Engine Oil Storage Tank Pressurization for Reuse and Drainback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of fluids from engine units during testing is not cost-effective and environmentally desirable, as existing methods do not efficiently manage the fluid removal and reuse process.
Innovation Solution
An oil storage and filtration system that includes an on/off valve, fill/drain valve, control valve, pressure/vacuum valve, and storage tank, which uses supply air to selectively depressurize and pressurize the storage tank to transfer oil from and to the engine unit, allowing for efficient oil storage and filtration without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional fluid disposal methods are used during engine unit testing, then the testing process can be completed, but the disposal is not cost-effective and environmentally desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and stores used oil from engine units during testing instead of disposing of it. The storage tank captures the drained oil, which can then be reused for subsequent testing operations, eliminating the need for continuous disposal and purchase of fresh oil, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the engine unit's own operational cycles to facilitate oil transfer and storage without requiring external disposal services. The oil is drained and stored during normal testing operations, making the system self-sufficient in managing its own fluid resources.
2Productivity
If the engine unit is filled with oil for testing, then testing can be performed, but the oil must be drained before delivery making the process inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs oil storage during the testing phase itself, preparing for future reuse before the engine unit is delivered. By capturing and storing the oil during the testing operation rather than disposing of it, the system eliminates the need for separate oil management steps later, saving time and improving overall efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable oil storage system is used, then the system can be moved and adapted to different locations, but the system must be self-contained without external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from the engine unit's air supply to transfer oil into and out of the storage tank. This eliminates the need for external electric pumps or power sources, making the system portable and self-contained while maintaining the ability to move and deploy at different testing locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions: storing oil during testing, preserving it for future use, and enabling reuse across different engine units and testing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate disposal and refilling operations, simplifying the overall fluid management process despite the portable design constraints.
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 the reuse of oil, reducing disposal costs and environmental impact by allowing for efficient oil transfer and filtration, with self-regulation and safety features to prevent overpressure and leaks, and is portable.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum condition during the drain state
Implementation Method 2
a pressurized condition during the fill state
Data Source
AI summary
An oil storage and filtration system for an engine unit includes an on/off valve that defines an operating phase when receiving supply air and in an on position and a standby phase when in an off position or not receiving the supply air. The system also includes a fill/drain valve that defines a drain state and a fill state which respectively correspond to emptying and filling oil from/into the engine unit. The system also includes a control valve, a pressure/vacuum valve, and a storage tank. The storage tank stores oil in a pressurized condition during the fill state, a vacuum condition during the drain state, and an atmospheric condition during the standby phase. The also includes a vacuum generator in fluid communication with the storage tank during the drain state and fluidly isolated from the storage tank during the fill state.