Tank Trailer Offloading Layout for Parallel Cargo Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for offloading cargo from tank trailers are inefficient, as they rely on a single cargo stream and blower configuration, which prolongs the offloading process and limits the capacity of the trailers.
Innovation Solution
The use of reoriented T-connectors and multiple blowers to create multiple independent cargo streams, allowing cargo to flow concurrently along different paths to separate discharge points, thereby increasing offloading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a single blower and single cargo stream configuration is used, then the system complexity is low, but the offloading time is excessive (45 minutes or more)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single cargo stream into multiple parallel cargo streams by segmenting the blower system into multiple blowers (e.g., first blower, second blower) and creating corresponding parallel conduit paths. Each blower handles a portion of the cargo flow independently, allowing simultaneous offloading from multiple tank compartments through separate streams to the same or different discharge points, thereby reducing total offloading time without creating excessive system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple cargo streams from different tank compartments into a single discharge point or combines them at the discharge end. The parallel conduits carrying cargo from different compartments converge at a common discharge location, allowing the system to maintain the simplicity of a single discharge interface while achieving faster offloading through parallel processing of cargo streams
2Productivity
If a single cargo stream is used, then the equipment configuration is simple, but the offloading capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cargo offloading process into multiple parallel streams by providing separate conduits for different tank compartments. Each compartment has its own conduit path controlled by a valve, allowing independent flow control and simultaneous offloading of multiple compartments through parallel streams, thereby increasing overall offloading capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional conduit system where conduits can serve multiple purposes: they can transport cargo from different compartments simultaneously, can be selectively activated or deactivated via valves, and can discharge to the same or different locations. This universal conduit architecture allows the system to adapt to different offloading scenarios and maximize productivity
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 approach significantly reduces the time required for offloading cargo, allowing for faster and more efficient unloading of flowable materials from tank trailers, as demonstrated by a reduction in offloading time from 45 minutes to less than 15 minutes for sand cargo.
Implementation Method 1
A blower, which is often mounted to the truck chassis but is sometimes instead mounted to the vehicle frame at the front end of the tank trailer, is connected to one of the conduits. In operation, the blower provides air flow and pressure to contain and direct the flow of cargo from the tank and cause the cargo to flow in a desired direction through the conduits.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for offloading cargo from a tank trailer, which has at least interior compartments, to one or more discharge points. The apparatus includes two or more T-connectors each of which is connected, via a valve, to an outlet of a respective one of the interior compartments of the tank trailer. Each T-connector has an axis defined by a pair of opposing arms and, contrary to conventional apparatus and methods, the T-connectors are positioned with their axes oriented perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the length of the tank trailer. Additionally, for each T-connector, a discharge conduit is connected to one of the opposing arms so that all of the discharge conduits extend from the same side of the tank trailer, perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the length of the tank trailer. A blower conduit is also connected to each T-connector, to the other of the pair of opposing arms, and extend from the other side the tank trailer, opposite the discharge conduits. The blower conduits are also connected to at least one blower which provides air flow and pressure. The method involves providing power to the blower(s), and opening the valves to cause the cargo to flow from each of the interior compartments and form multiple flow streams which flow concurrently, along multiple flow paths, to the one or more discharge points. This apparatus and method reduce the time necessary to accomplish offloading the cargo, among other advantages.