DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Present disclosure relates to a field of process industries equipment. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fluid storage tank to store hydrocarbons. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the fluid storage tank that has high fluid storage capacity, prevents leakage, and has high safety levels.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present disclosure.

[003] In process industries, storage tanks are well-known in the art. The storage tanks are utilized to store hydrocarbons in liquid form. The crude oil is stored in storage tanks for various refinery processes and may be utilized in several stages of production. The storage tank includes a base, a roof, and side walls that are attached to the base and the roof to form a closed chamber. The storage tank may be provided with an inlet to receive the fluid for storage. The conventional storage tanks are positioned above the ground, and these storage tanks are openly accessible, therefore risks of above-ground attack may be easily involved.

[004] Further, the storage tank known in the art has a single containment, therefore, any leakage of the hydrocarbon owing to a single layer of concrete surface of the storage tank directly pollutes the surrounding ground terrain. Accordingly, few researchers have come up with double containment storage tanks to address the above problem that is also known in the art. The double containment storage tank includes two chambers, which may be an inner chamber and an outer chamber. The inner chamber is enclosed by the outer chamber such that a gap is defined between the side walls of both chambers. However, a shortcoming associated with the conventional double containment storage tanks is that the fluid leaked from the inner chamber is stored in the gap defined between the side walls of the inner chamber and the outer chamber. After some extent of time, the gap is completely filled with the leaked fluid, therefore there is no scope left for adjusting more fluid. In such a situation, the double containment storage tank acts as a single containment storage tank, which is ineffective in preventing the leakage of the fluid in the environment.

[005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

[006] The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the configuration of a fluid storage tank as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the fluid storage tank as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid storage tank may be disclosed. A fluid storage tank includes a tank body. The tank body includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion extends from the upper portion and defines a storage area. Further, the storage area is configured to store hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the lower portion may be buried underneath the ground surface and the upper portion extends out of the ground surface from the buried portion of the tank body. The fluid storage tank further comprises a plurality of containment layers positioned at predefined portions of the tank body, and configured to prevent leakage and seepage of the stored hydrocarbons, a gap defined between two adjacent containment layers of the plurality of containment layers, and a fluid evacuating device disposed adjacent to a bottom side of the lower portion of the tank body and configured to evacuate hydrocarbons collected at the gap between the two containment layers of the plurality of containment layers.

[009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper portion of the tank body may be covered under a soil layer having a thickness ranging between 1 meter to 2 meter.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, height of the lower portion of the fluid storage tank may be greater than height of the upper portion of the fluid storage tank.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of containment layers includes a primary containment layer positioned at an internal portion of the tank body and a secondary containment layer positioned at an external portion of the tank body.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary containment layer may be positioned at a distance from the primary containment layer to define the gap between the primary containment layer and the secondary containment layer. The gap is configured to collect hydrocarbons leaking through the primary containment layer.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tank body includes a base, a primary roof positioned opposite to the base, at least one primary side retaining wall connecting the base to the primary roof, and a plurality of columns extending between the base, and the primary roof.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tank body may be made of concrete and the plurality of columns may be configured to support the primary roof.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary containment layer may be made of high-density polyethylene sheets having thickness ranging between 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower portion of the tank body may have a trapezoidal shape. The bottom of the lower portion is narrower than the top of the lower portion of the tank body.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid storage tank includes a fluid control unit defined with a fluid line and a fluid pump disposed on the fluid line. The fluid pump pressurizes the hydrocarbons to flow through the fluid line for storing the hydrocarbons in the storage area of the tank body.

[0018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0020] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a plan layout view of a fluid storage tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure,

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of a wall/column of a portion of the fluid storage tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 3 and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0026] Before describing detailed embodiments, the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure reside in a fluid storage tank. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated by the present disclosure and modification of the fluid storage tank. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0027] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such device. In other words, one or more elements in a device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.

[0029] The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.

[0030] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In Figures 1 to 3, the same elements or elements that have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, a fluid storage tank (100) may be illustrated. The fluid storage tank (100) may be configured to store fluids. The fluids may be hydrocarbons such as crude oil and other refinery products which can be stored as liquid under ambient conditions without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The fluid storage tank (100) includes a tank body (5). The tank body (5) may be fluidly connected to a fluid source [not shown in Figures] through a fluid control unit (50). The tank body (5) receives the fluid from the fuel source and supplies the received fluid to the tank body (5) for storage. The tank body (5) is defined with a storage area (A) that may be configured to store the received fluid. The fluid control unit (50) includes a fluid pump (52) and a fluid line (54). The fluid pump (52) may be disposed on the fluid line (54). The fluid line (54) fluidly connects the tank body (5) to the fuel source. The fluid pump (52) may be configured to create suction pressure in the fluid line (54) to pressurize fluid and supply the pressurized fluid to the tank body (5).

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the fluid control unit (50) includes a control unit (56). The control valve (56) may be disposed on the fluid line (54). The control unit (56) may be positioned between the fluid pump (52) and the tank body (5). The control valve (56) may be configured to control the fluid entering into the tank body (5). The fluid line (54) may be defined with an outlet. The outlet may be positioned at the bottom of the tank body (5) and configured to supply the fluid for storage. The fluid control unit (50) includes a plurality of nozzles (58). The plurality of nozzles (58) may be mounted at the outlet defined at an end of the fluid line (54). The nozzles (58) may be positioned at the outlet such that the fluid flows with a certain velocity from the bottom towards the top of the storage area (A) of the tank body (5).

[0033] In an embodiment, the fluid storage tank (100) includes an upper portion (20) and a lower portion (10). The upper portion (20) extends from the lower portion (10). The lower portion (10) may be buried underneath the ground surface and the upper portion (20) extends above the ground surface, as shown in Figure 2. The height of the lower portion (10) of the fluid storage tank (100) may be greater than the height of the upper portion (20) of the fluid storage tank (100). Accordingly, the fluid storage tank (100) may have a high fluid storage capacity. In an embodiment, the upper portion (20) of the fluid storage tank (100) may be covered with a soil layer (SL). The soil layer (SL) may have a thickness ranging between 1 meter to 2 meters.

[0034] Referring to Figure 3, the tank body (5) includes a primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31). The primary containment layer (30) may be present in the form of a liquid retaining layer and the secondary containment layer (31) may be present in the form of a liquid retaining membrane. The primary containment layer (30) may be enclosed by the secondary containment layer (31) such that a gap (G) may be defined between the primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31). The primary containment layer (30) may be configured to store the fluids therein and the secondary containment layer (31) may be configured to provide double containment and prevent leakage of fluid into surrounding ground terrain by retaining volume of fluid leaked from the primary chamber (30) within the gap (G). In this embodiment, the fluid storage tank (100) includes a fluid evacuating device (60). The fluid evacuating device (60) may be configured to evacuate fluid collected in the gap (G) defined between walls of the primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31). The fluid evacuating device (60) includes a fluid evacuating line [not shown in Figures] and a fluid pump [not shown in Figures]. The vent line (61) may be opened inside the gap (G) which may be further utilized to regulate the pressure of the fluid in the gap (G). The provision of the fluid evacuating device (60) within the fluid storage tank (100) prevents storage of leaked fluid in the gap (G).

[0035] Referring to Figure 3, the tank body (5) includes a base (32), a primary roof (36), at least one primary side retaining wall (33), and a plurality of columns (38). The primary roof (36) may be positioned opposite to the base (32). The at least one primary side retaining wall (33) connects the base (32) to the primary roof (36). The plurality of columns (38) extends between the base (32), and the primary roof (36). The plurality of columns (38) may be configured to support the primary roof (36). The side retaining wall (33) may be connected to the primary base (32) at one peripheral end and may be connected to the primary roof (36) at the other peripheral end, to form a closed chamber. The tank body (5) may be made of reinforced concrete. In an alternate embodiment, the tank body (5) may be made of materials other than reinforced concrete, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The reinforced concrete may include an amount of sulfate resisting cement that may be adapted to prevent corrosion in the primary containment layer (30). Further, the tank body (5) may have internal surfaces that may be coated by a water-based acrylonitrile/acrylic copolymer emulsion dispersion system.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the secondary containment layer (31) wraps all around the side wall (20), the primary roof (36), and the base (32). The secondary containment layer (31) may be made of high-density polyethylene sheets. In an alternate embodiment, the secondary containment layer (31) may be made of materials other than high-density polyethylene, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The high-density polyethylene sheets may have thickness ranging between 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm. Accordingly, the fluid storage tank (100) ensures high strength to resist bending and stresses due to external load. Also, the fluid storage tank (100) ensures resistance to the occurrence of cracks due to shrinkage and thermal effects.

[0037] In an embodiment, the primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31) are in conjunction such that the secondary containment layer (31) may be aligned with the primary base (32) and the primary roof (36). Accordingly, the primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31) collectively form a single body structure of the fluid storage tank (100). Further, the fluid storage tank (100) may have a trapezoidal shape, as shown in Figure 1. The trapezoidal-shaped fluid storage tank (100) may have a narrower storage volume at the bottom side thereby even less volume of fluid attains more height in the primary chamber (30) facilitating evacuating the fluid from the fluid storage tank (100) quickly and easily.

[0038] In accordance with the present disclosure, the fluid storage tank (100), as explained in the above paragraphs, has high fluid storage capacity. Further, the fluid storage tank (100) of the present disclosure is safe from risks from bomb explosions, missiles, and other high intensity seismic events, etc. The fluid storage tank (100) prevents leakage of the fluid in the environment in an effective manner. The fluid storage tank (100) is simple, easy to manufacture, and economical.

[0039] The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0040] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Sr. No. Description
100 Fluid storage tank
5 Tank body
10 Lower portion
20 Upper portion
30 Primary containment layer
31 Secondary containment layer
32 Primary base
33 side retaining wall
36 Primary roof
38 Plurality of columns
G Gap
50 Fluid control unit
52 fluid pump
54 fluid line
56 Control valve
58 Nozzles
60 Fluid evacuating device
SL Soil layer
61 Vent line
A Storage area

[0041] EQUIVALENTS:

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. ,CLAIMS:1. A fluid storage tank (100) comprising:
a tank body (5) comprising:
an upper portion (20) and
a lower portion (10) extending from the upper portion (20) and defines a storage area (A), wherein the storage area (A) is configured to store hydrocarbons, wherein the lower portion (10) is buried underneath the ground surface and the upper portion (20) extends out of the ground surface from the buried portion of the tank body (5);
a plurality of containment layers (30, 31) positioned at predefined portions of the tank body (5), and configured to prevent leakage and seepage of the stored hydrocarbons;
a gap (G) defined between two adjacent containment layers of the plurality of containment layers (30, 31); and
a fluid evacuating device (60) disposed adjacent to a bottom side of the lower portion (10) of the tank body (5) and configured to evacuate hydrocarbons collected at the gap (G) between the two containment layers of the plurality of containment layers (30, 31).

2. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper portion (20) of the tank body (5) is covered under a soil layer (SL) having a thickness ranging between 1 meter to 2 meter.

3. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein height of the lower portion (10) of the tank body (5) is greater than height of the upper portion (20) of the tank body (5).

4. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of containment layers (30, 31) comprises a primary containment layer (30) positioned at an internal portion of the tank body (5) and a secondary containment layer (31) positioned at an external portion of the tank body (5).

5. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the secondary containment layer (31) is positioned at a distance from the primary containment layer (30) to define the gap (G) between the primary containment layer (30) and the secondary containment layer (31), wherein the gap (G) is configured to collect hydrocarbons leaking through the primary containment layer (30).

6. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tank body (5) comprises a base (32), a primary roof (36) positioned opposite to the base (32), at least one primary side retaining wall (33) connecting the base (32) to the primary roof (36) and a plurality of columns (38) extending between the base (32), and the primary roof (36).

7. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tank body (5) is made of concrete and the plurality of columns (38) is configured to support the primary roof (36).

8. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the secondary containment layer (31) is made of high-density polyethylene sheets having thickness ranging between 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm.

9. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower portion (10) of the tank body (5) has a trapezoidal shape, wherein the bottom of the lower portion (10) is narrower than the top of the lower portion (10) of the tank body (5).

10. The fluid storage tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid storage tank (100) comprises a fluid control unit (50) defined with a fluid line (54) and a fluid pump (52) disposed on the fluid line (54), wherein the fluid pump (52) pressurizes the hydrocarbons to flow through the fluid line (54) for storing the hydrocarbons in the storage area (A) of the tank body (5).