Tank Cleaning Carriage with External Rod Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning and degassing systems for flammable product storage tanks are complex, require multiple operators, and pose risks due to heavy weight and electrical hazards, especially in confined and explosive environments.
Innovation Solution
The equipment features a carriage with a tubular frame and rolling members, a conductive rod for external control, a rotatable cleaning head with multiple nozzles, and integrated gas analysis, designed to minimize operator intervention and ensure safety by allowing controlled positioning and continuous gas monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robots or fixed equipment with articulated arms are used for cleaning and degassing operations, then direct human intervention is avoided, but the systems become complex and require multiple operators and lifting tools due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into separate functional modules: a movable carriage for positioning, a cleaning head with nozzles for cleaning operations, and a separate gas analysis system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining safety through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the cleaning head, enables repositioning within the tank, and carries gas analysis equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and minimizes the number of operators required while maintaining safety standards.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed equipment with articulated arms is used, then cleaning operations can be performed, but electrical risks are present in explosive atmospheres
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex articulated arm mechanisms with a simpler movable carriage platform that can be positioned manually or by minimal automation. This mechanical simplification reduces electrical component requirements and lowers the risk of electrical ignition in explosive atmospheres while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head features self-aligning nozzles that automatically orient toward the tank wall through fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms and reducing electrical component exposure. The system performs cleaning operations through hydraulic pressure alone, minimizing electrical risks in explosive environments.
3Ease of operation
If operators are introduced through the manhole for cleaning and degassing operations, then direct control is possible, but risks increase due to confined spaces and explosive atmospheres
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary carriage platform that can be positioned within the tank without requiring operators to enter the confined space. The carriage acts as a mediator, carrying cleaning equipment and gas analysis devices while maintaining safe distance from explosive atmospheres, thus eliminating direct operator exposure to hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual operator control is replaced with automated or minimally automated carriage positioning systems that can be controlled from outside the tank. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to be physically present in explosive atmospheres while maintaining operational control through remote or automated mechanisms.
4Productivity
If a cleaning head with multiple nozzles is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cleaning nozzles are merged into a single integrated cleaning head assembly that functions as one unified unit. The nozzles are arranged in a fixed pattern on the carriage, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each nozzle and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high cleaning effectiveness through multi-point coverage.
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
This design reduces operator risk, simplifies operation, and enhances safety by enabling controlled positioning of the cleaning head and continuous gas monitoring, addressing the complexity and hazard issues of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning head carried by the carriage, connected to the hose, and designed to project a cleaning liquid delivered under high pressure by the hose
Implementation Method 2
the carriage comprises a frame provided with rolling members, the carriage thus being able to adopt, in the internal volume, a position controlled by an action exerted on the rod
Implementation Method 3
a rod connected to the carriage and passing through a second orifice of the shutter and in that the carriage comprises a frame provided with rolling members, the carriage thus being able to adopt, in the internal volume, a position controlled by an action exerted on the rod in the space external to the tank
Implementation Method 4
the cleaning head has several nozzles rotatably mounted around at least a first axis and driven in rotation, in operation, by the ejection of the cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 5
an extraction mouth, an extraction pipe, a gas analyzer and an air pump, the extraction mouth being mounted on the trolley and equipped with a float, the extraction pipe passing through a third orifice of the shutter and connecting the extraction mouth to the analyzer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to cleaning equipment for cleaning a tank intended for storing inflammable products and that defines an internal volume (Vint) provided with an opening, this equipment comprising a shutter (1) suitable for closing the opening, a flexible hose (2) that passes through the shutter (1), a trolley (3) sized in order to be able to be introduced into the internal volume (Vint) of the tank, and a cleaning head (4) borne by the trolley (3), connected to the flexible hose (2), and designed in order to spray a cleaning liquid delivered at high pressure by the flexible hose (2). The equipment of the invention also comprises a rod (5) connected to the trolley (3) and passing through the shutter (1), and the trolley (3) comprises a chassis (30) provided with rolling members (300) so as to be able to adopt, in the tank, a position controlled by an action exerted on the rod (5) in the space (Ext) external to the tank.