Storage tank containment system

Abstract

A storage tank containment system including a cubic-shaped tank having an outer shell having cylindrical walls and an internal cross brace interconnecting the cylindrical walls for the efficient storage and transportation of large quantities of fluid, for example, liquid natural gas.

1 . A storage tank comprising:
 an outer shell defining six interconnected tank sides defining an interior storage chamber;   a cross brace positioned between the six sides and interconnecting at least four of the six sides.   
     
     
         2 . The storage tank of  claim 1  wherein the outer shell is cubical in shape and comprises twelve substantially identical cylindrically-shaped walls that each connect to the cross brace and four of the adjacent cylindrical walls. 
     
     
         3 . The tank of  claim 2  further comprising eight spherical end caps, each end cap positioned at one of eight corners of the cubical tank sealingly connecting to three of the adjacent cylindrical side walls. 
     
     
         4 . The tank of  claim 1  wherein the cross brace further comprises a column connected to two opposing sides of the tank defining a top side and bottom side of the tank, the cross brace further having a first and a second side bracket connected to the column and angularly positioned with respect to one another, the column and the first and second side brackets each connecting to a different of the six sides of the outer shell. 
     
     
         5 . The tank of  claim 4  further comprising four side extensions, each extension extending axially outward from one of the cross brace side brackets for connection to a bulkhead of a ship or transportation vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . An improved cubic storage tank for use in a ship or transportation vehicle, the storage tank including twelve interconnected cylindrical walls and eight spherical end caps defining six sides of the cubic tank and an interior storage chamber, the improved storage tank comprising: a cross brace positioned between the six sides and interconnecting all six sides of the cubic tank. 
     
     
         7 . The improved tank of  claim 6  wherein the cross brace further comprises a column connecting two of the six sides defining a top side and a bottom side of the tank, and a first and a second side brace angularly positioned relative to one another and connected to the column and adjacent sides of the tank. 
     
     
         8 . The improved tank of  claim 7  wherein each side brace includes a top plate, a bottom plate and an inner wall. 
     
     
         9 . The improved tank of  claim 7  further comprising a base plate connecting to a lower portion of the cross brace column for connection of the tank at the bottom side to a bulkhead of a transportation vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . The improved tank of  claim 7  wherein at least two of the side braces includes a brace extension extending axially outward from the tank side for connection of the tank to an adjacent bulkhead of a transportation vehicle. 
     
     
         11 . The improved tank of  claim 10  wherein each extension includes four side reinforcements extending axially and radially outward from the side brace and connecting to an adjacent cylindrical wall. 
     
     
         12 . The improved tank of  claim 9  wherein at least one side brace comprises at least two side extensions on opposing ends, each extension including a beveled surface for lateral supporting connection of the tank to the bulkhead. 
     
     
         13 . A method of fabricating a cubic storage tank comprising the steps of:
 providing twelve substantially identical cylindrical walls interconnecting to one another at their edges defining six sides of the tank and an interior storage chamber; and   providing a cross brace positioned between the six sides and connecting to each of the six sides.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of providing eight spherically shaped end caps, each end cap attached to three adjacent cylindrical walls to form a sealed tank for the storage of fluids. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of providing four extensions connected to the cross brace for supporting the tank on bulkheads in a ship or transportation vehicle. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of providing four side reinforcements extending axially and radially outward from the cross brace and connecting to an adjacent cylindrical wall. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of filling the tank interior storage chamber with a fluid.