Vapor Reintroduction Device Using Hydrostatic Pressure Column
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reintroducing oil vapors into cargo tanks on tank ships are inefficient, especially when the oil level is low or moderate, and require significant pressure that current tank designs cannot accommodate, posing a risk of loss and flammability.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a vertically or horizontally oriented column with a mixing unit, such as an ejector-based mixing device, to reintroduce vapors into the liquid, maintaining pressure independently of the tank's liquid level, allowing efficient vapor absorption and condensation even at low tank fill levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing systems are used to reintroduce vapors into cargo tanks, then vapor absorption can be achieved, but the system becomes inefficient when oil level is low or moderate and requires pressure higher than current tank design can accommodate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a hydraulic principle where a column of oil maintained at a fixed height (e.g., 5 meters) generates the necessary pressure to drive vapor reintroduction. The pressure is generated by the weight of the oil column itself, eliminating the need for external pressurization systems. This hydraulic approach allows the system to function efficiently at any tank fill level while maintaining pressure within safe design limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure generation mechanism from requiring high absolute pressure (higher than tank design pressure) to using moderate pressure generated by a controlled oil column height. By adjusting the column height parameter, the system can maintain appropriate pressure levels for vapor absorption without exceeding tank design limitations, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and pressure requirements.
2Productivity
If existing systems are used for vapor reintroduction, then some vapor absorption occurs, but the system complexity and cost increase without proportional efficiency improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the oil column itself as both the pressure source and the absorption medium. The same oil that forms the column also serves as the vapor absorption medium, eliminating the need for separate complex pressurization equipment and additional absorption fluids. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while maintaining vapor absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil column serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates pressure for vapor introduction, acts as the absorption medium for vapors, and maintains the necessary hydrostatic pressure head. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving vapor reintroduction efficiency.
3Reliability
If existing systems are used, then vapor reintroduction is possible, but maintenance and operation become difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains the oil column at the desired height using the tank's existing oil supply, eliminating the need for external maintenance interventions. The self-regulating hydraulic system automatically adjusts to different tank fill levels without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining reliability.
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
The solution enables efficient vapor reintroduction and condensation at pressures equivalent to a full tank, reducing cargo loss and safety risks, while being cost-effective and easy to maintain and operate.
Implementation Method 1
A mixing unit, such as an ejector-based mixing device, to reintroduce vapors into the liquid
Implementation Method 2
reintroduction of vapours into the volatile liquid takes place at a pressure applied by a column of volatile liquid that is maintained independently of the liquid level in any tank
Implementation Method 3
efficient vapor absorption and condensation even at low tank fill levels
Data Source
AI summary
Device for reintroducing vapour into a volatile liquid includes a tank for volatile liquid, a circulation pump and connected conduit for pumping liquid from the tank through a mixing zone or device for mixing vapour and liquid, and a conduit for conveying vapour from a space above the liquid level to the mixing zone or device. The mixing zone or device is arranged in a manner that ensures a pressure therein that is independent of the liquid level within the tank.