Multi-compartment tanker vacuum layer transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to efficiently remove certain substances or elements from liquids stored in tankers, particularly when the liquids consist of multiple separable layers, as existing technologies lack effective methods for selective extraction and transfer between storage tanks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment tanker system with interconnected liquid storage tanks and a vacuum pump system that utilizes valves and skim valves to facilitate the transfer of liquid layers by controlling pressure differentials and enabling remote control, allowing for the separation and removal of specific substances based on gravity separation and vacuum operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single storage tank is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively remove and separate specific substances from the liquid is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tanker is divided into multiple separate storage tanks (first storage tank, second storage tank, third storage tank) instead of using a single tank. Each tank can independently store different separated substances, enabling selective removal and processing of specific components from the liquid mixture while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If gravity separation is used to separate liquid layers, then the separation process is simplified, but the efficiency of transferring specific layers between tanks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum pump system is introduced to create pressure differentials between tanks, enabling efficient and selective transfer of specific liquid layers. The vacuum pump can selectively remove vapors from specific tanks, creating controlled pressure differences that drive the transfer of desired liquid layers through connecting valves, significantly improving transfer efficiency compared to relying solely on gravity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable valves connecting the tanks, allowing operators to selectively open or close pathways between specific tanks based on which liquid layer needs to be transferred. This dynamic control enables precise management of the transfer process, improving both efficiency and ease of operation.
3Productivity
If vacuum pump is used to transfer liquid, then the transfer speed and selectivity are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump operates on individual tanks selectively rather than continuously on all tanks. By applying vacuum action only to specific tanks when liquid layer transfer is needed, the system achieves high transfer speed and selectivity while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. The partial action approach activates the vacuum pump only when and where required.
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
Enables efficient and selective transfer of liquid layers, allowing for the isolation and removal of specific substances from the tanker, improving the handling and processing of liquids like oil by separating and managing different components effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum pump changes the pressure differential between the first and second liquid storage tanks by compressing the first storage tank and sucking air from the second storage tank to facilitate transfer of a liquid from the first liquid storage tank to the second liquid storage tank
Implementation Method 2
the first and second liquid storage tanks are configured to hold an oil liquid material comprising a plurality of different substances that are separable under gravity into a plurality of different layers
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum pump sucks air out of the first liquid storage tank to generate a vacuum within the first liquid storage tank and draw gases from the liquid within the first liquid storage tank
Implementation Method 4
the vacuum pump pressurizes the first liquid storage tank to a predefined pounds per square inch to impregnate gaseous materials into a liquid within the first liquid storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a multi-compartment tanker. An apparatus includes a first liquid storage tank and a second liquid storage tank. The apparatus includes one or more valves that connect the first liquid storage tank to the second liquid storage tank. The apparatus includes a vacuum pump that is connected to the first and second liquid storage tanks and operable for facilitating transfer of at least a portion of a liquid in the first liquid storage tank to the second storage tank in response to a valve connecting the first and second storage tanks being opened.