Tank Trailer Vent Collection Layout to Keep Vent Lines Dry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tank trailers used for sanitary applications face challenges in cleaning the ventilation system due to fluid spillage into vent lines, which can lead to structural issues and require disassembly of valves for washing, complicating the cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A tank trailer design with a collection system that includes a collection pipe to prevent fluid from entering the ventilation pipe, a lockable housing for access ports and manhole, and a cleaning system with controlled washing fluid supply to facilitate efficient cleaning and operation from a centralized location at ground level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ventilation system is installed to evacuate air or replace fluid in the tanker, then filling and unloading operations are improved, but fluid spills into the vent lines requiring complex cleaning procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into a dry vent line and a wet collection line. The collection pipe with collection area separates fluid-carrying function from air ventilation function, allowing independent cleaning of each segment without disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection pipe acts as an intermediary element between the tank interior and the ventilation outlet. It intercepts spilled fluid before it can contaminate the vent lines, serving as a mediator that protects the ventilation system from fluid contamination.
2Reliability
If valves are installed to prevent fluid from spilling into vent lines, then fluid containment is improved, but the valves require disassembly and washing
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid interception function is extracted from the ventilation system and placed into a dedicated collection pipe with collection area. This separates the fluid containment function from the ventilation function, eliminating the need for valves that would require disassembly for cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection pipe design allows washing fluid to automatically fill the collection area and flush out spilled fluid without requiring manual intervention or disassembly. The system cleans itself through the integrated collection and drainage mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If access ports are positioned at ground level for ease of operation, then operational safety is improved, but the manhole and ventilation access port require separate access points
Solution Approach 1:
The manhole and ventilation access port are merged into a single integrated access point located at ground level. This consolidation allows both the tank interior and ventilation system to be accessed through one location, improving safety while reducing the number of separate access points required.
Data Source
AI summary
A tank trailer is provided. The tank trailer includes a tank having an interior volume adapted to contain fluid, and a manhole extending through the tank and positioned proximate a rear portion thereof and proximate to ground level. The tank trailer also includes a ventilation system having a ventilation interface communicating with the interior volume of the tank, a ventilation access port having a ventilation outlet positioned proximate the rear portion and proximate to ground level and a ventilation pipe adapted to establish fluid communication between the ventilation outlet and ventilation interface. The tank trailer further has a collection system which includes a collection pipe coupled between the ventilation interface and the ventilation pipe. The collection pipe defines an internal volume shaped and adapted to collect fluid spilling from the interior volume of the tank through the ventilation interface and at least partially prevent fluid flow into the ventilation pipe.