Rotating Vessel Cleaning Device with Articulated Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cleaning and recovering residues from fluid storage vessels, such as those used in refineries, are limited in their ability to reach all areas due to restricted rotational motion, making it difficult to remove sludge and residues from the entire tank, including the bottom, walls, and ceiling, and are prone to leakage and complex installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible fluid conduction system that includes a support base with a central bore, a movable piece for 360-degree rotation, and an articulation mechanism allowing 180-degree movement, enabling a powerful and directed laminar jet of fluid to reach all internal parts of the vessel without the need for complex installation or sealing, using a fluid conduction means with a length at least 7 times its diameter for efficient homogenization and residue removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sphere is fixed to the apparatus by means of two locking pins positioned diametrically opposite each other, then the structure is simple and stable, but the sphere is capable of rotating only around a single central axis, which impairs its capability of removing slush or sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static configuration with fixed locking pins to a dynamic system where the support base can rotate 360 degrees around the central axis. This dynamic capability allows the cleaning apparatus to access all areas of the tank bottom and interior surfaces, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension of rotation around the central axis, transforming the single-axis rotation into multi-axis rotational capability. This dimensional expansion enables the sphere to reach all areas of the tank including the bottom, walls, and ceiling without complicating the basic support structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is not capable of multidirectional movement, then the structure is simple, but cleaning the tank bottom and other parts of the tank interior becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The support base is designed with rotational capability around the central axis, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the cleaning apparatus to adapt its position and orientation to clean various areas of the tank interior, achieving comprehensive cleaning coverage without requiring complex multidirectional movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating support base enables a single apparatus to perform multiple cleaning functions across different areas of the tank (bottom, walls, ceiling), making the device universal and versatile without adding complex specialized mechanisms for each area.
3Reliability
If a device is installed inside the vessel for cleaning and homogenization, then residue removal and fluid circulation are improved, but the device requires complex installation and sealing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions (cleaning, homogenization, residue removal) into a single apparatus, eliminating the need for multiple separate installations and reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive functionality.
4Productivity
If existing cleaning devices are used, then some residue removal is achieved, but frequent disassembly is required and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device performs cleaning, homogenization, and residue removal continuously without requiring disassembly, maintaining operational continuity and reducing leakage risks through permanent installation and sealed design.
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 device effectively cleans and recirculates fluids within the vessel, ensuring thorough residue removal and homogenization, reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for frequent disassembly and minimizing leakage risks, while allowing for independent movement and orientation within the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
applying a laminar jet of fluid with high flow-rate
Implementation Method 2
a rotation actuator is coupled to the movable piece to cause it to turn together with the guide structure by up to 360 degrees around the axis of the support base
Implementation Method 3
an articulation actuator is coupled to the guide structure for driving the articulation movement of the guide structure
Implementation Method 4
delivering pressurized fluid to any region of the fluid storing or processing vessel so as to bring about circulation of the fluid stored therein
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for recovering residues and homogenizing fluids in a fluid storing or processing vessel, the device comprising at least one fluid conduction means with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, through which a pressurized fluid is injected into the tank; a support base to be secured to the tank, which has a part rigidly secured to the tank, a movable part rotationally coupled to the fixed part and a guide structure for the fluid conduction means coupled to the movable part, a rotation actuator coupled to the movable part to cause it to turn together with the guide structure by up to 360 degrees around the axis of the support base, the guide structure having an articulation by means of which the guide structure is articulable by about 180 degrees around an axis of said articulation, and an articulation actuator being coupled to the guide structure to drive articulation movement of this structure.