De-sanding Tank Conical Bottom Foam Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank designs for removing sand and particulate matter from water streams face issues with solids accumulation in the tank bottom, leading to frequent maintenance shutdowns due to inefficient solid removal and increased transportation and installation costs associated with traditional support methods for conical bottoms.
Innovation Solution
A de-sanding tank with a conical bottom and a honeycombed structure of closed pore foam reinforcement, combined with downwardly facing water jet nozzles for effective solid removal and reduced weight during transportation and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conical bottom is used to improve solids removal, then solids can be effectively removed daily, but the tank weight increases and transportation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a conical bottom structure with a honeycombed foam reinforcement layer. The foam material (such as polyethylene foam or expanded polystyrene) provides structural support while maintaining relatively low weight compared to traditional solid reinforcement methods. This composite approach allows the conical bottom to effectively remove solids through its geometric shape while the foam layer provides necessary structural strength without excessive weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous honeycombed foam material within the enclosing space to reinforce the conical bottom. The porous structure provides mechanical support through its cellular architecture, distributing loads effectively. The foam's porosity allows it to be lightweight while still providing sufficient structural reinforcement to handle the weight of water and solids in the tank during operation.
2Strength
If traditional support methods are used for conical bottom, then structural strength is sufficient, but transportation and installation become more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The honeycombed foam material provides structural reinforcement through its porous cellular structure, which distributes mechanical loads effectively. This porous material is significantly lighter than solid reinforcement alternatives, making the tank easier to transport to the installation site and simpler to install. The foam's cellular architecture maintains sufficient strength to support the conical bottom during both transportation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the conical bottom geometry with honeycombed foam reinforcement. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength while maintaining relative lightweight characteristics. The foam reinforcement is contained within an enclosing space, creating a modular assembly that is easier to manufacture, transport, and install compared to traditional solid reinforcement methods.
3Strength
If the conical bottom is reinforced with heavy materials, then structural integrity is maintained, but the tank becomes more difficult to transport and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous honeycombed foam material that provides structural integrity through its cellular architecture. The foam's porous structure creates multiple load-bearing pathways that distribute stresses effectively, maintaining structural integrity while keeping the material relatively lightweight. This porous reinforcement is contained within the enclosing space and does not significantly increase the overall tank weight, making transportation and installation more feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the conical bottom structure with honeycombed foam reinforcement. This composite construction provides sufficient structural integrity to handle the weight of water and solids during operation, while the foam material keeps the overall weight manageable. The enclosing space containing the foam creates a modular composite structure that balances strength and weight considerations.
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 conical bottom design allows for daily removal of accumulated solids and reduced weight during operation, extending tank service life and lowering transportation and installation complexities while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The water jet nozzles are angled downwardly and tangentially toward the lower tip of the conical bottom so that when water enters the tank through the water jet nozzles, the water causes a swirling action in the conical bottom that more effectively removes the solids via the solids outlet
Implementation Method 2
The conical bottom of the tank is enclosed externally with an enclosing space bounded by a flat bottom of the tank and the vertical exterior wall of the tank that surround the interior conical bottom located within the tank
Implementation Method 3
These compartments receive water from within the tank via several downwardly facing bottom openings that extend through the wall of the conical bottom. The bottom openings are downwardly facing to prevent excessive solids from entering them as the tank is filled with water
Data Source
AI summary
A de-sanding tank with a conical bottom. The de-sanding tank includes an enclosed tank having a vertical wall that extends down to a flat bottom. A conical bottom is disposed within an interior of the tank. The conical bottom is secured to the vertical wall forming an enclosing space bounded by a wall of the conical bottom and the vertical wall and flat bottom of the tank. A solids outlet is disposed at a lower tip of the conical bottom configured for removal of solids. The conical bottom is supported by a foam structure located within the enclosing space.