Pivoting Jet Nozzle for Oil Tank Sludge Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing sludge deposits from large oil storage tanks are labor-intensive, dangerous, and prone to spills due to the low placement of manway covers, which limits access and efficiency in breaking up and removing the sludge.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rigid conduit with a pivotable spray nozzle and a specialized assembly for the manway cover that allows for the insertion of a jet nozzle with movement actuators, enabling the nozzle to pivot and direct a pressurized liquid stream to break up and emulsify sludge without spilling, including a flange member, gate valve, spool, and cover to maintain containment during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a water jet is installed in a manway cover to break up sludge, then the sludge can be mixed into an emulsion for drainage, but the low placement of the manway cover causes sludge to spill onto the ground when the cover is removed
Solution Approach 1:
A telescopic boom with a jet nozzle assembly serves as an intermediary tool, allowing the water jet to be inserted into the tank through the manway cover opening without removing the cover itself. The boom extends the reach from the manway cover to the sludge deposits, enabling sludge breakdown while the cover remains in place to prevent spills.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet nozzle is positioned and directed toward the sludge deposits before the sludge is broken up. The system prepares the sludge for emulsification by first directing the water jet at the sludge, then gradually mixing it into an emulsion that can be drained, preventing spills during the entire process.
2Ease of operation
If the manway cover is removed to access the tank interior, then the water jet can be installed to break up sludge, but this creates a risk of sludge spilling out at any time during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic boom acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the manway cover opening and the sludge deposits. It allows the water jet to be delivered to the sludge without requiring the manway cover to be removed, thereby maintaining containment while enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet nozzle assembly is nested within the telescopic boom structure, which itself is inserted through the manway cover opening. This nested arrangement allows the water jet system to be positioned inside the tank through a small opening while the cover remains sealed in place.
3Device complexity
If manual excavation methods are used to remove sludge, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but it is labor intensive, time consuming, and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical excavation is replaced with a pressurized water jet system that uses hydraulic pressure to break up and emulsify sludge. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor while dramatically increasing removal efficiency and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulically powered water jet system is used to deliver high-pressure water through the telescopic boom to the sludge deposits. The hydraulic system provides the force necessary to break up tough sludge deposits quickly and efficiently without manual intervention.
4Device complexity
If a fixed water jet nozzle is used, then the installation is simple, but the nozzle cannot be repositioned to target different areas of sludge deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet nozzle is mounted on a telescopic boom that can extend and retract, and the nozzle itself can pivot or rotate. This dynamic positioning system allows the nozzle to reach different areas of the tank and target sludge deposits at various locations while maintaining a relatively simple installation through the manway cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic boom adds a dimensional element to the nozzle positioning, allowing the nozzle to reach beyond the immediate area around the manway cover opening. This extends the operational range in the radial direction, enabling the nozzle to target sludge deposits across the entire tank bottom.
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 system effectively removes sludge deposits by allowing for controlled access and directional pivoting of the spray nozzle, preventing spills and enhancing the efficiency of sludge removal within the tank, thereby increasing storage capacity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
break up and mix it into an emulsion with water or other liquids so that the emulsified sludge can then be drained from the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A jet nozzle and assembly for removing sludge deposits in oil storage tanks is provided. The jet nozzle can include a rigid conduit connectable to a pressurize liquid supply, a pivotal connection connected to the rigid conduit and a spray nozzle connected to the pivotal connection so that the spray nozzle can pivot around the proximal end of the spray nozzle. The assembly can include a manway cover attachable to a manway of a tank, a flange member provided on the manway cover with an aperture passing through the manway cover and inside the flange member, a valve connected to the flange member and a spool connected to the valve. A cover having an opening passing therethrough can be attached to the spool. The rigid conduit of the jet nozzle can be inserted through the opening in the cover so that the jet nozzle extends inside the assembly.