Floating Suction Tube for Clean Fuel Pickup Above Tank Water
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel suction tubes draw fuel from the most polluted part of the tank, leading to contamination issues and inefficiencies in fuel extraction, especially in emergency power systems. Additionally, existing floating suction lines require manned entries into the tank, which are hazardous, labor-intensive, and logistically challenging.
Innovation Solution
A flexible suction tube system with a float connected to the elastic suction tube, allowing the system to bend and maintain an inlet nozzle above the stratified liquid in the tank. This system can be installed through a single 4-inch port, eliminating the need for manned entries and allowing for reliable extraction of clean fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed suction tube is placed near the bottom of the tank, then the usable volume is optimized and more fuel can be removed, but the fuel drawn is contaminated with water and sediments
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube is made dynamic by attaching it to a floating mechanism that moves vertically with fuel level changes. The tube follows the fuel surface, automatically adjusting its position to draw from the cleanest fuel layer while excluding the contaminated bottom layer, thus resolving the contradiction between extraction volume and fuel cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The floating mechanism enables the suction tube to self-adjust its position based on fuel level without external intervention. As the fuel level rises or falls, the float automatically moves the tube to maintain optimal suction position, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while ensuring continuous access to clean fuel
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing floating suction lines are installed, then clean fuel can be extracted, but manned entry into the tank is required which is hazardous and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: a float mechanism, a suction tube assembly, and connection elements. This segmentation allows the components to be assembled and installed through the existing 4-inch access port without requiring complete tank entry, making installation safer and more manageable while maintaining the floating suction function
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube and float components are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact configuration that fits through the limited 4-inch access port. This nested design enables installation through small openings without requiring large manhole access or manned entry into the tank
3Ease of operation
If multiple access ports are added to the tank for installation, then the floating suction line can be installed, but the tank structure becomes more complex and vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to utilize the existing 4-inch access port that serves multiple functions (ventilation, inspection, maintenance) in standard fuel tanks. By making the suction system compatible with this universal access point, no additional ports are needed, maintaining tank structural integrity while enabling installation
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 effectively avoids contaminants by drawing fuel from above the stratified liquid layer, reducing the risk of contamination and improving safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for manned tank entries.
Implementation Method 1
a float or buoyant portion (6) connected to the flexible suction tube (7)
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a fluid tank may comprise a suction tube system for use in tanks, particularly in gas stations and backup generator applications. The system includes a flexible, elastic suction tube designed to bend and unbend as fluid levels change within the tank. A float connected to the flexible tube is designed to position the intake above water at the bottom of the tank and in the clean portion of the fluid. The intake is positioned between the terminal end of the float and the flexible tube to maximize fuel purity.