Patent Abstract:
A lined transport tank for mounting to a truck is provided. The tank has a lined tank body. The tank body has an inner surface. A baffle is removably connected to the inner surface of the tank body. A retaining system is removably connecting the baffle to the inner surface of the tank body. The retaining system has a pair of elongated members fixedly connected to the inner surface of the tank body. The pair of elongated members is restraining movement of the baffle in a first direction. A retainer is connected to the pair of elongated members. The retainer is restraining movement of the baffle in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction. A retaining system for removably connecting an element to a surface is also provided.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/369,344, entitled ‘Transport Tank Baffle Assembly’, filed Jul. 30, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to baffle assemblies for transport tanks for trucks. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many industries use trucks for the transportation of their goods. To transport a liquid, a truck is provided with a transport tank mounted to a frame of the truck or to a trailer of the truck. When the liquid is to be transported under pressure, the transport tank needs to be constructed to withstand this pressure. One example of such a liquid is a liquefied petroleum gas, such as propane. Typically, in order to withstand internal pressures, transport tanks are made of metal, such as carbon or stainless steel, and have a cylindrical central section and two generally curved ends. Although metal transport tanks such as the one described above are suitable for the transport of pressurized liquids they have some drawbacks. 
         [0004]    In most jurisdictions, the total truck weight (truck plus payload) or total trailer weight (trailer plus payload) is not allowed to exceed a predetermined maximum weight. As a metal transport tank is heavy, the maximum weight of the payload that can be transported is less than could otherwise be transported if the transport tank was lighter. Also, a metal transport tank tends to corrode over time which requires maintenance, repair, and in some cases replacement of the tank. 
         [0005]    One solution to the above-mentioned drawbacks of metal transport tanks consist in making the transport tank out of composite material. For tanks of the same volume, composite transport tanks are lighter than metal transport tanks. As a result, by using a composite transport tank, the maximum weight of the payload that can be transported can be increased. Also, composite materials are typically less susceptible to corrosion than metals. 
         [0006]    When transporting liquids, tanks can be subjected to sloshing. Sloshing is the motion of liquid against the tank&#39;s walls, due to inertia forces. Sloshing appears, for example, when the truck accelerates or brakes. When a liquid sloshes, great forces are generated at the tank&#39;s wall on which the liquid is projected, which may render the truck unstable and/or difficult to control. 
         [0007]    One way to decrease sloshing is to dispose within the tank one or more baffles. The baffles break the motion of the liquid, which in turn decreases the forces generated by sloshing. Some baffles are fixed to the tank. When fixed to the tank, the baffles have to be securely fixed to the tank wall with sufficient strength to sustain the forces generated by the sloshing. When the tank is made of metal, it is usual to weld the baffles or the baffle connectors to the tank. However, when the tank is not made of metal, welding, in the same manner as for metal tanks, can lead to zones of stresses at the weld which ultimately may break off the connection between the baffle and the tank when the baffles are subjected to the sloshing forces. In addition, it is desirable that the baffles be removable to allow inspection and cleaning of the tank. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need for a transport tank with a baffle, removably connected to the tank, where the divider or baffle would in addition be adapted for use in composite tanks. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
         [0010]    In one aspect, a lined transport tank for mounting to a truck is provided. The tank comprises a lined tank body having an inner surface. A baffle is removably connected to the inner surface of the tank body. A retaining system is removably connecting the baffle to the inner surface of the tank body. The retaining system comprises a pair of elongated members fixedly connected to the inner surface of the tank body. The pair of elongated members is restraining movement of the baffle in a first direction. A retainer is connected to the pair of elongated members. The retainer is restraining movement of the baffle in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect, the tank body has a cylindrical section. The first direction is a longitudinal direction with respect to the cylindrical section. The second direction is a circumferential direction with respect to the cylindrical section. 
         [0012]    In an additional aspect, the pair of elongated members is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the tank body. 
         [0013]    In a further aspect, when the tank is mounted onto the truck, the pair of elongated members is disposed vertically above a lowest point of the inner surface of the tank body. 
         [0014]    In an additional aspect, the retainer is fixedly connected to the pair of elongated members. 
         [0015]    In a further aspect, the retainer includes a pair of tabs. The tabs connect the elongated members together. The baffle is disposed at least in part between the tabs. 
         [0016]    In an additional aspect, the baffle has a first end and a second end. The retaining system is a first retaining system. The first retaining system removably connects the first end of the baffle to the inner surface of the tank body. A second retaining system is removably connecting the second end of the baffle to the inner surface of the tank body. 
         [0017]    In a further aspect, the retaining system further comprises a baffle connector having a first end and a second end. The first end of the baffle connector is removably connected to the baffle. The second end of the baffle connector is disposed at least in part between the pair of elongated members. The pair of elongated members restrains movement of the baffle connector in the first direction. The retainer restrains movement of the baffle connector in the second direction. 
         [0018]    In an additional aspect, the second end of the baffle connector has outwardly extending tabs. The tabs are disposed radially between the retainer and the tank body. 
         [0019]    In a further aspect, the retainer abuts the baffle connector for restraining movement of the baffle connector from moving in the second direction. 
         [0020]    In an additional aspect, the first end of the baffle connector is fastened to the baffle. 
         [0021]    In a further aspect, the baffle connector is spaced from the inner surface of the tank body. 
         [0022]    In an additional aspect, a wear element is disposed between the second end of the baffle connector and the inner surface of the tank body. The second end of the baffle connector is abutting the wear element. 
         [0023]    In a further aspect, the baffle comprises a first sub-baffle and a second sub-baffle. The first and second sub-baffles are removably connected to the baffle connector. 
         [0024]    In an additional aspect, the baffle is received at least in part between the pair of elongated members. 
         [0025]    In a further aspect, the baffle has outwardly extending tabs, and the tabs are disposed radially between the retainer and the tank body. 
         [0026]    In another aspect, a retaining system for removably connecting an element to a surface is provided. The retaining system comprises a connector having a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be removably connected to the element. A pair of elongated members is adapted to be fixedly connected to the surface. The second end of the connector is disposed at least in part between the pair of elongated members. The pair of elongated members is restraining movement of the connector in a first direction. A retainer is connected to the pair of elongated members. The retainer is restraining movement of the connector in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction. 
         [0027]    For purposes of this application, the adjective “composite”, such as in “composite tank body”, indicates that the associated element is made at least in part of composite materials. Examples of composite materials include, but are not limited to, carbon fibers with epoxy resin and aramid fibers with acrylate-based resin. The term “baffle” refers to an obstruction for deflecting the flow of liquid. 
         [0028]    Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the above-mentioned aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. 
         [0029]    Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a left side elevation view of a truck having a transport tank; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view taken from a rear, right side of the transport tank and a portion of a frame of the truck of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a left side elevation view of the transport tank of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the transport tank of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the transport tank of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view of a liner of the transport tank of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the liner of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a pipe and valve assembly for attachment to a spray fill fitting of the transport tank of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of a pipe and valve assembly for attachment to a vapor fitting of the transport tank of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the tank taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 3 , revealing a baffle assembly according to a first embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a perspective close-up view of the baffle assembly and tank of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a baffle and a retaining system of the baffle assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a schematic, partial side view of the connection to the tank of the baffle assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a baffle and a retaining system of a baffle assembly according to a second embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of a baffle and a retaining system of a baffle assembly according to a third embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a baffle and a retaining system of a baffle assembly according to a fourth embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of a baffle and a retaining system of a baffle assembly according to a fifth embodiment; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 18  is a schematic, partial side view of a connection to the tank of the baffle assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0049]    A truck  10  having a transport tank  12  in accordance with aspects of the present invention will be described with respect to  FIG. 1 . The truck  10  has a frame  14  to which a cabin  16 , two axles  18 , an engine (not shown), and the tank  12  are connected. The engine is covered by a hood  20 . The engine drives at least one of the two axles  18 . A plurality of wheels  22  are mounted to the axles  18 . It is contemplated that the truck  10  could have more than two axles  18 . 
         [0050]    As seen in  FIG. 2 , the tank  12  is connected to the frame  14  of the truck  10  via three cradle assemblies  24 . It is contemplated that more or less than three cradle assemblies  24  could be used. The cradle assemblies  24  are bonded to an outer side of a body  26  of the tank  12 . Two L-bars  28  are connected to the cradle assemblies  24  and are fastened to the frame  14 . It is contemplated that the cradle assemblies  24  could alternatively be fastened or otherwise connected to the tank  12 . It is also contemplated that the cradle assemblies  24  could be connected to the frame  14  by other means, such as by welding the cradle assemblies  24  directly to the frame  14 . 
         [0051]    It is contemplated that the truck  10  could have a flatbed mounted to the frame  14 . In such an embodiment, the tank  12  would be mounted to the flatbed. It is also contemplated that the tank  12  could be mounted to a truck of a different type than the truck  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, the truck could be a tractor-trailer consisting of a tractor and of a full trailer or semitrailer hooked to the tractor. In such an embodiment, the tank would be mounted to the full trailer or semitrailer. 
         [0052]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2 to 5 , the tank  12  will be described in more detail. The tank body  26  has a cylindrical central section  30  closed by two generally curved ends  32 ,  34 . It is contemplated that the tank body  26  could be shaped so as to have a non-circular lateral cross-section, such as an ellipsoidal lateral cross-section. A man-way is formed in the rear end  32  of the tank body  26  to permit the passage of a person inside the tank  12  for maintenance, cleaning, and assembly of components of the tank  12 . The man-way is closed by a cover  36  which is fastened by a plurality of threaded fasteners  38 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , a float gauge  40  is inserted in an aperture in the center of the cover  36 . The float gauge  40  provides an indication of the level of liquid in the tank  12 . A temperature gauge  42  is inserted in another aperture in the cover  36 . The temperature gauge  42  provides an indication of the temperature of the liquid in the tank  12 . 
         [0053]    A number of fittings  44 ,  46  and  48  are provided in the rear end  32  of the tank body  26  below the man-way cover  36 . The fittings  44 ,  46  and  48  are made of carbon steel. However, it is contemplated that the fittings  44 ,  46  and  48  could be made of other types of metal or of plastic, such as fiber reinforced plastic. 
         [0054]    The two fittings  44  are referred to as spray fill fittings  44 . A pipe and valve assembly  50 , shown in  FIG. 8 , is connected to the outer end of the fittings  44 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the assembly  50  has a back pressure check valve  52 . The valve  52  is threaded into the spray fill fitting  44  and prevents vapor from flowing out of the tank  12 . A bushing  54  is threaded into the valve  52 . A pipe  56  has one end threaded in the bushing  54  and another end threaded in an end of a manually operated valve  58 . An adaptor  60  is threaded in the other end of valve  58 . A plug  62  fits into a hole  64  in the side of the adaptor  60 . The hole  64  gives an operator of the truck  10  the ability to install a vent valve and release pressure between the valve  58  and a removable cap  66  before connecting a fill hose. The removable cap  66  is threaded on the end of the adaptor  60 . The cap  66  is connected to the tank  12  or truck  10  by a chain  68  to prevent the cap  66  from being misplaced when it is removed from the end of the adaptor  60 . In the interior of the tank  12 , pipes (not shown) are connected to the spray fill fittings  44 . The pipes are suspended from the top of the tank body  26 , as described in greater detail below, such that the outlets of the pipes are higher than the fittings  44 . To fill the tank  12 , the cap  66  is removed from the adaptor  60 . A fill hose from a storage tank holding the liquid to be put in the tank  12  is connected to the adaptor  60 . The valve  58  is then opened and a pump turned on to pump liquid through the assembly  50  into the pipe and is finally sprayed inside the tank  12  (hence the name spray fill fitting for the fitting  44 ). Once the desired amount of liquid is in the tank  12 , the pump is turned off, the valve  58  is closed and the cap  66  is threaded back on the adaptor  60 . The above is simply a general description of the major steps necessary to fill the tank  12 . It should be understood that additional steps could be necessary. By providing two spray fill fittings  44 , it is possible to fill the tank  12  faster. 
         [0055]    The fitting  46  is referred to as a vapor fitting  46 . A pipe and valve assembly  70 , shown in  FIG. 9 , is connected to the outer end of the fittings  46 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the assembly  70  has a valve  72 . The valve  72  is threaded into the vapor fitting  46  and prevents vapor from accidentally releasing from the tank  12 . A pipe  74  has one end threaded in the valve  72  and another end threaded in an end of a manually operated valve  76 . An adaptor  78  is threaded in the other end of valve  76 . A removable cap  80  is threaded on the end of the adaptor  78 . The cap  80  is connected to the tank  12  or truck  10  by a chain  82  to prevent the cap  80  from being misplaced when it is removed from the end of the adaptor  78 . In the interior of the tank  12 , a pipe (not shown) is connected to the vapor fitting  46 . By removing the cap  80  from the adaptor  78  and by opening the valve  76 , the operator can release vapor pressure from inside the tank  12 . 
         [0056]    The fitting  48  receives a pressure gauge (not shown) connected to a tube (not shown) disposed inside the tank  12  and a manual valve (not shown). The tube has an opened end disposed inside the tank  12  at a level corresponding to 85% of the volume of tank body  26 . When the level of liquid inside the tank body  26  reaches the end of the tube, the tank body  26  is 85% full. The operator can see that this volume is reached by opening the manual valve and determining if liquid is present in the valve. It is contemplated that this level may vary depending on local regulations. 
         [0057]    A number of fittings  84  and  86  are provided in the top of the tank body  26  along the longitudinal centerline of the tank  12 . It is contemplated that the fittings  84  and  86  could be offset from the centerline of the tank  12 . The fittings  84  and  86  are made of carbon steel. However, it is contemplated that the fittings  84  and  86  could be made of other types of metal or of plastic, such as fiber reinforced plastic. 
         [0058]    The two fittings  84  each hold a hanger (not shown) which extends inside the tank body  26 . The hangers hold the various pipes and tubes described above inside the tank body  26 . 
         [0059]    The fitting  86  receives a pressure relief valve (not shown). The pressure relief valve opens when a predetermined pressure is reached inside the tank body  26  thus preventing the tank body  26  from becoming over pressurized. 
         [0060]    As seen in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , a pump  88  is mounted to a bottom of the tank body  26 . The pump  88  is used to pump liquid out of the tank  12 . The pump  88  is laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline of the tank  12  in order to facilitate operation of the pump  88  and so as not to interfere with other components of the truck  10  such as the frame  14 . However, it is contemplated that the pump  88  could be mounted along the longitudinal centerline or at any other position on the tank body  26  depending on the structure of the truck  10  on which the tank  12  is mounted. The pump  88  is mounted to the tank body  26  via a pump mounting assembly  90 . 
         [0061]    Since the pump  88  is offset from the longitudinal centerline of the tank  12 , the inlet to the pump  88  provided in the pump mounting assembly  90  is located higher than the lowest portion of the tank body  26 . As such, the pump  88  cannot pump all of the liquid out of the tank body  26 . To allow removal of all of the liquid from the tank body  26 , a drain fitting  92  ( FIG. 4 ) is provided in the bottom of the tank body  26  along the longitudinal centerline of the tank  12 . The drain fitting  92  is made of carbon steel. However, it is contemplated that the drain fitting  92  could be made of other types of metal or of plastic, such as fiber reinforced plastic. The drain fitting  92  is closed by a threaded plug  94  ( FIG. 4 ). By removing the threaded plug  94 , the content of the tank body  26  can be drained by the drain fitting  92 . 
         [0062]    The structure and construction of the tank  12  will now be described in more detail. The tank body  26  is made of a liner  96 , shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , disposed inside a composite outer shell  98 , shown in  FIG. 10 , thus forming a composite tank body  26 . 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , the liner  96  has a cylindrical central section  100  and two generally curved ends  102 ,  104 . The liner  96  is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and is formed by a rotational molding process. The liner  96  is non-permeable. It is contemplated that the liner  96  could be made of another type of polymer. It is also contemplated that the liner  96  could be made of metal or other material. It is also contemplated that the liner  96  could be made by another type of process, such as blow-molding. It is also contemplated that the liner  96  could be permeable. A man-way fitting (not shown) is bonded around an aperture in the end of the generally curved end  102  of the liner  96 . In the finished tank  12 , the man-way cover  36  is bolted onto the man-way fitting. 
         [0064]    The outer shell  98  is then formed by winding carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resin around the liner  96 . The carbon fibers are wound helically (i.e. at an acute angle to the longitudinal central axis of the liner  96 ) and circumferentially (i.e. generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis of the liner  96 ) around the liner  96  so as to cover the liner  96 . The angles at which the carbon fiber helical and circumferential windings are applied and the number of layers to be applied depend on the size of the tank body  26 , the amount of internal pressure that the tank body  26  needs to withstand, and the specific material characteristics of the carbon fiber and resin being used. It is contemplated that other types of composite materials could be used, such as aramid fibers impregnated with resin. It is contemplated that the fibers could be wound dry and that resin could be applied to the fibers as they are being wound or after a certain number of windings have been wound around the liner  96 . Some of the windings cover portions of the man-way fitting and hold it in place. 
         [0065]    A number of outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  are mounted on the outer side of the tank body  26  in the areas where the fittings  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  will be located. The outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  are formed by laying additional layers of carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resin to these areas. The number of layers and the angles at which the fibers are laid for each outer boss  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  depend on the dimensions of the apertures to insert each of the fitting  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  and the strength characteristics of the tank body  26  in the area where each of the fittings  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  will be located. It is contemplated that the outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  could also be formed by polymeric, metallic, or composite cores covered by carbon fibers and resin or other composite material. It is contemplated that the outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  could also be formed by interspersing layers of carbon fiber and resin between windings forming the outer shell  98  of the tank body  26 . 
         [0066]    Due to the relative proximity of the apertures for the fittings  44 ,  46  and  48 , these apertures are provided with a common outer boss  108 . However, it is contemplated that individual outer bosses could be provided for each one of the fittings  44 ,  46  and  48 . The apertures for the fittings  84 ,  86  and  92  are each provided with their own outer boss  110 ,  112  and  114 , respectively. 
         [0067]    It is contemplated that the aperture provided for the pump mounting assembly  90  could also be provided with an outer boss formed by laying additional layers of carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resin to the region of the aperture. 
         [0068]    Once the outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  have been laid on the tank body  26 , the tank body  26  and the outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114  are cured. Once cured, the apertures for the fittings  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  are cut through the outer bosses  108 ,  110 ,  112 , and  114 , the outer shell  98  and the liner  96 . The aperture for the pump mounting assembly  90  is also cut. 
         [0069]    Once the apertures for the fittings  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  and for the pump mounting assembly  90  are cut, the fittings  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  84 ,  86 , and  92  and the pump mounting assembly  90  are mounted to the tank body  26 . 
         [0070]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , a baffle assembly  200  of the tank  12  will be described. The baffle assembly  200  is a removable structure used for decreasing liquid sloshing in the tank  12 . As will be described below, the baffle assembly  200  is adapted to be inserted though the man-way and assembled inside the tank body  26  by an operator. The baffle assembly  200  is secured to the tank body  26  by four retaining systems  300 A. The retaining systems  300 A will be described in detail below. It is contemplated that the tank  12  could have more than one baffle assembly  200 . Although the baffle assembly  200  and retaining systems  300 A for the baffle assembly are described herein for the tank  12  having a liner  96 , it is contemplated that some aspects could be used on a tank having no liner. 
         [0071]    The baffle assembly  200  includes two baffles  210  crossing each other at their mid-length. The baffle assembly  200  forms a generally X-shape. The baffle assembly  200  is disposed inside the tank body  26  at about mid-length of the cylindrical central section  100  of the liner  96 . The baffle assembly  200  is disposed vertically on a vertical cross-sectional plane  11  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The baffles  210  are disposed so as to leave a clearance at the bottom of the tank body  26  for liquid to drain toward the pump  88  and drain fitting  92 . It is contemplated that only one or more than two baffles  210  could be included in the baffle assembly  200 . It is also contemplated that the baffles  210  could be disposed somewhere else in the tank body  26 . It is contemplated that the baffles  210  could be disposed differently in the tank body  26 . For example the baffles  210  could be disposed vertically and not crossing each other. It is also contemplated that the baffles  210  could cross each other at locations other than their mid-length. It is contemplated that the baffles  210  could not be disposed on a vertical cross-sectional plane. It also contemplated that the two baffles  210  could be different from each other. 
         [0072]    The baffles  210  are elongated boards that are retained at each end relative to the liner  96  by the retaining systems  300 A. It is contemplated that the baffles  210  could be retained at one end only or could be retained additionally at their sides by one or more retaining systems  300 A or by another retaining mean. It is also contemplated that the baffles  210  could have a shape different from an elongated board. 
         [0073]    Each baffle  210  is composed of two sub-baffles  212 , each of equal width  214  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) smaller than a width of the baffle  210 . The narrower sub-baffles  212  can be inserted in the man-way. In an exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, the man-way has a diameter of 16 inches (40.64 cm), an interior of the tank body  26  has a diameter 27 of about 82 inches (208.2 cm), the sub-baffles  212  have the width  214  of about 14.5 inches (36.83 cm), a thickness of about 0.27 inch (0.68 cm), and a length  216  of 70 inches (177.8 cm) (shown in  FIG. 12 ). Once assembled, the baffle  210  is of 29 inches (73.6 cm) in width and 70 inches in length (177.8 cm). Each baffle  210  is disposed at an angle  203  of 45 degrees with respect to a vertical  211 . It is also contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could not be all identical to each other. It is contemplated that only one or more than two sub-baffles  212  could be part of each baffle  210 . It is contemplated that the dimensions of the sub-baffles  212  could be different. It is contemplated that the baffles  210  could be disposed at an angle  203  other than 45 degrees from the vertical  211 . It is also contemplated that the baffles  210  could not be disposed at a same angle  203  with respect to the vertical  211 . 
         [0074]    The sub-baffles  212  have a flange  218  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) on each side  213  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) along their length  216  to form a generally squared U-shaped channel. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, the flanges  218  are each 3 inches (7.62 cm) high. The flanges  218  provide structural resistance to the sub-baffles  212 . It is contemplated that the flanges  218  could have a different height. It is also contemplated that the flanges  218  could be omitted or could be disposed only on a portion of the sides  213  of the sub-baffles  212 . The sub-baffles  212  are made of the same composite material as the outer shell  98  of the tank body  26 . It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could be made of a different composite material. It is also contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could be made of a material different from a composite. For example, the sub-baffles  212  could be made of metal, such as aluminum. 
         [0075]    The sub-baffles  212  have four apertures  239  at each end  217  (shown in  FIG. 12 ). The apertures  239  are used as removable bolted connections to the retaining system  300 A, as will be described below. In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 10 to 16 , the apertures  239  are spaced by 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) from each other. It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could have more or less than four apertures  239 , and that they could have a different spacing. It is also contemplated that the apertures  239  could be slots. The sub-baffles  212  also each have two apertures  231  at about their mid-length laterally positioned toward a center of the baffle  210 . The apertures  231  are used for bolting the sub-baffles  212  to each other to form the baffle assembly  200 . It is contemplated that more or less than two apertures  231  could be used and that the apertures  231  could be positioned somewhere else on the sub-baffles  212 . It is contemplated that systems other than bolting could be used to secure the sub-baffles  212  to each other and to the retaining systems  300 A. It is contemplated that the apertures  231  could be slots. 
         [0076]    Turning now to  FIGS. 11 to 13 , a first embodiment of the retaining systems  300 A for the baffle assembly  200  will be described. The four retaining systems  300 A being identical, only one retaining system  300 A will be described. It is contemplated that more or less than four retaining systems  300 A could be used to connect the baffle assembly  200  to the tank body  26 . Although the retaining system  300 A is described for use with the baffle  210  in the tank  12 , it is contemplated that the retaining system  300 A could be used for elements other than a baffle  210 . 
         [0077]    The retaining system  300 A comprises a baffle connector  310 A for removably connecting to the sub-baffles  210 , two elongated members  320 A receiving the baffle connector  310 A and being fixedly connected to the tank body  26 , and two tabs  330 A for preventing motion of the baffle connector  310 A with respect to the elongated members  320 A. The baffle connector  310 A, the two elongated members  320 A and the two tabs  330 A are dimensioned to be insertable through the man-way and the retaining system  300 A is adapted to be assembled inside the tank  12 . 
         [0078]    The baffle connector  310 A is made of aluminum. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A could be made of a material other than aluminum. For example, the baffle connector  310 A could be made of the same material as the elongated members  320 A. As best seen in  FIG. 12 , the baffle connector  310 A has a horizontal top  311 A, a horizontal bottom  336 A, two curved portions  334 A on the ends of the horizontal bottom  336 , and two flanges  332 A extending from sides  337 A of the baffle connector  310 A. The flanges  332 A will be described below. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A could not have the curved portions  334 A. The two curved portions  334 A have a curvature corresponding to a curvature of the tank body  26 . The flat bottom  336 A is spaced (see clearance  350 A in  FIG. 13 ) from the liner  96  when the baffle connector  310 A is disposed between the elongated members  320 A. It is contemplated that the bottom  336 A could not be flat. It is also contemplated that the bottom  336 A could have a curvature corresponding to that part of the tank body  26 . It is also contemplated that the clearance  350 A could be omitted, and that the clearance  350 A could be filled. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , a distance from the top  311 A to the bottom  336 A is about 6 inches (15.24 cm), a thickness  313 A (shown in  FIG. 13 ) of the baffle connector  310 A is 1 inch (2.54 cm), and the top  311 A of the baffle connector  310 A has a length of 29.25 inches (74.3 cm). It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A could have dimensions different from recited above. 
         [0079]    The baffle connector  310 A has height apertures  339  for removably connecting to the four apertures  239  of two of the sub-baffles  212  via bolts (not shown). The apertures  339  are spaced so as to be aligned with the four apertures  239  of the sub-baffles. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the height apertures  339  are disposed at 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) from each other, except for the two centrally disposed ones which are at 4 inches (10.16 cm) from each other. The apertures  339  are disposed at 1.25 inches (3.17 cm) from the top  311  of the baffle connector  310 A. The sub-baffles  212  are not bolted to each other but form a connection through the baffle connector  310 A. When connected to the baffle connector  310 A, the sub-baffles  212  have two of the sides  213  adjacent to each other with flanges  218  abutting each other. It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could be connected directly to each other. It is contemplated that the apertures  339  could be slots. It is contemplated that the apertures  339  could be disposed at other locations on the baffle connector  310 A. It is also contemplated that the number of apertures  339  could be different. It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could be bolted to each other or secured to each other additionally to being bolted to the baffle connector  310 A. It is also contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could not be abutting each other at the flanges  218 , but could have a space between them. It is contemplated that more than one baffle connector  310 A could be used. It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212  could be connected permanently to the baffle connector  310 A and that the retaining system  300 A could have a removable portion to remove both the baffles  210  and the baffle connector  310 A. It is also contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A could be omitted. 
         [0080]    The flanges  332 A of the baffle connector  310 A are used for restricting motion of the baffle connector  310 A within the elongated members  320 A through abutment against the tabs  330 A, as will be described below. In an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the flanges  332 A extend about 1.4 inches (3.55 cm) from each side  337 A of the baffle connector  310 A. The flanges  332 A are at 3 inches (7.62 cm) vertically below the top  311 A. It is contemplated that more than one flange  332 A could be located on each side of the baffle connector  310 A. It is contemplated that the flanges  332 A could have other dimensions. 
         [0081]    The elongated members  320 A will now be described. The elongated members  320 A are two elongated beams disposed adjacent to each other. Although the elongated members  320 A are two separate beams, it is contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could be connected to each other. For example, the elongated members  320 A could be the vertically extending flanges of a U-shaped channel. It is also contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could each be composed of several beams of lesser length or tabs disposed next to each other along their length so as to generally form a beam. 
         [0082]    The elongated members  320 A have a height  329 A (shown in  FIG. 13 ), and a thickness  325 A (shown in  FIG. 13 ). The height  329 A is selected so as to allow the clearance  350 A between the bottom  336 A of the baffle connector  310 A and the liner  96 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, the height  329 A is about 5.5 inches (13.97 cm) and the thickness  325 A is about 1 inch (2.54 cm). It is contemplated that the height  329 A and the thickness  325 A could be different from the height and thickness recited above. 
         [0083]    The elongated members  320 A have a length  323 A (shown in  FIG. 12 ) greater than the length of the baffle connector  310 A. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, the length  323 A is of 32 inches (81.3 cm). It is contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could be shorter than or have the same length as the baffle connector  310 A. It is contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could be longer than illustrated in  FIG. 12  such that the same elongated members  320 A could be used to retain two different baffle connectors  310 A. For example, the elongated members  320 A could span a majority of the circumference of the liner  96  such that the baffle connectors  310 A disposed at each end of the baffle  210  could be received between the same two elongated members  320 A. 
         [0084]    The elongated members  320 A have a curved top  326 A and a curved bottom  328 A. The curvature of the curved bottom  328 A corresponds to a curvature of the liner  96  at a location where the elongated members  320 A are connected to the liner  96 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , a radius of curvature of the top  326 A is about 38 inches (95.62 cm), and a radius of curvature of the d bottom  328  is about 41 inches (104.14 cm). It is contemplated that the top  326 A and bottom  328  could have different radii of curvature. It is contemplated that the top  326 A could be flat. 
         [0085]    The elongated members  320 A have flat surfaces  322 A extending from each end of the top  326 A. The flat surfaces  322 A receive the tabs  330 A thereon. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the Figures, the flat surfaces  322 A have a length of about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm). It is contemplated that the flat surfaces  322 A could have a different length. 
         [0086]    The curved bottom  328 A of the elongated members  320 A is welded by welds  327 A (schematically shown in  FIG. 13 ) to the liner  96 . The clearance  350  allows for the welds  327 A not to interfere with the baffle connector  310 A. The elongated members  320 A are made of the same material as the liner  96  (HDPE), and welding is achieved by heating beads of HDPE at an interface between the liner  96  and the elongated members  320 A. The materials used for the elongated members  320 A, the baffle assembly  200  and the welds  327 A are compatible with the liner  96  and with one another in terms of thermal expansion and contraction so that the retaining system  300 A is not overly stressed because of thermal expansion and contraction. It is contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could be made of a material different from that of the liner  96 . It is also contemplated that connection of the elongated members  320 A to the liner  96  could be done differently. It is contemplated that the elongated members  320 A could be bonded to the liner  96  by an adhesive. 
         [0087]    Turning to  FIG. 13 , the elongated members  320 A are spaced from each other so as to allow the baffle connector  310 A and a shim  360  to be inserted therein. The shim  360  is used for ease of manufacturing and tolerances purposes. The shim  360  will be described below. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , a distance  345 A between the two elongated members  320 A is about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), and a thickness  314  of the shim  360  is 0.5 inch (1.27 cm). As mentioned above, the thickness  313 A of the baffle connector  310 A is 1 inch (2.54 cm). It is contemplated that the distance  345 A between the elongated members  320 A and the thicknesses  314  of the shim  360  and the baffle connector  310 A could be different. It is contemplated that more than one shim  360  could be used. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be omitted, should the thickness of the baffle connector  310 A correspond to the distance  345 A between the elongated members  320 A. 
         [0088]    The shim  360  is made of HDPE. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be made of a different material. The shim  360  runs along the length  323 A of the elongated members  320 A. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be shorter than the elongated members  320 A. 
         [0089]    Referring back to  FIG. 12 , the tabs  330 A will now be described. The tabs  330 A are generally rectangular and flat and are dimensioned to connect to each of the two adjacent elongated members  320 A. The tabs  330 A are made of the same material as the elongated members  320 A, and are welded to the elongated members  320 A. It is contemplated that the tabs  330 A could be connected to the elongated members  320 A by other means. For example, the tabs  330 A could be connected to the elongated members  320 A by an adhesive. It is also contemplated that the tabs  330 A could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 A. For example, the tabs  330 A could be bolted to the elongated members  320 A. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 to 13 , the tabs  330 A have a width  331 A (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), a thickness of about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm), and a length  333 A (shown in  FIG. 12 ) of 1.38 inches (3.5 cm). The width  331 A of the tabs  330 A corresponds to a distance between two external sides of the elongated members  320 A. The length  333 A of the tabs  330 A is smaller than the length of the flat surfaces  322 A. It is contemplated that the tabs  330 A could be smaller or longer than the flat surfaces  322 A. It is also contemplated that the tabs  330 A could have dimensions different from those recited above. 
         [0090]    As mentioned above, it is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A could be omitted from the retaining system  300 A, and that the baffle  210  could be directly and removably retained by the elongated members  320 A. The tabs  330 A could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 A so that, once the tabs  330 A removed, the sub-baffles  212  could be detached from the elongated members  320 A. The sub-baffles  212  could have an end free of the flange  218  so as to be snugly insertable in between the elongated members  320 A. The end without flange  218  could feature a side flange similar to the flange  332 A for providing abutment with the tabs  330 A. The two sub-baffles  212  could or could not be secure to each other. Other designs are contemplated. 
         [0091]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , assembly of the retaining system  300 A will be described. The sub-baffles  212 , the baffle connector  310 A, the tabs  330 A, the elongated members  320 A, the bolts, the shim  360 , and necessary tools are introduced through the man-way before proceeding to the assembly. It is contemplated that the above elements could be introduced as they are needed during the assembly. 
         [0092]    First, two elongated members  320 A are disposed adjacent to each other at the distance  345 A from each other and in a location in the tank body  26  so as to be located about the vertical cross-sectional plane  11  of the tank body  26 . Once positioned, the elongated members  320 A are welded to the liner  96 . The welds  327 A are achieved by heating the beads of HDPE. The two elongated members  320 A are spaced from each other so as to allow snug insertion of the baffle connector  310 A and shim  360 . 
         [0093]    Second, the baffle connector  310 A and the shim  360  are inserted in between the two adjacent elongated members  320 A. The baffle connector  310 A is positioned so that the side flanges  332 A are generally levelled with the flat surfaces  322 A of the two adjacent elongated members  320 A. The shim  360  is positioned to be generally levelled with the flat surfaces  322 A of the two adjacent elongated members  320 A. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 A and the shim  360  could not be levelled with the elongated members  320 A, as long as the shim  360  and the side flanges  332 A are disposed within the elongated members  320 A. The baffle connector  310 A is held by friction-fit between the elongated members  320 A. The elongated members  320 A restrain motion in a longitudinal direction (illustrated by arrows  420  in  FIG. 11 ). It is contemplated that one or both of the adjacent elongated members  320 A could be welded to the liner  96  after positioning the baffle connector  310 A and shim  360 . 
         [0094]    Third, once the baffle connector  310 A and the shim  360  are positioned within the elongated members  320 A, the tabs  330 A are welded to the flat surfaces  322 A. The tabs  330 A prevent the baffle connector  310 A to move in circumferential and radial directions (illustrated by arrows  400  and  410  respectively in  FIG. 10 ). Once the tabs  330 A are welded to the elongated members  320 A, the baffle connector  310 A is securely retained to the liner  96 . 
         [0095]    The above operation is repeated for the three other retaining systems  300 A. Each retaining systems  300 A is positioned so that the baffles  210  can be disposed in the X shape (shown in  FIG. 10 ) on the vertical cross-sectional plane  11 . To achieve this, two of the retaining systems  300 A may be offset from the vertical plane  11  by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the baffles  210  in order to allow the baffles  210  to cross-each other. It is contemplated that one could start with assembling only two of the retaining systems  300 A so as to secure one baffle  210  across the tank body  26 , before proceeding with two other retaining systems  300 A so as to secure the other baffle  210  across the tank body  26 . 
         [0096]    To assemble one of the baffles  210 , two sub-baffles  212  are disposed next to each other and bolted at their ends  217  to two opposite baffle connectors  310 A. The two sub-baffles  212  are disposed so that the flanges  218  extend toward a same direction, but each baffle  210  is disposed so that the flanges  218  are facing away from each other. Once in position, the apertures  231  of the four sub-baffles  212  are aligned with each other, and the sub-baffles  212  are bolted to each other via the apertures  231 . 
         [0097]    When desired, the operator can unbolt the sub-baffles  212  from each other and from the baffle connector  310 A, leaving the retaining systems  300 A connected to the tank body  26 . 
         [0098]    Turning now to  FIG. 14 , a second embodiment of a retaining system  300 B for the baffle assembly  200  will be described. 
         [0099]    The retaining system  300 B comprises a baffle connector  310 B, two elongated members  320 B, two caps  330 B, and the shim  360 . The baffle connector  310 B, the two elongated members  320 B and the two caps  330 B are dimensioned to be insertable through the man-way and the retaining system  300 B is adapted to be assembled inside the tank  12 , as will be described below. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be omitted. 
         [0100]    The baffle connector  310 B is similar to the baffle connector  310 A except that it does not have the side flanges  332 A and the curved portions  334 A. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 B could have side flanges and/or curved portions. Common elements between the baffle connectors  310 B and  310 A will not be described again. 
         [0101]    The elongated members  320 B are similar to the elongated members  320 A except that their tops  326 B is flat. It is contemplated that the elongated members  320 B could have their tops  326 B curved. Common elements between the elongated members  320 A and  320 B will not be described again. 
         [0102]    The caps  330 B are similar to the tabs  330 A except that they are dimensioned to cover ends  321 B of the elongated members  320 B instead of tops of the elongated members  320 B. The caps  330 B are dimensioned to have a height  331 B corresponding to about a height of the elongated members  320 B and width  333 B corresponding to a distance between two external sides of the elongated members  320 B. The caps  330 B have a flat bottom  335 B. The caps  330 B prevent the baffle connector  310 B to move in the circumferential direction, and the friction-fit provided by the elongated members  320 B restrain the baffle connector  310 B from moving in the radial direction. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 B could have, in addition, flanges to abut against tabs similar to the tabs  330 A, to further prevent motion of the baffle connector  310 B in the radial direction. It is also contemplated that the caps  330 B could have other dimensions. It is contemplated that the bottom  335 B could be curved. 
         [0103]    It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 B could be omitted from the retaining system  300 B and that the baffle  210  could be directly and removably retained by the elongated members  320 B. The caps  330 B could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 B so that, once the caps  330 B removed, the sub-baffles  212  could be rotated so as to be removed from the elongated members  320 B. The sub-baffles  212  could have an end free of flange  218  so as to be snugly insertable in between the elongated members  320 B. The ends without flange  218  could feature a side flange similar to the flange  332 A for providing abutment with the caps  330 B. The two sub-baffles  212  could or could not be secured to each other. Other designs are contemplated. 
         [0104]    The retaining system  300 B is assembled in a way similar to the retaining system  300 A and will not be described in details herein again. The elongated members  320 B are welded to the liner  96 , the baffle connector  310 B and the shim  360  are inserted in between the elongated members  320 B, the caps  330 B are welded to the ends  321 B of the elongated members  320 B and the sub-baffles  212  are bolted to the baffle connector  310 B. 
         [0105]    Turning now to  FIG. 15 , a third embodiment of a retaining system  300 C for the baffle assembly  200  will be described. 
         [0106]    The retaining system  300 C comprises a baffle connector  310 C, two elongated members  320 C, four tabs  330 C, and the shim  360 . The elongated members  320 C are similar to the elongated members  320 B and will not be described herein again. The baffle connector  310 C, the two elongated members  320 C and the tabs  330 C are dimensioned to be insertable through the man-way and the retaining system  300 C is adapted to be assembled inside the tank body  26 , as will be described below. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be omitted. 
         [0107]    The baffle connector  310 C is similar to the baffle connector  310 A except that it has four rectangular apertures  338 C defined therein and has no side flanges. Elements common to the baffle connectors  310 A and  310 C will not be described again. It is contemplated that more or less than four apertures  338 C could be provided, and that the apertures  338 C could not be rectangular. The apertures  338 C are disposed vertically below the apertures  339  so that once in place, the apertures  339  are accessible for bolting the baffle connector  310 C to the sub-baffles  212 . 
         [0108]    The tabs  330 C are used to retain the baffle connector  310 C between the elongated members  320 C. The tabs  330 C are adapted to be inserted into the apertures  338 C and welded to a top  326 C of the elongated members  320 C. It is contemplated that the tabs  330 C could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 C. The tabs  330 C prevent motion of the baffle connector  310 C in both the radial and the circumferential directions. 
         [0109]    It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 C could be omitted from the retaining system  300 C and that the baffle  210  could be directly and removably connected to the elongated members  320 C by providing the apertures  239  in the sub-baffles  212 . The tabs  330 C could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 C so that, once the tabs  330 C removed, the sub-baffles  212  could be detached from the elongated members  320 C. The sub-baffles  212  could have an end free of flange  218  so as to be snugly insertable in between the elongated members  320 C. The two sub-baffles  212  could or could not be secured to each other. Other designs are contemplated. 
         [0110]    The retaining system  300 C is assembled in a way similar to the retaining system  300 A, and will not be described in details herein again. The elongated members  320 C are welded to the liner  96 , the baffle connector  310 C and the shim  360  are inserted in between the elongated members  320 C with apertures  239  extending right above the top of the elongated members  320 C. The tabs  330 C are inserted into the apertures  239  and have their ends welded to the tops  326 C of the elongated members  320 C. 
         [0111]    Turning now to  FIG. 16 , a fourth embodiment of a retaining system  300 D for the baffle assembly  200  will be described. 
         [0112]    The retaining system  300 D comprises a baffle connector  310 D, two elongated members  320 D, two caps  330 D, and the shim  360 . The caps  330 D are similar to the caps  330 B and will not be described herein again. The baffle connector  310 D, the two elongated members  320 D and the two caps  330 D are dimensioned to be insertable through the man-way and the retaining system  300 D is adapted to be assembled inside the tank body  26 , as will be described below. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be omitted. 
         [0113]    The baffle connector  310 D is similar to the baffle connector  310 B except that it has two flanges  332 D extending outwardly. The flanges  332 D are dimensioned to abut against flanges  355 D of the elongated members  320 D. 
         [0114]    The elongated members  320 D are similar to the elongated members  320 B except that they each have one flange  355 D located at a top of the elongated members  320 D. The elongated members  320 D are to be disposed facing each other so that the flanges  335 D create a rail therebetween. The flanges  335 D prevent the baffle connector  310 D from moving in the radial and longitudinal directions. The caps  330 D prevent the baffle connector  310 D to move in the circumferential direction by sliding out of the rail. It is contemplated that each flange  335 D could comprise two flanges vertically aligned so as to brace one of the flange  332 D of the baffle connector  310 D. 
         [0115]    It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 D could be omitted from the retaining system  300 D and that the baffles  210  could be directly and removably retained by the elongated members  320 D. The caps  330 D could be removably connected to the elongated members  320 D. To allow a secure connection between the sub-baffles  212  and the elongated members  320 D, the sub-baffles  212  could be modified to have an end free of flange  218 . The baffle connector  310 D could be omitted and the sub-baffles  212  could have flanges similar to flanges  332 A to be retained by the elongated members  320 D so that, once the caps  330 D removed, the sub-baffles  212  could be slid in and out the elongated members  320 D. The two sub-baffles  212  could or could not be secured to each other. Other designs are contemplated. 
         [0116]    The retaining system  300 D is assembled in a way similar to the retaining system  300 A, and will not be described again in details herein again. The elongated members  320 D are welded to the liner  96  with flanges  335 D facing each other and spaced so as to allow the baffle connector  310 D to be received therebetween. The baffle connector  310 D and the shim  360  are inserted in between the elongated members  320 D. The baffle connector  310 D is inserted from a side of the elongated members  320 A (as illustrated in  FIG. 16 ) so as to insert the flanges  332 D vertically below the flanges  335 D. The shim  360  is disposed between a side of the flanges  332 D and the elongated members  320 D. It is contemplated that the shim  360  could be disposed somewhere else. For example, the shim  360  could be disposed between the flanges  332 D and  355 D. The caps  330 D are welded or fastened to the sides of the elongated members  320 D, once the baffle connector  310 D is disposed inside the elongated members  320 D. 
         [0117]    Turning now to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a fifth embodiment of a retaining system  300 E for a second embodiment of the baffle assembly  200 E will be described. The retaining system  300 E is described for retaining a pair of sub-baffles  212 E. The sub-baffles  212 E are similar to the sub-baffles  212  except that they each have two apertures  239 E each instead of four. Each aperture  239 E is a slot. The slot is about 1 inch (2.54 cm) long. The apertures  239 E of a same sub-baffle  212 E are spaced from each other by 9.5 inches (24.13 cm). The sub-baffles  212 E also each have two apertures  231 E which are similar to the apertures  231  of the sub baffle  212  except that they are slots. It is contemplated that the sub-baffles  212 E could have more or less than two apertures  239 E each. It is also contemplated that the apertures  239 E could be at a distance from each other different from the one recited above. 
         [0118]    The retaining system  300 E comprises a baffle connector  310 E, two elongated members  320 E, two caps  330 E, and a wear element  361 . The baffle connector  310 E, the two elongated members  320 E and the two caps  330 E are dimensioned to be insertable through the man-way and the retaining system  300 E is adapted to be assembled inside the tank  12 , as will be described below. It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could be omitted. 
         [0119]    The baffle connector  310 E is similar to the baffle connector  310 A, and common elements between the baffle connectors  310 E and  310 A will not be described again. The baffle connector  310 E has four apertures  339 E to connect with the four apertures  239 E of the sub-baffles  212 E, and has two apertures  340 E, one on each flange  332 E. The apertures  339 E,  340 E are slots. The baffle connector  310 E has a flat portion  334 E. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 E could have more or less than four apertures  339 E and/or two apertures  340 E. It is also contemplated that the apertures  339 E and/or  340 E could not be slots. It is contemplated that the apertures  340 E could be omitted. It is contemplated that the portion  334 E could be curved. 
         [0120]    The elongated members  320 E are similar to the elongated members  320 A except that they each have two apertures  341 E and two apertures  342 E. Common elements between the elongated members  320 A and  320 E will not be described again. As will be described below, the wear element  361  is bolted between the elongated members  320 E via the apertures  341 E and to the baffle connector  310 E via apertures  342 E. It is also contemplated that the elongated members  320 E could have none, more than one or two apertures  341 E. 
         [0121]    The caps  330 E are U-shaped to cover a top and parts of external sides of the elongated members  320 E. The caps  330 E have each two apertures  343 E (only one being shown on each cap  330 E) for receiving bolts (not shown) to secure the caps  330 E to the elongated members  320 E via the apertures  342 E. The caps  330 E are dimensioned to provide a snug fit with the elongated members  320 E. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , a height  333 E of the caps  330 E is 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) and a length  331 E of the caps  330 E is of 4 inches (10.16 cm). The caps  330 E are each disposed at 0.25 inch (0.63 cm) from a corresponding one of the ends  322 E of the elongated members  320 E. The caps  330 E prevent the baffle connector  310 E to move in the radial direction, and the friction-fit provided by the elongated members  320 E restrain the baffle connector  310 E from moving in the radial and circumferential directions. It is contemplated that the retaining system  300 E could further have tabs similar to the caps  330 B, to further prevent motion of the baffle connector  310 E in the circumferential direction. It is contemplated that the caps  330 E could be disposed more or less close to the ends  322 E. It is also contemplated that the caps  330 E could have more or less than two apertures  343 E each. For example, the caps  330 E could have no aperture  343 E, and could be welded to the elongated members  320 E during assembly of the retaining system  300 E. It is contemplated that the baffle connector  310 E could be omitted from the retaining system  300 E and that the sub-baffle  212 E could be directly and removably retained by the elongated members  320 E. Once the caps  330 E removed, the sub-baffles  212 E could be rotated so as to be removed from the elongated members  320 E. The sub-baffles  212 E could have an end free of flange  218  so as to be snugly insertable in between the elongated members  320 E. The ends without flanges  218  could each have side flanges similar to the flanges  332 A for providing abutment with the caps  330 E. The two sub-baffles  212 E could or could not be secured to each other. Other designs are contemplated. 
         [0122]    The wear element  361  is adapted to be disposed between the elongated members  320 E. The wear element  361  has two apertures  367  for receiving bolts (not shown) to secure the wear element  361  to the elongated members  320 E. It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could have only one or more than two apertures  367 . The wear element  361  is bolted to the elongated members  320 E to present the liner  96  from being worn by movements of the wear element  361  during use of the transport tank  12 . It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could be secured to the elongated members  320 E by ways other than bolting. For example, the wear element  361  could be held by friction fit to the elongated members  320 E. The wear element  361  has a curved bottom  363  congruent with the liner  96 . The wear element  361  is made of a material similar to the one of the liner  96 . It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could be made of a material different from the one of the liner  96 . The wear element  361  has a shorter length  365  and a shorter height  362  than the ones of the elongated members  320 E, but has a thickness  364  corresponding to a distance  345 E between the elongated members  320 E. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the length  365  of the wear element  361  is 23 inches (58.42 cm), the thickness  364  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) of the wear element  361  is 1 inch (2.54 cm), and the height  362  of the wear element  361  is 1.63 inches (4.14 cm), smaller than a height  329 E (shown in  FIG. 18 ) of the elongated members  320 E to allow the baffle connector  310 E to be inserted between the elongated members  320 E. It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could have dimension different from the ones recited above. 
         [0123]    The retaining system  300 E is assembled in a way similar to the retaining system  300 A and will not be described in details herein again. The elongated members  320 E are welded to the liner  96  by welds  327 E (shown in  FIG. 18 ). The welds  327 E are similar to the welds  327 A. The wear element  361  is inserted between the elongated members  320 E. The apertures  367  of the wear element  361  are aligned with the apertures  341 E of the elongated members  320 E. The wear element  361  is welded to the liner  96 . It is contemplated that the wear element  361  could not be welded to the liner  96 . Bolts are slid into the apertures  341 E,  367  and are secured by nuts (not shown) so that the wear element  361  is secured to the elongated members  320 E. The baffle connector  310 E is inserted between the elongated members  320 E to rest onto the wear element  361 . The caps  330 E are disposed at the ends  322 E of the elongated members  320 E. For each side of the elongated members  320 E, a bolt is inserted through the apertures  343 E of the caps  330 E, the apertures  342 E of the elongated members and the apertures  340 E of the baffle connector  310 E so as to secure the baffle connector  310 E with the elongated members  320 E and the caps  330 E. The caps  330 E are welded to the elongated members  320 E. It is contemplated that the caps  330 E could not be welded to the elongated members  320 E. The sub-baffles  212  are bolted to the baffle connector  310 E, in a way similar to what has been described above for the retaining system  300 A. 
         [0124]    Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8