Viscous Hydrocarbon Extraction With Steam Ejector and Perimetric Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting viscous hydrocarbons from storage tanks and containers are not selective, leading to contamination with water or sludge, and are often costly and inefficient due to the use of complex electrical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system combining a steam ejector and a perimetric heating conduit is used to heat the surface layer of hydrocarbons, creating a selective flow for extraction, while preventing contamination by using water vapor and localized heating to separate non-emulsified water and hydrocarbons, with simple, low-cost equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing extraction methods are used to remove viscous hydrocarbons from storage tanks, then the hydrocarbons can be extracted, but the extraction is not selective leading to contamination with water or sludge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized heating through perimetric heating conduits attached to the tank wall, creating a specific heated zone that generates selective hydrocarbon flow toward the suction device. This localized thermal treatment ensures that only hydrocarbons in the heated pathway are extracted, preventing contamination from water and sludge that remain in unheated areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction process is segmented into distinct functional zones: a heating zone created by perimetric heating conduits, a flow zone where heated hydrocarbons move toward the suction device, and a separation zone where non-emulsified water is prevented from entering the extraction stream. This spatial segmentation enables selective extraction while leaving contaminants behind.
2Productivity
If complex electrical equipment is used for heating and extraction, then extraction can be performed, but the equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical heating equipment with a thermodynamic system using steam ejectors and perimetric heating conduits. The steam ejector utilizes steam expansion and condensation to provide both heating and extraction functions, eliminating the need for separate electrical heaters, pumps, and control systems, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam ejector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the hydrocarbons through steam condensation, creates the extraction flow through pressure differentials, and prevents water contamination through selective vapor-phase operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate electrical equipment into a single integrated system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heating is applied to reduce viscosity, then hydrocarbon flow improves, but water contamination may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hot gases as an intermediary medium that transfers thermal energy to the hydrocarbons without direct contact between water and the extraction stream. The perimetric heating conduits circulate hot gases along the tank wall, heating the hydrocarbons through the tank wall interface, while the steam ejector operates in the vapor phase to extract heated hydrocarbons, preventing water contamination throughout the heating and extraction process.
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 method achieves a more selective and efficient extraction of hydrocarbons, reducing viscosity and preventing contamination, while minimizing equipment costs and hazards, allowing compliance with legal specifications and effective cleaning of tank interiors.
Implementation Method 1
injection, into the tank or container, of a stream consisting of hot air and water vapor
Implementation Method 2
heating the contents of the tank by means of flexible coils slightly submerged in the hydrocarbons, and heating the surface layer of hydrocarbons by means of injecting hot air into the tank
Implementation Method 3
localized heating of the hydrocarbons flowing from the surface layer by means of a perimetric conduit externally attached to the tank or container
Implementation Method 4
separating the non-emulsified water from the hydrocarbons
Implementation Method 5
in the diffuser of the steam ejector an eddy diffusion of the drive steam provided by the boiler with the gases aspirated by the ejector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention proposes a system and a method for the selective extraction of viscous hydrocarbons from tanks and other containers. The system comprises the following components for heating the hydrocarbons: a steam ejector -3-, in which there takes place an eddy diffusion of its drive steam with the gases it aspirates by means of the Venturi effect, and a perimetric heating conduit -5- externally attached to the tank or container. The method comprises the following operations: heating a surface layer of hydrocarbons by means of the gases injected by the steam ejector, causing a selective flow of hot hydrocarbons to the perimetric conduit; localized heating of the hydrocarbons with the perimetric conduit, causing the precipitation of water and a selective flow of the hottest hydrocarbons to an extraction pump; and extracting the precipitated water and the hydrocarbons flowing selectively from the perimetric conduit by means of two pumps.