US20090020532A1 - Method and System for Installing a Water Storage Device - Google Patents
Method and System for Installing a Water Storage Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090020532A1 US20090020532A1 US11/722,331 US72233105A US2009020532A1 US 20090020532 A1 US20090020532 A1 US 20090020532A1 US 72233105 A US72233105 A US 72233105A US 2009020532 A1 US2009020532 A1 US 2009020532A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- liner
- tank
- extension
- substantially rigid
- aperture
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/02—Wall construction
- B65D90/04—Linings
- B65D90/046—Flexible liners, e.g. loosely positioned in the container
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
- F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
- F24H1/18—Water-storage heaters
- F24H1/181—Construction of the tank
- F24H1/183—Inner linings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D2590/02—Wall construction
- B65D2590/04—Linings
- B65D2590/043—Flexible liners
- B65D2590/046—Bladders
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49826—Assembling or joining
- Y10T29/49908—Joining by deforming
- Y10T29/49938—Radially expanding part in cavity, aperture, or hollow body
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and system for correctly installing a flexible liner in a tank for water storage.
- the invention relates to the use of an outlet in the flexible liner that is received in a tank aperture when the liner is correctly installed.
- the use of a flexible liner to store hot water is described in New Zealand Patent No. 244107.
- the flexible liner is ideally constructed from plastic or polymer material(s) and is located in the interior of a rigid tank structure.
- the liner functions to store hot water while the rigid tank provides structural integrity to the construction as a whole. This construction reduces heat loss from the stored water and, in combination with the use of cost-efficient plastics and composite material in its construction, is an advantageous alternative to conventional hot water cylinders.
- substantially rigid extension denotes an extension that is rigid or semi-rigid in at least one part of the extension.
- the entirety of the extension need not be rigid. It is sufficient for one part, for instance the base of the extension, to be rigid or semi-rigid.
- the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a base, the method comprising the steps of:
- the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tarik for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a base, the liner base having a substantially rigid extension extending outwardly and the tank base having an aperture to receive the substantially rigid extension, the method comprising the steps of:
- the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a wall, the method comprising the steps of:
- the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a wall, the liner wall having a substantially rigid extension extending outwardly and the tank wall having an aperture to receive the substantially rigid extension, the method comprising the steps of:
- the liner extension allows fluid communication into and/or out of the liner.
- the substantially rigid extension may function as a water inlet/outlet of the liner.
- the substantially rigid extension functions as a water outlet of the liner.
- the liner extension is located substantially in the centre of the liner base, and the aperture is located substantially in the centre of the tank base.
- two or more extensions and apertures may be provided. Where two extensions and apertures are provided, one extension functions as a water inlet and the other extension functions as a water outlet.
- the liner includes a fitting that detachably receives the substantially rigid extension.
- the fitting includes an aligning means to receive the substantially rigid extension.
- the invention comprises a water storage system comprising
- the invention comprises a water storage system comprising
- the liner extension allows fluid communication into and/or out of the liner.
- the substantially rigid extension may be a water inlet/outlet.
- the substantially rigid extension functions as a water outlet of the liner.
- the liner extension is located substantially in the centre of the liner base, and the aperture is located substantially in the centre of the tank base.
- two or more extensions and apertures may be provided. Where two extensions and apertures are provided, one extension functions as a water inlet and the other extension functions as a water outlet.
- the liner includes a fitting that detachably receives the substantially rigid extension.
- the fitting includes an aligning means to receive the substantially rigid extension.
- This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein that have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the water storage system
- FIG. 2 shows the flexible liner installed inside the tank
- FIGS. 3A-3F show variants of the interior tank base shape and aperture layout
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another form of the water storage system
- FIG. 5 shows the flexible liner installed inside the tank for the water storage system shown in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the joining of the liner to the top of the tank
- FIG. 7 shows an example flange for the joining shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a liner extension.
- the water storage system of the invention is shown generally as 10 .
- the system 10 includes a flexible liner 12 and a rigid tank 14 .
- the figure shows an exemplary form of the tank and liner that is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section.
- this specific form is not essential, and numerous variations can be employed. For instance, a spherical or frustoconical liner/tank as taught in New Zealand Patent No. 244107 may be employed instead.
- the tank 14 is rigid, it need not be an integral or one-piece rigid construction. As taught in New Zealand Patent No. 244107, the tank 14 may be made of a number of smaller construction units that are bound and/or attached together to form the rigid tank 14 .
- the specific shape of the liner and tank is chosen such that the tank walls are able to support the flexible liner walls when the liner contains a volume of water. As shown in FIG. 1 , the size of the liner 12 is comparable to the size of the tank 14 . This is preferred because, as the liner expands when water is stored in the liner, the expansion is substantially immediately supported by the rigid tank walls.
- the internal shape of the tank in relation of the shape of the flexible liner is of importance.
- the tank inner walls should be cylindrical in shape and have a diameter only slightly larger than the liner. This is shown in FIG. 1 .
- outer tank walls may be employed.
- a designed and/or textured outer tank surface may be used. This adaptability of the outer wall tank allows the water storage system to be blended in with its environment, or conversely, to be a focal point.
- the liner 12 is installed into the tank 14 by inserting the liner 12 through the top of the tank 14 .
- the base of the liner shown as 16
- the base of the tank shown as 18 .
- the liner base 16 includes a substantially rigid extension 20 .
- the substantially rigid extension 20 may allow fluid communication into and/or out of the liner 12 .
- the substantially rigid extension 20 placed in the liner base 16 functions as a water outlet for the liner 12 .
- the substantially rigid extension 20 may be a plastic tubing or pipe that is located so as to extend outwardly of the liner base 16 at one end, and to extend inwardly into the liner 12 at the other end.
- the substantially rigid extension 20 is preferably joined to the flexible liner base by virtue of water-proof welding. As the liner 12 is installed inside the tank 14 , the substantially rigid extension 20 is received in a key-in-lock relationship in an aperture 22 that is provided on the tank base 18 . By designing the location and form of the extension/aperture as will be described below, the mating of the extension and the aperture substantially ensures the correct placement of the liner 12 in the tank 14 .
- the correct placement of the liner 12 inside the tank 14 may be dependent on the shapes chosen for the liner 12 and tank 14 . As described, the placement must secure the liner 12 such that when it contains a volume of water, the walls of the liner 12 are adequately supported by the walls of the tank 14 .
- the location of the substantially rigid extension 20 with respect to the liner base 16 will be the same as the location of the aperture 22 with respect to the tank base 18 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 where both liner and tank have a cylindrical shape.
- the substantially rigid extension 20 and aperture 22 are best located in the centre of the liner base 16 and tank base 18 respectively.
- the extension and aperture are located in the centre of the liner base and tank base respectively. If the central location is not possible, it is preferable that two or more extension/aperture arrangements are provided.
- a central extension/aperture is not optimal, for instance where the tank and liner have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section.
- the square cross-section liner may be installed with the edges of the liner pressed against the faces of the tank walls (that is the liner forms a diamond-shape within the square tank). When filled with water, the faces of the liner may not be adequately supported.
- the optimal layout may be to locate a number of extensions/apertures distributed close to the edges of the square cross-section.
- FIGS. 3A-3F show alternative forms of the aperture layout with respect to the tank base 18 .
- the liner 12 will have a similar shape to the tank and thus the layout of the substantially rigid extensions from the liner base will mirror the aperture layout shown in FIGS. 3A-3F .
- the forms shown in these figures are only exemplary and are not restrictive. For instance, although all apertures are depicted as circles having the same diameter, this is not necessary.
- the aperture size/shape may be varied, particularly to suit the application of the extension that will be passing through the aperture. Persons skilled in the art will no doubt be able to precisely arrange the aperture/rigid extensions in a multitude of layouts.
- FIG. 3A two apertures 22 distanced from one another are provided on the circular tank base 18 .
- FIG. 3B shows a similar aperture layout, but on a tank base 18 having a square cross-section. The exact distance and angled locations of the apertures are of course not essential to the working of the invention.
- FIG. 3C shows a circular tank base 18 having three apertures 22 laid out in a triangular arrangement.
- FIG. 3D shows a similar triangular arrangement for the square cross-section tank. Again the layout shown is not essential—the three apertures may be located in an L-arrangement if desired.
- FIG. 3E shows a circular tank base 18 having four apertures 22 arranged in a square arrangement
- FIG. 3F shows a square tank base 18 having four squarely arranged apertures 22 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the water storage system.
- the liner 12 and tank 14 are structurally and functionally equivalent to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- the construction, variants and modifications previously described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are also applicable to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the extension 20 of the liner is no longer provided on the base of the liner, but is instead located on the wall of the liner.
- the extension 20 extends outwardly of the liner wall at about the middle of the liner height. This position can of course be varied, depending on the outcome to be achieved, as will be described below.
- an aperture 22 is provided on the wall of the tank 14 .
- extension 20 By placing the extension 20 on the liner wall, the positioning benefits similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are realised. That is, once the liner 12 is inserted into the tank 14 , and extension 20 is mated with aperture 22 , the liner 12 will be correctly installed in the tank. However the additional benefit of locating the extension/aperture on the wall of the liner/tank is in terms of vertical support.
- flexible liner 12 is held up in its erect position by locating the extension 20 through aperture 22 .
- the vertical support afforded by this arrangement may avoid the liner 12 from folding or collapsing onto itself, for instance if the liner ages and sags. More importantly, where a heating element is provided within the liner 12 to heat the stored water, the support afforded by the extension/aperture mating may avoid the liner walls from collapsing and coming into contact with the heating element.
- the extension 20 may be provided higher up the liner wall to provide optimum vertical support for the liner 12 .
- the extension 20 is most preferably a water inlet into the liner 12 .
- the extension 20 may alternatively be provided on the wall at a locating closer to the base. Although the amount of vertical support may be reduced in this arrangement, the extension 20 could be more optimally used as a water outlet for the liner 12 . As before, two or more extensions/apertures may be employed.
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the joining of the liner 12 to the tank 14 , in particular to the tank lid 26 .
- the liner 12 includes a flange 24 that provides the liner 12 with a substantially rigid attachment point.
- the flange is preferable attached to the liner 12 by virtue of water-proof welding.
- the lid 26 may be made of polystyrene in favour of its light-weight and heat-insulation properties.
- various devices may be located in the liner 12 to monitor and/or control the storage of water.
- the liner 12 may be provided with heating element(s) and a thermostat to controllably heat the volume of water stored.
- level sensors may be provided.
- a plate 28 may be provided on the lid 26 . This would avoid having the devices resting directly on the preferred polystyrene lid 26 .
- the flange 24 will now be described with reference to both FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- the flange acts as a rigid connector and includes a shoulder portion 30 and a neck portion 32 .
- the shoulder portion 30 is welded to the liner 12 such that an opening through the flange 24 into the liner 12 is established. The welding must also be water-proof so as to prevent stored water from leaking out of the liner.
- the neck portion 32 is then located through the tank lid 26 so as to allow the liner 12 to be securely attached to the tank lid 26 .
- the substantially rigid extension 20 may allow for fluid communication into and/or out of the liner 12 .
- the water inlet for the liner 12 is located about the lid 26 , in particular through flange 24 .
- the substantially rigid extension 20 thus functions as the water outlet.
- the substantially rigid extension 20 serves to both indicate/ensure a correct installation of liner 12 , and to direct the flow of stored water out of the liner 12 .
- FIG. 8 a cross-sectional view of an example liner extension is shown.
- a fitting 20 a is attached to the liner base, for instance by water-proof welding, to detachably receive an extension 20 b .
- the fitting 20 a and the extension 20 b may be provided with screw threads, clips or the like to releasably secure the extension 20 b to the fitting 20 a .
- both the fitting 20 a and the extension 20 b may be substantially rigid.
- either the fitting 20 a or the extension 20 b may be substantially rigid.
- the fitting 20 a includes one or more aligning means to receive the extension 20 b .
- the fitting 20 a is provided with a frustoconical section to receive a cone-shaped head on the extension 20 b .
- Other shapes of aligning means such as pyramids or hemispheres, can be employed in the alternative.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a method and system for correctly installing a flexible liner in a tank for water storage. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to the use of an outlet in the flexible liner that is received in a tank aperture when the liner is correctly installed.
- The use of a flexible liner to store hot water is described in New Zealand Patent No. 244107. The flexible liner is ideally constructed from plastic or polymer material(s) and is located in the interior of a rigid tank structure. The liner functions to store hot water while the rigid tank provides structural integrity to the construction as a whole. This construction reduces heat loss from the stored water and, in combination with the use of cost-efficient plastics and composite material in its construction, is an advantageous alternative to conventional hot water cylinders.
- However due to the flexibility of the liner, precise installation of the liner within the tank is difficult. Without proper liner installation, the risk of failure of the water storage greatly increases. For instance, the liner may remain displaced to one side of the tank once installed. In an incorrect position such as this, excessive stress can be placed on the joints and seams of the liner when the liner is filled with water. This stress often leads to premature liner failure.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to address the above problem or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.
- As used herein, the term ‘substantially rigid extension’ denotes an extension that is rigid or semi-rigid in at least one part of the extension. The entirety of the extension need not be rigid. It is sufficient for one part, for instance the base of the extension, to be rigid or semi-rigid.
- In one aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a base, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- providing at least one substantially rigid extension attached to and extending outwardly from the liner base;
- providing at least one aperture in the tank base;
- locating the liner inside the tank; and
- inserting the substantially rigid extension through the tank aperture,
- wherein the substantially rigid extension and aperture are positioned such that the liner
- is correctly positioned in the tank once the extension is inserted through the aperture.
- In another aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tarik for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a base, the liner base having a substantially rigid extension extending outwardly and the tank base having an aperture to receive the substantially rigid extension, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- locating the liner inside the tank; and
- inserting the liner extension through the tank aperture,
- wherein the substantially rigid extension and aperture are positioned such that the liner is correctly positioned in the tank once the extension is inserted through the aperture.
- In another aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a wall, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- providing at least one substantially rigid extension attached to and extending outwardly from the liner wall;
- providing at least one aperture in the tank wall;
- locating the liner inside the tank; and
- inserting the substantially rigid extension through the tank aperture,
- wherein the substantially rigid extension and aperture are positioned such that the liner is correctly positioned in the tank once the extension is inserted through the aperture.
- In another aspect the invention comprises a method of installing a flexible liner into a tank for water storage, wherein each of the liner and tank has a wall, the liner wall having a substantially rigid extension extending outwardly and the tank wall having an aperture to receive the substantially rigid extension, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- locating the liner inside the tank; and
- inserting the liner extension through the tank aperture,
- wherein the substantially rigid extension and aperture are positioned such that the liner is correctly positioned in the tank once the extension is inserted through the aperture.
- Preferably the liner extension allows fluid communication into and/or out of the liner. In this form the substantially rigid extension may function as a water inlet/outlet of the liner. Most preferably, the substantially rigid extension functions as a water outlet of the liner.
- Preferably the liner extension is located substantially in the centre of the liner base, and the aperture is located substantially in the centre of the tank base.
- In one form, two or more extensions and apertures may be provided. Where two extensions and apertures are provided, one extension functions as a water inlet and the other extension functions as a water outlet.
- Preferably the liner includes a fitting that detachably receives the substantially rigid extension.
- Preferably the fitting includes an aligning means to receive the substantially rigid extension.
- In a further aspect, the invention comprises a water storage system comprising
-
- a tank having a base, the tank base having at least one aperture; and
- a flexible liner having a base and positioned in the tank to store water, the liner base having at least one substantially rigid extension attached to and extending outwardly from the liner base;
- wherein the substantially rigid extension extends through the tank aperture to correctly position the liner in the tank.
- In a still further aspect, the invention comprises a water storage system comprising
-
- a tank having a wall, the tank wall having at least one aperture; and
- a flexible liner having a wall and positioned in the tank to store water, the liner wall having at least one substantially rigid extension attached to and extending outwardly from the liner wall;
- wherein the substantially rigid extension extends through the tank aperture to correctly position the liner in the tank.
- Preferably the liner extension allows fluid communication into and/or out of the liner. In this form, the substantially rigid extension may be a water inlet/outlet. Most preferably, the substantially rigid extension functions as a water outlet of the liner.
- Preferably the liner extension is located substantially in the centre of the liner base, and the aperture is located substantially in the centre of the tank base.
- In one form, two or more extensions and apertures may be provided. Where two extensions and apertures are provided, one extension functions as a water inlet and the other extension functions as a water outlet.
- Preferably the liner includes a fitting that detachably receives the substantially rigid extension.
- Preferably the fitting includes an aligning means to receive the substantially rigid extension.
- The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’, that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other features can also be present.
- This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein that have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
- Preferred forms of the method and system of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the water storage system; -
FIG. 2 shows the flexible liner installed inside the tank; -
FIGS. 3A-3F show variants of the interior tank base shape and aperture layout; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another form of the water storage system; -
FIG. 5 shows the flexible liner installed inside the tank for the water storage system shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the joining of the liner to the top of the tank; -
FIG. 7 shows an example flange for the joining shown inFIG. 6 ; and -
FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of a liner extension. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , the water storage system of the invention is shown generally as 10. Thesystem 10 includes aflexible liner 12 and arigid tank 14. The figure shows an exemplary form of the tank and liner that is cylindrical in shape with a circular cross-section. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this specific form is not essential, and numerous variations can be employed. For instance, a spherical or frustoconical liner/tank as taught in New Zealand Patent No. 244107 may be employed instead. - Although the
tank 14 is rigid, it need not be an integral or one-piece rigid construction. As taught in New Zealand Patent No. 244107, thetank 14 may be made of a number of smaller construction units that are bound and/or attached together to form therigid tank 14. - The specific shape of the liner and tank is chosen such that the tank walls are able to support the flexible liner walls when the liner contains a volume of water. As shown in
FIG. 1 , the size of theliner 12 is comparable to the size of thetank 14. This is preferred because, as the liner expands when water is stored in the liner, the expansion is substantially immediately supported by the rigid tank walls. - In view of the above, the internal shape of the tank in relation of the shape of the flexible liner is of importance. For instance, if a cylindrical flexible liner is to be optimally supported, the tank inner walls should be cylindrical in shape and have a diameter only slightly larger than the liner. This is shown in
FIG. 1 . - It is also envisaged that aesthetically-pleasing outer tank walls may be employed. For example, a designed and/or textured outer tank surface may be used. This adaptability of the outer wall tank allows the water storage system to be blended in with its environment, or conversely, to be a focal point.
- In the arrangement shown in
FIG. 1 , theliner 12 is installed into thetank 14 by inserting theliner 12 through the top of thetank 14. As such the base of the liner, shown as 16, is inserted into thetank 14 so as to abut the base of the tank, shown as 18. - To ensure the
liner 12 is correctly installed, theliner base 16 includes a substantiallyrigid extension 20. In the preferred form, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 may allow fluid communication into and/or out of theliner 12. Most preferably, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 placed in theliner base 16 functions as a water outlet for theliner 12. For this purpose, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 may be a plastic tubing or pipe that is located so as to extend outwardly of theliner base 16 at one end, and to extend inwardly into theliner 12 at the other end. - The substantially
rigid extension 20 is preferably joined to the flexible liner base by virtue of water-proof welding. As theliner 12 is installed inside thetank 14, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 is received in a key-in-lock relationship in anaperture 22 that is provided on thetank base 18. By designing the location and form of the extension/aperture as will be described below, the mating of the extension and the aperture substantially ensures the correct placement of theliner 12 in thetank 14. - The correct placement of the
liner 12 inside thetank 14 may be dependent on the shapes chosen for theliner 12 andtank 14. As described, the placement must secure theliner 12 such that when it contains a volume of water, the walls of theliner 12 are adequately supported by the walls of thetank 14. - In the simplest form where both
liner 12 andtank 14 share the same shape, the location of the substantiallyrigid extension 20 with respect to theliner base 16 will be the same as the location of theaperture 22 with respect to thetank base 18. This is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , where both liner and tank have a cylindrical shape. Here, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 andaperture 22 are best located in the centre of theliner base 16 andtank base 18 respectively. Once theliner 12 is located inside thetank 14 and the substantiallyrigid extension 20 is placed through theaperture 22, theliner 12 will be correctly installed, as shown inFIG. 2 . Although not shown, thetank 14 is then preferably covered using a lid that is joined to theliner 12 so as to seal theliner 12 within thetank 14. - Preferably where only one extension/aperture is designed for the water storage system, the extension and aperture are located in the centre of the liner base and tank base respectively. If the central location is not possible, it is preferable that two or more extension/aperture arrangements are provided.
- However there may be configurations in which a central extension/aperture is not optimal, for instance where the tank and liner have a substantially square or rectangular cross-section. If one central extension/aperture is used here, the square cross-section liner may be installed with the edges of the liner pressed against the faces of the tank walls (that is the liner forms a diamond-shape within the square tank). When filled with water, the faces of the liner may not be adequately supported. In such an arrangement, the optimal layout may be to locate a number of extensions/apertures distributed close to the edges of the square cross-section.
-
FIGS. 3A-3F show alternative forms of the aperture layout with respect to thetank base 18. It will be appreciated that theliner 12 will have a similar shape to the tank and thus the layout of the substantially rigid extensions from the liner base will mirror the aperture layout shown inFIGS. 3A-3F . Of course the forms shown in these figures are only exemplary and are not restrictive. For instance, although all apertures are depicted as circles having the same diameter, this is not necessary. The aperture size/shape may be varied, particularly to suit the application of the extension that will be passing through the aperture. Persons skilled in the art will no doubt be able to precisely arrange the aperture/rigid extensions in a multitude of layouts. - In
FIG. 3A , twoapertures 22 distanced from one another are provided on thecircular tank base 18.FIG. 3B shows a similar aperture layout, but on atank base 18 having a square cross-section. The exact distance and angled locations of the apertures are of course not essential to the working of the invention. -
FIG. 3C shows acircular tank base 18 having threeapertures 22 laid out in a triangular arrangement. A similar triangular arrangement is shown inFIG. 3D for the square cross-section tank. Again the layout shown is not essential—the three apertures may be located in an L-arrangement if desired. -
FIG. 3E shows acircular tank base 18 having fourapertures 22 arranged in a square arrangement, andFIG. 3F shows asquare tank base 18 having four squarely arrangedapertures 22. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show an alternative embodiment of the water storage system. Theliner 12 andtank 14 are structurally and functionally equivalent to the embodiment described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . Thus the construction, variants and modifications previously described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 are also applicable to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . - Referring to
FIG. 4 , theextension 20 of the liner is no longer provided on the base of the liner, but is instead located on the wall of the liner. In the preferred form shown, theextension 20 extends outwardly of the liner wall at about the middle of the liner height. This position can of course be varied, depending on the outcome to be achieved, as will be described below. To receive theextension 20, anaperture 22 is provided on the wall of thetank 14. - By placing the
extension 20 on the liner wall, the positioning benefits similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2 are realised. That is, once theliner 12 is inserted into thetank 14, andextension 20 is mated withaperture 22, theliner 12 will be correctly installed in the tank. However the additional benefit of locating the extension/aperture on the wall of the liner/tank is in terms of vertical support. - As is visible in
FIG. 5 ,flexible liner 12 is held up in its erect position by locating theextension 20 throughaperture 22. The vertical support afforded by this arrangement may avoid theliner 12 from folding or collapsing onto itself, for instance if the liner ages and sags. More importantly, where a heating element is provided within theliner 12 to heat the stored water, the support afforded by the extension/aperture mating may avoid the liner walls from collapsing and coming into contact with the heating element. - In view of the above, the
extension 20 may be provided higher up the liner wall to provide optimum vertical support for theliner 12. In this case, theextension 20 is most preferably a water inlet into theliner 12. Theextension 20 may alternatively be provided on the wall at a locating closer to the base. Although the amount of vertical support may be reduced in this arrangement, theextension 20 could be more optimally used as a water outlet for theliner 12. As before, two or more extensions/apertures may be employed. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of the joining of theliner 12 to thetank 14, in particular to thetank lid 26. Theliner 12 includes aflange 24 that provides theliner 12 with a substantially rigid attachment point. The flange is preferable attached to theliner 12 by virtue of water-proof welding. Thelid 26 may be made of polystyrene in favour of its light-weight and heat-insulation properties. - As is known from New Zealand Patent No. 244107, various devices may be located in the
liner 12 to monitor and/or control the storage of water. For instance theliner 12 may be provided with heating element(s) and a thermostat to controllably heat the volume of water stored. Alternatively or additionally, level sensors may be provided. To provide a stable point of connection and support for such devices, aplate 28 may be provided on thelid 26. This would avoid having the devices resting directly on thepreferred polystyrene lid 26. - The
flange 24 will now be described with reference to bothFIGS. 6 and 7 . The flange acts as a rigid connector and includes ashoulder portion 30 and aneck portion 32. Theshoulder portion 30 is welded to theliner 12 such that an opening through theflange 24 into theliner 12 is established. The welding must also be water-proof so as to prevent stored water from leaking out of the liner. Theneck portion 32 is then located through thetank lid 26 so as to allow theliner 12 to be securely attached to thetank lid 26. - As indicated earlier, the substantially
rigid extension 20 may allow for fluid communication into and/or out of theliner 12. Although not shown for the embodiment in the figures, the water inlet for theliner 12 is located about thelid 26, in particular throughflange 24. The substantiallyrigid extension 20 thus functions as the water outlet. In this form, the substantiallyrigid extension 20 serves to both indicate/ensure a correct installation ofliner 12, and to direct the flow of stored water out of theliner 12. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , a cross-sectional view of an example liner extension is shown. A fitting 20 a is attached to the liner base, for instance by water-proof welding, to detachably receive anextension 20 b. The fitting 20 a and theextension 20 b may be provided with screw threads, clips or the like to releasably secure theextension 20 b to the fitting 20 a. To afford substantial rigidity to the liner extension as a whole, both the fitting 20 a and theextension 20 b may be substantially rigid. Alternatively, either the fitting 20 a or theextension 20 b may be substantially rigid. - Preferably the fitting 20 a includes one or more aligning means to receive the
extension 20 b. In the example shown inFIG. 8 , the fitting 20 a is provided with a frustoconical section to receive a cone-shaped head on theextension 20 b. Other shapes of aligning means, such as pyramids or hemispheres, can be employed in the alternative. - The foregoing describes the invention including preferred forms thereof. Alterations and modifications as will be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be incorporated within the scope hereof, as defined by the accompanying claims.
Claims (37)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ537340 | 2004-12-21 | ||
NZ537340A NZ537340A (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2004-12-21 | Method and system for installing a water storage device |
PCT/NZ2005/000336 WO2006068515A1 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2005-12-21 | Method and system for installing a water storage device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090020532A1 true US20090020532A1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
Family
ID=36602015
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/722,331 Abandoned US20090020532A1 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2005-12-21 | Method and System for Installing a Water Storage Device |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20090020532A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2005319808A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2592126A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ537340A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006068515A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160159519A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2016-06-09 | Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. | Generally cylindrically-shaped liner for use in pressure dispense systems and methods of manufacturing the same |
US10215135B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-02-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and methods for extracting water from exhaust gases for water injection |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10807794B2 (en) | 2018-02-05 | 2020-10-20 | Composite Containers, Llc | Liner for tank container |
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US5377838A (en) * | 1992-05-26 | 1995-01-03 | S.I.F. Ra. Societa Italiana Farmaceutical Ravizza S.P.A. | Flexible container for washing and in-service integration of dialysis circuits and filters |
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- 2005-12-21 US US11/722,331 patent/US20090020532A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-21 AU AU2005319808A patent/AU2005319808A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-21 CA CA002592126A patent/CA2592126A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-21 WO PCT/NZ2005/000336 patent/WO2006068515A1/en active Application Filing
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US2618409A (en) * | 1949-09-07 | 1952-11-18 | Eisenberger Sidney | Liquid container comprising a flexible envelope |
US3135968A (en) * | 1962-09-07 | 1964-06-09 | Nelson J Parrish | Dripless toilet tank |
US3477610A (en) * | 1968-03-08 | 1969-11-11 | Clayton C Hansen | Tank liner assembly |
US4851821A (en) * | 1986-12-29 | 1989-07-25 | Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. | Disposable chemical container |
US5064096A (en) * | 1990-08-01 | 1991-11-12 | Shield Pack, Inc. | Tank liner-to-outlet neck seal |
US5392958A (en) * | 1990-11-09 | 1995-02-28 | Jacobs Suchard Ag | Liquid receiving and dispensing apparatus including flexible inner container positioned within insulating container |
US5351850A (en) * | 1991-09-25 | 1994-10-04 | Rheinpfalzische Emballagenfabrik G. Schonung Gmbh & Co. Kg | Double-walled barrel and method of its manufacture |
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US5350080A (en) * | 1993-02-10 | 1994-09-27 | Hyclone Laboratories | Multi-access port for use in a cell culture media system |
US5555997A (en) * | 1994-02-14 | 1996-09-17 | Southcorp Water Heaters Usa, Inc. | Pressure compensating water heater |
US6655551B2 (en) * | 2000-11-03 | 2003-12-02 | Joseph Manne | Portable dispenser for mixing and dispensing fluid mixtures |
US20030034360A1 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-02-20 | Lassota Zbigniew G. | Vacuum insulated beverage dispenser with reinforced metal housing and method of making same |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160159519A1 (en) * | 2010-12-10 | 2016-06-09 | Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. | Generally cylindrically-shaped liner for use in pressure dispense systems and methods of manufacturing the same |
US10215135B2 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2019-02-26 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and methods for extracting water from exhaust gases for water injection |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NZ537340A (en) | 2007-06-29 |
CA2592126A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
AU2005319808A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
WO2006068515A1 (en) | 2006-06-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HOT WATER INNOVATIONS LIMITED, NEW ZEALAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HOT WATER INNOVATIONS INVESTMENTS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:020546/0815 Effective date: 20070228 Owner name: HOT WATER INNOVATIONS LIMITED, NEW ZEALAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WIGGINS, STEVEN JOHN;REEL/FRAME:020546/0697 Effective date: 20050211 Owner name: HOT WATER INNOVATIONS INVESTMENTS LIMITED, NEW ZEA Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:HOT WATER INNOVATIONS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:020546/0726 Effective date: 20061127 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |