Curved Wash Ring With Notches For Tank Wall Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning methods are inefficient in removing contaminants from the inner tank wall surfaces, as they fail to effectively utilize the geometry of the tank for liquid flow and accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A tank wash ring with a curved surface, featuring an inner edge and outer edge with notches, forms a trough where liquid accumulates and flows over the outer edge, guiding it through notches to move along the tank wall, enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid is sprayed directly onto the tank wall, then cleaning coverage is achieved, but liquid accumulation and flow along the tank wall is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wash ring features a curved surface that matches the cylindrical geometry of the tank interior. This curvature allows liquid to naturally flow along the tank wall in a continuous film, maximizing cleaning coverage without requiring complex spray systems. The curved surface guides liquid flow efficiently along the cylindrical surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional spray coverage to three-dimensional liquid accumulation and flow. By creating a trough structure with inner and outer walls, the system allows liquid to accumulate in depth and then flow down the tank wall, adding a vertical dimension to the cleaning process that enhances contaminant removal.
2Productivity
If a simple spray system is used, then device complexity is low, but cleaning effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wash ring is divided into functional segments: an inner wall for liquid input, an outer wall for tank wall contact, a curved surface for liquid flow, and notches for liquid distribution. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wash ring acts as an intermediary device between the liquid supply system and the tank wall. It receives liquid from the feed pipe, accumulates it in the trough, and distributes it along the tank wall through controlled flow, thereby mediating the cleaning process between simple liquid supply and effective wall cleaning.
3Productivity
If liquid flows directly over the tank wall without accumulation, then flow speed is high, but liquid coverage and contaminant removal are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The trough structure performs preliminary liquid accumulation before the liquid reaches the tank wall. This pre-accumulation ensures sufficient liquid volume is available for effective cleaning, allowing the liquid to then flow down the wall with both speed and adequate coverage for contaminant removal.
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 wash ring design allows for a continuous flow of liquid along the tank wall, effectively removing contaminants by leveraging the geometry of the tank, improving cleaning efficiency and ensuring thorough coverage.
Implementation Method 1
The accumulates in the trough until it reaches a sufficient height to pass over the outer wall onto the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
The liquid is guided to the plurality of notches and flows through the plurality of notches that causes the liquid to move along an inner wall of a tank
Data Source
AI summary
A wash ring for cleaning a tank. The wash ring comprises a curved surface having an inner edge and an outer edge. The wash ring further comprises an inner wall having a first height and an outer wall located between the inner end and outer end and having a second height that is less than the first height. A plurality of notches is located at the outer edge of the curved surface. The wash ring has a feed pipe with an outlet located between the inner wall and outer wall.