Self-Propelled Suction Device for Viscous Sediment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing muddy and viscous sediment from storage tank bottoms are inefficient, requiring manual intervention, limited by explosive atmospheres, and unable to continuously operate without stopping, especially when dealing with dense and viscous materials.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled, remotely controlled suction device equipped with a cavity pump and a rotating tool, such as an auger, that can operate in explosive environments, uses hydraulic arms to mechanically prepare the sediment for continuous pumping, ensuring the pump remains primed and avoiding dry-running or loss of suction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual mechanical loading systems are used to remove sediment, then the sediment can be effectively detached and loaded, but the process requires frequent stops to move small fractionated quantities outside, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to detach and load sedimentVSAvoidtank emptying time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical loading systems with an automated suction device that uses a volumetric pump and rotating tools to continuously detach and convey sediment through a suction pipe, eliminating the need for frequent stops and manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device is equipped with automatic priming systems and self-propelled capabilities, allowing it to maintain continuous operation and self-adjust to varying sediment conditions without external intervention or frequent stopping

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If volumetric pumps are used to convey sludge, then continuous operation is achieved, but the suction port must remain under constant head, limiting adaptability to varying sediment conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidadaptation to sediment consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates rotating tools such as augers and cutting blades that can dynamically adjust their operation based on sediment consistency, allowing the system to maintain continuous operation while adapting to varying material conditions through mechanical action rather than fixed head requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system can change operational parameters such as rotation speed, suction pressure, and mechanical agitation intensity to adapt to different sediment consistencies and quantities, maintaining continuous operation across varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If self-expelling blowpipes are used for suction, then the system can operate remotely, but the suction efficiency is limited by hose length and diameter, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidsuction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces self-expelling pneumatic systems with a volumetric pump-driven system that uses mechanical rotating tools to actively convey sediment, providing stronger and more consistent suction efficiency while maintaining remote operability through automated controls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If manual entry into tanks is required for sediment removal, then mechanical loading can be performed, but human safety is compromised in explosive Atex zone 0 environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical loading capabilityVSAvoidexplosion risk to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device is fully automated with self-propelled capabilities and remote control systems, performing all sediment removal operations without requiring human entry into the tank, thereby eliminating exposure to explosive atmospheres while maintaining mechanical loading capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a remotely operated automated system as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous environment, allowing mechanical sediment removal to be performed from a safe distance through automated controls and teleoperation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 continuous, efficient removal of viscous sediment without manual intervention, adapting to varying sediment consistency and quantity, and operating safely in explosive atmospheres, reducing the time required for tank emptying and improving productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a cavity pump (4) with a hose (5) for conveying the pre-treated sludge outside the tank to be cleaned

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

at least one rotating tool (8) with a vertical axis, positioned close to the bottom of the tank to be cleaned, for hauling the viscous fluid towards the suction mouth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical agitation: Stirring

Data Source

PatentEP3560613B1Suction device for the removal of muddy and/or viscous sediment stratified on the bottom of a storage tank bottom

Publication Date: 2024.09.11 GEROTTO FEDERICO SRL

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AI summary

This concerns a suction device (1) for the removal of muddy and/or viscous sediment stratified on the bottom of storage tanks