Remote Vapor Box Venting for Asphalt Tank Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank venting systems for transporting asphalt pose risks to drivers due to manual operation of high-access manholes, potential fouling, and exposure to hazardous hydrogen sulfide gas.
Innovation Solution
A tank venting system that includes a vapor box with vent apertures, a valve, and a selector that can be operated remotely to control fluid flow, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing exposure to hazardous gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver manually opens the manhole at the top of the trailer, then vapors can vent and ambient air can enter to prevent trailer collapse, but the driver is exposed to hazardous hydrogen sulfide gas and faces safety hazards from high access and potential fouling
Solution Approach 1:
A remote selector switch serves as an intermediary device that allows the driver to operate the venting system from ground level without direct exposure to the manhole area. The selector switch transmits control signals through wiring to operate the valve remotely, eliminating the need for the driver to physically access the hazardous manhole region while still achieving the necessary pressure equalization function
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the manhole valve is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The selector switch controls an electrically actuated valve that automatically opens or closes the vent aperture, substituting the dangerous manual mechanical operation with a safe remote electrical control system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the manhole is closed during transport to prevent asphalt sloshing, then transport safety is improved, but the driver must still access the high manhole to open it for off-loading
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is designed to be self-regulating through the remote selector switch, which allows the driver to initiate the venting sequence from ground level without needing to physically access the manhole. The system serves itself by providing automated control capability that eliminates the repetitive manual access requirement
3Ease of operation
If the driver climbs the ladder to access the manway and manhole, then the manhole can be opened for venting, but the driver faces physical hazards from high access
Solution Approach 1:
The selector switch acts as an intermediary control device positioned at ground level, allowing the driver to operate the venting system without physically climbing the ladder. The electrical wiring serves as the intermediary transmission medium, carrying control signals from the accessible selector switch to the remotely located valve mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to vent a tank to enhance transporting asphalt when positioned in the tank may include connecting a vapor box to a tank. The vapor box may include one or more vents apertures and a valve associated with the one or more vent apertures and positioned to provide fluid flow between the interior of the vapor box and the exterior. The systems and methods may also include communication via a selector with the valve to cause the valve to switch between an open condition and a closed condition. The selector may be located remotely from the valve, and the systems and methods may also include communication with an indicator via one or more of the valve or the selector to provide an indication of one or more of the valve in the open condition or the valve in the closed condition.