WO2020122987A1

WO2020122987A1 - Above-ground storage tank

Info

Publication number: WO2020122987A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/036509
Authority: WO
Inventors: William C. POLACEK; Marc Joseph SPECIALE; Randall SHANK
Original assignee: Jwf Industries, Inc.
Priority date: 2018-12-14
Filing date: 2019-06-11
Publication date: 2020-06-18

Abstract

An interlocking panel for constructing a large capacity tank includes a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges. A horizontal flange extends from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate and defines a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole. The first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole. The panel further includes a guide pin having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the guide pin is inserted into the first guide pin hole. The second portion of the guide pin extends from the horizontal flange so as to be received by the second guide pin hole of a second panel positioned above the panel such that the second panel is offset horizontally relative to the panel.

Description

ABOVE-GROUND STORAGE TANK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/779,936 filed December 14, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to large capacity tanks and, more particularly, to modular large capacity above-ground impoundment tanks.

Description of Related Art

[0003] Currently in the oil and gas industry, large capacity tanks are needed, for example, to store fracturing fluid produced from a drilling process used to obtain the oil or gas. One method of storing this fluid is to use trailers transported to the work site to be filled during the drilling process. These trailers hold a limited amount of fluid and require frequent driving between the work site and the area used for disposing of the fracturing fluid. This method requires either multiple trucks located at the work site to keep a continuous drilling process running, or the drilling process has to be stopped until the truck hauling the trailer returns from disposing of the previous load of fracturing fluid.

[0004] Another method for storing fracturing fluid on the work site includes using large capacity tanks. These tanks are often transported to the work site as one unit or, if the tank is relatively large, they are transported in bulk pieces to be assembled at the work site. Once the pieces are delivered to the work site, workers must assemble the individual pieces according to the proper installation position of each piece. This requires an extended period of time to install and can slow down the drilling process at the work site. The pieces must be properly aligned before being connected, which requires a certain amount of precision in positioning each piece relative to one another.

[0005] There exists a current need for an improved large capacity above-ground impoundment tank that is easily transported, assembled, and installed. Additionally, there is a need for a large capacity tank that provides an improved way to assemble the individual pieces of the tank, thereby decreasing the amount of time used for installing the tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an interlocking panel for constructing a large capacity tank. The interlocking panel includes a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin including a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole. The second portion of the guide pin extends from the horizontal flange and is configured to be received by the second guide pin hole of a second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel such that the second interlocking panel is offset horizontally relative to the interlocking panel located below the second interlocking panel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second portion of the guide pin is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second portion of the guide pin defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

[0009] In some embodiments, the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the horizontal flange defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange and the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the interlocking panel further includes a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange, and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange. The at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third interlocking panel positioned adjacent to the interlocking panel.

[0012] In some embodiments, the interlocking panel Anther includes a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plate and the horizontal flange have an arcuate shape.

[0014] In some embodiments, the interlocking panel Anther includes a plurality of retaining ribs on the outer surface of the plate and extending between the first vertical flange and the second vertical flange.

[0015] In some embodiments, the plurality of retaining ribs are evenly or unevenly spaced flora one another along the outer surface of the plate.

[0016] Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to an above ground large capacity tank. The large capacity storage tank includes a plurality of identical, stacked, and interlocked interlocking panels. Each of the interlocking panels includes a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin including a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole. The horizontal flange of a first of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in a lower row of panels faces upward. The horizontal flange of a second of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in an upper row of panels faces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels. The second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter. [0018] In some embodiments, the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

[0019] In some embodiments, the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, and the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interlocking panels further includes a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange. The at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interlocking panels further includes a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

[0023] Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of assembling an above ground large capacity tank. The method includes providing a plurality of identical interlocking panels. Each of the interlocking panels includes a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin including a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole. The method Anther includes positioning a first of the plurality of interlocking panels in a lower row of panels such that horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels faces upward, and positioning a second of the plurality of interlocking panels in an upper row of panels such that the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels faces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels and the second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0024] In some embodiments, the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange. The second of the plurality of interlocking panels is positioned such that the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels. The method further includes inserting at least one fastener through the aligned at least one fastener holes of the horizontal flanges of the first and the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of interlocking panels further includes a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange, and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange. The method further includes positioning a third of the plurality of interlocking panels adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels aligns with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels, and inserting at least one fastener through the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels and the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0026] Various other aspects of the present invention are disclosed in one or more of the following numbered clauses:

[0027] Clause 1. An interlocking panel for constructing a large capacity tank, comprising: a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole; wherein the second portion of the guide pin extends from the horizontal flange and is configured to be received by the second guide pin hole of a second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel such that the second interlocking panel is offset horizontally relative to the interlocking panel located below the second interlocking panel.

[0028] Clause 2. The interlocking panel of clause 1, wherein the second portion of the guide pin is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter.

[0029] Clause 3. The interlocking panel of clause 1 or 2, wherein the second portion of the guide pin defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

[0030] Clause 4. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole.

[0031] Clause 5. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the horizontal flange defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, and wherein the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel.

[0032] Clause 6. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising: a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange; and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange, wherein the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third interlocking panel positioned adjacent to the interlocking panel.

[0033] Clause 7. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 6, Anther comprising a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

[0034] Clause 8. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the plate and the horizontal flange have an arcuate shape. [0035] Clause 9. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising a plurality of retaining ribs on the outer surface of the plate and extending between the first vertical flange and the second vertical flange.

[0036] Clause 10. The interlocking panel of any of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of retaining ribs are evenly or unevenly spaced from one another along the outer surface of the plate.

[0037] Clause 11. An above ground large capacity tank, comprising: a plurality of identical, stacked, and interlocked interlocking panels, each of the interlocking panels comprising: a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole, wherein the horizontal flange of a first of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in a lower row of panels faces upward, wherein the horizontal flange of a second of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in an upper row of panels faces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels, and wherein the second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0038] Clause 12. The above ground large capacity tank of clause 11, wherein the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter.

[0039] Clause 13. The above ground large capacity tank of clause 11 or 12, wherein the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

[0040] Clause 14. The above ground large capacity tank of any of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole. [0041] Clause 15. The above ground large capacity tank of any of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, and wherein the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0042] Clause 16. The above ground large capacity tank of any of clauses 11 to 15, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels further comprises: a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange; and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange, wherein the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0043] Clause 17. The above ground large capacity tank of any of clauses 11 to 16, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels further comprises a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

[0044] Clause 18. A method of assembling an above ground large capacity tank, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of identical interlocking panels, each of the interlocking panels comprising: a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges; a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole; positioning a first of the plurality of interlocking panels in a lower row of panels such that horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels faces upward; and positioning a second of the plurality of interlocking panels in an upper row of panels such that: the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels faces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels; and the second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0045] Clause 19. The method of clause 18, wherein the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, wherein the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is positioned such that the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels, and wherein the method further comprises inserting at least one fastener through the aligned at least one fastener holes of the horizontal flanges of the first and the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0846] Clause 20. The method of clause 18 or 19, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels further comprises: a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange; and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange, and wherein the method further comprises: positioning a third of the plurality of interlocking panels adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels aligns with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels; and inserting at least one fastener through the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels and the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels.

[0047] Further details and advantages will be understood from the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals indicate like parts unless otherwise stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interlocking panel in accordance with this disclosure.

[0049] FIG.2 is an enlarged and isolated view of a detailed portion labeled 2 in FIG. 1. [0050] FIG. 3 is a front view of the interlocking panel of FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG.4A is a right side view of the interlocking panel of FIG. 1.

[0052] FIG.4B is a left side view of the interlocking panel of FIG. 1.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a top view of the interlocking panel of FIG. 6.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a guide pin in accordance with this disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a side view of the guide pin of FIG. 6.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the guide pin of FIG. 6.

[0057] FIG. 9 is a top view of the guide pin of FIG. 6.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a large capacity tank with two levels of interlocking panels in accordance with this disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 11 is an isolated view of the connection of the first-level interlocking panels to the second-level interlocking panels of the large capacity tank shown in FIG. 10.

[0060] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the connection of the first-level interlocking panels to the second-level interlocking panels shown in FIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms“upper'’,“lower”,“right”,“left”, “vertical”,“horizontal”,“top”,“bottom”,“lateral”,“longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as it is oriented in the drawing figures.

[0062] Spatial or directional terms, such as“left”,“right”,“inner”,“outer”,“above”,“below”, and the like, are not to be considered as limiting as the invention can assume various alternative orientations.

[0063] All numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term“about”. The term“about” means a range of plus or minus ten percent of the stated value.

[0064] As used herein, the term“at least one of’ is synonymous with“one or more of’. For example, the phrase“at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, and C. For example,“at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C. Similarly, as used herein, the term“at least two of’ is synonymous with“two or more of’. For example, the phrase“at least two of D, E, and F’ means any combination of any two or more of D, E, and F. For example,“at least two of D, E, and F’ includes one or more of D and one or more of E; or one or more of D and one or more of F; or one or more of E and one or more of F; or one or more of all of D, E, and F.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 an interlocking panel 100 in accordance with a nonlimiting aspect of this disclosure generally includes a plate 112 with an outer surface, an inner surface, two opposing horizontal edges, and two opposing vertical sides. The horizontal edges and vertical edges define the shape of the plate 112. The plate 112 may have an arcuate, curved shape; however, additional shapes are contemplated. The outer surface and the inner surface of the plate 112 are generally smooth, continuous surfaces, but it is contemplated that slight imperfections, bumps, or chips may result from the manufacturing process or develop on the inner and outer surfaces of the plate 112.

[0066] A first vertical flange 114 extends from a first of the vertical edges of the plate 112 in the direction of the outer surface of the plate 112. The first flange 114 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the plate 112, or the first flange 114 may be integral with the plate 112. The first flange 114 may define at least one fastener hole 116 extending therethrough. As will be explained in greater detail herein, fasteners may be inserted into the at least one fastener hole 116 to connect adjacently positioned panels 100 to each other. The at least one fastener hole 116 may include a plurality of fastener holes 116 located at an even or uneven distribution along the length of the first flange 114. For example, the fastener holes 116 may be spaced closer together near the bottom of the first flange 114 so that more fasteners may be inserted near the bottom of panel 100 where hydrostatic pressure of liquid contained by the panel is the greatest.

[0067] A second vertical flange 118 extends from a second of the vertical edges of the plate 112 in the direction of the outer surface of the plate 112. The second flange 118 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the plate 112, or the second flange 118 may be integral with the plate 112. The second flange 118 may define at least one fastener hole 120 extending therethrough, similar to the manner in which the at least one fastener hole 116 extends through the first flange 114. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the location(s) of the least one fastener hole 120 on the second flange 118 may be substantially identical to the location(s) of the at least one fastener hole 116 on the first flange 114. As such, when two of the panels 100 are arranged adjacently to one another, at least one fastener hole 116 on the first flange 114 of one panel 100 may align with the at least one fastener hole 120 on the second flange 118 of the adjacent panel 100. As noted above, the plurality of fastener holes 116, 120 on the first and second flanges 114, 118 may be distributed unevenly. In such embodiments, the uneven distribution of fastener holes 116, 120 along the length of the first and second flanges 114, 118 may ensure that fastener holes 116, 120 of the first and second flanges 114, 118 of adjacent panels 100 only align when the adjacent panels 100 are properly positioned relative to one another.

[0068] A horizontal flange 122 extends from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate 112 in the direction of the outer surface of the plate 112. A tubular member 128 may extend from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate 112 in the direction of the outer surface of the plate 112. The tubular member 128 may have a generally square cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated. The horizontal flange 122 and the tubular member 128 may be welded or otherwise fastened to the plate 112, or the horizontal flange 122 and the tubular member 128 may be integral with the plate 112. The horizontal flange 122 and the tubular member 128 may each have an arcuate, curved shape corresponding to the shape of the plate 112; however, additional shapes are contemplated. The horizontal flange 122 may define at least one fastener hole 124 extending therethrough. As will be explained in greater detail herein, fasteners may be inserted into the at least one fastener hole 124 to connect stacked rows of panels 1(H) to one another. The at least one fastener hole 124 of the horizontal flange 122 may include a plurality of holes 124 which may be evenly spaced, unevenly spaced, or spaced in groups along the longitudinal axis of the horizontal flange 122.

[0069] The horizontal flange 122 may further define a first guide pin hole 136 and a second guide pin hole 146 horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole 136 extending therethrough. The first guide pin hole 136 may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second guide pin hole 146, and the first guide pin hole 136 may be configured to receive a guide pin 126. Referring now to FIGS. 6-9, the guide pin 126 may have a cylindrical first portion 210 configured to fit into first guide pin hole 136 of the horizontal flange 122. The first portion 210 may be affixed, e.g. welded, to the horizontal flange 122 to retain the guide pin 126 in place even if the panel 100 is turned upside down, such as occurs during assembly of the large capacity tank as will be described with reference to FIGS. 16-17. An end of the guide pin 126 opposite the first portion 210 may include a second at least partially conical or frustoconical portion 220 configured to be inserted into the second guide pin hole 146 of another panel 100 vertically stacked onto the panel 100 to which the guide pin 126 is affixed. In particular, the second portion tapers from a major diameter adjacent to the first portion 210 to a minor diameter spaced apart from the first portion 210. The major diameter of the second portion 220 may be greater than the diameter of the first guide pin hole 136 such that the second portion 220 cannot slide through the first guide pin hole 136.

[0070] The sloping sides of the second portion 220 assist the worker in indexing the identical interlocking panels 100 in the proper position for assembly. The guide pin 126 further includes a shoulder surface 230 continuous with the base of the second portion 220. The shoulder surface 230 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first portion 210 such that shoulder surface 230 engages the horizontal flange 122 when the guide pin 126 is positioned in the corresponding one of the plurality of holes 124 of the horizontal flange 122.

[0071] Referring again to FIGS. 1-5, the interlocking panel 100 also includes at least one or, typically, a plurality of retaining ribs 130 positioned on the outer surface of the plate 112. The retaining ribs 130 extend across the plate 112 from the first vertical flange 114 to the second flange 118. Each of the plurality of retaining ribs 130 may be tubular members having a generally square cross-sectional shape; however, additional cross-sectional shapes are contemplated. The retaining ribs 130 may be positioned on the plate 112 by welding or fastening the retaining ribs 130 to the plate 112 or the retaining ribs 130 may be integral with the plate 112. In some embodiments, the plurality of retaining ribs 130 may be spaced evenly between the horizontal flange 122 and the tubular member 128. The plurality of retaining ribs 130 may have an arcuate, curved shape corresponding to the shape of the plate 112; however, additional shapes are contemplated. The retaining ribs 130 provide resistance to hydrostatic pressure exerted by liquid contained by the plate 112 to prevent outward bulging of the plate 112. By adding additional retaining ribs 130, greater support is applied to the plate 112 preventing bulging, fatigue, or weakening of the plate 112 against the pressure of the stored fluid. In some embodiments, a greater number of retaining ribs 130 are placed towards the bottom of the plate 112 where the hydrostatic pressure is greatest.

[0072] At least one or, typically, a plurality of lifting rings 134 may also be attached to the plurality of retaining ribs 130. In one embodiment, a plurality of lifting rings 134 can be placed along the outer surface of the retaining rib 130. The lifting rings 134 facilitate lifting of the panel 100 via machinery, such as a crane or forklift. [0073] Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, a plurality of identical interlocking panels including a first panel 100, a second panel 100', and a third panel 100" may be assembled into a large capacity tank 1000. Each of the first panel 100, the second panel 100', and the third panel 100" may be constructed substantially as described with regard to FIGS. 1-9, with like reference numerals referring to like components. A single apostrophe (') is used to denote components of the second panel 100', and a double apostrophe (") is used to denote components of the third panel 100". As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first panel 100 and the third panel 100" may be arranged side by side, with their respective horizontal flanges 122, 122" facing upward, to form a first row of panels. In particular, the third panel 100" may be positioned adjacent to the first panel 100 such that the second vertical flange 118 of the first panel 100 abuts the first vertical flange 114" of the third panel 100". As such, the at least one fastener hole 120 of the second vertical flange 118 of the first panel 100 aligns with the at least one fastener hole 116" of the first vertical flange 114" of the third panel 100". With the fastener holes 120, 116", aligned with at least one fastener (not shown), such as bolts, may be inserted through the fastener holes 120, 116" to secure the first and third panels 100, 100" to one another.

[0074] The second panel 100* may be positioned on top of the first panel 100 and the third panel 100", with the horizontal flange 122' of the second panel 100* facing downwards, to form a second row of panels. As may be appreciated from FIGS. 10-12, the horizontal flange 122' of the second panel 100* therefore abuts the horizontal flanges 122, 122" of the first and third panels 100, 100". The second portion 220 of the guide pin 126 of the first panel 1(H) may extend into the guide pin hole 146* of the horizontal flange 122' of the second panel 100*. Similarly, the second portion 220' of the guide pin 126* of the second panel 100' may extend into the guide pin hole 146 of the horizontal flange 122 of the first panel 100. The guide pins 126, 126', 126" and the guide pin holes 146, 146', 146" may be arranged on their respective horizontal flanges 122, 122', 122" such that when assembled, each panel in the second row of panels is horizontally offset from the panels located below it in the first row of panels. Thus, the seams between the first and third panels 100, 100" in the first row of panels is horizontally aligned with a mid- portion of the second panel 100* in the second row of panels. By horizontally offsetting the first row of panels from the second row of panels in this manner, the large capacity tank is strengthened because there is never a continuous seam between panels extending the entire height of the tank. [0075] With the panels 100, 100', 100" arranged as described above, each of the fastener holes 124* of the horizontal flange 122* of the second panel 100* may align with one of the fastener holes 124, 124" of the horizontal flanges 122, 122" of the first or third panels 100, 100". One or more fasteners (not shown), such as bolts, may be inserted through the fastener holes 124, 124', 124" in the horizontal flanges 122, 122', 122" to secure the panels 100, 100', 100" to one another.

[0076] Subsequent panels of the large capacity tank 1000 may be assembled and joined to the first, second, and third panels 100, 100', 100" in the same manner described above until the large capacity storage tank 1000 forms a continuous perimeter boundary. As shown in FIG. 10, the perimeter boundary may be substantially circular due to the arcuate shape of the panels 100, 100', 100". However, as noted above, the panels 100, 100', 100" may be constructed in non- arcuate shapes, which may consequently define a non-circular perimeter boundary of the storage tank 1000. A liner (not shown) may be along the ground surface enclosed by the storage tank 1000 and up the internal surface of the panels 100, 100', 100" in order to create a liquid-proof barrier for containing liquid within the storage tank 1000.

[0077] While an embodiment of a large capacity above-ground impoundment tank is shown in the accompanying figures and described hereinabove in detail, other embodiments will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

THE INVENTION CLAIMED IS:

1. An interlocking panel for constructing a large capacity tank, comprising: a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges;

a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and

a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole;

wherein the second portion of the guide pin extends from the horizontal flange and is configured to be received by the second guide pin hole of a second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel such that the second interlocking panel is offset horizontally relative to the interlocking panel located below the second interlocking panel.

2. The interlocking panel of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the guide pin is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter.

3. The interlocking panel of claim 1, wherein the second portion of the guide pin defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

4. The interlocking panel of claim 1, wherein the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole.

5. The interlocking panel of claim 1, wherein the horizontal flange defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, and

wherein the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second interlocking panel positioned above the interlocking panel.

6. The interlocking panel of claim 1 , further comprising:

a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange; and

a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange,

wherein the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third interlocking panel positioned adjacent to the interlocking panel.

7. The interlocking panel of claim 1, further comprising a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

8. The interlocking panel of claim 1, wherein the plate and the horizontal flange have an arcuate shape.

9. The interlocking panel of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of retaining ribs on the outer surface of the plate and extending between the first vertical flange and the second vertical flange.

10. The interlocking panel of claim 9, wherein the plurality of retaining ribs are evenly or unevenly spaced from one another along the outer surface of the plate.

11. An above ground large capacity tank, comprising:

a plurality of identical, stacked, and interlocked interlocking panels, each of the interlocking panels comprising:

a plate having an outer surface, an inner surface, two horizontal edges, and two vertical edges;

a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole,

wherein the horizontal flange of a first of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in a lower row of panels feces upward,

wherein the horizontal flange of a second of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned in an upper row of panels feces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels, and

wherein the second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

12. The above ground large capacity tank of clause 11, wherein the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is at least partially conical and tapers from the major diameter to a minor diameter.

13. The above ground large capacity tank of claim 11, wherein the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines a shoulder surface configured to rest on the horizontal flange.

14. The above ground large capacity tank of claim 11, wherein the major diameter of the second portion of the guide pin of each of the plurality of interlocking panels is larger than the diameter of the first guide pin hole.

15. The above ground large capacity tank of claim 11, wherein the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange, and wherein the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is configured to align with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

16. The above ground large capacity tank of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels further comprises:

wherein the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of a third of the plurality of interlocking panels positioned adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

17. The above ground large capacity tank of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels further comprises a tubular member extending from a second of the horizontal edges of the plate.

18. A method of assembling an above ground large capacity tank, comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of identical interlocking panels, each of the interlocking panels comprising:

a horizontal flange extending from a first of the horizontal edges of the plate, the horizontal flange defining a first guide pin hole and a second guide pin hole horizontally offset from the first guide pin hole, wherein the first guide pin hole has a smaller diameter than the second guide pin hole; and a guide pin comprising a first portion and a second portion, a diameter of the first portion being smaller than a major diameter of the second portion, the first portion of the guide pin inserted into the first guide pin hole;

positioning a first of the plurality of interlocking panels in a lower row of panels such that horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels feces upward; and positioning a second of the plurality of interlocking panels in an upper row of panels such that:

the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels feces downward and abuts the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels; and

the second portion of the guide pin of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is received by the second guide pin hole of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is offset horizontally relative to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the horizontal flange of each of the plurality of interlocking panels defines at least one fastener hole extending through the horizontal flange,

wherein the second of the plurality of interlocking panels is positioned such that the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels is aligned with the at least one fastener hole of the horizontal flange of the second of the plurality of interlocking panels, and

wherein the method further comprises inserting at least one fastener through the aligned at least one fastener holes of the horizontal flanges of the first and the second of the plurality of interlocking panels.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein each of the plurality of interlocking panels Anther comprises:

a first vertical flange extending from a first of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the first vertical flange; and a second vertical flange extending from a second of the vertical edges of the plate and having at least one fastener hole extending through the second vertical flange, and

wherein the method further comprises:

positioning a third of the plurality of interlocking panels adjacent to the first of the plurality of interlocking panels such that the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels aligns with the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels; and inserting at least one fastener through the at least one fastener hole of the second vertical flange of the first of the plurality of interlocking panels and the at least one fastener hole of the first vertical flange of the third of the plurality of interlocking panels.