Multi-piece storage tank pad with separate connectors

Abstract

A multi-piece storage tank pad is configured to support a storage tank used in oilfield operations. The multi-piece pad includes a plurality of pad pieces where each pad piece has a core coated with a polymeric coating. Each pad piece also defines at least two connector receiving contours. Two pad pieces of the multi-piece pad are joined by a connector. Each connector also has a core that is coated with the polymeric coating. Each connector is separate from the plurality of pad pieces, and each has a shape that corresponds to two adjacent connector receiving contours.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank, the multi-piece pad comprising:
 a plurality of pad pieces that have a core coated on at least a top surface with a polymeric coating, and the plurality of pad pieces configured to have at least two contours configured to receive a connector;   a plurality of connectors separate from the plurality of pad pieces, the plurality of connectors have a water resistant portion and a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, at least one of the first end and the second end have a curved surface that receives a portion of adjacent pad pieces to limit movement of one adjacent pad piece with respect to the other adjacent pad piece;   wherein the plurality of pad pieces comprise a first plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least two adjacent pad pieces, and a second plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least three adjacent pad pieces; and   wherein the plurality of pad pieces and the plurality of connectors form an assembled multi-piece pad with one or more arcuate outer edges forming at least a portion of a perimeter of the assembled multi-piece pad.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the core is an expanded polystyrene material and the polymeric coating is a polyurea material. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter of the assembled multi-piece pad includes curved edges. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 3 , wherein the assembled multi-piece pad includes a seam that extends along a diameter of the assembled multi-piece pad. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the assembled multi-piece pad includes a bisecting seam that extends across a portion of the assembled multi-piece pad. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein more portions of connectors are disposed on a line bisecting the assembled multi-piece pad than portions of pad pieces disposed on the line. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the core is a urethane material and the coating is a polymer material. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the core is a closed cell foam material and the coating is a polymer material. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of connectors are a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric coating is a polyurea material. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 10 , wherein the polyurea material is Ecodur 201. 
     
     
         12 . A multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank, the multi-piece pad comprising:
 a plurality of pad pieces that have a core coated on at least a top surface with a polymeric coating, and the plurality of pad pieces configured to have at least two contours configured to receive a connector;   a plurality of connectors separate from the plurality of pad pieces, the plurality of connectors have a water resistant portion and a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, at least one of the first end and the second end have a curved surface that receives a portion of adjacent pad pieces to limit movement of one adjacent pad piece with respect to the other adjacent pad piece;   wherein the plurality of pad pieces comprise a first plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least two adjacent pad pieces, and a second plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least three adjacent pad pieces;   wherein the plurality of pad pieces and the plurality of connectors form an assembled multi-piece pad with one or more arcuate outer edges forming at least a portion of a perimeter of the assembled multi-piece pad configured to substantially support a storage tank having a diameter of at least ten feet.   
     
     
         13 . The multi-piece pad for supporting a storage tank of  claim 12 , wherein the assembled multi-piece pad includes a diameter, and the diameter of the assembled multi-piece pad is less than the diameter of the storage tank. 
     
     
         14 . An assembly comprising:
 a pad that includes:
 a plurality of pad pieces that have a core coated on at least a top surface with a polymeric coating, and the plurality of pad pieces configured to have at least two contours configured to receive a connector; 
 a plurality of connectors separate from the plurality of pad pieces, the plurality of connectors have a water resistant portion and a first end and a second end disposed opposite the first end, at least one of the first end and the second end have a curved surface that receives a portion of adjacent pad pieces to limit movement of one adjacent pad piece with respect to the other adjacent pad piece; 
 wherein the plurality of pad pieces comprise a first plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least two adjacent pad pieces, and a second plurality of pad pieces configured to connect to at least three adjacent pad pieces; and 
 wherein the plurality of pad pieces and the plurality of connectors form an assembled multi-piece pad with one or more arcuate outer edges forming at least a portion of a perimeter of the assembled multi-piece pad; and 
   a storage tank supported on a top surface of the assembled multi-piece pad, wherein at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the storage tank is not directly supported by the top surface of the assembled multi-piece pad.   
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the core is an expanded polystyrene material and the coating is a polyurea material. 
     
     
         16 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein more portions of connectors are disposed on a line bisecting assembled multi-piece pad than portions of pad pieces disposed on the line. 
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the core is a urethane material and the coating is a polymer material. 
     
     
         18 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the core is a closed cell foam material and the coating is a polymer material. 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the core is a honeycomb material and the coating is a polymer material. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the plurality of connectors are a closed cell foam.