Acoustic Sensor Array for Floating Roof Tilt Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current floating roof storage tanks lack the ability to detect tilting of the floating roof and determine if runoff is contaminated, posing environmental compliance issues and potential mechanical failure detection challenges.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with at least three acoustic sensors mounted along a horizontal plane on the storage tank walls, which communicate with a computerized device to determine the tilt angle of the floating roof and detect contamination in runoff by analyzing signals from the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional floating roof storage tanks are used without additional sensing systems, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect floating roof tilt and runoff contamination is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tilt sensing systems with acoustic sensor-based detection. Acoustic sensors mounted on the tank wall detect the position of the floating roof by measuring sound wave travel time or acoustic signal characteristics, enabling tilt detection without direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages between the floating roof and the sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer information about the floating roof position and tilt condition. The acoustic sensors detect acoustic signals that carry information about the floating roof's location and orientation, allowing indirect measurement of tilt conditions without physical contact between sensors and the floating roof.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are mounted on the storage tank wall to detect floating roof position, then tilt detection capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and installation alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs algorithms that automatically calibrate and compensate for sensor mounting variations. The system uses multiple acoustic sensors arranged in a pattern around the tank, and through computational processing of signals from multiple sensors, the system self-corrects for minor misalignments and mounting imperfections, eliminating the need for high-precision manual alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by distributing acoustic sensors around the tank circumference. This dimensional approach allows the system to determine tilt angles through geometric calculations based on position data from multiple sensors, reducing sensitivity to individual sensor alignment errors.
3Reliability
If multiple acoustic sensors are deployed around the storage tank, then the reliability of tilt detection is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the acoustic sensor system to perform multiple functions: determining floating roof position, calculating tilt angles in multiple directions, and detecting runoff contamination. The same array of acoustic sensors used for tilt detection also serves as the basis for contamination analysis, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity despite using multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines tilt detection and contamination detection functions into a single integrated acoustic sensor system. The acoustic sensors simultaneously measure positional information for tilt calculation and analyze acoustic signal characteristics for contamination detection, merging multiple monitoring functions into one unified system that reduces overall complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the detection of floating roof tilt and contamination in runoff, enhancing environmental compliance and quickly identifying mechanical failures, thereby ensuring the integrity and safety of stored materials.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic sensors are levelly mounted along a horizontal plane on the one or more walls of the storage tank. One or more signals received by at least a portion of the plurality of acoustic sensors are used to determine a tilt angle of the floating roof.
Data Source
AI summary
Floating roof storage tank systems and related methods are disclosed. The disclosed systems include a storage tank, a floating roof, and a plurality of acoustic sensors. The storage tank has one or more walls defining an interior space and the floating roof is configured to move vertically within the interior space. The acoustic sensors are levelly mounted along a horizontal plane on the one or more walls of the storage tank. One or more signals received by at least a portion of the plurality of acoustic sensors are used to determine a tilt angle of the floating roof.