Liquid storage tank formed of a plurality of panels

Abstract

A fluid storage tank is formed by a plurality of wall panels positioned on top of a floor mat. Each wall panel includes a curved sheet of a non-metal material, for example fiberglass, first and second side frame members and a plurality of reinforcing strips that extend between the side frame members. The reinforcing strips are secured to the side frame members. The panels include complimentary fastening members that allow the curved side panels to be connected end to end so as to form a circular fluid storage tank in conjunction with a floor mat.

1 . A wall panel for a fluid storage tank comprising:
 a single, one piece curved sheet formed of a non-metal material and having a first side portion and a second side portion;   a first side frame member attached to the first side portion of the curved sheet;   a second side frame member attached to the second side portion of the curved sheet; and   a plurality of reinforcing strips extending from the first side frame member to the second side frame member and attached to both the first and second side members at a top portion, a bottom portion and an intermediate portion of the side members, said reinforcing strips comprising a thin band of material.   
     
     
         2 . A wall panel for a fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the non-metal material is fiberglass. 
     
     
         3 . A wall panel according to  claim 1  further including a gripping device attached to the wall panel. 
     
     
         4 . A wall panel according to  claim 1  wherein the curved sheet has a top portion and a bottom portion each having a thickness greater than that of a central portion of the curved sheet. 
     
     
         5 . A wall panel according to  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing strips are embedded in the non-metal material is fiberglass. 
     
     
         6 . A wall panel according to  claim 1  including complimentary fastening means located on the first and second side frame members for attaching a plurality of the side wall panels together to form a fluid storage tank. 
     
     
         7 . A fluid storage tank comprising:
 a floor; and   a plurality of wall panels is claimed in  claim 6  connected to each other and positioned on top of the floor.   
     
     
         8 . A wall panel as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the non-metal material is a fiber-reinforced polymer.