Patent Abstract:
A fluid storage tank assembly comprising a wall assembly, a floor assembly and a roof assembly. The wall assembly providing a thermal insulating layer comprising two or more wall sub-assemblies removably stacked on top of each other that circumscribe an interior chamber of the tank assembly. Each wall sub-assembly comprises a plurality of removably interconnected wall panels circumscribing a portion of the interior chamber. The wall assembly is configured to house a liner for containing a fluid. The floor assembly bounds a bottom portion of the interior chamber and provides a thermal insulating layer. The roof assembly bounds a top portion of the interior chamber and provides a thermal insulating layer.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Canadian Application Number______ filed Nov. 16, 2011, by the Canadian firm Gowling, Lafleur, Henderson LLP, under attorney docket number A8124182CA, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a fluid storage tank assembly. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Fluid fracturing processes in oil and gas completion operations make use of large quantities of fluid typically stored in large fluid storage tanks located in close proximity to a wellbore. The tanks are typically assembled on a site on a temporary basis and then removed when use of the tank at the site is not longer required. Depending on the jurisdiction in which the tank is located, the size of the tank and the effective storage capacity of tank may be limited by local regulations, bylaws, licensing requirements, and other restrictions respecting the surface area covered by the tank, the permitted water levels in the tank for the protection of wildlife, the maximum load sizes that may be transported on public roads, and other factors. Some prior art storage tank designs are unable to provide adequate storage capacity while complying with such restrictions. 
         [0004]    Further, the fluid contained within the storage tank is typically maintained within specific temperature ranges suitable for the fracturing process through the use of heating systems. The cost of heating the fluid can be extremely high, especially in cold environments. Some prior art storage tank designs do not provide adequate insulation to effectively reduce heat loss from the tank, thus, resulting in significant heating costs. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fluid storage tank assembly comprising:
       a wall assembly circumscribing an interior chamber of the tank assembly and providing a thermal insulating layer, the wall assembly comprising two or more wall sub-assemblies removably stacked on top of each other, each wall sub-assembly comprising a plurality of removably interconnected wall panels circumscribing a portion of the interior chamber, the wall assembly configured to house a liner for containing a fluid;   a floor assembly bounding a bottom portion of the interior chamber and providing a thermal insulating layer; and   a roof assembly bounding a top portion of the interior chamber and providing a thermal insulating layer.       
 
         [0009]    The floor assembly may comprise a surface gradient operable to direct fluids contained in the tank assembly to a desired location on the floor assembly. The floor assembly may comprise a plurality of floor panels and an insulating layer fixed to the floor panels and shaped to provide the surface gradient. The plurality of floor panels may comprise an arrangement of parallel substantially rectangular panels configured to bound the bottom of the interior of the wall assembly, each panel extending across the interior of the wall assembly and having ends shaped to substantially conform with the interior boundary of the wall assembly. Alternatively, the plurality of floor panels may comprise an arrangement of substantially rectangular panels configured to bound the bottom of the interior of the wall assembly wherein panels located adjacent to the interior boundary of the wall assembly shaped to substantially conform with the interior boundary of the wall assembly. A portion of the floor panels near the desired location on the floor assembly may not comprise a thermal insulating layer. The insulating layer may comprise a channel therein configured to receive a suction pipe near the boundary of the interior of the wall assembly and direct the suction pipe to the desired location on the floor assembly. Each floor panel may be removably coupled to adjacent floor panels. The floor panels may comprise plywood and the insulating layer may comprise foam insulation. 
         [0010]    Each wall panel may further comprise an insulating layer fixed thereto. The insulating layer may comprise a spray foam applied to the exterior surface of each wall panel. Each wall panel may comprise a plurality of male connectors at one end and a plurality of female connectors at an opposite end, the male connectors configured to be received by and removably coupled to the female connectors of an adjacent wall panel in a wall sub-assembly, the female connectors configured to received by and removably coupled to the male connectors of an adjacent wall panel in the wall sub-assembly. The wall assembly may further comprise a plurality of joint pins and locking bars, each male connector may comprise one or more apertures configured to receive a joint pin therethrough, each female connector may comprise one or more apertures configured to receive a joint pin therethrough, each female connector further comprises a plurality of gussets extending from an exterior surface of the female connector and shouldering one of the apertures therein, each gussets comprising an aperture configured to receive a locking bar therethrough, the apertures of the male connectors and female connectors may be configured to be in alignment with one another to receive a joint pin therethrough when the male connectors are received by the female connectors, and each locking bar may be operable to be received by the apertures of the gussets of a female connector and interact with a joint pin received by a female connector and a male connector received by the female connector to resist the withdrawal of the joint pin therefrom. Each wall sub-assembly may be removably coupled to an adjacent stacked wall sub-assembly by a cooperating tongue and groove assembly. The wall panel of at least one of the removably coupled wall sub-assemblies may comprise a bottom stiffener fixed to the wall panel at its bottom edge and running parallel thereto, the bottom stiffener and the portion of wall panel near its bottom edge defining the tongue of the tongue and groove assembly, and the wall panel of at least the other of the removably coupled wall sub-assemblies may comprise a top stiffener fixed to the wall panel an offset distance below its top edge and running parallel thereto and a guide plate fixed to the top stiffener and extending vertically therefrom, the top stiffener, the guide plate and the portion of the wall panel within the offset distance defining the groove of the tongue and groove assembly. Each wall panel may further comprise a plurality of stiffeners coupled thereto for providing additional structural support to the wall panel. 
         [0011]    The roof assembly may further comprise a plurality of flexible roof segments and a fastening assembly, the fastening assembly operable to couple adjacent roof segments to one another. The roof assembly further may comprise a support pole assembly comprising one or more poles extending from the bottom of the tank assembly above the top of the wall assembly, the support pole assembly at least partially supporting the roof segments. The roof assembly may further comprise a drainage assembly comprising a plurality of apertures through the roof segments located at low points on the roof segment formed by a natural sag of the roof segments between the support pole assembly and the top of the wall assembly. Each roof segment may comprise a top portion and a skirt portion, the top portion configured to substantially cover the top of the wall assembly, and the skirt portion configured to extend down a portion of the exterior surface of the wall assembly. The skirt portion of each roof segment may be removably coupled to the wall assembly. The roof assembly may further comprise a lifting assembly fixed to the roof segments providing a point of attachment for positioning and orienting the roof segments. The lifting assembly may comprise one or more of Velcro straps and safety buckles. The roof segments may comprise vinyl with a water resistant coating. The drainage assembly may further comprise a mesh layer over each aperture in the roof segments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  provides a front perspective view of a modular fluid storage tank assembly according to one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  provides a front perspective view and detailed views of the wall assembly of the tank shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3 and 4  provide front perspective views and detailed views of the upper wall sub-assembly of the wall assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5 and 6  provide front perspective views and detailed views of the lower wall sub-assembly of the wall assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  provides a side elevation view and front perspective view of a joint pin of the wall assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  provides a side elevation view and front perspective view of a locking bar of the wall assembly shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  provides a front perspective view of the coupling of two adjacent wall panels as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  with the joint pin shown in  FIG. 7  and the locking bar shown in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  provides a plan view and front elevation view of the floor assembly of the tank shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIGS. 11A to 11C  provide a front perspective view and cross-sectional views of the roof assembly of the tank shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  provides a flow diagram of a method of assembling the tank shown in  FIG. 1A  according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular fluid storage tank assembly and a method of assembling the same. The fluid storage tank assembly comprises a modular design that facilitates the efficient transportation and the rapid assembly and disassembly of the tank. Further, the fluid storage tank assembly is designed to reduce heat loss from fluids contained in the tank. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a fluid storage tank assembly  10  according to one embodiment is shown generally comprising a wall assembly  20 , a roof assembly  30 , a floor assembly  40 , and a liner  50 . 
         [0024]    Wall Assembly 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the wall assembly  20  generally comprises an upper wall sub-assembly  210 , a lower wall sub-assembly  250 , joint pins  300 , locking bars  320 , wall braces  340 , and clamp assemblies  360 . The components of the wall assembly  20  are generally manufactured from steel plate of suitable grade and thickness. Alternatively, the wall assembly  20  may be manufactured from any suitable material. Further, while the wall assembly  20  is depicted in the present embodiment as comprises upper and lower wall sub-assemblies, it sis to be understood that the wall assembly may comprises three or more wall sub-assemblies stacked on top of one another. 
         [0026]    The upper wall sub-assembly  210  generally comprises a plurality of interconnected upper wall panels  212  forming an upper hollow cylindrical enclosure. Similarly, the lower wall sub-assembly  250  generally comprises a plurality of interconnected lower wall panels  252  forming a lower hollow cylindrical enclosure. The upper wall sub-assembly  210  is positioned on top of and in axial alignment with the lower wall sub-assembly  250  forming an extended hollow cylindrical enclosure configured to retain the liner  50  within its interior. In the alternative, the wall assembly  20  may be configured to form other continuous circumferential enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow polygonal cylindrical enclosure. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each upper wall panel  212  generally comprises a wall plate  214 , stiffeners  215 , clamp mounts  222 , female connectors  225 , male connectors  236 , stacking components  237 , and an insulating layer  245 . 
         [0028]    The wall plate  214  comprises a curved rectangular plate having a curvature such that the assembly of a plurality of upper wall plates  214  forms a continuous hollow circular cylindrical enclosure. Alternatively, the wall plate  214  may comprise a planar rectangular plate or other form of plate such that the assembly of a plurality of upper wall plates  214  forms a continuous circumferential enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow polygonal cylindrical enclosure. 
         [0029]    Stiffeners  215  are fixed to the wall plate  214  to provide structural support, as well as, provide elements that can be used for the positioning and orientation of the wall panel  212  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . The stiffeners  215  generally comprise a top stiffener  216 , vertical stiffeners  218 , a bottom stiffener  220 , and lifting lug stiffeners  224 . The top stiffener  216  comprises an elongate “L” shaped beam fixed to the wall plate  214  near its top edge and running parallel thereto from one end to the other end of the wall plate  214 . The vertical stiffeners  218  comprise elongate rectangular plates fixed at one or more locations along the length of the wall plate  214  and running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate  214 . The bottom stiffener  220  comprises elongate rectangular tube fixed to the wall plate  214  at its bottom edge and running parallel thereto from one end to the other end of the wall plate  214 . Lifting lug stiffeners  224  comprises rectangular plates fixed to the vertical stiffeners  218  and top stiffener  216  where an aperture is provided through the lifting lug stiffener  224  and the vertical stiffener  218  or top stiffener  216 . The apertures serve as attachment points for hooks or other devices for the positioning and orientation of the upper wall panel  212  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . Alternatively, the stiffeners  215  may comprise more or less vertical, horizontal or other stiffeners for providing structural support, as well as, elements that can be used for the positioning and orientation of upper wall panels  212  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . 
         [0030]    Female connectors  225  generally comprise a female backbone  226 , female inside plates  228 , female outside plates  230 , and locking bar gussets  234 ,  236 . The female backbone  226  comprises a generally rectangular plate fixed to one longitudinal end of the wall plate  214  running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate  214 . The female backbone  226  has a thickness selected to permit the male connectors  236  to be received by the female connectors  225 . Alternatively, the wall plate  214  may serve as the female backbone  226 . The female inside plates  228  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the inner surface of the female backbone  226  spaced along the length of the female backbone  226 , and extend away from the wall plate  214  in a direction parallel to the length thereof Similarly, the female outside plates  230  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the outer surface of the female backbone  226  spaced along the length of the female backbone  226 , and extend away from the wall plate  214  in a direction parallel to the length thereof. Each female outside plate  230  is positioned on the outside surface of the female backbone  226  so as to oppose and pair with a corresponding female inside plate  228  fixed to the inside surface of the female backbone  226 . In addition, each female outside plate  230  and paired female inside plate  228  comprise a set of apertures  229 ,  231  in alignment with one another that are configured to receive a joint pin  300  (as further described below). Each female connector  225  also comprises locking bar gussets  232 ,  234  fixed to the outside surface of the female outside plate  230  shouldering one of the apertures  231  in vertical alignment with one another. The locking bar gussets  232 ,  234  comprise apertures  241  that are aligned with apertures  241  in adjacent locking bar gussets  232 ,  234  that are configured to receive a locking bar  320 . As further described below, the aperture  241  of locking bar gusset  234  comprises an open-ended aperture that extends to the top edge of the gusset  234  such that the handle  324  of the locking bar  320  can pass through the aperture  241  as the bar  322  of the locking bar  320  is inserted through the apertures  241  of the locking bar gussets  232 ,  234 . For the purpose of this disclosure, each female inside plate  228 , corresponding female outside plate  230 , the portion of the female backbone  226  therebetween, and locking bar gussets  234 ,  236 , will be referred to as a single female connector  225 . 
         [0031]    Male connectors  236  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the longitudinal end of the wall plate  214  opposite to the longitudinal end to which the female connectors  225  are fixed, and extending away from the wall plate  214  in a direction parallel to the length thereof Male connectors  236  are spaced along the length of the end of the wall plate  214  such that for each female connector  225  fixed to the opposite end of the wall plate  214  there is a corresponding male connector  236  in vertical alignment therewith. Each male connector  236  also comprises a set of apertures  237  configured to be in alignment with apertures  229 ,  231  of a corresponding female connector  225  of an adjacent upper wall panel  212  when received thereby. In this manner, when the male connectors  236  of one upper wall panel  212  are received by the female connectors  225  of another upper wall panel  212 , the apertures  229 ,  231  of each female connector  225  and the apertures  237  of each received male connector  236  will be in alignment such that they are capable of receiving a joint pin  300  therethrough. 
         [0032]    Stacking components  237  facilitate the stacking of upper wall panels  212  upon one another during transportation or storage. In addition, the stacking components  237  function to protect the insulating layer  245  of the upper wall panels  245  from damage that may be otherwise cause by adjacent stacked upper wall panels  212 . Stacking components  237  generally comprise stack up gussets  238  fixed near the longitudinal ends of the top stiffener  216  and extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the outer surface of the wall plate  214 , and stack up stand offs  240  fixed near the longitudinal ends of the bottom stiffener  220  and extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the outer surface of the wall plate  214 . In the alternative, other stacking components suitable for facilitating the stacking of upper wall panels  212  may be employed. 
         [0033]    Clamp mounts  222  comprise generally “I” shaped mounting brackets fixed to the outer surface of the wall plate  214  for mounting clamp assemblies  360 . As further described below, the clamp assemblies  360  are mounted to the clamp mounts  222  and clamped to the liner  50  to couple the liner  50  to the wall assembly  20 . Alternatively, other clamp mount  222  configurations suitable for mounting a clamp assembly  360  may be used. 
         [0034]    An insulating layer  245  is coupled to the outside surface of the wall plate  214 . The insulating layer  245  may be comprised of suitable spray foam applied to the outer surface of the wall plate  214 . Alternatively, the insulating layer  245  may be coupled to the inner surface of the wall plate  214 . In the further alternative, the insulating layer  245  may comprise insulating panels or other insulating materials coupled to the outer and/or inner surface of the wall plate  214 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , each lower wall panel  252  generally comprises a wall plate  254 , stiffeners  253 , guide plates  266 , female connectors  267 , male connectors  282 , and stacking components  283 . 
         [0036]    The wall plate  254  comprises a curved rectangular plate having a curvature such that the assembly of a plurality of lower wall plates  254  forms a continuous hollow circular cylindrical enclosure. Alternatively, the wall plate  254  may comprise a planar rectangular plate or other form of plate such that the assembly of a plurality of lower wall plates  254  forms a continuous circumferential enclosures, such as, for example, a hollow polygonal cylindrical enclosure. 
         [0037]    Stiffeners  267  are fixed to the wall plate  254  to provide structural support, as well as, provide elements that can be used for the positioning and orientation of the wall panel  252  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . The stiffeners  267  generally comprise a top stiffener  256 , vertical stiffeners  258 , a bottom stiffener  260 , lifting lug stiffeners  262 , and lifting lug plates  264 . The top stiffener  256  comprises an elongate rectangular tube fixed to the wall plate  254  an offset distance below its top edge and running from one end to the other end of the wall plate  254 . The vertical stiffeners  258  comprise elongate rectangular plates fixed at one or more locations along the length of the wall plate  254  and running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate  254 . The bottom stiffener  260  comprises an elongate “L” shaped beam fixed to the wall plate  254  near its bottom edge and running parallel thereto from one end to the other end of the wall plate  214 . Lifting lug stiffeners  262  comprise rectangular plates fixed to the vertical stiffeners  258  where an aperture is provided through the lifting lug stiffener  224  and the vertical stiffener  218 . Lifting lug plates  264  comprise tabs fixed to and extending from the top stiffener  256  and having an aperture therethrough. The apertures in the lifting lug stiffeners  262 , vertical stiffeners  258 , and lifting lug plates  264  serve as attachment points for hooks or other devices for the positioning and orientation of the lower wall panel  252  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . Alternatively, the stiffeners  267  may comprise more or less vertical, horizontal or other stiffeners for providing structural support, as well as, elements that can be used for the positioning and orientation of the lower wall panel  252  during assembly and disassembly of the tank  10 . 
         [0038]    Female connectors  267  generally comprise a female backbone  268 , female inside plates  270 , female outside plates  272 , horizontal guide plates  276 , and locking bar gussets  278 ,  280 . The female backbone  268  comprises a generally rectangular plate fixed to one longitudinal end of the wall plate  254  running from the bottom to the top of the wall plate  254 . The female backbone  268  has a thickness selected to permit the male connectors  282  to be received by the female connectors  267 . Alternatively, the wall plate  254  may serve as the female backbone  268 . The female inside plates  270  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the inner surface of the female backbone  268  spaced along the length of the female backbone  268 , and extend away from the wall plate  254  in a direction parallel to the length thereof. Similarly, the female outside plates  272  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the outer surface of the female backbone  268  spaced along the length of the female backbone  268 , and extend away from the wall plate  254  in a direction parallel to the length thereof. Each female outside plate  272  is positioned on the outside surface of the female backbone  268  so as to oppose and pair with a corresponding female inside plate  270  fixed to the inside surface of the female backbone  268 . In addition, each female outside plate  272  and paired female inside plate  270  comprise a set of apertures  271 ,  273  in alignment with one another that are configured to receive a joint pin  300  (as further described below). Each female connector  267  also comprises locking bar gussets  278 ,  280  fixed to the outside surface of the female outside plate  272  shouldering one of the apertures  273  in vertical alignment with one another. The locking bar gussets  278 ,  280  comprise apertures  287  that are aligned with apertures  287  in adjacent locking bar gussets  278 ,  280  that are configured to receive a locking bar  320 . As further described below, the aperture  287  of locking bar gusset  280  comprises an open-ended aperture that extends to the top edge of the gusset  280  such that the handle  324  of the locking bar  320  can pass through the aperture  287  as the bar  322  of the locking bar  320  is inserted through the apertures  287  of the locking bar gussets  278 ,  280 . Further, the top and bottom female connectors  267  also comprise horizontal guide plates  276  fixed to and spanning the bottom of the female inside plate  270  and female outside plate  272  of each top and bottom female connector  267 . The horizontal guide plates  276  function to align and guide the male connectors  282  of the wall panel  252  being received by the female connectors  267 . For the purpose of this disclosure, each female inside plate  270 , corresponding female outside plate  272 , the portion of the female backbone  268  therebetween, the locking bar gussets  278 ,  280 , and the horizontal guide plates  276  (as applicable to the top and bottom female connectors  267 ), will be referred to as a single female connector  267 . 
         [0039]    Male connectors  282  comprise generally rectangular plates that are fixed to the longitudinal end of the wall plate  254  opposite to the longitudinal end to which the female connectors  267  are fixed, and extending away from the wall plate  254  in a direction parallel to the length thereof. Male connectors  282  are spaced along the length of the end of the wall plate  254  such that for each female connector  267  fixed to the opposite end of the wall plate  254  there is a corresponding male connector  282  in vertical alignment therewith. Each male connector  282  also comprises a set of apertures  283  configured to be in alignment with apertures  271 ,  273  of a corresponding female connector  267  of an adjacent upper wall panel  252  when received thereby. In this manner, when the male connectors  282  of one lower wall panel  252  are received by the female connectors  267  of another lower wall panel  252 , the apertures  271 ,  273  of each female connector  267  and the apertures  283  of each received male connector  282  will be in alignment such that they are capable of receiving a joint pin  300  therethrough. 
         [0040]    Guide plates  266  comprise tabs fixed to and extending from the top stiffener  256  spaced along the length of the top stiffener  256 . The guide plates  266 , top stiffener  256  and portion of the wall plate  254  extending above the top stiffener  256 , define a seat configured to receive and support the base of an upper wall panel  212  therebetween. In this manner, the bottom of the upper wall sub-assembly  210  is coupled to the top of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  through a tongue and groove assembly. In the alternative, the upper wall sub-assembly  210  may be coupled to the lower wall sub-assembly  250  using other suitable coupling mechanisms. 
         [0041]    Stacking components  283  facilitate the stacking of lower wall panels  252  upon one another during transportation or storage. In addition, the stacking components  283  function to protect the insulating layer  295  of the lower wall panels  252  from damage that may be otherwise cause by adjacent stacked upper wall panels  252 . Stacking components  283  generally comprise stack up gussets  284  fixed near the longitudinal ends of the bottom stiffener  260  and extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the outer surface of the wall plate  254 , and stack up stand offs  286  fixed near the longitudinal ends of the top stiffener  256  and extending in a generally perpendicular direction outwardly from the outer surface of the wall plate  254 . In the alternative, other stacking components suitable for facilitating the stacking of lower wall panels  252  may be employed. 
         [0042]    An insulating layer  295  is coupled to the outside surface of the wall plate  254 . The insulating layer  295  may be comprised of suitable spray foam applied to the outer surface of the wall plate  254 . Alternatively, the insulating layer  295  may be coupled to the inner surface of the wall plate  254 . In the further alternative, the insulating layer  295  may comprise insulating panels or other insulating materials coupled to the outer and/or inner surface of the wall plate  254 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , joint pins  300  generally comprise a pin prong  302  and pin handle  314 . The pin prong  302  comprises spaced fingers  306  extending from a base  304 . The base  304  comprises a top surface  308  spanning between adjacent fingers  306  and a bottom surface  310  opposite the top surface  308 . The fingers  306  are sized to be received by and extend through (a) apertures  229 ,  231  of a female connector  225  and apertures  237  of a male connector  236  of upper wall panel  212  when received by the female connector  225 , and (b) apertures  271 ,  273  of a female connector  267  and apertures  283  of a male connector  282  of lower wall panel  252  when received by the female connector  267 . In addition, the fingers  306  comprise bevelled tips to assist in positioning the fingers  306  into apertures  229 ,  231 ,  236  and  271 ,  273 ,  283 . The pin handle  314  is a generally “U” shaped handle fixed to the bottom surface  310  of the base  304  of the pin prong  302  defining a void  316  between the pin handle  314  and bottom surface  310 . Alternatively, the joint pin  300  may comprise any number of fingers  306 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , locking bars  320  generally comprise a bar  322  and a handle  324 . The bar  322  comprises a cylindrical rod sized to be received by and extend through (a) apertures  241  of locking bar gussets  232 , 234  of a female connector  225  of upper wall panel  212  and (b) apertures  287  of locking bar gussets  278 ,  280  of a female connector  267  of lower wall panel  252 . The handle  324  comprises a cylindrical rod fixed to the bar  322  and extending in a generally perpendicular direction therefrom. The handle  324  has a thickness sized to fit between adjacent locking bar gussets  232 ,  234  and  278 ,  280 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , during the assembly of the upper wall sub-assembly  210  and lower wall sub-assembly  250 , adjacent wall panels  212 ,  252  are interconnected by inserting the male connectors  236 ,  282  into the female connectors  225 ,  267  such that the apertures  229 ,  231 ,  236  and  271 ,  273 ,  283  are in alignment. The fingers  306  of a joint pin  300  are then inserted through the apertures  229 ,  231 ,  236  and  271 ,  273 ,  283 , until the top surface  308  of the base  304  of the joint pin  300  contacts the outer surface of the female outside plate  230 ,  272  of the female connector  225 ,  267 . The bar  322  of the locking bar  320  is inserted into and slid through the apertures  241 ,  287  of locking bar gussets  232 ,  234  and  278 ,  280  and through the void  310  between the bottom surface  310  of the base  304  of the pin prong  302  of the joint pin  300  and the handle  314  of the joint pin  300 . In the same motion, the handle  324  of the locking bar  320  is positioned to extend upwards such that it can be slid through the aperture  241 ,  287  of locking bar gusset  234 ,  280 . Once the handle  324  of the locking bar  320  has been slid through the aperture  241 ,  287  of locking bar gusset  234 ,  280 , the handle  324  is rotated so that it extends downwards and rests between the locking bar gusset  234 ,  280  and adjacent locking bar gusset  232 ,  278 . In this manner, the locking bar  320  prevents the joint pin  300  from being withdrawn from the male connector  236 ,  282  and female connector  225 ,  267 , and the locking bar  320  is prevented from further translational motion without first rotating the handle  324  of the locking bar  320  so that it extends upwards and can translate through the locking bar gusset  234 ,  280 . This mechanism of interconnecting adjacent wall panels  212 ,  252  of the upper wall sub-assembly  210  and lower wall sub-assembly  250  provides a strong and secure coupling between adjacent wall panels,  212 ,  252  capable of resisting the high forces typically exerted by fluids contained in the tank  10 . 
         [0046]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , wall braces  340  generally comprise supporting plates configured to extended between and couple to the vertical stiffeners  218 ,  258  of vertically adjacent wall panels  212 ,  252  in the assembled tank  10 . The wall braces  340  function to restrict relative motion between vertically adjacent wall panels  212 ,  252  in the assembled tank  10 . Alternatively, other forms of wall braces  340  that are suitable to restrict relative motion between vertically adjacent wall panels  212 ,  252  in the assembled tank  10  can be utilized. 
         [0047]    Clamp assembly  360  generally comprises a clamp bar  362 , clamp  364  and anti-vibration mount  366 . The clamp bar  362  comprises a tube to which the clamp  364  is fixed to the outer surface and the anti-vibration mounts  366  are fixed to the inner surface. The clamp  364  is configured to clamped to the liner  50  to couple the liner  50  to the wall assembly  20 . The clamp assembly  360  is configured to mount to the clamp mount  222  of upper wall panel  212 . 
         [0048]    Floor Assembly 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the floor assembly  40  functions to insulate fluids contained in the tank  10  from the ground and direct the fluids to the location within the tank  10  where a suction pipe is located for withdrawing the fluid from the tank. The floor assembly  40  generally comprises a plurality of modular floor panels  402  and an insulating layer  404 . The floor panels  402  are configured to substantially cover the entire surface area of the ground captured within the interior circumferential boundary of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . The panels  402  are manufactured from overlapping plywood sheets that are glued and screwed together. The plywood sheets are cut into elongate generally rectangular strips that are configured to extend across a strip of the ground within the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . The floor panel(s)  402  crossing the centre of the ground within the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  will have the longest length, spanning the diameter of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 , followed by successively shorter length floor panels  402  the further a floor panel  402  is located from the centre of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . The ends of the floor panels  402  are shaped to substantially conform to the shape of the interior circumferential boundary of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . Alternatively, the panels  402  may comprise a plurality of rectangular panels for positioning within the interior portion of the floor assembly  30  and plurality of shaped panels configured to generally conform to the shape of the interior circumferential boundary of the assembled lower wall sub-assembly  250  for positioning adjacent to the boundary. In the further alternative, the floor panels  402  may be manufactured from fibreglass, composite fibreglass or any other suitable material. In he further alternative the floor panels  402  may be coupled to one another by Velcro or any other suitable attachment mechanism. 
         [0050]    An insulating layer  404  is fixed to the top of the floor panels  402 . The insulating layer  404  comprises a plurality of insulating foam panels that are positioned on top of the floor panels  402  such that the elevation of the insulation at the boundary of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  is higher than the elevation of the insulation at the centre of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . In this manner, the gradient of the floor assembly  40  will tend to drain fluid within the liner  50  contained by the tank  10  towards the centre of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  where a suction pipe for withdrawing the fluid from the tank  10  will be located. Further, the gradient of the floor assembly  40  permits the tank  10  to be assembled on surfaces that are not level since fluid the gradient of the floor assembly  40  will compensate for imperfections in the level of the surface and direct the fluid to the location of the suction pipe. Alternatively, where it is desired to locate the suction pipe at another location within the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 , the insulating layer  404  can be configured on top of the floor panels  402  such that the gradient of the floor assembly  400  directs the fluid contained in the tank  10  to be directed to that location. 
         [0051]    An insulating layer  404  may be fixed to every floor panel  402  or only to a subset of floor panels  402  as is required to provide a desired gradient of the floor assembly  40 . For example, in some embodiments, the floor panels  402  in closest proximity to the intended location of the suction pipe have an insulating layer  404  fixed to the floor panels  402  in order to provide an area of minimum elevation that the fluid in the tank  10  will be directed to by the gradient of the floor assembly  40 . In addition, a channel may be cut into the insulating layer  404  to receive the suction pipe near the boundary of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  and direct the suction pipe to a desired location within the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . Alternatively, the insulating layer  404  may be manufactured from other suitable insulating materials. 
         [0052]    Roof Assembly 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A to 11C , the roof assembly  30  functions to cover the top of the tank  10  and thereby prevent wildlife from entering the tank  10  and trap heat within the tank  10 . The roof assembly  30  generally comprises roof segments  502 , a fastening assembly  508 , a lifting assembly  512 , a drainage assembly  514 , and a support pole assembly  516 . 
         [0054]    Roof segments  502  comprise two roof halves  502 A,  502 B each comprising a top portion  504 A,  504 B and a skirt  506 A,  506 B. Alternatively, the roof segments  502  may comprise more than two segments. When assembled, the top portion  504  of the roof segments  502  covers the top of the upper wall sub-assembly  200  and the skirt  506  extends down a portion of the exterior surface of the upper wall sub-assembly  200 . Optionally, the skirt  506  of the roof assembly  30  may be coupled to the wall assembly  20  by way of a tether or other suitable coupling. 
         [0055]    The roof segments  502  are manufactured from a flexible insulating material, such as, for example, vinyl treated with a water proof coating, nylon, plastics or any other suitable material. Alternatively, the roof segments  502  can be manufactured from other suitable materials that can prevent wildlife from entering the tank  10  and trap heat within the tank  10 . 
         [0056]    The roof segments  502  are divided into two halves in order to facilitate the transportation and assembly of the roof assembly  30 . The roof segments  502  are coupled to one another along their interior edges  508  by way of the fastening assembly  510 . The fastening assembly  510  comprises Velcro straps and safety buckles that are fixed to the roof segments  502  about the length of their interior edges  508 . Alternatively, the fastening assembly  510  may comprise other suitable fastening components capable of fastening the roof segments  502  to one another. 
         [0057]    The lifting assembly  512  comprises lifting loops fixed to the top portion  504  of the roof segments  502  about the length of the interior edge  508  of the roof segments  502 . The lifting assembly  512  provides a point of attachment that can be coupled to by a hook or other suitable device to position of the roof segments  502  on top of the upper wall sub-assembly  200  and in relative position to one another to facilitate the fastening of the fastening assembly  510 . In the alternative, the lifting assembly  512  may comprise other suitable lifting components. 
         [0058]    The support pole assembly  516  comprises a pole mounted on top of the liner  50  about the centre of the floor assembly  40  and extending vertically therefrom above the top of the wall assembly  20 . The support pole assembly  516  functions to support a portion of the weight of the roof assembly  30  and to direct rain water, snow and other fluids forming on top of the roof assembly  30  to the drainage assembly  514 . The support pole assembly  516  may optionally comprise a base positioned on top of the liner  50  and configured to receive the bottom of the pole. The base may comprise a water tank or other suitable base structure. Alternatively, the support pole assembly  516  may comprises a plurality of poles mounted at desired locations about interior of the tank  10 . 
         [0059]    The drainage assembly  514  functions to drain rain water, snow and other fluids forming on top of the roof assembly  30  into the tank  10 . The drainage assembly  514  comprises a plurality of drain apertures through the roof segments  502  located at low points on the roof segments  502  that form due to the natural sag of the roof segments  502  between the support pole assembly  516  and the top of the wall assembly  20 . The drainage assembly  514  also comprises a mesh layer over each aperture to prevent wildlife from entering the tank  10  therethrough. 
         [0060]    Liner 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the liner  50  comprises a flexible polyurethane container housed within the interior of the wall assembly  20  and draped over the sides of the wall assembly  20  and coupled thereto by clamp assemblies  360 . The liner  50  functions to provide a water proof container for receiving fluid within the tank  10 . 
         [0062]    Assembly Process 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , one embodiment of a method  600  of assembling the tank  10  is provided. In block  602 , the components of the tank  10  are transported to a site where the tank  10  is to be assembled, typically by one or more semi-trailer trucks. In block  604 , the components of the tank  10  are offloaded to desired location on the site, typically by a picker truck. 
         [0064]    In block  606 , a first lower wall panel  252  is located to a desired position and orientation, typically by a picker truck. The first lower wall panel  252  is supported in an upright position by a temporary support assembly, typically comprising removable support beams. In block  608 , the next lower wall panel  252  is positioned and oriented next to the first lower wall panel  252  such that the male connectors  282  of either the first lower wall panel  252  or next lower wall panel  252  is received by the female connectors  267  of the other of the first lower wall panel  252  or next lower wall panel  252  in alignment therewith. In block  610 , the joint pin  300  is inserted through the aligned female connectors  267  and male connectors  282 , and locking bar  400  is inserted to secure the joint pin  300 , in the manner described above. In block  612 , if the lower wall sub-assembly  250  is completed, the method  600  proceeds to block  614 , otherwise, blocks  608  to  612  are repeated for the next lower wall panel  252 . 
         [0065]    In block  614 , a first upper wall panel  212  is located to a desired position and orientation on top of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 , typically by a picker truck. As described above, the bottom of the first upper wall panel  212  is received by the seat defined by the guide plates  266 , top stiffener  256  and portion of the wall plate  254  extending above the top stiffener  256  of the lower wall panel  252  for which the first upper wall panel  212  is positioned on top of. The first upper wall panel  212  is positioned with respect to its supporting lower wall panel  252  such that the vertical stiffeners  218 ,  258  of the first upper wall panel  212  and supporting lower wall panel  252  are in horizontal alignment. The first lower wall panel  212  is supported in an upright position by a temporary support assembly, typically comprising removable support beams. In block  616 , the next upper wall panel  212  is positioned and oriented next to the first upper wall panel  212  such that the male connectors  236  of either the first upper wall panel  212  or next upper wall panel  212  is received by the female connectors  225  of the other of the first lower wall panel  212  or next lower wall panel  212  in alignment therewith. In addition, similar to the first upper wall panel  212 , the next upper wall panel  212  is positioned in the seat provide by a supporting lower wall panel  252 . Similar to the first upper wall panel  212 , the next upper wall panel  212  is positioned with respect to its supporting lower wall panel  252  such that the vertical stiffeners  218 ,  258  of the next upper wall panel  212  and supporting lower wall panel  252  are in horizontal alignment. 
         [0066]    In block  618 , the joint pin  300  is inserted through the aligned female connectors  225  and male connectors  236 , and locking bar  400  is inserted to secure the joint pin  300 , in the manner described above. In block  620 , if the upper wall sub-assembly  210  is completed, the method  600  proceeds to block  622 , otherwise, blocks  616  to  620  are repeated for the next upper wall panel  212 . 
         [0067]    In block  622 , the wall braces  340  are attached to selected vertical stiffeners  218 ,  258  of aligned lower wall panel  252  and upper wall panels  212 . In block  624 , clamp assemblies  260  are coupled to clamp mounts  222  of upper wall panels  212 . 
         [0068]    In block  626 , the floor panels  402  are set out on the ground within the interior circumferential boundary of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  in their designated locations. In block  628 , the insulating layer  404  is fixed to the top of the floor panels  402  such that the elevation of the insulation at the boundary of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250  is higher than the elevation of the insulation at the centre of the interior of the lower wall sub-assembly  250 . 
         [0069]    In block  630 , the liner is positioned inside of the wall assembly  20 , draped over the upper edges of the wall assembly  20  and coupled to clamp assemblies  260 . In block  632 , the suction pipe for withdrawing fluid from the tank  10  and the inlet and outlet pipes used for heating fluid contained in the tank  10  are inserted into the interior of the liner  50  within the wall assembly  20 . 
         [0070]    In block  634 , the support pole assembly  516  is mounted on top of the liner  50  about the centre of the floor assembly  40  and extending vertically therefrom above the top of the wall assembly  20 . In block  636 , the roof segments  502  are laid out on the ground and are coupled together by the fastening assembly  508 . In block  638 , the assembled roof segments  502  are positioned on top of the wall assembly  20  and support pole assembly  516  such that the skirt  506  of the roof assembly  30  extends down a portion of the exterior of the wall assembly  20 , typically through the use of a picker truck. In  40 , optionally, the skirt  506  may be coupled to the wall assembly  20  by way of tethers or other suitable coupling devices. 
         [0071]    After the completion of method  600 , the tank may be filled with fluid and used in operation. 
         [0072]    While particular embodiments of the present invention has been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiment. The invention is therefore to be considered limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4