Flow Check Valve for Fluid Storage Tank Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid storage tank filling systems often result in spillage of environmentally hazardous fluids due to inadequate venting systems and fill alarms that fail to prevent overfilling.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a flow check valve is integrated into the venting system of the storage tank, which remains open for airflow but closes under fluid pressure to prevent fluid from escaping during filling, and a fill alarm is attached to the vent port to alert operators when the tank is full.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple opening venting system is used, then air flow is allowed during filling operations, but fluid spillage occurs during overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
A flow check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the venting system. This valve selectively mediates between air flow (allowing it during filling) and fluid flow (blocking it during overfilling). The valve acts as a smart intermediary that responds to the type of fluid attempting to pass through, automatically preventing hazardous spillage while maintaining normal venting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow check valve utilizes parameter changes in fluid properties (density, viscosity, flow rate) to distinguish between air and fuel oil. When air flows through the venting system during normal filling, the valve remains open. When fuel oil attempts to pass during overfilling, the different physical parameters trigger the valve to close, preventing spillage.
2Loss of information
If a whistle fill alarm is used, then operators are alerted when fluid reaches upper limit, but spillage continues through the alarm orifice
Solution Approach 1:
The flow check valve is positioned to intercept fluid flow before it reaches the whistle fill alarm orifice. When overfilling occurs and fluid attempts to escape through the alarm, the check valve acts as a protective intermediary, blocking the fluid while allowing the alarm to continue providing acoustic notification to operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the whistle fill alarm provides detection and warning function, while the flow check valve provides physical prevention function. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the alarm alerts operators without being responsible for physical spill prevention, which is handled by the valve.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the venting system is sealed to prevent spillage, then fluid containment is improved, but air flow during filling is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The flow check valve introduces dynamic control to the venting system. Rather than a fixed sealed or open configuration, the valve dynamically adjusts its state based on real-time conditions - remaining open during normal air flow to maintain filling efficiency, and closing only when fluid overfilling is detected. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between containment and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow check valve is a passive, self-regulating device that automatically responds to flow conditions without external control. It self-adjusts its opening/closing state based on the physical properties of the fluid attempting to pass through, eliminating the need for active monitoring or manual intervention while maintaining both containment and productivity.
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 solution effectively prevents spillage of hazardous fluids by ensuring that the venting system only allows air to escape while keeping fluids within the tank, and the fill alarm ensures operators stop filling before overfilling occurs, thereby minimizing environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
configured to close based on a predetermined fluid force of the fuel oil through the safety device
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device for a fluid storage tank having a first port for filling the tank with fuel oil and a second port for allowing airflow therethrough is disclosed. The safety device includes a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end connectable to the second port, and a flow check valve contained within the tubular body and configured to remain open when air flows through the safety device and configured to close based on a predetermined fluid force of the fuel oil through the safety device. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.