Automatic Aeration Device for Oil Tank Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aeration devices for oil tanks lack pressure regulation and are prone to mechanical failure due to the weight of support posts, which can cause the cover plate to break when inclined, leading to inefficient air convection and potential vacuum buildup issues.
Innovation Solution
An automatic aeration device comprising a first and second floating roof with a movable valve, where the second floating roof and movable valve are designed to regulate air inlet and outlet, using a system of flanges, vent holes, and balls to manage pressure balance and reduce friction, ensuring smooth operation and preventing mechanical failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support post with determined weight is used to push the cover plate upward, then the cover plate can be opened to provide aeration, but the device cannot regulate pressure and the cover plate is easily broken when the support post is inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The movable valve automatically opens and closes based on the floating roof's position and internal pressure conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control mechanisms. The valve self-regulates pressure by opening when pressure differential exceeds the weight of the movable valve, and self-closes when pressure equalizes
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy support post mechanical pushing system is replaced with a lightweight movable valve that opens automatically under pressure differential. This substitution eliminates the weight issue and mechanical failure risks while maintaining the aeration function
2Productivity
If the lower end of the support post hits the bottom of the oil tank, then the cover plate is pushed upward to open vent holes, but the cover plate is easily broken when the support post is inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The movable valve is designed with specific weight characteristics where its weight provides a closing force that balances the pressure differential. The valve automatically opens when the upward pressure force exceeds the downward weight force, and closes when pressure equalizes, preventing mechanical冲击 to the cover plate
Solution Approach 2:
The movable valve transitions from a static support post system to a dynamic component that responds to pressure conditions. The valve moves upward when needed for aeration and returns to closed position automatically, eliminating the mechanical impact and inclination issues of the support post system
3Device complexity
If a conventional aeration device with fixed support post is used, then the structure is simple, but the device lacks pressure regulation function and has determined weight making it difficult to open cover plate
Solution Approach 1:
The aeration device incorporates a movable valve that dynamically responds to pressure differential between tank interior and exterior. The valve automatically adjusts its position based on pressure conditions, providing pressure regulation functionality while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of buoyancy and gravity forces
Solution Approach 2:
The movable valve serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure regulation mechanism, an automatic aeration control, and a mechanical seal. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single component design that leverages the floating roof's movement and pressure differential, eliminating the need for separate pressure regulation devices
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 automatic aeration device effectively regulates air convection and pressure balance within the oil tank, ensuring convenient oil infusion and withdrawal without mechanical issues, maintaining smooth operation and preventing mechanical failure, while maintaining air convection between the tank and ambient environment.
Implementation Method 1
a first floating roof and a second floating roof which float on an oil level of the oil tank
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An automatic aeration device includes a first floating roof, a second floating roof and a movable valve. The first floating roof has a through hole and a first enclosure. The second floating roof is disposed in the through hole and has a second enclosure. The movable valve is disposed above the first floating roof and the second floating roof and has a plate which has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall is mounted in the first enclosure and has a plurality of first vent holes. The inner wall is mounted in the second enclosure and has a plurality of second vent holes. The automatic aeration device further includes a plurality of balls mounted between the first enclosure and the outer wall, and mounted between the second enclosure and the inner wall.