Vertical Oil Storage Tank Layout for High Capacity in Less Floor Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooking oil and grease storage systems are bulky, difficult to maneuver, and require significant floor space, necessitating multiple tanks for adequate capacity, which increases space usage and complicates storage and disposal processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact liquid storage system with a base and upright section, incorporating a tank heater and shelves for efficient storage and organization, allowing for the storage of used and virgin oils in a smaller footprint while maintaining sufficient capacity, and featuring a unique design that minimizes space usage and facilitates easy handling and disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional steel drums are used for storage, then storage capacity is limited per unit, but floor space consumption increases when multiple drums are used
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank transitions from a conventional horizontal cylindrical shape to a vertical upright cylindrical shape. This dimensional reorientation allows the tank to exploit the vertical space of the facility rather than consuming horizontal floor space, thereby achieving high storage capacity (hundreds of gallons) while occupying minimal footprint area.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage tanks are used to achieve sufficient capacity, then storage capacity increases, but device complexity and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is segmented into functionally distinct zones: an upper freeboard section for vapor space and foam control, a middle storage section for liquid storage, and a lower discharge section with heating and agitation. This internal segmentation allows a single tank to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage tank integrates multiple functions into a single unit: storage, heating, agitation, foam control, and discharge. The inclusion of internal heaters, agitators, and freeboard sections enables the tank to handle viscous materials and maintain流动性 without requiring separate辅助设备, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving sufficient storage capacity.
3Reliability
If fresh oil is stored separately from used oil, then contamination is prevented, but floor space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the storage of fresh oil and used oil into a single integrated facility. The storage tank with its freeboard section and controlled discharge mechanism allows both oil types to coexist in the same vertical space while preventing contamination through proper zoning and operational controls, thereby reducing the need for separate storage areas.
4Quantity of substance
If large storage tanks are used to reduce reclamation visits, then storage capacity increases, but ease of operation and maneuvering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the storage tank vertically rather than horizontally, the design achieves large storage capacity within a compact footprint that can be easily positioned and maneuvered in facility spaces. The vertical configuration reduces the tank's horizontal dimensions, improving ease of operation and installation while maintaining high volumetric capacity.
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 system reduces floor space consumption, enhances storage efficiency by integrating shelves for additional items, and simplifies the handling and disposal of used oils through a compact and organized design, addressing the limitations of traditional storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
A tank heater within the volume of the storage tank selectively heats the oil within the storage tank to a predetermined temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid storage system. The liquid storage system may include one or more storage tanks including a used oil tank and a virgin oil tank. A first tank may include a storage tank having an upright section and a base section. A volume extends between the upright and base section. An inlet and outlet are coupled to the volume for adding and extracting fluid from the storage tank, respectively. There is at least one shelf coupled to the upright section of the storage tank. A second tank may be situated adjacent the first tank.