Internal surge dampening baffles for flexible tanks and tanks having such baffles

Abstract

An internal baffle apparatus for use within tanks, in particular flexible tanks, for liquids for dampening surges of liquid, and tanks having such baffle apparatus, wherein the baffle apparatus comprising a plurality of panel members connected along a connection line that defines an axis wherein said panel members extend radially from the axis such that each panel member is oriented in a radial plane, and each panel member having a bottom edge, a top edge portion and a remote edge opposite the axis, wherein the bottom edge of each panel includes first connector means operable for connecting the bottom edge at a plurality of connection points to the bottom wall of the tank, and the top edge portion includes second connector means located remote from the axis that are operable to connect the top edge portion to an upper part of the tank.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to flexible tanks for liquids, and more particularly to flexible storage tanks of the type comprised of a fluid resistant fabric material which when filled may be transported by vehicle or air carrier to a desired location and when emptied may be rolled and / or folded into a compact size for return transport and refilling.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Flexible containers are used for the handling, storage and transportation of large volumes of liquids, such as water or fuel, to remote sites where such liquids are needed. These containers are commonly referred to as bladder or pillow tanks, and they are typically rectangular so that they can be efficiently loaded onto vehicles or airplanes for transportation. Examples of some prior art flexible liquid containers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,573,508 to Knaus and 5,499,743 to Blumenkron. The containers found in Knaus and Blumenkron are relatively lightweight and com...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a flexible container for liquids having an internal baffle therein for dampening surges of liquid wherein the internal baffle comprises a flexible rectangular first panel sheet and a flexible rectangular second panel sheet, each having a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion. The bottom edge portion of each panel is connected along its length to the bottom wall of the tank, and the top edge portion of each panel is connected to an upper part of the tank at two locations along the length of the top portion remote from each other. The first flexible panel sheet and second flexible panel sheet are connected to each other along a transverse midline in a manner that the panel sheets are able to define an X shape configuration when viewed from above. The top edge portion may include floatation means operable for maintaining the top edge portion at the level of liquid within the tank. In some embodiments, the panel sheets are made of a thermoplastic-coated fabric such as a heavy duty PVC-coated nylon fabric.

Problems solved by technology

While pillow tanks provide an efficient means of transporting large volumes of liquid, these kinds of flexible tanks have an inherent tendency to allow the free flow of liquid within them, which can lead to liquid surges as a result of the acceleration and deceleration of the liquid.

It has long been recognized that free flowing liquids can be dangerous to the balance and control of vehicles.

For example, the liquid weight may shift quickly and dramatically to the outside of a tank during a turn, which can upset the balance of the supporting vehicle.

At best, this hinders proper vehicle control; at worst, the shifting weight can cause the vehicle to roll over.

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