Removable Deflector for Storage Tank Foot Corrosion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage tanks face issues with corrosion and structural damage, leading to potential leaks and integrity loss due to the absence of effective deflector systems, which are difficult to install and maintain without shutting down production, and existing solutions fail to provide reliable inspection and protection against liquid infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A removable deflector system with a downward-sloping protective plate, flexible sealing gasket, and adjustable retaining arms that can be magnetically attached or snap-fitted, allowing for easy installation and removal without welding, enabling protection against liquid infiltration and facilitating visual inspection and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed steel deflectors are welded onto the bin feet, then protection against liquid infiltration is improved, but the structure becomes complex and requires production shutdown for installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector system is divided into modular components: the deflector plate, support arms, and magnetic attachments are separate pieces that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation allows the protection system to be applied without shutting down production and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing individual component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional welded mechanical attachment system with a magnetic attachment system. The magnetic attachments provide secure fixing of the deflector plate without requiring welding operations, eliminating the need for production shutdowns and hot work permits while maintaining reliable protection.
2Reliability
If welded deflectors are installed during construction or shutdown periods, then protection is provided, but productivity is reduced due to production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector system transitions from a static welded installation to a dynamic removable system. The magnetic attachments allow the deflector plate to be easily installed and removed as needed, enabling protection to be applied during operational periods without requiring production shutdowns, thus maintaining productivity while providing reliable protection.
3Reliability
If exterior coatings are applied to protect the bin foot, then corrosion protection is improved, but inspection capability deteriorates as leaks become concealed
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate acts as an intermediary protective element positioned between the external liquid environment and the bin foot structure. By directing liquids away from the critical areas before they can contact and conceal potential leaks, the deflector maintains both protection and inspection capabilities, allowing visual access to the bin foot while preventing corrosive infiltration.
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 solution provides effective protection against liquid infiltration, allows for continuous operation without production shutdowns, and enables reliable inspection and maintenance, improving the integrity and safety of storage tanks by ensuring the structural foot remains protected and accessible.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetic attachment means (12) fastening said retaining arm (5) to said structure wall (14)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a removable deflector for protecting the feet of a structure, which corrode following infiltration of water under the bottom plates and which weakens these areas. The invention concerns a removable device enabling the positioning of protection for the feet of storage tanks without a shut-down of production. The device according to the invention is a deflector element and a deflector assembly consisting of a plurality of deflector elements, capable of being positioned one after the other in order to surround the feet of the wall of the structure. Each deflector element comprises at least one downward-sloping protective plate (1), at least one flexible sealing gasket attached along the upper edge of this plate (1), and: at least one retaining arm (5) for same, wherein one of its ends is fixed to the so-called upper edge of said plate (1) and the other so-called distal end is capable of being rigidly and reversibly attached to an element of said structure and to be detached therefrom, this arm allowing the adjustment of the pressing of the sealing gasket against the wall (14) of the tank, and at least one support (6) arranged towards its lower edge and separable into at least two parts suitable for making the deflector removable, of which the upper one is attached underneath the plate (1) and the other, lower one, is attached to the support slab (23) of the structure wall (14).