Articulating Nozzle Assembly for Above Ground Storage Tank Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning devices for above ground storage tanks face issues such as high velocity fluid wear on tank integrity, insufficient cleaning of sloped tank floors, and nozzle locking due to sludge, with no effective method for removing spent fluid or adherent sludge.
Innovation Solution
An articulating nozzle assembly with a horizontally extending wash pipe and suction pipe, permanently or removably attached to the tank sidewall, featuring a submersible swivel joint and control assembly for user-controlled rotation and suction to clear sludge without damaging the tank floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high velocity fluid is projected down against the tank floor to clean sludge, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but wear on tank integrity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of fluid application by using a spray pattern distribution system that disperses high velocity fluid over a wider area, reducing the concentrated impact force on any single point of the tank floor while maintaining overall cleaning effectiveness through increased coverage area
2Ease of operation
If nozzles are positioned from the top to clean tank interior, then accessibility is improved, but cleaning of sloped tank floor worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable nozzle assembly that can be positioned and repositioned along the tank interior, allowing the nozzle to dynamically adjust its location and angle to effectively clean sloped floor surfaces while maintaining operator accessibility through controlled movement mechanisms
3Productivity
If nozzles are rotated within the tank to clean different areas, then cleaning coverage is improved, but nozzle becomes locked by disengaged sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation mechanism with a system that uses fluid dynamics and controlled positioning, where the nozzle is moved to different positions rather than rotated in place, eliminating the mechanical components that could become locked by sludge while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage
4Device complexity
If spent fluid and adherent sludge are not removed during cleaning, then device complexity is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cleaning function with a waste removal function in an integrated system, where the same nozzle assembly that applies cleaning fluid also collects and removes spent fluid and dislodged sludge through a connected vacuum or drainage system, eliminating the need for separate removal equipment
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 solution effectively cleans the interior of above ground storage tanks by preventing nozzle locking, ensuring thorough cleaning of sloped surfaces without damaging the tank, and efficiently removing adherent sludge through controlled fluid and vacuum operations.
Implementation Method 1
The suction pipe may be used to apply a vacuum suction to clear around the tank sidewall
Implementation Method 2
These devices typically employ gimbal mounted nozzles with complicated nozzle guidance mechanisms. When positioned from the top, such devices cause high velocity fluid to be projected down against the tank floor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for cleaning the interior of an above ground storage tank includes a nozzle assembly mounted to a cover on the storage tank sidewall having a horizontally extending wash pipe fixedly and a suction pipe for recirculation of spent fluids. The wash pipe has an interior segment which can be extended to a tank floor and is configured with a bend to extend along the tank sidewall to which is attached a submersible swivel joint fitted with a choked nozzle. The nozzle assembly is attached to a control assembly so that the direction of flow from the nozzle may be manipulated by rotation of the swivel joint from the exterior of the storage tank. The nozzle also may be adjusted so the direction of flow may follow the angle of the tank floor.