Remote Access Hatch Opening via Pulley and Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the oil and gas industry, storage tank access hatches pose a significant safety risk to workers due to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic vapors when manually opened, leading to hazardous conditions and unchecked emissions into the atmosphere, with current remote monitoring methods failing to address the need for safe visual inspection and sampling.
Innovation Solution
A system for remotely opening storage tank access hatches using a pulley and counterweight mechanism, combined with environmental monitoring sensors that alert workers when it is safe to approach, ensuring the hatch is securely closed to prevent VOC leaks, allowing workers to operate from a safe distance and detect potential leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workers manually open access hatches to inspect and sample tank contents, then they can perform visual inspection and fluid sampling, but they are exposed to hazardous VOCs and toxic vapors that can cause loss of consciousness or death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system (pulley system with cable and counterweight) that mediates between the worker and the access hatch. The worker operates the hatch remotely from ground level through the cable mechanism, preventing direct exposure to hazardous vapors while maintaining the ability to open and close the hatch for inspection and sampling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical operation (worker directly lifting the hatch lid) with a remote mechanical system involving pulleys, cables, and counterweights. This substitution allows the worker to operate the hatch from a safe distance while the mechanical system handles the physical effort of moving the heavy lid
2Productivity
If access hatches are manually opened for sampling, then workers can obtain fluid samples, but VOCs and hydrocarbon gases rapidly escape through the hatch to the surrounding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the hatch to be closed and secured before workers approach the tank. The remote opening mechanism allows the hatch to be opened, sampling to be performed, and the hatch closed and latched back, minimizing the time the hatch is open and reducing VOC release into the atmosphere
3Weight of moving object
If the access hatch lid is lightweight for easy operation, then workers can manually open it, but it will not substantially reduce VOC flow unless securely latched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight system that balances the weight of the hatch lid, making it easier to operate while maintaining secure closure. The counterweight mechanism allows the lightweight lid to be easily opened and closed through the remote cable system, while the latch ensures proper sealing to reduce VOC flow when closed
4Adaptability or versatility
If workers manually manipulate access hatches, then they can perform maintenance and inspection tasks, but they face risks of combustion and explosions from accumulated hydrocarbon gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the remote cable and pulley system as an intermediary that allows workers to perform maintenance and inspection tasks by opening the hatch from ground level. This eliminates the need for workers to be in close proximity to accumulated hydrocarbon gases, significantly reducing the risk of combustion and explosion while maintaining full access capability
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
Enhances worker safety by preventing exposure to toxic gases and reducing VOC emissions into the atmosphere, enabling safe and efficient inspection and sampling processes while ensuring the access hatch is securely closed to prevent leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The pulley system may include one or more pulleys mounted to a support frame, a weight cable having a first end operatively coupled to the latch and extending to the pulley system, and a counterweight coupled to a second end of the weight cable
Implementation Method 2
The counterweight may be configured to constantly urge the latch to a latched position, and wherein, once the latch becomes unlatched, the counterweight causes the weight cable to pull on the access hatch lid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remotely opening an access hatch of storage tank includes an elongate arm having a proximal end configured to be operatively coupled to a lid of the access hatch and a distal end extendable past an outer perimeter of the storage tank, and a pull cable attached to the arm at the distal end and being extendable toward a ground surrounding the storage tank. Pulling on the pull cable releases a latch that secures the lid to a base of the access hatch and allows the lid to pivot from a closed position to an open position.