External Reversible Pumping Sets for Tank Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank mixing systems for hydrocarbons, such as propeller mixers and jet mixers, face inefficiencies in fluid circulation, leading to deposit formation and high energy consumption, with moving parts inside tanks causing operational issues and susceptibility to obstruction.
Innovation Solution
An external fluid movement system using reversible pumping sets with external pumping lines that can change flow patterns and velocities, eliminating quiescent spots and reducing energy consumption by circulating fluid without internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If propeller mixers are used to circulate hydrocarbon at velocities above critical velocity, then deposit formation is reduced, but moving parts inside tanks cause operational discontinuity during maintenance and are susceptible to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all moving parts from inside the storage tank by using external pumps connected via piping systems. The circulation system is completely externalized, with pumps, motors, and control mechanisms located outside the tank, eliminating the reliability issues associated with internal moving parts while maintaining effective fluid circulation to prevent deposits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical propeller mixers with a piping-based circulation system driven by external pumps. Instead of using mechanical rotating elements inside the tank, the system uses controlled fluid flow through strategically positioned pipes and nozzles to achieve the necessary circulation velocities for deposit prevention without any internal mechanical components.
2Reliability
If jet mixer systems with nozzles are used to circulate fluid, then moving parts are eliminated, but injector nozzles are susceptible to obstruction requiring tank emptying for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the nozzle components from internal tank positions and relocates them to external piping systems. The circulation nozzles are now accessible from outside the tank, allowing maintenance and clearing of obstructions without requiring tank emptying or entry, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining operational reliability.
3Device complexity
If single-point injection systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but regions with lower velocities still exist leading to deposit formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid circulation system into multiple independent piping lines with separate injection points distributed throughout the tank. This multi-line configuration ensures that different regions of the tank receive targeted fluid circulation, eliminating dead zones and low-velocity areas where deposits could form, while keeping each individual piping line relatively simple in structure.
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 system achieves efficient fluid circulation with low energy consumption, adaptable to various tank sizes and shapes, significantly reducing deposit formation and maintenance needs, with a flow rate three times greater than prior art systems at one-third the power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a pump configured to circulate fluid through the pumping line
Implementation Method 2
wherein each pumping set is configured such that the flow of fluid in its respective pumping line is reversible
Data Source
AI summary
A system for movement of fluid in a tank comprises: a tank; at least two pumping sets, each pumping set comprising: a pumping line external to the tank and in fluidic communication with the interior of the tank at two separate points of the tank via the two ends of said pumping line, and a pump configured to circulate fluid through the pumping line, wherein each pumping set is configured to collect fluid from the tank at one end of its respective pumping line, circulate the fluid through its respective pumping line and discharge the fluid into said tank through the other end of its respective pumping line, and wherein each pumping set is configured such that the flow of fluid in its respective pumping line is reversible.