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attaches a flexible skirt to the bottom of the tank. Large
diesel-powered air compressors pump air under the tank, lifting
the tank off the ground as much as 18 inches. Finally, tractors
pull the tank to its new location. Disconnection from the gauges
and piping, ground preparation, air lift relocation, and
reconnection to the gauges and piping system all can be performed
in 1 to 2 weeks.
Although the hovercraft is an effective method for
relocating tanks intact, the technology has some limitations.
Unless the tank rests on a dry, level foundation, and grade
changes do not exceed 2 to 3 percent, the flexible skirt will
fold under. Additionally, because three machines hold the tank,
the tank shell may be pulled a little out of shape.
2. The Watson Air Bag Technology
Similar to the hovercraft technology, the Watson Air Bag
technology relocates tanks intact. The tank lifting equipment is
portable and can be carried to the tank site by one worker. In
order to keep a tank in service as long as possible, before
lifting and moving the tank from its old site, the new foundation
is built at the tank’s new site.
Briefly, the Watson Air Bag technology relocation procedure
involves (1) inflating air bags placed under the tank until the
tank reaches the desired elevation; (2) connecting the tank to
the preferred method of relocation, such as railway track and
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