Horizontal Tank Inspection Draining Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tank inspection methods are inefficient in draining water injected into tanks during inspection, leading to air accumulation and water retention issues.
Innovation Solution
A tank inspection method involving supporting the tank with its central axis crossed with a horizontal plane, injecting water from the lower opening to discharge air from the upper opening, increasing pressure by pumping water, and efficiently draining water from the lower opening after pressure increase, utilizing a system with valves and pumps to manage flow paths and air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If water is injected into the tank from the lower opening to increase internal pressure, then the pressure inside the tank can be increased to a predetermined level, but water remains retained in the tank and drains inefficiently after inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional drainage approach by draining water from the lower opening rather than the upper opening. This inversion allows water to be drained efficiently while air enters through the upper opening to replace the water volume, preventing air accumulation and ensuring complete drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of valve openings during the drainage process. The lower valve is opened first to drain water, then the upper valve is opened to allow air entry, and finally the lower valve is closed when drainage is complete. This dynamic valve control optimizes the drainage efficiency and prevents water retention.
2Productivity
If conventional drainage methods are used, then the tank can be drained after pressure increase, but air accumulates in the tank and drainage efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary air discharge by opening the upper valve before or during the water drainage process. This preliminary action allows air to escape or be replaced as water drains, preventing air accumulation that would otherwise hinder complete drainage and reduce efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses air as an intermediary substance that enters through the upper opening to replace water volume during drainage. This intermediary air flow pushes remaining water out through the lower opening and prevents vacuum formation, thereby improving drainage efficiency and eliminating air accumulation issues.
3Reliability
If separate nozzles and complex systems are used for water injection and drainage, then pressure increase and drainage can be achieved, but equipment cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the lower opening and valve system multi-functional by using it for both water injection during pressure increase and water drainage after inspection. This universal use of the same opening and valve for dual purposes eliminates the need for separate nozzles and reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable pressure increase capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water injection and water drainage functions into a single lower opening system. By combining these functions and using the same valve for both pressurization and drainage operations, the system reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall structure, and lowers equipment costs while maintaining functional reliability.
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
This method enables efficient drainage of water injected during inspection, reducing equipment costs and time by integrating processes and eliminating the need for separate nozzles, while ensuring complete air discharge and water filling for effective pressure increase.
Implementation Method 1
increasing pressure in which water pressure inside the tank, filled with water in the injecting water, is increased to a predetermined pressure by pumping water to the lower opening
Implementation Method 2
In the draining water, air may be pumped to the upper opening of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a tank inspection method capable of efficiently draining water injected into a tank at the time of inspection. A tank inspection method TIM includes a supporting step, a water injection step, a pressure increasing step, and a draining step. The supporting step supports a tank with the central axis crossed with the horizontal plane such that openings provided at both ends in a direction along the central axis of the tank become upper and lower openings. The water injection step injects water into the tank from the lower opening and discharges air inside the tank from the upper opening. The pressure increasing step increases water pressure inside the tank to a predetermined pressure by pumping water to the lower opening, with an upper valve, which opens and closes an upper flow path, closed, and the draining step drains water from the lower opening of the tank.