Floating Roof Scarifying System for Tank Shell Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning the vertical perimetral surfaces in floating roof tank systems is challenging due to the large size of the tanks and the narrow gap between the roof and the tank shell, which restricts access for conventional cleaning systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile trolley with a frame and horizontal support rails is mounted on the floating roof, equipped with a horizontal arm and a vertically reciprocating rail that supports a high-pressure water nozzle, allowing for effective cleaning of the tank shell and roof surfaces without the need for scaffolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cleaning systems with scaffolding are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the narrow gap between the roof and tank shell prevents access
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system transitions from ground-based scaffolding (horizontal access) to roof-mounted equipment with vertical rails (vertical access). The nozzle assembly moves vertically along the rail to reach different heights on the tank shell, effectively using the vertical dimension to overcome the horizontal space constraint of the narrow gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly is nested within the trolley structure, which is mounted on the roof perimeter. The vertical rail is contained within the trolley frame, and the nozzle assembly reciprocates along this rail, creating a compact nested configuration that fits within the limited gap space while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If the tank is made smaller for easier access, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but the tank capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning system that operates from the roof perimeter, acting as a mediator between the operator and the difficult-to-reach vertical surfaces. This intermediary mechanism (trolley with vertical rail and nozzle assembly) enables cleaning of large tanks without requiring physical access to the interior space, thus preserving tank capacity while improving cleaning accessibility.
3Productivity
If scaffolding is introduced into the gap, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the narrow gap space is insufficient to accommodate it
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system employs dynamic components including a reciprocating nozzle assembly that moves vertically along the rail, and a trolley that can be positioned at different locations around the roof perimeter. This dynamic capability allows a compact system to effectively clean large vertical surfaces by moving through the available space rather than requiring the entire system to fit within the narrow gap simultaneously.
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 enables efficient cleaning of the tank surfaces by allowing a narrow nozzle assembly to reach into the narrow gap between the roof and the tank shell, effectively removing dirt and contaminants while maintaining the structural integrity of the tank.
Implementation Method 1
at least one high pressure water nozzle mounted on the vertical rail for delivering a jet of water parallel to the arm
Data Source
AI summary
A scarifying rig may be mounted on the surface of a floating roof to move about the perimeter of the roof. The rig comprises a trolley, one or more support rails fixed on the trolley, and a horizontal arm mounted on the support rails for controlled movement along the support rails. A vertical rail is attached substantially to the end of the horizontal arm for reciprocating vertical movement (up and down) about the end of the horizontal arm. A nozzle assembly is mounted to the vertical rail.