Microbe-Based Sludge-Dissolving Composition for Oil Storage Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing sludge from oil storage tanks are inefficient, time-consuming, costly, and pose safety risks to workers, with potential health hazards and environmental impacts.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of microbe-based products, including biosurfactants, solvents, and enzymes produced by microbes, to dissolve and separate sludge components from crude oil, forming distinct layers that can be easily removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sludge fluidization or excavation methods are used, then sludge can be removed from storage tanks, but the process becomes time-consuming, costly, and hazardous to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical excavation and fluidization systems with a chemical dissolution system. A sludge dissolving composition is applied to the sludge layer, where it chemically breaks down the sludge into removable components, eliminating the need for mechanical pumping, fluidization, or manual excavation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge dissolving composition acts as an intermediary substance between the sludge and removal equipment. It mediates the transformation of solid/semi-solid sludge into a form that can be easily pumped or removed, serving as a chemical bridge that facilitates the removal process without direct mechanical interaction
2Reliability
If conventional sludge fluidization or excavation methods are used, then sludge can be removed from storage tanks, but the cost of the process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical excavation equipment, fluidization systems, and specialized pumping equipment with a simpler chemical treatment process. The sludge dissolving composition system requires minimal equipment infrastructure, significantly reducing capital and operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge dissolving composition is applied as a consumable chemical agent that performs its function and is then removed with the dissolved sludge. This disposable chemical approach eliminates the need for expensive, reusable mechanical equipment and complex infrastructure
3Reliability
If conventional sludge removal methods are used, then sludge can be removed from storage tanks, but worker safety is compromised due to health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical systems that require worker entry into confined tank spaces with a chemical treatment process that can be applied and monitored from outside the tank, eliminating exposure to hazardous atmospheres, heavy lifting, and confined space risks
Solution Approach 2:
The sludge dissolving composition performs the removal function autonomously through chemical action. The composition is applied to the sludge, which then self-dissolves and can be pumped out automatically, reducing the need for manual labor and direct worker involvement in hazardous conditions
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 method effectively separates sludge components in a few hours, reducing the time and cost of oil recovery and refining processes while ensuring worker safety and environmental friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
The subject invention utilizes biochemical-producing microbes and/or their growth by-products, including, for example, biosurfactants, solvents, enzymes, or other useful metabolites
Implementation Method 2
The subject invention utilizes biochemical-producing microbes and/or their growth by-products, including, for example, biosurfactants, solvents, enzymes, or other useful metabolites
Implementation Method 3
The subject invention utilizes biochemical-producing microbes and/or their growth by-products, including, for example, biosurfactants, solvents, enzymes, or other useful metabolites
Implementation Method 4
These components separate from the volume of liquid hydrocarbons in the storage tank over time due to gravity, thus forming a sediment layer
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and oil transmission and refining by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. The subject invention can be used to remediate a sludge layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in oil storage tanks. Advantageously, the subject invention can decrease the cost of mechanical remediation of disposable layers, and aid in the recovery of more pure hydrocarbons from crude fluids.