Mobile Pressure Tank Nitrogen Blanketing for Vapor Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rural areas lacking infrastructure face challenges in safely storing hazardous chemicals with significant vapor pressure, as traditional methods often require venting and subsequent vapor treatment, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A mobile pressure tank system with integrated spill containment, nitrogen blanket, and electronic controls to manage pressure and vent vapors directly to treatment systems, eliminating the need for separate vapor treatment equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional venting methods are used to store hazardous chemicals, then pressure build-up is prevented, but vapor treatment equipment and infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nitrogen blanketing to create an inert atmosphere in the storage tank, preventing vapor formation and eliminating the need for external vapor treatment equipment. Nitrogen is introduced into the tank headspace to displace oxygen and prevent hazardous chemical vapors from forming or accumulating, thereby maintaining pressure control without requiring complex vapor treatment infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the vapor treatment function from the storage system by using nitrogen blanketing to prevent vapor formation in the first place. Instead of capturing and treating vapors after they form, the system removes the need for vapor treatment entirely by maintaining an inert atmosphere that prevents vapor generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If separate vapor treatment equipment is used, then vapor neutralization is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vapor prevention function into the storage tank system itself by integrating nitrogen blanketing directly into the tank design. The nitrogen delivery system, pressure control mechanisms, and safety valves are combined into a unified mobile pressure vessel system, eliminating the need for separate vapor treatment equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of vapor formation into a benefit by using the nitrogen blanketing system to prevent vapor generation. The pressurized nitrogen atmosphere that could be considered a deviation from atmospheric conditions becomes a protective mechanism that prevents hazardous vapor formation and eliminates the need for external treatment systems.
3Quantity of substance
If mobile pressure tank is used to store hazardous chemicals, then storage capability is improved, but pressure management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service pressure management through automatic pressure control systems that monitor and regulate tank pressure without external intervention. Pressure-actuated valves and nitrogen pressure regulation systems automatically maintain pressure within safe operating limits, allowing the mobile pressure tank to manage its own pressure conditions while storing hazardous chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through pressure sensors and control systems that continuously monitor tank pressure and adjust nitrogen flow accordingly. The pressure actuator receives feedback from pressure sensors and automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain pressure within specified limits, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies pressure management.
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
Enables safe and efficient storage of hazardous chemicals by maintaining pressure within safe limits and directly venting excess vapors to treatment, reducing the need for additional vapor treatment systems and enhancing operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
determining a fluid to be pumped into pressure vessel, the fluid having a fluid vapor pressure and setting the nitrogen pressure set point above the fluid vapor pressure
Implementation Method 2
relieving pressure in the pressure tank by allowing vapors in the tank to exit to a treatment system
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes supplying a mobile pressure tank. The mobile pressure tank includes a pressure tank, with a trailer. The mobile pressure tank also includes an integrated spill containment system, the integrated spill containment system affixed to either the trailer or the pressure vessel and a maximum pressure safety valve positioned on the top portion, the maximum pressure safety valve having a maximum pressure. Further the mobile pressure tank includes a nitrogen blanket system, the nitrogen blanket system having a nitrogen pressure set point. The method also includes determining a fluid to be pumped into the pressure vessel, the fluid having a fluid vapor pressure and setting the nitrogen pressure set point above the fluid vapor pressure. The method further includes pumping the fluid into the pressure tank and relieving pressure in the pressure tank by allowing nitrogen to vent through the back pressure valve.