Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TELESCOPIC LIQUID TANK
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to tanks for use in fracking operations, and more
particularly large
volume, transportable, steel water tanks for such use.
Background of the Invention
[0002] Large volumes of water are required for hydraulic stimulation (referred
to as fracture or
fracking) of well sites. In order to store large volumes of water, either many
traditional
horizontal rectangular tanks, or many traditional vertical cylindrical tanks,
are needed, often in
conjunction with a geomembrane lined open top tank (such tanks are prone to
damage and
leaks).
[0003] Open top tanks are large volume tanks with a large surface footprint.
They are usually
circular, which is an inefficient use of space. Using open top tanks requires
transferring fluid
from the tank to a frack tank farm for use by the fracking equipment. Open top
tanks are lined
with a geomembrane liner that is fragile and prone to damage and leaks. The
liner is not
reusable, and is expensive to replace. Specialized pumping equipment is
required to use with
these tanks. It is difficult to safely get all of the fluid in a tank from the
tank bottom, resulting in
some waste. Open top tanks are expensive to clean and decommission, and can
cause a major
incident in the case of tank failure, as there is no secondary containment.
These tanks are not
compartmentalized and in case of a failure, the entire volume of water may be
lost. There are
also limits on the height of these tanks, resulting in large footprints as the
liquid capacity per area
of land is low
[0004] Vertical cylindrical 400bbl tanks are a standard oilfield tank, widely
used in Canada.
Volume of these tanks is normally 400bbl, or 60m3. At best, these tanks can be
transported in
pairs on one truck. The cylindrical tanks require elaborate manifolds and many
hoses to properly
connect the tanks for fracking use. As the tanks have no built in containment,
the tank farm is
typically bermed and lined. Matting is required underneath the tanks. Matting
and manifolds and
hoses typically require at least one full additional truck load. The
cylindrical tanks also take up a
large footprint on an area/volume basis.
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[0005] Rectangular tanks are either mobile via an axle, or are skidded, or
such tanks are widely
used in the U.S. These rectangular tanks may have volumes up to 100m3,
although 80m3 is more
common. These tanks have all the disadvantages of the vertical tanks, and
require an even larger
surface footprint. In addition, they can only be transported or moved as
single tanks, which adds
to the transportation and set up cost.
[0006] What the current tanks used in fracking operations lack is a built in
secondary
containment, and integrated or compatible pumping systems, as well as a tank
design that is
easily transportable but also high volume.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] The telescopic frack water tanks according to the invention provide
large volume fluid
storage, a compact footprint, with minimal transportation and installation
cost. The system
combines three components, namely a large volume horizontal telescopic tank
that is highway
transportable; has easily integrated pumping systems; and has built in
secondary containment
[0008] The tank according to the invention is used to support the hydraulic
stimulation (fracture)
of shale gas wells. A pad operation for such frac operations likely includes
at least three of these
tanks, each having a volume of at least 500m3. A first tank serves as a
primary storage/receiving
tank, and supplies fluid to a second tank. The second tank is used in place of
the traditional
fracking tank farm and suction manifold, and the fracking equipment blender
and charge pumps
are tied directly into the second tank. The third tank is used for flowback
storage and transfer,
replacing the traditional flowback tank farm.
[0009] Large volume storage is thereby realized via one transportable tank
according to the
invention. The tank is adjustable in height once delivered to the location, to
allow for large
volume capability. Setup and installation of the tank is fast, resulting in
significant
transportation cost savings. The incorporated containment prevents
environmental spills, and the
included recirculation pump transfers fluid from containment back into the
tank, if necessary.
The incorporated pumping systems and tank connections further increase
functionality, and
eliminate the need for additional equipment. Each tank can replace several
standard vertical
tanks, or standard horizontal tanks.
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[0010] A system using the tanks according to the invention is capable of
transferring high
volumes of water to the fracking equipment, pumping at high pressure off the
pad to offsite
storage, and receiving and transferring flowback water to the primary pad
storage tank. In
addition, pumping systems allow for fluid circulation to prevent line freeze
problems, as well as
circulation through a water heater. Incorporated light masts can eliminate
additional surface
rentals, such as light towers, and incorporated weirs allow compartment
separation and can be
used for sand settling, chemical injection, and other functions.
[0011] A tank is provided, including: a tray positioned on a skid; a first
tank wall positioned on
the tray; a second inner tank wall positioned within the first inner tank
wall; wherein the first
tank wall is moveable from a first position wherein the second inner tank wall
is substantially
contained within the first tank wall; and a second position wherein said first
tank wall is elevated
thereby increasing the height and storage capacity of the tank.
[0012] When the first tank wall is in the second position, a seal is formed
between the first tank
wall and the second tank wall. The first tank wall is moveable from the first
position to the
second position by a plurality of hydraulic rams. The tank may include a pump
positioned to
pump water leaking through the seal to the tray back into the tank, or to
another location, such as
another tank. The seal may include a gasket between a bottom inside portion of
the first tank
wall and a top outside portion of the second tank wall. The seal may further
include a plurality
of inflatable hoses positioned between the second tank wall and the first tank
wall.
[0013] A further tank is provided, including: a spill containment tray
positioned on a skid; a first
tank wall positioned on the tray; a second inner tank wall positioned within
the first inner tank
wall; wherein the second inner tank wall is moveable from a first position
wherein the first outer
tank wall substantially contains the second inner tank wall; and a second
position wherein the
second inner tank wall is elevated thereby increasing the height and storage
capacity of the tank.
Description of the Figures
[0014] Figure 1 is a side view of a tank according to the invention, in a
raised position.
[0015] Figure 2 is an end view thereof.
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[0016] Figure 3 is an end view thereof, showing the tank in a lowered
position.
[0017] Figure 4 is a top view thereof;
[0018] Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D are cross sectional views of fastening
elements and sealing
elements of the tanks walls according to the invention.
[0019] Figure 6 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of the tank
according to the
invention.
[0020] Figure 7 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment
of a sealing
element for the tank.
[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sealing member used in the sealing
embodiment.
[0022] Figure 9 is a cross sectional end view of an alternative embodiment of
the tank according
to the invention.
[0023] Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a seal therein,
detailing C in
Figure 9.
[0024] Figure 11 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a foldable platform in
the tank,
detailing B in Figure 9.
[0025] Figure 12A is a sectional view taken along C-C in Figure 9 of an
embodiment of a drip
tray within the tank.
[0026] Figure 12B is a side cross sectional view thereof, detailing A in
Figure 9.
[0027] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tank according to
the invention.
[0028] Figures 14a, 14b, and 14c are side cross sectional views of an
alternate embodiment of
the invention showing the raising of the tank wall.
[0029] Figure 15 is a top view showing the corner of an embodiment of the tank
according to the
invention.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
[0030] The tank according to the invention includes horizontal tank 10, as
shown in Figures 1
through 4. Tank 10 is secured to skids 20, and may be of the maximum
(oversize) width, length,
and height (when in a lowered position) permitted for travel by road.
[0031] Tank 10 includes closed outer tank 30 and closed inner tank wall 40.
Inner tank wall 40
is sized to fit within outer tank 30, and can be raised telescopically to
increase the overall wall
height of tank 10 and thereby the storage capacity of tank 10. Further inner
tank walls may be
included in tank 10 in a nesting pattern to provide multiple telescopic
interior tanks thereby
providing increased height when the tank walls are raised.
[0032] Inner tank wall 40 is raised using a plurality of hydraulic lifts 50,
positioned around the
exterior wall 60 of outer tank 30. In a typical embodiment of the invention,
six or more lifts 50
would be present to allow for even lifting of inner tank wall 40. Figures 1
and 2 shows inner
tank wall 40 in a raised position.
[0033] As shown in Figures 5A through 5D, interior tank wall 40 creates a seal
with the adjacent
exterior wall 60 when the hydraulic lifts are fully extended, and pressure is
forced upon opposite
faces of wall 40 and wall 60. Figures 5A through 5D each represent an
alternative sealing
means. Additional sealing is provided by grease injection and gasket material
55 between inner
tank wall 40 and exterior wall 60. Grease injection nipples 45 may be
positioned at regular
intervals to allow grease injection.
[0034] As seen in Figure 5A, projection 100, at the bottom and outside of
interior tank wall 40,
is sized to fit indentation 110 at the top and inside of exterior wall 60.
Gasket material 55 is
positioned between projection 100 and indentation 110.
[0035] An alternative embodiment of sealing means is shown in Figure 5B, in
which mating
projection 120 at the bottom outside edge of interior tank wall 40 meets the
inner edge of mating
projection 130 at the top inside edge of exterior tank wall 60 to form a seal.
Gasket material 55
is positioned between projections 120, 130.
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[0036] Figure 5C shows another embodiment of sealing means, wherein dividers
140 at the
bottom of inner tank wall 40 form channels 150. Inflatable rubber hoses 160
run through each
channel 150, and are inflated when the inner tank wall 40 is raised. Between
each rubber hose
160 and exterior wall 60 are rubber sealing gaskets 170.
[0037] Figure 5D shows yet a further embodiment of sealing means, in which
gasket 55 on
pivotable member 180, is positionable under inner tank wall 40, after inner
tank wall 40 has been
raised. Inner tank wall 40 is then sealed using gravity as inner tank wall 40
rests on pivotable
member 180 which pivots on hinge 185.
[0038] Containment tray 70 is positioned around the base 80 of exterior tank
wall 60 to contain
any leakage that may slip through the seals at the junction of interior tank
wall 40 and exterior
wall 60. A built in transfer pump (not shown) may be present to transfer any
fluid collected in
the containment tray back into the main tank 10.
[0039] Exterior wall 60 includes a plurality of flanged and valved connection
ports (not shown)
to allow for liquid transfer from the tank and reception of liquids from other
sources.
[0040] Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of tank 10 in which outer wall
200 is raise by
hydraulic lifts 50 relative to inner wall 210. An example of sealing means for
this embodiment
is shown in Figure 7, in which inward extension 220 at the bottom of outer
wall 200 meets outer
facing extension 230 of inner wall 210. Rubber inflatable seal members 240, as
shown in Figure
8, may be positioned on either inward extension 220 or outward extension 230
facing the other
extension. When the rubber seal members 240 meet inward extension 220, members
240 flatten,
and may be inflated by air or liquid, creating a seal between inner wall 210
and outer wall 200.
[0041] Tank floor 90 may be gently sloped and have a liquid outlet at the base
80 to allow for
ease of extraction of the liquid therein. Built in pumping systems (not shown)
may be present to
allow transfer of liquid between tanks 10, transfer of liquid off site, and
circulation of liquid
through heaters and pipelines to prevent freezing. Alternatively, the pumping
systems may be
positioned nearby tank 10, and in liquid communication with tank 10 via hoses
and the like.
[0042] When fracking job is finished, tank 10 is drained, inner tank wall 40
(or outer tank wall
200) is lowered to transport height, and tank 10 is winched onto standard high-
bed tractor trailer,
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and can be moved from the site. Typical volume of tank 10 would be 500m3,
based on a two tier
tank wall design.
[0043] Figure 9 shows a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of a
tank 10 according
to the invention. In this embodiment of tank 10, outer wall 200 is elevatable.
Foldable walking
platform 215 is positioned around the interior of inner tank wall 210 to allow
users access to tank
10, Outer wall 200 is shown in elevated position in dashed lines, and in
unelevated position in
solid lines.
[0044] Figure 10 is a detailed view of C in Figure 9, showing the sealing
means. Guide 310 acts
as a pinning plate to guide walls 200 and 210 into position. Pins 315 are then
used to secure
walls 200 and 210, by passing pins 315, 316 through aligned apertures (not
shown) in each wall
200, 210. Pin 315 may be fixed in place while pin 316 is removable to allow
outer wall 200 to
be elevated or lowered. Seal members 240 are secured to the top of inner wall
by screws or the
like.
[0045] Figure 11 shows a detailed view of B in Figure 9, showing base 325 of
walking platform
215 secured to inner wall 210.
[0046] Figure 12A is a cross sectional top view of elevated outer wall 200
showing links 360.
Links 360 are secured to outer wall 200 by pins 315, 316.
[0047] Figure 12B is a detail of A showing the bottom portion of inner wall
210 and outer wall
200. Drip tray 330 provides secondary liquid containment and has lip 335
extending outwardly
from outer wall 200.
[0048] Figure 13 is a perspective view of tank 10 showing the frame of the
inner wall 210 and
outer wall 200. Extension 400 provides support and stability to tank 10. Pipes
410 allow for
intake or removal of water or another fluid. Ladder 420 allows workers to
reach the bottom of
tank 10.
[0049] The bottom of tank 10 is supported by bottom cross beams 430. Support
beams 440
extend vertically to support inner tank wall 210. Door 450 allows access to
the interior of tank
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10, for cleaning, or for a vacuum truck operator. Door 450 may be configured
so that it cannot
be opened when tank 10 is full to provide safety for workers nearby.
[0050] Outer wall 200 is supported vertically by vertical support beams 460
and upper horizontal
cross members 470 and lower horizontal cross members 480. Upper frame member
490
maintains the shape of outer wall 200. Tank 10 is generally made of steel,
with the exterior of
outer wall 200 painted and the interior of inner wall 210 having an anti-
corrosion coating.
[0051] Ring 500 surrounds the top of inner wall 210. Links 360 extend upwardly
from ring 500.
Attached to support beams 440 is walking platform 215.
[0052] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C show the process by which outer wall 200
raises. Figure 14A
shows outer wall in an unelevated state. Guide 860, which may be a pipe, has a
links 890 at the
top and bottom to allow it to be secured to or detached from wall 200. Wall
200 is positioned in-
between guide 860 and guide 880, and is secured to hydraulic lift 338. Guide
880 is extendible
and may rise with lift 338. The lower end of guide 880 is fixed in position.
[0053] Figure 15 shows gusset 390 which is used by hydraulic lift 338 to raise
wall 200. Guides
860 and 880 are on opposite sides of wall 200. Corners of tank 10 are cured to
correspond to the
bending of seals 240, which may not always permit a square corner.
[0054] When inner wall 210 and outer wall 200 are pinned together (i.e. the
elevatable wall is
not in an elevated position and the walls 200. 210 are secured by pins),
hydraulic lift 338 can
expand freely downward and act as a jack to lift the entire tank structure 10,
as shown in Figure
14B. This is used for loading and unloading tank 10 onto a trailer. The
hydraulic lifts elevate
tank 10 so that a trailer can be positioned underneath it.
[0055] Hydraulic lifts 50 also lift outer wall 200 from the inner wall 210.
After tank 10 is
unloaded, it is lowered to the ground. The two walls 200, 210 are now
unpinned. Now when the
hydraulic lifts 50 jacks extend, they lift outer wall 200 and separate the two
walls 200, 210.
[0056] The above-described embodiments have been provided as examples, for
clarity in
understanding the invention. A person with skill in the art will recognize
that alterations,
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modifications and variations may be effected to the embodiments described
above while
remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by claims appended
hereto.
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