US4653312A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Storage tanks having formed rigid jacket for secondary containment
Assignee: Modern Welding Co Inc
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Filing: 1986-01-31
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Granted: 1987-03-31
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Expires: 2006-01-31
Abstract
Abstract A method of making a jacketed storage tank comprises applying a separating agent over the storage tank, applying a layer of fibrous reinforcing material on the separating agent, and thereafter applying a resinous material. The resultant jacket, covering at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank, is structurally independent therefrom. True secondary containment can be provided by the jacket. A fail safe containment storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detector to monitor the closed space between the storage tank and jacket for tank or jacket leakage.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce R. Sharp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 02:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M3/00; G01M3/02; G01M3/04; G01M3/20; G01M3/22; G01M3/226; B; B65; B65D; B65D90/00; B65D90/48; B65D90/50; B65D90/501; B65D90/503; B65D90/505; B65D90/507; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S220/00; Y10S220/23
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of adding secondary containment capability to a rigid storage tank, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a gas pervious material to a rigid storage tank so that a subsequently formed jacket will not adhere to the tank; and (b) applying a fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material onto the gas pervious material to cover at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank so that when cured, a jacket independent of the storage tank is formed having sufficient structural strength to contain the liquid in the rigid storage tank which may leak therefrom and having the capability of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks without suffering substantial surface deformation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
118 words
A method of adding secondary containment capability to a rigid storage tank, comprising the steps of: (a) applying a gas pervious material to a rigid storage tank so that a subsequently formed jacket will not adhere to the tank; and (b) applying a fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material onto the gas pervious material to cover at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank so that when cured, a jacket independent of the storage tank is formed having sufficient structural strength to contain the liquid in the rigid storage tank which may leak therefrom and having the capability of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks without suffering substantial surface deformation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is a metal tank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is made of a fibrous reinforced resinous material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the storage tank contains support ribs surrounding its circumference so as to withstand external forces when buried underground.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the jacket substantially conforms to the contour of the storage tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is a used tank which is first refurbished by repairing weakened areas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the weakened areas are repaired with a resinous material which will adhere to the storage tank and which is resistant to liquid stored in the tank.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of applying a vacuum of at least about 3 inches mercury to the tank prior to being refurbished so as to determine if it is structurally sound and capable of being refurbished to a state equivalent to a new storage tank.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fibrous reinforcing material is fiberglass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surface of the gas pervious material which is exposed to the resinous material is first sealed to prevent substantial penetration of the resinous material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the gas pervious material is sealed with a polymeric material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the gas pervious material is heat sealed.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the jacket covers at least about 90% of the surface area of the storage tank.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the jacket completely encases the storage tank.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
51 words
The method of claim 14 wherein an opening is provided in the formed jacket so as to gain access to the space between the storage tank and the jacket for the purpose installing a leak detection means capable of continuous monitoring of the storage tank walls and jacket to detect leakage.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the storage tank has one or more openings for the purpose of installing access lines, said openings having fittings attached thereto to which the jacket is firmly adhered.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the gas pervious material is selected from the group consisting of mattings, nets, screens, and meshes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the gas pervious material is selected from the group consisting of jute, polyurethane foam, polyester foam, fiberglass matting, cotton matting, nylon matting, corrugated cardboard and asbestos.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the gas pervious material is a polyurethane foam.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the fibrous reinforcing material is first laid onto the surface of the storage tank and thereafter the resinous material is applied.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 14 wherein the fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material together are applied to the storage tank.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
114 words
A storage tank for liquids having secondary containment capability, comprising (a) a rigid inner tank for storing the liquid; (b) a gas pervious material positioned on the inner tank; and (c) a jacket made of fibrous reinforced resinous material which covers the gas pervious material and at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank to form a closed space, said jacket being structurally independent from the rigid inner tank because of the gas pervious material, having sufficient structural strength to contain liquid in the rigid inner tank which may leak therefrom, and being capable of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks without suffering substantial surface deformation.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
114 words
A storage tank for liquids having secondary containment capability, comprising (a) a rigid inner tank for storing the liquid; (b) a gas pervious material positioned on the inner tank; and (c) a jacket made of fibrous reinforced resinous material which covers the gas pervious material and at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank to form a closed space, said jacket being structurally independent from the rigid inner tank because of the gas pervious material, having sufficient structural strength to contain liquid in the rigid inner tank which may leak therefrom, and being capable of withstanding external load forces normally encountered by underground storage tanks without suffering substantial surface deformation.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storage tank of claim 22 wherein the storage tank is a metal tank.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The storage tank of claim 22 wherein the storage tank is made of a reinforced resinous material having support ridges circumferentially surrounding the tank and the jacket substantially follows the contour of the storage tank's outer surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
The storage tank of claim 22 wherein the storage tank is a used tank which has been refurbished by repairing weakened areas before the jacket is formed thereon.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storage tank of claim 22 wherein fiberglass is used to reinforce the resinous material.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storage tank of claim 22 wherein surface of the gas pervious material which is exposed to the resinous material is first sealed to prevent substantial penetration of the resinous material.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
The storage tank of claim 27 wherein the gas pervious material is sealed with a polymeric material.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storage tank system of claim 27 wherein the gas pervious material is heat sealed.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage tank system of claim 22 wherein the jacket covers at least about 90% of the surface area of the storage tank.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The storage tank system of claim 22 wherein the jacket encases the storage tank.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The storage tanks system of claim 31 further comprising a leak detection means in communication with the closed space.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
38 words
The storage tank system of claim 32 wherein the leak detection means comprises a vacuum means to withdraw material from the closed space and further wherein means are provided for returning said withdrawn material to the inner tank.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage tank of claim 31 wherein the gas pervious material is selected from the group consisting of mattings, nets, screens and meshes.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The storage tank of claim 34 wherein the gas pervious material is selected from the group consisting of jute, polyurethane foam, polyester foam, fiberglass matting, cotton matting, nylon matting, corrugated cardboard and asbestos.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The storage tank of claim 35 wherein the gas pervious material is a polyurethane foam.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
39 words
The storage tank of claim 31 further comprising access lines extending into the storage tank's interior and wherein fittings are secured to the inner tank through which each access line passes and to which the jacket is adhered thereto.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
53 words
The storage tank system of claim 37 wherein each fitting further has attached to it a jacket encasing each access line passing therethrough and further wherein leak detection means monitors the closed space between the jacket and the inner tank and the closed space between the jacket and each access line encased thereby.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-03-30 | 1990-09-29 | 1991-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-03-30 | 1994-09-29 | 1995-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-03-30 | 1998-09-29 | 1999-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |