DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of storage tanks for the combustible liquids such as Class-I hydrocarbon.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, storage tanks in the petroleum industry are used to store large amounts of volatile, flammable petroleum fluid (Class A). The tanks are generally equipped with a floating roof or a canopy. The floating roof is a key component in certain types of petroleum storage tanks, that facilitates minimizing the vapour space above the stored liquid and reduces emissions of volatile compounds into the atmosphere. It primarily serves two main functions such as controlling vapour emission to the atmosphere and preventing loss of liquid due to evaporation.
Generally, there are two types of floating roofs such as external floating roofs and internal floating roofs. External floating roofs are type of floating roof that sits on top of the liquid in the tank and floats on the surface of the stored product. It is often used in large-diameter tanks with the feature/capability of maintaining relatively shallow liquid levels. On the other hand, internal floating roofs are installed within the tank, resting on the surface of the liquid. It is typically used in tanks which has smaller diameters with higher liquid levels. The roof is equipped with pontoons, columns, or other buoyancy devices that help it float as the liquid level changes. Internal floating roofs are typically connected to the tank shell through a system of guide legs or columns or dip pipes. These guide legs may be fixed or may have a flexible connection to accommodate vertical movement. The attachment mechanisms of the internal floating roofs to the tank shell facilitate the vertical movement of the floating roof while maintaining effective sealing to control vapour emissions.
The external floating roof tanks are especially vulnerable to lightning strikes, as lightning introduces high-voltage currents that can lead to catastrophic fires or explosions. Therefore, to protect the petroleum or other volatile substances in the tank from lightning strikes, the floating roof is operatively connected to the tank shell through multi-braided conductive metal wires (connecting means), which ground the floating roof or tank shell in the event of a lightning strike. Conventionally, the conducting wires (conducting means) are attached to the floating roof and the tank shell via welding. However, the method of welding the conducting wires introduces a safety concern as the volatile nature of petroleum and the accumulation of hydrocarbon vapours within the tanks amplify the risk of explosion, with ignition sources like welding sparks completing the fire triangle (fuel, oxygen, and ignition). Therefore, the tank must be emptied and degassed (which takes around 20-30 days depending upon the diameter of the floating roof tank) before welding, so as to ensure that any residual hydrocarbons or hazardous chemicals are removed to prevent the risk of fire or explosion from excessive heat.
Emptying and degassing the tank is not only time-consuming but also laborious, and costly and introduces various occupational & safety hazards which may result in disruption of the continuous operation of oil industries and affect logistics. Given the substantial downtime and safety risks, frequent shutdowns (for maintenance and repair) are impractical for facilities which operate around the clock.
There is, therefore felt a need for a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that provides ease of maintenance.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that provides ease of assembly.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that provides ease of safe mounting.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that provides protection from electrical shock and lightning.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank that reduces the assembly time.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank. The storage tank is configured with a shell to hold a specific quantity of liquid therein. The canopy is disposed in the shell and configured to float on the surface of the liquid. The mounting arrangement is configured to electrically connect the canopy to the shell for grounding. The mounting arrangement comprises a foam dam plate, a plurality of first brackets, a plurality of second brackets, a plurality of connecting means, and a punch mechanism. The foam dam plate extends vertically from a top section of the shell. The plurality of first brackets is configured to be fitted at predefined intervals along an inner surface of the foam dam plate. The plurality of second brackets is configured to be fitted on an operative top surface of the canopy, each of the second brackets positioned to correspond with one of the first brackets. The plurality of connecting means, each of the connecting means is configured to connect a first bracket to a corresponding second bracket. The punch mechanism is configured to punch a plurality of mounting holes on an operative surface of the foam dam plate and the canopy to facilitate the attachment of the first brackets and the second brackets in an operative configuration.
Further, the mounting arrangement is configured to electrically connect the canopy of the storage tank to the shell to enable a grounding connection for the storage tank to facilitate the safe dissipation of electrical charges in the course of the lightning strikes.
In an embodiment, each of the first brackets and the second brackets are defined by a "T-shaped" structure, including a flange portion and a web portion.
In an embodiment, the web portion of each of the first bracket and each of the second bracket is configured to securely connect to a corresponding end of the connecting means to establish an electrical grounding path between the canopy and the shell, wherein each of the connecting means is attached to the web portion using fastening means.
In an embodiment, the flange portion of each of the first bracket and each of the second bracket includes a plurality of holes configured to receive fastening means, to facilitate secure attachment of the first bracket and the second bracket on the foam dam plate and the canopy, respectively.
In an embodiment, each of the connecting means includes a conductive braided cable, preferably an annealed, tinned, flexible copper flat cable.
In an embodiment, the first brackets and the second brackets are composed of gunmetal.
In an embodiment, a predetermined space is defined between the circumferential edge of the canopy and the inner surface of the shell, the predetermined space ranging from 75 mm to 525 mm, configured to accommodate thermal expansion and operational movement of the canopy.
In an embodiment, the predetermined space is configured to receive sealing means to prevent vapour escape and maintain a controlled environment within the tank.
In an embodiment, the sealing means includes a primary seal and a secondary seal, with the primary seal configured to contain vapour emissions and the secondary seal providing additional containment.
In an embodiment, the punch mechanism is configured to punch the plurality of mounting holes by means of a hydraulic punch tool.
In an embodiment, each of the first brackets and the second brackets are configured to facilitate a non-welded connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a view of a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a front view of a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a top view of a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank of the present disclosure;
FIGURE 4 illustrates an isometric view of a bracket unit Figure 1;
FIGURE 5 illustrates a front view of the bracket Figure 4;
FIGURE 6 illustrates a top view of the bracket Figure 4;
FIGURE 7 illustrate a view of the punching tool of the present disclosure; and
FIGURE 8 illustrate a view of the punching tool.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Mounting arrangement
105 – Bracket arrangement
105A – First bracket
105B – Second bracket
110 – Connecting means
115 – Foam dam
120 – Canopy
125 – Primary sealing means
130 – Secondary sealing means
135 – Tank shell
140 – Fastening means
145 – Kerb angle
150 – Foam deflector plate
155 – Flange portion
160 – Web portion
165 – Mounting means
170 – Screw holes
175 – Punching tool
180 – Earthing means/grounding components
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to the field of storage tanks for the combustible liquids such as Class-A hydrocarbon.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Typically, in a conventional mounting arrangement, the attachment mechanism is fixed to the floating roof and the tank shell by means of welding which poses a safety issue. Also, while the welding process all the liquid in the tank needs to be removed and the tank has to degass to ensure that the tank is free from hydrocarbons or any hazardous chemicals which is not only a time-consuming process but poses various work-related hazards and may also result in loss of liquid while transportation.
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
In order to address the aforementioned problems, the present disclosure envisages a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank. The detailed structure and configuration of a mounting arrangement (100) are explained with reference to Figures 1 through 7. The present disclosure relates to the mounting arrangement (100) for a canopy (120) of a storage tank (1000), particularly configured for storing hazardous or volatile liquids, such as petroleum or Class-A fluids. The proposed mounting arrangement (100) is configured to safely and efficiently ground the floating canopy (120) to a storage tank shell (135), to provide a reliable pathway for electrical charge dissipation, especially in environments prone to lightning strikes. The mounting arrangement (100) addresses issues related to conventional systems by ensuring safe, non-welded installation, low-resistance grounding, and enhanced structural stability.
Figure 1 illustrates the mounting arrangement (100) for the canopy (120) of a storage tank. The storage tank is configured with the tank shell (135) that holds a specified quantity of liquid therein and the canopy (120) is configured to be disposed within the shell (135) configured to float on the surface of the liquid.
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank and Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, the canopy (120) is configured to be smaller than the inner circumference of the shell (135), to allow the canopy (120) to move vertically as the liquid level changes.
Further, the mounting arrangement comprises a foam dam plate (150) which extends vertically from the top section of the shell (135) and acts as a base for the attachment of grounding components (180). The foam dam plate provides structural reinforcement and containment for firefighting foam. The mounting arrangement further comprises a plurality of first brackets (105A) configured to be mounted on the inner periphery surface of the foam dam plate (150). A corresponding set of second brackets (105B) is configured to be mounted on an operative top surface of the canopy (120). Each first bracket (105A) aligns with a corresponding second bracket (105B) to facilitate a secure connection.
As shown in Figure 4, the first bracket (105A) and second bracket (105B) are defined by a “T-shape” with a flange portion (155) and a web portion (160). The flange portion (155) attaches securely to either the foam dam plate (150) or the canopy (120), while the web portion (160) serves as the attachment point for the grounding connection. The flange portion (155) includes multiple screw holes (170) configured to receive fastening means (140), such as screws or rivets, to allow secure attachment to the foam dam plate (150) and the canopy (120) respectively. Non-welded attachment is facilitated by a punch mechanism, described in further detail, to ensure safe installation. Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the bracket Figure 4; and Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the bracket Figure 4.
A plurality of connecting means (110) is provided to electrically connect each first bracket (105A) to a corresponding second bracket (105B). The connecting means (110) consists of conductive braided cables, preferably annealed, tinned, flexible copper flat cables, selected for their high conductivity and flexibility. The connecting means (110) are configured to accommodate vertical movement of the canopy (120) and provide a low-resistance grounding path (less than 0.3 ohms) that dissipates electrical charges efficiently.
The plurality of connecting means (110) may be configured to be mounted between the plurality of the first bracket (105A) and the plurality of the second bracket (105B) to enable the canopy 120 to float on the surface of the liquid and to maintain a predetermined space between the circumferential edge of the canopy (120) and the periphery surface of the shell.
In an embodiment, the length of each connecting means (110) is in the range of 15 to 20 meters, to ensure effective coverage and connectivity throughout the circumference of the tank shell (135).
In an embodiment, each connecting means (110) is fastened to the web portion (160) of the first and second brackets (105A, 105B) using clamps, bolts, or similar fasteners. Thus, the connecting means (110) establishes a continuous electrical path from the canopy (120) to the shell (135) and subsequently to the ground, and therefore providing enhanced protection from electrical faults and lightning strikes.
In an embodiment, a plurality of mounting means (165) is provided to facilitate the mounting of the connecting means (110) onto the web portion (160) of the brackets (105A, 105B).
In an embodiment, the first and second brackets (105A, 105B) are preferably constructed from gunmetal due to its resistance to corrosion and mechanical strength. Alternatively, the brackets may be composed of stainless steel, brass, or aluminium alloy, depending on environmental and operational requirements.
Further, Figure 7 illustrates a hydraulic punch tool (175) utilized in the mounting arrangement (100). The punch mechanism is configured to create precise mounting holes on the foam dam plate (150) and on the operative surface of the canopy (120), to eliminate the need for welding. The hydraulic punch tool (175) ensures that the brackets (105A, 105B) are securely attached to the tank components without generating heat or sparks, thus maintaining safety standards in hazardous storage environments.

In an embodiment, the flange portion (155) of the first bracket (105A) may be configured to be mounted on an inner circumferential surface of the foam deflector plate (150) by means of punching, riveting, or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the flange portion (155) of the second bracket (105B) may be configured to be mounted on the operative top surface of the canopy (120) by means of punching, riveting, or a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the plurality of cables may be connected to the outer shell of the tank and earthed to the ground by means of earthing means (180). Advantageously, it offers protection from electrical and lightning.
Further, the mounting arrangement (100) includes a predetermined space between the edge of the canopy (120) and the inner surface of the shell (135), to allow thermal expansion and operational movement. The predetermined space is ranging between 75 mm and 525 mm to ensure that the canopy can move freely without causing metal-to-metal contact or spark generation.
To prevent vapour escape, the predetermined space is further configured to receive sealing means (125, 130), as shown in the arrangement. The sealing means consists of at least one primary seal (125) and one secondary seal (130), where the primary seal (125) contains vapour emissions, and the secondary seal (130) provides backup containment in case of primary seal wear.
In an embodiment, the seals are typically made from nitrile rubber or other resilient elastomers, ensuring flexibility and integrity under pressure variations and temperature changes.
In an embodiment, the tank (1000) may include an additional roof covering the canopy (120) to provide further protection from environmental elements. The foam dam plate (150) may also be reinforced with an additional kerb angle (145) which acts as a stiffener for the tank to maintain structural integrity under extreme conditions. For larger tanks, multiple grounding assemblies (180) may be distributed around the tank’s circumference to ensure comprehensive grounding and charge dissipation.
In an embodiment, the foam dam plate (150) and the shell (135) are configured to be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the foam dam plate (150) is configured to be attached separately to the shell (135).
The mounting arrangement (100) eliminates the need for welding by employing punching, riveting, or similar non-welded attachment methods. This ensures that components can be disassembled, inspected, or replaced without requiring specialized welding equipment or expertise, thereby reducing maintenance time and effort. The use of the hydraulic punch tool (175) creates precise mounting holes without generating heat or sparks, simplifying the installation and replacement process. This approach reduces downtime during maintenance as there is no need for tank degassing or liquid removal.
The arrangement (100) features a modular configuration where T-shaped brackets i.e., first bracket (105A) and second bracket (105B) are attached using screws, rivets, or clamps. This setup allows individual components, such as brackets, grounding cables, or seals, to be easily accessed, inspected, and replaced without dismantling the entire system. The grounding cables are made from annealed, tinned, flexible copper flat cables, which are durable and easy to replace. Their flexibility accommodates vertical movement of the canopy, reducing wear and tear and simplifying the replacement process during maintenance.
Additionally, the non-welded configuration avoids the need to degas the tank (1000) during maintenance, significantly reducing safety risks, time, and costs associated with conventional welded systems.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the mounting arrangement for a canopy of a storage tank, that:
• provide ease of maintenance;
• protect the storage tank against the lightning strike;
• the non-welded attachment method further reduces safety risks associated with high-temperature installation processes;
• the use of a hydraulic punch tool allows the mounting arrangement to be installed or maintained without requiring the tank to be emptied or degassed, thereby supporting uninterrupted operations in facilities with continuous workflows;
• more economical as the welding method is not used; and
• provide ease of assembly; and
• provide better protection from electrical shock and lightning.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following 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 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 spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of devices, articles or 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.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A mounting arrangement (100) for a canopy (120) of a storage tank (1000), the storage tank configured with a shell (135) to hold a specific quantity of liquid therein, wherein said canopy (120) is disposed in said shell (135) and configured to float on the surface of the liquid, said mounting arrangement (100) being configured to electrically connect said canopy (120) to said shell (135) for grounding, said mounting arrangement comprising:
o a foam dam plate (150) extending vertically from a top section of said shell (135) to a predetermined depth;
o a plurality of first brackets (105A) configured to be fitted at predefined intervals along an inner surface of said foam dam plate (150);
o a plurality of second brackets (105B) configured to be fitted on an operative top surface of said canopy (120), each of said second bracket positioned to correspond with one of said first brackets (105A);
o a plurality of connecting means (110), each of said connecting means configured to connect said first bracket (105A) to said corresponding second bracket (105B);
o a punch mechanism configured to punch a plurality of mounting holes on an operative surface of said foam dam plate (150) and said canopy (120) to facilitate the attachment of said first brackets and said second brackets in an operative configuration.
Wherein said mounting arrangement (100) is configured to electrically connect said canopy (120) of said storage tank (1000) to said shell (135) to enable a grounding connection for said storage tank (1000) to facilitate the safe dissipation of electrical charges in the course of the lightning strikes.
2. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first brackets (105A) and said second brackets (105B) is defined by a "T-shaped" structure, including a flange portion (155) and a web portion (160).
3. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said web portion (160) of each of said first bracket (105A) and each of said second bracket (105B) is configured to securely connect to a corresponding end of said connecting means (110) to establish an electrical grounding path between said canopy (120) and said shell (135), wherein each of said connecting means (110) is attached to said web portion (160) using fastening means.
4. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flange portion (155) of each of said first bracket (105A) and each of said second bracket (105B) includes a plurality of holes (170) configured to receive fastening means (140), to facilitate secure attachment of said first bracket (105A) and said second bracket (105B) on said foam dam plate (150) and said canopy (120), respectively.
5. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said connecting means (110) includes a conductive braided cable, preferably an annealed, tinned, flexible copper flat cable.
6. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first brackets (105A) and said second brackets (105B) are composed of gunmetal.
7. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein a predetermined space is defined between the circumferential edge of said canopy (120) and the inner surface of said shell (135), said predetermined space ranging from 75 mm to 525 mm, configured to accommodate thermal expansion and operational movement of said canopy (120).
8. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 6, wherein said predetermined space is configured to receive sealing means (125, 130) to prevent vapour escape and maintain a controlled environment within said tank.
9. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein said sealing means includes a primary seal (125) and a secondary seal (130), with said primary seal configured to contain vapour emissions and said secondary seal provides additional containment.
10. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein said punch mechanism is configured to punch the plurality of mounting holes by means of a hydraulic punch tool.
11. The mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said first brackets (105A) and said second brackets (105B) are configured to facilitate a non-welded connection.

Dated this 11th Day of January 2025

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R. K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI