Sound Velocity Hydrocarbon Dewatering Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic tank dewatering systems for hydrocarbon tanks are costly, require frequent calibration and maintenance, and involve invasive modifications, posing risks to operators and disrupting operations.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive apparatus using a sound velocity detector and control system to automatically control the water stream exiting the tank, employing a transducer, detector, and controllable valve to regulate drainage based on sound velocity measurements, allowing for easy installation and operation without shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If probes are installed inside the dewatering tank to detect water concentrations, then automatic dewatering control is achieved, but the installation requires major modifications to the tank and drain piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive probes with an ultrasonic detection system that uses sound wave transmission through the drain line wall to detect water flow. This substitution eliminates the need for installing probes inside the tank or modifying the drain piping, as the ultrasonic transducers can be mounted externally on the drain line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the drain line itself as an intermediary medium for ultrasonic wave transmission. By mounting transducers on the external surface of the drain line, the system utilizes the drain line wall as a transmission path for ultrasonic waves to detect the presence and characteristics of water flow without direct contact with the fluid inside.
2Extent of automation
If probes are installed inside the tank for water detection, then automatic control is enabled, but frequent calibration and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based probes with non-contact ultrasonic detection, eliminating the issues of sensor fouling, service buildup, and calibration drift that plague intrusive probes. The ultrasonic transducers operate externally, avoiding direct exposure to the harsh chemical environment inside the tank and drain line.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic detection system requires no calibration or maintenance as it operates passively by measuring the transmission characteristics of sound waves through the drain line wall. The system automatically detects water flow based on the acoustic properties of the fluid, eliminating the need for manual calibration procedures.
3Extent of automation
If intrusive probes and sensors are used for water detection, then automatic dewatering is achieved, but service buildup on sensors occurs and operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the drain line wall as an intermediary barrier that isolates the detection system from the hazardous fluid environment. Ultrasonic transducers mounted externally on the drain line can detect water flow through the wall without direct contact with chemicals, eliminating service buildup and operator exposure risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces contact-based detection methods with non-contact ultrasonic detection, eliminating the problems of service buildup, corrosion, and chemical exposure that affect intrusive sensors. The system achieves automatic detection through acoustic wave transmission through the drain line wall.
4Extent of automation
If automatic dewatering apparatuses with probes are installed, then water drainage is automated, but high implementation and operational costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive probe-based detection systems with cost-effective ultrasonic transducers that can be mounted externally on the drain line. This substitution significantly reduces implementation costs by eliminating the need for tank modifications, probe installation, and associated labor, while also reducing operational costs by eliminating calibration and maintenance 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
Enables efficient, low-cost, and maintenance-free automatic dewatering of hydrocarbon tanks, reducing operator risk and maintaining continuous tank operation while accurately distinguishing between water and hydrocarbon flows.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer is operable to emit wave energy through a water stream contained in a drain line of a dewatering tank
Implementation Method 2
the detector is operable to receive the wave energy from the transducer after the wave energy has passed through the water stream
Implementation Method 3
The transmitter is operable to convert the wave energy received by the detector into a readable signal that is received by a signal processing device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A method and apparatus for an improved dewatering tank system that allows for safely controlling a water stream exiting the dewatering tank system. The apparatus can include a sound velocity detector, a control system, and a control element. The sound velocity detector can include a transducer, a detector, and a transmitter. The control system can include a computer and a program product. The apparatus can optionally include a dewatering tank, a drain line, and a controllable valve. The apparatus allows for transmitting sound energy through the water stream flowing in the drain lined that is connected to the dewatering tank, calculating the velocity of the sound energy as the sound energy travels through the water stream, monitoring the velocity of the sound energy for a period of time, and controlling the position of the controllable valve depending on the calculated velocity of the sound energy.