Rotating Nozzle Sludge Fluidization in Crude Oil Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crude oil storage tanks face reduced storage capacity and high maintenance needs due to sludge accumulation from wax and particulates, which existing systems fail to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sludge management system using two nozzles that rotate to direct fluid streams into the tank at specific angles, inducing rotational flow and fluidization of sludge to reduce re-sedimentation, with a controller managing nozzle positions through multiple phases of the sludge management cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If sludge accumulates at the bottom of the storage tank, then storage capacity is reduced, but manual removal requires numerous maintenance hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously or periodically fluidizing and removing sludge before it significantly accumulates and reduces storage capacity. The nozzles introduce fluid streams to keep sludge in suspension and prevent major buildup, eliminating the need for frequent manual maintenance interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical removal systems with a fluid-based system. Instead of using mechanical devices or manual labor to remove sludge, the system uses fluid streams introduced through nozzles to fluidize and suspend sludge particles, allowing them to be carried away or remain in suspension, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If nozzles are positioned to direct fluid streams at specific angles, then sludge fluidization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sludge management function into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations and angles around the tank. Each nozzle handles a specific zone or aspect of sludge fluidization, allowing for targeted and effective sludge management while maintaining manageable individual nozzle designs and positioning requirements.
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 system effectively reduces sludge buildup on the bottom wall by promoting continuous fluid rotation and counter-rotation, thereby maintaining tank capacity and minimizing maintenance hours.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second streams of fluid induce a rotational flow of fluidized sludge in the crude oil storage tank
Implementation Method 2
The first and second streams of fluid induce a rotational flow of fluidized sludge in the crude oil storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A crude oil storage tank includes a bottom wall, a peripheral wall and a top wall that collectively define a storage volume. A first nozzle is arranged at the peripheral wall. The first nozzle is configured to selectively rotate between a first position and a second position to direct a first stream of fluid into the storage volume. A second nozzle is arranged at the peripheral wall. The second nozzle is configured to selectively rotate between a first position and a second position to direct a second stream of fluid into the storage volume.