Abstract:
A portable steel tank panel that interlocks with additional structures (e.g., other tank panels and/or removable hinges) to form a temporary aboveground fluid storage structure is described.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/632,355, entitled “Steel Insulated Hinged Tank Panels for Large Diameter Storage Tanks” and filed on Jan. 23, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/604,765, entitled “Tank Panels and Tanks Formed Therefrom” and filed on Feb. 29, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/625,714, entitled “Flexible Tank Panel” and filed on Apr. 18, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/645,245, entitled “Rounded Tank Panels and Tanks Formed Therefrom” and filed on May 10, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments relate generally to storage tanks, and, more particularly, to tank panels and portable, temporary, aboveground, fluid storage tanks assembled from the tank panels. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” is a process in which pressurized fluids fracture rock layers in order to release fossil fuels for extraction and recovery. Wellbore locations vary with rock formations, and temporary fluid storage near the wellbore&#39;s position is necessary. Water, which is used in hydraulic fracturing, is stored in “frac tanks” of various sizes and capacities. A need may exist to provide portable, temporary fluid storage tanks that can be configured to a variety of shapes and sizes. 
         [0004]    Embodiments were conceived in light of the above-mentioned problems and needs, among other things. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    One embodiment includes a portable steel panel, which can be used to build temporary aboveground fluid storage tanks of a variety of sizes. The assembled tanks can be utilized during hydraulic fracturing procedures and other processes that need convenient large capacity fluid storage. 
         [0006]    An embodiment can include an interlocking, hinged, optionally insulated, steel tank panel system that can be used to assemble temporary aboveground storage tanks. 
         [0007]    An embodiment can be portable, temporary fluid storage tanks that can be assembled at any location or environment, and provide a temporary solution for fluid storage and liquid management. 
         [0008]    One embodiment, includes a portable steel tank panel that interlocks with additional structures (e.g., other tank panels and/or removable hinges) to form a temporary aboveground fluid storage structure. 
         [0009]    An embodiment can include a tank panel system including a panel having a flexible body section, a first endplate, a second endplate, a plurality of first panel pins, and a plurality of second panel pins, and a plurality of removable hinges each including a first side and a second side, wherein the first side and second side can be configured to be removably attached to a panel pin. 
         [0010]    The panel can further include a lift point. The flexible body section can be formed of steel. The plurality of first panel pins can include a first group of panel pins each spaced a first distance apart and a second group of panel pins each spaced a second distance apart. The first distance can be larger than the second distance. The panel can further include an insulation coating applied to a surface of the panel. 
         [0011]    Some implementations can include a tank panel system having a panel with a lower shell plate, an upper shell plate, a first endplate, a second endplate, a plurality of first panel pins, a plurality of second panel pins, a top pipe, and a bottom tube. The system can also include a plurality of removable hinges. 
         [0012]    The panel can further include a lift point having a first lifting section tube, a second lifting section tube, a first lifting bar, a second lifting bar. The panel can include a plurality of stiffeners disposed on an inside area formed between a first wall of the panel and a second wall of the panel. 
         [0013]    The plurality of first panel pins can include a first group of panel pins each spaced a first distance apart and a second group of panel pins each spaced a second distance apart. The first distance can be larger than the second distance. The panel can further include an insulation coating applied to a surface of the panel. 
         [0014]    Some implementations can include a fluid tank having a plurality of panels joined together by a plurality of removable hinges at each joint between adjacent panels. Each panel can include a flexible body section, a first endplate, a second endplate, a plurality of first panel pins, and a plurality of second panel pins. Each panel can include a lower shell plate, an upper shell plate, a first endplate, a second endplate, a plurality of first panel pins, a plurality of second panel pins, a top pipe, and a bottom tube. The tank can include a first connecting member disposed between a first pair of panels and connected to the first pair of panels via a first group of removable hinges and a second group of removable hinges. The tank can also include a second connecting member disposed between a second pair of panels and connected to the second pair of panels via a third group of removable hinges and a fourth group of removable hinges. The tank can further include at least one brace member joining the first connecting member to the second connecting member via rotational joints. 
         [0015]    The brace member can include a first brace member joining a top portion of the first connecting member to a top portion of the second connecting member and a second brace member joining a bottom portion of the first connecting member to a bottom portion of the second connecting member. The panels can be configured to form the fluid tank into an angled shape. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example flexible tank panel and a plurality of removable hinges in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a section view through an example panel and liner in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two example panels joined with a plurality of removable hinges in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  shows an example of a full tank assembly without a liner in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  shows a diagram of an example hinge closed and locked for transport in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective views of an exemplary single tank panel and a plurality of removable hinges in accordance with at least one embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a section view through an exemplary panel and liner. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of two exemplary panels joined with a plurality of removable hinges. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  shows an exemplary full tank assembly without a liner. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  shows example connecting members with top and bottom brace members. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show detail views of an example connecting member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  shows an example tank formed from tank panels, removable hinges and connecting members. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  shows an example tank having an angled shape formed from tank panels, removable hinges and connecting members. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary tank panel system  100  having a tank panel  102  with a lower shell plate  104 , an upper shell plate  106 , a first endplate  108 , a second endplate  110 , a plurality of first panel pins  112 , a plurality of second panel pins  114 , a top pipe  116 , a bottom tube  118 , a first lifting section tube  120 , a second lifting section tube  122 , a first lifting bar  124 , a second lifting bar  126  and a plurality of removable hinges  128 . 
         [0030]    The tank panel  102  can include the top pipe  116  to provide a more round shape for a liner to be placed over. Also, the top pipe  116  may be more flexible than the bottom tube  118 , which may need to be stiffer due to the distribution of hydrostatic loads. 
         [0031]    The first panel pins  112  are disposed on the first endplate  108 . The second panel pins  114  are disposed on the second endplate  110 . Each of the first panel pins  112  includes two holes through the panel pin. Each of the plurality of second panel pins  114  includes one hole through the panel pin. 
         [0032]    The lower shell plate  104  and the upper shell plate  106  can be made of different materials and/or have different dimensions. For example, the lower shell plate  104  can be a plate about ½ an inch thick. The upper shell plate  106  can be a plate about ¼ of an inch thick. The lower shell plate  104  and the upper shell plate  106  can be made of steel, a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, or the like) or other suitable material. The panel  102 , and associated components, can be fabricated as a single unit from structural steel, or other suitable material, and can vary in height, width and length. Optionally, an insulation material, such as spray-on foam, can be applied to the panel  102 . The foam insulation coating can also optionally have an exterior coating applied to help prevent UV or other damage to the foam. 
         [0033]    The first panel pins  112  can be spaced a first distance apart on a portion of the first endplate  108  adjacent to the lower shell plate  104  and spaced a second distance apart on a portion of the first endplate  108  adjacent to the upper shell plate  106 . For example, the first panel pins  112  may be spaced about 1′ 1″ apart adjacent to the lower shell plate  106  and may be spaced about 2 feet apart adjacent to the upper shell plate  104 . 
         [0034]    The first lifting section tube  120 , the second lifting section tube  122 , the first lifting bar  124  and the second lifting bar  126  form a lift point (or grappling device) for gripping the panel  102  with a machine for moving the panel  102  to construct a tank from a plurality of panels  102 . The panel  102  can be lifted up and moved with the mechanical grappling device, which is designed to accommodate being placed in position by a crane or other lifting machine, which may include a grappling claw of a fork lift or lull. 
         [0035]    Each of the removable hinges  128  can be connected to one of the first panel pins on a panel and to one of the second panel pins on an adjacent panel. The removable hinges can be secured in place with a hinge retaining pin that is placed through a hole in a respective one of the panel pins. 
         [0036]    A group of panels  102  can be fastened (or connected) together using the removable hinges  128  to form a tank having hinged joints at the junction where two panels meet. The group of interconnected panels  102  can be assembled to form a temporary aboveground fluid storage tank. The interconnected tank panel system disclosed herein permits creation of multiple tank configurations, diameters and volumes according to a contemplated use. Also, by using panels, a tank can be shipped as components (e.g., panels, hinges and liner) and assembled on site. 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a section of a tank panel system  100  is shown supporting a liner  202  system, which forms an interior containment area that prevents water or fluid leakage. A group of panels  102  can be connected to form a temporary above ground storage tank system  100 , which can support a waterproof and leak-proof liner  202  system. The liner  202  is placed in the tank following the assembly of the panels  102  and can be secured to the top pipe  116  using an Omega shaped retaining member, for example. Once the liner is in place and secure, the tank can be filled with water or other fluid. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  shows two panels with removable hinges joined together as a tank panel unit  300 . The tank panel unit  300  includes a first tank panel  302  and a second tank panel  304 .  FIG. 3  shows a first endplate  306  of the first tank panel  302  and a second endplate  308  of the second tank panel  304 . A gap may be present between the removable hinges. To cover this gap, gap covering extensions  130  can be placed on the first endplate  108  (or second endplate  110 ). The gap covering extensions can include a piece of curved steel attached to the edge of the endplate, for example. 
         [0039]    The tank panel unit  300  also includes a plurality of removable hinges  310  mounted on panel pins  312 . As discussed above, each removable hinge can be mounted on a first panel pin protruding from the first tank panel endplate  306  and a second panel pin protruding from the second tank panel endplate  308 . Each panel pin  312  includes at least one hole to accommodate a hinge retaining pin (not shown). The removable hinges  310  may be spaced unevenly along the tank panel edge, for example, more closely at a bottom of the panel  318  and further apart at a top of the panel  316 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  shows an example tank  400  assembled from panels (e.g., a group of panels with each panel being similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , reference  102 ), which is formed by attaching separate panels  402  together. Removable hinges are attached on each lateral edge of each panel  402  to join adjacent panels together with a hinged joint. Grappling devices can be disposed on an interior or an exterior of the panels  402  making up the tank  400 . 
         [0041]    The tank&#39;s shape is based, in part, on the number of panels  402  used. As an assembled tank is filled with water, the panels flex and may seek an essentially round configuration. The hinged joint can help reduce or prevent moment stress at joints between adjacent panels and can transfer stress as tension along the length of the panels. Thus, a tank made from a group panels can be relatively light and flexible and can also contain large volumes of fluid, depending on the number of panels used to build the tank. 
         [0042]    An embodiment can provide a portable, temporary fluid storage tank that can be assembled on location in various environments, and can provide a temporary solution for fluid storage and liquid management. Also, the tank panels can optionally have an insulating material applied to an interior or exterior side to help the tank retain heat in order to avoid having the liquid in the tank freeze in cold climates. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  shows details of a removable hinge  128  having a first hinge portion  502 , a second hinge portion  504  and a hinge pin  506 . As shown, the second hinge portion  504  has been folded over the first hinge portion  502 . A hinge retaining pin  508  has been placed through a hole of a first panel pin  112  to secure the hinge  128  in a folded position for transportation or storage. The hole that the hinge retaining pin  508  is placed through in  FIG. 5  is the outermost hole of the two holes in each of the first panel pins  112 . When being used to connect panels for a tank, the hinge  128  can be opened and connected to one of the first panel pins  112  with a retaining pin placed through the innermost hole of the two holes and to one of the second panel pins with a retaining pin place through the hole in that pin. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary tank panel system  600  having a tank panel  602  with a first side  604  and a corresponding first tank panel hinge bracket and a second side  606  and a corresponding second tank panel hinge bracket. Also shown is a plurality of removable hinges  608 . Each hinge having a first hinge portion  614  and a second hinge portion  616 . The first side  604  and second side  606  each have a plurality of boss members  612  protruding from a surface. The boss members  612  on each side are configured to mate with a corresponding opening in a respective first or second hinge portion ( 614 ,  616 ). The tank panel  602  also has a lift point  610  (or grappling device) for gripping the tank panel  602  with a machine for moving the panel and construction of a tank. 
         [0045]    Removable hinges  608  can be connected to the sides of tank panels, which allows a plurality of panels  602  to be fastened together with a hinged joint to form a tank. The panel  602  can be lifted up and moved with the mechanical grappling device  610 , which is designed to accommodate being placed in position by a crane or other lifting machine, which may include a grappling claw of a fork lift or lull. A group of interlocking panels  602  can be assembled to form a temporary aboveground fluid storage tank. The interlocking tank panel system disclosed herein permits creation of multiple tank configurations, diameters and volumes according to a contemplated use of an embodiment. 
         [0046]    The panel  602 , and associated components, can be fabricated as a single unit from structural steel and can vary in height, width and length. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a section of a tank panel system  600  is shown supporting a liner  702  system, which forms an interior containment area that prevents water or fluid leakage. 
         [0048]    A group of interlocking panels  602  are assembled to form a temporary aboveground storage tank system  600 , which can support a waterproof and leak-proof liner  602  system. The liner  602  is placed in the tank following the assembly of the panels  602  and the tank can be filled with water or other fluids. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  shows two panels with removable hinges joined together as a tank panel unit  800 . The tank panel unit  800  includes a first tank panel  802  and a second tank panel  804 . The second tank panel  804  includes a first tank panel hinge bracket  806  and the first tank panel  802  includes a second tank panel hinge bracket  808 . A gap may be present between the tank panel hinge brackets ( 806 ,  808 ). To cover this gap, one of the tank panel hinge brackets can include a hinge gap cover  820 , which can include a piece of curved steel attached to the edge of the tank panel hinge bracket, for example. 
         [0050]    The tank panel unit  800  also includes a plurality of removable hinges  810  mounted on boss members  812 . Each removable hinge can be removably mounted on a first boss protruding from the first tank panel hinge bracket  806  and a second boss protruding from the second tank panel hinge bracket  808 . Each boss  812  includes a hole  814  to accommodate a locking pin (not shown). 
         [0051]    The removable hinges  810  may be spaced unevenly along the tank panel edge, for example, more closely at a bottom of the panel  818  and further apart at a top of the panel  816 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  shows an exemplary assembled tank  900 , which is formed by attaching separate panels  902  together. Removable hinges are attached on each lateral edge of each panel  902  to join adjacent panels together with a hinged joint. Grappling devices can be disposed on an interior or an exterior of the panels  902  making up the tank  900 . 
         [0053]    The tank&#39;s unique shape, which is formed by a system of interlocking panels  902  as described above, allows the tank to contain large volumes of fluid. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  shows a system  1000  having example connecting members ( 1002  and  1004 ) with top and bottom brace members ( 1006  and  1008 , respectively). 
         [0055]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show detail views of an example connecting member. In particular, a system  1100  shows two tank panels  1102  and  1104  (e.g., rigid panel  100  or flexible panel  600 ) joined by a connecting member  1106  having a top brace member  1108  and a bottom brace member  1110  leading to another connecting member (not shown). In  FIG. 12 , the plurality of hinges  1112  attaching the panels to the connecting member can be seen (two groups, one for the first panel and one for the second panel). Also,  FIG. 12  shows a rotational hinge couple the top brace member to the connecting member (a rotational hinge can also be provided for the bottom brace member). 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  shows an example tank  1300  formed from tank panels, removable hinges and connecting members. 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  shows an example tank  1400  having an angled shape formed from tank panels, removable hinges and connecting members. 
         [0058]    It is, therefore, apparent that there is provided, in accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein, tank panels and tanks made from the tank panels. 
         [0059]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, Applicant intends to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.