Tank cleaning apparatus and method

• US 20020069897A1
• Filed: 12/07/2000
• Published: 06/13/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David L. Emrey
• Original Assignee: David L. Emrey
• Inventors: Emrey, David L.
• Application Number:
  US09/730,999
• Publication Number:
  US 20020069897A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/22.18
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/093 by the force of jets or sprays B08B9/0813 , B08B9/20 take precedence

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided for cleaning the inside of large industrial tanks. The apparatus comprises a nozzle that is movably positioned on a stanchion that can be mounted on top of a tank, whereby said nozzle can be extended into and retracted from the tank as required.

Claims

1. Tank cleaning apparatus comprising:

a stanchion, a nozzle, said nozzle movably positioned on said stanchion whereby said nozzle can be extended into and retracted from a tank during cleaning.

2. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said nozzle comprises a nozzle head and a nozzle conduit, said nozzle conduit attached to said nozzle head.

3. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a supply line, said supply line attached to said nozzle conduit.

4. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said stanchion further comprises a means to release said nozzle.

5. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a boom, said boom attached to said nozzle and to said stanchion.

6. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lower flange, said lower flange attached to said nozzle.

7. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 6 wherein said tank flange is circular, a sealing ring, said sealing ring affixed to said tank flange.

8. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a spring, said spring affixed to said stanchion and to said nozzle for biasing said nozzle.

9. The tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pivotable means joined to said stanchion that allows said apparatus to be moved from a vertical upright position to a horizontal position.

10. Cleaning apparatus and a tank in combination, said tank comprising:

a receptacle, said receptacle defining an opening, and a movable lid, said lid positioned to cover said opening;

said cleaning apparatus comprising;

a stanchion, said stanchion mounted on said tank, a nozzle, said nozzle movably positioned on said stanchion whereby said nozzle can be selectively directed through said opening.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said lid comprises a pivotable member, said pivotable member enabling said lid to be moved to expose said opening while said lid remains fixed to said tank.

12. The combination of claim 10 wherein said stanchion further comprises a spring, said spring for biasing said nozzle as said nozzle is directed through said lid aperture.

13. The combination of claim 10 wherein said stanchion comprises a means to release said nozzle, a boom, said boom affixed to said nozzle and engageable with said release means.

14. The combination of claim 13 wherein said release means comprises a lever, said lever for operating said release means.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein placing the cleaning apparatus in the tank comprises the step of biasing a spring attached thereto.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein placing the cleaning apparatus into the tank comprises the step of releasing the nozzle from the exterior of the tank;

and directing the nozzle into the tank through said opening.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein directing the nozzle into the tank through the opening comprises the step of opening a lid covering the opening.

15. A method of cleaning a tank having an opening utilizing a retractable nozzle movably attached to the tank comprising the steps of:

(a) placing the cleaning apparatus into the tank;

(b) spraying the tank with a fluid passing through the nozzle; and

(c) withdrawing the nozzle from the tank.