Revolving Element for Tank Cleaning Fluid Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank cleaning apparatuses, such as those described in patent EP 1106269, are limited by their restricted rotational movement, which prevents effective removal of residues from the entire tank interior, including walls and ceilings, due to their fixed axis of rotation, making it difficult to clean all areas efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a revolving element that can move rotationally around two perpendicular axes, allowing for multidirectional fluid flow and cleaning, equipped with a pivot mechanism and auxiliary spheres for enhanced flexibility and reach, along with a sealing ring to prevent leaks and a grounding element for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sphere is fixed on the apparatus by two locking pins diametrically positioned opposing to each other, then the structure is simple and stable, but the sphere can revolve only around one single geometrical central axis, which impairs its capacity to remove mud or sludge from all areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed locking pin mechanism with a dynamic system consisting of a pivot sphere and auxiliary spheres that enable multidirectional rotation. The pivot sphere can rotate around multiple axes (first geometrical central axis and second geometrical central axis forming an angle different from zero), allowing the fluid jet to reach all internal surfaces of the tank including walls, bottom, and ceiling, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements another dimension by introducing a second rotational axis perpendicular to the first axis. The pivot mechanism allows the sphere to rotate not only around the first geometrical central axis but also around the second geometrical central axis, adding a dimensional aspect to the rotation capability. This enables the cleaning apparatus to access three-dimensional spaces within the tank effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is fixed at a single location, then installation is simple and costs are reduced, but it cannot clean all inner portions of the tank including walls and ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the sphere dynamically movable through multiple rotational axes while keeping the apparatus fixed at a single location. The pivot sphere mechanism enables the fluid jet to dynamically adjust its direction and reach all inner portions of the tank including walls, ceilings, and bottom, achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring device displacement or transportation.
3Ease of manufacture
If locking pins are used to fix the sphere, then the apparatus is easy to manufacture, but the cleaning efficiency is reduced due to restricted rotational movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving cleaning efficiency by replacing the simple locking pin structure with a pivot sphere mechanism supported by auxiliary spheres. Although the pivot mechanism is more complex than locking pins, it enables the sphere to rotate around multiple axes, allowing the fluid jet to effectively clean all internal surfaces of the tank, thereby achieving high productivity without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 thorough cleaning and recirculation of fluids in tanks by allowing the pressurized fluid to reach all areas, including walls, ceilings, and bottoms, improving usability and efficiency while reducing costs associated with device displacement and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
supply of a pressurized fluid into the inner portions of tanks for fluid storage
Data Source
AI summary
A device able to allow for the supply of a pressurized fluid to inner portions of tanks for fluid storage (e.g. petroleum), so as to enable its cleaning or the recirculation of the stored fluids is disclosed. The device includes a revolving element able to allow the flow of pressurized fluids to change its direction inside the tank. Additionally, the device includes a main basis fixed at the tank and having a central orifice which houses the revolving element. The revolving element is arranged to move rotationally around a first geometrical central axis x and around a second geometrical central axis y, wherein the first geometrical central axis x and the second geometrical central axis y form together an angle different from zero. A tank for fluid storage which includes a device for fluid recirculation and tank cleaning is also disclosed.