Flexible Membrane Oil Storage Prevents Evaporation Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil transportation and storage methods result in significant evaporation loss, environmental pollution, and safety risks due to tank breathing, leading to substantial economic losses and ecological harm.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-based apparatus is used to cover the oil surface during storage and transportation, preventing direct contact between oil and air, thereby reducing evaporation and mixing with water, and enhancing safety by separating oil vapor from air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional tank storage and transportation methods are used, then oil can be stored and transported, but significant evaporation loss and environmental pollution occur due to tank breathing
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane is installed inside the tank to cover the oil surface, preventing direct contact between oil and air. The membrane expands and contracts with oil level changes, eliminating tank breathing while maintaining safety valve functionality for pressure relief.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary barrier between the oil and the air environment. It allows the tank to breathe for pressure equalization while blocking direct oil-air contact, thus preventing evaporation and pollution simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If tank breathing is allowed for pressure equalization, then oil storage is simple, but fire and explosion risks increase due to oil vapor mixing with air
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane covers the oil surface and expands/contracts with oil level changes, maintaining tank pressure equalization while preventing oil vapor from mixing with air outside the tank, thus eliminating fire and explosion risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane creates a sealed inert environment above the oil surface, preventing oxygen and air from contacting oil vapor. This inert barrier eliminates the conditions for fire and explosion while allowing pressure equalization through the membrane.
3Device complexity
If no membrane is used, then the apparatus is simple, but oil quality degrades due to water vapor condensation and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane provides a simple yet effective barrier that prevents water vapor from condensing on the oil surface and blocking oxygen contact, thereby maintaining oil quality without adding complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves as an intermediary protective layer that prevents direct contact between oil and atmospheric moisture and oxygen, preserving oil quality while maintaining apparatus simplicity.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If recycling equipment is installed to capture oil vapor, then environmental pollution is reduced, but investment and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane prevents oil vapor generation at the source by blocking air contact with oil, eliminating the need for subsequent recycling equipment and associated energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane converts the harmful effect of tank breathing into a beneficial sealed environment, preventing vapor generation rather than requiring energy-intensive recycling processes.
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 membrane system effectively reduces oil vapor pollution, maintains oil quality, enhances safety by minimizing fire risks, and lowers energy consumption by preventing breathing loss, while being adaptable for various oil types and tank configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane 2 is arranged inside outer wall 1 and fixed thereto at the installation opening 3, oil inlet 6 or oil outlet 7. The rest part of membrane 2 is separated from outer wall 1. A chamber 12 formed by membrane 2 seals and stores oil
Implementation Method 2
most part of membrane 2 expands or shrinks as a function of large and small tank breathing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an apparatus with flexible membrane for oil storage and transportation, comprising outer wall, installation opening, blocking cover, oil inlet, oil outlet and breathing orifice. The membrane is arranged in outer wall and fixed in the installation opening or the fixing part of outer wall. The rest of membrane is separated from outer wall. Valve and quick coupling are arranged in both oil inlet and oil outlet.