Rotatable Head Flexible Tube Tank Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank sampling methods are inadequate for obtaining representative samples of sludge deposits, particularly in floating roof tanks, as they are limited to vertical access and fail to collect heavy deposits, resulting in mostly liquid samples with little sludge representation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a rotatable head connected to a rigid tube with a flexible tube that can be directed at an angle offset from the central axis, allowing for sampling from various locations within the tank, equipped with a vacuum source, high-pressure line, and sensor for accurate sampling and sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If top-down sampling methods are used, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but sampling representativeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from vertical-only sampling to multi-directional sampling by introducing a rotatable head with flexible tube that can access horizontal and angled planes, enabling sampling from multiple dimensional orientations while maintaining operational simplicity
2Device complexity
If rigid vertical tube access is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but sampling location flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines a rigid structural support with a dynamic flexible tube that can be directed at various angles through the rotatable head, allowing the structure to adapt to different sampling locations while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tube within the rigid structure enables the system to reach various sampling locations by bending and directing the tube at different angles, providing location flexibility without compromising the structural integrity of the rigid outer tube
3Device complexity
If vertical plane sampling only is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but sampling coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable head mechanism adds rotational capability to the sampling system, enabling the flexible tube to access horizontal and angled planes in addition to vertical planes, thereby expanding the sampling coverage area without significantly increasing equipment 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 the retrieval of representative samples from virtually any location within the tank, including those with internal floating roofs, without manned entry, providing improved accuracy and safety by allowing sampling from both horizontal and vertical planes.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible tube (116) is slideably movable within the rigid tube (104) and has a range of motion relative to the rigid tube
Implementation Method 2
The external end of the flexible tube can be operatively connected to a vacuum source outside of the tank
Implementation Method 3
the external end of the flexible tube is operatively connected to a vacuum source outside of the tank
Implementation Method 4
a high-pressure line within the flexible tube; the high-pressure line is connected to a high-pressure source outside of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for accessing contents of a tank through a tank opening disposed on the tank. The system and method may obtain samples, use a sensor to analyze sludge or may clean the tank. The system has a rotatable head connected to a rigid tube having a central axis. The rotatable head is adapted to be inserted through the tank opening. The rotatable head comprises a displacer and a head opening. A flexible tube has an insertable end and an external end. The flexible tube is slideably movable within the rigid tube and has a range of motion relative to the rigid tube so that the insertable end of the flexible tube can be directed by the displacer through the head opening at an angle offset from the central axis of the rigid tube.