阅读说明：本技术 安装在储罐上的部件 (Tank-mounted component ) 是由 巴巴克·艾哈迈迪·穆加达姆 于 2018-02-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种罐(例如,地下储罐)及其制造方法可以包括具有外表面的罐体。使用粘合剂(例如,MMA粘合剂)将部件安装在罐体的外表面的至少非平面部分上。例如,部件可以在施加粘合剂和压力之后被定位在罐体的外表面的非平面部分上在本发明的一个实施例中,的外表面的非平面部分上的部件的位置被施加以在粘合剂固化时将部件的位置保持在罐体的外表面的非平面部分上。可以在固化粘合剂时移除压力,并且可以在部件的安装表面与罐体的外表面的非平面部分之间的粘合剂界面处发生结构键。(A tank (e.g., an underground storage tank) and method of making the same may include a tank body having an outer surface. The component is mounted on at least the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can using an adhesive (e.g., MMA adhesive). For example, the component may be positioned on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can after application of the adhesive and pressure in one embodiment of the invention, the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface is applied to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can as the adhesive cures. The pressure may be removed when the adhesive is cured and structural bonding may occur at the adhesive interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can.)

1. A method of manufacturing a storage tank, the method comprising:

providing a can body comprising an outer surface formed of a fiber reinforced plastic;

providing a component to be mounted on at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can, wherein the component comprises a mounting surface configured to mate with at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can;

applying an adhesive to at least one of the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can;

positioning the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body;

applying pressure to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the canister as the adhesive cures to form a bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the canister;

removing pressure after curing the adhesive and forming a structural bond at the adhesive interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the component to be installed comprises at least one of: a manhole device, a collar device and a monitoring reservoir device, wherein the component to be installed comprises a flange at a first end thereof, and further wherein the flange comprises a mounting surface around the perimeter of the first end.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body comprises a portion of at least one rib, and further wherein the flange comprises a mounting surface configured to mate with the portion of the at least one rib.

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the flange includes the mounting surface formed such that a tolerance of the mounting surface dimensions relative to corresponding dimensions of the non-planar portion of the outer surface is within 80 mils.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the component to be installed comprises at least one of: a lifting lug configured for use with an apparatus for lifting the tank at least in a vertical direction; a guide ear configured for use with an apparatus for guiding the canister at least in a horizontal direction; and a pipe joint.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the component to be installed comprises the pipe joint, and wherein the component comprises an opening, wherein while the adhesive cures to form a bonding interface between the installation surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank, pressure is applied to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank using a clamp comprising an elongated element extending through the opening of the pipe joint.

7. The method of any one of claims 5-6, wherein the mounting surface is configured to mate with at least the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body, which includes a non-rectangular curved or bent mounting surface shape.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the member is a member extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the can.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a portion extending through at least the outer surface of the can.

10. The method of any of claims 1-9, wherein the mounting surface of the component comprises a roughened mounting surface to which an adhesive is applied.

11. The method of any of claims 1-10, wherein the method further comprises cleaning the non-planar portion of the outer surface to reduce an amount of lubricant thereon, and then positioning the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface without grinding or otherwise physically abrading the non-planar portion of the outer surface.

12. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the method further comprises heating the component to remove the component from the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body.

13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the method further comprises applying a protective material at one or more locations proximate to the bonding interface to prevent exposure of the bonding interface to a fluid.

14. The method of any of claims 1-13, wherein the method further comprises applying one or more layers of fibrous reinforcing material on a portion of the outer surface adjacent to the mounting surface of the component and continuously on a surface of the component opposite the mounting surface, wherein the one or more layers have a thickness of 1/8 inches or less.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein pressure is applied to maintain said position of said component on said non-planar portion of said outer surface of said can body while said adhesive cures, the application of pressure comprising an even distribution of applied pressure across the bonding interface.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-15, wherein applying the adhesive comprises curing the adhesive using an environment.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein applying the adhesive comprises using an acrylic adhesive.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein applying the adhesive comprises using a composition comprising Methyl Methacrylate (MMA).

19. The method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein applying the adhesive comprises using an adhesive having rigid particles with diameters in a range of 30 mils to 80 mils.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-19, wherein applying the adhesive comprises using an adhesive having a thickness in a range of 30 mils to 80 mils after applying the pressure.

21. The method of any one of claims 1-20, wherein applying the adhesive comprises using an adhesive comprising rigid particles glued with a surfactant.

22. The method of any one of claims 1-21, wherein applying the binder comprises using a binder comprising micron-sized and/or nanometer-sized carbon particles.

23. The method of any one of claims 1-22, wherein a structural bond between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank is capable of withstanding a bending moment of 2000 foot pounds applied thereto.

24. The method of any one of claims 1-23, wherein providing the can body including the outer surface comprises:

providing a female mold portion having an inner surface to form at least a portion of the can, wherein the female mold portion comprises at least one of a cylindrical portion and a domed portion;

adhering a removable fabric at one or more locations on an inner surface of a female mold section corresponding to a non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body;

applying one or more layers of resin on the inner surface of the female mold section and on the removable fabric to form the outer surface of the can body;

removing the at least a portion of the can body from the female mold portion, wherein the removable fabric is removed with the at least a portion of the can body when removed from the female mold portion; and

removing the removable fabric from the outer surface of the at least a portion of the can body such that the non-planar portion of the outer surface for mounting the component is roughened as compared to other portions of the outer surface of the can body.

25. A fluid reservoir, comprising:

a can body comprising an outer surface formed of a fiber reinforced plastic;

a member mounted on at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface, wherein the member includes a mounting surface configured to mate with at least the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body; and

an adhesive located at a bonding interface between the mounting surface and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the canister, the adhesive forming a structural bond at the bonding interface between the mounting surface of the member and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the canister.

26. The tank defined in claim 25 wherein the components to be mounted include at least one of: a manhole arrangement, a collar arrangement and a monitoring reservoir device, wherein the component to be mounted comprises a flange at a first end thereof, and further wherein the flange comprises the mounting surface around the periphery of the first end.

27. The storage tank of claim 26, wherein the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank body comprises a portion of at least one rib, and further wherein the flange comprises a mounting surface configured to mate with the portion of the at least one rib.

28. The storage tank of any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the flange including the mounting surface is formed such that a tolerance of a mounting surface dimension relative to a corresponding dimension of the non-planar portion of the outer surface is within 80 mils.

29. The tank defined in claim 25 wherein the components to be mounted include at least one of: a lifting lug configured for use with an apparatus for lifting the tank at least in a vertical direction; a guide lug configured for use with a device for guiding the tank at least in a horizontal direction, and a pipe connection.

30. The storage tank of claim 25, wherein the mounting surface is configured to mate with the at least non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank body, the mounting surface comprising a non-rectangular curved or bent mounting surface shape.

31. The canister of claim 25, wherein the member is a member that extends in a direction away from the outer surface of the canister body.

32. The storage tank of claim 25, wherein the component comprises a portion extending through at least the outer surface of the tank.

33. The tank defined in any one of claims 25-32 wherein the tank further comprises a protective material at one or more locations adjacent to the adhesive interface to prevent exposure of the adhesive interface to fluid.

34. The storage tank of any one of claims 25-33, wherein the storage tank further comprises one or more layers of fiber reinforced plastic material located on a portion of the outer surface adjacent to the mounting surface of the component and continuously located on a surface of the component opposite the mounting surface, wherein the one or more layers have a thickness of 1/8 inches or less.

35. The tank defined in any one of claims 25-34 wherein the adhesive comprises an ambient cure adhesive.

36. The tank defined in claim 35 wherein the adhesive comprises an acrylic adhesive.

37. The tank defined in claim 36 wherein the adhesive comprises Methyl Methacrylate (MMA).

38. The tank defined in any one of claims 25-37 wherein the adhesive comprises rigid particles having a diameter in the range of 30 mils to 80 mils.

39. The tank defined in any one of claims 25-38 wherein the adhesive has a thickness in the range of 30 mils to 80 mils.

40. The tank defined in any one of claims 25 to 39 wherein the adhesive comprises rigid particles that are glued using a surfactant.

41. The tank of any one of claims 25-40, wherein the binder comprises micron-sized and/or nanometer-sized carbon particles.

42. The storage tank of any one of claims 25-41, wherein a structural joint between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank is capable of withstanding a bending moment of 2712Nm applied thereto.

43. A method of manufacturing a storage tank, wherein the method comprises:

providing a first female mold portion having an inner surface to form at least a first portion of a can having an outer surface and a first open end, wherein the first female mold portion comprises a first open end corresponding to the first open end of the first portion of the can, and further wherein the first female mold portion comprises a first cylindrical portion open on at least one end or a first domed portion open on one end;

providing a second female mould portion having an inner surface to form at least a second portion of the can body having an outer surface and a second open end, wherein said second female mold section includes a second open end corresponding to said second open end of said second portion of said can body, and wherein the second female mold portion comprises a second cylindrical portion open on at least one end or a second domed portion open on one end, and further wherein said first open end of said first portion of said can body and said second open end of said second portion of said can body are arranged in connection, the joining is accomplished by circumferentially disposing a layer of fiberglass reinforcing material over a seam formed between a circumferential portion of said outer surface adjacent said first open end of said first portion of said can body and said second open end of said second portion of said can body;

adhering a removable fabric circumferentially at the first open end of the inner surface of the first female mold section and circumferentially at the second open end of the inner surface of the second female mold section, corresponding to a circumferential portion of the outer surface adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body and the second open end of the second portion of the can body;

applying at least one or more layers of resin on the inner surface of the first female mold section and on the removable fabric to form the outer surface of the first portion of the can body;

applying at least one or more layers of resin on the inner surface of the second female mold section and on the removable fabric to form the outer surface of the second portion of the can body;

removing the first portion of the can body from the first female mold portion, wherein the removable fabric is removed with the first portion of the can body when removed from the first female mold portion;

removing the second portion of the can body from the second female mold portion, wherein the removable fabric is removed with the second portion of the can body when removed from the second female mold;

removing the removable fabric from the outer surface of the first portion of the can body such that an adjacent portion of the outer surface adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body is roughened as compared to other portions of the outer surface of the can body;

removing the removable fabric from the outer surface of the second portion of the can body such that an adjacent portion of the outer surface adjacent the second open end of the second portion of the can body is roughened as compared to other portions of the outer surface of the can body; and

joining said first open end of said first portion of said can body and said second open end of said second portion of said can body by surrounding one or more layers of glass fiber reinforcement material in a rough circumferential portion adjacent to said first open end of said first portion of said can body and said second open end of said second portion of said can body.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to storage tanks (tanks), and more particularly to the installation of components such as manholes (manway appratus), collars (collars), lifting lugs (lift lugs), pipe joints (pipe fittings) and the like on such storage tanks (e.g., wear free installation of underground storage tanks such as on Fiber Reinforced Plastics (FRP), e.g., fiberglass reinforced plastics).

Background

Underground storage tanks are widely used in a variety of situations where materials are stored underground. These stored materials are generally harmful to the environment. Examples of such materials may include gasoline or other petroleum products, such as petroleum and waste oil (waste oil), as well as toxic raw materials and waste products generated during manufacturing. Because many materials can be hazardous, it is important to ensure that underground storage tanks containing such materials do not leak or to ensure that the materials are released into the environment.

Given this possibility, many government authorities have been demanding secondary containment on tanks storing such materials, such as providing secondary containment, for example, by using double-walled underground storage tanks. The assignee of the present application, ZCL Composites Inc, has prepared underground storage tanks made of corrosion resistant materials such as FRP (e.g., fiberglass reinforced plastic); these tanks have proven to be very reliable.

Fiber reinforced plastics are relatively lightweight, can be prepared at the factory and shipped to the site (site), and are corrosion resistant. Leakage is also less likely to occur. Also, underground storage tanks (e.g., double-walled storage tanks), as well as above-ground storage tanks, have been made using FRP to provide watertight and rust-resistant structures. For example, FRP tanks can be made on a male mold (male mold) or mandrel (mandrel) and, once cured, removed, at least initially, from the mandrel. The process of manufacturing on this type of mandrel is commonly referred to as a "spray up" process, in which fibers and plastic resin are applied to the mandrel over a release agent (over a release agent) to shape the tank.

In order to provide an FRP tank with sufficient rigidity and strength to resist applied forces and to resist deformation or bending, such as the tank shown in fig. 1, ribs (ribs) are employed. Such ribs give the molded product hoop strength (hoopstrength).

In the male mould process, the ribs may be provided by: a form (form) is attached to the formed cylinder and then the fibers are laid down and across the form to provide a connection between the rib and the can in the form of a secondary attachment. For example, the manufacturing process for this type of tank may be similar to that described in U.S. patent No.3,925,132 entitled Method of forming circumferentially extending ribs in a gyratory shell (Method of forming circumferentially extending ribs on an insulating shell) and entitled publication No. 1975, 12/9.

FRP tanks may also be prepared by spraying plastic resin and chopped fibers (chopped fibers) onto the inside of one or more female molds (dies). When the resin is sprayed with the chopped fibers, the resin is preferably applied with a catalyst (catalyst) to form a strong, relatively hard, water impermeable, and corrosion resistant wall. The mold itself may include ribs if desired, making them part of a unitary structure. For example, the use of treating chopped Glass fibers, and applying the fibers and resin to the interior of a female mold, may be similar to that described in U.S. patent No.5,645,231 entitled "Glass cutters" (Glass choppers) and entitled publication date 8/7/1997. After curing, the female mold or molds are removed to complete the reservoir. For example, as described in U.S. patent No.5,720,404 entitled "cavity-die formed underground storage tank and method of making the same," entitled "hollow-die-formed underground storage tank and method of making same," entitled "24/2/1998," the storage tank may be made of two parts (two phases) which may then be joined together by applying additional fiberglass reinforced resin around the seam (e.g., two cylindrical shells terminating in a dome shape may be adjoined together at the open end of the cylindrical shells by applying FRP (e.g., using resin and fibers, resin and fiber mats, etc.) around the seam and at least on the outer surfaces of the cylindrical shells adjacent the open end).

Further, for example, openings for various components (such as fittings, manholes, collars, and monitoring reservoirs, etc.) may be provided in the tank, if desired, and these components may then be mounted in prescribed positions on the tank. Further, other useful components, such as lugs, guide lugs (guide lugs), etc., may also be mounted on the tank.

The installation of such components on FRP tanks is usually done by: the component is placed on the prepared surface (e.g., a surface prepared by grinding for adhering FRP), and then structurally attached to the FRP storage tank using the FRP. For example, for a cylindrical collar or manhole attached to the outer surface of the tank, the portion of the outer surface adjacent to the opening formed for the collar or manhole is worn away by grinding. The collar or manhole may then be positioned at the open location and then secured to the tank using an FRP layer located both on the inside and outside of the collar or manhole and on the surface of the tank adjacent thereto, thereby structurally attaching the collar or manhole to the FRP tank.

Conventional structural attachment requires the use of multiple layers of FRP, such as mats and/or woven rovings (rovings) and resins sufficient to structurally attach the components to the FRP tank. Generally, a fiber or glass reinforced layer impregnated with resin and having a thickness of not less than 6.4mm is sufficient to structurally attach the component to the FRP tank. Such multiple layers of lay-up significantly increase the cost of manufacturing such tanks in the process of attaching multiple components to FRP tanks. Furthermore, grinding the surface of the can body to abrade the surface (by attaching the surfaces of the components in a multi-layered layup) creates undesirable dust or particles in the production environment.

Disclosure of Invention

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide storage tanks (e.g., underground single-walled storage tanks, double-walled storage tanks, etc.) having one or more components mounted thereon, and methods of making such storage tanks, as well as methods of mounting such components using adhesives. In one or more embodiments, the use of an adhesive may reduce the amount of material required to manufacture one or more cans. Further, in one or more embodiments, removable fabrics (fabrics), such as peel ply (peel ply), may be used to provide the outer surface portion, which reduces the amount of grinding that the tank has due to its rough surface, necessitating preparation of the tank surface for mounting components, abutting tank portions, and the like. In one or more embodiments, reducing such grinding can prevent the environment from undesirable emissions of FRP chips, dust, and styrene.

One exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a tank (e.g., a fiberglass reinforced plastic tank) may include providing a tank body including an outer surface formed from fiber reinforced plastic, and providing a component mounted on at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface of the tank body. The component includes a mounting surface configured to engage the at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can. The method may further comprise: applying an adhesive to at least one of the mounting surface of the component and to the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body; providing the member on a non-planar portion of an outer surface of the can body; applying pressure during curing of the adhesive to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can to form a bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can; and removing the pressure after the adhesive cures and a structural bond is formed at the bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the can body outer surface.

In one or more embodiments of the method, the component to be installed may include at least one of a manhole device, a collar device, and a monitoring reservoir device, and the component to be installed may include a flange at a first end thereof (e.g., the flange may include a mounting surface around a perimeter of the first end). Further, for example, the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body can include a portion of at least one rib, and the flange can further include a mounting surface configured to mate with a portion of the at least one rib. Further, for example, in one or more embodiments, the flange can include a mounting surface having a tolerance between a dimension relative to a dimension of a corresponding non-planar portion of the outer surface within 80 mils.

In one or more embodiments of the method, the component to be mounted may comprise at least one of: a lifting lug configured for use with an apparatus for lifting the tank at least in a vertical direction; a guide ear configured for use with an apparatus for guiding a can body in at least a horizontal direction; and a pipe joint (e.g., the component includes a mounting surface configured to mate with at least a non-planar portion of an outer surface of the tank). For example, the component to be installed can include a pipe joint (e.g., the component including an opening), wherein pressure is applied during curing of the adhesive to maintain a position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can, such applying pressure can include clamping the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can using a clamp including an elongated element extending through the pipe joint opening. Further, for example, the mounting surface may be configured to mate with at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can and include a non-rectangular curved or bent mounting surface shape.

One or more embodiments of the method may include one or more of the following features: the member may be a member extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the can body; the member may include a portion extending at least through the outer surface of the can body; the mounting surface of the component may comprise a roughened mounting surface formed after the application of the adhesive; the method may include cleaning the non-planar portion of the outer surface to reduce any amount of lubricant thereon and positioning the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface, without thereafter grinding or otherwise physically abrading the non-planar portion of the outer surface; the method may further include heating the component to remove the component from the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body; the method may further include applying a protective material at one or more locations proximate to the bonding interface to prevent exposure of the bonding interface to the fluid; the method may further include applying one or more layers of FRP (e.g., resin and mat) material over a portion of the outer surface adjacent the component mounting surface and continuously over the surface of the component opposite the mounting surface, wherein the one or more layers have a thickness of 1/8 inches (inch) (3.2mm) or a thickness of less than 1/8 inches (3.2 mm); applying pressure during the curing of the adhesive to maintain the position of the component on the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body, such applying pressure may include distributing the applied pressure evenly across the bond interface during the curing of the adhesive; applying the adhesive may include curing the adhesive using an environment; applying the adhesive may include using an acrylic adhesive (acrylic adhesive); applying the adhesive may include using an adhesive containing Methyl Methacrylate (MMA); applying the adhesive may include using an adhesive comprising rigid particles having a diameter in a range of 30 mils to 80 mils; applying the adhesive may include applying the adhesive with a thickness in a range of 30 mils to 80 mils after applying the pressure; applying the binder may include using a binder comprising rigid particles, ordered by surfactant; applying the binder may include using a binder containing micro-scale and/or nano-scale carbon particles; and, the structural bond at the bond interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the can body outer surface may be capable of withstanding a peel stress (peel stress) of 1240 kilopascals (kilopascals), additionally or alternatively, a bending moment (bending moment) of 2712 Nm.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the method, providing a canister may include: providing a female mold portion having an inner surface to form at least a portion of a can body, wherein the female mold portion comprises at least one of a cylindrical portion and a domed portion; adhering a removable fabric at one or more locations on the inner surface of the female mold section corresponding to the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body; coating the inner surface of the female mold section and the removable fabric with one or more layers of resin to form the outer surface of the can body; removing at least a portion of the can from the female mold portion, wherein the removable fabric is removed with the at least a portion of the can when removed from the female mold portion; and removing the removable fabric from at least a portion of the outer surface of the can, such that the non-planar portion of the outer surface is rougher after the component is installed compared to other portions of the outer surface of the can.

Example embodiments of one or more of the storage tanks (e.g., fiberglass reinforced plastic storage tanks, whether underground or above ground) may include: a can body comprising an outer surface formed of a fiber reinforced plastic; a component mounted on at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface (e.g., wherein the component can include a mounting surface configured to mate with at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can); and an adhesive located at a bonding interface between the mounting surface and the non-planar portion of the can outer surface, the adhesive forming a structural bond at the bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the can outer surface.

In one or more embodiments of the storage tank, the component to be installed may comprise at least one of a manhole device, a collar device, and a monitoring reservoir device, wherein the component to be installed may comprise a flange at a first end thereof (e.g., and further, the flange may comprise a mounting surface around a perimeter of the first end). Further, for example, the non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can body can include a portion of at least one rib, and further, the flange can include a mounting surface configured to mate with a portion of the at least one rib. Further, for example, the flange may include a mounting surface having a tolerance of within 80 mils between its dimensions relative to the dimensions of the corresponding non-planar portion of the outer surface.

In one or more embodiments of the tank, the component to be mounted may comprise at least one of: a lifting lug configured for use with an apparatus for lifting the tank at least in a vertical direction; a guide ear configured for use with an apparatus for guiding a can body in at least a horizontal direction; and a pipe joint (e.g., wherein the component may include a mounting surface configured to mate with at least a non-planar portion of an outer surface of the tank). For example, the mounting surface is configured to mate with at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface of the can and includes a non-rectangular curved or bent mounting surface shape.

One or more embodiments of the tank may include one or more of the following features: the member may be a member extending in a direction away from the outer surface of the can body; the component may further comprise a portion extending at least across the outer surface of the can body; the tank may further include a protective material located at one or more locations proximate to the bonding interface to prevent exposure of the bonding interface to the fluid; the storage tank may also include one or more layers of FRP (e.g., resin and mat) material on a portion of the outer surface adjacent the component mounting surface and continuously on the surface of the component opposite the mounting surface, wherein the one or more layers have a thickness of 1/8 inches (inch) or a thickness of less than 1/8 inches; the adhesive may comprise an ambient cure adhesive; the adhesive may include an acrylic adhesive; the adhesive may comprise an adhesive comprising Methyl Methacrylate (MMA); the adhesive may include an adhesive comprising rigid particles having a diameter in the range of 30mil to 80 mil; the adhesive may comprise an adhesive having a thickness in the range of 30mil to 80 mil; the binder may include a binder comprising rigid particles, ordered by surfactant; the binder may include a binder containing micro-scale and/or nano-scale carbon particles; and, structural bonds at the bond interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the can body outer surface may be capable of withstanding a peel stress of 1240 kilopascals (kilopascals), additionally or alternatively, capable of withstanding a bending moment of 2712 Nm.

Further, one or more embodiments of a method of manufacturing a storage tank are described herein, wherein the method may include one or more of the following processes or features: providing a first female mold portion having an inner surface to form at least a first portion of the can body having an outer surface and a first open end (e.g., wherein the first female mold portion can comprise a first open end corresponding to the first open end of the first portion of the can body, and further wherein the first female mold portion can comprise a first cylindrical portion open at least one end, or a first domed portion open at one end); providing a second female mold portion having an inner surface to form at least a second portion of the can body having an outer surface and a second open end (e.g., wherein the second female mold portion can comprise a second open end corresponding to the second open end of the second portion of the can body, and wherein the second female mold portion can comprise a second cylindrical portion open at least one end, or a second domed portion open at one end, and further wherein the first open end of the first portion of the can body and the second open end of the second portion of the can body can be configured such that adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body and the second open end of the second portion of the can body, about a seam between peripheral portions of the outer surface, abut each other by forming a layer of fiberglass reinforcing material); adhering a removable fabric along a perimeter at the first opening of the inner surface of the first female mold section and along a perimeter at the second opening of the inner surface of the second female mold section corresponding to a perimeter portion of the outer surface adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can and the second open end of the second portion of the can; applying at least one or more layers of resin to the inner surface of the first female mold section and to the removable fabric to form an outer surface of the first portion of the can body; applying at least one or more layers of resin to the inner surface of the second female mold section and to the removable fabric to form an outer surface of the second portion of the can body; removing the first portion of the can from the first female mold portion, wherein the removable fabric is removed simultaneously with the first portion of the can when the first female mold is removed; removing the second portion of the can body from the second female mold portion, wherein when the second female mold is removed, the removable fabric is removed simultaneously with the second portion of the can body; removing the removable fabric from the outer surface of the first portion of the can body such that a peripheral portion of the outer surface adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body is rougher than other portions of the outer surface of the can body; removing the removable fabric from the outer surface of the second portion of the can body such that a peripheral portion of the outer surface adjacent the second open end of the second portion of the can body is rougher than other portions of the outer surface of the can body; and abutting the outer surfaces adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body and the second open end of the second portion of the can body by forming one or more layers of glass fiber reinforced plastic around the roughened peripheral portions of the outer surfaces adjacent the first open end of the first portion of the can body and the second open end of the second portion of the can body.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. Advantages of the disclosure, and a more complete understanding of the disclosure, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional underground storage tank installation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tank including a plurality of components mounted on respective surfaces of the tank using an adhesive.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of one or more embodiments of a method of mounting one or more components on a respective surface of a tank.

4A-4C illustrate one exemplary embodiment of a manhole apparatus installed on an outer surface of a storage tank, wherein FIG. 4A is a perspective view; FIG. 4B is a more detailed cross-sectional view of a portion thereof; fig. 4C is a partially enlarged view of fig. 4B.

Fig. 5A and 5B show a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a monitoring reservoir mounted on an exterior surface of a tank, and a partially more detailed cross-sectional view thereof, respectively.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a shackle assembly mounted on an exterior surface of a storage tank.

Figures 7A and 7B show a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a single pipe coupling mounted on the outer surface of a storage tank. Figures 7C and 7D illustrate a top view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of one exemplary embodiment of the single pipe joint shown in figures 7A and 7B.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a double pipe joint installed on an outer surface of a storage tank.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram of one or more embodiments of a method of roughening a surface with a removable fabric in tank formation.

10A-10F provide a number of diagrams for generally describing the method shown in FIG. 9, wherein: FIG. 10A illustrates the application of a release layer; FIG. 10B shows the release layer applied along the perimeter at the open end on the inner surface of the first (or second) female mold section and along the perimeter at the second location; FIG. 10C shows the application of one or more layers of FRP on the inner surface of the first (or second) female mold section and on the removable fabric; FIG. 10D shows a portion of a can body with removable fabric attached after separation from a first (or second) female mold section; FIG. 10E shows the peel layer remaining on a portion of the can body after removal from the female mold portion; and fig. 10F shows the can body after the peel ply has been removed from a portion of the outer surface of the can body.

FIG. 11 provides a diagram generally describing the method shown in FIG. 3.

The terms "figure" and "drawing" may be used interchangeably to refer to any particular drawing.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure, reference numerals are part of the accompanying figures that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the figures in the drawings of the specification are intended for clarity and thus may not be drawn to scale.

As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "and/or" (if used) refers to one or all of the listed elements, or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements. "i.e." is an abbreviation for "i.e." and means "i.e". "example" is an abbreviation for "for example," and means "illustrative.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional underground storage tank installation, for example, an underground storage tank 1 for containing oil. Although the present disclosure is described primarily with respect to underground storage tanks, the methods and/or tanks and/or features thereof described may be used with any storage tank to contain any fluid (e.g., the fluid is a liquid and/or a mist or gas). The present disclosure is not limited in any way to underground storage tanks containing liquids, although some of the features described herein may be more beneficial to underground storage tanks containing liquids.

A double-walled underground storage tank ("UST") 1 is secured by a pair of securing straps (securing straps)5 attached to a pair of anchoring piles (deadmen)6, one of which is visible in fig. 1. The anchoring piles 6 may be of conventional type or may be of the type described in us patent No.6,786,689 entitled "Low profile anchor and method for transporting the same with a storage tank" with publication date 9/7 in 2004. As is known in the art, in the case of a high water level (high water table), in order to prevent UST1 from floating, it is sometimes necessary to secure strip 5 and anchor pile 6. Other types of securing systems including upper and lower plates (above and below) may also be used, operable with components mountable on the UST1 under the action of the securing system (e.g., guide slots for securing straps, hooks for attaching portions of the securing system, etc.).

The double-walled UST1 may include a hydraulic monitoring system 4. The hydraulic monitoring system may be used to monitor the level of a monitoring fluid, typically brine (brine), between the two walls of the double-walled UST 1. The hydraulic monitoring system 4 may comprise a monitoring sensor 9a for monitoring the fluid in the monitoring reservoir 9c and connected to the communication module 9b by a tube 17. The (accessible) pipe 17 is accessible through a manhole 16. The hydraulic monitoring system 4 may be used with a double layer UST1 with a wet annulus (wet annular). However, the present disclosure is not limited to a UST with a wet annulus monitoring system, and may also be used with a UST with a dry annulus (dry annulus) or an annulus with little negative or positive pressure applied.

The interior of the UST1 may be filled from ground level (ground level) by removing the lid 11a from the spill containment tank (spill containment temp) 11b, which provides an interface to the filling lid 12 (cement cap 12covering the filling tube 13) that covers the filling tube 13. UST1 includes a collar 2 attached to a riser 3. Collar 2 and riser 3 are positioned around manhole 14a, manhole 14a being covered with manhole cover 14 b. A riser cover 23 is located on top of the riser 3. The lift plate cover 23 includes a removable dome cover 24. The collar 2, riser 3, riser cover 23 and dome cover 24 together form a watertight compartment, which together form a receiving tank 100. The channel 25 and floor access cover 10 provide access to the round jacking plate cover 24. The channel 25 and channel cover 10 are not part of the receiving groove and are not necessarily watertight.

A level probe 7 is positioned within holding tank 100 and passes through manhole cover 14b to monitor the fluid level within UST 1. A single wall vent pipe 19 is connected to the interface of the level probe 7, the single wall vent pipe 19 passing through the wall of the riser 3 to provide ventilation for the UST 1. An extraction assembly (extraction assembly)21 is further provided in the holding tank 100, and the extraction assembly is connected to a ball float valve (ball float)15 through a manhole cover 14b inside the UST 1.

Double walled pipe (double walled pipe) can deliver gasoline to the UST 1. The double-walled pipe 20 passes through one side of the riser 3. Inner wall 26 of double-walled pipe 20 is connected to pipe 18 by flexible connector 27, and pipe 18 passes through manhole cover 14b into the interior of UST 1. The space between the outer wall 28 and the inner wall 26 of the double-walled tube 20 is in fluid communication with the receiving tank 100. As described above, any fluid that leaks out of the inner wall 26 of the double-arm tube 20 will be received by the outer wall 28 and delivered to the receiving groove 100 for reception. Any fluid in the holding tank 100 is detected by the sensor 8, triggering an alarm system (not shown in fig. 1).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, UST1 may include other components connected thereto to provide one or more functions. For example, one or more shackle assemblies 33 (e.g., for connecting lifting cables for lifting a fuel tank as desired, e.g., at least vertically lifted using a crane, for example) may be secured to the outer surface of the UST1 using FRP, one or more guide lug assemblies 34 (e.g., for connecting guide cables when installed so that a user may guide or direct the tank in a horizontal direction as desired) may be secured to the outer surface of the UST1, and one or more pipe fittings 35 (e.g., for connecting pipes to a tank as desired) may be structurally secured to the outer surface of the UST 1.

As with the conventional underground tank installation shown in FIG. 1, it should be recognized that various components need to be attached to the various surfaces of UST1 to provide a useful product. The present disclosure provides one or more embodiments of a storage tank and method of manufacturing such a storage tank, wherein one or more of various components (e.g., a manifold device, a collar, a monitoring reservoir, a pipe fitting, a lug assembly, a guide lug assembly, etc.) are structurally keyed to a corresponding storage tank surface using an adhesive. The use of such adhesives to form such structural bonds provides a low cost storage tank and method of manufacturing such tanks.

Further, in one or more embodiments described herein, the various components of the FRP underground storage tank (e.g., the shell sections, manhole equipment, collars, pipe fittings, lifting lugs, guide channels, etc.) may be assembled and sealed by an adhesive (e.g., MMA adhesive). The adhesive is used as a structural element where the strength of the adhesive element and the integrity of the entire tank is dependent on the strength of the adhesive (e.g., the structural adhesive is not dependent on any FRP lay-up and may serve other purposes such as decorative or liquid barrier functions). In one or more embodiments, the surface of the bonded components may be treated to provide a surface energy suitable for bonding using such adhesives. For example, the surface treatment may be different depending on the materials of the members to be bonded (for example, the bonding of a metal member such as carbon steel or stainless steel to the FRP surface, the bonding of the FRP member to the FRP surface, and the like). Furthermore, the thickness of the adhesive and the particular layout (pattern) of such adhesive applied to the joining surfaces may also vary depending on the materials of the parts to be bonded. Since the engineered thickness of the adhesive (e.g., MMA adhesive) can affect the control of the stiffness and flexibility of the adhesive joint, one or more adhesive attachments can be loaded to a degree of deformation without failing at different temperatures. This adhesive design helps to protect the integrity of the entire tank in the event of an intentional load being applied to the components or accessories of the tank.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an underground storage tank 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The underground storage tanks 50 described herein (e.g., horizontally disposed storage tanks) may be made of fiberglass reinforced materials. However, storage tank 50 may be made of other materials, such as one or more metals (e.g., steel), one or more polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyurethane, and the like), or any other suitable tank material.

The underground storage tank 50 generally comprises a tank body 47 comprising a cylindrical shell 51 (e.g., an FRP cylinder) extending along a longitudinal axis from a first domed end 48 to a second domed end 49 and defining an internal material holding volume. The underground storage tank 50 includes an outer surface 53 that may include structural forming ribs 66 (e.g., circumferential ribs) between desired wall portions (e.g., circumferential flats).

The underground storage tank 50 may be formed as an integral unit or assembled in multiple parts, where the parts are separately fabricated and assembled (e.g., joined) using suitable materials (e.g., fiberglass layer-laid materials, such as resin and fiber-containing mats and/or woven rovings). In one or more embodiments, the underground storage tank 50 can be produced using either male or female mold techniques. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular manufacturing technique for providing the canister 47, which includes the cylindrical shell 51 and the dome-shaped ends 48, 49, which provide the outer surface 53 of the underground storage tank 50 (e.g., the outer surface 53 includes various non-planar outer surface portions to which one or more components as described herein may be attached, and an adhesive may be used to provide a structural bond between such components and the outer surface 53).

For example, in one or more embodiments, the underground storage tank 50 can be an underground storage tank formed by a male mold, wherein ribs can be attached to the outer surface of the cylindrical shell 51.

Further, for example, in one or more other embodiments, the underground storage tank 50 can be formed from a negative mold to provide integral ribs (e.g., ribs 66) to enhance strength and prevent the ribs from disengaging from the walls of the underground storage tank under the application of compressive forces. For example, in one embodiment, an FRP underground storage tank 50 (e.g., a composite storage tank made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers (e.g., glass fibers)) may be made with a negative mold from a plastic resin and chopped fibers that are sprayed onto the interior of a master mold (e.g., fig. 10A-10C). When the resin is sprayed with the chopped fibers, a catalyst may be applied to the resin to form a strong, relatively hard water impermeable wall. For example, the resin may include an epoxy resin, a vinyl ester or polyester resin, or a combination thereof. Further, for example, in one or more embodiments, the resin can include vinyl esters, isophthalic polyesters, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof. Further, for example, the resin may include polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyepoxide, or a combination thereof. Further, for example, the fibers may include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, basalt fibers, or a combination thereof. The FRP components to be bonded to the FRP tank surface may be formed of similar materials, such as composites made of fiber reinforced polymer matrices, including chopped fibers, fiber mats, woven rovings, etc.).

For example, in a cavity die process, where ribs are molded onto the tank, in a closed or open design, the precise placement of the ribs is premised on a mold, which can be designed to mold tolerances. In other words, for example, the female mold itself may include structure for forming ribs 66 (e.g., circumferential ribs 66) that are located between walls (e.g., circumferential flats) as necessary so that they are part of an overall underground tank structure. Information about the method of pulverizing glass fibers, and the method of applying fibers and resin inside a female mold is set forth in U.S. patent No.5,645,231.

The underground storage tank 50 as shown in fig. 2 may be formed from a plurality of female mold sections (e.g., such as the mold sections partially shown in fig. 10A-10C). For example, the underground storage tank 50 may be formed from a first female mold section providing a first tank section 52 (or first half tank section 52) and a second female mold section providing a second tank section 54 (or second half tank section 54). A circumferential dashed line 57 at the circumference of the cylindrical shell 51 provides an image representation of a seam 60 (e.g., a center seam) between the first half can portion 52 and the second half can portion 54.

In the tank 50 of FIG. 2, the first tank half 52 and the second tank half 54 are generally symmetrical, although such symmetry is not required (e.g., tank portions of any size or shape may be assembled to form a tank for containing material). As shown in fig. 2, the first tank half 52 includes a first cylindrical shell 64 that terminates in a dome-shaped end 65 to provide an outer surface 70 and ribs 66 on which one or more components may be mounted. The second can half 54 includes a second cylindrical shell 62 terminating in a dome-shaped end 63 to provide an outer surface 70 and ribs 66 on which one or more components may be mounted. The first half tank portion 52 and the second half tank portion 54 each include an open end 56, 58 before the first half tank portion 52 is connected to the second half tank portion 54. The first and second half tank portions 52, 54 are formed after the female mold portions corresponding to the first and second half tank portions 52, 54 are removed, and after these half tank portions 52, 54 are fully cured, the first and second half tank portions 52, 54 may be joined using FRP that is placed over the central seam 60 so that the open ends 56, 58 are joined to form a cylindrical outer shell 51, the cylindrical outer shell 51 extending from the first round top end portion 48 to the second round top end portion 49 (e.g., a layer of resin and mat FRP may be layered around the entire circumference of the seam 60 so that the seam 60 seals and joins the half tanks, although the cylindrical outer shell 51 is shown in the figures as a cylinder having the same diameter along its entire length, it should be appreciated that the diameter may vary along the length.

Referring to fig. 2, the underground storage tank 50 includes a tank 47, the tank 47 including a cylindrical shell 51 and ribs 66 formed thereon or as part thereof. The outer surface 53 of the underground tank 50 may include non-planar portions of the tank 47 including one or more of the cylindrical shell 51, ribs 66, dome-shaped ends 63, 65, etc. of the tank 50. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, various components are mounted on at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components include a mounting surface (not shown in FIG. 2) for engaging at least a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 on which the component is mounted.

For example, as shown in fig. 2, the manhole device 84 and the monitoring reservoir device 80 are shown mounted on at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank 47, which includes a portion of the cylindrical shell 51 and a portion of the ribs 66. Also, for example, the tube joint 88, shackle assembly 94, and guide ear assembly 90 are shown mounted on at least one non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister 47, which comprises a portion of the cylindrical housing 51. The interface between the mounting surface of the component being mounted and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47 is provided with an adhesive that forms a structural bond at the bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47.

In light of this disclosure, one will recognize that a variety of components may be installed. For example, in one or more embodiments, openings may be provided in the tank body 47 as needed to accommodate various components, such as pipe fittings, manhole equipment, collars, monitoring reservoir equipment, and the like. These components may then be mounted on the exterior surface 53 of the housing 47 at specific locations corresponding to these openings. For example, one or more installed components may extend in a direction away from the outer surface 53 of the tank 47 (e.g., a manhole device 84 surrounding a manhole). Further, for example, one or more of the mounted components may include a fitting 88 that extends at least through a portion of the exterior surface 53 of the housing 47 (e.g., through an opening).

In one or more embodiments, when mounted using an adhesive, the mounted component can include a cylindrical body extending from a first end (e.g., a first open end) to extend adjacent to the outer surface 53 to a second end distal from the outer surface 53. For example, in one or more embodiments, such a component to be installed may include a flange (e.g., flange 122 of manhole device 84 or flange 162 of monitoring reservoir device 80) at a first end of the component (e.g., integrally formed with the cylindrical body), wherein the flange provides an installation surface circumferentially at the first end (e.g., such as a first open end connected with a manhole opening). The mounting surface of the flange is formed to mate with a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the flange to be mounted (e.g., if the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 includes a portion of at least one rib 66, then the flange mates with a portion of the rib 66). For example, such cylindrical components may include a manhole device, a collar device (e.g., such a collar has the same cylindrical body and flange as manhole device 84, and thus is not separately labeled in the figures), a monitoring reservoir device, a vent fitting, etc., and in one or more embodiments, the flange may include a non-rectangular shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

Further, for example, one or more components to be mounted using an adhesive may include a base having a non-planar (e.g., curved or bent) base mounted adjacent to the outer surface 53, and one or more other structural features (e.g., ears, guide ears, etc.) projecting from the base. For example, a curved or bent base may provide a mounting surface to mate with a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 to be mounted thereon. For example, such components having curved or bent bases may include shackle assemblies, guide ear assemblies, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the curved or bent base portion for mating with the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 may comprise a non-rectangular curved shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

Further, for example, when mounted using an adhesive, the one or more components to be mounted may include a coupling structure that extends through the outer surface 53 of the canister 47. For example, the coupling structure may extend from a first end (e.g., a first open end) to a second end (e.g., a second open end) and include a flange between the first end and the second end. For example, the flange may provide a mounting surface to mate with a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 to be mounted thereon. For example, such components including coupling structures may include single pipe joints, double or double pipe joints, triple or triple pipe joints, and the like. In one or more embodiments, the flange can include a non-rectangular shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.).

The component to be mounted can provide a mounting surface having dimensions within 80 mils of tolerance (i.e., 80 mils or less, where "mil" is a unit of length equal to 0.0254 millimeters or 0.001 inches) relative to the dimensions of the non-planar portion of exterior surface 53 corresponding thereto. The dimensions of the mounting surface are within 30 mils of tolerance relative to the dimensions of the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 corresponding thereto. In some other cases, however, greater tolerances may be tolerated and still form a structural bond between the mounting surface and the exterior surface 53 (e.g., may be within 40 mils, 50 mils, 60 mils, 70 mils). In at least one embodiment, the component to be mounted can provide a mounting surface having a dimension within a tolerance of 40 mils relative to a corresponding dimension of the non-planar portion of the exterior surface 53

Further, for example, adhesives used to mount various components and form a structural bond between a mounting surface thereof and a portion of the outer surface 53 include ambient cure adhesives (e.g., cured at room temperature). In one or more embodiments, the adhesive may comprise an acrylic adhesive. For example, in one or more embodiments, the acrylic adhesive may include an acrylate adhesive, a methacrylate adhesive, or a combination thereof. In addition, in one or more embodiments, the acrylic Adhesive may be and/or include a Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Adhesive (such as, for example, the SG300 series (e.g., SG300-05, SG300-15, and SG 300-40)). the Adhesive may be available from SciGrip Smart Adhesive Solutions of Dalm, N.C.. Still further, in one or more embodiments, a non-epoxy adhesive may be used to mount one or more of the various components.

In one or more embodiments, the adhesive used to mount the various components and form the structural bond between its mounting surface and a portion of the outer surface 53 may include rigid particles sized to control the minimum thickness of the bonding layer. For example, such rigid particles may include glass beads (glass beads) or any other particles suitable for providing proper spacing between the mounting surface and portions of the exterior surface 53 to maintain a minimum thickness of the adhesive layer during curing (e.g., to maintain applied pressure during installation, to expel unwanted adhesive from the mounting surface/exterior surface interface). In one or more embodiments, the rigid particles (e.g., glass microspheres) can have one or more diameters in the range of 30 to 80 mils. Fig. 4C shows an exemplary adhesive 131 used to form a bonding interface 132, the bonding interface 132 being formed between the mounting surface 124 of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister. As shown in this figure, the bonding interface 132 has a thickness that is at least partially controlled by the rigid particles 133 in the adhesive 131, the rigid particles 133 having a diameter (or effective diameter if the particles are not spherical) of 30 to 80 mils.

In addition, the rigid particles may be uniformly dispersed in the binder or manually added to the applied bonding layer to control the minimum thickness of the bonding layer. In one embodiment, for example, to install a curved tab, it may be necessary to apply glass beads at the edges and center of the plate, with the adhesive layer having a minimum thickness at the locations described above.

Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more surfactants may be applied as sizing agents (sizing) on the rigid particles (e.g., one or more surfactants applied to, or otherwise incorporated into, the glass beads) to increase the adhesion between the rigid particles in the binder. For example, any surfactant (e.g., such as a hydroxide surfactant) may be used as a sizing agent for the rigid particles. By increasing the adhesion between the rigid particles and the adhesive, failure at the interface between the rigid particles and the adhesive is less likely to occur (e.g., the tie layer will not fail due to a lack of bonding between the rigid particles and the adhesive), and the load will be completely transferred to the substrate (e.g., the outer surface of the can body). The surfactant on the one hand creates a chemical bond with the binder and on the other hand, the surfactant creates a mechanical bond with the rigid particles. Thus, there is a stronger bond between the adhesive and the rigid particles.

Further, in one or more embodiments, solid particles may be dispersed in the binder to enhance the stiffness of the bond layer. For example, such solid particles may include micron-sized and/or nano-sized carbon particles (e.g., spherical carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, etc.). For example, the solid particles may be uniformly dispersed in the binder using a high shear or three roll mill process prior to application of the binder. Various different combinations of rigid particles (e.g., glass beads) and solid particles (e.g., micron-sized and/or nanometer-sized carbon particles) may be used.

In one or more embodiments, the adhesive used to mount the various components to form the structural bond is capable of withstanding a peel pressure of at least 180 pounds per square inch (1240 kilopascals) applied thereto at a bond interface formed between the mounting surface of the component and a portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47. Further, in one or more embodiments, the adhesive used to mount the various components to form the structural bond, the bonding interface formed between the mounting surface of the component and a portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank 47, is capable of withstanding a bending moment of 2000 foot pounds (2712 nm) applied thereto.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 101 of installing a component on an underground storage tank. In one or more embodiments, the method 101 includes providing a pre-treated can surface (block 102) on which one or more components may be mounted. For example, in one or more embodiments, the portion of the outer surface 53 corresponding to the mounting surface of the component to be installed (e.g., corresponding to the shape of a flange on the base of a manhole device or shackle assembly) may be cleaned, ground (e.g., such as by grinding), sandblasted, or otherwise pre-treated to a suitable shape such that a structural bond between the mounting surface of the component and the corresponding portion of the outer surface 53, e.g., a portion of the outer surface 53 may be cleaned to reduce any amount of lubricant thereon, and the installed component then positioned on the cleaned surface without grinding or otherwise physically abrading such portion of the outer surface 53. For example, the portion of the outer surface 53 corresponding to the mounting surface of the flange of the manhole device 84 may be cleaned to install the manhole device 84 without abrading the surface being installed.

In one or more embodiments, the outer surface 53 of the can body 47 can be prepared by using a removable fabric, such as a releasable release layer material (e.g., a fabric that is non-smooth on at least one side thereof for providing a rough can surface portion as described herein), as shown in block 104. For example, in one or more embodiments, a removable fabric (e.g., a releasable fabric) may be adhered (e.g., using a tackifier or other similar adhesive, such as NuTack-Blu, available from Polynt Composites USA, capfterwell, illinois, or using a catalytic resin used in manufacturing the tank) at one or more locations (e.g., for forming at least a portion of the tank body 47) on the inner surface of the female mold portion that correspond to a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank body 47 on which components are to be mounted (e.g., corresponding to or incorporating the shape of a flange on the base of a manhole device or shackle assembly).

In forming the can 47, one or more layers of fiber and resin are applied to the inner surface of the female mold section and the removable fabric to form the can 47 and its outer surface 53. After the can 47 is at least partially cured, the can be removed from the female mold section. When the portion of can 47 is removed from the female mold portion, the removable fabric is removed with the portion of the can (e.g., can 47 has at least a portion of an outer surface 53 with the removable fabric coated thereon). For example, in fig. 11, an annular removable fabric portion 105 corresponding to the flange surface of the manhole device 84 is shown after the portion of the tank 47 is removed from the female mold.

The removable fabric (e.g., the release layer 105) may then be removed from the outer surface 53 of that portion of the canister body, thereby making the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 (on which the component is to be mounted) rough in surface compared to other portions of the outer surface 53 of the canister body 47. By providing a rough surface in this manner for mounting using adhesive mounting components, the need to grind and abrade can 47 to provide a rough surface is eliminated, or at least reduced. In this way, the particles produced in the production region by this grinding are correspondingly reduced. It will be appreciated that portions of the outer surface 53 corresponding to the mounting surface of any component to be mounted may be pre-treated with such a removable fabric (e.g., release layer 105). Such removable fabrics are available from the Airtech advanced Material Group (Airtech international corporation, huntington beach, california, usa) under the trade name econositch G peel ply. In addition to providing a roughened portion of the outer surface 53 of the housing, other embodiments may provide the component to be mounted with a roughened mounting surface on which an adhesive may be applied.

As shown in fig. 3, after pre-treating the surface of the tank (e.g., the outer surface 53), one or more components to be mounted on the treated surface are provided (block 106). For example, one or more components to be mounted on the outer surface 53, such as those described herein or shown in fig. 2, may be provided. Each of the one or more components to be mounted includes a mounting surface for mating with a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53. For example, a flange 122 (e.g., or a similar flange of a collar) of the manhole device 84 or a flange 162 of the monitoring reservoir device 80 for mating with a corresponding portion of the outer surface 53 (e.g., the flange may include a curved portion to mate with the cylindrical housing 51 of the tank 47 and/or with a portion of the rib 66).

To install the component on the pre-treated surface, an adhesive is applied (block 108) to at least one of the installation surface of the component or a portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank corresponding to the configuration of the installation surface (e.g., a portion of the outer surface 53 corresponding to the shape of the flange 122 of the manhole device 84 when such a component is installed). In at least one or more embodiments, the adhesive is applied only to the mounting surface of the component. Any suitable method may be used to apply such an adhesive. One or more layers of adhesive may be applied as desired using the above-described process, for example using a manual adhesive applicator or dispenser, a pneumatic applicator or dispenser, or the like.

The amount and placement of adhesive application depends on various factors: the shape of the engagement surface, the clearance between the portion of the tank and the mounting surface, the maximum applied load, and the minimum bond thickness required for the adhesive used. In one or more embodiments, for example, when the adhesive used is an MMA adhesive, then the minimum thickness of the adhesive should be between 30mil and 80mil after the pressure is applied. In at least one embodiment, the thickness is about 40 mils. This minimum thickness can be controlled by using rigid particles (e.g., glass beads) in the binder in the range of 30-80 mil in diameter.

A bead of adhesive (which may include, for example, glass beads or some other rigid particle) is dispensed, for example, onto the mounting surface of the component being mounted and, after pressure is applied to the component, forms a layout on the mounting surface (e.g., pressing the component onto the tank surface), the adhesive covers all of the mounting surface, and fills all gaps between the tank surface and the mounting surface of the component (e.g., no voids at the interface). In one or more embodiments, providing rigid particles (e.g., glass beads) having a particular diameter (e.g., between 30 mils and 80 mils) in the adhesive (e.g., as part of the adhesive prior to application or after application of the adhesive) is sufficient to produce a minimum adhesive thickness of greater than or equal to 30 mils after applying pressure between the component and the can surface and when the adhesive cures. In one or more embodiments, providing (e.g., as part of the adhesive prior to application or after application) rigid particles (e.g., glass beads) having a particular diameter (e.g., 30-80 mils) is sufficient to produce a maximum adhesive thickness of less than or equal to 80 mils after applying pressure between the component and the can surface and when the adhesive cures.

The component to be mounted is then placed on the pre-treated portion of the outer surface 53 (block 110). After the components are positioned, pressure is applied (block 112) to cause the components to remain in position on the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47 during curing of the adhesive to form a bonding interface between the mounting surface and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47. Any process and/or structure may be used to apply such pressure. For example, such pressure may be applied solely by strapping the components onto the canister 47, may be applied by a clamp (e.g., suction clamp) used to clamp the components onto the canister 47, may be applied manually, may be applied by a press-on-component machine, and so forth. Further, for example, in one or more embodiments, as the adhesive cures, the pressure applied across the adhesive interface is evenly distributed.

In one or more embodiments, a component having an opening extending therethrough (e.g., such as a plate fitting, pipe fitting, manhole device, etc.) is installed, for example, using a clamp (clamp) that includes an elongate element extending through the opening of the component for applying the aforementioned pressure. For example, as shown in fig. 7b, the clamp may include a plate 501 located inside the canister 47, a plate 502 located outside the canister 47, and an elongated member 503 connecting the two plates. A component (e.g., a flange of a pipe joint 88) may be placed against the can 47 (e.g., the distance between the two plates is adjustable so that pressure may be applied and adjusted to force the flange against the can 47)

After the structural bond is formed at the bonding interface between the mounting surface of the component and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the can 47 (e.g., upon curing of the adhesive), the pressure may be removed (block 114). After the component is mounted on the outer surface 53 of the can 47, one or more other optional processes may be performed to provide one or more layers associated with the mounted component (block 116)

For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more protective layers may be formed that prevent fluid from contacting the adhesive. For example, as described herein, when installing a manhole device 84, one or more layers of protective material may be applied to one or more locations proximate to the bonding interface used to install the manhole device 84 to prevent the bonding interface from being exposed to fluids (e.g., liquids or vapors, such as brine, petroleum vapors, etc.). However, such a protective layer does not provide a structural connection of the component to the tank, but merely provides a fluid-blocking function. The structural bond of the component to the can 47 is fully formed by the use of the adhesive.

Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more decorative FRP layers may be formed to create a visually appealing product. For example, as described herein, one or more decorative FRP layers may be applied to a portion of the tank 47 proximate to the exterior surface 53 of the mounting surface of the component and associated with the surface opposite the mounting surface. These layers are used for decorative purposes only and do not provide structural attachment of the component to the can 47, and only use of adhesives forms a structural bond between the component and the outer surface 53 of the can 47.

In one or more embodiments, the FRP layer used as the protective and/or decorative layer has a thickness of 1/8 inches or less. In one or more embodiments, such a thickness may be achieved by less than 4 layers of resin pre-impregnated mats, for example.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the use of an adhesive to mount components on the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 may serve to make it easier to remove the mounted components (e.g., when the position of the components needs to be changed). For example, in at least one embodiment, the components may be removed from the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 using heat. For example, an electric heater may be used to apply heat to a guide ear assembly or lug assembly (e.g., a metal assembly such as a steel base (steel base) of the lug assembly or guide ear assembly) to change the composition of the adhesive such that the component may be removed from the outer surface 53 of the can body, a temperature in the range of 220 degrees fahrenheit (104 degrees celsius) to 250 degrees fahrenheit (121 degrees celsius) may be advantageously used for this purpose. Upon removal, the same or different components may be positioned in the same or different locations.

Figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view, and a partial, more detailed cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a manhole device 84 installed on the outer surface 53 of an underground storage tank 50. The manhole device 84 includes a cylindrical body portion 120, the cylindrical body portion 120 extending along an axis 121 from a first end 123 to a second end 125 (e.g., where the cylindrical wall thickness is greater at the first end 123 relative to the second end 125). A mounting flange 122 extends outwardly from the first end 123 of the cylindrical body portion 120 in a direction away from the axis 121 (e.g., the mounting flange is integrally pre-formed with the cylindrical body portion prior to positioning the manhole device 84 on the tank 47). The mounting flange 122 includes a lower mounting surface 124 and an upper surface 135 opposite the lower mounting surface 124 (e.g., facing in an opposite direction).

The lower mounting surface 124 is adapted to cooperate with the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51 and the structurally contoured rib 66. That is, the mounting surface 124 includes a housing portion 137 that is positioned proximate the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51 (e.g., the mounting surface 124 has a curve that matches the shape of the outer surface in such a position; as shown in FIG. 4b, the flange 122 has a curved or angled shape), and a flange portion 136 is positioned proximate the outer surface 53 of the rib 66 (e.g., the mounting surface 124 has a shape that matches the shape of the rib 66 in such a position, as shown in FIG. 4 a).

The manhole device 84 also includes a coupling flange 128, the coupling flange 128 extending outwardly from the second end 125 of the cylindrical body portion 120 in a direction away from the axis 121.

In one or more embodiments, the manhole device 84 is a pre-formed FRP component. For example, the manhole device 84 may be formed from multiple layers of FRP material relative to the mold. For example, the thickness of the layers of FRP material (e.g., forming a flange or cylindrical body portion of a manhole device) may be greater than 1/4 inches to provide a structural member that can be installed efficiently. For example, 9 to 12 layers of FRP may provide such a thickness. However, the manhole device 84 can be shaped in any configuration, but must include structure for installing the manhole device using an adhesive as described herein. For example, flange 122 of manhole device 84 (which may be integrally formed with the cylindrical body portion) provides a suitable mounting surface 124 that may be structurally bonded to outer surface 53 of tank 47 using the adhesives described herein.

As shown in fig. 4A-4B, an opening 130 is formed in the tank 47 and a manhole 84 is installed therein. As described herein, an adhesive is used to form a structural bond (e.g., a rib and a portion of the shell) at the adhesive interface 132 between the mounting surface 124 of the manhole device 84 and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank 47. The structural bond of the bonding interface 132 surrounds the entire circumference of the flange 122, which provides a seal between the flange 122 and the outer surface 53 of the can 47 around the entire circumference of the flange 122 (e.g., the radial width of the seal created by the adhesive is about at least 6 inches). In one or more embodiments, the flange has a radial width of 6 inches or more, and in one or more embodiments, the flange has a thickness greater than 1/4 inches.

Further, as shown in fig. 4B, for example, in one or more embodiments, one or more FRP protective layers 138 may be formed to prevent fluid from contacting the bonding interface 132. As shown, one or more protective layers 138 are formed (e.g., using a resin and a pad) that extend continuously along an inner surface 140 of the cylindrical body portion 120 at the first end 123 and along an inner surface 141 of the canister 47. Thus, no portion of the bonding interface 132 located near the first end 123 is exposed to fluids (e.g., liquids or vapors, such as brine, petroleum vapors, etc.) within the storage tank 50. The protective layer described above may be used with the installation of any of the components described herein.

Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more decorative FRP layers 144 may be formed to create a visually appealing product. For example, as described herein, one or more decorative FRP layers 144 (e.g., using resin and a mat) may be provided on the portion of the outer surface 53 of the tank body 47 adjacent the mounting surface 124 and connected to the upper surface 135 of the flange 122, such layers 144 being clearly unnecessary and merely for aesthetic purposes, as only the adhesive interface 132 is used to structurally key the mounting surface 122 of the manhole device to the outer surface 53 of the tank body 47. Such a decorative FRP layer 144 may be disposed around the entire circumference of the flange 122. Such a decorative layer may be used with the installation of any of the components described herein. Fig. 4c shows an enlarged portion of fig. 4 b.

Fig. 5A and 5B show a perspective view, and a partial, more detailed cross-sectional view, respectively, of one exemplary embodiment of a monitoring reservoir device 80 mounted on the exterior surface 53 of the underground tank 50. The monitoring reservoir device 80 includes a cylindrical body portion 150 extending along an axis 151 from a first end 153 to a second end 155, wherein the second end 155 terminates in a cover portion 156 (e.g., extending generally in a direction perpendicular to the axis 151). The thickness of the cylindrical wall of the body portion 150 is greater at the first end 153 relative to the second end 155. The cover portion 156 may be provided with a coupling using an adhesive, similar to the coupling method of the other couplings described herein.

A mounting flange 162 extends outwardly from the first end 153 of the cylindrical body portion 150 and in a direction away from the axis 151. The mounting flange 162 includes a lower mounting surface 164 and an upper surface 166 opposite the lower mounting surface 164 (e.g., facing in the opposite direction). The lower mounting surface 164 is adapted to cooperate with the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51 and the structurally contoured rib 66. That is, the mounting surface 164 includes a housing portion 168 located proximate the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51 (e.g., the mounting surface 164 has a curve that matches the shape of the outer surface in such a position), and a rib portion 169 located proximate the outer surface 53 of the rib 66 (e.g., the mounting surface 164 has a shape that matches the shape of the rib 66 in such a position, as shown in fig. 5 a).

In one or more embodiments, the monitoring reservoir device 80 is a pre-formed FRP component. For example, it may be formed from multiple layers of FRP material relative to a mold. For example, the thickness of the multiple layers of FRP material (e.g., forming a flange or cylindrical body portion of the monitoring reservoir device) may be greater than 1/4 inches to provide an effectively installable structural member. For example, 9 to 12 layers of FRP may provide such a thickness. However, the monitoring reservoir device 80 may be molded in any configuration, but must include structure for mounting the monitoring reservoir device using an adhesive as described herein. For example, a flange 162 of the monitoring reservoir device 80 (which may be integrally formed with the cylindrical body portion, for example) provides a suitable mounting surface 164 that may be structurally bonded to the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 using an adhesive as described herein.

As shown in fig. 5A-5B, the monitoring reservoir device 80 is connected to the tank 47, and the interior 170 of the monitoring reservoir device may be in fluid communication with the formation of the annular space formed between the walls of the tank 47 for monitoring purposes. An adhesive as described herein is used to form a structural bond (e.g., a rib and a portion of the housing) at a bonding interface 172 between the mounting surface 164 of the monitoring reservoir device 80 and a non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 in a manner similar to the bond formed at the bonding interface 132 between the mounting surface 124 and the outer surface 53 as shown in fig. 4 c. The structural bond of the bonding interface 172 surrounds the entire circumference of the flange 162, which provides a seal between the flange 162 and the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 around the entire circumference of the flange 162. The flange 162 may be formed with similar features as the manhole device flange.

Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a perspective view, and an exploded view thereof, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a shackle assembly 94 mounted on an exterior surface 53 of a storage tank 50 (e.g., the perspective view only shows an FRP layer 230 formed on a top surface of the assembly). In fig. 6A-6B (and in other figures herein), the thickness of various layer stacks (e.g., base 200, FRP layer 230, and bonding interface 232 in fig. 6A) are shown exaggerated for clarity. Further, the bonding interface is shown separately and separately from the can (see bonding interface 232 in fig. 6B) for ease of illustration. The shackle assembly 94 includes a base 200 (e.g., provided in a polygonal shape, such as may be rectangular or non-rectangular) that includes a lower mounting surface 204 and an upper surface 206 opposite (e.g., facing in an opposite direction) from the lower mounting surface 204. The lower mounting surface 204 is for mating with the outer surface 53 of the housing. In other words, the mounting surface 204 is non-planar (e.g., curved or bent in shape) to match the cylindrical shape of the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51. As shown in fig. 6A and 6B, the base 200 may be curved and made up of a plurality of adjacent regions to match the cylindrical shape of the outer surface 53 on which it is mounted. For example, such portions may include a middle portion 210 and one or more adjacent portions 212, 214, the one or more adjacent portions 212, 214 extending from the middle portion 210 (e.g., terminating at an edge) at an angle relative to the middle portion 210.

In addition, the shackle assembly 94 includes a shackle portion 220 extending from the upper surface 206 of the base 200. The lifting lug portion 220 is co-located with the base 200 to form an opening 222 into which one or more hooks, cables or other lifting devices may be inserted for lifting the tank 50 (canister 47) at least in a vertical direction.

In one or more embodiments, the lifting lug assembly 94 may be made of metal, for example, by welding the shackle portion 220 to the base portion 200. The shackle assembly 94 may be formed in any configuration, but must include a suitable mounting surface for mounting the shackle assembly 94 using an adhesive, as described herein. For example, the base portion 200 must include a suitable mounting surface 204, which mounting surface 204 may be structurally bonded to the outer surface 53 of the canister 47 using the adhesives described herein (e.g., the mounting surface dimensions must be within a certain dimensional tolerance relative to the outer surface). For example, the mounting surface dimensions must be within a maximum dimensional tolerance of 4 millimeters relative to the outer surface of the bend (i.e., the interface between the intermediate section 210 and one or more adjacent sections 212, 214), and the dimensional tolerance at the two edges and center of the intermediate section 210 is about 0 to 40 mils.

As shown in fig. 6A-6B, the shackle assembly 94 is mounted to a portion adjacent the outer surface 53 of the tank 47. An adhesive, as described herein, is used to form a structural bond at the bonding interface 132 between the mounting surface 124 of the shackle assembly 94 and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister 47. Multiple layers 230 of mat and resin may be applied to the upper surface 206 to cover all exposed metal of the base 200 of the shackle assembly 94; with the shackle portion 222 extending therethrough.

The guide ear assembly 90 may be mounted in substantially the same manner as the shackle assembly 94, and therefore, details regarding its mounting will not be provided herein.

Fig. 7A and 7B respectively show a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single pipe joint 88 mounted on the exterior surface 53 of the storage tank 50, and an exploded view thereof (e.g., the perspective view only shows the FRP layer 280 formed on the top surface of the assembly). Fig. 7C and 7D show a top view and a side cross-sectional view, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of the single pipe joint 88 shown in fig. 7A and 7B. The tube fitting 88 includes a cylindrical body portion 250 extending along an axis 251 from a first end 253 to a second end 255; a mounting flange 262 extends outwardly from the cylindrical body portion 250, and in at least one embodiment, the mounting flange 262 is spaced less from one end than the other. The mounting flange 262 includes a lower mounting surface 264 and an upper surface 266 opposite the lower mounting surface 264 (e.g., facing in the opposite direction)

The lower mounting surface 264 is disposed in cooperation with the outer surface 53 of the cylindrical housing 51. That is, the mounting surface 264 to be in contact with the outer surface of the cylindrical housing 51 is curved in shape to match the cylindrical shape of the outer surface 53). In one or more embodiments, the flange can include a non-rectangular shape (e.g., pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). For example, as shown in fig. 7C, the flange is octagonal in shape.

In one or more embodiments, the tube joint 88 may be made of metal, for example, by welding the cylindrical body portion 250 to the flange 262. The pipe joint 88 may be in any number of forms, but must include structure for installing the pipe joint using an adhesive as described herein. For example, flange 262 of fitting 88 provides a suitable mounting surface 264, and mounting surface 264 may be structurally adhered to outer surface 53 of canister 47 using an adhesive as described herein

As shown in fig. 7A-7B, an opening 270 is cut into canister 47, and fitting 88 is mounted in the opening, with a portion of first end 253 extending through opening 270. An adhesive, as described herein, is used to form a structural bond (e.g., a portion of the housing) at the bonding interface 272 (exposed from the canister in fig. 7) between the mounting surface 264 of the fitting 88 and the non-planar portion of the outer surface 53 of the canister 47. Multiple layers 280 of pad and resin may be applied to the upper surface 206 to cover all of the exposed metal of the flange 262.

Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a duplex or double pipe fitting 300, which duplex or double pipe fitting 300 may be mounted on the outer surface 53 of the storage tank 50 using a bonding interface 303. The duplex fitting 300 may be installed in substantially the same manner as the single-pipe fitting 88. Accordingly, details regarding the installation thereof will not be provided herein.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary block diagram of one or more embodiments of a method 400 for roughening a surface using a removable fabric for forming a tank. Fig. 10A-10F provide a number of diagrams (e.g., a method for forming a storage tank including roughening an outer surface for mounting components with an adhesive, a method for forming a storage tank including roughening an outer surface for joining storage tank portions together, sealing at a circumferential seam of a storage tank with an FRP layer, etc.) that are used to describe one or more embodiments of the method 400 generally shown in fig. 9.

As shown in fig. 9, in one or more embodiments, a method 400 of manufacturing a subterranean storage tank includes providing one or more female molds (e.g., each having an inner surface for forming a portion of the storage tank or the entire storage tank) (block 402). A removable fabric (e.g., a releasable fabric such as a release ply) is adhered (e.g., in a manner as previously described herein) at one or more locations on one or more female molds (block 404). For example, the one or more locations may correspond to locations outside of the tank for mounting components (e.g., the components may be a lifting lug assembly, a guide lug assembly, a collar, a manhole device, a monitoring reservoir device, etc.). Further, for example, the one or more locations may include an open end location on a plurality of female molds that corresponds to an exterior location of the tank adjacent to a seam formed by a plurality of adjacent tank sections formed by the female molds (e.g., a circumferential portion of the outer surface connecting a first open end of a first section of the tank to a second open end of a second section of the tank).

Thereafter, one or more layers of material (e.g., FRP, annular layers between FRP layers, etc.) may be applied inside the one or more female molds (and on any removable fabric) to form one or more tank portions (i.e., including the outer surfaces thereof) (block 406). The one or more tank portions (portions of the canister body) may be removed from the one or more female molds with the removable fabric located on the outer surface thereof (block 408). The removable fabric may then be removed from the outer surface of the one or more tank sections, thereby forming a rough outer surface (as compared to other portions of the outer surface) that corresponds to the location where the removable fabric is applied (block 410).

In addition, as shown in fig. 9, the roughened surface formed using the removable fabric may be used for further production of the tank (block 412). For example, one or more components may be mounted on a roughened surface corresponding to a mounting surface of the one or more components using an adhesive, as described herein (e.g., the component may be a shackle assembly, a guide ear assembly, a collar, a manhole device, a monitoring reservoir device, etc.). Further, for example, the central seam may be sealed to join tank portions made from a plurality of female molds, with the FRP layer applied to a roughened circumferential portion of the outer surface that is the portion of the outer surface where the first open end of the first portion of the tank is joined to the second open end of the second portion of the tank, as described herein.

Fig. 10A-10F provide block diagrams depicting the use of a roughened surface (e.g., roughened with a removable fabric, such as a releasable peel ply fabric) in the attachment of a tank portion formed from a plurality of female molds. Reference is made to the central seam 60 between the two can halves 52, 54 shown in fig. 2. However, it should be appreciated that the connection of the tank sections may comprise any number of different types of tank section connections. For example, a domed end portion, such as domed end 63, which may include only one open end, a cylindrical housing portion, such as cylindrical housing body 62, may include two open ends, a domed end portion may be connected with a cylindrical housing portion, and so forth. That is, any tank portion having similarly sized open ends may be joined at a seam and an FRP layer applied to the rough surface made of a removable fabric, which may be a peelable layer, at the seam.

For example, in one or more embodiments of a method for using such a rough surface, a first female mold portion may be provided having an inner surface to form at least a first portion of a can (e.g., half can portion 52) having an outer surface 53 and a first open end 56 (see, e.g., female mold portion 450 in fig. 10B-10C). The first female mold section 450 includes a first open end 452, the first open end 452 corresponding to the first open end 56 of the first can portion 52. In one or more embodiments, the first female mold section 452 can include at least a first cylindrical portion that is open at one end 452 or a first domed portion that is open at one end 452, depending on the type of tank portion being molded by the first female mold section 450.

Likewise, a second female mold portion (not shown, but similar to female mold portion 450) has an inner surface to form at least a second portion of the can (e.g., half can portion 54) having an outer surface 53 and having a second open end 58. The second female mold section (not shown, but like female mold section 450) includes a second open end (not shown, but similar to open end 452) that corresponds to second open end 58 of can body second portion 54. In one or more embodiments, the second female mold portion (not shown, but similar to female mold portion 450) may include a second cylindrical portion that is open at least at one end, or a second domed portion that is open at one end, depending on the type of tank portion being formed by the second female mold portion.

The first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can body and the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can body are connected by FRP over a seam 60 (e.g., a circumferential portion around the outer surface 53 of the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can body and the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can body). During the formation of the FRP over the seam 60, a removable fabric (e.g., a releasable fabric such as peel ply 470) is adhered along the first open end 452 at a location on the inner surface of the first female portion 450 and along the second open end (not shown, but similar to open end 452) at a location on the inner surface of the second female portion (not shown, but similar to female portion 452), corresponding to the peripheral side portions 460, 462 (see also fig. 2) on the outer surface 53 adjacent the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can and the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can.

For example, fig. 10A-10B illustrate the application of a release layer 470A to the inner surface of the tank cavity block using a roller-type dispensing device to form a rough surface for sealing of the center seam 60. Further, the application of a peel-off layer 470B as shown in fig. 10B may be used to roughen the surface to which the component is mounted (e.g., the peel-off layer 470B may be used to roughen the surface of a component similar to the lifting lug assembly 94 or the guide lug assembly 90. it should be appreciated that any type of dispensing device, whether manual or automated, may be used to provide a removable fabric at a desired location on the interior surface of the female tank mold. Fig. 10B shows release layer 470a applied circumferentially on the inner surface of the female mold portion (e.g., female mold portion 2) along the open end (e.g., open end 452), e.g., may correspond to one of peripheral side portions 460, 462, which is located adjacent to the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can and the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can.

In one or more embodiments, at least one or more layers of FRP layers 474 (e.g., resin and fiber) may be applied on the inner surface of the first female mold section 452 and on the removable fabric 470a-b to form the first portion 52 of the can and the outer surface 70 thereof, as shown in fig. 10 c. In addition, at least one or more FRP layers 474 (e.g., resin and fiber) may be applied on the inner surface of the second female mold section and on the removable fabric 470a-b to form the second portion 54 of the can body and the outer surface 72 thereof.

Upon at least partial curing, as shown in fig. 10D, the first portion 52 of the can is removable from the first female mold portion 452 (i.e., the removable fabric 470a (and 470b) is removed with the first portion 52 of the can when the first portion 52 of the can is removed from the first female mold 452). Similarly, the second portion 54 of the canister 54 may be removed from the second female mold portion (i.e., the removable fabric 470a-b is removed with the second portion 54 of the canister when the second portion 54 of the canister is removed from the second female mold).

As shown in fig. 10E, a portion of the removable fabric 470a may be trimmed as needed, the portion being located on the peripheral side of the open ends 56, 58 on the portions 52, 54. Thereafter, as shown in fig. 10F, the removable fabric 470a is removed from the outer surface 70 of the first portion 52 of the can body such that a peripheral side portion 460 of the outer surface 70 proximate the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can body is rougher (e.g., similar to the use of an FRP layer in sealing the central seam 60) as compared to other portions of the outer surface 70 of the can body. Likewise, the removable fabric 470a is removed from the outer surface 72 of the second portion 54 of the canister such that the peripheral side portion 462 of the outer surface 72 proximate to the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the canister is rougher than other portions of the outer surface 72 of the canister. In addition, the removable fabric 470b is removed from the outer surface 70 of the first portion 52 of the canister such that the corresponding outer surface 70 of the portion of the canister previously covered by the removable fabric 470b is rougher (e.g., such as for component mounting with the adhesive described herein) as compared to other portions of the outer surface 70 of the canister 52.

The outer surfaces 460, 462 are joined by the FRP layer at the seam 60, with the outer surface 460 being located adjacent the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can and the outer surface 462 being located adjacent the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can (e.g., circumferentially roughened portions 460, 462 surrounding the outer surfaces 70, 72, with the outer surfaces 70, 72 being proximate the first open end 56 of the first portion 52 of the can and the second open end 58 of the second portion 54 of the can). For example, multiple layers of FRP material may be applied over the seam. In one or more embodiments, each such multiple layer may include applying a mat and resin over a central seam (e.g., around the peripheral side of can body 47). For example, the FRP is sealed over a seam joining the first and second tank halves 52, 54, the FRP being formed around a portion of the circumference adjacent the outer surfaces of the open end 56 of the first circumferential portion and the open end 58 of the second cylindrical portion.

The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents, and any other publications cited in the background, summary, exemplary embodiments, and elsewhere herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.

The foregoing describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. Other variations, modifications, and combinations of the various components and methods described herein can, of course, be made and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.