As used herein, the term “fluid” preferably connotes liquids, gases and flowable solids, such as grains, for example.

As used herein, the term “elastomer” preferably connotes a polymer having, for example, at least one of the following properties:

- capable of reversible extension from 5-700%
- tensile yield strength at least 5 MPa, preferably at least 10 MPa
- elongation at rupture at least 10%, preferably at least 25%
- Shore hardness (D) at least 25, preferably at least 50
- capable of withstanding up to at least 70° C., preferably at least 100° C. without degradation
- capable of withstanding down to at least −20° C. without degradation
- capable of withstanding UV irradiation without degradation
- chemically inert
- high diffusive barrier
- capable of withstanding impacts without rupture of the surface, for example the panel may be dropped from a 1 m height without significant rupture that allows ingress of fluid to the base member beneath

Any apparatus feature as described herein may also be provided as a method feature, and vice versa. As described herein, structural features may be expressed alternatively in terms of means plus function. Any, some and/or all features in one aspect may be applied to any, some and/or all other aspects, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

One or more exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which similar features may be identified using similar reference numerals, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example of a sectional tank;

FIG. 2 shows an example of panel for constructing a sectional tank;

FIG. 3a shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary panel;

FIGS. 3b and 3c are cross-sectional views show examples of different gasket arrangements provided on part of the panel of FIG. 3a;

FIG. 4 shows a panel having a gasket arrangement provided thereon;

FIG. 5 shows two such panels joined together;

FIG. 6a shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary panel;

FIGS. 6b and 6c are cross-sectional views showing examples of different arrangements of coatings provided on the panel of FIG. 6a;

FIGS. 7a to 7c show steps in a procedure for producing a panel in a mould;

FIG. 8 shows another example of a sectional tank; and

FIG. 9 shows an example of a butterfly valve.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a sectional tank 100 (also known as a “panel tank”) having a plurality of walls 112 mounted upon a base 116 to define the shape of the sectional tank 100. The walls 112 may be constructed from a plurality of individual panels 114 that are secured together, preferably having fluid-tight joints/seals.

Conveniently, sectional tanks can be transported to an intended site in disassembled form (e.g. as individual panels or sections) and then (re) assembled on site. Sectional tanks are commonly used for storing large volumes of fluid (e.g. water), and are particularly convenient for applications where access is restricted. Once assembled, it is typically undesirable to transport a sectional tank, which may therefore be considered to be a (semi) permanent structure requiring disassembly for relocation.

A fluid-tight seal may be provided between adjacent/adjoining panels by applying a sealant to a mating surface (e.g. part of the surface along the edge or at the perimeter) of a panel and then overlaying it with a corresponding mating surface of another such panel before applying a compressive pressure to the panels to seal across the joint that has been formed. The panels may then secured together using bolts or other suitable securing means.

To avoid the sealant becoming contaminated, disturbed, damaged or removed during transport, the sealant is ideally applied onto the mating surface of the panels on site immediately before they are joined together, rather than before the panels are shipped or otherwise transported to site.

If insufficient sealant is applied, the resulting joint may not have the required integrity to provide a fluid-tight seal, for example. In addition, care must be taken to avoid sealant leaking out from between the joint, which may otherwise have the same effect of inadequate sealant being provided between the joint. Alternatively, a separate gasket component may be provided, but this requires aligning on the panel on site prior to joining the panels and may become misaligned during the joining process.

Should the integrity of a seal be inadequate, it could potentially cause a dangerous situation, depending on the location and purpose of the seal. At the very least, remedial work may need to be undertaken to repair (or even replace) the sealant, which will require time and resources.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a panel 114 for use in constructing a sectional tank 100, such as that shown in FIG. 1.

The panel 114 has a plurality of holes 118 for receiving bolts, or other suitable fixings, for securing two such panels 114 together, or to a framework (not shown). The holes 118 are spaced along vertical and horizontal seams generally located at or towards the perimeter of each panel 114. The surface of the panel 114 immediately adjacent (e.g. on either side of) each row of holes 118 may be referred to as a mating surface 120. In use, the mating surface 120 of a panel 114 may be overlapped with the mating surface 120 of another such panel 114 to form a joint. The panels 114 can be secured together via the holes using bolts, for example, as mentioned above. The size and shape of a panel 114 may vary according to each specific application, though they are often rectangular for ease of tessellation. A panel 114 may comprise a base member, which may be made from fibreglass, plastic or metal (preferably steel), for example.

Gasket Arrangement

FIG. 3a shows a base member 110, optionally for forming a panel 114 having a gasket arrangement as described herein.

Two different embodiments of a gasket arrangement 122 will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 3b and 3c. In both of these exemplary embodiments, the gasket arrangement 122 includes a first member 124 and a second member 126, with the gasket arrangement 122 being arranged on a panel 114 for a sectional tank 100. In both FIGS. 4a and 4b, only a section of the panel 114 is shown for the purpose of illustrating the respective gasket arrangement 122-1, 122-2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3b, the first member 124 is provided directly onto a mating surface 120 located along an edge of the panel 114-1. The second member 126 is arranged to cover the first member 124, at least in part, to provide a fluid-tight seal about the first member 124. The second member 126 preferably covers substantially the entire surface of the panel 114-1. The first member 124 may therefore be said to be positioned between the mating surface 120 (at least in part) and the second member 126.

In the example shown in FIG. 3c, the second member 126 is arranged preferably to cover substantially the entire surface of the panel 114-2 prior to the first member 124 being provided on the mating surface 120. In other words, a layer of the second member is provided on the surface of the panel 114-2 before the first member 124 is provided (e.g. or applied) on the surface. Thus, the second member 126 is positioned between the mating surface 120 and the first member 124 such that the first member 124 is not in direct contact with the mating surface 120. The second member 126 is further arranged to cover the first member 124, at least in part, to provide a fluid-tight seal about the first member 124.

In both FIGS. 3b and 3c, only a section of panel 114 is shown. It should however be appreciated that the mating surface 120 may extend along one or more edges, or around the entire perimeter, of the panel 114.

The first member 124 may be arranged to be more deformable/compressible than the mating surface 120 of the panel 114 and less deformable/compressible than the second member 126 that covers it. The first member 124 may be a flat, elongate shape arranged to extend along an edge of the panel 114. The first member 124 may be formed of a foam-based material (such as a hard closed-cell PVC foam, for example) or it may be formed of another such ‘readily compressible’ material.

The second member may be applied as a coating on the surface of the panel 114. The second member 126 is preferably arranged to cover substantially the entire surface of the panel 114. The second member 126 may be more deformable (e.g. compressible) than the panel 114. The second member 126 is arranged to cover the first member 124 so as to protect it from exposure to any fluids, or chemicals, etc. that it might otherwise be exposed to, for example when used with a storage tank 100. The second member 126 may be provided as an elastomeric coating, or similar, preferably formed from a material that is resistant to chemicals. Ideally, the second member 126 is arranged to be sufficiently flexible that it can be deformed under compression (e.g. when securing two panels 114 together) while maintaining a fluid-tight seal about the first member 124 without cracking, tearing, rupturing or otherwise losing its structural integrity.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a panel 114 having a first member 124 provided on the mating surface 120 around the perimeter of the panel 114, and a second member 126, which in this example is an elastomeric coating, arranged to cover the entire surface of the panel 114, thereby sealing the first member 124 to provide a gasket arrangement 122.

FIG. 5 illustrates how two panels 114A, 114B having a gasket arrangement 122 (as shown in FIG. 4) may be joined together. The respective mating surfaces 120 are shown overlapping with the holes 118 of each panel 114A, 114B aligned such that the panels 114A, 114B can be secured together such that the gasket arrangement 122 provides a fluid-tight seal at the joint.

When the two panels 114A, 114B are secured together, the first member 124 of the gasket arrangement 122 is compressed such that it deforms to a greater extent than the second member 126, thereby acting as a gasket between the panels 114A, 114B to seal the join. The second member 126 is sufficiently flexible so that, when the gasket arrangement 122 is compressed, the second member 126 allows deformation of the first member 124 while maintaining the fluid-tight seal about the first member 124 without rupture. Thus, the second member 126 protects the first member 124 from coming into physical contact with the contents of the sectional tank or other contaminants, once constructed and in use.

Furthermore, the second member 126 protects the first member 124 from being dislodged, both when the two panels 114A, 114B are initially aligned and/or secured together, and when in use.

The gasket arrangement 122 may be used in a sectional tank 100 to provide perimeter seals and partition seals, preferably between adjacent panels 114. It should be understood that a gasket arrangement 122 on a panel 114 for constructing a “sectional tank” is simply a preferred embodiment.

Panel for a Sectional Tank

Sometimes it is necessary to protect panels from corrosion, for example if used to construct a sectional tank intended to contain corrosive material. Protective coatings can enable the use of materials such as steel for the panels, which would otherwise suffer corrosion in use. Typically, a protective coating would be applied to the interior of a sectional tank after assembly, for this purpose. However, applying a coating after assembly adds a further step in the construction process, and thereby detracts from the intended convenience and ease of constructing a sectional tank.

Applying a glass enamel or epoxy coating to panels prior to assembly (for example in a central processing facility) of a sectional tank, or similar, may help to protect such panels against corrosion. Advantageously, these coatings can be applied to panels on a production line, rather than on site. However, whilst such glass enamel or epoxy coatings may offer protection against corrosion, they perform poorly when subjected to impact. Thus, the necessary handling and transport of coated panels can often result in damage to the coatings on one or more of the panels, causing exposure of the steel beneath which can lead to panel corrosion and eventual perforation and failure.

Furthermore, the application of glass enamel and epoxy coatings includes a heat curing step, and consequently the process of manufacture is relatively energy intensive. The coating materials for glass enamel and epoxy coatings are applied in liquid form and remain wet until heat cured. Typically, a base member of a panel is suspended from hooks and transported during the coating procedure (including applying the coating materials and heat curing). In the areas where the base member is in contact with the hooks the liquid coating materials are not or only poorly applied and hence the coating may fail to protect the base member in those regions. The portions of the panels that are inadequately coated can be protected against corrosion by the application of a sealant on site.

This process can however contribute to potential weakness/flaws in the anti-corrosion properties of the coating. Not only are the areas where a base member is in contact with the hooks poorly coated, but also the edges of a base member can be poorly coated as typically the liquid coating material is only applied on one face of a base member. If so, the edges also rely on protection via the application of a sealant on site, which offers inferior corrosion protection. In addition, the heat curing step required for glass enamel and epoxy coatings may make it difficult to repair easily, on site, any damage to a coating.

Instead of a glass enamel or epoxy coating, a coating of an elastomer, optionally a polyurethane or a polyurea or a polyurethane/polyurea hybrid, may be applied to a base member (e.g. an underlying substrate) to form a panel in which the base member is protected against corrosion. In particular, elastomeric polyurethane and/or polyurea coatings are advantageous as they can offer improved resistance to mechanical damage.

Furthermore, elastomeric polyurethane and/or polyurea coatings require no heat curing during manufacture and so better manufacturing energy efficiency is possible. Elastomeric polyurethane and/or polyurea have fast gel/cure times, which may be in the order of minutes or even seconds, for example, and as such is convenient for manufacture. Elastomeric coatings such as polyurethane and/or polyurea may additionally be suitable for hot spray application, which permits further reduction of the curing or gelling time. Hot spray applied elastomer coatings can provide particularly favourable physical properties as well. Due to the absence of a heat curing step and the short curing or gelling time for the coating, different areas of a base member of a panel may be coated consecutively for complete encapsulation of a sectional panel, or layers can be built up for a thicker coating.

For example, one side of a base member may be coated whilst the opposing side is held, for example by a magnetic lifter (in an embodiment having a magnetic base member); alternatively a base member may be held at a top-left region for a first coating, and then the same base member may be held at a bottom/right region for a second coating so that both the faces and all edges are fully encapsulated for favourable corrosion protection. The base members are completely encapsulated by the coating in a factory environment prior to transportation and assembly of a sectional tank, for example, on site. Sealant may still be used for assembly of the panels to construct the tank, though the sealant need not be relied upon to provide corrosion protection, but only to form a fluid or gas tight seal.

Should the panel coating become damaged, then the elastomeric coating can easily be repaired on site as no heat curing step is required. The repair can use the same coating material, applied by a spray, or by brush/roller, for example.

FIG. 6a shows a base member 210 for forming a panel having an elastomeric coating. FIG. 6b shows the base member 210 covered by an elastomeric coating 224 to form a panel 214-1. The elastomer may comprise a polyurethane and/or a polyurea. Only a section of the base member 210 is shown for the purpose of illustrating the elastomeric coating 224. In this example, the coating 224 fully encapsulates the base member 210.

The coating 224 is thus provided on all surfaces of the base member 210, though only a section of base member 210 is shown. It should however be appreciated that the coating 224 may cover at least part of any or all surfaces of the base member 210.

The coating 224 may be provided directly on the surface of the base member 214. The coating 224 may be arranged to cover substantially the entire surface of the base member 210. The coating 224 is preferably arranged to cover at least part of the base member 210 so as to protect it from exposure to any fluids, or chemicals, etc. that it might otherwise be exposed to, for example when used with a storage tank 100.

The coating 224 is preferably more deformable (e.g. compressible) than the base member 210. The coating 224 may be formed from a material that is resistant to chemicals. Preferably, the coating 224 is arranged to be sufficiently flexible that it can be deformed under compression (e.g. when securing two panels 214 together) without cracking, tearing, rupturing or otherwise losing its structural integrity, for example to remain fluid-tight and prevent the ingress of fluid to the base member 210. This flexibility may also protect the coating from damage by impact.

FIG. 6c is an alternative embodiment of a panel 214-2 comprising a base member 210 having a coating 224 provided on some but not all surfaces of the base member 210. In this example the coating 224 covers the entire upper surface that is to be an interior surface (which may therefore come into contact with corrosive materials), the edge surfaces, and some of the lower surface.

FIGS. 6b and 6c show the coating 224 extending beyond the (upper) surface of the panel 214 that is arranged to provide an internal surface of a sectional tank 100, once assembled. The coating 224 also covers a mating surface 220 of the base member 210 provided at or towards the edge of the base member 210, as well as the ends/edge surfaces 222 of the base member 210. When assembled, the mating surfaces 220 and the edge surfaces 222 may be obscured to some extent, depending on how the panel 214 is secured or joined to an adjacent panel (or framework). A coating 224 applied after assembly of the sectional tank 100 would fail to cover these obscured portions of the panel 110, and thus ingress of a corrosive fluid may occur past the join between adjacent panels to the uncoated portion of the base member.

In one example, the coating 224 may a polyurea (the reaction product of a polyisocyante component and an amine terminated resin blend). An example of a suitable pure polyurea for the coating is Polyshield HT-100F UB™ (an aromatic polyurea) from Specialty Products, Inc., Washington USA. The physical properties of a suitable pure polyurea coating are, for 1.7 mm coating thickness: tensile strength (ASTM D412)>27.11 MPa; elongation at 25° C.>300%; Shore hardness (D) 55; modulus at 100% elongation (ASTM D412)>11.13 MPa; modulus at 300% elongation (ASTM D412)>24.32 MPa; tear resistance (ASTM D624) 84.57 KN/m. A suitable pure polyurea typically has a gel time of approximately 5 seconds, and is tack free after approximately 7 seconds.