Systems and processes for cleaning tanker truck interiors

• US 9,925,573 B2
• Filed: 07/20/2016
• Issued: 03/27/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ngl Water Solutions Permian, LLC (NGL Energy Partners LP)
• Original Assignee: NGL Solids Solutions, LLC (NGL Energy Partners LP)
• Inventors: Harman, Robert, Bailey, Terry, Jacobs, Dewayne, White, Justin
• Primary Examiner(s): Barr, Michael E
• Assistant Examiner(s): Osterhout, Benjamin L
• Application Number:
  US15/214,550
• Publication Number:
  US 20170008047A1
• Time in Patent Office: 615 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 3/02 Cleaning by the force of jets or sprays
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/08 Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0804 Cleaning containers having tubular shape, e.g. casks, barrels, drums B08B9/20 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0813 by the force of jets or sprays
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/093 by the force of jets or sprays B08B9/0813 , B08B9/20 take precedence
• 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: B60S 3/008 for interiors of land vehicles

Abstract

A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Claims

1. A system for cleaning a vessel, comprising:

one or more horizontal rails;

one or more frame assemblies configured for moveable engagement with the rails;

one or more manway adapters configured to fit in a manway of a vessel and to deliver a cleaning solution to one or more interior surfaces of the vessel, wherein each of the manway adapters is operably connected to one of the frame assemblies and connected to a washout nozzle;

one or more first actuators operably configured for positioning at least one of the manway adapters horizontally along the rails; and

one or more second actuators operably configured for positioning at least one of the manway adapters vertically.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more first actuators position the one or more manway adapters horizontally through movement of the frame assembly.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more frame assemblies each comprise:

a first frame;

a second frame disposed on top of the first frame;

wherein the first frame is configured to moveably engage with the horizontal rails;

wherein a portion of the first frame and the entire second frame are disposed above the horizontal rails.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein a top of the second frame comprises slanting supports connected to the second actuator.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first frame has a box-like shape and the second frame has a tapered portion.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein first or second actuator are hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuators.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the vessel is a tanker truck, tanker car, or other vessels of similar structure.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a support structure supporting the one or more horizontal rails.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the support structure is an overhead mounted support structure or a post mounted support structure.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein system control is via a wireless operator station.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the washout nozzle is capable of spraying a washing solution in a 360°

spray pattern.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more frame assemblies are moveably connected to the horizontal rails through wheels or casters.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more horizontal rails provide for up to 45°

of lateral movement.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a solution feeding pipe passing through each manway adapter and terminating at the washout nozzle.

15. A washout system comprising:

one or more horizontal rails;

one or more first actuators in operable communication with the one or more horizontal rails;

one or more manway adapters capable of delivering a cleaning solution; and

one or more second actuators in operable communication with one or more of the one or more manway adapters;

wherein the one or more first actuators are operably configured to control horizontal movement of the one or more manway adapters along the one or more horizontal rails;

wherein the one or more second actuators are operably configured to control vertical movement of the one or more manway adapters.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a support structure supporting the one or more horizontal rails.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the support structure is an overhead mounted support structure or a post mounted support structure.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

one or more frame assemblies, each comprising a box-type frame configuration;

wherein the one or more frame assemblies are in operable communication with the one or more horizontal rails and with the one or more manway adapters;

wherein the one or more frame assemblies are adapted to slide lengthwise along an outward facing surface of the one or more horizontal rails.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one second actuator is in operable communication with the one or more frame assemblies and the one or more manway adapters.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the outward facing surface of the one or more horizontal rails are disposed facing an inward facing surface of the one or more frame assemblies.