Telescopic High-Pressure Water Cleaning Tool for Tank Scale Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tank cleaning systems are inefficient due to the inability to effectively reach and clean varying tank geometries and hard scale deposits, as they often require complex and costly automation, and struggle with precise surface coverage and obstacle navigation within tanks.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure water cleaning system that unfolds and folds to fit through small access points, synchronizes water jet movements for controlled spiral or helical cleaning tracks, and uses pneumatic-hydraulic devices for precise positioning and movement, eliminating the need for electric or electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small volume, high pressure water cleaning tool is used to fit through small access openings, then the tool can enter the tank, but the distance from water jet to tank wall becomes substantial and hard scale cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The water jet cleaning tool incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the spray nozzle to dynamically change its position and orientation. The arm can rotate about the tank center axis and the spray nozzle can be positioned at variable distances from the tank wall, enabling the system to adapt to different tank sizes and maintain optimal cleaning distance despite entering through small access openings.
2Area of stationary object
If water jets rotate around one or two axes simultaneously to clean tank surfaces, then coverage area increases, but surface coverage cannot be exactly controlled and tracks contact interior surface at random locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust the rotation speed and spray nozzle positioning. The controller regulates the rotation of the arm about the tank center axis and adjusts the spray nozzle position to ensure proper overlap between adjacent cleaning tracks, providing precise control over surface coverage and eliminating random contact patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning tool is moved along the center axis of the tank with jets directed radially, then the tool can reach various positions, but the distance from water jet exit ports to vessel walls changes continuously and is often too great for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is mounted on an adjustable arm that can rotate and position the nozzle at variable radial distances from the tank center. This dynamic positioning system allows the operator to maintain a consistent, optimal distance between the water jet and the tank wall regardless of the tool's axial position, ensuring effective cleaning throughout the entire tank.
4Reliability
If cleaning continues for much longer period of time to ensure entire interior surface is cleaned, then complete coverage is achieved, but cleaning efficiency decreases and most time spray is not effectively directed at the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The control system monitors the position and orientation of the spray nozzle and adjusts the rotation speed and axial movement rate to optimize cleaning efficiency. By maintaining proper track overlap and ensuring the spray is always directed at the tank wall, the system achieves complete surface coverage in minimal time, eliminating periods where the spray is directed away from the surface.
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 system allows for efficient and precise removal of hard deposits from tank surfaces, reducing cleaning time and costs by enabling optimal water jet positioning and controlled movement, thus improving the overall cleaning efficiency and flexibility across different tank sizes and geometries.
Implementation Method 1
the water jet must be operated at a high pressure, for example at least 9,000 psi, and the jet must be positioned in close proximity to the tank wall surface, for example at six inches or closer, in order to be effective
Implementation Method 2
To remove hard scale from the interior surfaces of a tank, the water jet must be operated at a high pressure
Implementation Method 3
uses pneumatic-hydraulic devices for precise positioning and movement
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating and telescoping cleaning system improves high pressure water cleaning of the inner surfaces of vessels or tanks. Vessels can be vertically divided with dividing plates with centered through-holes. Synchronized and controlled transverse and rotary movements of water jets result in a controlled spiral or helical cleaning track along the vessel walls. The water jets are directed at a pre-adjusted distance from the vessel wall and the travel speed of the water nozzle jets is exactly controlled allowing the removal of very hard deposits. One pass with the tool carrier with operating water jets along the length axis of the vessel results in a thoroughly cleaned vessel wall. The tool unfolds and folds inside of the vessel powered by the flow of the high pressure cleaning water.