AU2020230297A1

AU2020230297A1 - Collection System and Reservoir Therefor

Info

Publication number: AU2020230297A1
Application number: AU2020230297A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Murray Tognela
Original assignee: Kingspan Water & Energy Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Kingspan Water & Energy Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-10
Filing date: 2020-09-10
Publication date: 2021-03-25

Abstract

A tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, and a gutter system for receiving fluid flowing on the roof towards the outer periphery of the roof, the gutter system being attached to the upper edge of the side wall of the tank, wherein the tank further comprises at least one collecting unit fluidly linked to the gutter and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank. There is also provided a fluid collection system comprising a gutter system and at least one collecting unit for attachment to the tank for storing a fluid and a collecting unit for attachment to a gutter system attached to a tank. Fig 16 11/11 100 C221 611G IlG 12 12

Description

11/11

100 C221

611G

IlG 12

Collection System and Reservoir therefor

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of the priority date of Australian provisional patent application filed 10 September 2019. The Australian provisional patent 2019933059 application is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to tanks comprising water collection systems.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to a water collection system for use in conjunction with water tanks in particular circular water tanks.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Water collection systems for use with circular water tanks have been developed; however, these collection systems operate by collecting the water directly through the roofs of the tanks with no ability to control either entrance of water into the tank or discharge of the water to a location away from the inside of the tank

[0005] In fact, in one particular collection system, the roof comprises corrugated panels with relative small openings located within the channels of the corrugated panels. However, these conventional collection systems are not effective in collecting water that falls onto the roof of the tanks and runs off towards the ground in which the tank sits; this is particularly true, because of the relative small size of the openings in the roof, which are required to be relative small to avoid debris, vermin and vegetation to enter the tank during collection of the water.

[0006] Other collection system comprises gutters attached to the upper edge of the tank for collection of the water that runs off from the roof; the water is then transferred it into the tank via a return pipe at a lower level. Typically, such prior art gutter systems employ straight sections of gutter along each edge of the tank roof. The water run-off collected in the gutter is then directed via the return pipe back into the tank. However, the difference in height between the gutter and the point of entry of the return pipe effectively represents a loss of water collection capacity in the tank.

[0007] Moreover, the conventional water collection systems do not provide a manner to control entrance of the water into the tank and also does not provide filtration systems for filtering of the water running off from the roof.

[0008] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, and a gutter system for receiving fluid flowing on the roof towards the outer periphery of the roof, the gutter system being attached to the upper edge of the side wall of the tank, wherein the tank further comprises at least one collecting unit fluidly linked to the gutter and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

[0010] Preferably, the gutter system comprises at least one gutter having a floor section and first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein the floor section comprises an outlet for delivery of fluid from the gutter into the collecting unit.

[0011] Preferably, the side wall of the tank comprises an opening for receiving an inlet for transferring the fluid being received in the collecting unit into the inner volume of the tank.

[0012] Preferably, the opening is located adjacent the upper edge of the side wall.

[0013] Preferably, the collecting unit comprises a body having a lower surface and side walls, the lower surface and the side walls being configured for receiving the fluid into the collecting unit and delivery into the tank.

[0014] Preferably, the side walls comprise step sections adapted for receiving a filtration system.

[0015] Preferably, the filtration system comprises a mesh releasably attached to the collecting unit.

[0016] Preferably, the collecting unit comprises distal and proximal walls opposite to each other, the distal wall comprising an opening fluidly connect to the inlet of the side wall of the tank.

[0017] Preferably, the inlet comprises an outer seal and an inner seal received within a groove of the outer seal.

[0018] Preferably, the inlet of the tank comprises a seal lock, the seal lock comprising a pipe section having a threaded end and an inner end, and the inner end comprising a flange for abutment to a recess of the outer seal when the inlet is attached to the tank.

[0019] Preferably, the collecting unit is adapted to be locked to the inlet via a locking pin.

[0020] Preferably, the outer seal comprises one or more extensions having an aperture for receiving the locking pin such that a wing member of the locking pin sandwiches the distal wall of the collecting unit against the outer seal.

[0021] Preferably, the outer seal comprises a plurality of extensions so as to lock the collecting unit to the side wall of the tank either in operating condition or in inoperative condition.

[0022] Preferably, the collecting unit is adapted to be releasably attached to the side wall of the tank.

[0023] Preferably, the lower surface of the collecting unit comprises a slanted bottom walls defining a gable roof-type exterior lower surface.

[0024] Preferably, the collecting unit is adapted to be selectively displaced between an operative condition and an inoperative condition.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one gutter comprises a floor section having first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein a first side of the sides of the floor section defines an arc having a particular first radius of curvature to permit abutment of the first side wall against a curved section of the tank.

[0026] Preferably, the floor section and at least the first side wall are made out of a sheet of material.

[0027] Preferably, the sheet of material comprises corrugated material.

[0028] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the second side wall of the gutter is such that when the gutter is attached to the reservoir, the periphery of the pitched roof is located above the floor section of the gutter.

[0029] Preferably, the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters adjoined together in tandem arrangement with respect to each other.

[0030] Preferably, the gutter system is adapted to surround the entire periphery of the tank.

[0031] Preferably, the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters having first sides of the sides of the floor section of each gutter that have the same and/or different radius of curvature.

[0032] Preferably, the tank comprises a pitched roof covering the tank, the pitched roof comprising having a highest point and the periphery located at a particular location such that fluid running off the roof is delivered into the gutter system.

[0033] Preferably, the upper edge of the side wall comprises a gasket for receiving a section of the inner surface of the periphery of the roof.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a fluid collection system comprising a gutter system and at least one collecting unit for attachment to a tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, the gutter system being attached to the upper edge of the side wall of the tank, wherein the collecting unit is fluidly linked to the gutter system and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

[0035] Preferably, the gutter system comprises at least one gutter having a floor section and first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein the floor section comprises an outlet for delivery of fluid from the gutter into the collecting unit.

[0036] Preferably, the at least one gutter comprises a floor section having first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein a first side of the sides of the floor section defines an arc having a particular first radius of curvature to permit abutment of the first side wall against a curved section of the tank.

[0037] Preferably, the floor section and at least the first side wall are made out of a sheet of material.

[0038] Preferably, the sheet of material comprises corrugated material.

[0039] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the second side wall of the gutter is such that when the gutter is attached to the tank, the periphery of the pitched roof is located above the floor section of the gutter.

[0040] Preferably, the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters adjoined together in tandem arrangement with respect to each other.

[0041] Preferably, the gutter system is adapted to surround the entire periphery of the tank.

[0042] Preferably, the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters having first sides of the sides of the floor section of each gutter that have the same and/or different radius of curvature.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a collecting unit for attachment to a gutter system attached to a tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, the gutter system adapted for receiving fluid flowing on the roof towards the outer periphery of the roof, wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be fluidly linked to the gutter and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

[0044] Preferably, the collecting unit comprises a body having a lower surface and side walls, the lower surface and the side walls being configured for receiving the fluid into the collecting unit and delivery into the tank.

[0045] Preferably, the side walls comprise step sections adapted for receiving a filtration system.

[0046] Preferably, the filtration system comprises a mesh releasably attached to the collecting unit.

[0047] Preferably, the collecting unit comprises distal and proximal walls opposite to each other, the distal wall comprising an opening fluidly connect to an inlet of the side wall of the tank.

[0048] Preferably, the collecting unit is adapted to be releasably attached to the side wall of the tank.

[0049] Preferably, the lower surface of the collecting unit comprises a slanted bottom walls defining a gable roof-type exterior lower surface.

[0050] Preferably, the collecting unit is adapted to be selectively displaced between an operative condition and an inoperative condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a water reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in open condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the reservoir shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a detail of the collection system of the detail of reservoir shown in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an inlet of the collection system shown in figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a collecting unit of the collection system shown in figure 2;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the collecting unit shown in figure 5 during installation thereof;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the collecting unit shown in figure 5 with a filtration system during installation thereof;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the collecting unit shown in figure 5 in inoperative condition;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a collection system showing top views of the gutters in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention attached to a wall of the reservoir;

Figure 10 is a top view of two gutters shown in figure 13 arranged side by side; and

Figure 11 is a top view of a particular section of one of the gutters shown in figure 14.

Figures 12a to 12d show several view of the collecting unit of the collection system in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, in which figure 12d is a cross section along the line C-C as shown in figure 12b;

Figure 12e is perspective view of a seal lock of the inlet shown in figure 4;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of a lock of the collecting unit shown in figures 9;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of an outer seal of the collecting unit shown in figures 9;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a particular arrangement of an inner seal of the collecting unit shown in figures 9; and

Figure 16 is a cross of reservoir comprising a collecting system as shown in figure 9.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0052] Figures 1 to 3 and 9 depict a particular arrangement of a collection system in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention attached to a reservoir 12 such as a water tank 12.

[0053] As shown in figures 2 and 3, the collection system 10 comprise a gutter 14 attached to the upper end of the side wall of the tank 12, and a collecting unit 16. The collecting unit 16 is adapted to receive water contained in the gutter 14 and transfer it into the tank 12; for this, the collection system 10 comprises an inlet 18 at the side wall 22 of the tank 12 and below the particular location of the gutter 14 where the collecting unit 16 is located. In this manner, the side wall of the tank 12 and the collecting unit 16 are fluidly linked to each other.

[0054] Figure 3 shows the portion of the inlet 18 that is contained within the tank 12 and the exit port 19 of the inlet 18 where water will exit after having been collected by the collecting unit 16. And, figure 4 shows the inlet port 21 of the inlet 18 outside the tank 12 onto which the collecting unit 16 will be attached as is shown in figure 6.

[0055] As shown in figure 5, the collecting unit 16 is attached underneath the gutter 14 at a particular location where the gutter 14 comprises an outlet at its floor 26 to permit delivery of the water contained in the gutter 14 into the collecting unit 16 and to be transferred via the inlet 18 into the tank. In this manner, the gutter 14 and the collecting unit 16 are fluidly linked to each other.

[0056] Figure 7 shows an alternative arrangement of the collecting unit 16 comprising a filtration system defined by a filtration mesh 20. The filtration mesh 20 may be releasably attached to the collecting unit 16 for cleaning purposes.

[0057] Further, the collecting unit 16 is adapted to be releasably attached to the inlet 18; this is particularly useful because it allows for removal of the collecting unit for cleaning of the filtration system and of the collecting unit 16.

[0058] Another advantage of the collecting unit 16 being releasably attached to the inlet 18 is that it may be selectively displaced between an operative condition (as shown in figure 5) and then removed (as shown in figure 6) to rotate the collecting unit 16 in such manner that the open end (for receiving the water exiting the gutter 14) faces opposite the gutter 14 when the collecting unit 16 is attached to the inlet 18 as shown in figure 8. In this arrangement, the collecting unit 16 impedes water from the entering the tank 18; thus, permitting to control whether water may be collected in the tank 12 or whether the water should not be transferred to the tank 12, but instead should be discharged away from the inside of the tank 12.

[0059] Referring now to figures 9 to 11, these figures depict the collection system attached to a circular water tank 12. As shown in figure 9, the collection system 10 comprises the gutter 14 attached to the side wall 22 of the tank 12 at a location adjacent the upper edge of the side wall 22.

[0060] The gutter 14 comprises a floor section 26 having first and second side walls 28a and 28b extending from sides of the floor section 26 and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein a first side 29b of the sides of the floor section 26 defines an arc 31 having a particular first radius of curvature to permit abutment of the first walls against a curved section of the reservoir.

[0061] The first side 29b of the floor section 26 comprises a first radius of curvature substantially the same than the radius of curvature of the curved section of the side wall of the tank. A second side 29a of the sides of the floor section 26 comprises a radius of curvature equal to the first radius of curvature plus the distance between the first and second side wall 28 and 28b.

[0062] Preferably, the first side 29b defines the inner side wall of the gutter and the second side wall 29a defines the outer wall of the gutter. The inner wall 28b and the floor section 26 are made out of a piece of sheet of material. Preferably, the piece of sheet of material comprises corrugated material. Preferably, the inner wall, the outer wall, and the floor section are made out of a piece of sheet of material.

[0063] Preferably, the tank 12 comprises a pitched roof 60 covering the tank, the pitched roof comprising having a highest point and a periphery 64 located at a particular location such that fluid running off the roof is delivered into the gutter 14.

[0064] Preferably, the radius of curvature of the second side wall 29a is such that when the gutter 14 is attached to the tank 12, the periphery 64 of the pitched roof 60 is located above the floor section 26 of the gutter 14.

[0065] In particular, the gutter 14 comprises channel 24 defined by a floor section 26 and two side walls 28a and 28b extending from the floor section 26 to define the channel 24. In the particular arrangement shown in the figures (see figure 3) one of the side walls (28) is higher than the other side wall 28b. As shown in figure 3, the smaller side wall 28b abuts the side wall 22 of the tank 18; and, the higher wall 28b is spaced apart from the side wall 22 defining the outermost periphery of the collecting unit 10.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in figure 10 and 11, the floor section 26 and the lower side wall 28b of the gutter 14 are configured to have a corrugated surface.

[0067] In the particular arrangement, shown in figure 9, the collection system 10 comprises two gutters 14 (such as shown in figure 10) adjoined in tandem arrangement with respect to each other and joined together via joining means 15. In accordance with particular arrangements of the present embodiment of the invention, the collecting system 10 may comprise a plurality of gutters 14 adjoined together to define a gutter system that surround the tank 12. The gutters 14 may be attached to the tank 12 via joining means 15 or any other fastening means that allows attachment of gutter(s) 14 to a tank 12 .

[0068] Further, the particular arrangements of the present embodiment of the invention describe the collection system 10 as comprising a plurality of gutters 14 arranged in a tandem relationship with respect to each other. However, in alternative arrangements, the collection system 10 may comprise a single gutters surrounding the circular tank 12.

[0069] Referring now to figures 12a to 12d and figures 13 to 15, these figures depict the collecting unit 16 attached to the inlet 18 with the inlet 18 having been removed from the tank 12 for illustration purposes.

[0070] As shown in figure 12a to 12c, the collecting unit 16 comprise a body having a lower surface 30 and side walls 32; the surface 30 and the side wall 32 are configured for delivering the water into the collecting unit 16 and delivery into the tank 12 via inlet 18.

[0071] The lower surface 30 of the collecting unit 16 comprises slanted bottom walls 31a and 31b, defining a gable roof-type exterior lower surface 33 of the collecting unit 16 as shown in figure 8.

[0072] Further, the side walls 32 comprise step sections 33 adapted for receiving the filtration system 20 as shown in figure 7.

[0073] Furthermore, the collecting unit 16 comprises end walls 34a and 34b opposite to each other. The end wall 34b comprises an opening with a pipe extension 36 to be received within the inlet port 21 of inlet 18 as is shown in figure 7.

[0074] Moreover, figure 12a shows the inlet 18 extracted from the tank 12. As shown in figure 12a, the inlet 18 comprises an outer seal 35 (see figure 14) and an inner seal 37 (see figure 15) received within a groove 38 of the outer seal 34 depicted in figure 14.

[0075] Further, as shown in figure 12d, the inlet 18 comprises a seal lock 42 (see figure 12e). The seal lock 42 comprises a pipe section 44 having a threaded end 46 and an inner end 48. The inner end 48 comprises a flange 50 for abutment to a recess 52 of the outer seal 35 when the inlet 18 is attached to the tank 12.

[0076] Attachment of the inlet 18 to the tank is accomplished by mounting, on the seal lock 42, the outer and inner seals 35 and 37; this is done by inserting the threaded and the inner ends 46 and 48 of the seal lock 42 into the apertures of outer and inner seals 35 and 37. Subsequently, the seal lock 42 (incorporating the seals 35 and 37) is inserted into the opening made in the side wall 22 of the tank 12 for receiving the inlet 18. The seal lock 42 is then fastened to the side wall 22 of the tank 12 via seal nut 54.

[0077] At this stage, the collecting unit 16 mat be attached to the inlet 18. As shown in figure 12d, the collecting unit 16 once attached to the inlet 18 may be locked to the inlet 18 as shown in figure 12d via a locking pin 56; in particular, the outer seal 35 comprises one or more extensions 40 having an aperture for receiving the locking pin 56 such that a wing member 58 of the locking pin 56 sandwiches the end wall 34b of the collecting unit 16 against the outer seal 35.

[0078] In a particular arrangement, the outer seal 35 may comprise a plurality of extensions 40 so as to lock the collecting unit 16 to the side wall of the tank either in operating condition (see figure 5) and in inoperative condition (see figure 6).

[0079] Referring now to figure 16, figure 16 shows a cross-section of the tank 12 comprising a roof 60.

[0080] As shown in figure 16, the roof 60 is configured as a pitched roof having its center as the highest point 62 and with a circular outer periphery 64 so as to cover the open end of the tank 12. The roof 60 is configured in such a manner that the outer periphery 64 directs the water, running off the roof 60, into the gutter 14 for collection of water to be discharged into the collecting units 16 for transfer into the tank 12 via the inlets 18.

[0081] The roof 60 rests on the upper edge 66 of the side wall 22 of the tank 12, in particular, as shown in figure 3. The upper edge 66 comprises a gasket 68 for receiving a section of the inner surface of the roof 60.

[0082] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. By way of example, the collection system may not necessarily be of circular configuration as shown in the figures; but, instead, the collection system 10 may be configured as having a particular shape in order to be attached to tanks 12 having open ends with peripheries configured to have any type of shape such as shapes that have sections of peripheries that have the same and/or different radius of curvature .

[0084] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, and a gutter system for receiving fluid flowing on the roof towards the outer periphery of the roof, the gutter system being attached to the upper edge of the side wall of the tank, wherein the tank further comprises at least one collecting unit fluidly linked to the gutter and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

2. A tank according to claim 1 wherein the gutter system comprises at least one gutter having a floor section and first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein the floor section comprises an outlet for delivery of fluid from the gutter into the collecting unit.

3. A tank according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the side wall of the tank comprises an opening for receiving an inlet for transferring the fluid being received in the collecting unit into the inner volume of the tank.

4. A tank according to claim 3 wherein the opening is located adjacent the upper edge of the side wall.

5. A tank according to any one claims 1 to 4 wherein the collecting unit comprises a body having a lower surface and side walls, the lower surface and the side walls being configured for receiving the fluid into the collecting unit and delivery into the tank.

6. A tank according to claim 5 wherein the side walls comprise step sections adapted for receiving a filtration system.

7. A tank according to claim 6 wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh releasably attached to the collecting unit.

8. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the collecting unit comprises distal and proximal walls opposite to each other, the distal wall comprising an opening fluidly connect to the inlet of the side wall of the tank.

9. A tank according to claim 8 wherein the inlet comprises an outer seal and an inner seal received within a groove of the outer seal.

10.A tank according to claim 9 wherein the inlet of the tank comprises a seal lock, the seal lock comprising a pipe section having a threaded end and an inner end, and the inner end comprising a flange for abutment to a recess of the outer seal when the inlet is attached to the tank.

11.A tank according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be locked to the inlet via a locking pin.

12.A tank according to claim 11 wherein the outer seal comprises one or more extensions having an aperture for receiving the locking pin such that a wing member of the locking pin sandwiches the distal wall of the collecting unit against the outer seal.

13.A tank according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the outer seal comprises a plurality of extensions so as to lock the collecting unit to the side wall of the tank either in operating condition or in inoperative condition.

14.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be releasably attached to the side wall of the tank.

15.A tank according to any one of claims 5 to 15 wherein the lower surface of the collecting unit comprises a slanted bottom walls defining a gable roof-type exterior lower surface.

16.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be selectively displaced between an operative condition and an inoperative condition.

17.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the at least one gutter comprises a floor section having first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein a first side of the sides of the floor section defines an arc having a particular first radius of curvature to permit abutment of the first side wall against a curved section of the tank.

18.A tank according to claim 17 wherein the floor section and at least the first side wall are made out of a sheet of material.

19.A tank according to claim 18 wherein the sheet of material comprises corrugated material.

20.A tank according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the radius of curvature of the second side wall of the gutter is such that when the gutter is attached to the reservoir, the periphery of the pitched roof is located above the floor section of the gutter.

21.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters adjoined together in tandem arrangement with respect to each other.

22.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the gutter system is adapted to surround the entire periphery of the tank.

23.A tank according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters having first sides of the sides of the floor section of each gutter that have the same and/or different radius of curvature.

24.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein the tank comprises a pitched roof covering the tank, the pitched roof comprising having a highest point and the periphery located at a particular location such that fluid running off the roof is delivered into the gutter system.

25.A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 24 wherein the upper edge of the side wall comprises a gasket for receiving a section of the inner surface of the periphery of the roof.

26.A fluid collection system comprising a gutter system and at least one collecting unit for attachment to a tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, the gutter system being attached to the upper edge of the side wall of the tank, wherein the collecting unit is fluidly linked to the gutter system and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

27.A fluid collection system according to claim 26 wherein the gutter system comprises at least one gutter having a floor section and first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein the floor section comprises an outlet for delivery of fluid from the gutter into the collecting unit.

28.A fluid collection system according to claim 27 wherein the at least one gutter comprises a floor section having first and second side walls extending from sides of the floor section and spaced apart with respect to each other, wherein a first side of the sides of the floor section defines an arc having a particular first radius of curvature to permit abutment of the first side wall against a curved section of the tank.

29.A fluid collection system according to claim 28 wherein the floor section and at least the first side wall are made out of a sheet of material.

30.A fluid collection system according to claim 29 wherein the sheet of material comprises corrugated material.

31.A fluid collection system according to any one of claims 28 to 30 wherein the radius of curvature of the second side wall of the gutter is such that when the gutter is attached to the tank, the periphery of the pitched roof is located above the floor section of the gutter.

32.A fluid collection system according to any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters adjoined together in tandem arrangement with respect to each other.

33.A fluid collection system according to any one of claims 26 to 32 wherein the gutter system is adapted to surround the entire periphery of the tank.

34.A fluid collection system according to any one of claims 27 to 33 wherein the gutter system comprises a plurality of gutters having first sides of the sides of the floor section of each gutter that have the same and/or different radius of curvature.

35.A collecting unit for attachment to a gutter system attached to a tank comprising a side wall defining an inner volume adapted for containment of the fluid, a roof having an outer periphery supported on an upper edge of the side wall of the tank, the gutter system adapted for receiving fluid flowing on the roof towards the outer periphery of the roof, wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be fluidly linked to the gutter and the side wall of the tank for receiving the fluid flowing into the gutter system and transferring the fluid into the inner volume of the tank.

36.A collecting unit according to claim 35 wherein the collecting unit comprises a body having a lower surface and side walls, the lower surface and the side walls being configured for receiving the fluid into the collecting unit and delivery into the tank.

37. A collecting unit according to claim 36 wherein the side walls comprise step sections adapted for receiving a filtration system.

38.A collecting unit according to claim 37 wherein the filtration system comprises a mesh releasably attached to the collecting unit.

39.A collecting unit according to any one of claims 35 to 38 wherein the collecting unit comprises distal and proximal walls opposite to each other, the distal wall comprising an opening fluidly connect to an inlet of the side wall of the tank.

40.A collecting unit according to any one of claims 35 to 39 wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be releasably attached to the side wall of the tank.

41.A collecting unit according to any one of claims 36 to 40 wherein the lower surface of the collecting unit comprises a slanted bottom walls defining a gable roof-type exterior lower surface.

42.A collecting unit according to any one of claims 35 to 41 wherein the collecting unit is adapted to be selectively displaced between an operative condition and an inoperativecondition.