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SECTIONAL PANEL TANK

20220161993 · 2022-05-26

    Inventors

    Cpc classification

    International classification

    Abstract

    A sectional panel tank comprises one or more side wads that are joined together in forming the sectional panel tank. One of the side wall comprises a first unit panel having a first extension at a first edge of the first unit panel and a second unit panel having a second extension at a second edge of the second unit panel. By combing the second extension to the second extension, the second unit panel is joined to the first unit panel for providing a continuous surface of the side wall. No gasket is needed between the first extension and the second extension. A method of making the sectional panel tank is also disclosed. A method of making prefabricated unit panels with lining sheets is further disclosed for the sectional panel tank.

    Claims

    1. A sectional panel tank, comprising: at least one side wall for joining other side walls in forming the sectional panel tank; wherein the at least one side wall comprises: a first unit panel having a first extension at its edge for supporting the first unit panel; a second unit panel having a second extension at its edge; wherein the first unit panel and the second unit panel are joined together contiguously at the first extension and the second extension by at least one fastener.

    2. The sectional panel tank of claim 1 further comprising at least one lining attached onto an inner side of the first unit panel for preventing corrosion of the first unit panel.

    3. The sectional panel tank of claim 2, wherein the at least one lining comprises a thermoplastic material.

    4. The sectional panel tank of claim 2, wherein the at least one lining comprises a bonding layer for fixing the at least one lining onto the first unit panel securely.

    5. The sectional panel tank of claim 2, wherein the at least one lining comprises a first layer of a first colour and a second layer of a second colour.

    6. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, wherein an external side of the first unit panel is treated for being substantially reflective.

    7. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, wherein the first unit panel is made of impermeable, corrosion resistive and/or structurally robust material.

    8. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, further comprising a framework that is connected to the first unit panel, the second unit panel or both for upholding structural integrity of the sectional panel tank.

    9. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor, a communication module, or a combination of these for monitoring operation status of the sectional panel tank.

    10. (canceled)

    11. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, further comprising a cross connector configured to join corners of neighbouring unit panels together.

    12. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, further comprising a bottom having a bottom extension, the bottom and the at least one side wall being directly joined at the bottom extension; and a bottom jointer applied at a bottom seam between the bottom extension and the at least one side wall.

    13. The sectional panel tank of claim 1, further comprising a securing means for securing the first extension and the second extension together.

    14. The sectional panel tank of claim 12, wherein the first securing means and the second securing means comprise a first coating and a second coating respectively, the first coating and the second coating are compatible with the lining for avoiding a leakage.

    15. The sectional panel tank of claim 13, further comprising a fixture for joining the first extension and the second extension.

    16. A prefabricated unit panel for constructing the sectional panel tank of claim 1, comprising a structural panel having an extension; and a lining sheet preformed on an inner side of the structural panel for covering the structural panel.

    17. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein the lining sheet comprises a thermoplastic material.

    18. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein the lining sheet comprises a first layer of a first colour and a second layer of a second colour.

    19. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein the extension comprises an engagement hole for receiving a securing means.

    20. The prefabricated unit panel of claim 16, wherein the lining sheet comprises a through hole matching the engagement hole.

    21. A method of making a side wall for a sectional panel tank, comprising providing a first unit panel having an extension at its edge as a first extension; providing a second unit panel having an extension at its edge as a second extension; directly joining the first unit panel and the second unit panel together via a securing means at the first extension and the second extension; and applying a jointer at a seam between the first extension and the second extension on inner sides of the first unit panel and the second unit panel.

    22. The method of claim 21, comprising attaching a lining onto the inner sides.

    23. The method of claim 22, wherein the attaching the lining comprise a thermoforming process.

    24. The method of claim 21, wherein applying the jointer by a thermoplastic welding process.

    25. The method of claim 24, wherein the thermoplastic welding process is conducted by a mechanical welding means, a thermal welding means, an electromagnetic welding means, a chemical welding means or a combination of any of these.

    26. A method of making a prefabricated unit panel for a sectional panel tank, the method comprising providing a structural panel having an extension; providing a lining sheet substantially larger than the structural panel; and attaching the lining sheet onto an inner side of the structural panel; wherein the lining sheet covers the extension of the structural panel substantially.

    27. The method of claim 26, further comprising attaching a thermal insulation layer onto an external side of the structural panel for reducing temperature fluctuation.

    28. The method of claim 27, wherein the attaching step comprises a thermoforming process for bonding the lining sheet and the structural panel tightly into a unitary component.

    29. The method of claim 28, wherein the thermoforming process comprises a vacuum forming process.

    30. The method of claim 29, wherein the vacuum forming process comprises aligning the lining sheet over the inner side of the structural panel; heating the lining sheet to be pliable for deformation; and forming the lining sheet to the inner side for bonding the lining sheet and the structural panel by a negative pressure.

    31. The method of claim 29, further comprising applying a thermal insulation layer between the lining sheet and the inner side of the structural panel.

    Description

    [0081] The accompanying figures (Figs.) illustrate embodiments and serve to explain principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that these figures are presented for purposes of illustration only, and not for defining limits of relevant applications.

    [0082] FIG. 1 illustrates a partially exploded view of a first sectional panel tank with an external foundation;

    [0083] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant of the first sectional panel tank in FIG. 1;

    [0084] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of the first sectional panel tank without an external foundation;

    [0085] FIG. 4 illustrate a partially exploded view of a variant of the first sectional panel tank in FIG. 3;

    [0086] FIG. 5 illustrates (a) an isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view of a first unit panel from an internal point of view;

    [0087] FIG. 6 illustrates (a) an isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view of the first unit panel from an external point of view;

    [0088] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variant of the first unit panel in FIG. 5(b);

    [0089] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another variant of the first unit panel in FIG. 5(b);

    [0090] FIG. 9 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another variant of the first unit panel in FIG. 5(b);

    [0091] FIG. 10 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another variant of the first unit panel in FIG. 5(b);

    [0092] FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modification to the first unit panel in FIG. 8 incorporated with studs;

    [0093] FIG. 12 illustrate a cross-sectional view of a modification to the variant in FIG. 9 incorporated with studs;

    [0094] FIG. 13 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another modification to the first unit panel in FIG. 5(b) incorporated with an adhesive layer;

    [0095] FIG. 14 illustrates (a) a cross-sectional view of two identical unit panels in FIG. 5(b) vertically joined together at a joint, and (b) an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint;

    [0096] FIG. 15 illustrate (a) a cross-sectional view of two identical variants of the unit panels in FIG. 8 vertically joined together at a joint, and (b) an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint;

    [0097] FIG. 16 illustrates (a) an isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view of a curved unit panel from an external point of view;

    [0098] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical curved unit panels joined together;

    [0099] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together;

    [0100] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together;

    [0101] FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together;

    [0102] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical modifications of the curved unit panels joined together;

    [0103] FIG. 22 illustrates a top planar view of another two identical modifications of the curved unit panels joined together;

    [0104] FIG. 23 illustrates a planar top view of three unit panels of FIG. 5(b) joined together;

    [0105] FIG. 24 illustrates a planar top view of multiple unit panels of FIG. 5(b) joined together;

    [0106] FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a unit panel of FIG. 5(b) and a planar unit panel orthogonally joined together;

    [0107] FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another unit panel without a lining sheet;

    [0108] FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two unit panels of FIG. 26 vertically joined together;

    [0109] FIG. 28 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a lining sheet;

    [0110] FIG. 29 illustrates a partially exploded view of a second sectional panel tank with an external foundation;

    [0111] FIG. 30 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant of the second sectional panel tank in FIG. 29;

    [0112] FIG. 31 illustrates a partially exploded view of the second sectional panel tank without an external foundation;

    [0113] FIG. 32 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant of the second sectional panel tank in FIG. 31;

    [0114] FIG. 33 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third sectional panel tank;

    [0115] FIG. 34 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a variant of the third sectional panel tank;

    [0116] FIG. 35 illustrates a partially exploded view of a fourth sectional panel tank;

    [0117] FIG. 36 illustrates a top view of the fourth sectional panel tank;

    [0118] FIG. 37 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a curved unit panel;

    [0119] FIG. 38 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two unit panels of FIG. 37 joining together.

    [0120] FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partition tank using the unit panels of FIG. 3;

    [0121] FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another partition tank using the unit panels of FIG. 10;

    [0122] FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vacuum forming process.

    [0123] FIG. 1 illustrates a partially exploded view of a first sectional panel tank 100 with an external foundation 130. The first sectional panel tank 100 has a cubic dimension with a bottom 102, a roof or cover 104 and four side walls, including a front wall 106, a rear wall 108 (not shown), a left wall 110 (not shown) and a right wall 112. Therefore, twelve (12) edges 138 of the sectional panel tank 100 are formed for the first sectional panel tank 100. The bottom 102, the cover 104 and the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 are assembled by multiple unit panels 114 joined together. The first sectional panel tank 100 further comprises an access hole or manhole 116 at a corner of the cover 104, a ladder 118 fixed to the right wall 112, a drainage hole 120 connected to a drainage tube 122, an inlet 124 and an outlet 126 at an upper part and a lower part of the front wall 106 respectively. It is understood to a skilled person that the inlet 124 and the outlet 126 are typically furthest apart from each other for proper circulation of liquid to avoid stagnation. In particular, a top end 128 of the ladder 118 is located inn vicinity of the access hole 116. In addition, the external foundation 130 is laid on the ground for supporting the first sectional tank 100; and an external framework 132 connected to the multiple unit panels for upholding structural integrity of the first sectional panel tank 100. The first sectional panel tank 100 is used for storing a liquid 134 (not shown) inside a space defined by the bottom 102, the cover 104 and the four side walls 106, 108, 110, 112. The liquid 134 is filled into and discharged out of the space through the inlet 124 and the outlet 126. In addition; the liquid 134 is removed from the space through the drainage tube 122 and the drainage hole 120 in a quicker manner. It is understood to a skilled person that the outlet 126 is usually higher than the drainage hole 120 so that any sediments cannot enter into the supply line. Drainage hole 120 is usually the lowest point of the first sectional panel tank 100, where sedimentation can be discharged.

    [0124] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant 150 of the first sectional panel tank 100 in FIG. 1. The variant 150 has a similar structure with the first sectional panel tank 100 and thus features of the variant 150 herein are made references to the first sectional panel tank 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition to the ladder 118, the variant 150 has a second ladder 152 inside the variant 150 for easily getting access into the bottom 102 of the variant 150 via the access hole 116. Furthermore, the variant 150 has a partition 154 for partitioning the variant 150 into two small tanks, i.e. a first tank 156 enclosed by the front wall 106, the rear wall 108, the left wall 110 and the partition 154; and a second tank 158 enclosed by the front wall 106, the rear wall 108, the right wall 112 and the partition 154.

    [0125] FIG. 3 illustrates a partially exploded view of the first sectional panel tank 100 without an external foundation 130. All features of the first sectional panel tank 100 are identical to those in FIG. 1, except that the bottom 102 is not needed. A compacted and flat soil plate (not shown) is prepared from the ground; and then a piece of lining 136 is spread on the compacted and flat soil plate. The first sectional panel tank 100 is directly built on the lining 136 by erecting the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 and the joining the cover 104 with the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112. This first sectional panel tank 100 in FIG. 3 is particularly used for oil storage and chemical waste treatment. It is also understood that the first sectional panel tank 100 herein can also be suitable for potable water.

    [0126] FIG. 4 illustrate a partially exploded view of the variant 170 of the first sectional panel tank in FIG. 3. The variant 170 has a similar structure with the first sectional panel tank 100 and thus features of the variant 150 herein are made references to the first sectional panel tank 100 illustrated in FIG. 3. In addition to the ladder 118, the variant 170 has a second ladder 172 inside the variant 170 for easily getting access into the lining 136 of the variant 170 via the access hole 116. Furthermore, the variant 170 has a partition 174 for partitioning the variant 170 into two small tanks, i.e. a first tank 176 enclosed by the front wall 106, the rear wall 108, the left wall 110 and the partition 174; and a second tank 178 enclosed by the front wall 106; the rear wall 108, the right wall 112 and the partition 174.

    [0127] FIG. 5 illustrates an isometric view (FIG. 5(a)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 5(b)) of a first unit panel 200 from an internal point of view; and FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view (FIG. 6(a)) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 6(b)) of the first unit panel in FIG. 5 from an external point of view. The first unit panel 200 comprises a first structural panel 202, a first lining sheet 204 and a first extension 208. The first extension 208 further comprises four flanges folded at substantially 90 degrees at four peripheral edges of the first unit panel 200 respectively, i.e. a first front flange 210 folded at a first front edge 212, a first rear flange 214 folded at a first rear edge 216, a first left flange 218 folded at a first left edge 220, and a first right flange 222 folded at a first right edge 224. The first structural panel 202 thus extends between the four flanges 210, 214, 218 222. The first structural panel 202 is made of stainless steel that is impermeable, corrosion resistive, and mechanically robust for resisting pressure of the fluid 134. The four flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 are formed by folding the four edges 212, 216, 220, 224 respectively at substantially 90 degrees. In other words, the four flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 are substantially vertically positioned to the four edges 212, 216, 220, 224 respectively. In particular, the first structural panel 202 has a size less than four square meters and a thickness of around 2 millimetres (mm); while the first lining sheet 204 also has a thickness of around 2 millimetres (mm). Therefore, the first unit panel 200 has a total thickness of around 4 millimetres (mm).

    [0128] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the first lining sheet 204 has two flat sides, i.e. a first side 242 and a second side 244. The first side 242 is joined to an inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202 for forming the first unit panel 200 by a thermoforming method. In particular, the first lining sheet 204 completely covers the inner surface 226, including the first structural panel 202 and the first extension 208. The first lining sheet 204 is made of a thermoplastic material such as PE, PP, PVDF, ECTFE. Since in direct contact with the liquid 134, the first lining sheet 204 is required to be water-proof and corrosion resistant to water and almost all chemical solutions. Furthermore, the first unit panel 200 comprises a first embossment 230 on the first structural panel 202 for further strengthening mechanical properties of the first structural panel 202.

    [0129] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a variant 2000 of the first unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b). The variant 2000 has a similar structure with the first unit panel 200 and thus features of the variant 2000 herein are made references to the first unit panel 200 illustrated in FIG. 5(b). In addition to covering the inner surface 226 and the first extension 208, the first lining sheet 204 also covers the external surface 228 of the first structural panel 202. In other words, the first lining sheet 204 encapsulates the first structural panel 202 and the first extension 208 completely. The variant 2000 is particularly suited for partition panels as seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

    [0130] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another variant 2100 of the first unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b). The variant 2100 has a similar structure with the first unit panel 200 and thus features of the variant 2100 herein are made references to the first unit panel 200 illustrated in FIG. 5(b). in addition, the variant 2100 has a first thermal insulation layer 206 formed on an external surface 228 of the first structural unit panel 202 for reducing temperature fluctuation of the fluid 134. The first thermal insulation layer 206 is made of fiberglass that is light in weight and also hydrophobic to water. It is noted that the first thermal insulation layer 206 covers a central portion of the first unit panel 200, including the first embossment 230.

    [0131] FIG. 9 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another variant 2200 of the first unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b). The variant 2200 has a similar structure with the variant 2100 and thus features of the variant 2200 herein are made references to the variant 2100 illustrated in FIG. 8. In comparison, the first thermal insulation layer 206 is sandwiched between the first structural panel 202 and the first lining sheet 204. In other words, the first thermal insulation layer 206 is attached between the inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202 and the first side 242 of the first lining sheet 204. Therefore, the first thermal insulation layer 206 for the variant 2200 is known as an inner insulation layer. The first thermal insulation layer 206 also covers the first structural panel 202 completely, but does not extend to cover the first extension 208.

    [0132] FIG. 10 illustrate a cross-sectional view of another variant 2300 of the first unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b). The variant 2300 has a similar structure with the variant 2200 and thus features of the variant 2300 herein are made references to the variant 2200 illustrated in FIG. 9. Similarly, the first thermal insulation layer 206 is sandwiched between the first structural panel 202 and the first lining sheet 204; but the first thermal insulation layer 206 is attached to the external surface 228 of the first structural panel 202 due to the complete encapsulation of the first structural panel 202 by the first lining sheet 204 similar to the variant 2000 in FIG. 7. Therefore, the first thermal insulation layer 206 for a variant 2300 is known as an external insulation layer. Meanwhile, the first lining sheet 204 is in direct contact with the inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202.

    [0133] FIG. 11 illustrate a cross-sectional view of a modification 2400 to the variant 2100 in FIG. 8 incorporated with studs 240. The studs 240 are either attached to the first side 242 of the first lining sheet 204 or attached to the inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202. The first side 242 is assembled towards the first structural panel 202; and the second side 244 is in direct contact with water stored in the first unit panel tank 100. A continuous gap 246 is thus formed between the first structural panel 202 and the first side 242 of the first lining sheet 204. A porous filler 248 (such as aerogel) is filled inside the gap 246 as the first thermal insulation layer 206 for providing thermal insulation. The thermal insulation ensures that the first sectional panel tank 100 is still workable in high latitude countries in a cold winter or for special applications (such as spa). In addition, the porous filler 248 may also provide cushion to external shocks. The cushion function ensures that the first lining sheet 204 is tightly pushed against the first structural panel 202 under a pressure of the water stored inside the first sectional panel tank 100. In particular, the studs 240 do not exist at the flanges 210, 214, 218, 222 for tightly and reliably joined the first side 242 and the first structural panel 202.

    [0134] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modification 2500 to the variant 2200 in FIG. 9 with the studs 240. Similar to the modification 2400 in FIG. 11, the modification 2500 also has the filler 248 filled inside the gap 246 as the first thermal insulation layer 206. At the flanges 210, 214, 218, 222, the first lining sheet 204 is in direct with the first structural panel 202 without the studs 240.

    [0135] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another modification 2600 to the first unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b) with an adhesive layer 2610 when the first lining sheet 204 has a fabric backed liner (FBL). The adhesive layer 2610 adheres the fabric backed liner (FBL) to the inner surface 226 of the first structural panel 202.

    [0136] A second unit panel 250 is provided for being joined with the first unit panel 200 for forming the first sectional panel tank 100. The second unit panel 250 is identical to the first unit panel 200 as described in FIG. 5. In other words, the second unit panel 200 comprises a second structural panel 252, a second lining sheet 254 and a second extension 258, which resemble the first structural panel 202, the first lining sheet 204 and the first extension 208, respectively. The second extension 258 further comprises a second front flange 260 folded at a second front edge 262, a second rear flange 264 folded at a second rear edge 266, a second left flange 268 folded at a second left edge 270, and a second right flange 272 folded at a second right edge 274. The second lining sheet 254 is also formed on an inner surface 276 and an external surface 278 of the second unit panel 250. The second unit panel 250 also comprises a second embossment 280 for further strengthening mechanical properties of the second structural panel 252.

    [0137] FIG. 14(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first unit panel 200 at a top side and the second unit panel 250 at a bottom side vertically joined together at a joint 290. The unit panels 200, 250 are joined for forming the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first sectional panel tank 100 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. The first unit panel 200 and the second unit panel 250 are joined at the joint 290 between the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 by a thermoplastic welding method. In addition, a fastener 235 (such as a screw (Nut and Bolt)) also binds the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 at the joint 209.

    [0138] FIG. 14(b) illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint 290 in FIG. 14(a). It is clearly seen that the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 are joined together at the joint 290. In detail, the first lining sheet 204 and the second lining sheet 254 are pressed in direct contact at the joint 290. The joint 290 comprises a seam 292 even if the first lining sheet 204 and the second lining sheet 254 are closely pressed against each other. The thermoplastic welding introduces a jointer 294 for joining the first lining sheet 204 and the second lining sheet 254. The jointer 294 is so strong and reliable that the joint 290 can seal the liquid 134 inside the first sectional panel tank 100 during its normal operation. In contrast to known techniques, no gasket is needed for preventing any leakage from the joint 290.

    [0139] FIG. 15(a) illustrate a cross-sectional view of two identical variants 2100 in FIG. 8 vertically joined together at the joint 290, i.e. the variant 2100 at a top side and another variant 2150 at a bottom side, each of which has all the features of the variant 2100 in FIG. 8. The variants 2100, 2150 are joined for forming the side walls 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first sectional panel tank 100 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. Similarly, the variants 2100 and 2150 are joined at the joint 290 between the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 by a thermoplastic welding method. In addition, the fastener 235 is also used to bind the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 at the joint 290. In addition, the second variant 2150 has a second thermal insulation layer 256.

    [0140] FIG. 15(b) illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint 290. It is also clearly seen that the first rear flange 214 and the second front flange 260 are joined together at the joint 290 by thermoplastic welding which introduces the jointer 294 for sealing the seam 292. Similar to the FIG. 14(b), no gasket is needed for preventing any leakage from the joint 290. In addition, the first thermal insulation layer 206, the first embossment 230, the second thermal insulation layer 256 and the second embossment 280 terminate outside the joint 290.

    [0141] FIG. 16 illustrates (a) an isometric view and (b) a cross-sectional view of a curved unit panel 3000 from an external point of view. Similar to the unit panel 200 in FIG. 5(b), the curved unit panels 3000 has a curved structural panel 3002 which further has an extension 3020. The extension 3020 has a front flange 3022 folded at a front edge 3012, a rear flange 3024 folded at a rear edge 3014, a left flange 3026 folded at a left edge 3016 and a right flange 3028 folded at a right edge 3018. In addition, the curved unit panel 3000 has a curved lining sheet 3004 encapsulating an inner surface 3008 of the curved structural panel 3002, including the extension 3020 (i.e. the flanges 3022, 3024, 3026, 3028).

    [0142] FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical curved unit panels joined together, i.e. a first curved unit panel 3040 and a second curved unit panel 3050, which have the same structures to the curved unit panel 3000 in FIG. 16. In other words, the second curved unit panel 3050 has a second structural panel 3052 which further has a second extension 3070. The second extension 3070 has a second front flange 3072 folded at a second front edge 3062, a second rear flange 3074 folded at a second rear edge 3064, a second left flange 3076 (not shown) folded at a second left edge 3066 (not shown) and a second right flange 3078 (not shown) folded at a second right edge 3068 (not shown). In addition, the second curved unit panel 3050 has a second lining sheet 3054. Similar to the joined unit panels 200, 250 in FIG. 14, the first and the second curved unit panels 3040, 3050 are joined together at a joint 3090. In detail, the curved lining sheet 3004 and the second lining sheet 3054 are pressed in direct contact at the joint 3090. The joint 3090 comprises a seam 3092 even if the curved lining sheet 3004 and the second lining sheet 3054 are closely pressed against each other. The thermoplastic welding introduces a jointer 3094 for joining the curved lining sheet 3004 and the second lining sheet 3054. A fastener 3096 (such as a screw) is also used to bind the rear flange 3024 and the second front edge 3062 at the joint 3009. In contrast to known techniques, no gasket is needed for preventing any leakage from the joint 3090.

    [0143] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together; i.e. a first variant 3100 and a second variant 3150. The variants 3100, 3150 have a similar structure with the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 and thus features of the variants 3100, 3150 herein are made references to the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 illustrated in FIG. 17. Different from the curved unit panels 3040, 3050, the curved lining sheet 3004 encapsulates the curved structural panel 3002 entirely, including the inner surface 3008 and an external surface 3010 of the curved structural panel 3002. Similarly, the second lining sheet 3054 encapsulates the second structural panel 3052 entirely, including a second inner surface 3058 and a second external surface 3060 of the second structural panel 3052. The embodiment in FIG. 18 is suitable for the cases where a smaller cylindrical sectional panel tank sits within a bigger cylindrical sectional tank; which contain different substances (such as different liquids) respectively.

    [0144] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together, i.e. a first variant 3200 and a second variant 3250. The variants 3200, 3250 have a similar structure with the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 and thus features of the variants 3200, 3250 herein are made references to the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 illustrated in FIG. 17, Different from the curved unit panels 3000, 3050, the variants 3200, 3250 have a curved thermal insulation layer 3006 and a second thermal insulation layer 3056 respectively. The curved thermal insulation layer 3006 is sandwiched between the curved lining sheet 3004 and the inner surface 3008; while the second thermal insulation layer 3056 is also sandwiched between the second lining sheet 3054 and the second inner surface 3058.

    [0145] FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another two identical variants of the curved unit panels joined together, i.e. the first variant 3200 and the second variant 3250. The variants 3200, 3250 have a similar structure with the variants 3100, 3150 and thus features of the variant 3200, 3250 herein are made references to the curved unit panels 3100; 3150 illustrated in FIG. 19. In comparison; the curved thermal insulation layer 3006 is sandwiched between the curved lining sheet 3004 and the external surface 3010; while the second thermal insulation layer 3056 is also sandwiched between the second lining sheet 3054 and the second externals surface 3060.

    [0146] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two identical modifications of the curved unit panels joined together, i.e. a first modification 3300 and a second modification 3350. The modifications 3300, 3350 have a similar structure with the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 and thus features of the modification 3300, 3350 herein are made references to the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 illustrated in FIG. 17. In addition, the first modification 3300 has first studs 3310 sandwiched between the inner surface 3008 and the curved lining sheet 3004 for forming a first gap 3320; while the second modification 3350 has second studs 3360 sandwiched between the second inner surface 3508 and the second lining sheet 3504 for forming a second gap 3370. A first filler 3330 and a second filler 3380 are filled into the first gap 3320 and the second gap 3370, respectively. Similar to the filler 248 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the fillers 3330, 3380 may act as the thermal insulation layers 3306, 3356 for providing thermal insulation. Alternatively, the filers 3330, 3380 may provide cushion to external shocks. The first filer 3330 and the second filer 3380 may be the same or different.

    [0147] FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another two identical modifications of the curved unit panels joined together, i.e. a first modification 3400 and a second modification 3450. The modifications 3300, 3350 have a similar structure with the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 and thus features of the modification 3300, 3350 herein are made references to the curved unit panels 3040, 3050 illustrated in FIG. 17. The modifications 3300, 3350 have a first adhesive layer 3340 and a second adhesive layer 3390, respectively when the lining sheets 3304, 3354 have fabric backed liner (FBL). The adhesive layers 3340, 3390 adhere the fabric backed liner (FBL) to the inner surfaces 3308, 3358 respectively.

    [0148] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of three unit panels of FIG. 5(b) joined together, i.e. the first unit panel 200, the second unit panel 250 and a third unit panel 2700 vertically joined at the joint 290 and a joint 2710 in sequence for forming the right wall 112 and the front wall 106, respectively. Similar to the fastener 235, another fastener 2730 is used to further secure the joint 2710.

    [0149] FIG. 24 illustrates a top planar view of multiple unit panels of FIG. 5(b) joined together for forming the variant 150 of the first sectional unit panel 100. In details, the first unit panels 200 and the second unit panels 250 are joined for forming the front wall 106, the rear wall 108, the left wall 110, the right wall 112 and partition 154, respectively.

    [0150] FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first unit panel 200 of FIG. 5(b) and a planar unit panel 2800 orthogonally joined together. The planar unit panel 2800 has a planar structural panel 2810 and a planar lining sheet 2820 formed together. The first unit panel 200 and the planar unit panel 2800 are joined at a joint 2840 with the first rear flange 214 and a left end 2830 of the planar unit panel 2800. In addition, a fastener 2850 is used to further secure the joint 2840.

    [0151] FIG. 26 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another unit panel, i.e. a third unit panel 300. Similar to the first unit panel 200 or the second unit panel 250, the third unit panel 300 comprises a third structural panel 302, a third thermal insulation layer 306, and a third extension 308. The third extension 308 further comprises a third front flange 310 folded at a third front edge 312, a third rear flange 314 folded at a third rear edge 316, a third left flange 318 (not shown) folded at a third left edge 320 (not shown), and a third right flange 322 (not shown) folded at a third right edge 324 (not shown). However, the third unit panel 300 does not have a lining sheet similar to the first lining sheet 204 or the second lining sheet 254.

    [0152] In addition to the third unit panel 300, a fourth unit panel 350 is provided for being joined with the third unit panel 300. The fourth panel 350 is identical to the third unit panel 300 as described in FIG. 26. In other words, the fourth unit panel 300 comprises a fourth structural panel 352, a fourth thermal insulation layer 356, and a fourth extension 358. The fourth extension 358 further comprises a fourth front flange 360 folded at a fourth front edge 362, a fourth rear flange 364 folded at a fourth rear edge 366, a fourth left flange 368 folded at a fourth left edge 370, and a fourth right flange 372 folded at a fourth right edge 374.

    [0153] FIG. 27(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of two unit panels 300, 350 vertically joined for forming the side wall 106, 108, 110, 112 of the first sectional panel tank 100 in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. The third unit panel 300 and the fourth unit panel 350 are joined at a joint 390 between the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 by a metal welding method. The joint 390 comprises a seam 392 even if the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 are closely pressed against each other. The metal welding introduces a jointer 394 for joining the third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360. In contrast to known techniques, no gasket is needed for preventing any leakage from the joint 390. To further prolong the life time of the first sectional panel tank 100, a single and continuous lining 340, instead of the two lining sheets 204, 254 joined together, is used to cover an inner surface 326 of the third unit panel 300, the inner surface 376 of the fourth unit panel 350 and the joint 390 for preventing any leakage. Similarly, the unit panels 300, 350 are also horizontally joined together for forming the bottom 102 and/or the cover 104 of the first sectional panel tank 100. In addition, an adhesive 330 is applied to the third structural panel 302 and the fourth structural panel 352 before the lining 340 is applied for further fixing the lining in place.

    [0154] FIG. 27(b) illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a joint 390. The third rear flange 314 and the fourth front flange 360 are pressed against each other without a lining sheet or a known gasket in-between. The joint 390 comprises a seam 392 that is sealed by a jointer 394 by the solvent welding method. The lining 340 is then joined onto the joint 390 from the inner surfaces 326, 376 for further preventing any leakage from the joint 390.

    [0155] FIG. 28 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lining sheet 204, 254. The lining sheet 204, 254 comprises a first layer 296 attached on the inner surfaces 226, 276 of the unit panels 200, 250; and a second layer 298 attached on the first layer 296. In this way, the second layer 298 is in contact with the liquid 134 stored inside the first sectional panel tank 100. The first layer 296 and the second layer 298 has a first thickness 297 and a second thickness 299 of 200 micrometres and 1.8 millimetres respectively. The first layer 296 and the second layer 298 are both made of a same thermoplastic material such as PE, PP, PVDF, ECTFE for easy and reliable attachment. Therefore, the lining sheet 204, 254 has dual protections for liquid leakage since both the first layer 296 and the second layer 298 are water-proof. In particular, the first layer 296 has a blue colour; while the second layer 298 has a black colour. Any erosion or destruction of the second layer 298 will uncover the first layer 296 for an easy vision inspection. If the first colour is observed in the inner surfaces 226, 276 of the lining sheet 204, 254, the second layer 298 needs to be replaced or repaired since it is already eroded or destructed. Similarly, the unit panels 200, 250 are also horizontally joined together for forming the bottom 102 and/or the cover 104 of the first sectional panel tank 100.

    [0156] FIG. 29 illustrates a partially exploded view of a second sectional panel tank 500 with an external foundation 530. Similar to the first sectional panel tank 100, the second sectional panel comprises a bottom 502, a cover 504, a front wall 506, a rear wall 508 (not shown), a left wall 510 (not shown) and a right wall 512 that are built up by multiple unit panels 514. The second sectional panel 500 also comprises an access hole 516, a ladder 518, a drainage hole 520, a drainage tube 522, an inlet 524, an outlet 526 and the external foundation 530. A liquid 534 is stored inside the second sectional panel tank 500.

    [0157] Instead of the external framework 132, the sectional panel tank 500 comprises an internal framework 532. The internal framework 532 comprises one or more rods 536 that connect the inner sides of two opposite unit panels 514. The rod 536 further comprises one or more beams 538 configured to connect inner sides of the opposite side walls 506, 508, 510, 512; and one or more poles 540 configured to connect inner sides of the bottom 502 and the cover 504. Similar to the structural panel 202, 252, 302, 352, the rod 536 optionally comprises metals or metal alloys (such as stainless steel, copper, bronze, brass or galvanized steel), plastics (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), composites (such as fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) or glass reinforced plastics (GRP)). In addition, the rod 536 is completely encapsulated by a lining 542 for resisting corrosion of the liquid 534. Accordingly, the lining 542 is either preformed or applied later on-site. The beam 538 and the pole 540 are arranged vertically to and thus support the side walls 506, 508, 510, 512 and the cover 504 respectively.

    [0158] FIG. 30 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant 550 of the second sectional panel tank 500 in FIG. 29. The variant 550 has a similar structure with the second sectional panel tank 500 and thus features of the variant 550 herein are made references to the second sectional panel tank 500 illustrated in FIG. 29. In addition to the ladder 518, the variant 550 has a second ladder 552 inside the variant 550 for easily getting access into the bottom 502 of the variant 550 via the access hole 516. Furthermore, the variant 550 has a partition 554 for partitioning the variant 550 into two small tanks, i.e. a first tank 556 enclosed by the front wall 506, the rear wall 508, the left wall 510 and the partition 554; and a second tank 558 enclosed by the front wall 506, the rear wall 508, the right wall 510 and the partition 554.

    [0159] FIG. 31 illustrates a partially exploded view of the second sectional panel tank 500 without the external foundation 530. All features of the second sectional panel tank 500 are identical to those in FIG. 29, except that the bottom 502 is not needed. A compacted and flat soil plate 544 (not shown) is prepared from the ground; and then a piece of lining 542 is spread on the compacted and flat soil plate. The second sectional panel tank 500 is directly built on the lining 542 by erecting the side walls 506, 508, 510, 512 and the joining the cover 504 with the side walls 506, 508, 510, 512. This second sectional panel tank 500 in FIG. 31 is particularly used for oil storage and chemical waste treatment.

    [0160] FIG. 32 illustrates a partially exploded view of a variant 570 of the second sectional panel tank 550 in FIG. 30. The variant 570 has a similar structure with the second sectional panel tank 500 and thus features of the variant 570 herein are made references to the second sectional panel tank 500 illustrated in FIG. 31. In addition to the ladder 518, the variant 570 has a second ladder 572 inside the variant 570 for easily getting access into the lining 536 of the variant 570 via the access hole 516. Furthermore, the variant 570 has a partition 574 for partitioning the variant 570 into two small tanks, i.e. a first tank 576 enclosed by the front wall 506, the rear wall 508, the left wall 510 and the partition 574; and a second tank 578 enclosed by the front wall 506, the rear wall 508, the right wall 510 and the partition 574.

    [0161] FIG. 33 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third sectional panel tank 600. The third sectional panel tank 600 shares some features of the first sectional panel tank 100, basically comprising a bottom 602, a cover 604 (not shown), a front wall 606 (not shown), a rear wall 608 (not shown), a left wall 610 and a right wall 612 that are built up by multiple unit panels 614. However, the sectional panel tank 600 is not an independent device that stands by itself, the bottom 602 and the four side walls 606, 608, 610, 612 are surrounded and supported by a facility 636. As shown in FIG. 33, the facility 636 comprises a hole 638 dug in a ground 640 of the earth. Since the ground 640 provides mechanical support to the bottom 602 and four side walls 606, 608, 610, 612, the unit panels 614 are loaded with less pressure from a liquid 634 (not shown) stored in the third sectional panel tank 600. Therefore, the third sectional panel tank 600 does not need additional features such as the external foundations 130, 530, the external framework 132 or the internal framework 532 and embossments 230, 280. Therefore, the third sectional panel 600 is less costly to build and maintain.

    [0162] FIG. 34 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a variant 650 of the third sectional panel tank 600. The variant 650 is construed by the multiple first unit panels 200. In contrast to the third sectional panel tank 600, the first unit panel 200 is secured to the ground 640 through a bottom lining 652 via the fastener 654.

    [0163] FIG. 35 illustrates a partially exploded view of a fourth sectional panel tank 700. In contrast to the sectional panel tanks 100, 500, 600 having a cubic dimension, the fourth sectional panel tank 700 has a cylindrical dimension. The fourth sectional panel tank 700 comprises a bottom 702 (not shown), a cover 704 and a side wall 706 that are assembled by multiple curved unit panels 714 shown in FIGS. 15 to 20. The fourth sectional panel 700 also comprises an access hole 716, a ladder 718, a drainage hole 720, a drainage tube 722 (not shown), an inlet 724, an outlet 726 and an external foundation 730. A liquid 734 (not shown) is stored inside the fourth sectional panel tank 700.

    [0164] FIG. 36 illustrates a top view of the fourth sectional panel tank 700. It is clearly seen that the fourth sectional panel tank 700 is joined by multiple curved unit panels 714.

    [0165] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the curved unit panel 714. The curved unit panel 714 further comprises a structural panel 752 and a thermal insulation layer 756 and an extension 758. In contrast to the extensions 208, 258, 308, 358, the extension 758 comprises four margins at four peripheral edges of the curved unit panel 714 respectively, i.e. a front margin 760 (not shown) at a front edge 762, a rear margin 764 (not shown) at a rear edge 766, a left margin 768 at a left edge 770, and a right margin 772 at a right edge 774. In particular, the four margins 760, 764, 768, 772 are not folded at an angle (such as 90 degrees) to the edges 762, 768, 770, 774 respectively. The structural panel 752 thus extends between the four margins 760, 764, 768, 772.

    [0166] Two curved unit panels 714 are joined together. Similarly, more curved unit panels 714 are joined together for forming the fourth sectional panel tank 700. Alternatively, a single curved unit panel 714 can also join itself for forming a cylindrical component; and multiple cylindrical components are joined vertically together for forming the fourth sectional panel tank 700. FIG. 38 illustrates a cross-sectional view of two curved unit panels 714 joining together, i.e. a fifth unit panel 750 and a sixth unit panel 751. The right margin 772 of the fifth unit panel 750 and the left margin 768 of the sixth unit panel 752 are overlapped and joined together. A single and continuous lining 754 is then joined onto inner surfaces of the fifth unit panel 750 and the sixth unit panel 751.

    [0167] FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a partition tank 800 based on a sectional panel tank 801 described above, i.e. anyone of the sectional panel tanks 100, 500, 600, 700. The partition tank 800 is completely separated by a partition part 802 into a first sub-tank 804 and a second sub-tank 806. The first sub-tank 804 and the second sub-tank contain a first fluid 808 (not shown) and a second fluid 810 (not shown) respectively. In particular, the first fluid 808 and the second fluid 810 do not communicate through the partition part 802. The partition part 802 comprises a first side 812 and a second side 814 in contact with the first fluid 808 and the second fluid 810 respectively.

    [0168] The partition part 802 is firstly assembled from the second side 814 by joining the first unit panel 200 and the second unit panel 250 together at the joint 290 between the first lining sheet 204 and the second lining sheet 254. The first and second unit panels 200, 250 are then further joined at the joint 290 from the first side 812 of the partition part 800. The partition part 800 finally further comprises an additional lining sheet 816 covering the first side 812, particular the joint 290. Therefore, the joint 290 is protected from the first side 812 by the additional lining sheet 816 and from the second side 814 by the first and second lining sheets 204, 254. In other words, the partition part 802 is protected from the first fluid 808 by the pre-formed lining sheets 204, 254 at the first side 812; and from the second fluid 810 by the post-formed additional lining sheet 816 after the partition part 800 is assembled from the first side 812.

    [0169] FIG. 40 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another partition tank 850 using the third unit panels 300 and the fourth unit panel 350 described in FIG. 27. Similar to the partition part 800, a partition part 852 is assembled for completely separating the partition tank 850 into a first sub-tank 854 and a second sub-tank 856 for containing a first fluid 858 and a second fluid 860 respectively. In contrast to the partition part 802, the partition part 852 is assembled by joining the third unit panel 300 and the fourth unit panel 350 at the joint 390 from both a first side 862 and a second side 864 of the partition part 852. The partition part 852 further comprises a first additional lining sheet 866 and a second additional lining sheet 868 for covering the first side 862 and the second side 864 respectively. In particular, the joint 390 is protected by the first and second lining sheets 866, 868 from the first side 862 and the second side 864 respectively. In other words, the partition part 852 is protected from the first fluid 858 and the second fluid 860 by the post-formed first and second additional lining sheets 866, 868 respectively after the partition part 850 is assembled.

    [0170] FIG. 41 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a vacuum forming process S10 for producing a prefabricated unit panel 900, including but not limited to any unit panel describe above. An exemplary vacuum forming process S10 is shown process the prefabricated unit panel 900. A structural panel 910 is placed into a vacuum chamber 950 before the vacuum forming process S10, The vacuum forming process S10 has a first step S100 (shown in FIG. 41(a)) of aligning a lining sheet 920 over the structural panel 910; a second step S200 (shown in FIG. 41(b)) of heating the lining sheet 920 to be pliable for deformation; and a third step S300 (shown in FIG. 41(c)) of forming the lining sheet 920 to an inner surface 912 of the structural panel 910 for bonding the lining sheet 920 and the structural panel 910 by a negative pressure. The negative pressure may be generated by any known apparatus or method, such as a vacuum pump which pumps air from the vacuum chamber 950 to an outside environment. A driving plate 960 is placed inside the vacuum chamber 950 for fixing and moving the structural panel 910 upwardly towards the lining sheet 920. In particular, the driving plate 960 has a plurality of orifices 970 for air to go through the driving plate 960. As shown by straight arrows 980 in FIG. 41(b), hot air goes upwardly through the orifices 970 to reach the lining sheet 920 for heating the lining sheet 920 to a predetermined temperature. The hot air is spread evenly through the orifices 970 for heating the lining sheet 920 more homogeneously. As shown by the curved arrows 990 in FIG. 41(c), the air inside the vacuuming chamber 950 is extracted outside for forming the negative pressure required for the vacuuming forming process.

    [0171] In particular, the third step S300 further has a first procedure S310 of moving the structural panel 910 upwardly towards the lining sheet 920; a second procedure S320 of vacuum forming the lining sheet 920 to the structural panel 910 for transferring contours of the inner surface 912 of the structural panel 910 to the lining sheet 920; and a third procedure S330 of cooling the lining sheet 920 for crystalizing the contours to the lining sheet 920 and thus joining the structural panel 910 and the lining sheet 920 together.

    [0172] In the application, unless specified otherwise, the terms “comprising”, “comprise”, and grammatical variants thereof, intended to represent “open” or “inclusive” language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, non-explicitly recited elements.

    [0173] As used herein, the term “about”, in the context of concentrations of components of the formulations, typically means+/−5% of the stated value, more typically +/−4% of the stated value, more typically +/−3% of the stated value, more typically, +/−2% of the stated value, even more typically +/−1% of the stated value, and even more typically +/−0.5% of the stated value.

    [0174] Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments may be disclosed in a range format. The description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed ranges. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

    [0175] It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the application will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.

    REFERENCE NUMERALS

    [0176] 100 first sectional panel tank; [0177] 102 bottom; [0178] 104 cover; [0179] 106 front wall; [0180] 108 rear wall (not shown); [0181] 110 left wall (not shown); [0182] 112 right wall; [0183] 114 unit panel; [0184] 116 access hole; [0185] 118 ladder; [0186] 120 drainage hole; [0187] 122 drainage tube; [0188] 124 inlet; [0189] 126 outlet; [0190] 128 top end of the ladder; [0191] 130 external foundation; [0192] 132 external framework; [0193] 134 liquid (not shown); [0194] 136 lining; [0195] 138 edge of the sectional panel tank; [0196] 150 variant of the first sectional panel tank; [0197] 152 second ladder; [0198] 154 partition; [0199] 156 first tank; [0200] 158 second tank; [0201] 170 variant of the first sectional panel tank; [0202] 172 second ladder; [0203] 174 partition; [0204] 176 first tank; [0205] 178 second tank; [0206] 200 first unit panel; [0207] 202 first structural panel; [0208] 204 first lining sheet; [0209] 206 first thermal insulation layer; [0210] 208 first extension; [0211] 210 first front flange; [0212] 212 first front edge; [0213] 214 first rear flange; [0214] 216 first rear edge; [0215] 218 first left flange; [0216] 220 first left edge; [0217] 222 first right flange; [0218] 224 first right edge; [0219] 226 inner surface (of the first structural panel); [0220] 228 external surface (of the first structural panel); [0221] 230 first embossment; [0222] 235 fastener; [0223] 240 stud; [0224] 242 first side (of the first lining sheet); [0225] 244 second (side of the first lining sheet); [0226] 246 gap; [0227] 248 filler; [0228] 250 second unit panel; [0229] 252 second structural panel; [0230] 254 second lining sheet; [0231] 256 second thermal insulation layer; [0232] 258 second extension; [0233] 260 second front flange; [0234] 262 second front edge; [0235] 264 second rear flange; [0236] 266 second rear edge; [0237] 268 second left flange; [0238] 270 second left edge; [0239] 272 second right flange; [0240] 274 second right edge; [0241] 276 inner surface (of the second unit panel); [0242] 278 external surface (of the second unit panel); [0243] 280 second embossment; [0244] 290 joint; [0245] 292 seam; [0246] 294 jointer; [0247] 296 first layer (of the lining sheet); [0248] 297 first thickness; [0249] 298 second layer of the lining sheet; [0250] 299 second thickness; [0251] 2000 variant of the first unit panel; [0252] 2100 variant of the first unit panel; [0253] 2150 second variant of the first unit panel; [0254] 2200 variant of the first unit panel; [0255] 2300 variant of the first unit panel; [0256] 2400 modification to the variant 2100; [0257] 2500 modification to the variant 2200; [0258] 2600 modification to the first unit panel; [0259] 2610 adhesive layer; [0260] 2700 third unit panel; [0261] 2710 joint; [0262] 2730 fastener; [0263] 2800 planar unit panel; [0264] 2810 planar structural panel; [0265] 2820 planar lining sheet; [0266] 2830 left end; [0267] 2840 joint; [0268] 2850 fastener; [0269] 3000 curved unit panel; [0270] 3002 curved structural panel; [0271] 3004 curved lining sheet; [0272] 3006 curved thermal insulation layer; [0273] 3008 inner surface (of the curved structural panel); [0274] 3010 external surface (of the curved structural panel); [0275] 3012 front edge; [0276] 3014 rear edge; [0277] 3016 left edge; [0278] 3018 right edge; [0279] 3020 extension; [0280] 3022 front flange; [0281] 3024 rear flange; [0282] 3026 left flange; [0283] 3028 right flange; [0284] 3040 first curved unit panel; [0285] 3050 second curved unit panel; [0286] 3052 second structural panel; [0287] 3054 second lining sheet; [0288] 3056 second thermal insulation layer; [0289] 3058 second inner surface (of the second structural panel); [0290] 3060 second external surface (of the second structural pane [0291] 3062 second front edge; [0292] 3064 second rear edge; [0293] 3066 second left edge (not shown); [0294] 3068 second right edge (not shown); [0295] 3070 second extension; [0296] 3072 second front flange; [0297] 3074 second rear flange; [0298] 3076 second left flange (not shown); [0299] 3078 second right flange (not shown); [0300] 3090 joint; [0301] 3092 seam; [0302] 3094 jointer; [0303] 3096 fastener; [0304] 3100 first variant of the curved structural panel; [0305] 3150 second variant of the curved structural panel; [0306] 3200 first variant of the curved structural panel; [0307] 3250 second variant of the curved structural panel; [0308] 3300 first modification of the curved structural panel; [0309] 3310 first studs; [0310] 3320 first gap; [0311] 3330 first filler; [0312] 3340 first adhesive layer; [0313] 3350 second modification of the curved structural panel; [0314] 3360 second studs; [0315] 3370 second gap; [0316] 3380 second filler; [0317] 3390 second adhesive layer; [0318] 3400 first modification of the curved structural panel; [0319] 3450 second modification of the curved structural panel; [0320] 300 third unit panel; [0321] 302 third structural panel; [0322] 306 third thermal insulation layer; [0323] 308 third extension; [0324] 310 third front flange; [0325] 312 third front edge; [0326] 314 third rear flange; [0327] 316 third rear edge; [0328] 318 third left flange; [0329] 320 third left edge; [0330] 322 third right flange; [0331] 324 third right edge; [0332] 326 inner surface of the third unit panel; [0333] 330 adhesive; [0334] 340 lining; [0335] 350 fourth unit panel; [0336] 352 fourth structural panel; [0337] 354 fourth lining sheet; [0338] 356 fourth thermal insulation layer; [0339] 358 fourth extension; [0340] 360 fourth front flange; [0341] 362 fourth front edge; [0342] 364 fourth rear flange; [0343] 366 fourth rear edge; [0344] 368 fourth left flange; [0345] 370 fourth left edge; [0346] 372 fourth right flange; [0347] 374 fourth right edge; [0348] 376 inner surface of the fourth unit panel; [0349] 390 joint; [0350] 392 seam; [0351] 394 welding solder; [0352] 396 first layer of the lining; [0353] 398 second layer of the lining; [0354] 400 bent unit panel; [0355] 402 bent portion; [0356] 404 first portion; [0357] 406 second portion; [0358] 500 second sectional panel tank; [0359] 502 bottom; [0360] 504 cover; [0361] 506 front wall; [0362] 508 rear wall (not shown); [0363] 510 left wall (not shown); [0364] 512 right wall; [0365] 514 unit panel; [0366] 516 access hole; [0367] 518 ladder; [0368] 520 drainage hole; [0369] 522 drainage tube; [0370] 524 inlet; [0371] 526 outlet; [0372] 528 top end of the ladder; [0373] 530 external foundation; [0374] 532 internal framework; [0375] 534 liquid (not shown); [0376] 536 rod; [0377] 538 beam; [0378] 540 pole; [0379] 542 lining; [0380] 544 soil plate; [0381] 550 variant of the second sectional panel tank; [0382] 552 second ladder; [0383] 554 partition; [0384] 556 first thank; [0385] 558 second tank; [0386] 570 variant of the first sectional panel tank; [0387] 572 second ladder; [0388] 574 partition; [0389] 576 first tank; [0390] 578 second tank; [0391] 600 third sectional panel tank; [0392] 602 bottom; [0393] 604 cover; [0394] 606 front wall; [0395] 608 rear wall; [0396] 610 left wall; [0397] 612 right wall; [0398] 614 unit panel; [0399] 634 liquid; [0400] 636 facility; [0401] 638 hole; [0402] 640 ground; [0403] 650 variant of the third sectional panel tank; [0404] 652 bottom lining; [0405] 654 fastener; [0406] 700 fourth sectional panel tank; [0407] 702 bottom; [0408] 704 cover; [0409] 706 side wall; [0410] 714 curved unit panel; [0411] 716 access hole; [0412] 718 ladder; [0413] 720 drainage hole; [0414] 722 drainage tube; [0415] 724 inlet; [0416] 726 outlet; [0417] 728 top end of the ladder; [0418] 730 external foundation; [0419] 734 liquid; [0420] 750 fifth unit panel; [0421] 751 sixth unit panel; [0422] 752 structural panel; [0423] 754 lining; [0424] 756 thermal insulation layer; [0425] 758 extension; [0426] 760 front margin; [0427] 762 front edge; [0428] 764 rear margin; [0429] 766 rear edge; [0430] 768 left margin; [0431] 772 right margin; [0432] 774 right edge; [0433] 800 partition tank; [0434] 801 sectional panel tank; [0435] 802 partition part; [0436] 804 first sub-tank; [0437] 806 second sub-tank; [0438] 808 first fluid; [0439] 810 second fluid; [0440] 812 first side of the partition part; [0441] 814 second side of the partition part; [0442] 816 additional lining sheet; [0443] 850 partition tank; [0444] 852 partition part; [0445] 854 first sub-tank; [0446] 856 second sub-tank; [0447] 858 first fluid; [0448] 860 second fluid; [0449] 862 first side; [0450] 864 second side; [0451] 866 first additional lining sheet; [0452] 868 second additional lining sheet; [0453] 900 prefabricated unit panel; [0454] 910 structural panel; [0455] 912 inner surface of the prefabricated unit panel; [0456] 920 lining sheet; [0457] 950 vacuum chamber; [0458] 960 driving plate; [0459] 970 orifices; [0460] 980 straight arrow; [0461] 990 curved arrow; [0462] S10 vacuum forming process; [0463] S100 first step; [0464] S200 second step; [0465] S300 third step; [0466] S310 first procedure; [0467] S320 second procedure; [0468] S330 third procedure;