US3695047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Underwater liquid storage facility
Assignee: Texaco Inc
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Filing: 1970-07-02
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Granted: 1972-10-03
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Expires: 1990-07-02
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a deep water storage facility formed primarily of concrete, for holding a liquid such as crude oil having a lesser density than that of the surrounding water. The facility includes a floatable base which is supportably fastened to a storage tank. The latter includes a support foundation having an upstanding continuous side wall defining an enclosure. A canopy fastened to the upper rim of said foundation wall thereby defines a substantially closed storage compartment. Said canopy is formed of reinforced concrete and assumes an inwardly contoured or concave shape whereby to withstand compressive stresses induced by the buoying action of stored crude oil.
Inventors
- 👤 Ivo C Pogonowski
- 👤 Paul D Carmichael
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:05
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D88/00; B65D88/78
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A submergible storage facility for use in offshore water holding fluids having a lesser density than the density of said offshore water in which said facility is submerged, which comprises; a floatable base having controllable buoyancy means, and being operable to regulate the disposition of said storage facility in said body of water, a support wall positioned on said base, having a seating rim at the upper end thereof and defining a continuous peripheral enclosure, a rigid, contoured canopy having an outer edge carried on said seating rim in fluid tight relation thereto to form a closure atop said support wall, and to define a fluid storage compartment therein, the center of said canopy extending downwardly into said storage compartment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A submergible storage facility for use in offshore water holding fluids having a lesser density than the density of said offshore water in which said facility is submerged, which comprises; a floatable base having controllable buoyancy means, and being operable to regulate the disposition of said storage facility in said body of water, a support wall positioned on said base, having a seating rim at the upper end thereof and defining a continuous peripheral enclosure, a rigid, contoured canopy having an outer edge carried on said seating rim in fluid tight relation thereto to form a closure atop said support wall, and to define a fluid storage compartment therein, the center of said canopy extending downwardly into said storage compartment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A submergible storage facility as defined in claim 1 wherein; said rigid, contoured canopy includes a generally concave configuration, the center thereof being spaced equidistant from said outer edge, and depending downwardly into said compartment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
98 words
A submergible storage facility as defined in claim 1 wherein; said floatable base includes at least two horizontal plates spaced vertically apart and defining an interspace therebetween, and said buoyancy means includes controllably buoyant floats positioned within said interspace, and a buoyancy system communicated with each of said buoyant floats, said system being actuatable from the water''s surface when said facility is in submerged position, to remotely regulate the disposition thereof and anchoring meAns carried on the lower of said vertically spaced horizontal plates adapted to position said storage facility at the floor of said body of water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
In a submergible storage facility as defined in claim 3 wherein; said controllably buoyant floats include; a plurality of longitudinally arranged elongated cylindrical members having closure means at opposed ends thereof defining a fluid tight chamber with each of said members, and said buoyancy system includes conduit means communicated with each of said fluid tight chambers for regulating the fluid content thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
In a submergible storage facility as defined in claim 1, wherein said support wall includes; drainage means formed at the lower end thereof adjacent to said base, communicating the interior of said storage compartment with the surrounding water.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
In a submergible storage facility as defined in claim 5, wherein said drainage means includes; a plurality of peripherally spaced openings formed in said wall whereby to permit passage of solid materials accumulated in said compartment to the exterior thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-10-03 | 1976-04-03 | 1976-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-10-03 | 1980-04-03 | 1980-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-10-03 | 1984-04-03 | 1984-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |