Molded polymeric fluid storage tank, and associated fabrication methods

摘要

The body structure of a fluid storage apparatus, which may be used for both liquids and gases, is formed from a coaxially and sealingly joined series of one-piece molded polymeric body sections including opposite end sections having closed outer ends. Each one piece molded polymeric body section has tubular inner and outer shell portions that are coaxial with one another and radially separated by a circumferentially spaced series of radially extending ribs molded integrally therewith and defining therebetween a circumferentially extending series of arcuate insulation spaces. In the assembled body structure the inner shell portions entirely define in the apparatus an internal fluid storage vessel portion that is useful in storing both liquids and gases. The interior fluid storage vessel is outwardly enveloped by the insulation spaces and structurally reinforced, via the integral ribs, by the outer shell sections. The apparatus is representatively a water heater storage tank with suitable inlet and outlet piping operatively communicated with the interior of the vessel, and water disposed in the internal storage vessel portion thereof may be selectively heated by one or more electric resistance type heating elements operatively mounted on the water heater body structure.