Anti-Static Fuel Tank Stinger for Spark-Free Sludge Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel tank cleaning methods using flexible PVC tubing are inefficient and pose a safety risk due to the potential for static charge buildup, which can lead to sparks in combustible environments, and traditional rigid PVC tubing exceeds the safe static charge threshold.
Innovation Solution
An anti-static stinger apparatus made from PVC with an incorporated anti-static additive, maintaining a static charge of less than 0.5 kV/cm, allows for comprehensive cleaning of fuel tanks without creating sparks, using a combination of straight and curved cylindrical tubes with secure cam and groove fittings for easy maneuverability and leak-proof connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid PVC tubing is used for fuel tank cleaning, then structural strength and rigidity are improved, but static charge accumulation exceeds safe thresholds (2 kV/cm) creating spark hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material structure consisting of a rigid PVC tubing with an integrated conductive spiral wire running through its center. The rigid PVC provides structural strength and rigidity, while the conductive spiral wire provides a grounded path for static charge dissipation. This composite approach allows the tubing to maintain mechanical integrity while preventing static charge accumulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and static charge safety.
2Ease of operation
If flexible PVC tubing is used for fuel tank cleaning, then ease of maneuverability is improved, but cleaning effectiveness decreases and static charge control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tubing into modular sections that can be connected together. Each section maintains the rigid structure for effective cleaning, but the modular design allows operators to assemble different lengths and configurations based on tank size and access requirements. This segmentation provides both the rigidity needed for effective sludge removal and the flexibility needed for maneuverability in different tank configurations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-static additives are incorporated into PVC during extrusion, then static charge is reduced to safe levels (0.5 kV/cm), but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of incorporating anti-static additives directly into the PVC material during extrusion, the patent extracts the anti-static function into a separate component - the conductive spiral wire - that is inserted into the tubing after extrusion. This approach maintains the simplicity of the basic PVC extrusion process while adding the anti-static capability through a separate, easily integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity compared to modifying the polymer chemistry.
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
The anti-static stinger apparatus effectively cleans fuel tanks while preventing static discharge, ensuring safety in flammable environments by maintaining a low static charge and providing a comprehensive sweep with easy, reliable connections.
Implementation Method 1
Said anti-static additive is used to reduce the accumulation of static electricity, thereby resulting in safe operation in environments where flammable fuels or vapors are present
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in cleaning fuel tanks that are used for fuel storage, while simultaneously preventing an electrical charge or spark from being created while in the process of cleaning. An apparatus that is manufactured with an anti-static additive or agent to reduce the accumulation of static electricity in order to safely extract and remove particulates and impurities from a fuel tank.