Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of forming a composite storage tank system having secondary containment capability with the added capability of detecting leakage, said storage tank system having sufficient integral structural strength to withstand external load forces, comprising the steps of: (a) applying an open-cell synthetic foam as a separating agent to a rigid inner storage tank so that a subsequently formed jacket will not adhere to the tank and become a part thereof, said synthetic foam further characterized in being at least partly sealed on its outside surface to retard penetration of a subsequently applied liquid resinous material from impairing the gas pervious nature of the synthetic foam; (b) applying a fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material completely around the storage tank and onto the synthetic foam so that when cured a jacket is formed wherein resin support columns extend from the underside of the jacket, said jacket being independent of the storage tank so that a continuous closed space is created for the purpose of detecting leakage through the inner storage tank or jacket, yet is in such close proximity to the inner tank that said jacket and inner tank reinforce one another to achieve the integral structural strength.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
198 words
A method of forming a composite storage tank system having secondary containment capability with the added capability of detecting leakage, said storage tank system having sufficient integral structural strength to withstand external load forces, comprising the steps of: (a) applying an open-cell synthetic foam as a separating agent to a rigid inner storage tank so that a subsequently formed jacket will not adhere to the tank and become a part thereof, said synthetic foam further characterized in being at least partly sealed on its outside surface to retard penetration of a subsequently applied liquid resinous material from impairing the gas pervious nature of the synthetic foam; (b) applying a fibrous reinforcing material and resinous material completely around the storage tank and onto the synthetic foam so that when cured a jacket is formed wherein resin support columns extend from the underside of the jacket, said jacket being independent of the storage tank so that a continuous closed space is created for the purpose of detecting leakage through the inner storage tank or jacket, yet is in such close proximity to the inner tank that said jacket and inner tank reinforce one another to achieve the integral structural strength.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the thickness of the synthetic foam is such that external forces are transferred from the jacket through the support columns to the rigid inner storage tank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam has a thickness of from about 0.125 inches to about 1.0 inch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam has a thickness of from about 0.125 inches to about 0.25 inches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam is at least partially sealed with a resinous material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam is at least partly sealed with the same resinous material as is used in forming the jacket.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam is at least partly sealed by spraying a resinous material onto the foam in a controlled manner so that said resinous material partially penetrates the foam and when hardened the support columns of resinous material are formed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam has a fabric backing to help maintain the foam's dimensional stability when the resinous material is applied.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is made of a fiberglass reinforced resinous material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 9 wherein the storage tank has support ribs surrounding its circumference so as to withstand external forces when buried underground and the jacket substantially conforms to the contour of the storage tank.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the storage tank is a metal tank having walls ranging in thickness of from about 0.10 inches to about 0.40 inches.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fibrous reinforcing material is fiberglass.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam is a polyurethane foam or polyester foam.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the open-cell synthetic foam is heat sealed.