Tanker Filling Arrangement With Ejector Vacuum Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank filling systems for tankers, particularly slurry tankers, face inefficiencies due to slow filling times, risk of pump damage from contaminants, and complex valve control requirements, which reduce reliability and increase the time needed to fill the tank.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates an ejector in the return line, where the suction line is identical to the feed line, allowing the filling pump to operate under pressure from the filling pump, reducing the need for complex valve control and enabling simultaneous contribution from both the filling pump and ejector for faster filling, while maintaining the ejector action to prevent cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ejector is used in the return line to establish vacuum for aspirating liquid through the filling pump, then the filling operation can be initiated, but the filling speed is limited by the ejector's capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is used preliminarily to establish vacuum and prime the filling pump and suction line before the main filling operation. Once the pump is primed and liquid flow is established, the ejector's role is completed and it can be bypassed, allowing the high-capacity filling pump to operate at full speed without the ejector's capacity limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions from ejector-dominated flow during priming to pump-dominated flow during main filling operation. The valve configuration allows the system to switch between ejector action and direct pump discharge, optimizing performance at different operational stages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used to control connections between the ejector, pumps and tank, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into functionally distinct groups: suction line valves for priming control, discharge line valves for flow direction, and tank connection valves for loading/unloading. Each valve serves a specific function, making the control logic more manageable and easier to operate despite the multiple valves present.
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector and associated valves serve multiple functions: establishing vacuum during priming, controlling return flow during filling, and enabling tank unloading. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the filling pump is submerged in the liquid to be pumped, then priming is simplified, but the pump is exposed to contaminants and risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector acts as an intermediary device that enables the filling pump to be primed without direct submersion in the liquid source. By creating vacuum through the ejector, liquid is drawn into the pump through the suction line, achieving priming while keeping the pump isolated from contaminants in the source container.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical submersion method with a vacuum-based priming system. Instead of physically submerging the pump in the liquid, the ejector creates a pressure differential that draws liquid into the pump, eliminating direct mechanical contact with contaminants while achieving the same priming effect.
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 configuration reduces filling time, enhances reliability, and prevents pump damage by allowing the filling pump to operate efficiently even when cavitating, with the ejector ensuring continuous filling without the need for complex valve management.
Implementation Method 1
there is provided an ejector action in a return line connecting the emptying pump with the tank, wherein this ejector action is used for establishing a vacuum in the suction line for aspirating the liquid through the filling pump
Data Source
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AI summary
An arrangement for filling a tank (1) in a tanker, preferably a slurry tanker, with liquid such as water containing varying amounts of contaminants. The arrangement includes: - a feed line 52) with a filling pump (3) for pumping the liquid to the tank (1); - a discharge line (49) with an emptying pump (2) for pumping the liquid out of the tank (1); - a return line (50) to the tank (1) associated with the emptying pump (2); - an ejector (6) provided in the return line (50); - a suction line (51) connected with the suction side of the ejector (6) for aspirating the liquid through the filling pump (13); and - valves (3,9,29) for shutting off/opening connections between the ejector, the pumps and the tank the suction line (51) being identical to the feed line (52) such that the filling pump (13) only pumps liquid to the tank (1) via the ejector (6).