Embodiments of an automatic girth fitter system use a device or devices to automate the alignment of horizontal weld seams in both shop- and field-built tanks or vessels. The automated system device or devices may also be used to remove shims that are used to gap the horizontal weld seams and provide plate alignment prior to fitting or welding those seams.

Embodiments of an automatic girth fitter system use a device or devices to automate the alignment of horizontal weld seams in both shop- and field-built tanks or vessels. The automated system device or devices may also be used to remove shims that are used to gap the horizontal weld seams and provide plate alignment prior to fitting or welding those seams.

A container is produced from a single-layered, helically bent sheet-metal trip (20). A first, helically running peripheral portion (22) of the sheet-metal strip (20) is bent out in the direction of the outside of the container (10) to form a helically running bent out edge (24). A second, helically extending peripheral portion (26) of the sheet-metal strip (20) overlaps a third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10). The third portion is adjacent to the bent-out edge (24) and extends in the direction of the second peripheral portion (26) from the bent out edge (24). The second peripheral portion (26) is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10).

A container is produced from a single-layered, helically bent sheet-metal trip (20). A first, helically running peripheral portion (22) of the sheet-metal strip (20) is bent out in the direction of the outside of the container (10) to form a helically running bent out edge (24). A second, helically extending peripheral portion (26) of the sheet-metal strip (20) overlaps a third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10). The third portion is adjacent to the bent-out edge (24) and extends in the direction of the second peripheral portion (26) from the bent out edge (24). The second peripheral portion (26) is connected in a fluid-tight manner to the third portion (28) of the sheet-metal strip (20) on the inside of the container (10).

A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.

A system of connecting a stiffener to the sidewall of a grain bin using a stud bolt having a first threaded end, a second threaded end and a feature positioned between the first end and a second end. A sealing member is positioned over the first end of the stud bolt, which in one case is a metallic washer with an affixed compressible sealing member. The first end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the sidewall and an inner nut is placed over the first end inside the sidewall. As the inner nut is tightened, the feature is pulled toward the exterior surface of the grain bin thereby causing the sealing member to form a seal with the exterior surface of the grain bin. The second end of the stud bolt is inserted into a hole in the stiffener which is tightened onto the stud bolt.

A modular hopper assembly is provided and includes a plurality of pre-fabricated upper hopper modular units, a plurality of pre-fabricated middle hopper modular units, a plurality of pre-fabricated lower hopper modular units and a plurality of support members configured as a base, where the upper hopper modular units, the middle hopper modular units and the lower hopper modular units are each assembled, and then the assembled upper hopper modular units, the assembled middle hopper modular units and the assembled lower hopper modular units are connected together to form a hopper, where the hopper is mounted on the base.

A modular hopper assembly is provided and includes a plurality of pre-fabricated upper hopper modular units, a plurality of pre-fabricated middle hopper modular units, a plurality of pre-fabricated lower hopper modular units and a plurality of support members configured as a base, where the upper hopper modular units, the middle hopper modular units and the lower hopper modular units are each assembled, and then the assembled upper hopper modular units, the assembled middle hopper modular units and the assembled lower hopper modular units are connected together to form a hopper, where the hopper is mounted on the base.