CA2017435A1 - Storage tank for two fluids of different density - Google Patents

Abstract

An enclosed storage tank for the simultaneous addition and removal, and storage, of two liquid layers of different density comprising a tank shell having a bottom, a side wall extending upwardly from the bottom, a roof supported at least in part by the side wall and at least one vertical tubular column extending upwardly from the shell bottom to at least close to the roof; a substantially horizontal first distributor plate above which the column extends and with the plate spaced above but adjacent to the shell bottom; first openings in the column between the first distributor plate and the shell bottom; a high density liquid conduit extending from outside the shell to the column interior whereby high density liquid can be fed to the column interior and then flow out the first openings into the lower portion of the tank beneath the first distributor plate and the high density liquid can be withdrawn from the tank through the first openings and then through the high density liquid conduit; a substantially horizontal second distributor plate above and below which the column extends and with the second distributor plate spaced below but adjacent to the shell roof; second openings in the column between the second distributor plate and shell roof; a low density liquid conduit extending from outside the shell into communication with the column interior whereby low density liquid can be fed to the column interior and then flow out the second openings into the upper portion of the tank above the second distributor plate while high density liquid is withdrawn from the tank through the high density liquid conduit, and the low density liquid can be withdrawn from the tank through the second openings and then through the low density liquid conduit while the high density liquid is fed to the tank through the high density liquid conduit.