered.

The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device provided in one embodiment of the invention, in particular when designed with water mist nozzles that generate steam or water mist, adds further advantages:

The ring extinguishing and/or cooling device is quickly ready for use in the event of a fire. The water mist or steam mist extinguishing that can be achieved with this can be integrated into existing extinguishing systems or combined with other systems as an additional extinguishing system. The storage tank or tank jacket can also be additionally cooled using the ring extinguishing and/or cooling device.

This results in a time saving for extinguishing operations and less extinguishing agent is required Water mist or steam mist extinguishing can also be carried out without the addition of extinguishing agents, e.g. A3F or AFFF.

Water mist or steam mist extinguishing has a cooling effect and promotes lower thermodynamics of the fire. Due to the smaller amounts of extinguishing agent, the contamination of the liquid to be extinguished, for example fuel, is reduced and is easier to clean.

The water mist or steam mist, in conjunction with the fire-retardant metal grid structure (preferably a FREAS material), reduces the explosion area and the tendency to explode and the impact of a gas mixture that forms.

In the collecting device, too, the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure can be formed from a foil material rolled up into at least one coil and having a grid structure, the shape of the coil(s) being adapted to the internal shape of the collecting device and/or the individual trough(s) or Segment(s) of the individual tub is adapted or adaptable.

Alternatively, in the collecting device according to the invention, the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure can also be formed by cylindrical bodies provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies preferably being formed from a rolled-up film material having a grid structure.

The collecting device according to the invention has all of the functions previously described in connection with the storage tank and achieves the same advantages.

The invention also includes an individual trough, which can be used in particular in or on a storage tank described above or as a collecting device as described above.

In the individual trough according to the invention, a fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is preferably provided floating or fixed below an upper edge of the individual trough. It is considered favorable if the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure completely or partially fills the interior of the individual tub and preferably at least partially exceeds the height of the individual tub.

The fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is preferably formed from a film material rolled up into at least one coil and having a grid structure, the shape of the coil or coils being adaptable to the internal shape of the individual tub.

Alternatively, the invention also includes an embodiment of the individual trough with fire and explosion protection, in which the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure is formed by cylindrical bodies provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies preferably consisting of a rolled-up, grid structure having film material are formed. The bulk material can also be collected in liquid-permeable bags or containers and made available in the form of, for example, pillows. Their shape and size can then be adapted to the conditions at the place of use.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown in several representations. It shows:

1 shows a storage tank according to the invention in a perspective view,

1 shows a detailed view of the storage tank in a sectional view,

3 is a schematic representation of a storage tank in plan view,

4a is a schematic representation of a collecting trough,

Fig. 4b is a detailed view from Fig. 4a,

5 shows a further embodiment of a storage tank in a sectional view,

6 shows a further embodiment of a storage tank with a running channel in a sectional view,

Fig. 7 is a graphical representation of the relationships between storage tank height and ejection distance of the liquid. 8a shows a further embodiment of a storage tank with a closed roof with a floating inner roof (fixed roof tank with floating roof) in a sectional view,

8b shows a further embodiment of a storage tank with a closed roof with a floating inner roof (fixed roof tank with internal floating roof), also in a sectional view,

8c is a detailed view of the sealing gap of the embodiment of a storage tank shown in FIG. 8b,

Fig. 9a shows an embodiment of the fire and explosion-retardant metal grid structure as bulk material and

Fig. 9b shows a further embodiment of the fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure as a coil.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an open storage tank 10, in the exemplary embodiment a so-called floating roof tank. This has a tank jacket 11 which delimits the receiving space 14 for the stored liquid F. A collecting device 40 designed as a collecting basin 20 is arranged concentrically to the tank jacket 11. This completely surrounds the tank jacket 11 and serves to absorb the escaping liquid F in the event of damage 13 to the tank jacket 11. 1 shows the situation without a segmented collecting basin 20. For reasons of fire protection, there is a fire-retardant metal grid structure 30, known per se and referred to in one embodiment as FREAS, both on the floating inner roof 80 of the storage tank 10 and on the floor 17 of the collecting basin 20 built-in. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 controls the effect of an explosion as a pressure absorber and consequently the fire in the event of an ignition of an oxygen-gas mixture forming in the area of the collecting basin 20 and keeps fanning wind away from the surface of the leaked liquid, in particular fuel. The burning rate in this area is reduced by more than half and leads to more operational time for extinguishing measures. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 described here can be used in all embodiments of the storage tank 10 according to the invention and is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 is, for example, a preferably circular structure provided with a buoyancy body, in the interior of which a foam body is provided, which ensures the buoyancy of the metal grid structure 30 on the incoming liquid.

A possible local prevailing wind and the fire-related thermodynamics greatly reduce the possibility of fanning the fire. The flame temperature is lower and smoke development is greatly reduced. The wind effect is mitigated by the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 on its surface OF. This reduces smoke development with a smaller fire.

Fig. 2 shows a sectional view through a storage tank 10, which is designed according to the invention. This has a tank jacket 11, which limits the receiving space 14 for a volume of liquid. In the area of the floor 17, the collecting basin 20 encompassing the entire outer circumference 61 of the storage tank 10 is arranged. As shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, this has a concentric division. This division is created by partition walls 23 which are also placed concentrically in the collecting basin 20 or by adjacent side walls of the individual tubs 21. This results in a segmentation of the collecting basin 20 into individual troughs 21, which are separated from one another. If there is intentional or negligent damage 13 to the tank shell 11, liquid F is ejected from the storage tank 10. Depending on the height of the tank and the position of the damage 13, this happens according to a calculable curve (see Fig. 7). The ejected liquid F flows into the collecting basin 20 and can be collected there or safely removed from there. In addition to the partitions 23 shown in FIG. 2, further radial partitions 23 are also installed in the collecting basin 20 (see FIG. 3). This results in a large number of individual troughs 21. A fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 is arranged in the collecting basin 20 (see FIG. 3). This is set in the upper third of the collecting basin 20. The liquid emerging from the storage tank 10 can penetrate the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30, but can never completely flood it and thus infect the individual tubs 21. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 has various advantages. On the one hand, an oxygen-gas mixture forming in the collecting basin 20 is prevented from burning too quickly, since the burning rate and the heat development are significantly reduced by the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30. In addition, in the event of an explosion in the area between the metal grid structure 30 and the tank wall 11, the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 absorbs explosion-related excess and subsequent negative pressure, thereby preventing major consequential damage to the tank wall 11 or the storage tank 10 as well as spreading to adjacent storage tanks 10. An additional advantage of the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 is the reduction in the development of smoke when the liquid F flowing into the individual troughs 21 burns. The outer wall 24 of the collecting basin 20 is raised higher than the partition walls 23. This prevents an uncontrolled outflow of liquid when the individual tubs 21 are completely filled. In embodiments of the invention, the volume of the collecting basin 20 essentially corresponds to the volume of the storage tank 10. The individual troughs 21 are clearly demarcated from one another by the partitions 23. The emerging liquid F is therefore first collected in a few individual troughs 21 in the ejection area of the liquid F. If the affected individual tubs 21 are filled with liquid F, an overflow 25 arranged in the partitions 23 (see FIG. 3) transfers the liquid F into the nearest individual tubs 21, which are then filled next. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the overflow 25 is designed as a pipe section 26 inserted into the partition walls 23. Of course, both the radial and the concentric partitions 23 are provided with a corresponding overflow 25. The overflows 25 can also be designed as overflow edges (not shown) cut into the partition walls 23 with a reduced wall height in the area of the overflow edges.

In the area of the upper edge 19 of the collecting basin 20 or the individual troughs 21, ring extinguishing devices 50 are provided which are assigned to each row of troughs and extend over the circumference of the collecting basin 20. A corresponding ring extinguishing device 50 is also installed in the embodiment of the storage tank 10 shown in FIGS. 4b, 5, 6, 8a and 8b. The ring extinguishing device 50 not only has a function as an extinguishing device, but also provides cooling through the atomization of liquid. The ring quenching device 50 shown here is therefore to be viewed as a ring quenching and cooling device in the sense of the invention described above. If a fire occurs in liquid F collected in the collecting basin 20, the ring extinguishing devices 50 can be used to react very quickly and the source of the fire can be contained or the fire extinguished. By quickly initiating extinguishing measures, protection of the storage tank 10 or the tank jacket 11 in the area of the fire is ensured. The ring extinguishing devices 50 are designed, for example, as a water mist extinguishing system and, in addition to fighting the fire, also cool the tank jacket 11 and reduce the temperature load up to the melting of the jacket material. This significantly increases the intervention time for the extinguishing attack, preferably by firefighters. The immediate initiation of extinguishing measures prevents the fire from spreading to neighboring storage tanks 10 or from surrounding the burning storage tank 10. By using a water mist extinguishing system, the development of smoke is also significantly reduced or limited to the immediate source of the fire. This simplifies the extinguishing measures and protects the surroundings of the burning storage tank 10 from the development of smoke. The ring extinguishing devices 50 have water mist nozzles 51 (see FIG. 4b) which are evenly distributed over their entire length and which generate a water mist or water vapor curtain which is used to extinguish the fire or to contain the development of smoke. The ring extinguishing device 50 is connected to an existing water pipe system and thus ensures that sufficient extinguishing agent can be supplied at all times. Water consumption is very low compared to conventional extinguishing systems. In an emergency, the embodiment according to the invention allows, in combination with the metal grid structure 30 (FREAS), no other extinguishing agent additive, for example A3F or AFFF, such as foam, to be stored, whose extinguishing ability decreases with age and which must be replaced regularly. The ring extinguishing devices 50 can also be provided as a self-sufficient system, which then has at least one storage tank for the extinguishing agent, usually water, as well as a suitable pump system, optionally provided with a self-sufficient generator, which is activated in the event of a fire and then the extinguishing liquid through the water mist nozzles 51 presses and nebulizes. The size and performance of the ring extinguishing device 50 and the number of water mist nozzles 51 are adapted to the size of the storage tank 10 and the collecting basin 20 or their respective volumes. Alternatively or in addition to the embodiment shown here, a further ring extinguishing device can be installed below the fire and explosion-proof metal grid structure 30 can be installed. In the event of a fire, this causes the atomized liquid to not only inhibit and fight fire but also cool the metal grid structure 30 and the tank jacket. Another ring extinguishing device 50 is provided in the area of the roof 15 of the storage tank 10 and is used to extinguish or contain a fire that may develop there and to cool the tank jacket or roof.

Fig. 3 shows schematically a storage tank 10 with a collecting pan surrounding it

20 in top view. The division of the collecting basin 20 into a large number of individual troughs 21 can be seen in FIG. The segmentation is achieved by installing radial and concentric partitions 23. Of course, it is also possible to create the collecting basin 20 by connecting prefabricated individual tubs

21 to create. It is also conceivable that first the outer wall 24 is set up at a corresponding distance from the storage tank 10 and then the space of the collecting basin 20 defined thereby is segmented by inserting partition walls 23. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, damage 13 of the tank shell 11 is shown schematically, from which the liquid F stored in the storage tank 10 emerges. The outflowing liquid F fills the individual troughs 21 of the collecting basin 20 present in the immediate area of the damage 13 and initially only fills these with the escaping liquid F. Which individual troughs 21 are filled first depends on the height at which the tank jacket 11 was damaged. This results in different ejection distances for the liquid and the filling of the respective individual tubs 21. If individual tubs 21 are filled with liquid F, liquid F enters the overflows 25 described in connection with FIG Single tubs 21 a. The escaping liquid F thus remains limited to a defined area of the collecting basin 20 and cannot spread uncontrollably throughout the entire collecting basin 20. If the liquid F catches fire, extinguishing measures can be limited to the individual troughs 21 directly affected. The liquid F can also be removed from these individual troughs 21 at certain points and drained away until the damage 13 to the tank shell 11 has been repaired. If the liquid F ignites, extensive damage 13 to the tank jacket 11 can be effectively prevented. The damage 13 can be hole-shaped, for example caused by bombardment, crack-like or unspecified, for example, be designed as a group of holes, cracks or other openings penetrating the tank jacket 11.

Fig. 4a shows the collecting trough 20 already described in connection with Fig. 2 in detail. The partition walls 23, which segment or divide the collecting basin 20, can be seen. Each individual trough 21 is assigned a fire-retardant metal structure 30, which is arranged in the upper third of the individual trough 21. This metal grid structure 30 has the advantages already described when the liquid F flowing into the respective individual troughs 21 or an flammable air-gas mixture that forms there ignites. Also visible in Fig. 4a are the overflows 25 inserted into the partitions 23, here also in the form of pipe sections 26. If one of the individual tubs 21 is filled with liquid, the nearest individual tub(s) 21 is filled via the overflows 25.

The overflows 25 are arranged in the individual troughs 21 in such a way that a distance between the maximum liquid height in the individual troughs 21 and the surface OF of the metal grid structure 30 is ensured when the individual troughs 21 fill up. The metal grid structure 30 is never completely covered by the liquid.

Fig. 4b shows the overflow 25 in detail. The overflow 25 or the pipe section 26 is arranged within, but below, the first third below the surface OF of the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30. The liquid F only rises up to a maximum of a third of the total height of the metal grid structure 30, i.e. up to a defined tub height of at least 10 cm below the surface OF of the metal grid structure 30 in the exemplary embodiment. The tub height represents the maximum filling height of the individual tubs 21 or of the entire Collecting basin 20, in which the metal grid structure 30 is not completely covered. The possible maximum filling is ensured by appropriate arrangement of the overflows 25. The overflow 25 for the liquid is arranged so that it is below the surface of the metal grid structure 30, preferably between 5 to 10 cm below the upper edge of the metal grid structure 30. The liquid can never flood the metal grid structure 30.

The individual troughs 21, which are open at the top, are closed off by the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30. The metal grid structure 30 is designed in such a way that Liquid F emerging from the storage tank 10 can penetrate the metal grid structure 30 in order to collect in the individual trough 21 underneath. If the liquid in the individual trough 21 catches fire, the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 reduces the fire temperature and the development of smoke during the fire. In addition, the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 also has an explosion-proof, ie pressure-absorbing effect, both with regard to the excess pressure during an explosion and the negative pressure that occurs after the explosion. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 can, as shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 4b, be fixed in the upper third of the respective individual trough 21. An alternative embodiment provides that the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 is placed floating in the individual tubs 21 and is carried upwards floating on the liquid during the filling process. The fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 can be designed as a connected structure, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4b. At the same time, it is also possible to create the fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 from several buoyancy bodies that are not connected to one another, but completely fill the individual trough 21 overall. These buoyancy bodies have a foam-like internal structure that ensures buoyancy. Alternatively, the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 can be formed from a foil material having a grid structure rolled up into at least one coil 100 (see FIG. 9b), the shape of the coil or coils 100 being adapted to the internal shape of the collecting device 40 and/or the individual tub(s) 21 or segment(s) of the individual tub 21 is adapted or adaptable.

Alternatively, the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 can also be formed by cylindrical bodies 101 provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies 101 (see FIG. 9a) preferably being formed from a rolled-up film material having a grid structure.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a storage tank 10 according to the invention. This is also provided with a collecting basin 20, the outer wall 24 of which extends almost over the entire height H of the storage tank 10. This creates a relatively narrow but high collecting basin 20. This collecting basin 20 also has the previously described segmentation or chambering. Depending on the position of damage 13 in the tank jacket 11, the liquid F occurs into the corresponding individual tub 21 and is collected there. The segmentation of the collecting basin 20 here also causes a limitation of the volume of the collecting basin 20 to the areas of the tank shell 11 that are directly assigned to the damage 13. Fire-retardant metal grid structures 30 are also introduced into the individual troughs 21 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, which are those already described above Benefits and functions fulfill. There are additional ring extinguishing devices 50 in the collecting pan 20 at different heights.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the storage tank 10 according to the invention. In this, the collecting basin 20 or the individual troughs 21 forming it have a circumferential channel 16 provided on the bottom. Liquid F flowing into the collecting basin 20 or the individual troughs 21 can be directed away from the storage tank 10 via this channel 16. The channel 16 is provided in the collecting basin 20 in an area that is as far away as possible from the storage tank 10 in order to ensure the greatest possible distance between the collected liquid F and the storage tank 10. The segmented collecting basin 20 or the individual troughs 21 forming it have a slope, so that the floor 17 slopes towards the channel 16 on both sides of the channel 16. The channel 16 can be connected to a drainage system, not shown in FIG. 6, in order to drain the emerging liquid F collected in the channel 16 from the storage tank 10, for example into a collection or replacement tank. The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 further reduces the risk for the storage tank 10, particularly when liquid F is burning. There is no heat development directly on the tank jacket 11 that permanently damages the tank jacket 10, even if the liquid F catches fire. The channel 16 can also be completely or partially covered with a fuel-permeable, fire-retardant metal grid structure 30 or another liquid-permeable fire- and explosion-retardant material.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the storage tank 10 is set up on a foundation 18, shown here as brick. Of course, the foundation 18 can also be cast from concrete or created in another way known to those skilled in the art, for example using a round metal collecting channel (not shown). The channel 16 or the collecting channel is also integrated into this foundation 18. Of course, there is also the possibility that the collecting basin 20 as well as the Individual tubs 21 and also the channel 16 are made as separately manufactured structures, for example made of metal. The inclination of the floor 17 can then be adjusted during the manufacture of the individual tubs 21 or the collecting basin 20.

From Fig. 6 the relationship between ejection widths Wa, Wb, Wc of the liquid F and the radial expansion of the collecting trough 20 can also be seen again. A small ejection distance results from damage 13 to the tank jacket 11 in its upper area furthest away from the bottom 17. The liquid comes out there more slowly and with less pressure and therefore reaches the collecting basin 20 earlier. The largest ejection width Wc is reached approximately in the middle if the tank jacket 11 is damaged 13. There the pressure is the throw distance of the liquid F the highest. The radical extension of the collecting basin 20 must take this object into account and be able to accommodate the largest ejection width Wa, Wb, Wc. The individual trough 21 assigned to the channel 16 also has a ring extinguishing device 50 in the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 6, it is also sufficient to arrange only one row of tubs in the area of the channel 16, since the channel 16, due to the inclination of the bottom 17 of the collecting basin 20, supplies the liquid F to the row of tubs or the surrounding individual tub 21 and fills it in the process . The partition walls 23 of the row of tubs or the surrounding individual tub 21 raise the height of the channel in an area far away from the storage tank 10 and achieve the advantages according to the invention there.

Fig. 7 shows again schematically different ejection widths Wa, Wb, Wc of the liquid F depending on the position of the damage 13 relative to the height H of the storage tank 10 or the tank jacket 11. The ejection width Wa, Wb, Wc and thus the design of the collecting basin 20 can be determined by simple calculation and the collecting basin 20 can then be dimensioned depending on the height H or size and volume of the storage tank 10.

8a and 8b show storage tanks 10 with closed tank roofs 15 and floating inner roofs 80 arranged in the tank interior 70, so-called fixed roof tanks with floating roof. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8a, the collecting device 40 extends over the entire surface of the inner roof 80. In the exemplary embodiment 8b, the collecting device 40 is only provided in the area of the sealing gap 90 between the inner roof 80 and the inner circumference 60 of the tank jacket 11.

In both embodiments, a ring extinguishing device 50 is arranged in the area of the sealing gap 90 as described above. In addition, further ring extinguishing devices 50 are provided below the roof 15 of the tank 10. In the event of a fire, the entire internal volume space of the storage tank 10 can be filled with nebulized extinguishing liquid and achieve a cooling effect in addition to a fire-retarding or fire-extinguishing effect. The ring extinguishing devices 50 preferably moves with the up and down movement of the internal floating roof 80. The collecting devices 40 of FIGS. 8a and 8b are each provided with a fuel-permeable, fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30, which also shows the effects already described above in the event of a fire. The metal grid structure 30 can be on the entire surface of the inner roof 80 or only in certain segments or areas - such as, for example, as shown in Fig. 8b on the sealing gap 90, i.e. in the sensitive area of the so-called foam ring above a sealing ring in the sealing gap 90 on the floating inner roof 80 - be provided. The collecting devices 40 of the storage tanks 10 shown have the same segmentation as the embodiments previously described as a collecting trough 20. In addition to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, a combination of the collecting device 40 shown with collecting troughs 20 arranged on the outer circumference 61 of the storage tanks 10 can of course also take place. This results in effective protection of the storage tank 10 or the tank contents that leak if damaged from subsequent explosions or fires, both inside the so-called floating-roof tank shown here as an example and on its outside.

Fig. 8c shows a detailed view of a section of the storage tank 10 with the closed tank roof 15 from Fig. 8b. and floating inner roofs 80 arranged in the tank interior 70, so-called fixed roof tanks with a floating roof, the roof of the internal floating roof tank 10. The fire and explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 (FREAS) 30 is there in the area between the foam ring (91), ie a barrier for extinguishing foam introduced in the event of a fire and the sealing lip 92 between the tank jacket 11 and floating inner roofs 80. The fires- and explosion-proof metal grid structure 30 thus covers the possible exit area of a liquid from the interior of the tank and protects against fires and explosions in the manner described above. The fire and explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 can be provided in the form of cushions 102, as shown by way of example in FIG. 9a, in the form of bulk material or in liquid-permeable bags or containers. Alternatively, the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 can also be provided in the form of coils 100, as shown in FIG. 9b. The shape of the coils 100 is adapted to the shape of the area to be filled. The fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30 is in any case tightly packed into the area between the foam ring 91 and the tank wall 11 and overlays the sealing gap 90 and the sealing lip 92 located therein.

The illustration shows the embodiment for storage tanks 10 with a closed tank roof 15 and a floating inner roof 80. However, the invention is not limited to this and can also be used for storage tanks with an open tank roof 15.

9a and 9b show alternative embodiments of the fire- and explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30.

9a shows an embodiment of the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30, which is formed from cylindrical bodies 101. The cylindrical bodies 101 are formed from a rolled-up film material having a lattice structure and can be provided in the form of bulk material. The bulk material can also be collected in liquid-permeable bags or containers and made available in the form of the cushions 102 shown in FIG. 9a. Their shape and size can then be adapted to the conditions at the place of use.

Fig. 9b shows a further alternative embodiment of the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure 30. In the exemplary embodiment, this is formed from a band made of a metallic foil material which is rolled up into at least one coil 100 and has a grid structure. The shape of the coil or coils 100 can vary the internal shape of the collecting device 40 and/or the individual trough(s) 21 or segments) of the individual trough 21 can be adjusted during or after the coils 100 have been manufactured.

Reference number list 50 ring eraser

51 water mist nozzles

10 storage tank 60 inner circumference

11 tank jacket 61 outer circumference

13 Damage 70 Tank interior

14 recording room 80 inner roof

15 tank roof 90 sealing gap

16 channel 91 foam ring

17 base 92 sealing lip

18 foundation 100 coil

19 top edge 101 cylindrical body

20 collecting basins 102 cushions

21 single tub 103 volume

23 partition

24 external wall OF surface

25 Overflow F liquid

26 pipe section H height

30 metal grid structure Wa, Wb, Wc ejection range

40 Reception facility

Claims

Expectations

1 . Storage tank (10), in particular large storage tank for in particular flammable liquids, with a tank jacket (11), characterized in that on the inner circumference (60) and / or outer circumference (61) there is a collecting device (40) with segmentation for from a tank interior (70) escaping liquid (F) is provided.

2. Storage tank (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the collecting device (40) is designed as a collecting basin (20) arranged on an outer circumference (61) of the tank jacket (11) and extending concentrically thereto.

3. Storage tank (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the collecting device (40) has a plurality of adjacently arranged, in particular connected, individual troughs (21).

4. Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fire- and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided distributed over the entire collecting device (40) and/or in individual or each individual trough (21) or segment is which completely or partially fills the interior of the individual tub (21).

5. Storage tank (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided fixed in the individual trough (21) below an upper edge (19).

6. Storage tank (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided lying on a grid or floating in the individual trough (21) or the segment.

7. Storage tank (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) in particular with a buoyancy body, preferably filled with a fuel-resistant, curable foam material introduced in the middle of the fire-retardant metal grid structure (30). Storage tank (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is formed from a foil material having a grid structure rolled up into at least one coil (100), the shape of the or the coils (100) can be adapted to the internal shape of the collecting device and/or the individual trough(s) (21) or segments) of the individual trough (21). Storage tank (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is formed by essentially cylindrical bodies (101) provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies ( 101) are preferably formed from a rolled-up film material having a grid structure. Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage tank (10) is designed with a closed or open roof (15) and has a preferably floating inner roof (80) arranged in the tank interior (70), the collecting device ( 40) extends over the entire surface of the inner roof (80) and / or is provided in the area of the sealing gap (90) between the inner roof (80) and an inner circumference (60) of the tank jacket (11). Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the area of the upper edge (19) of the collecting device (40) or the individual troughs (21) at least one extends over the inner circumference (60) or the outer circumference (61) of the collecting device ( 40) extending ring quenching and/or cooling device (50) is provided, wherein the ring quenching and/or cooling device (50) is preferably located on the entire or partial areas of the outer circumference (61) or the inner circumference (60) and/or centrally above the Collecting device (40) and preferably above and / or below the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is arranged. Storage tank (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the ring extinguishing and / or cooling device (50) is designed as a water mist extinguishing and / or cooling system and preferably a plurality of evenly over the entire length of the ring extinguishing and / or or cooling device (50) arranged water mist nozzles (51). Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual troughs (21) have a radial and/or concentric segmentation. Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual troughs (21) are formed by partition walls (23) built into the collecting device (40). Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting device (40) or the individual troughs (21) forming it form a preferably annular structure corresponding to an external or internal geometry of the storage tank (10). Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the individual troughs (21) are open on their top. Storage tank (10) according to one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that the collecting basin (20) or the individual troughs (21) have a bottom (17) and the bottom (17) has a slope extending away from the storage tank (10). Storage tank (10) according to one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that the collecting basin (20) or the individual troughs (21) has a circumferential channel (16) provided on the bottom or one or more channel sections. Storage tank (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the channel (16) or the channel sections are completely or partially covered with or equipped with a fuel-permeable fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) or a fire and explosion-retardant material. Storage tank (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the channel (16) or the channel sections have a drain. Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer walls (24) of the individual troughs (21) form a circumferentially closed double jacket of the storage tank (10) or are arranged in an intermediate space of the double jacket. Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each individual trough (21) or each segment at least one overflow (25) is provided to at least one adjacent individual trough (21) or each adjacent segment, the overflow (25) is designed in particular as a pipe section (26) inserted into a side wall or partition (23) of the individual trough (21) or a segment wall or as an overflow edge and/or the overflow (25) is preferably in the area below an upper edge of the individual trough (21 ) and/or the segment is provided. Storage tank (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that the overflow (25) is arranged within or below the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30). Storage tank (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drainage system for rainwater is provided within the individual troughs (21) or segments, preferably arranged on the bottom side. Collecting device (40) of a storage tank (10), in particular a storage tank (10) according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the collecting device (40) has a segmentation and is formed from one or a plurality of adjacently arranged individual troughs (21). Collecting device (40) according to claim 25, characterized in that the storage tank (10) is designed with a closed or open roof (15) and has a preferably floating inner roof (80) arranged in the tank interior (70), the collecting device (40) extends over the entire inner roof (80) and / or is provided in the area of the sealing gap (90) between the inner roof (80) and an inner circumference (60) of the tank jacket (11) and / or the collecting device (40) as on the outer circumference (61) of the storage tank (10) arranged collecting basin (20) is provided. Collecting device (40) according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the collecting device (40) is formed by connecting a plurality of individual, prefabricated individual troughs (21) or by setting one or more individual troughs (21) in a prefabricated collecting device (40 ) and/or a prefabricated collecting basin (20) or a segmentation and formation of individual troughs (21) by installing partitions (23) in a prefabricated collecting device (40) and/or a prefabricated collecting basin (20). Collecting device (40) according to claim 27, characterized in that in individual or each individual trough (21) or individual or each segment, a fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided, which covers the interior of the individual trough (21) or the segment completely or partially fills and at least partially exceeds the height of the individual trough (21) or the segment. Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that the collecting device (40) is formed by a single individual trough (21). Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 29, characterized in that in each individual trough (21) or each segment at least one overflow (25) is provided to at least one adjacent individual trough (21) or one adjacent segment, the overflow (25) in particular as a pipe section (26) inserted into a wall of the individual trough (21) or a segment wall or as Overflow edge is formed. Collecting device (40) according to claim 30, characterized in that the overflow (25) is provided in the area below an upper edge (19) of the individual trough (21) and/or the segment. Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided fixed below an upper edge (19) of the individual trough (21) or the segment. Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 32, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is provided floating in the individual trough (21) or the segment. Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 33, characterized in that the overflow (25) is arranged within or below the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30). Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is formed from a metallic foil material having a grid structure rolled up into at least one coil (100), the shape of which or the coils (100) can be adapted to the internal shape of the collecting device (40) and/or the individual trough(s) (21) or segment(s) of the individual trough (21). Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that the fire and/or explosion retardant Metal grid structure (30) is formed by essentially cylindrical bodies (101) provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies preferably being formed from a rolled-up metallic foil material having a grid structure. Collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 36, characterized in that in the area of an upper edge (19) of the collecting device (40) and / or the collecting basin (20) at least one extends over the inner or outer circumference of the collecting device (40) and / or the collecting basin

(20) extending ring quenching and/or cooling device (50) is provided, wherein the ring quenching and/or cooling device (50) is preferably on the outer circumference (61) or on the inner circumference (60) and/or centrally above the collecting device (40) and / or the collecting basin (20) and / or below the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is arranged. Collecting device (40) according to claim 37, characterized in that the ring extinguishing and / or cooling device (50) is designed as a water mist extinguishing and / or cooling system and preferably a plurality of evenly over the entire length of the ring extinguishing and / or cooling device (50) arranged water mist nozzles (51). Individual trough (21), in particular for use in a storage tank (10) according to one of claims 1 to 24 or as a collecting device (40) according to one of claims 25 to 38, wherein below an upper edge (19) of the individual trough (21) there is a fireproof and/or explosion-proof metal grid structure (30) is provided floating or fixed. Single tub according to claim 39, characterized in that the fire and/or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) completely or partially fills the interior of the individual tub (21) and the height of the individual tub

(21) at least partially overhangs. Single tub (21) according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) consists of a at least one coil (100) rolled up, metallic foil material having a lattice structure is formed, the shape of the coil or coils (100) being adaptable to the internal shape of the individual tub. Individual tub (21) according to one of claims 39 to 41, characterized in that the fire and / or explosion-retardant metal grid structure (30) is formed by essentially cylindrical bodies (101) provided in the form of bulk material, the cylindrical bodies ( 101) are preferably formed from a rolled-up metallic foil material having a lattice structure.