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 curved sheet 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;   the first frame member including two flat portions that form an obtuse angle with each other and a plurality of apertures in one of the flat portions; and   the second frame member including a flat plate and a strip having a plurality of protrusions extending from the strip that are adapted to extend through the apertures in the first frame member of an adjacent wall panel.   
     
     
         2 . A wall panel for a fluid storage tank as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the curved sheet is made of 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 protrusions include an aperture. 
     
     
         6 . A fluid storage tank comprising:
 a floor; and   a plurality of wall panels is claimed in  claim 1  connected to each other and positioned on top of the floor.   
     
     
         7 . A wall panel as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the curved sheet is made of a fiber-reinforced polymer. 
     
     
         8 . A wall panel as claimed in  claim 1  further including a plurality of reinforcing members positioned on the first frame member having apertures that register with the apertures in one of the flat portions of the first frame member. 
     
     
         9 . A wall panel as claimed in  claim 1  further include a plurality of reinforcing strips extending between the first and second frame members. 
     
     
         10 . A wall panel as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the strip is an angle strip.