Manway Cover Integrated Cleaning System for Tank Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning the interior of enclosed tanks, such as those used in the oil and gas industry, is challenging due to limited access through manways, which exposes individuals to hazardous substances and requires costly replacement of existing tanks with easier-to-clean models.
Innovation Solution
A manway cover with an integrated cleaning system featuring a fluid line connector, rotatable spray nozzle, and extension arm that allows for easy attachment of a fluid line, enabling efficient cleaning without manual entry, and can be retrofitted to existing tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used with existing tank designs, then personnel can access the interior for cleaning, but personnel are exposed to hazardous substances and cleaning efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from manual operations and integrated into an automated system mounted on the manway cover. The spray nozzle assembly with fluid delivery system performs cleaning tasks without requiring personnel to enter the tank interior, thereby eliminating exposure to hazardous substances while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating through automated spray mechanisms. The system uses stored cleaning fluid and automated nozzle positioning to perform cleaning tasks independently without continuous human intervention, reducing both exposure risk and operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If existing tanks are replaced with newer models designed for easier cleaning, then cleaning accessibility improves, but costly replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The manway cover cleaning system is designed as a universal solution that can be applied to multiple existing tank designs across different industries. By integrating the cleaning mechanism into the existing manway cover structure rather than requiring new tank designs, the system provides multi-functional capability (access + cleaning) without costly replacement of existing infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between existing tank designs and modern cleaning requirements. Rather than replacing tanks, the intermediary cleaning system mounted on the manway cover enables easy cleaning of legacy tanks, preserving existing investments while achieving improved operational efficiency
3Device complexity
If a fixed spray nozzle is used in the manway cover, then the structure is simple, but the nozzle cannot reach different areas of the tank interior
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through articulated arms or rotational mechanisms that allow the nozzle to move and adjust its orientation. This dynamic structure enables the fixed-mounted nozzle system to reach different areas of the tank interior by moving the nozzle head while maintaining the fixed mounting on the manway cover, thus achieving versatility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is segmented into a fixed mounting structure on the manway cover and a movable nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows the nozzle portion to be independently positioned and oriented to reach different tank areas, while the mounting structure remains fixed and simple, balancing structural simplicity with cleaning coverage versatility
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 integrated cleaning system provides effective interior tank cleaning without exposing personnel to hazardous substances and can be easily adapted to various existing tank designs, reducing the need for costly replacements.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flows from the fluid line connector to the spray nozzle, whereupon it is sprayed into the interior of the tank
Implementation Method 2
it is sprayed into the interior of the tank
Implementation Method 3
flow of fluid through the spray nozzle causes rotation of the spray nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A manway cover for use with a storage enclosure, for example an enclosed tank, includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. A fluid line connector is attached to the exterior surface of the manway cover for releasable attachment of a fluid line thereto. A rotatable spray nozzle is attached to the interior surface of the manway cover and is in fluid communication with the fluid line connector. When a fluid line is connected to the fluid line connector, fluid flows from the fluid line connector to the spray nozzle, whereupon it is sprayed into the interior of the tank.