DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS OF AN ALL FRP HIGHWA Y CARGO TANK

摘要

As early as the 1950's Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic storage tanks were used to contain Hydrochloric acid with great success. Then in 1964, the first FRP cargo tank was manufactured to transport HC1. The first generation was based on the same design principals as steel lined cargo tanks. A self-supporting thin barrel reinforced with external stiffening rings. The running gear components were then welded on a steel subframe that was attached to the FRP barrel. Problems associated with the FRP external stiffening rings were detected as these first cargo tanks were used. In 1974, the stiffening method was changed and a second generation was introduced. This new material offered a better method to stiffen the barrel instead using external stiffening rings a lightweight material was added during construction substantially increasing the stiffness of the barrel. Using a sandwich construction offered other advantages such as increased thermal resistance, and dual containment. Since, the mid 60's in excess of 40 millions road miles have been logged on FRP cargo throughout: North America without any incident. To address the recent transportation trends we have combined high performance thermoplastic with the proven performance of the FRP cargo tank for transportation of high purity chemicals.