Articulating Nozzle Assembly for Above Ground Tank Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning devices for above ground storage tanks face issues such as wear on tank integrity, insufficient cleaning of sloped tank floors, and nozzle locking due to sludge, along with the inability to remove spent fluid and adherent sludge effectively.
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 to rotate the nozzle and suction funnel, allowing for effective cleaning and sludge removal without damaging the tank floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high velocity fluid is projected down against the tank floor from the top, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but wear on tank integrity occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting fluid downward from the top, the invention positions the nozzle at the side of the tank and projects fluid horizontally across the tank floor. This inverted approach maintains cleaning effectiveness while eliminating the harmful impact wear that occurs when high velocity fluid is directed downward onto the tank floor from above.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nozzles are positioned from the sides, then tank integrity is preserved, but cleaning of sloped tank floors becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly incorporates an articulating mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing the nozzle to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This enables the side-positioned nozzle to project fluid at various angles across the sloped tank floor, ensuring comprehensive cleaning coverage while maintaining tank integrity.
3Productivity
If nozzles are rotated within the tank, then cleaning coverage is improved, but nozzles become locked up by disengaged sludge
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid conduit system serves as an intermediary between the external control mechanism and the internal nozzle assembly. This allows the nozzle to be rotated and repositioned within the tank for comprehensive cleaning coverage, while the flexible conduit prevents sludge from locking the rotation mechanism by providing a compliant connection that accommodates movement without mechanical binding.
4Device complexity
If fixed nozzle assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spent fluid and sludge cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cleaning function and waste removal function into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The same articulating nozzle structure that provides simplified operation also incorporates capabilities for both projecting cleaning fluid and removing spent fluid and sludge, achieving comprehensive functionality without significantly increasing device 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
The solution provides a user-controlled, efficient cleaning method that effectively removes sludge from the tank floor without causing wear, prevents nozzle locking, and recirculates fluids for continuous cleaning, enhancing tank maintenance safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a submersible swivel joint attached to an interior end of the wash pipe
Implementation Method 2
The exterior portion of the wash pipe has an exterior end configured for attachment to and fluid communication with a high pressure fluid source
Implementation Method 3
The suction pipe extends through the tank sidewall so that the suction pipe has an exterior portion extending from the storage tank sidewall on the outside of the storage tank and an interior portion extending from the storage tank sidewall on the inside of the storage tank
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 sides all to which is attached a submersible swivel joint fitted with a choked nozzle. A control assembly is provided to direct from the nozzle from the exterior of the storage tank. The nozzle vibrates in response to flow of wash fluid from the wash pipe.