Feed inlet connector for storage tank

By designing the inlet connector for storage tanks and utilizing connecting dispersion components and docking components, the problem of the bottom of the storage tank being easily damaged by impact is solved. This achieves the dispersion and buffering effect of materials entering the tank, ensuring the safety and sealing of the storage tank. It is suitable for storage tanks in industries such as chemical and petroleum refining.

CN224171613UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-28RIZHAO YULAN NEW MATERIAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
RIZHAO YULAN NEW MATERIAL CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-22
Publication Date
2026-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The traditional design of the inlet connector of the storage tank makes the bottom of the tank susceptible to impact damage. Long-term impact can lead to hollowing out, causing leakage risks and affecting production safety and equipment life.

Method used

A feed inlet connector for storage tanks has been designed, including a flange, a lower pipe, a connecting dispersion component, and a docking component. Through components such as bosses, docking grooves, annular grooves, balls, sealing rings, and buffer plates, the connector achieves the dispersion and buffering of materials, reduces impact force, and prevents leakage.

Benefits of technology

It effectively disperses the impact force of feeding, prevents cracking at the bottom of the storage tank, ensures sealing, extends the service life of the storage tank, and is suitable for various storage tank feeding scenarios to ensure production safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the related technical field of feed port connectors for storage tanks, and provides a feed port connector for a storage tank, which comprises a flange plate and a lower pipe, the lower pipe is arranged at the bottom of the flange plate, a connection dispersion assembly is arranged between the flange plate and the lower pipe, and a butt joint assembly is arranged at the upper end of the flange plate. The connecting and dispersing assembly comprises a boss, the boss is arranged at the bottom of the flange plate, a butt joint groove is formed in the boss and the lower end of the flange plate, an annular groove is formed in the periphery of the inner surface of the butt joint groove, the lower pipe is inserted into the butt joint groove, and a boss is arranged on the periphery of the side surface of the lower pipe and slidably attached to the interior of the annular groove. Sliding grooves are formed in the periphery of the inner side surface of the annular groove and the periphery of the side surface of the boss. By means of the technical scheme, the technical problems that in the prior art, due to long-term impact, fine sand laid on the tank bottom is accumulated towards the periphery, the tank bottom is hollowed out, and once columnar new acid impacts the tank bottom again, the tank bottom is prone to cracking, and hydrochloric acid leaks are solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the technical field of inlet connectors for storage tanks, and more specifically, to an inlet connector for storage tanks. Background Technology

[0002] In numerous industries such as chemical production and oil refining, storage tanks serve as crucial equipment for storing various liquid raw materials, and their safety and service life directly impact the continuity and stability of production. The inlet connector, as a vital component connecting the storage tank to external feed pipelines, is of paramount importance in its design.

[0003] Taking the new acid tank in an acid regeneration unit as an example, the traditional inlet joint design has many drawbacks. For instance, the existing new acid tank in an acid regeneration unit has a volume of 120m³, a diameter of 4500mm, and a height of 8000mm. The new acid unloading pipe is DN65 and located at the top of the tank, connected by a flange fixed to the top. During unloading, due to the tank's height, columnar new acid directly impacts the bottom of the tank from the top pipe. Although a 30-50mm layer of fine sand is laid at the bottom to reduce wear, long-term impact causes the sand to accumulate around the tank, creating voids at the bottom. If columnar new acid impacts the bottom again, it can easily cause cracks, leading to hydrochloric acid leakage. This not only wastes raw materials but also severely pollutes the environment, posing a significant threat to personnel safety and the normal operation of the equipment.

[0004] Besides acid tanks, other types of storage tanks also face similar problems during the feeding process. For example, in some tanks storing corrosive liquids, the impact force of the liquid during feeding can cause corrosion and damage to the tank bottom and the area around the inlet, reducing the service life of the tank. Furthermore, for tanks storing flammable and explosive liquids, an improperly designed inlet can lead to safety accidents.

[0005] With the continuous expansion of industrial production scale and the increasing demands for safe production, the shortcomings of traditional tank inlet connectors in terms of impact resistance and leakage prevention have become increasingly apparent. Developing a tank inlet connector that can effectively disperse the impact force of feed, prevent liquid leakage, and extend the service life of the tank is urgently needed. This is of great practical significance for ensuring production safety, reducing production costs, and minimizing environmental pollution. Utility Model Content

[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned defects, the embodiments of this disclosure provide a feed inlet connector for a storage tank, which solves the technical problem in the prior art where long-term impact causes the fine sand spread on the bottom of the tank to accumulate in all directions, resulting in a hollowed-out bottom. Once the columnar new acid impacts the bottom of the tank again, it is very easy to cause the bottom of the tank to crack and cause hydrochloric acid leakage.

[0007] According to one aspect, at least one embodiment of this disclosure provides a feed inlet connector for a storage tank, comprising:

[0008] A flange and a lower pipe, wherein the lower pipe is disposed at the bottom of the flange;

[0009] A connecting and dispersing assembly is disposed between the flange and the lower pipe;

[0010] A docking assembly, wherein the docking assembly is disposed at the upper end of the flange;

[0011] The connecting and dispersing assembly includes a boss, which is disposed at the bottom of the flange. A mating groove is formed between the boss and the lower end of the flange. An annular groove is formed around the inner surface of the mating groove, and the lower pipe is inserted into the mating groove.

[0012] As a further technical solution, a rotating platform is provided around the lower pipe side surface, and the rotating platform slides and fits in the annular groove. Sliding grooves are provided around the inner surface of the annular groove and around the side surface of the rotating platform.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the sliding grooves are filled with a number of balls, a sealing ring is provided around the side surface of the rotary table, a number of feed holes are opened on the surface of the lower tube, and a number of buffer plates are provided on the side surface of the lower tube.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the docking assembly includes a connecting pipe, which is disposed on the top of the flange, and a pair of gaskets are fitted around the side surface of the connecting pipe.

[0015] As a further technical solution, each group of adjacent feed holes is staggered vertically.

[0016] As a further technical solution, the buffer plates are all arc-shaped transition structures, and the positions of the buffer plates and the feed holes correspond to each other.

[0017] As a further technical solution, the flange has a double-layer structure.

[0018] As a further technical solution, the lower end of the lower tube has a circular structure, and the feed hole at the lowest end is spaced apart from the bottom of the lower tube.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the embodiments disclosed herein are as follows:

[0020] 1. The beneficial effect of the connecting dispersion component in this disclosure is that it effectively solves the problem of material impacting the tank bottom during tank feeding. By setting the feed hole, the material no longer impacts the tank bottom in a concentrated manner, but instead disperses into the tank, fundamentally reducing the degree of impact on the tank bottom. The design of the buffer plate is crucial. When the material impacts the buffer plate, its arc-shaped structure disperses the impact force, reducing the direct force on the tank bottom and preventing the tank bottom from cracking due to long-term impact. Moreover, the impact of the buffer plate causes the lower pipe to rotate, changing the angle at which the material enters the tank, further dispersing the material. In addition, the ball bearings reduce the friction between the lower pipe and the docking groove, making the lower pipe rotate more flexibly, which is more conducive to material dispersion. The sealing ring ensures the sealing of the connection, preventing material leakage and avoiding material loss and environmental pollution.

[0021] 2. The beneficial effect of the docking assembly in this disclosure is that the connecting pipe, as a component connecting with an external pipeline, provides a channel for material feeding. A pair of gaskets on the side surface of the connecting pipe enhances the sealing at the connection with the external pipeline, effectively preventing material leakage. During installation, its design facilitates connection with external pipelines of different specifications; simply align the external pipeline with the connecting pipe and tighten with bolts, improving the versatility and adaptability of the joint. This allows the feed port connector to be widely used in various storage tank feeding scenarios, whether it be corrosive liquid storage tanks in the chemical industry or raw material storage tanks in oil refining, ensuring a stable and safe connection to external feed pipelines and guaranteeing the smooth progress of the feeding process. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and these drawings without any creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an isometric drawing of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an isometric sectional view of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 Appendix to this disclosure Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A in the middle;

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Flange; 2. Lower pipe; 3. Connecting and dispersing assembly; 3-1. Boss; 3-2. Butt groove; 3-3. Annular groove; 3-4. Rotary table; 3-5. Sliding groove; 3-6. Ball bearing; 3-7. Sealing ring; 3-8. Feed hole; 3-9. Buffer plate; 4. Butt assembly; 4-1. Connecting pipe; 4-2. Gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0029] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to the disclosure; these do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some drawings, only one of components with the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one," and "several" includes "two" and "more than two."

[0030] In this document, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of description and simplification of operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] like Figures 1-4 As shown, it illustrates an inlet connector for a storage tank according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising:

[0035] Flange 1 and lower pipe 2, wherein the lower pipe 2 is disposed at the bottom of flange 1;

[0036] A connecting dispersion component 3 is disposed between the flange 1 and the lower pipe 2;

[0037] The docking assembly 4 is disposed on the upper end of the flange 1;

[0038] The connecting and dispersing component 3 includes a boss 3-1, which is located at the bottom of the flange 1. A mating groove 3-2 is formed between the boss 3-1 and the lower end of the flange 1. An annular groove 3-3 is formed around the inner surface of the mating groove 3-2. The lower pipe 2 is inserted into the mating groove 3-2. A rotating platform 3-4 is formed around the side surface of the lower pipe 2. The rotating platform 3-4 slides against the annular groove 3-3. Sliding grooves 3-5 are formed around the inner surface of the annular groove 3-3 and around the side surface of the rotating platform 3-4. Several ball bearings 3-6 are filled between the sliding grooves 3-5. A sealing ring 3-7 is formed around the side surface of the rotating platform 3-4. Several sets of feed holes 3-8 are formed on the surface of the lower pipe 2. Several buffer plates 3-9 are formed on the side surface of the lower pipe 2.

[0039] In some examples, excessive feed pressure during tank feeding operations can cause significant damage to the tank. Therefore, a connecting and dispersing assembly 3 was designed. This assembly is based on a boss 3-1 located at the bottom of flange 1. The boss 3-1 and the mating groove 3-2 at the lower end of flange 1 provide a precise and stable installation space for the lower pipe 2. The lower pipe 2 is tightly inserted into the mating groove 3-2, and its side surface rotating platform 3-4 slides against the annular groove 3-3 on the inner surface of the mating groove 3-2. This design not only forms a stable connection structure but also allows for the rotation of the lower pipe 2. Several ball bearings 3-6 filled in the sliding groove 3-5 on the inner surface of the annular groove 3-3 and the side surface of the rotating platform 3-4 of the lower pipe 2 greatly reduce the friction between the lower pipe 2 and the mating groove 3-2, allowing the lower pipe 2 to rotate relatively flexibly. The sealing rings 3-7 set around the circumference of the rotating table 3-4 act as a sturdy barrier, ensuring the sealing of the connection and effectively preventing material leakage, thus avoiding material loss and environmental pollution caused by leakage.

[0040] Several sets of feed holes 3-8 are formed on the surface of the lower pipe 2. These feed holes 3-8 allow the injected hydrochloric acid and other materials to disperse into the storage tank, avoiding concentrated impact on the tank bottom and reducing the risk of damage to the tank bottom from the source. Several buffer plates 3-9 are set on the side surface of the lower pipe 2, which play a buffering role during material injection. When the material impacts the buffer plates 3-9, the buffer plates 3-9 disperse the impact force of the material, reducing the direct force on the bottom of the storage tank, thereby effectively preventing the bottom of the tank from cracking due to excessive impact. Moreover, when the impact of the material is withstood, the impact buffer plates 3-9 can also drive the lower pipe 2 to rotate, so that the angle of the material entering the storage tank is constantly changed, further dispersing the hydrochloric acid and ensuring the safety and stability of the storage tank in all aspects.

[0041] Through the coordinated operation of components such as boss 3-1, docking groove 3-2, annular groove 3-3, ball bearing 3-6, sealing ring 3-7, feed hole 3-8, and buffer plate 3-9, the connecting dispersion assembly 3 realizes the function of dispersing and injecting hydrochloric acid and buffering impact to protect the bottom of the storage tank.

[0042] like Figures 1-4 As shown in the figure, the docking assembly 4 in this embodiment includes a connecting pipe 4-1, which is disposed on the top of the flange 1, and a pair of gaskets 4-2 are fitted around the side surface of the connecting pipe 4-1.

[0043] In some examples, during the installation of the tank inlet connector, a docking assembly 4 is designed to connect with external pipelines. This assembly includes a connecting pipe 4-1 positioned on top of the flange 1, serving as a key component for docking with the external pipeline. A pair of gaskets 4-2, fitted around the side surface of the connecting pipe 4-1, enhance the sealing and stability of the connection between the connecting pipe 4-1 and the external pipeline. During installation, the external pipeline is aligned with the connecting pipe 4-1, and the two are secured using bolts or other fasteners. The gaskets 4-2 fill the connection gaps, preventing material leakage and ensuring the safety and reliability of the feeding process. Simultaneously, this structural design facilitates the connection and installation of the docking assembly 4 with external pipelines of different specifications, improving the versatility and adaptability of the connector. Through the collaborative work of components such as the connecting pipe 4-1 and the gaskets 4-2, the docking assembly 4 achieves the function of connecting and installing with external pipelines.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, each group of adjacent feed holes 3-8 is staggered vertically.

[0045] In some examples, by staggering the upper and lower parts, the range of feed holes 3-8 can be further distributed, which can make the hydrochloric acid more dispersed and less likely to interfere with each other.

[0046] For example, such as Figure 2As shown, the buffer plates 3-9 are all arc-shaped transition structures, and the positions of the buffer plates 3-9 and the feed holes 3-8 are corresponding.

[0047] In some examples, the arc-shaped transition structure allows the lower tube 2 to rotate stably after being impacted by hydrochloric acid.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the flange 1 has a double-layer structure.

[0049] In some examples, the double-layer structure can increase the connection strength of flange 1 and provide stronger pressure resistance.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the lower end of the lower tube 2 has a circular structure, and the feed hole 3-8 at the lowest end is spaced apart from the bottom of the lower tube 2.

[0051] In some examples, the presence of gaps allows for the formation of internal buffer chambers, which can mitigate the impact of hydrochloric acid entering the system.

[0052] In practical use: First, take advantage of the double-layer structure of flange 1 and use bolts or other fasteners to securely install it on top of the storage tank, ensuring a firm installation and good seal. Next, align the connecting pipe 4-1 of the docking assembly 4 with the external feed pipe, ensuring that the pair of gaskets 4-2 on the side surface of the connecting pipe 4-1 are tightly fitted to the external pipe. Then, use bolts or other fastening devices to fix the two together, ensuring the sealing and stability of the connection. Regarding the connecting and dispersing assembly 3, insert the lower pipe 2 into the space formed by the bottom boss 3-1 and the docking groove 3-2 of flange 1, allowing the rotating platform 3-4 on the side surface of the lower pipe 2 to slide against the annular groove 3-3 in the docking groove 3-2. During dynamic fitting, the ball bearings 3-6 in the annular groove 3-3 and the sliding groove 3-5 on the side surface of the rotating table 3-4 play their role, reducing friction and allowing the lower tube 2 to rotate flexibly. The sealing ring 3-7 on the side surface of the rotating table 3-4 ensures that there is no leakage at the connection. After everything is installed, the feed pipe is opened, and the material is dispersed into the storage tank through the feed hole 3-8 on the surface of the lower tube 2. The buffer plate 3-9 buffers the impact force of the material and drives the lower tube 2 to rotate, further dispersing the material. Since the adjacent feed holes 3-8 are staggered vertically, the material can be more evenly dispersed. The gap between the bottom feed hole 3-8 and the bottom of the lower tube 2 forms a buffer cavity, which also helps to alleviate the impact force of the material.

[0053] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are not intended to limit it. Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this disclosure, and all such modifications and substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A feed inlet connector for a storage tank, characterized in that, include: A flange (1) and a lower pipe (2), wherein the lower pipe (2) is disposed at the bottom of the flange (1); A connecting dispersion assembly (3) is disposed between the flange (1) and the lower pipe (2); A docking assembly (4) is disposed on the upper end of the flange (1); The connecting and dispersing component (3) includes a boss (3-1), which is located at the bottom of the flange (1). The boss (3-1) and the lower end of the flange (1) are provided with a mating groove (3-2). An annular groove (3-3) is provided around the inner surface of the mating groove (3-2). The lower pipe (2) is inserted into the mating groove (3-2).

2. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, A rotating platform (3-4) is provided around the side surface of the lower pipe (2). The rotating platform (3-4) slides and fits in the annular groove (3-3). Sliding grooves (3-5) are provided around the inner surface of the annular groove (3-3) and around the side surface of the rotating platform (3-4).

3. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sliding grooves (3-5) are filled with a number of balls (3-6), a sealing ring (3-7) is provided around the side surface of the rotating table (3-4), a number of feed holes (3-8) are opened on the surface of the lower tube (2), and a number of buffer plates (3-9) are provided on the side surface of the lower tube (2).

4. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The docking assembly (4) includes a connecting pipe (4-1), which is disposed on the top of the flange (1), and a pair of gaskets (4-2) are fitted around the side surface of the connecting pipe (4-1).

5. A feed inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjacent groups of feed holes (3-8) are staggered vertically.

6. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The buffer plates (3-9) are all arc-shaped transition structures, and the positions of the buffer plates (3-9) and the feed holes (3-8) are corresponding.

7. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flange (1) has a double-layer structure.

8. The inlet connector for a storage tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lower end of the lower tube (2) has a circular structure, and the feed hole (3-8) at the lowest end is spaced apart from the bottom of the lower tube (2).