Claims:We claim:
1. A cover assembly (100) for a storage tank (10), said cover assembly (100) comprising:
a center stationary cover (102) adapted to be connected at a center and on a top end of said storage tank (10);
a first removable cover (104) adapted to be positioned to a left side of said center stationary cover (102) and is removably connected onto the top end of said storage tank (10); and
a second removable cover (106) adapted to be positioned to a right side of said center stationary cover (102) and is removably connected onto the top end of said storage tank (10).

2. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover assembly (100) comprises a lid (105) adapted to be positioned on said first removable cover (104).

3. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lid (105) is inserted into a lid receiving portion (104L) defined on said first removable cover (104), where said lid (105) is removed from said first removable cover (104) to facilitate at least one of refilling of a material to said storage tank (10), taking samples of the material stored in said storage tank (10) and visual monitoring of the material stored in said storage tank (10),
wherein
said lid (105) includes a handle (105H) adapted to facilitate handling of said lid (105) during removal or insertion of said lid (105) with respect to said first removable cover (104);
said lid receiving portion (104L) defined on said first removable cover (104) is an opening;
said storage tank (10) is at least a paint storage tank; and
the material is at least a paint.
4. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount an agitator (stirrer) (12) thereon, at a center of said storage tank (10) to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in said storage tank (10) on operation of said agitator (12);
said center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a level indicator (14) thereon, adjacent to one side of said agitator (12);
said center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a flame arrestor (16) thereon, adjacent to another side of said agitator (12); and
said center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a temperature gauge (18) thereon, adjacent to said flame arrestor (16),
wherein
said center stationary cover (102) provides an in-line mounting of said agitator (12), said level indicator (14), said flame arrestor (16) and said temperature gauge (18) thereon; and
at least one of said first removable cover (104) and said second removable cover (106) is removed from a flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10) to provide access to said storage tank (10), even without the removal of said center stationary cover (102) and said agitator (12), said level indicator
(14), said temperature gauge (18) and said flame arrestor (16) from said storage tank (10).

5. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an inner surface of each of said center stationary cover (102), said first removable cover (104), said second removable cover (106) and said lid (105) is electro-polished with surfactants thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of said covers (102, 104, 106) and said lid (105);
said center stationary cover (102), said first removable cover (104) and said second removable cover (104) is secured to a flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10) by using fasteners (B, N), where said fastener is a countersunk bolt (B) and a nut (N);
said center stationary cover (102) defines a rectangular shape;
said first removable cover (104) defines a semi-circular shape;
said second removable cover (106) defines a semi-circular shape; and
said lid (105) defines a circular shape.

6. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said center stationary cover (102) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions (102F), where each of said fastener receiving portion (102F) is adapted to receive corresponding fastener (B) therethrough thereby securing said center stationary cover (102) at the center and on the flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10), where each of said fastener receiving portion (102F) is an opening and corresponding said fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt;
said first removable cover (104) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions (104B), where each of said fastener receiving portion (104F) is adapted to receive corresponding another fastener (B) therethrough thereby securing said first removable cover (104) on the flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10), each of said fastener receiving portion (104F) is a through opening and corresponding said fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt; and
said second removable cover (106) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions (106B), where each of said fastener receiving portion (106F) is adapted to receive corresponding another fastener (B) therethrough thereby securing said second removable cover (106) on the flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10), each of said fastener receiving portion (106F) is a through opening and corresponding said fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt.

7. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first removable cover (104) defines a channel (104C) adapted to receive a side edge portion (102S1) of said center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between said center stationary cover (102) and said first removable cover (104), where said channel (104C) is a L shaped channel; and
said second removable cover (106) defines a channel (106C) adapted to receive another side edge portion (102S2) of said center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between said center stationary cover (102) and said second removable cover (106), where said channel (106C) is a L shaped channel.

8. The cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cover assembly (100) comprises,
a first mounting member (108) adapted to mount said flame arrestor (16) on said center stationary cover (102); and
a second mounting member (110) adapted to be mount said temperature gauge (18) on said center stationary cover (102),
wherein
said center stationary cover (102) defines,
a first opening (102A) adapted to receive a rotatable member (12R) of said agitator (12) there through;
a second opening (102B) adapted to receive a corresponding portion of said level indicator (14) therethrough;
a third opening (102C) adapted to allow said flame arrestor (16) to be in communication with said storage tank (10); and
a fourth opening (102D) adapted to receive a corresponding portion of said temperature gauge (18) therethrough,
wherein
said first mounting member (108) is mounted on said center stationary member (102) and is co-axial to said third opening (102C);
said second mounting member (110) is mounted on said center stationary member (102) and is co-axial to said fourth opening (102D); and
said second opening (102B), said third opening (102C) and said fourth opening (102D) is inline and spaced away from each other.

9. A method (200) of providing a cover assembly (100) for a storage tank (10), said method (200) comprising:
connecting a center stationary cover (102) at a center and on a top end of the storage tank (10);
positioning a first removable cover (104) to a left side of the center stationary cover (102) and removably connecting the first removable cover (104) to the top end of the storage tank (10); and
positioning a second removable cover (106) to a right side of the center stationary cover (102) and removably connecting the second removable cover (106) to the top end of the storage tank (10).

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) comprises,
providing a lid (105) with a handle (105H), and inserting a portion of said lid (105) into a lid receiving portion (104L) defined on said first removable cover (104);
removing said lid (105) from said first removable cover (104) to facilitate at least one of at least one of refilling of a material to said storage tank (10), taking samples of the material stored in said storage tank (10) and visual monitoring of the material stored in said storage tank (10); and
electro-polishing with a surfactant, an inner surface of each of said center stationary cover (102), said first removable cover (104), said second removable cover (106) and said lid (105) thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of said covers (102, 104, 106) and said lid (105);
wherein
said center stationary cover (102), said first removable cover (104) and said second removable cover (104) is secured to a flange top (10F) of said storage tank (10) by using fasteners (B, N), where said fastener is a countersunk bolt (B) and a nut (N);
said handle (105H) of said lid (105) is adapted to facilitate handling of said lid (105) during removal or insertion of said lid (105) with respect to said first removable cover (104);
said lid receiving portion (104L) defined on said second removable cover (104) is an opening;
said storage tank (10) is at least a paint storage tank; and
the material is at least a paint.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) comprises,
mounting, by said center stationary cover (102), an agitator (stirrer) (12) thereon, at a center of the storage tank (10) to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in said storage tank (10) on operation of said agitator (12);
mounting, by said center stationary cover (102), a level indicator (14) thereon, adjacent to one side of said agitator (12);
mounting, by said center stationary cover (102), a flame arrestor (16) thereon, adjacent to another side of said agitator (12); and
mounting, by said center stationary cover (102), a temperature gauge (18) thereon, adjacent to said flame arrestor (16),
wherein
said center stationary cover (102) provides an in-line mounting of said agitator (12), said level indicator (14), said flame arrestor (16) and said temperature gauge (18) thereon.

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said method (200) comprises,
defining a channel (104C) on said first removable cover (104) and receiving by, said channel (104C) of said first removable cover (104), a side edge portion (102S1) of said center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between said center stationary cover (102) and said first removable cover (104), where said channel (104C) is a L shaped channel;
defining a channel (106C) on said second removable cover (106) and receiving by, said channel (106C) of said second removable cover (106), another side edge portion (102S2) of said center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between said center stationary cover (102) and said second removable cover (106), where said channel (106C) is a L shaped channel; and
removing one of said first removable cover (104) and said second removable cover (106) from the top end of said storage tank (10) to provide access to the storage tank (10) even without removing said agitator (12), said level indicator (14), said flame arrestor (16) and said temperature gauge (18), and said center stationary cover (102) from the top end of said storage tank (10) during one of cleaning and maintenance of said storage tank (10).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to a storage tank and more particularly, to a cover assembly for the storage tank such as a paint storage tank. Further, embodiments herein relates to a method of providing the cover assembly for the storage tank.

BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, a paint storage tank is an important part of paint storage and mixing station in any of a paint shop or similar applications. The paint storage tank is used for storing paints and also to facilitate mixing of paints by using an agitator (stirrer) which is mounted on top of a tank cover. Further, other accessories such as a level indicator, a temperature gauge and a flame arrestor are also mounted on the tank cover in addition to the agitator. These paint storage tanks are used to supply the mixed paint to a paint applicator such as robots, manual paint guns etc. These paint storage tanks are required to be frequently cleaned at regular intervals to maintain the hygiene and prevent dry paint contamination. Further, a change in the paint color also demands complete cleaning of the tank. When there is a requirement for cleaning or maintenance of the storage tank, the tank cover is moved or removed from the tank to provide access to the storage tank. A conventional tank cover includes a stationary tank cover and a movable tank cover, where the stationary tank cover is welded or bolted to the top end of the storage tank, and where the movable tank cover is hinged to the stationary tank cover. The aforementioned conventional tank cover limit the access inside and to the bottom of the tank for cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank without the removal of accessories and the tank covers completely from the storage tank. Further, the tank covers is subjected to accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of tank covers. Furthermore, the structural design of this conventional tank cover and the mounting of the aforementioned accessories on the stationary tank cover, inhibit the thorough cleaning process and causes residue, contamination of paint which in turn results in paint defects and rejection of finished products. Therefore, the accessories (agitator, level indicator, and temperature gauge and flame arrestor) should be removed from the stationary tank cover and thereafter, the stationary tank cover and the movable tank cover are removed from the storage tank for complete cleaning or maintenance of one of the storage tank and tank covers. However, the dis-assembly of accessories and the tank covers from the storage tank, the cleaning or the maintenance process, and the re-fitment of the accessories and the tank covers on the storage tank is cumbersome and a time consuming process. Furthermore, the agitator is mounted on the stationary cover and is positioned away from a center of the storage tank. This may not allow the agitator to achieve vortex formation of paint in the storage tank and thereby the paint may not be mixed in a proportioned manner during operation of the agitator.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a cover assembly for a storage tank, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to provide a cover assembly for a storage tank such as a paint storage tank.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a method of providing the cover assembly for the storage tank.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the storage tank, which is easily removable and re-fixable.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the storage tank, in which a center stationary cover is adapted to mount an agitator (stirrer) thereon, at a center of the storage tank to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in the storage tank on operation of the agitator.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the storage tank, which provides better sealing interface between a center stationary cover and removable covers thereby preventing entry of ambient air or any other foreign particles into the storage tank.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the paint storage tank, which allows ease of removal, cleaning and re-fixing of accessories such as agitator (stirrer), level indicator and temperature gauge on to the center stationary cover of the cover assembly.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the paint storage tank, which provides better access to the storage tank even without the removal of the agitator (stirrer), the level indicator, the temperature gauge and the flame arrestor during one of cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is that the agitator, the temperature gauge, the level indicator and the flame arrestor can also be removed and reinstalled on the center stationary cover easily without need of removing removable covers.
[0012] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide a lid on one of the removable cover so that lid can be removed separately during stirring of paint in the storage tank thereby eliminating the shutdown of agitator.
[0013] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the paint storage tank, which reduces cleaning time of the storage tank due to non-removal of accessories (agitator, level indicator, and temperature gauge and flame arrestor) from the center stationary cover.
[0014] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the cover assembly for the paint storage tank, which is electropolished with surfactants thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants to an inner surface of the covers.
[0015] These and other objects of embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a storage tank with a cover assembly, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 2 depicts a front view of the storage tank showing an agitator, a level indicator, a flame arrestor and a temperature gauge mounted on a center stationary cover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 3a depicts a perspective view of the center stationary cover, where a first mounting member and a second mounting member are mounted on the center stationary cover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0020] Fig. 3b depicts a bottom view of the center stationary cover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0021] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of a first removable cover with a lid mounted thereon, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0022] Fig. 4b depicts a top view of the first removable cover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein
[0023] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of a second removable cover, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0024] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method of providing a cover assembly for the storage tank, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed 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.
[0026] The embodiments herein achieve a cover assembly for a storage tank such as a paint storage tank. Further, embodiments herein achieve a method of providing the cover assembly for the storage tank. Referring now to the drawings Figs 1 through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0027] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a storage tank (10) with a cover assembly (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the cover assembly (100) includes a center stationary cover (102), a first removable cover (104), a lid (105), a second removable cover (106), a first mounting member (108) and a second mounting member (110). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the cover assembly (100) is explained herein with below reference to covering a top end of the storage tank (10) such as a paint storage tank and to mount the accessories of the paint storage tank, where the accessories includes but not limited to an agitator, level indicator, temperature gauge and flame arrestor. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use/practice the cover assembly (100) for any other storage tank used in chemical industry, food industry, pharmaceutical industry and any other industry or any other applications without otherwise deterring the intended function of the cover assembly (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0028] The center stationary cover (102) is adapted to be connected at a center and on a top end of the storage tank (10). For example, the center stationary cover (102) is removably connected at the center and on the top end of the storage tank (10). In another embodiment, the center stationary cover (102) can also be connected at the center and on the top end of the storage tank (10) by using one of a temporary joint and a permanent joint. The center stationary cover (102) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions ((102F) (as shown in fig. 3a and fig. 3b)), where each fastener receiving portion (102F) is adapted to receive corresponding fastener ((B) (as shown in fig. 1)) therethrough thereby securing the center stationary cover (102) at the center and on a flange top ((10F) (as shown in fig. 2)) of the storage tank (10), where each fastener receiving portion (102F) is an opening and corresponding fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt. The center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount an agitator (stirrer) ((12) (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2) thereon, at a center of the storage tank (10) to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in the storage tank (10) on operation of the agitator (12). Further, the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a level indicator ((14) (as shown in fig. 2) thereon, adjacent to one side of the agitator (12). Further, the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a flame arrestor ((16) ((as shown in fig. 2) thereon, adjacent to another side of the agitator (12). Furthermore, the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to mount a temperature gauge (18) thereon, adjacent to the flame arrestor (16). The center stationary cover (102) provides an in-line mounting of the agitator (12), the level indicator (14), the flame arrestor (16) and the temperature gauge (18) thereon. The center stationary cover (102) defines a rectangular shape.
[0029] Fig. 3b depicts a bottom view of the center stationary cover (102), according to embodiments as disclosed herein The center stationary cover (102) defines a first opening (102A), a second opening (102B), a third opening (102C) and a fourth opening (102D). The first opening (102A) of the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to receive a rotatable member ((12R) (as shown in fig. 2)) of the agitator (12) therethrough. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the rotatable member (12R) is considered to be a rotatable shaft of the agitator (12). The second opening (102B) of the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the level indicator (14) therethrough. The third opening (102C) of the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to allow the flame arrestor (16) to be in communication with the storage tank (10). The fourth opening (102D) of the center stationary cover (102) is adapted to receive a corresponding portion of the temperature gauge (18) therethrough. The first opening (102A), the second opening (102B), the third opening (102C) and the fourth opening (102D) of the center stationary cover (102) is inline and is spaced away from each other.
[0030] The first removable cover (104) is adapted to be positioned to a left side of the center stationary cover (102) and is removably connected onto the top end of the storage tank (10). The first removable cover (104) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions ((104B) (as shown in fig. 4a)), where each fastener receiving portion (104F) is adapted to receive corresponding another fastener (B) therethrough thereby securing first removable cover (104) on the flange top (10F) of storage tank (10), each fastener receiving portion (104F) is an opening and corresponding fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt. The first removable cover (104) defines a semi-circular shape. The first removable cover (104) defines a channel ((104C) (as shown in fig. 4a) adapted to receive a side edge portion ((102S1) (as shown in fig. 3a) of the center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between the center stationary cover (102) and the first removable cover (104), where the channel (104C) is a L shaped channel.
[0031] The lid (105) is adapted to be positioned on the first removable cover (104). The lid (105) is inserted into a lid receiving portion (104L), (as shown in fig. 4b) defined on the first removable cover (104), where the lid (105) is removed from the first removable cover (104) to facilitate at least one of refilling of a material to the storage tank (10), taking samples of the material stored in the storage tank (10) and visual monitoring of the material stored in the storage tank (10). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the lid receiving portion (104L) defined on the first removable cover (104) is considered to be an opening, and the material stored in the storage tank (10) is at least a paint. Further, the lid (105) includes a handle (105H), (as shown in fig. 4a) adapted to facilitate handling of the lid (105) during removal or insertion of the lid (105) with respect to the first removable cover (104). For example, the handle (105H) of the lid (105) is adapted to be held by user hand for inserting or removing the lid (105) with respect to the first removable cover (104).
[0032] The second removable cover (106) is adapted to be positioned to a right side of the center stationary cover (102) and is removably connected onto the top end ((flange top (10F)) of the storage tank (10). The second removable cover (106) defines a plurality of fastener receiving portions ((106B) (as shown in fig. 5)), where each fastener receiving portion (106F) is adapted to receive corresponding another fastener ((B) (as shown in fig. 1) therethrough thereby securing second removable cover (106) on the flange top (10F) of storage tank (10), each fastener receiving portion (106F) is a through opening and corresponding fastener (B) is a countersunk bolt. The second removable cover (106) defines a semi-circular shape. The second removable cover (106) defines a channel ((106C), (as shown in fig. 5)) adapted to receive another side edge portion ((102S2) (as shown in fig. 3a) of the center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between the center stationary cover (102) and the second removable cover (106), where the channel (106C) is a L shaped channel.
[0033] The first mounting member (108) is adapted to mount the flame arrestor (16) on the center stationary cover (102). The first mounting member (108) is mounted on the center stationary member (102) and is co-axial to the third opening (102C) of the center stationary cover (102). The first mounting member (108) is welded on the center stationary cover (102). The first mounting member (108) defines an opening ((108R) (as shown in fig. 3a)) adapted to allow the flame arrestor (16) to be in communication with the storage tank (10). The opening (108R) of the first mounting member (108) is co-axial to the third opening (102C) of the center stationary cover (102).
[0034] The second mounting member (110) is adapted to mount the temperature gauge (18) on the center stationary cover (102). The second mounting member (110) is mounted on the first removable member (102) and is co-axial to the fourth opening (102D) of the center stationary cover (102). The second mounting member (110) is welded on the center stationary cover (102). The second mounting member (110) defines an opening ((110R) (as shown in fig. 3a) adapted to receive a portion of the temperature gauge (18) therethrough so as to allow the temperature gauge (18) to be in communication with the storage tank (10) to monitor the temperature of material stored in the storage tank (10). The opening (110R) of the second mounting member (110) is co-axial to the fourth opening (102D) of the center stationary cover (102).
[0035] The inner surface of each of the center stationary cover (102), the first removable cover (104), the second removable cover (106) and the lid (105) is electro-polished with surfactants thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of the covers (102, 104, 106) and the lid (105). When there is a requirement for one of cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank (10). One of the first removable cover (104) and the second removable cover (106) is removed from the flange top (10F) of the storage tank (10) to provide access to the storage tank (10), even without the removal of the center stationary cover (102) and the accessories (agitator, level indicator, temperature gauge and flame arrestor) from the storage tank (10).
[0036] Fig. 6 depicts a flowchart indicating a method (200) of providing the cover assembly (100) for the storage tank (10), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (200) is explained herein below with reference to covering a top end of the storage tank (10) such as a paint storage tank and to mount accessories of the paint storage tank, where the accessories includes but not limited to agitator, level indicator, temperature gauge and flame arrestor. However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (200) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (200) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (200) for providing the cover assembly (100) for any other storage tank used in chemical industry, food industry, pharmaceutical industry and any other industry or any other applications without otherwise deterring the intended function of the method (200) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings. At step (202), the method (200) includes connecting a center stationary cover (102) at a center and on a top end of the storage tank (10).
[0037] At step 204, the method (200) includes positioning a first removable cover (104) to a left side of the center stationary cover (102) and removably connecting the first removable cover (104) to the top end of the storage tank (10).
[0038] At step 206, the method (200) includes positioning a second removable cover (106) to a right side of the center stationary cover (102) and removably connecting the second removable cover (106) to the top end of the storage tank (10).
[0039] Further, the method (200) includes providing a lid (105) with a handle (105H), and inserting a portion of the lid (105) into a lid receiving portion (104L) defined on the first removable cover (104).
[0040] Further, the method (200) includes removing the lid (105) from the first removable cover (104) to facilitate at least one of at least one of refilling of a material to storage tank (10), taking samples of the material stored in the storage tank (10) and visual monitoring of the material stored in the storage tank (10).
[0041] Further, the method (200) includes electro-polishing with a surfactant, an inner surface of each of the center stationary cover (102), the first removable cover (104), the second removable cover (106) and the lid (105) thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants on the inner surface of the covers (102, 104, 106) and the lid (105).
[0042] Furthermore, the method (200) includes mounting, by the center stationary cover (102), an agitator (stirrer) (12) thereon, at a center of the storage tank (102) to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in storage tank (10) on operation of the agitator (12). Further, the method (200) includes mounting, by the center stationary cover (102), a level indicator (14) thereon, adjacent to one side of the agitator (12). Further, the method (200) includes mounting, by center stationary cover (102), a flame arrestor (16) thereon, adjacent to another side of the agitator (12); and mounting, by the center stationary cover (102), a temperature gauge (18) thereon, adjacent to the flame arrestor (16).
[0043] Further, the method (200) includes defining a channel (104C) on the first removable cover (104) and receiving by, the channel (104C) of first removable cover (104), a side edge portion (102S1) of the center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between the center stationary cover (102) and the first removable cover (104), where the channel (104C) is a L shaped channel.
[0044] Further, the method (200) includes defining a channel (106C) on the second removable cover (106) and receiving by, the channel (106C) of the second removable cover (106), another side edge portion (102S2) of the center stationary cover (102) thereby sealing the interface between the center stationary cover (102) and the second removable cover (106), where the channel (106C) is a L shaped channel.
[0045] Furthermore, the method (200) includes removing one of the first removable cover (104) and the second removable cover (106) from the top end of the storage tank (10) to provide access to the storage tank (10) even without removing the accessories (agitator (12), level indicator (14), flame arrestor (16) and temperature gauge (18)) and the center stationary cover (102) from the top end of the storage tank (10) during one of cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank (10).
[0046] The technical advantages of the cover assembly (100) are as follows. The cover assembly is easily removable and re-fixable. The cover assembly provides better sealing interface between a center stationary cover and removable covers thereby preventing entry of ambient air or any other foreign particles into the storage tank. The cover assembly allows ease of removal, cleaning and re-fixing of accessories such as agitator (stirrer), level indicator and temperature gauge on to the center stationary cover. The cover assembly includes a center stationary cover which is adapted to mount an agitator (stirrer) thereon, at a center of the storage tank to achieve better vortex formation during mixing of material stored in the storage tank on operation of the agitator. The cover assembly provides better access to the storage tank even without the removal of the agitator (stirrer), the level indicator, the temperature gauge and the flame arrestor during one of cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank during one of cleaning and maintenance of the storage tank. The agitator, the temperature gauge, the level indicator and the flame arrestor can also be removed and reinstalled on the center stationary cover without need of removing removable covers. The lid can be removed separately during stirring of paint in the storage tank thereby eliminating the shutdown of agitator. The cover assembly reduces the cleaning time of the storage tank due to non-removal of accessories (agitator, level indicator, and temperature gauge and flame arrestor) from the center stationary cover. Each cover is electropolished with surfactants thereby preventing accumulation of contaminants to an inner surface of the covers.
[0047] 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 embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.