Modular Fluid Storage Tank

Abstract

A modular fluid storage tank is formed by a plurality of curved support footings, a tank bottom circular sheet and a plurality of curved wall panel sections. According to a first embodiment, each footing includes a channel extending on its top surface. The footings are positioned in a circular pattern and the tank bottom sheet is positioned to extend over the channel. The wall panel sections have a bottom portion configured to fit within the footing channels. Suitable tie down clamps are provided to secure the wall panel sections to the footings. Adjacent sides of the wall panel sections are secured to each other to complete the assembly. According to a second embodiment the footings may include a single rail and the wall panel sections are placed inwardly of the rail. Fluid pressure within the tank will keep a bottom portion of the wall panels in contact with the rail.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A modular fluid storage tank comprising:
 a plurality of arcuate footings having a base and a rail member extending along the base and arranged in a circle;   a circular bottom sheet covering a circular space formed by the footings, the circular bottom sheet extending over the rail in the footings;   a plurality of wall panel sections having a bottom portion, the bottom portion of each wall panel section being configured to be located adjacent the rail member of the footings with the bottom sheet positioned between a bottom portion of each wall panel section and the footing rail member; and   the adjacent wall panel sections connected to each other along a vertical joint.   
     
     
         2 . A modular fluid storage tank according to  claim 1  further including a plurality of tie down clamps securing each wall panel section to the footings. 
     
     
         3 . A modular fluid storage tank according to  claim 2  wherein the wall panel sections have a lower frame member positioned adjacent the rail and the tie down clamps have a first member overlying the lower frame member and a second member engaging the footings. 
     
     
         4 . A modular fluid storage tank according to  claim 1  wherein the rail is formed by a curved rail attached to an upper surface of the footing. 
     
     
         5 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 1  further including a gasket positioned between the wall panel section and the bottom sheet. 
     
     
         6 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 5  including a second gasket positioned between the bottom sheet and the footing. 
     
     
         7 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the wall panel sections have a top portion, a bottom portion and two vertically extending side wall portions, wherein the vertically extending side wall portions of each wall panel sections are secured to each other by a joint. 
     
     
         8 . A footing for a modular fluid storage tank comprising:
 a horizontally curved body having a top surface having width; and   a rail formed on the top surface.   
     
     
         9 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 1  further including a plurality of tie down clamps and a plurality of threaded bolts extending through apertures in the tie down clamp, and a plurality of threaded holes located in the base of the footing. 
     
     
         10 . A footing as claimed in  claim 8  further including a plurality of tie down clamps having a first vertical portion in contact with the curved body and a second horizontal portion adapted to rest on top of a lower frame member of a wall panel, and means for securing the clamps to the curved body. 
     
     
         11 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the joint comprises a connector plate attached to the adjacent wall panel sections. 
     
     
         12 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 11  further including a plurality of U-shaped members fixed to adjacent panels and a plurality of locking pins positioned within the U-shaped members. 
     
     
         13 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the locking pins comprise a generally cylindrical core member and a plurality of radially extending circular flanges. 
     
     
         14 . A modular fluid storage tank comprising:
 a plurality of arcuate footings arranged in a circle;   a circular tank bottom sheet covering a circular space formed by the footings;   a plurality wall panel sections each having a top, a bottom, and side portions;   a plurality of gaps formed between adjacent side wall portions;   a plurality of plate members extending from the top and bottom portion of adjacent wall panel sections and overlying the gap;   a plurality of apertures in the plate members positioned in the gap; and   a plurality of bolts extending thru the gap and a plurality of washers positioned between an outer surface of adjacent wall panels and an enlarged head of the bolts.   
     
     
         15 . A modular fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the apertures are threaded and wherein the bolts are threaded and are threaded into the apertures.