AU2020289877A1

AU2020289877A1 - Integrated tank valve control

Info

Publication number: AU2020289877A1
Application number: AU2020289877A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jamie Lee Driscoll
Original assignee: SCF GROUP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SCF GROUP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-07-08

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to tanks for storing and transporting materials in various states, including solid, liquid or gas. When emptying such a tank, it has been known for these to implode in cases where the operator has forgotten to vent the tank to the atmosphere. In one aspect then, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and wherein the discharge valve is operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened. 1/4 C0 CoD CDC C.0 CN0

Description

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INTEGRATED TANK VALVE CONTROL PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2019904874 titled "INTEGRATED TANK VALVE CONTROL" and filed on 20 December 2019, the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to tanks for storing and transporting materials in various states, including solid, liquid or gas. In a particular form, the present disclosure relates to the operation of a discharge valve and a vent (or air inlet) valve of a tank.

BACKGROUND

[0003] These tanks typically comprise a tank body in the form of a pressure vessel comprising one or more top hatches for loading, and an airline to facilitate unloading of the payload through a bottom outlet.

[0004] Moreover, typically the pressure vessel is supported by an understructure, surrounding structure or some sort of a frame. This structure might also comprise wheels, in which case it might be referred to as a tanker.

[0005] The pressure vessel typically comprises a top mounted vent (or air inlet) that must be opened to the atmosphere for the unloading process. It has been known for these tanks to implode in cases where the operator has forgotten to vent the tank to the atmosphere prior to commencing unloading.

[0006] It is common for operation of the vent to be effected from a walkway on top of the tank, where the vent valve is typically located, and which is accessed via a ladder. Traversing this ladder and this elevated walkway represents a potential fall hazard for operators.

[0007] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

[0008] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and wherein the discharge valve is operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened.

[0010] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere (i.e. allow air into the pressure vessel), and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened.

[0011] In one form, the discharge valve is so operatively associated with the vent valve that the vent valve is also closed when the discharge valve is closed.

[0012] In one form, the tank body comprises a pressure vessel.

[0013] In one form, in an alternative, the tank body comprises an enclosure not suitable for use as a pressure vessel.

[0014] In one form, the vent valve is located at ornear atop of the tankbody.

[0015] In one form, the discharge valve is located at or near a bottom of the tank body.

[0016] In one form, the tank body is elongate.

[0017] In one form, the discharge valve is located at a side of the tank body.

[0018] In one form, the discharge valve is located at an end of the tank body.

[0019] In one form, the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a physical connection.

[0020] In one form, the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a tether extending between them.

[0021] In one form, the tether comprises at least a flexible portion.

[0022] In one form, the tether comprises a push-pull cable.

[0023] That is to say, in one form, the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a push-pull cable.

[0024] In one form, in an alternative, the tether is substantially rigid.

[0025] In one form, the tether comprises a linkage mechanism. A linkage mechanism might comprise two or more linkages connected by one or more pivotable joints.

[0026] That is to say, in one form, the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a linkage mechanism.

[0027] In one form, the discharge valve comprises a hand control. In one form, the hand control comprises a lever. In an alternative, the hand control might comprise a wheel.

[0028] In one form, the tank further comprises an actuator for the vent valve. In one form, the actuator comprises a control lever.

[0029] In one form, the tether extends from the hand control for the discharge valve to the control lever for the vent valve.

[0030] In one form, the push-pull cable extends from the hand control for the discharge valve to the control lever for the vent valve.

[0031] In one form, the tank further comprises a valve status indicator.

[0032] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

[0033] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates when the vent valve is open.

[0034] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates when the vent valve is closed.

[0035] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates when both the discharge valve and the vent valve are open.

[0036] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates when both the discharge valve and the vent valve are closed.

[0037] In one form, the valve status indicator is located at or near a bottom of the tank.

[0038] In one form, the valve status indicator is located at or near to the discharge valve.

[0039] In one form, the valve status indicator indicates a degree of opening and/or closure of the valves. That is to say, the valve status indicator indicates a percentage of opening or closure.

[0040] In one form, there is an operative association between the vent valve and the valve status indicator.

[0041] This operative association is as discussed above.

[0042] In one form, in an alternative, there is an operative association between the discharge valve and the valve status indicator.

[0043] In one form, the vent valve status indicator provides a visible indication to an operator.

[0044] In one form, the valve status indicator comprises an elongate panel comprising at least one window therein, and wherein viewable through this window is at least one coloured indicator tab which is moved by the tether.

[0045] In one form, the indicator tab moves with a translational motion.

[0046] In one form, the indicator tab depends from the tether. In this way, the indicator tab translates with the tether.

[0047] In one form, in an alternative, the indicator tab moves with a rotational motion.

[0048] In one form, the indicator tab is pivotably mounted with respect to the indicator module and pivoted by the tether.

[0049] In one form, the valve status indicator comprises an elongate panel comprising a pair of windows therein which are spaced apart therealong, and wherein viewable through these windows are a pair of coloured indicator tabs which are moved by the tether.

[0050] In one form, in an alternative, the valve status indicator comprises a module comprising a panel comprising at least one window therein, and wherein viewable through this window is at least one coloured indicator tab which is moved by the tether.

[0051] In one form, in an alternative, the valve status indicator provides an audible indication. In one form, this audible indication might comprise any one of a siren, a beeper, or a speaker playing recorded spoken warning. In one form, a valve status indicator of this type might be positioned at or near to the vent valve.

[0052] In one form, in an alternative, the operative association comprises a pneumatic connection. That is to say, this may comprise a compressor, an accumulator, airlines, valving and a pneumatic actuator.

[0053] In one form, in an alternative, the operative association comprises an electrical connection. That is to say, this may comprise some form of switch, cabling and an electrical actuator extending between these, along with a power supply for the foregoing.

[0054] In one form, in an alternative, the operative association comprises a wireless connection. This may comprise a transmitter associated with the valve indicator status module, and a receiver associated with the vent valve.

[0055] In one form, the tank comprises an ISO container dimensioned frame extending around the pressure vessel.

[0056] In one form, the tank is supported on wheels. That is to say, the tank forms part of a tanker.

[0057] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and closed when the discharge valve is closed.

[0058] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and a valve status indicator operatively associated with either the vent valve or the discharge valve so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

[0059] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and a valve status indicator connected with either the vent valve or the discharge valve via a push-pull cable so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

[0060] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere (i.e. allow air into the pressure vessel), and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and closed when the discharge valve is closed.

[0061] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere (i.e. allow air into the pressure vessel), a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and a valve status indicator operatively associated with either the vent valve or the discharge valve so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

[0062] According to a further aspect, there is provided a tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere (i.e. allow air into the pressure vessel), a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and a valve status indicator connected with either the vent valve or the discharge valve via a push-pull cable so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

[0063] For ease of description, a tank embodying the present invention is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc. may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the tank may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0065] Figure 1 is a side view of a tank;

[0066] Figure 2 is a top view of the tank of Figure 1;

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a valve control and status indicating system for a tank like that of Figure 1;

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a vent control and status indicating system, according to a further embodiment, for a tank like that of Figure 1; and

[0069] Figure 5 is a view of an indicator module from the vent control and status indicating system of Figure 5, with a front panel removed to permit visibility of internals thereof.

[0070] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0071] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a tank 1 comprising a tank body 2, which comprises a pressure vessel 2 in this case, which is nested within an ISO container dimensioned frame 4 with corner castings 6 (for receiving twistlocks). The pressure vessel 2 comprises a cylindrical centre section, and a pair of domed ends.

[0072] The function of the frame 4 is to support and protect the pressure vessel 2, even when fully loaded, as well as to facilitate the stowage, securing and handling by standard ISO container equipment. The inventive concept is not limited to a tank having such a frame 4 however.

[0073] At the top of the pressure vessel 2 there is a pressure relief valve 8, and a vent (or air inlet) valve 10. There is also an upper access port provided with a cover 12 for loading and access, and a walkway 14 and a ladder providing operator access to all of the foregoing.

[0074] Referring now to Figure 3, in this case the vent valve 10 is of the ball valve type (although other valve types may be employed at this position), and comprises a control lever linkage 16 connected with respect to the ball valve to rotate it.

[0075] At the bottom on the side of the pressure vessel 2 there is a discharge valve 20 to control payload discharge. In this case the discharge valve 20 is of the butterfly valve type (although other valve types may be employed at this position), and comprises a control lever handle 22 connected with respect to a stem connected to the disc (or butterfly) to rotate it.

[0076] An operative association exists between the vent valve 10 and the discharge valve 20 so that the vent valve 10 is opened when the discharge valve 20 is opened. Advantageously, this prevents opening of the vent valve 10 from being forgotten when the discharge valve 20 is opened, reducing the likelihood of pressure vessel 2 implosion, or at least damage.

[0077] Moreover, this operative association closes the vent valve 10 when the discharge valve 20 is closed.

[0078] Referring again now to Figure 3, further located at or near to the bottom of the tank 1, and fixed in position relative thereto, is a valve status indicator 40. The valve status indicator 40 comprises a module 42 comprising an elongate panel 42a with a pair of windows 44 and 46 therein which are spaced apart therealong. Viewable through these windows 44 and 46 are a pair of coloured indicator tabs, one green 50 and one red 52.

[0079] A further operative association exists between the vent valve 10 and this valve status indicator 40 so that the vent valve status indicator 40 can indicate the status of both the vent valve 10 and the discharge valve 20, and more specifically, whether these valves 10 and 20 are open or closed.

[0080] In this embodiment, operative association between the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 comprises a physical linkage, and more particularly in this case, a tether, in the form of a push-pull cable 60.

[0081] Similarly, the operative association between the vent valve 10 and the valve status indicator 40 comprises a physical linkage, and more particularly in this case, a tether, in the form of a push-pull cable 160.

[0082] Each of the push-pull cables 60 and 160 comprises a solid wire inner cable 62 and 162 respectively, which is movable inside of and with respect to an outer conduit (tubing) 64 and 164 respectively. The ends of the outer conduit 64 and 164 are fixed, but the ends of the inner cable 62 and 162 are free to move relative to the conduit 64 and 164.

[0083] A lower end of the outer conduit 64 is secured with respect to a bracket 24 which depends from a housing of the discharge valve 20, and an upper end of the outer conduit is secured with respect to a fixed bracket 18 depending from the container 1.

[0084] An upper end of inner cable 62 is secured with respect to the control lever linkage 16 of the vent valve 10, and a lower end of the inner cable 62 is secured with respect to the control lever handle 22 by a bracket 26.

[0085] A lower end of the outer conduit 164 is secured with respect to the module 42 of the vent valve status indicator 40, and an upper end of the outer conduit 164 is secured with respect to a fixed bracket 166 depending from the container 1.

[0086] An upper end of inner cable 162 is secured with respect to the control lever linkage 16 of the vent valve 10, and the indicator tabs 50 and 52 depend from the inner cable 162 near to the lower end thereof.

[0087] In use, when the discharge valve 20 is set to its open status by rotation of the control handle lever 22, the inner cable 62 of push-pull cable 60 acts directly on the control lever linkage 16 of the vent valve to open the vent valve 10 simultaneously with the discharge valve 20.

[0088] Moreover, as the vent valve 10 moves to its open status, the push-pull cable 160 simultaneously positions the green tab 50 so that this is viewable through window 44 in the vent valve status indicator panel 42a. This indicates to the operator that both the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 are open, and the panel 42a may comprise text (such as 'OPEN') adjacent to this window 44 to this effect.

[0089] When the discharge valve 20 is set to its closed status by rotation of the control handle lever 22, the inner cable 62 of push-pull cable 60 acts directly on the control lever linkage 16 of the vent valve 10 to close the vent valve 10 simultaneously with the discharge valve 20.

[0090] Moreover, as the vent valve 10 is set to its closed status, the push-pull cable 160 simultaneously positions the red indicator tab 52 so that this is viewable through the window 46 in the vent valve status indicator panel 42a. This indicates to the operator that both the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 are closed, and the panel 42a may comprise text (such as 'CLOSED') adjacent to this window 46 to this effect.

[0091] Advantageously, the operator can operate both the discharge valve 20 located at the and the vent valve 10 from ground level via single control, and know that if the discharge valve 20 is open, that the vent valve 10 is also open.

[0092] Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, where there is illustrated a valve status indicator 40A according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the valve status indicator 40A which are identical (or near identical) to corresponding parts shown in the valve status indicator 40 of Figure 3, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail.

[0093] The vent valve status indicator 40A comprises a module 42 comprising an elongate panel 42a with a single window 44 therein. Viewable through the window 44 is an indicator tab 50 comprising a red coloured portion and a green coloured portion.

[0094] In use, when the vent valve 10 is set to its open status, the push-pull cable 60 positions the green coloured portion so that this is viewable through window 44 in the vent valve status indicator panel 42a. This indicates to the operator that both the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 are open, and the green coloured portion may comprise text (such as 'OPEN') to this effect.

[0095] When the discharge valve 20 is set to its closed status by rotation of the control handle lever 22, the inner cable 62 of the push-pull cable 60 acts directly on the control lever linkage 16 of the vent valve to close the vent valve 10 simultaneously with the discharge valve 20.

[0096] When the vent valve 10 is set to its closed status, the push-pull cable 60 positions the red coloured portion so that this is viewable through the window 44 in the vent valve status indicator panel 42a. This indicates to the operator that both the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 are closed, and the red coloured portion may comprise text (such as 'CLOSED') to this effect.

[0097] Moreover, the vent status indicator 40 or 40A provides an operator who is remotely operating the vent valve 10 from ground level for instance, with a visible indication of whether the discharge valve 20 and the vent valve 10 have been opened or not.

[0098] Other options for creating an operative association between the vent valve 10 and the vent valve status indicator 40 or 40A might include a pneumatic, an electrical or a wireless connection, but a physical connection such as that described is direct, instant, simple and robust.

[0099] Other options for creating a visual indication for the operator might include LEDs or a visual display unit (VDU), but again, the coloured indicator tabs 50 and 52 provide a visual indication that is direct, instant, simple and robust.

[00100] In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the Figures, pressure vessel 2 is elongate and may comprise either a square or rectangular center section. Through advancements in Finite Element Analysis (FEA), engineering and manufacturing capability, other potential vessel shapes for the purpose of storing bulk liquids, will benefit from the advantages of the inventive disclosure discussed herein. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the inventive concept discussed in any one of the embodiments above is not limited in its use to a vessel shape.

[00101] In a further alternative embodiment, the pressure vessel 2 may be a vessel for storing and transporting materials in various states, including solid, liquid or gas. In this embodiment, the vessel is not pressurised and may, for example, be a Frac Tank commonly used in the oil and gas industry to store water, proppant or sludge in a non-pressurised environment. Such non-pressurised storage and transport vessels still require ventilation prior to emptying to mitigate the likelihood of vessel implosion.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the inventive concept of the valve status indicator 40, 40A is applicable to any vessels for storing and transporting materials that require ventilation during discharge.

[00102] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[00103] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[00104] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A tank comprising a tank body comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the tank body and an open status to vent the tank body to atmosphere, and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and wherein the discharge valve is operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened.

2. The tank of claim 1, wherein the discharge valve is so operatively associated with the vent valve that the vent valve is also closed when the discharge valve is closed.

3. The tank as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the vent valve is positioned at or near a top of the tank body.

4. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge valve is positioned remotely from the vent valve.

5. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge valve is located at or near a bottom of the tank body.

6. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge valve is located at a side or an end of the tank body.

7. The tank as in any one of the preceding claim, wherein the tank body comprises a pressure vessel.

8. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge valve comprises a hand control and the vent valve comprises an actuator therefor, and wherein it is the hand control and the actuator that are operatively associated with each other.

9. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a tether.

10. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a push-pull cable.

11. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the operative association between the discharge valve and the vent valve comprises a mechanical linkage.

12. The tank as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank further comprises a valve status indicator.

13. The tank of claim 12, wherein the valve status indicator indicates the status of the vent valve.

14. The tank as in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the valve status indicator indicates the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

15. The tank as in any one of claims 11 through 14, wherein there is an operative association between either the discharge valve or the vent valve, and the valve status indicator.

16. The tank of claim 15, wherein the operative association comprises a tether.

17. The tank as in either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the operative association comprises a push-pull cable.

18. The tank as in any one of claims 12 through 17, wherein the valve status indicator is located at or near a bottom of the tank.

19. The tank as in any one of claims 12 through 18, wherein, the valve status indicator is located at or near to the discharge valve.

20. A tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the pressure vessel and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere, and a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and closed when the discharge valve is closed.

21. A tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the pressure vessel and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere, a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and operatively associated with the vent valve so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and closed when the discharge valve is closed, and a valve status indicator operatively associated with either the vent valve or the discharge valve so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

22. A tank comprising a pressure vessel comprising a vent (or air inlet) valve comprising a closed status to seal the pressure vessel and an open status to vent the pressure vessel to atmosphere (i.e. allow air into the pressure vessel), a discharge valve comprising both an open and a closed status, and positioned remotely from the vent valve and connected with the vent valve via a push-pull cable so that the vent valve is opened when the discharge valve is opened, and closed when the discharge valve is closed, and a valve status indicator connected with either the vent valve or the discharge valve via a push pull cable so as to indicate the status of both the discharge valve and the vent valve.

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