Leak-resistant fiberglass tank and method of making the same

Abstract

A tank for use in storing volatile liquids and, in particular, petroleum distillates, such as gasoline in an underground environment, includes a fiberglass outer wall lined with a corrosion-resistant impervious film liner that substantially covers the entire interior surface of the fiberglass tank. In a preferred method of constructing the tank, a lay-up mandrel has an end cap of the film placed over a first end thereof and pressed to fit closely the exterior surface topography of the mandrel. A strip of film is laid down on the mandrel overlying at least a portion of the end cap and the film strip is wound in a helical fashion such that at least portions of adjacent coils of the helix overlap one another until the mandrel is essentially completely covered by the film. The polyester resin and glass fibers are then laid down over the film and cured in place. The mandrel is then removed, leaving a film-lined fiberglass tank. In a preferred embodiment, the film is comprised of polyvinylfluoride or polyester terephthalate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.