Method and apparatus for cleaning tanks and other containers

• US 20080047587A1
• Filed: 08/22/2006
• Published: 02/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: David M. Ball
• Original Assignee: David M. Ball
• Inventors: Ball, David M.
• Application Number:
  US11/507,780
• Publication Number:
  US 20080047587A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/22.1
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/08 Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0933 Removing sludge or the like from tank bottoms
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0936 using rotating jets
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 57/02 by washing

Abstract

A closed-loop system for cleaning tanks and other enclosures utilizing adjustably mounted nozzles for spraying water, other wash fluid and/or beneficial chemical additive within the tanks or other enclosures to be cleaned. Effluent wash fluid leaving a tank is directed to a separator unit for separation of liquids and solids. Solids are disposed of or otherwise removed, while recovered liquids are directed for re-use. Exposure of personnel to the inside of such tanks or other enclosures to be cleaned is minimal.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces of an enclosure comprising:

a. a first pump, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and an outlet;

b. a separator vessel having an inlet and an outlet;

c. a first conduit connecting the outlet of said first pump to the inlet of said separator vessel;

d. a second pump having an inlet and an outlet;

e. a second conduit connecting the outlet of said separator vessel to the inlet of said second pump;

f. a sprayer, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and at least one nozzle; and

g. a third conduit connecting the outlet of said second pump to the inlet of said sprayer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for adjustably mounting said sprayer to an internal surface of said enclosure;

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for adjustably mounting said sprayer comprises at least one magnetic mount.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pump is a submergible pump.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one nozzle of said sprayer is disposed on a swivelled head.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first, second and third conduits are flexible hoses.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said separator vessel further comprises:

a. a first compartment;

b. a second compartment; and

c. a baffle assembly separating said first and second compartments.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first pump and separator vessel are disposed on a marine vessel.

9. An apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces of an enclosure comprising:

a. a submergible pump, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and an outlet;

b. a separator vessel having an inlet, an outlet and at least two compartments, wherein said compartments are separated by a baffle assembly;

c. a first conduit connecting the outlet of said submergible pump to the inlet of said separator vessel;

d. a second pump having an inlet and an outlet;

e. a second conduit connecting the outlet of said separator vessel to the inlet of said second pump;

f. a sprayer, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and at least one nozzle;

g. at least one magnetic mount connecting said sprayer to an interior surface of said enclosure; and

h. a third conduit connecting the outlet of said second pump to the inlet of said sprayer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said at least one nozzle of said sprayer is disposed on a swivelled head.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first, second and third conduits are flexible hoses.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said second pump and separator vessel are mounted on a marine vessel.

13. An apparatus for cleaning interior surfaces of an enclosure comprising:

a. a submergible pump, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and an outlet;

b. a separator vessel having an inlet, an outlet and at least two compartments, wherein said compartments are separated by a baffle assembly;

c. a first conduit connecting the outlet of said submergible pump to the inlet of said separator vessel;

d. a fluid reservoir having an inlet and an outlet;

e. a second conduit connecting the outlet of said separator vessel to the inlet of said fluid reservoir;

f. a second pump having an inlet and an outlet;

g. a third conduit connecting the outlet of said fluid reservoir to the inlet of said second pump;

h. a sprayer, disposed within the enclosure, having an inlet and at least one nozzle;

i. at least one magnetic mount connecting said sprayer to an interior surface of said enclosure; and

j. a fourth conduit connecting the outlet of said second pump to the inlet of said sprayer.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least one nozzle of said sprayer is disposed on a swivelled head.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first, second, third and fourth conduits are flexible hoses.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said second pump and separator vessel are mounted on a marine vessel.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said fluid reservoir is mounted on a marine vessel.

18. A method of cleaning debris from internal surfaces of an enclosure comprising:

a. Spraying wash fluid within said enclosure;

b. Pumping said wash fluid and debris from said enclosure;

c. Separating said debris from said wash fluid; and

d. Re-spraying said separated wash fluid within said enclosure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said wash fluid comprises a surfactant solution.