Processes and assemblies for connecting modular tank systems

Abstract

Modular tank systems employing sidewalls, and processes for assembling such tank systems. Adjoining sidewalls are secured together by inserting pins or bolts through aligned apertures present on components of each sidewall. As fully assembled, the sidewalls define a continuous tank sidewall to which a liner can be positioned within and secured to for one or more of storage, treatment and containment of fluids, solids or combinations thereof.

1 . An assembly comprising:
 a plurality of sidewalls secured together to form a contiguous tank boundary, each of a plurality of projections secured to and extending outwardly from one end of each of said plurality of sidewalls and positioned within one of a corresponding plurality of pairs of ribs secured to another end of an adjacent sidewall of said plurality of sidewalls so that apertures through said plurality of projections are aligned with apertures through said plurality of pairs of ribs; and   a corresponding plurality of pins, each of said plurality of pins positioned within said aligned apertures.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein each of said plurality of sidewalls has a first bar secured near the bottom thereof and extending along substantially the entire length thereof and a second bar secured near the top thereof and extending along substantially the entire length thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of projections and said corresponding plurality of pairs of ribs are spaced substantially uniformly along said ends. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1  wherein at least two of said plurality of projections and said corresponding plurality of pairs of ribs that are closest to the bottom edge of said sidewalls are spaced closer together than the other projections and corresponding rib pairs. 
     
     
         5 . An assembly comprising:
 a plurality of sidewalls positioned to form a contiguous tank boundary wherein a plurality of apertures through a first elongated member secured to one of said plurality of sidewalls is aligned with a corresponding plurality of apertures through a second elongated member secured to an adjacent sidewall;   a corresponding plurality of threaded bolts, each of said plurality of threaded bolts positioned within one said aligned plurality of apertures; and   a plurality of nuts, each of said plurality of nuts being secured to a separate end of said plurality of threaded bolts.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein at least two of both of said plurality of apertures and said corresponding plurality of apertures that are nearest to the bottom of each of said plurality of sidewalls are spaced closer together than the remaining apertures. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein each of said plurality of sidewalls has a first bar secured near the bottom thereof and extending along substantially the entire length thereof and a second bar secured near the top thereof and extending along substantially the entire length thereof. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising:
 at least one plate secured to one of said first elongated member and said one of said plurality of sidewalls near one of said plurality of apertures. 
 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said plate has a triangular cross section. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 5  further comprising:
 a substantially fluid impervious liner positioned within and secured to said contiguous tank boundary. 
 
     
     
         11 . A process for assembling a modular tank comprising:
 aligning adjacent sidewalls of a plurality of sidewalls such that a plurality of apertures through a first elongated member secured to one of said adjacent sidewalls is aligned with a corresponding plurality of apertures through a second elongated member secured to an adjacent sidewall; and   inserting a separate threaded bolt through each of said aligned plurality of apertures; and   securing each bolt as positioned through said aligned plurality of apertures.   
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11  wherein said threaded bolt is inserted through one of said aligned plurality of apertures before insertion into another of said aligned plurality of apertures. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 11  wherein said step of aligning comprising hoisting each of said adjacent sidewalls in a generally upright position so as to define a top edge and a bottom edge of such adjacent side walls. 
     
     
         14 . The process of  claim 13  wherein said sidewalls as secured together define a continuous tank sidewall. 
     
     
         15 . The process of  claim 14  further comprising:
 positioning a liner within said continuous tank sidewall. 
 
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 15  wherein said liner is substantially fluid impervious. 
     
     
         17 . The process of  claim 15  further comprising:
 securing said liner to said continuous tank sidewall. 
 
     
     
         18 . The process of  claim 15  further comprising:
 positioning fluid, solids or combinations thereof within said liner. 
 
     
     
         19 . The process of  claim 18  wherein said fluid is a fracturing fluid for subterranean wells. 
     
     
         20 . The process of  claim 18  wherein said fluid, solids or combinations thereof are positioned within said liner for storage, treatment, containment or combinations thereof.