Cold Temperature Potable Water Tank System and Device

Abstract

Embodiments of a cold temperature potable water tank system and device employ a water tank subsystem and a freeze prevention subsystem providing freeze protection for potable water within a water tank of the water tank subsystem. The water tank subsystem is positionable on and securable to a trailer subsystem and/or a skid subsystem, which enables the water tank subsystem to be used on the ground and carried on any load rated transport.

Claims

1. A vessel, comprising: a water tank subsystem positionable on either a trailer chassis subsystem or a skid subsystem, wherein the water tank subsystem comprises a freeze prevention subsystem; and a fastener subsystem for securely connecting the trailer chassis subsystem or the skid subsystem to the water tank subsystem.

2. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the freeze prevention subsystem comprises a cold weather add-on kit comprising a freeze prevention control panel and a heating element.

3. The vessel of claim 2, wherein the freeze prevention control panel is communicably coupled with the heating element.

4. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the water tank subsystem comprises a tank and a sheet metal coating, and wherein the freeze prevention subsystem comprises thermal insulation between the tank and sheet metal coating.

5. The vessel of claim 4, wherein the thermal insulation comprises sheets of self-adhesive, closed cell, ultra-low permeability foam.

6. The vessel of claim 4, wherein the thermal insulation is mounted on hollow steel rails.

7. The vessel of claim 6, wherein the steel rails comprise forklift pockets.

8. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the water tank subsystem further comprises a sheet metal coating.

9. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the fastener subsystem comprises a tank mount pad, a vessel mount and a frame mount pad.

10. The vessel of claim 9, wherein the vessel mount comprises one or more thermoplastic elements.

11. The vessel of claim 10, wherein the freeze prevention subsystem comprises insulation positioned in an insulation space and wherein the one or more thermoplastic elements extend into the insulation space.

12. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the water tank subsystem comprises an internal lateral baffle comprising an opening, and wherein an internal heating element is positionable through the opening in the baffle.

13. The vessel of claim 12, wherein the water tank subsystem comprises a tank and wherein the baffle is secured to an interior wall of the tank via a plurality of pipe elbows.

14. The vessel of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of pipe elbows are secured at a first end to the baffle and at a second end to the interior wall of the tank so as to provide a gap around a perimeter of the baffle.

15. The vessel of claim 1, wherein the water tank subsystem comprises a top hatch and a vent.

16. A freeze prevention subsystem for a potable water transport vessel, comprising: a cold weather add-on kit comprising a freeze prevention control panel and a heating element; and thermal insulation.

17. The freeze prevention subsystem of claim 12, wherein the thermal insulation comprises sheets of self-adhesive, closed cell, ultra-low permeability foam.

18. The freeze prevention subsystem of claim 12, wherein the heating element is insertable into a potable water transport vessel for heating water in the potable water transport vessel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of a water tank system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of a water tank system subsystem in accordance with FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water tank subsystem mounted on a joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) trailer in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a water tank subsystem mounted on a skid.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a fastener subsystem or interface between the trailer chassis subsystem and water tank subsystem in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 6 and 7 are side and rear views, respectively, illustrating rotary wing air transportability of an apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing improved angle of stability on a side slope for an apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating water tank subsystem components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is an illustration showing an internal baffle design for a water tank subsystem in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of water tank subsystem components in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the tank is cutaway to reveal internal components.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of water tank subsystem components including an installed heating system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the tank is cutaway to reveal internal components.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a water tank subsystem and a trailer chassis subsystem in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an exemplary water tank subsystem with a skid subsystem and attached to a tractor truck trailer in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating lifting of a water tank subsystem in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The presently disclosed subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are shown. The presently disclosed subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope.

[0026] It will be appreciated that reference to a, an or other indefinite article in the present disclosure encompasses one or a plurality of the described element. Thus, for example, reference to a vent may encompass one or more vents, reference to a baffle may encompass one or more baffles and so forth.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 15, a vessel 10 is shown with a water tank subsystem 15 having a top hatch 20 and a vent 22. The water tank subsystem 15 is positionable on a trailer chassis subsystem 30 and/or a skid subsystem 40 for transport. The water tank subsystem 15 facilitates effective transportation and management of volumes of potable water. The management of potable water involves the selection of proper materials that will be in contact with potable water and compliant construction methods. The water tank subsystem 15 components in FIGS. 10 through 13 show embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure. As shown therein, a longitudinal tapered oval shaped tank 17 is wrapped in thermal insulation 19 and mounted on rails 12 that are the main structural supports for the tank 17 and in some embodiments can function as forklift pockets permitting the tank to be lifted and moved. In various embodiments, the rails 12 are hollow and formed of steel, with a frame corner 13 secured to each rail 12 to support a fastener subsystem 50. It will be appreciated that the fastener subsystem 50 can be secured directly to one or more rails 12 without requiring a frame corner 13. Ancillary equipment and features can be integrated with and/or secured to one or more of the rails 12. In various embodiments, the tank 17 is wrapped in thermal insulation 19 with a sheet metal coating 11 on the outside for durability. FIGS. 1 through 5 and 9 through 13 further show the vent 22, the manway or hatch 20, a heating element 70, a temperature gauge 72, a water volume (i.e., liquid level) gauge 74, a heater control box 75 and a water access protection enclosure 76. Within the water access protection enclosure 76, fill/drain ports 77 and spigots 78 are accessible and secured to the tank 17.

[0028] To minimize in-tank welding and polishing, to provide drainage at any angle and to improve cleaning access (to maintain potable water standards), a lateral baffle 80 as shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, for example, can be held in place and spaced out from the wall. In one embodiment, equally spaced pins (not shown) are employed to hold the baffle 80 in place. In various embodiments as shown in FIGS. 12 through 14, for example, instead of pins supporting the baffle, pipe elbows 82 are employed, wherein one end 83 of the pipe elbows 82 attaches to the inside wall of the tank 17 and the other end 84 of the pipe elbow 82 attaches to the baffle 80. The pins and the pipe elbows 82 facilitate minimization of the welding in the tank 17 and provide a gap around the perimeter of the baffle to provide draining of the tank 17 at any angle and ease of cleaning. Fill/drain ports can be located at the front on either side of the trailer. The baffle 80 can be formed with an opening 85 through which the heating element 70 can be inserted and maintained for heating the water supply held in the water tank 17.

[0029] Regarding dispensing, fill and drainage, spigots 78 can be located at the front on either side of the trailer. In various embodiments, four spigots are provided, with each protected from splashing of non-potable water by sealed dispensing enclosures. The dispensing pipework, valves and spigots can be sized to ensure the capability of simultaneously dispensing water by gravity to canteens, personal hydration devices, and various sizes of water vessels at a minimum flow rate of two (2.0) gallons per minute (gal/min) each, with a water payload above one-quarter () tank, for example. In various embodiments, water is prevented from spilling on grade and side slope by a self-draining baffled vent with a pressure and vacuum valve on the outlet.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 5, for example, the fastener subsystem 50 facilitates secure, cushioned and stable connection of the water tank subsystem 15 and the trailer subsystem 30 and/or skid 40. The fastener subsystem can include a vessel/tank mount pad 60, a mount 62 which can include a thermoplastic element in various embodiments and a frame mount pad 64. With the thermoplastic element in the mount 62, the water tank subsystem 15 and the trailer subsystem 30 and/or skid 40 are allowed to slightly flex and move relative to each other. The result is a more durable arrangement, with less susceptibility to weld and material fatigue. In addition, according to various embodiments, the thermoplastic element can extend into the insulation space (illustrated where insulation 19 is shown) significantly reducing the rate of heat loss from the water tank 17.

[0031] According to various embodiments as shown in FIG. 13 and as described herein, the water tank subsystem 15 can employ a freeze prevention subsystem 90. The freeze prevention subsystem 90 can include a cold weather add-on kit 92, which may have a freeze prevention control panel 94 and a heating element 70, which is also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The freeze prevention control panel 94 can be accessible by opening the heater control box 75 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 9 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The freeze prevention control panel is communicably coupled with the heating element via wiring for controlling the settings and operation of the heating element 70. In various embodiments, the freeze prevention subsystem 90 includes a generator or generator set 95 to provide power for heating. In various embodiments, the thermal insulation 19 on the tank 17 and/or thermal insulation on the rails 12 is part of the freeze prevention subsystem 90. The thermal insulation can be or include sheets of self-adhesive, closed cell, ultra-low permeability foam, for example.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure facility system and device mobility and operation down to temperatures of twenty degrees) (20) F. and below. In various embodiments, the freeze prevention subsystem 90 is permanently installed as part of the vessel, and the freeze prevention subsystem 90 enables embodiments of the present disclosure to remain operational and prevent its water payload from freezing while being transported, without the aid of external power other than from its prime mover or the trailer down to twenty degrees) (20) F. or below for a period of up to eight hours, for example. With the cold weather add-on kit 92 installed as described herein, the system and device can operate effectively down to minus fifty degrees) (50 F. Exemplary system diagrams are shown in FIGS. 9 and 13.

[0033] Embodiments of the freeze prevention subsystem 90 according to the present disclosure maximize the benefit of the limited heating power available from any tow vehicle employed to tow the vessel by optimizing the insulation design. The available power from the tow vehicle can be applied to a water heater and pipe trace heating separately. This allows all available power to be used for the water heater until dispensing operations require the piping to be warmed up with separately controlled trace heating. In various embodiments, the dispensing pipework on the side which includes the spigots 78 and drain/fill port 77 can be provided with trace heating applied under the insulation layer to enable their use in cold conditions. A control panel mounted on the near side enables the user to see the status of the freeze prevention subsystem 90 and control the tank heating and piping trace heating.

[0034] In various embodiments, the water heater heats the water via an insulated resistive element encased in a corrosion-resistant 316 or 304 stainless steel tube mounted below the one-quarter () full level, which can be safely operated at any water level. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the heating system components in contact with potable water can be made from 316 or 304 stainless steel with a surface finish of 2B or better with internal welds ground smooth. These features assist in the maintenance of potable water.

[0035] In various embodiments, permanently installed insulation is employed to eliminate heat loss at joints and tank protrusions that would exist for blanket style insulation. For example, and as described elsewhere herein, the tank can be wrapped in sheets of self-adhesive, closed cell, ultra-low permeability foam insulation extending around and over the tank protuberances (hatch, drains, pipes). Seams in the insulation are bonded together and sealed using compatible rubber tape. In various embodiments, the hatch is enclosed in an insulated cabinet which also provides protection for the manway opening from foreign matter. Embodiments of the tank mounts 60, 64 utilize a sandwich construction with the metal rib on the tank separated from the pallet mount by a composite material. The right-hand dispensing pipe work can be enclosed in the same closed cell, ultra-low permeability foam insulation as the tank.

[0036] In various embodiments, the heating system is a 28 VDC heating system installed on the front of the tank with controls on one side. The heating system can draw power from a tow vehicle, when employed. In various embodiments, the heating element and control system can be replaced by a 120V/240V AC/28 VDC system which has sufficient heating power to enable the module to prevent freezing below twenty degrees) (20) F. when used with a tactical quiet generator set such as generator set 95 in FIG. 13.

[0037] In various embodiments, the system will only require power from a tow vehicle NATO 4074 intervehicle connector 96 to provide freeze prevention for temperatures down to twenty degrees) (20) F. This can be connected to the control panel via a standard NATO 4074 intervehicle cable stored on the module, for example.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the controls can be mounted in a NEMA 250 Type 4 enclosure and protected against severe environmental conditions. The control panel can be situated on the near side and can be accessed from ground level. All controls and indicators can be permanently labeled with their function. In various embodiments, the control panel features an on/off switch for the heating system, an emergency override heat switch for controller faults and an on/off switch for the trace heating of the pipework. The on/off switch for the heating system ensures there is no need to disconnect from the power source.

[0039] In various embodiments, an emergency override heat switch provides power directly to the heaters to prevent freezing if the controller has a fault. Also, the control panel can provide blackout compliant (dimmable to zero lumen emission) operator feedback of, for example, (a) power connected to NATO 4074 intervehicle socket, (b) heater system on/off (system operating), (c) trace heater system on/off, (d) system at or above set temperature (45 F.), (e) fault with controller and (f) pipework above thirty-eight degrees) (38 F.

[0040] The system and vessel as disclosed herein is capable of being transported by highway, rail, marine, and air modes worldwide without disassembly (full or empty). It can be equipped with both tie down and lifting provisions and is also helicopter sling loadable. See, for example, FIGS. 6 and 7, which show vessel 10 being lifted by sling 99. As an example, the presently disclosed system and device can be transported via C130 or larger cargo aircraft in both empty and full payload conditions. Embodiments of the presently disclosed system and device can further be externally transported via CH47 Chinook threshold (23,396 lbs), and Blackhawk UH-60L (9,000 lbs) aircraft at 2,000 ft and seventy degrees) (70 F., in both empty and full payload conditions, via helicopter sling lift, for example. Lift provisions are designed to accept the minimum sling lift length of twelve feet and longer.

[0041] Embodiments of the system and apparatus, when attached to a suitable trailer subsystem as disclosed herein are designed to be towed behind various prime movers, including FMTV, MTV, and JLTV vehicles, and are capable of meeting additional separate mobility requirements of the JLTV including the 24 step climb and V-ditch crossing. The system and device as disclosed herein are further capable of being transported by commercial ships and all types of military watercraft, regardless of payload.

[0042] Embodiments of the system and apparatus as disclosed herein are designed with tie down and lift provisions, including four tie down points and four separate lift points on the trailer, as well as four service lift points on the water tank subsystem 15. All lift points are designed with the various center of gravity locations taken into account to ensure proper stability during lift operations.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure offer a level of mobility and stability that meets or exceeds all requirements established for prime movers and does not degrade the prime movers' mission profile when towed over relatively level, smooth, improved, and prepared hard-surfaced roads and gravel roads at prime mover speeds. FIG. 8 shows vessel operating safely at terrain slope angle A. Table 1 shows prime mover speed and slope specifications of embodiments of the present disclosure and Table 2 shows mobility parameters in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Longitudinal Slope Primary Secondary Cross- Prime Mission Side Roads Roads Trails Country Mover Profile Slope 0-30 MPH 0-30 MPH 0-25 MPH 0-15 MPH M1083A1P2 Standard 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% 5.0 ton Cargo M1083A2 Standard 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% 5.0 ton Cargo M1078A1P2 Standard 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% 2.5 ton Cargo M1078A2 Standard 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% 2.5 ton Cargo JLTV Heavy Gun 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% M1278 Carrier JLTV Utility 20% 0-10% 0-15% 0-40% 0-60% M1279

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Terrain Type High Rough Quality Pavement Prime Paved Secondary Highly Loose Washboard Belgian Cross Mover Road Pavement Degraded Surface & Potholes Block Trails Country LMTV 50-55 45 25 25 20 5 20 15 MPH 2-6% grade MTV 50-55 45 25 25 20 5 20 15 MPH 2-6% grade JLTV 50-55 45 25 25 20 5 20 15 MPH 2-6% grade

[0044] Prime movers' mobility and stability, when coupled to the device and system of the present disclosure, is maintained throughout their mission profiles regardless of water level.

[0045] The ability of embodiments of the present disclosure to move the water tank over moderate distances on unimproved surfaces is critical to achieving the mission of distributing and storing potable water regardless of the range of operations.

[0046] Normal on-road stability is achieved with a stability angle of 64 or less without longitudinal baffles. Embodiments of the present system and device achieve a stability angle of 53, providing a significant margin over this standard. Longitudinal baffles present issues with fatigue as the vessel becomes over constrained. A rectangular tank requires longitudinal baffles whereas an oval tank reduces the liquid volume that can shift to the side. The water tank provides a minimum 500-gallon capacity. A baffled vent with a pressure and vacuum valve can be located at the top of the tank in accordance with various embodiments. This valve reduces evaporative loss while allowing automatic operation of the spigots 78 and drain/fill port 77. Dust and sand are trapped in an external filter which is enclosed for UV and mechanical protection. The combination of a self-draining baffle in the water flow path and the baffled check valve keeps the water inside the tank from empty to maximum payload across the specified range of grade and side slopes.

[0047] Embodiments of the water tank subsystem can be lifted off the trailer subsystem using capable forklifts or cranes for maintenance actions only, with the water tank drained of its water payload. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the water tank subsystem 15 is lifted by sling 99 for drainage purposes. The BII can be stored in a lockable compartment under the water tank, accessed from the rear. Dedicated storage provision can be provided on the front of the module for items such as chlorine compound or liquid bleach, for example.

[0048] The insulation material can be Thermobreak material, for example, with a Flame Spread Index less than twenty-five. The tank can be insulated from the supporting structure using a fire-rated phenolic resin sheet, for example.

[0049] It will be appreciated that the length of time that embodiments of the system according to the present disclosure can be operated without freezing is dependent upon the initial water volume, initial water temperature and the rate of heat loss. The heat loss can be minimized as discussed previously and calculations show that when one quarter () full (e.g., 125 gallons) with an ambient temperature of twenty degrees) (20) F. and an internal temperature of ten degrees) (10 F., the rate of heat loss is 0.212 F. per hour. Given the low power available from the NATO Intervehicle system 96 under this specification, the rate of temperature increase with the heater connected under these conditions is 1.161 F. per hour. This means that when one quarter () full, for every hour connected to the heater, embodiments of the device as disclosed herein will last an additional 5.4 hours after disconnecting the power before freezing starts. To avoid excessive power drain on the tow vehicle and prevent the system from operating when not required by ambient conditions, the heater control can be set to turn off at forty-five degrees) (45 F. At this temperature, the system will last more than four days. Exemplary performance metrics are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Units Imperial Metric Power Source from NATO Intervehicle Connector Power Draw 1433 BTU/hr 420 W Rate of Heat Loss 222 BTU/hr 65 W Rate of Cooling (no heating 0.212 F./hr 0.118 C./hr applied) Rate of Heating 1.157 F./hr 0.643 C./hr Minimum Ambient Operating 20 F. 6.7 C. Temperature Water Heater Set-Point 45 F. 7.2 C. Temperature

[0050] For temperatures below twenty degrees) (20) F. and down to minus fifty degrees) (50 F., the cold weather add-on kit 90 in accordance with the present disclosure can be employed. This kit can include an upgraded control box and heater tube that has both 28 VDC and 2000W single phase AC heating elements. The AC heating elements can be driven from a separately supplied MEP-831A 3-KW generator set 95 or prime power grids, for example. Full functionality down to twenty degress) (20) F. using only the tow vehicle NATO intervehicle connector 96 can be maintained when the cold weather add-on kit 90 is installed. In various embodiments, the cold weather add-on kit 90 requires that the water tank is first drained of water and then can be installed by a single person using standard workshop tools.

[0051] Due to lower ambient temperatures, the rate of heat loss will be higher. To enable the presently disclosed system to last at least twenty-four hours before freezing without power connected, the temperature set point can be raised on the cold weather add-on kit 90 to fifty degrees) (50 F. The additional power available from the generator 95 or prime power grids ensures that the heating times will still be less than those without the cold weather add-on kit 90. The control panel can have all the 28 VDC controls detailed previously and will also include the controls for the AC heating elements. In various embodiments, the control panel features one or more controls such as, for example, an on/off switch for the 28V heating system; an on/off switch for the 240 VAC heating system; an emergency override heat switch for controller faults in the 28V heating system; an emergency override heat switch for controller faults in the 240 VAC heating system; and an on/off switch for the trace heating of the pipe work. The on/off switches ensure there is no need to disconnect from the power source.

[0052] In various embodiments, the control panel provides blackout compliant operator feedback of, for example, power connected to the NATO intervehicle socket 96; heater system on/off; trace heater system on/off; system at or above set temperature (e.g., 45 F.); fault with 28V controller; fault with 240 VAC controller; pipework above 38 F. Exemplary performance metrics are shown in the Table 4 below.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Units Imperial Metric Power Source Tactical Quiet Generator or Prime Power Grids Power Draw 6,824 BTU/hr 2000 W Rate of Heat Loss 891 BTU/hr 261 W Rate of Cooling (no heating 0851 F./hr 0.473 C./hr applied) Rate of Heating 5.67 F./hr 3.15 C./hr Minimum Ambient Operating 50 F. 45.6 C. Temperature Water Heater Set-Point 50 F. 10 C. Temperature

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of this disclosure are therefore intended to be embraced therein.