Tank Access Chamber Remote Sensor Service Without Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank access chambers require physical entry for maintenance and inspection, which is unsafe and inefficient, and compatibility issues between components can impair system function and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A tank access chamber system with remote monitoring and maintenance capabilities, including a liquid sensor that can be checked and actuated remotely, and a magnetic sensor retainer and extraction tool that allow sensor removal and installation from outside the chamber, ensuring safety and compatibility through strategic redundancies and built-in protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tank cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires the tank to be emptied and moved to a specialized facility
Solution Approach 1:
The tank equips itself with cleaning capabilities through integrated cleaning arms, spray nozzles, and scraping mechanisms that allow it to clean its own interior surfaces without external assistance, transforming the tank from a passive container to an autonomous cleaning system
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules including cleaning arms, spray nozzles, scrapers, and drying mechanisms that can operate independently or in coordination, allowing comprehensive cleaning through segmented functional components
2Reliability
If the tank is emptied and moved to a specialized cleaning facility, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the tank to a cleaning facility, the cleaning facility is brought to the tank by deploying cleaning arms and mechanisms from the tank's own access chamber, inverting the traditional cleaning approach and eliminating the need for tank relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The access chamber serves multiple functions: it provides operator access for maintenance and is simultaneously equipped with cleaning mechanisms that perform washing, scraping, and drying operations, making the access chamber a multi-functional cleaning station
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning methods are used, then cleaning can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and requires operators to work in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical cleaning operations are replaced with automated mechanical cleaning arms, motorized scrapers, and controlled spray systems that perform cleaning tasks automatically, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning arms and mechanisms act as intermediaries between the operator and the tank interior surfaces, allowing the operator to control cleaning operations remotely from the access chamber without directly entering the confined tank space
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
Facilitates regular and unplanned maintenance without physical entry, ensuring long-term system performance, safety, and compatibility between components, preventing leaks and protecting users and service personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor retainer and extraction tool that allow sensor removal and installation from outside the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
A fuel storage system has a tank access chamber with improved monitoring, servicing and maintenance capabilities. In particular, the chamber includes a sump monitored by a liquid sensor whose proper function can be automatically checked remotely, e.g., via an electronic controller or remote manual operation. In cases where such a check indicates a need for physical inspection of the sump sensor, the present system provides for sensor removal and installation by service personnel from a location outside the tank access chamber. Thus, the present system facilitates regular inspection and routine or unplanned maintenance without the need for a person to physically enter the tank access chamber.