Related Application

The present application is related to Singaporean Patent Application No. 10201801647X in the name of Orica International Pte. Ltd. entitled "Tank, and aspects of a vehicle equipped therewith" filed on 28 February 2018, the originally filed specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for containment and delivery of an explosives material, including a structural design for a tank, which in various embodiments is a tank suitable for containment, transport, and delivery of explosives materials such as tertiary high explosives materials, for instance, ammonium nitrate prill (AN) and/or ammonium nitrate emulsion (ANE). The tank can be part of an explosives materials transport platform or vehicle, such as a Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU).

Background

In commercial blasting operations, a mechanized platform such as a Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU), sometimes referred to as a mobile processing unit, is used to transport explosives materials to the place where the explosives materials are to be used. The MMU typically takes the form of a truck having a (storage) tank for containment of the explosives material. From a safety perspective, the tank must satisfy various regulations. For example, as a minimum the tank will be required to meet structural requirements as per standard AS2809.4. Typically, the tank is an elongate vessel that includes longitudinal stiffening members and possibly horizontal or lateral stiffening members within the interior of the vessel to provide structural rigidity. This can add to the overall weight of the vessel, reduce its maximum storage volume and complicate cleaning of the interior of the vessel. It has also been found that the stiffening members can give rise to localised stress points, for example where the members are joined to interior walls of the tank. It would be desirable to provide an alternative tank design that mitigates these issues or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

Described herein is an apparatus comprising: a tank for containment and delivery of an explosives material, the tank comprising an elongate hollow body extending about a longitudinal axis, the body having a transverse cross-sectional profile having a plurality of distinct curved regions that provide enhanced structural rigidity to the tank so a plurality of interior surfaces of the tank that in use will contact explosives material are free from discontinuities.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the plurality of curved regions provides a plurality of osculating curves, optionally circles.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the plurality of curved regions includes:

(a) a lower region that provides a first curve;

(b) an intermediate region that provides a second curve that is distinct from the first curve; and

(c) an upper region above the intermediate region that provides a third curve that is distinct from the second curve.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the first curve, the second curve, and/or the third curve include(s) a conic section, optionally including one or more of a parabola, an ellipse, a circle, or a hyperbola, a catenary, a sinusoid, a bean curve, a lemniscate, a cycloid, and an epicycloid.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein curvature inflection zones or points exist between: (i) the lower region of the tank and the intermediate region of the tank, corresponding to a transition from the first curve to the second curve; and (ii) the intermediate region of the tank and the upper region of the tank, corresponding to a transition from the second curve to the third curve. Also described herein is the apparatus wherein a center point of the first curve and a center point of the third curve are each located internal to the tank, and a center point of the second curve is located external to the tank.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein curvature of the first curve is smaller than curvature of each of the second and third curve; and curvature of the third curve is smaller than the curvature of the second curve. Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the intermediate region includes inwardly projecting contours in left and right sidewalls of the tank, wherein the inwardly projecting contours provide an inwardly directed waist in the transverse cross-sectional profile between the lower region and the upper region. Also described herein is the apparatus including:

(a) a lower region in which the wall contours progressively curve outwardly from an interior of the tank up left and right sidewalls of the tank to provide a transverse hip profile;

(b) an intermediate region in which the wall contours progressively curve inwardly to then outwardly from the interior up the left and right sidewalls to provide a transverse waist profile narrower than the transverse hip profile; and

(c) an upper region in which the wall contours progressively curve outwardly from the interior up left and right sidewalls of the tank to provide a transverse shoulder profile wider than the transverse waist profile.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the tank includes a narrowed waist across the transverse cross-section along the majority of the tank’s length.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein a maximum extent of inward narrowing of the narrowed waist is 25 - 150 mm. Also described herein is the apparatus wherein a left side of the tank and a right side of the tank are counterparts to each other.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the tank includes a plurality of internal compartments along the tank’s length.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein the tank includes a plurality of wall panels that divide the tank into the plurality of compartments, wherein one or more of the plurality of wall panels optionally exhibit a curvature profile, wherein the curvature profile optionally corresponds to a sphere.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein one or more of the plurality of wall panels each include a vertically disposed recess formed up a center of each wall panel.

Also described herein is the apparatus including a lower region with a floor portion having at least one upper section and at least one lower section that decline at different angles with respect to horizontal.

Also described herein is the apparatus wherein a wall thickness of a lower region of the tank is greater than a wall thickness of an intermediate region of the tank, and/or a wall thickness of an upper region of the tank.

Also described herein is the apparatus comprising a transport platform for transporting the explosives materials and ancillary equipment, wherein the ancillary equipment optionally includes delivery mechanisms, including one or more augers and/or pumps for delivery of the explosives materials.

Also described herein is the apparatus comprising a vehicle with the tank and tyres rated for at least 4000 kg per tyre at a cold inflation pressure of 825 kPa at or up to a speed of 80 kph. Brief description of the drawings

Particular representative embodiments of the invention are hereinafter described with reference to the non-limiting drawings identified below. FIGs. 1A - 1B are photographs of rear portions of a Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU) comprising or providing a tank in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective illustration showing exterior and interior portions of a tank in accordance with an embodiment, such as the tank of the MMU shown in FIGs. 1 A - 1B.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a side view of a tank in accordance with an embodiment, such as the tank of the MMU shown in FIGs. 1A - 1B and FIG. 2A, including the definition of a horizontal section A - A’. FIG. 2C is a schematic illustration of the horizontal cross-sectional view of the tank of FIG. 2B along horizontal section A - A’ .

FIG. 2D is a top schematic illustration showing particular portions of the tank of FIG. 2B, including the definition of a longitudinal section B - B’.

FIG. 2E is a side schematic illustration of the tank of FIG. 2B along section B - B’.

FIG. 2F is a perspective illustration showing particular internal portions of the tank of FIG. 2B, including a first / forward interior wall, a second / rearward interior wall, a first through third internal tank barriers, and curvature profiles thereof.

FIG. 3 is another horizontal cross-sectional view of a tank in accordance with an embodiment, such as the tank of FIGs. 1 A - 1B and FIGs. 2A - 2F. FIG. 4 is a photograph showing special-purpose tyres on an MMU having a tank in accordance with an embodiment, where such tyres enable the MMU to satisfy Australian Design Rules (ADR) Rule 42 when fully loaded such that the MMU when fully loaded can remain legal for use on public roadways.

Detailed discussion

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification, depiction of a given element or consideration or use of a particular element number in a particular FIG. or a reference thereto in corresponding descriptive material can encompass the same, an equivalent, or an analogous element or element number identified in another FIG. or descriptive material associated therewith. The use of in a FIG. or associated text is understood to mean“and/or” unless otherwise indicated. The use of the term“approximately” or the recitation of a particular numerical value or value range herein are understood to include or be a recitation of an approximate numerical value or value range (e.g., to within +/- 20%, +/- 15%, +/- 10%, +/- 5%, +/- 2.5%, +/- 1%, or +/- 0%).

As used herein, the term “set” corresponds to or is defined as a non-empty finite organization of elements that mathematically exhibits a cardinality of at least 1 (i.e., a set as defined herein can correspond to a unit, singlet, or single element set, or a multiple element set), in accordance with known mathematical definitions (for instance, in a manner corresponding to that described in An Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning: Numbers, Sets, and Functions,“Chapter 11 : Properties of Finite Sets” (e.g., as indicated on p. 140), by Peter J. Eccles, Cambridge University Press (1998)). In general, an element of a set can include or be a system, an apparatus, a device, a structure, an object, a process, a physical parameter, or a value depending upon the type of set under consideration. Thus, a set of elements can be interpreted or defined as including one or more elements, or at least one element.

In an embodiment there is provided a tank for containment and delivery of one or more explosives materials, the tank comprising an elongate hollow body extending about a longitudinal axis, the body having a transverse or horizontal cross-sectional profile (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) having multiple distinct or distinguishable curved sections or segments, and which comprises wall contours that provide enhanced structural rigidity to the tank, and wherein multiple, essentially all, or all interior surfaces of the tank that in use will contact explosives material are free from discontinuities (e.g., abrupt edges, comers, borders, or boundaries).

The tank will typically form part of a mobile manufacturing unit (MMU) equipped with ancillary equipment for the manufacture and/or delivery of one or more types of explosives material(s), for instance, tertiary high explosives materials such as ammonium nitrate (AN) prill, ammonium nitrate emulsion (ANE), and/or another tertiary high explosives material or composition used in commercial blasting operations. Such ancillary equipment will be understood by one skilled in the art. The ancillary equipment may include delivery mechanisms such as augers 90a-b for metered delivery of dry flowable explosives materials such as AN prill, and/or one or more pumps for metered delivery of fluid or wet flowable explosives materials such as ANE. In some embodiments, both types of delivery mechanisms may be provided so that the tank may be used for a variety of different grades and/or types of explosives materials. In an embodiment there is provided an MMU comprising or carrying a tank in accordance with the invention. The MMU and tank will also include various safety features as set out in applicable standards and regulations.

In an embodiment, the tank provides a significantly increased explosives materials carrying capacity (e.g., a carrying capacity increase of at least 10 - 25%) compared to prior or conventional tanks used for carrying explosives materials, to the extent that an MMU equipped with a tank in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may require special-purpose tyres such that the MMU remains legal for use on public roads or roadways. For instance, an MMU having a fully-loaded tank in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may include special-purpose tyres that enable the MMU to satisfy motor vehicle safety standards in one or more countries, such as Australian Design Rules (ADR) Rule 42, e.g., as at 28 February 2018, or earlier. Such tyres can be formed from or as a first inner tyre structure surrounded by or encased within a second outer tyre structure. In a representative embodiment, suitable tyres are 22-ply Techking Super DM 11 tyres (www.techking.com), which are rated for 4000 kg per tyre at a (cold) inflation pressure of 825 kiloPascals (kPa) at or up to a speed of 80 kilometres per hour (kph).

Thus, an embodiment provides an MMU having tyres rated for 4000 kg per tyre at a (cold) inflation pressure of 825 kPa at or up to a speed of 80 kph, which satisfies specific provisions of ADR Rule 42 (e.g., pertaining to Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)).

Running an MMU with such tyres at 825 kPa allows the MMU to transition from off road use or operation to on road use or operation without requiring any personnel to interact with, touch, or alter aspects of tyre state (e.g., by way of changing or reducing tyre pressure) and possibly or typically MMU state (e.g., by way of at least partially unloading the MMU), which would otherwise require at least some of permits, cages, formal personnel sign-off procedures, and time to complete.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure are directed to a vessel, tank structure, or tank having interior or internal walls, between which the tank can carry flowable materials. The tank has a predetermined length between a front or forward interior surface, side, or wall and a rear or back interior surface, side, or wall thereof; a predetermined width between a left interior surface or side and a right interior surface or side thereof; and a predetermined height between a bottom interior surface and a top interior surface or side thereof. An exterior length, width, and height that correspond or which are counterparts to the tank’s interior length, width, and height can be determined or defined in a manner readily understood by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Individuals having ordinary skill in the art will further understand that the terms front / forward, back / rear, left, and right can be defined or assigned in an opposite manner to the definitions provided herein.

Along at least some portions of a longitudinal axis of the tank that extends between the tank’s front side and rear side, at least the interior walls of the tank, and typically also at least portions of the tank’s external or exterior walls (as substantial portions of the left side of the tank and the right side of the tank can be formed by way of bending a left side material sheet(s) and a right side material sheet(s), respectively), exhibit a particular transverse or horizontal cross-sectional structural profile. The tank’s transverse or horizontal cross-sectional profile can be defined relative to or within a plane that is respectively transverse or horizontal to the tank’s longitudinal axis. The tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile exhibits multiple curved (e.g., smoothly curved) regions, portions, sections, or segments having distinct, distinguishable (e.g., visually identifiable), or non identical types of curvature or curvature relationships relative to each other.

This horizontal cross-sectional profile of the tank provides a number of associated benefits. For instance, the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the tank aids the flowability of materials (e.g., under the force of gravity) in the tank toward a set of outlets disposed at bottom portions of the tank; and enhances the structural integrity of the tank such that longitudinal tank stiffening elements are not required (e.g., longitudinal stiffening elements internal to the tank can be completely omitted or excluded), thereby further aiding the flowability of materials in the tank toward the outlet(s), as well as simplifying and accelerating the tank’s manufacturing process because longitudinal stiffening elements can be omitted, and possibly enabling the use of a tank having a larger overall volumetric capacity compared to prior or conventional tank designs as a result of the tank’s enhanced structural integrity, and/or reducing the tank’s manufacturing cost.

In several embodiments, the tank is configured for carrying, transporting, and delivering one or more types of explosives materials or explosives materials constituents, such as tertiary high explosives materials or constituents or precursors for the manufacture or production thereof (e.g., Ammonium Nitrate (AN) prill, AN emulsion (ANE), and/or another type of tertiary high explosives material). In at least some of such embodiments, the tank forms portions of a Mobile Manufacturing Unit (MMU) configured for delivering explosives materials into boreholes in association with commercial blasting operations (e.g., blasting operations performed in association with mining, quarrying, civil tunneling, or seismic exploration procedures), in a manner readily understood by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art in view of the description and drawings herein.

Within the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the tank, each of the multiple distinct or distinguishable curved regions of the tank can at least somewhat correspond, generally correspond, approximately correspond, or correspond to, or be mathematically correlated with, at least one type of mathematical curve or curve function. More particularly, in various embodiments, the tank includes:

(a) a first, lower, or bottom region having portions, sections, or segments that provide, at least somewhat correspond, generally correspond, approximately correspond, or correspond to, or are mathematically correlated with, a predetermined first type of mathematical curve (hereafter“first curve”);

(b) a second, intermediary, or intermediate region disposed between the lower and upper portions, which has portions, sections, or segments that provide, at least somewhat correspond, generally correspond, approximately correspond, or correspond to, or are mathematically correlated with, a predetermined second type of mathematical curve (hereafter“second curve”) that is distinct from the first curve; and

(c) a third, upper, or top region, which depending upon embodiment details may be planar or generally planar, or which has portions, sections, or segments that provide, at least somewhat correspond, generally correspond, approximately correspond, or correspond to, or which are mathematically correlated with, a predetermined third type of mathematical curve (hereafter“third curve”) that is distinct from the second curve, and also typically (though not necessarily) distinct from the first curve.

Depending upon embodiment details, the first curve, the second curve, and/or the third curve can include or be, for instance, a particular type of conic section such as a parabola, an ellipse, a circle, or a hyperbola. Alternatively, in accordance with the details of a given embodiment under consideration, the first curve, the second curve, and/or the third curve can include or be another type of curve, such as (but not limited to) a catenary, a sinusoid, a bean curve, a lemniscate, a cycloid, or an epicycloid.

In various embodiments, curvature inflection zones or points exist between: (i) the first / lower region of the tank and the second / intermediate region of the tank, indicating or corresponding to a transition from the first curve to the second curve; and (ii) the second / intermediate region of the tank and the third / upper region of the tank, indicating or corresponding to a transition from the second curve to the third curve.

Typically, the left side of the tank and the right side of the tank are structural analogues or counterparts to each other, e.g., such that counterpart left and right first / lower regions of the tank can respectively be defined by structural portions of left and right lower sides, interior surfaces, or interior and exterior surfaces of the tank; counterpart left and right second / intermediate regions of the tank can respectively be defined by structural portions of left and right intermediate sides, interior surfaces, or interior and exterior surfaces of the tank above the left and right first / lower regions of the tank; and counterpart left and right third / upper regions of the tank can respectively be defined by structural portions of left and right upper sides, interior surfaces, or interior and exterior surfaces of the tank above the second / intermediate region of the tank. For purpose of simplicity and brevity, in the description that follows, the first / lower region of the tank can be defined to include left and right counterpart structural portions of first / lower / bottom sections or segments of the tank; the second / intermediate region of the tank can be defined to include left and right counterpart structural portions of second / intermediate sections or segments of the tank, above the first / lower region of the tank; and the third / upper region of the tank can be defined to include left and right counterpart structural portions of third / upper sections or segments of the tank, above the second / intermediate region of the tank.

FIGs. 1 A - 1B are photographs showing a rear or back view of an MMU 5 having a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment. Multiple distinguishable or distinct curved (e.g., smoothly curved) regions of the tank 10 are apparent in the rear view of FIGs. 1A - 1B, including a first / lower region 100; a second / intermediate region 200 disposed above the first / lower region 100; and a third / upper region 300 disposed above the second / intermediate region. That is, the second / intermediate region 200 is disposed between the first / lower region 100 and the third / upper region 300. Portions of the first / lower region 100 are aligned with or are definable or defined by a first curve; portions of the second / intermediate region 200 are aligned with or are definable or defined by a second curve that is distinct from the first curve; and portions of the third / upper region 300 are aligned with or are definable or defined by a third curve, which is distinct from the second curve, and typically distinct from the first curve. As further detailed below, the second / intermediate region 200 provides the tank 10 with a narrowed waist profile or indentation across the tank’s horizontal cross-section along the majority (e.g., 70 - 100%) of the tank’s length (e.g., at least the length of the interior of the tank 10), which aids or enhances the structural properties or integrity of the tank 10 and contributes to the reduction or elimination of the need for longitudinal stiffening elements within the tank 10.

FIG. 2A is perspective illustration showing particular exterior and interior portions of a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment, such as the tank of the MMU 5 shown in FIGs. 1A - 1B. In several embodiments, the tank 10 includes multiple interior or internal compartments along its length, such as a first, second, third, and fourth compartment 12, 14, 16, 18. Each such compartment includes a port P by which explosives materials can be loaded therein, and provides a predetermined maximum internal volume in which explosive materials can be carried. In a representative embodiment, the first compartment 12 can have a volume of 5.4 m ³ ; the second compartment 14 can have a volume of 7.8 m ³ ; the third compartment 16 can have a volume of 4.2 m ³ ; and the fourth compartment 18 can have a volume of 5.4 m ³ , and thus in this embodiment the tank 10 has a total internal volume or spatial capacity of 22.8 m ³ . Individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art will clearly understand that a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment can have fewer compartments (e.g., two or three compartments, or a single compartment) or more compartments, any or each of which can exhibit the same volume as or a different volume than any or each of the first through fourth representative compartments 12, 14, 16, 18 shown in FIG. 2A.

As indicated in FIG. 2 A, the tank 10 includes a set of apertures or outlets corresponding to each of its compartments by which explosives materials can flow out of or exit the tank 10. In the embodiment shown, the tank 10 includes a first set of outlets 22 corresponding to the first compartment 12; a second set of outlets 24 corresponding to the second compartment 14; a third set of outlets 26 corresponding to the third compartment 16; and a fourth set of outlets 28 corresponding to the fourth compartment 18. Particular outlets in each compartment are configured for enabling the flow of a given type of explosives material to a corresponding output or delivery mechanism, such as an auger 90a-b or a pump (not shown), in a manner readily understood by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Moreover, depending upon embodiment details and/or the specific type or grade of explosives material to be loaded into a selected compartment, certain outlets in one or more compartments can be selectively covered while other outlets remain open, in a manner also readily understood by individuals possessing ordinary skill in the relevant art.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a side view of a tank in accordance with an embodiment, such as the tank of the MMU 5 shown in FIGs. 1A - 1B and FIG. 2 A. As indicated in FIG. 2B, a longitudinal or lengthwise axis, e.g., a z axis, can be defined corresponding to the tank 10; and an x axis and a y axis can be defined corresponding to the tank 10, which are orthogonal to each other and the z axis. Thus, within any of the first, second, third, and fourth compartments 12, 14, 16, 18, one or more x - y plane horizontal cross-sections of the tank 10 can be defined along the tank’s longitudinal z axis, where each such horizontal cross-section includes multiple curved regions as described herein. For instance, a representative horizontal cross-section of the tank 10 can be defined along section A - A’ in FIG. 2B, as further described hereafter. FIG. 2C is a horizontal cross-sectional view along section A - A’ of the tank 10 shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2C also indicates particular representative tank dimensions in millimetres (mm). As indicated in FIG. 2C, for a given or selected side of the tank 10, a first circle 110 with a first radius aligned with one or more portions of the first curve corresponding to the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 can be defined; a second circle 210 with a second radius aligned with one or more portions of the second curve corresponding second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10 can be defined; and a third circle 310 with a third radius aligned with one or more portions of the third curve corresponding to the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10 can be defined.

In several embodiments, the first circle 110 can be defined by a circle that maximally aligns, intersects, or overlaps with the first curve corresponding to the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10, and which may align, intersect, or overlap with portions of the second curve corresponding to the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10. The second circle 210 can be defined by a circle that maximally aligns, intersects, or overlaps with the second curve corresponding to the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10, and which may align, intersect, or overlap with portions of the first curve corresponding to the first / upper region 100 of the tank 100 and/or the third curve corresponding to the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10. The third circle 310 can be defined by a circle that maximally aligns, intersects, or overlaps with the third curve corresponding to the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10, and which may align, intersect, or overlap with portions of the second curve corresponding to the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10. In certain embodiments, one or more of the first circle 110, the second circle 210, and/or the third circle 310 can be an osculating curve, optionally a circle.

The center point of the first circle 110 and the center point of the third circle 310 are each located internal to the tank 10, or within the tanks’ interior volume; whereas the center point of the second circle 210 is located external to the tank 10, or outside of the tank’s interior volume. Following, displacing, or rotating the tip of the radius of the second circle 210 along portions of the second circle 210 that intersect the second curve from a point proximate to the first circle 110 in a direction toward the third circle 310, or from a point proximate to the third circle 310 in a direction toward the first circle 110, the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10 includes or provides a structural curve in portions of the tank 10, which extends inwardly or protrudes toward the tank’s interior, e.g., along the x axis toward the y axis for a two dimensional (2D) horizontal cross-section under consideration, or toward a y - z plane that approximately bisects or bisects the tank 10 into left and right halves for a three dimensional (3D) volume under consideration. Thus, the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10 comprises or provides inwardly projecting contours in the left and right sidewalls of the tank 10, where such contours establish an inwardly directed waist profile or waist, indentation, taper, or narrowing in the horizontal cross- sectional profile of the tank 10 between the first / lower region 100 and the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10. In various embodiments, this waist profile, indentation, taper, or narrowing in the tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile occurs along the majority, substantially all, essentially all, or the entirety of the tank’s internal front-to-back length, e.g., along 70% - 100% of such length.

In contrast to the aforementioned inwardly directed waist profile, following the tip of the radius of the first circle 110 along portions of the first circle 110 that intersect the first curve as the radius of the first circle 110 travels or rotates away from the bottom of the tank 10 toward the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10, the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 includes or provides a structural curve along a lateral or horizontal direction opposite to that established by the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10. Thus, for such travel or rotation of the first circle’s radius, the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 progressively curves outwardly away from the y axis for the 2D horizontal cross-section under consideration, or outwardly away from the aforementioned y - z plane for the 3D volume under consideration, for instance, to provide an outwardly directed hip profile of the tank 10, which is wider than the aforementioned waist profile. Similarly, following the tip of the radius of the third circle 310 along portions of the third circle 310 that intersect the third curve as the radius of the third circle 310 travels or rotates away from the top of the tank 10 toward the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10, the third / upper region 100 of the tank 10 includes or provides a structural curve along a lateral or horizontal direction opposite to that established by the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10. Thus, for such travel or rotation of the third circle’s radius, the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10 progressively curves outwardly away from the y axis for the 2D horizontal cross-section under consideration, or outwardly away from the aforementioned y - z plane for the 3D volume under consideration, for instance, to provide an outwardly directed shoulder profile for the tank 10, which is wider than the aforementioned waist profile.

In association with or addition to the foregoing, in several embodiments the radius of the first circle 110 is larger than the radii of each of the second and third circles 210, 310; and the radius of the third circle 310 is larger than the radius of the second circle 210. Stated equivalently, in such embodiments, the curvature of the first circle 110 is smaller than the curvature of each of the second and third circles 210, 310; and the curvature of the third circle 310 is smaller than the curvature of the second circle 210.

The provision of a first circle 110 that has a larger radius, and hence a larger area, than the second 210 and third circles 310 can provide embodiments in which a greater portion of the mass of the explosives material(s) carried in the tank 10 resides in the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 compared to the second / intermediate and third / upper regions 200, 300 of the tank 10, thereby lowering the overall loaded or fully loaded center of mass of the tank 10 and the MMU 5, thus increasing the lateral stability of the tank 10 and the MMU 5. In other words, the curve of the lower region 100 may allow for maximum use of the vehicle outline in carrying material, and may assist with stability by having more mass residing lower in the tank 10. A largest or maximum extent or magnitude of inward waist profile narrowing can be defined by a distance along the x or horizontal axis between (i) the x axis position of the tip of the radius of the first circle 110 when the radius of the first circle 110 is parallel to the x axis pointing away from the y axis, and (ii) the x axis position of the tip of the radius of the second circle 210 when the radius of the second circle 210 is parallel to the x axis pointing toward the y axis; or (iii) the x axis position of tip of the radius of the third circle 310 when the radius of the third circle 310 is parallel to the x axis pointing away from the y axis, and (iv) the x axis position of the tip of the radius of the second circle 210 when the radius of the second circle 210 is parallel to the x axis pointing toward the y axis. Depending upon embodiment details, the largest or maximum magnitude or extent of inward waist profile narrowing can be approximately 25 - 150 mm, e.g., approximately 108.4 mm in the representative embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, or half that on each side, indicated as offset distance 334 in FIG. 3. The offset distance may improve the structural integrity of the sidewall and bulkhead connection. The waist shape adds a third dimension to the weld along the waist, thus making is less susceptible to bending loads. The x axis or horizontal distance defined by the difference between (i) and (ii) can be the same as or different than the x axis or horizontal distance defined by the difference between (iii) and (iv), in accordance with embodiment details. The waist profile forms a pinch point 332, shown in FIG. 3, that in effect forms a hopper within a hopper to improve the bulk material flow from the tank 10.

As also indicated in FIG. 2C, the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 in one or more compartments can include, be coupled to, or provide a set of lower or floor surfaces that extend inwardly from the left and right sides of the tank 10 toward the y axis or the aforementioned y - z plane, where the set of lower or floor surfaces exhibits multiple predetermined angular declinations therein relative to horizontal (i.e., the x axis as defined herein). For instance, the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 can include or be coupled to a floor portion 102 having a first angle of declination a of approximately 45 degrees relative to horizontal that facilitates or enhances the flow of dry flowable or augerable explosives materials such as AN prill toward a first set of outlets disposed in the floor portion 102, where the first set of outlets corresponds to a first delivery mechanism such as an auger 90a-b for dry flowable explosives materials; and a second angle of declination b of approximately 30 degrees relative to horizontal that facilitates or enhances the flow of liquid, wet, or pumpable explosives materials such as ANE toward a second set of outlets disposed in the floor portion 102 below the first set of outlets, where the second set of outlets corresponds to a second delivery mechanism such as a pump for wet flowable explosives materials. FIG. 2D is a top schematic illustration showing particular portions of the tank 10 of FIG. 2B, including the definition of a longitudinal section B - B’ that approximately bisects or bisects the tank 10 into left and right halves along the tank’s y - z plane.

FIG. 2E is a side schematic illustration of the tank 10 of FIG. 2C along section B - B’. In various embodiments, the tank 10 includes a first / front interior wall 30; a second / rear interior wall 32; and a set of interior barriers, dividers, or wall panels 34 disposed transversely or horizontally across the interior of the tank 10 (e.g., a set of barriers disposed perpendicularly to the tank’s longitudinal axis), e.g., in a manner indicated in FIG. 2B, that divide or partition the tank 10 into its constituent compartments. In the representative embodiment under consideration, the tank 10 includes a first, a second, and a third wall panel 34a-c, which in association with the first / front interior wall 30 and the second / rear interior wall 32 divide the tank 10 into the first, second, third, and fourth compartments 12, 14, 16, 18 identified above.

FIG. 2F is a perspective illustration showing particular internal portions of the tank 10 of FIG. 2B, including the first / forward interior wall 30, the second / rearward interior wall 32, the first through third internal wall panels 34a-c.

As indicated in FIGs. 2E and 2F, at least some of the first / front interior wall 30, the second / rear interior wall 32, and the first through third interior wall panels 34a-c, or each of these structures, can exhibit a particular or predetermined curvature profile across portions of their / its surface area. For instance, in the representative embodiment under consideration, portions of the surface area (e.g., 50 - 70%, 50 - 80%, 50 - 90%, or 50 - 100% of the surface area, depending upon embodiment details) of each of the first / front interior wall 30, the second / rear interior wall 32, and the first through third interior wall panels 34a-c include a surface of curvature having a predetermined radius 302, e.g., 4312.52 mm, which may correspond to a sphere, as shown in FIG. 2E. The curvature or curved profile provided by portions of the surface areas of the first / front interior wall 30, the second / rear interior wall 32, and the first through third interior wall panels 34a-c further aid or enhance the structural properties or integrity of the tank 10, and thus further contribute to the reduction or elimination of the need for longitudinal stiffeners within the tank 10. In a number of embodiments, one or more or each of the first / front interior wall 30, the second / rear interior wall 32, and the first through third interior wall panels 34a-c includes a vertically disposed recess, channel, or indent 304, e.g., a rectangular recess, formed up a center of the panels, therein along at least portions of its height, which can also aid or enhance the structural properties or integrity of the tank 10, and thus further contribute to the reduction or elimination of the need for longitudinal stiffeners within the tank 10.

In addition to the foregoing, the outer or outward lateral borders of the first / front interior wall 30, the second / rear interior wall 32, and the first through third interior wall panels 34a-c have shapes, curvatures, or curved sections that align or matingly engage in a counterpart manner with inwardly directed or inward facing borders of the first / lower region 100, the second / intermediate region 200, and the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10, which further aids or enhances the structural properties or integrity of the tank 10, and thus further contributes to the reduction or elimination of the need for longitudinal stiffeners within the tank 10.

FIG. 3 is another horizontal cross-sectional view of a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, such as the tank of FIGs. 1A - 1B and FIGs. 2A - 2F. In view of FIG. 3 and the description above, a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention provides a transverse or horizontal structural cross-sectional profile relative to a longitudinal axis that extends along the length of the tank 10. The tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile includes tank wall contours, which provide or establish a narrowed waist profile in the tank’s horizontal cross-section that in various embodiments extends longitudinally along at least the majority of the length of the tank 10 (e.g., 70 - 100% of the tank’s internal front-to-back length). In an embodiment, the tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile may be regarded as having a first / lower region 100, a second / intennediate region 200, and a third / upper region 300, where the second / intermediate region 200 is disposed between the first / lower region 100 and the third / upper region 300, and the second region 200 provides the narrowed waist profile.

The wall contours, and particularly the narrowed waist profile, provides the tank 10 with enhanced structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity. What is meant by this is that the wall contours, and in particular the narrowed waist profile, give increased structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity to a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment relative to a correspondingly shaped tank or a conventional tank that does not contain wall contours of the type described herein in relation to representative embodiments. The wall contours allow the number of longitudinal stiffening members otherwise required to achieve suitable tank and/or MMU stability to be reduced or eliminated, e.g., in an embodiment, the tank 10 has sufficient structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity so that no longitudinal stiffening members are required. It will be evident from what is described above that this achieves various technical benefits. The structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity of the tank 10 will, of course, be influenced by the choice of material(s) used to make the tank 10 and the wall thickness(es) of the tank. In a representative embodiment, the tank 10 is comprised of stainless steel sheets, which can be a combination of 5 mm and 4 mm stainless steel sheets (e.g., 60% 5 mm and 40% 4 mm stainless steel sheets for one or more portions, sections, or regions 100, 200, 300 of the tank 10). Nevertheless, the wall contours provided by embodiments of the invention advantageously increase the structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity of the tank.

Further to the foregoing, in an embodiment the wall contours that significantly contribute to, substantially provide, or provide enhanced structural resilience, ruggedness, strength, and/or rigidity are formed in the second / intermediate region 200. This second / intermediate region 200 comprises opposing walls, and the contours are provided in these opposing walls. In an embodiment, the second / intermediate region 200 comprises a waist or indentation in the tank 10, i.e., a progressive or gradual reduction in the transverse or horizontal cross-sectional dimension (between opposing left and right sidewalls) of the tank 10 perpendicular to the tank’s longitudinal axis, followed by a progressive or gradual increase in that dimension. The tank 10 may include two contours in opposing sidewalls (e.g., a pair of counterpart contours are formed in opposing left and right tank sidewalls). The contours are usually provided at or slightly above the vertical midpoint of the tank 10.

The third / upper region 300 that forms portions of the top interior surface of the tank 10 may thus seal the tank 10 (aside from the ports P formed therein), and may include rounded shoulder regions 330 which may include a linear section extending between the shoulders, as shown in FIG. 3. The use of the rounded shoulders avoids dead spaces that would otherwise occur if the upper section included right angled corners, and may reduce steel mass. The use of rounded shoulders may also add some flexibility to the tank allowing it to twist/deflect without causing excessively high loads. The third / upper region 300 of the tank includes or is coupled to ports P for delivering explosives material into the interior of the tank 10.

The first / lower region 100 is tapered toward the bottom of the tank 10 where explosives material can be delivered from the tank 10 to a suitable delivery mechanism. In the embodiment shown herein, in one or more compartments of the tank 10, the first / lower region 100 includes a floor portion having at least one upper section and at least one lower section that decline (or equivalently, incline) at different angles with respect to horizontal. For instance, the upper section can decline at a = about 45° to the horizontal, and this allows good downward flow of AN prill with minimal hang up. The lower section can decline at b = around 30° to the horizontal, and this allows for suitable downward ANE flow and reduced residual/unused raw material.

Another design feature is that interior surfaces of the tank 10 that in use will contact explosives materials are free from discontinuities or sharp / abrupt edges (e.g., the interior surfaces of the tank 10 are smoothly curved). This is advantageous because it prevents accumulation or deposition of explosives material on internal tank surfaces, which cannot easily be removed, withdrawn, or drained from the tank. Preferably, the interior surfaces of the tank (i.e., the interior tank surfaces that will contact explosives materials when the tank is in use) are smooth, and vertical transitions in the tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile are achieved by curves or smooth transitions rather than by abrupt or sharp angular changes or edges. It is possible for the tank’s horizontal cross-sectional profile to include angular transitions provided that this does not lead to retention of explosives material(s) during withdrawal of explosives material(s) from the tank 10.

The use of smooth or smoothly varying interior surfaces (e.g., surfaces that are smoothly varying along the interior height of the tank 10, along 70% - 100% of the tank’s length) is also advantageous as it allows more efficient cleaning of the tank 10, for example, when the tank 10 has been used with one grade or type of explosives material and it is desired to then use the tank with a different grade or different type of explosives material. Any abrupt discontinuities, or more abrupt discontinuities than necessary, on the interior surface of the tank 10 may make cleaning difficult or not completely effective. The cleaning of a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may be undertaken from outside of the tank by way of the ports P through which explosives material(s) can be delivered into the tank 10. Suitably designed cleaning tools are utilized for tank cleaning.

The tank 10 will be made of one or more materials that are suitably strong and inert with respect to the explosives material(s) to be contained therein. The overall tank volume in a representative embodiment is approximately 22.8 m ³ , which can be greater than the total volume of a prior or conventional tank that lacks the contours described herein (and which requires longitudinal stiffening elements) by approximately 10 - 25%, e.g., by approximately 19.4%. In this case, the tank 10 may be made of stainless steel sheet(s) as set forth above, in a manner readily understood by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art. The tank may be fabricated by the shaping or bending of stainless steel sheet sections and joining sections together, for example by welding. The thickness of the first / lower region 100 of the tank 10 may be greater than the thickness of the second / intermediate region 200 of the tank 10 and/or the third / upper region 300 of the tank 10, which can further aid the structural integrity of the tank 10. The tank may 10 also include transverse and/or horizontal structures such as internal walls that sub-divide the interior of the tank into a series of compartments. This enables the tank 10 to be used for containment of more than one grade or type of explosives material. For example, if the tank is divided into at least two compartments, one compartment may be used for AN and another compartment may be used for ANE. In this case, each compartment must feed a suitable delivery mechanism. These transverse structures may contribute to overall structural strength.

In certain embodiments, the tank 10 may include one or more baffles to control the surge of flowable material(s) in the tank 10.

As indicated above, a tank 10 in various embodiments of the present invention provides a significantly increased explosives materials carrying capacity (e.g., a carrying capacity increase of at least 10 - 25%) compared to prior or conventional tanks used for carrying explosives materials, to the extent that an MMU equipped with a tank 10 of a type described herein may require special-purpose tyres such that the MMU can meet safety standard requirements and remain legal for use on public roads or roadways (and the MMU’s tank 10 does not need to be at least partially emptied prior to public roadway use). For instance, an MMU equipped with a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention may include special-purpose tyres enable the MMU to satisfy motor vehicle safety standards in one or more countries, such as Australian Design Rules (ADR) Rule 42, e.g., as at 28 February 2018, or earlier. Such tyres can be formed from or as a first inner tyre structure (e.g., a first inner tyre, which includes a first or inner tread structure) surrounded by or encased within a second outer tyre element or structure (e.g., a second or outer tread structure). In a representative embodiment, an MMU 5 in accordance with the present invention utilizes 22-ply Techking Super DM 11 tyres.

FIG. 4 is a photograph showing 22-ply Techking Super DM 11 tyres on an MMU 5 having a tank 10 in accordance with an embodiment, such that the MMU 5 satisfies ADR Rule 42 (e.g., even when fully loaded), and the MMU 5 remains legal for use on Australian public roads. More particularly, the 22-ply Techking Super DM 11 tyres are rated for 4000kg per tyre (e.g., a minimum of 4000kg per tyre) at a (cold) tire inflation pressure of 825 kilopascals (kpa) at a road travel speed of 80 kilometers per hour (kph).

Such tyres can also be rated for other weights at particular pressures and travel speeds, for instance: at least 4800 kg per tyre at a pressure of 949 kpa and a travel speed of up to 70 kph; at least 4900 kg per tyre at a pressure of 986 kpa and a travel speed of up to 60 kph; and/or at least 5000 kg per tyre at a pressure of 1004 kpa and a travel speed of up to 50 kph, in a manner readily understood by individuals having ordinary skill in the relevant art. Running an MMU with such tyres at 825 kPA allows the MMU to seamlessly transition (e.g., in an uninterrupted manner) from off road use to on road use without requiring any personnel to interact with, touch, or alter aspects of tyre state (e.g., by way of changing or reducing tyre pressure) and possibly or typically MMU state (e.g., by way of at least partially unloading the MMU) depending upon particular country, state, and/or locality regulations specifying maximum vehicle road axle allowances or limits (e.g., a maximum axle weight or load limit), which would otherwise require at least some of permits, cages, formal personnel sign-off procedures, and time to complete.