Bruce R. Sharp

Bio: Bruce R. Sharp is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Storage tank & Underground storage tank. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 60 publications receiving 1187 citations.

Split fittings and pipeline systems using same

Abstract: Split fittings for use in the installation of a flexible jacket over a rigid pipeline comprise a pair of housing halves which, when mated, form a housing enclosure, sealing means and clamping means capable of holding the flexible jacket to the housing enclosure. A method of retrofitting a rigid pipeline system with a flexible jacket uses the split fittings.

Total containment storage tank system

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline comprises a rigid inner tank having a manhead, a dispensing line extending through the manhead, a sleeve encompassing the manhead, and a jacket encasing the tank and at least part of the sleeve. A leak detector is associated with the closed space between the inner tank and jacket to detect leaks. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake and provides total containment capability.

External jacket system as secondary containment for storage tanks

Abstract: A storage tank system especially useful for storing liquid gasoline comprises a rigid inner tank encased by a flexible outer jacket with a leak detecting means associated with the closed space between the inner tank and jacket. The system results in a storage facility which is less likely to lose its stored liquid to the environment due to a slow leak or a sudden large leak such as is possible with an earthquake.

Containment assembly for fill pipe of underground storage tanks

Abstract: An assembly intended for use on underground storage tanks provides ready access to a fill pipe from ground level. At the same time the assembly serves as a spill containment means for accidental spillage and a secondary containment means for the fill pipe. The assembly of the invention comprises a secondary containment chamber having a sidewall with means for attaching to the storage tank. An anchor ring which is attached to an upper open end of the containment chamber acts as a permanent ground base for the assembly. A bridging surface cover within the anchor ring has a removable lid positioned in its interior portion to gain access to the chamber's interior for a filling operation. The assembly also comprises a fill pipe for delivering liquid to the storage tank. The fill pipe is positioned within the secondary containment chamber with a discharging end extending through the chamber's bottom and a receiving end terminating within the chamber but near the bridging surface cover. An open top spill compartment is positioned within the secondary containment chamber and at the receiving end of the fill pipe so as to encompass the fill pipe's receiving end for the purpose of catching any spilled liquid from the filling operation. The spill compartment also prevents any of the spilled liquid and vapors from entering the secondary containment chamber.

Storage tanks having formed rigid jacket for secondary containment

Abstract: A method of making a jacketed storage tank comprises applying a separating agent over the storage tank, applying a layer of fibrous reinforcing material on the separating agent, and thereafter applying a resinous material. The resultant jacket, covering at least about 40% of the surface area of the storage tank, is structurally independent therefrom. True secondary containment can be provided by the jacket. A fail safe containment storage tank system is provided by the use of a leak detector to monitor the closed space between the storage tank and jacket for tank or jacket leakage.

High performance, thin metal lined, composite overwrapped pressure vessel

Abstract: An innovative technology for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) has been developed which significantly increases cost effectiveness, increases reliability, and reduces weight over state-of-the-art COPVs. This technology combines an innovative thin liner made of a metal having a high modulus of elasticity and a high ductility, a high-performance composite overwrap and a high-performance film adhesive at the overwrap/liner interface. The metal liner can be fabricated from readily available titanium alloy sheet and plate using a combination of spin forming and machining to fabricate components and electron-beam welding for tank assembly. The composite overwrap is filament-wound onto an adhesive-covered titanium liner and the overwrap and adhesive are co-cured in an oven to yield an integrated tank structure.

Tank and method of fabrication

Abstract: In the construction of cylindrical tanks having end domes wherein the domes are attached by stir friction welding, a wagon wheel is placed inside the tank at the interface of the tank cylinder and the dome such that it provides backup support for the pressure exerted by the stir friction welding tool and strengthens the weld area and the tank by being welded into the tank by the stir friction welding process.

Compact fluid storage system

Abstract: A densification and storage system for fluids is provided by multitudes of closely spaced parallel planes of adsorptive material ( 88 ) that is contained within a substantially impervious barrier layer ( 2 ). In normal pressure-containing embodiments, reinforcement ( 4 ) is wrapped upon the impervious barrier layer ( 2 ) to increase the burst strength of the assembly that results. In higher pressure containing embodiments, material ( 88 ) provides reinforcement of barrier layer ( 2 ).

Integrally-reinforced braided tubular structure and method of producing the same

Abstract: A method of producing a generally tubular, reinforced structure (50) including an inner layer of braided material (16) having a predefined indentation configuration (12, 14), the method including the steps of providing a mandrel (10) having a shape and configuration of indentations (12, 14) of the inner layer (16), providing a plurality of support members (26) in the vicinity of at least some of the indentations on the mandrel (10), the support members (26) protruding a predetermined distance radially outwardly from the mandrel (10), depositing the inner layer over the mandrel and the support members, and removing the support members to a position in which the support members do not protrude the surface of the mandrel.

Pressure vessel with damage mitigating system

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) is disclosed for holding fluids and the like. The vessel includes an outer shell (18) fabricated of a composite material. A damage mitigating material (50) is integrated within the outer shell, with a major thickness (52) of the shell being disposed inside the damage mitigating material and a minor thickness (54) of the shell being disposed outside the damage mitigating material. The minor thickness of the shell and the damage mitigating material are physically alterable or deformable upon impact by a given exterior force which may be insufficient to affect the major thickness of the shell.