KR20230107603A - sludge collection unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sludge collection unit comprising a pressure tank (2) with an inner cavity and an upper cover (3) configured to make a pressure-tight closure of the inner cavity, the pressure tank (2) containing a substance in an engine purge air discharge. It is configured for a cartridge (8) inserted into and sealed in an internal cavity with the inside of the cartridge (8) connected (10, 11, 20a) to the engine purge air discharge by an engine purge air discharge connection (20a) to collect , the inner hollow is connected to the engine purge air discharge connection 20a by pressure connections 12, 21. To collect the recycled oil, the pressure tank 2 is fitted to the outlet of the cartridge 8 connected to the outside by a connection to the outside 20b so that fluid material such as oil can overflow at the engine purge air outlet.

Description

sludge collection unit

The present invention relates to a pressure-set sludge collection tank configured to receive a barrel, such as a standard 208 L (55 gallon) steel oil barrel. The present invention is particularly suited for use in exhaust systems that exhaust the rinsing air belt of an engine, such as a two-stroke crosshead. This is also called "scavenge air space" or "piston underside space". The present invention is also suitable for use in exhaust systems that discharge from an engine's flushing air tank, also referred to as a "scavenge air receiver". The present invention can be used for both installation on new engines and equipment as well as retrofitting to existing engines and equipment. The present invention can be used with both pressure-set and non-pressure (open) sink and piping systems.

The invention particularly relates to, but is not limited to, use in connection with marine engines.

It is known that a medium called sludge is produced in varying amounts during operation from two-stroke engines, for example of the crosshead type. The medium mainly consists of lubricating oil mixed with solid particles in the form of non-combustible particles. These solid or sluggishly liquid components tend to settle/precipitate and accumulate by gravity in the bottoms of tanks as well as pipes and vessels. It settles relatively heavy and solid materials relatively quickly, layer by layer. The stacked material has almost consistently hard stamped soil. This phenomenon occurs because the fluid part of the medium (oil) has a significantly lower density than the solid particles of the sludge.

It is known that the medium from the engine (a mixture of lubricating oil and heavy solid particles) is conveyed through a falling pipe to an intermediate tank. This tank is commonly referred to as a "scavenging air drain tank". These tanks typically have a volume of about 500 - 2000 liters and are characterized by a design to withstand an overpressure equivalent to the engine's purge air pressure (typically 0.2-4 bar). Air pressure (purge air) from the engine passes through the sludge discharge pipe and pressurizes the tank while the engine is running. The purpose of the tank is partly to collect and retain the solid particles (sludge) of the medium, and partly to act as a kind of observation tank from which the daily discharge can be measured by sounding the tank. Additionally, these tanks are often provided with a level alarm that provides an alarm when the tank is filled above a desired level. This intermediate tank is emptied daily by manually opening a valve to form a pipe connection from the bottom of the intermediate tank to the larger storage tank. Thus, the medium flows from the intermediate tank to the storage tank via gravity and the positive pressure difference.

When using this well-known and widely used system, the intermediate tanks must be cleaned manually on a regular basis. Intermediate tanks can be opened simply by removing the tank's manhole cover. The tank is then manually excavated by hand, which is cumbersome and dirty work. Excavation of the solid particles (sludge) is usually accomplished using shovels and scrapers of various manufactures. The sludge is filled in a bucket, and the bucket is hoisted (while on board) to the nearest deck, usually by hand. Here the sludge is often poured into open 208L steel barrels. After excavation is complete, clean the tank manually using a cloth. You often have to crawl into the tank to get enough cleaning. Manual excavation and clearing are potentially harmful operations. Work positions are also often uncomfortable and imprecise by today's standards. These mid-tank drills are often done every 2-4 weeks. Regular excavation is required to ensure proper functioning of the system. If excavation is not carried out in time, the sludge will reach a level where the pipe connections to larger storage tanks can become clogged. Then all the intermediate tanks and pipe connections must be removed and cleaned.

A distinction is made between the liquid part of the medium (lubricating oil) and the solid component (sludge). Both parts are shipped for processing by an approved company. Lubricants are often valuable and paid for because they are relatively readily available for other uses.

On the other hand, solid particles (sludge) have to be paid a high price according to their weight, which is cumbersome to handle, and high taxes are imposed due to unnecessary large amounts of lubricating oil in the sludge. because you have to

The sludge can be discharged (see eg published patent application WO2018/233789) and fed into a barrel. Standard barrels, such as the 208 L (55 gallon) steel oil barrel, are not designed or built to withstand significant under or over pressure. Therefore, these standard barrels cannot withstand the overpressure (typically 0.2-4 bar) occurring in the exhaust system of eg crosshead type two-stroke engines. It is therefore not possible to directly connect a standard barrel to the discharge system and allow solid particles to settle in the barrel.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to prevent deformation and damage to the barrel or even rupture of the barrel.

An object of the present invention is to prevent dirty manual drilling of intermediate tanks as well as safe and efficient separation of lubricating oil and heavy solid particles. This is achieved by the present invention in which relatively heavy particles are deposited directly into transport barrels used for further transport of solids. The present invention greatly saves the labor time required for manual cleaning.

In addition, the present invention can result in significant savings compared to the consumption of cleaning chemicals and diesel oil associated with manually cleaning tanks and pipes. In addition, the present invention prevents clogging of the pipe system from intermediate tanks for storage tanks. It also prevents sludge from settling in large, hard-to-access storage tanks.

Unwanted deposits/sediments within these storage tanks have historically led to the abandonment of extensive manual cleaning and unavoidable problems with further pumping of the tank's contents. Last but not least, the present invention entails a greatly improved working environment for the personnel involved. It should be mentioned that installations using two-stroke engines of the crosshead type (marine) most often have wide empty steel barrels for availability. This is due to the relatively high consumption of lubricant supplied from these standard 208 l barrels.

For example, there is no known system in which sludge from a two-stroke engine purge air exhaust system can be deposited and collected directly under pressure in a standard 208 L (55 gallon) steel drum.

The present invention is characterized in that it is quickly installed in a drainage system discharged from a purge air belt and a purge air tank of a two-stroke engine of the crosshead type, for example. The invention also features a standard 208 L (55 gallon) steel drum surrounded by a pressure tank. The invention also features accepting and collecting engine mud directly into a standard cartridge, such as a 208 L (55 gallon) steel drum, under pressure. The invention is also characterized by having a structure for uniform pressure equalization between the inner and outer surfaces of the steel drum.

An object of the present invention is a sludge collection unit comprising a pressure tank having an inner cavity and a top cover configured to effect a pressure-tight closure of the inner cavity, wherein the pressure tank has both a cartridge interior and a pressure tank interior cavity to an engine purge air outlet. It includes the introduction of a sludge collection unit characterized in that it is configured for a cartridge that is inserted and sealed in the inner hollow in a connected state. This ensures equal pressure on both sides of the cartridge. Accordingly, the interior of the cartridge may be connected to the engine purge air outlet connection by an engine purge air outlet connection, and the inner hollow is connected to the engine purge air outlet connection by a pressure connection, to collect material within the engine purge air outlet.

The pressure tank may be adapted to the outlet of a cartridge externally connected by an external connection for overflow of fluid material from the engine purge air outlet. This enables collection of a usable supply of oil for the cartridge, and for this purpose the connection to the exterior may be configured to be connected in pressure-tight communication to an intermediate tank for collecting overflowed fluid material or oil. Pressure must be applied so as not to affect the pressure equalization on the cartridge surface.

The pressure connection may be connected to the engine purge at a location that permits gaseous air to enter the pressure connection but substantially prevents solid or liquid substances from entering the pressure connection, and the pressure tank interior may be filled with solid/liquid materials that may enter the pressure connection. connected to the location. This allows heavy sludge material to be fed into the cartridge, while the hollow volume inside the pressure tank outside the cartridge is essentially gas-only. One way to make such an arrangement is to have the pressure connection connected upstream of the engine purge air exhaust connection.

The top cover may be formed with holes suitable for the connection(s) to be connected to the cartridge in a pressure-tight manner through the top cover.

Tolerances are ensured using, for example, connectors inserted in hole(s) configured to be secured to cartridges to allow for variations in the height of different inserted cartridges. The insert connection can be sealed to the top cover using a guide bushing to allow horizontal and vertical movement during cartridge operation and installation.

To accurately position and secure the pressure tank within the inner cavity, the sludge collection unit may include a positioning plate configured to connect to an upper surface of the cartridge and an inner surface of the inner cavity.

The positioning plate may have an extension configured to reach the cartridge side surface to be sandwiched between the cartridge outer surface and the pressure tank inner surface. It can ensure non-rotation and can be configured to fit the inner shape formed on the inner surface of the pressure tank. This arrangement also maintains the correct position of the cartridge and allows sufficient space to push the cartridge lifting tool into.

The positioning plate may be formed with holes configured to match the holes in the top cover so as to connect to the cartridge through both the top cover and the positioning plate.

To control the pressure in the pressure tank, the top cover may be formed with an opening communicating with an overpressure valve located on an outer surface of the top cover.

The engine purge air outlet connection may be connected to the cartridge by means of an inlet connection device which also includes a sensor piston formed with a sensor element located in the cartridge. The purpose of the sensor piston 14 is to be able to press down the top of the barrel 8, for example by hand force. Therefore, the resistance of the sensor piston 14 increases when it encounters solid particles accumulated on the top of the barrel 8. In this way it is possible to simply and safely detect when the barrel 8 is filled with solid (settling) sludge. During operation, the sensor piston (14) is held in the upper position due to overpressure at the inlet connection of the barrel (8).

The pressure tank can be configured to fit cartridges that are standard 208 L (55 gallon) steel oil barrels.

1 shows a pressure tank for a sludge collection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a positioning plate that is part of a sludge collection unit.
3a and 3b are side and top views of a pressure tank having a cartridge disposed therein and having a positioning plate;
4 is a plan view of the pressure tank with the top cover closed.
5a and 5b show an inlet connection device attached to the top cover of the pressure tank to connect the engine purge air vent connection, with the sensor piston in two different positions.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the present invention, are provided by way of example only.

Figure 1 shows a sludge collection unit (SCU) 1 according to the present invention, intended for use with pressurized discharge systems (discharge from engine flushing belts and vessels), but can also be used for pressure-less sludge discharge systems. ) shows an embodiment of.

The present invention relates to a pressure tank (2) (which can be cylindrical or circular, but also polygonal) equipped with a top cover (3) with a handle, which can be opened in a vertical position, for example by means of a hinged yoke (4). It consists of a pressure tank (2). The hinged yoke 4 is actuated by two gas springs 5 or other means configured to equalize the weight of the top cover 3 so that it can be easily and conveniently opened into a vertical position. The lifting yoke 4 can form a structure enabling insertion of the safety partition when the cover 3 is in the open position. Hinge yoke 4 can be replaced with any means suitable for opening and closing top cover 3 .

The top cover 3 is configured to be secured to the pressure tank 2 when in the closed position, for example by means of bolts or other means. In the illustrated embodiment, an opening 15 is formed in the upper opening of the pressure tank 2 and the rim of the upper cover 3, respectively, and bolts are inserted into these openings to fasten them together.

The upper cover 3 will be provided with an overpressure valve 6 communicating with the inside of the tank 2 by means of an opening 7 (see Fig. 4 showing the overpressure valve 6 located outside the upper cover 3). may be This ensures that the pressure in the pressure tank cannot exceed the design pressure or the set maximum pressure. The pressure tank 2 is designed for a cartridge like barrel 8 (not shown in FIG. 1) to be mounted in the tank 2. This barrel 8 may be, for example, but not limited to, a standard 208L (55 gallon) steel barrel or other standard cartridge, hereinafter referred to generically as barrel 8. The tank 2 is designed so that there is a relatively minimal volume between the outer surface of the barrel 8 and the inner volume of the pressure tank 2 . However, there is a certain tolerance so that a slightly deformed (small bump) barrel 8 can still be immersed in the pressure tank 2.

The barrel 8 is kept centered and correctly seated in the pressure tank 2 using the positioning plate 9 (see Figs. 2, 3a and 3b).

Referring to the plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the positioning plate 9 is a flat plate configured to fit the inner upper barrel edge 8a and having an extension 9a configured to reach out beyond the upper barrel edge 8a. (flat plate), where the barrel 8 is held firmly in place by being sandwiched between the outer surface of the upper barrel edge 8a and the inner surface of the pressure tank 2. Further, the extension may be configured to fit the inner shape 2a formed on the inner surface of the pressure tank 2 to define the orientation of the barrel 8 . 3a is a side view of the barrel 8 inside the pressure tank 2 with the extension squeezed between the upper barrel edge 8a and the inner surface of the pressure tank 2 . 3b shows an embodiment of the internal shape 2a formed by a projection protruding into the inner hollow of the pressure tank 2, in a plan view in which the positioning plate 9 is positioned in relation to the barrel 8 and the pressure tank 2; show However, the inner shape 2a may be recessed into the surface or may be formed in any other suitable manner.

At the top cover 3 or at the top edge of the pressure tank 2 (shown), when the top cover 3 is in the closed position, there is a seal that is squeezed between the top cover 3 and the top edge of the pressure tank 2. A seal 2b may be formed. This ensures a tight connection when the top cover and pressure tank are fastened, for example by means of bolts.

Holes 10 and 11 are formed in the upper cover 3 and the positioning plate 9 to allow access to the connection of the barrel 8 through the upper cover 3 of the pressure tank 2 . In one embodiment, the tight fixing of the (for example threaded) connection of the barrel 8 through the top cover 3 to the external connections 20a, 20b is provided by a threaded insert connection (not shown). ), and can be configured to be fixed to the barrel 8 connection, such as the barrel 8 threaded connection where the standard oil barrel 8 is fitted with ¾" and 2" internal pipe threads as standard.

The insert connection can be sealed against the barrel (8) connection using a sealing ring, and the top cover (3) can be sealed using a guide bushing with an associated O-ring seal. The guide bushing enables vertical movement of the barrel 8 connecting portion and the insert connecting portion to compensate for vertical movement due to thermal expansion and small deformation of the barrel 8 due to pressure change.

Some vertical and horizontal tolerances are required to compensate for the smaller height differences according to the manufacturing tolerances of the standard barrel 8, for example.

The bushing can be fastened to the top cover 3 using flanges and bolts.

The insert connection associated with the connection 20b to the outside of the barrel 8 (regarding oil discharge (overflow) from the barrel 8) may extend below the top of the barrel, for example by 70 mm. In this way, the level of the barrel 8 can be lowered before disassembling the insert connection or the like, so that oil spillage can be prevented during replacement of the barrel 8.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the cover plate 3 showing the handle 3a, respectively the engine purge air vent connection 20a and the connection 20b to the outside of the barrel for the oil outlet, where both connections are connected to pipes, hoses, etc. It can be.

The inflow of the medium (lubricating oil mixed with relatively heavy solid particles) is carried out through the engine purge air discharge connection 20a connected to the inlet connection of the barrel 8 by the connected hole of the upper cover 10 and the hole of the positioning plate 11. is done through At the top of the cover plate 3, an inlet connection 13 (which may be Y-shaped, for example a 45 degree pipe-Y) (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ) connects the engine purge air outlet connection 20a to the inlet connection of the barrel. Connect to (8). This design allows access of the sensor piston 14 into the interior of the barrel 8 while ensuring a functional entry to the barrel. The sensor piston 14 can be made with a pressure-resistant shaft seal that easily allows for effortless axial (vertical) movement of the sensor element within the barrel 8 . The purpose of the sensor piston 14 is to enable it to be depressed down the top of the barrel 8, for example by hand force. Therefore, the resistance of the sensor piston 14 increases when the sensor piston encounters solid particles accumulated at the top of the barrel 8. In this way it is possible to simply and safely detect when the barrel 8 is filled with solid (settling) sludge. During operation, the sensor piston (14) is held in the upper position due to overpressure at the inlet connection of the barrel (8). This overpressure is created by the air pressure in the engine purge air system propagating to the barrel 8 through the exhaust system.

The present invention ensures approximately uniform pressure inside/outside the barrel (8). The interior of the barrel 8 volume is pressure-tightly connected to the engine purge air vent connection 20a. This will quickly fill the barrel (8) with the liquid medium continuously discharged from the engine. There will be an overflow of lubricating oil into the intermediate tank connected to the outlet of the barrel 8 by means of the external connection 20b of the barrel 8. In the intermediate tank the pressure tank 2 and the outlet connection 20a are at the same pressure. Therefore, the relatively pure lubricating oil is pushed by overflow and gravity in the pressure tank 2 and flows into the intermediate tank, where it is collected as relatively pure oil that can be used for other purposes. Relatively heavy particles (sludge) settle layer by layer in the barrel (8).

The empty space between the inside of the pressure tank (2) and the outside of the barrel (8) is also hollow inside through the pressure connection (21) and the pressure opening (12) of the pressure tank (2) to the outside of the barrel (8) (see Fig. 3a). Pressurized, for example, with pressure equalizing air (engine flush air) directed upwards at the engine discharge connection 20a, so that the pressure outside the barrel 8 equals the pressure inside. By locating the connection above the engine discharge connection 20a, heavy materials such as sludge are prevented from entering the pressure connection 21. Accordingly, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the barrel 8 can be effectively equalized. Therefore, even if the pressure in the engine discharge system changes, the same pressure is always applied to the inside and outside of the barrel 8. Pressure equalization air can be directed through an oil mist filter to purify the air of oil vapors to prevent unwanted contamination outside the barrel (8). The separated oil mist can be manually discharged from the oil mist filter through a valve at the bottom of the filter. The pressure tank (2) is also fitted with a drain connection and valve at the bottom. This enables liquid discharge when the pressure tank 2 is cleaned from the inside.

Barrels are easily replaced by the following procedure.

Depressurize the system by closing the main valve in the engine exhaust system. The opening for the overpressure valve 6 (see Fig. 4) to atmosphere (adjustable and opening 7 (see Fig. 1)) provides venting of the overpressure from the intermediate tank in the pressure tank 2 and connections 20a, 20b. Do it quickly.

The connecting parts 20a, 20b, the guide bushing and the connecting insert are then disconnected and the top cover 3 is firmly opened to a vertical position. The barrel 8 is closed tightly with a suitable plug, which is usually a threaded standard part.

A specially approved lifting tool can then be lowered around the barrel (8).

The upper edge 8a and the lifting tool slide into the space between the barrel 8 and the pressure tank 2. The lifting tool is designed to lift the barrel (8) while holding it around the barrel (8). The barrel is thereby lifted from the pressure tank 2 using a crane or hoist.

Installation of the new empty barrel 8 is usually done in reverse order.

1 sludge collecting unit (SCU)
2 pressure tank
2a inner shape in the pressure tank
2b sealing
3 top cover
3a handle
4 hinged yoke
5 gas spring or other means adapted to equalize the weight of the top cover
6 overpressure valve
7 opening for overpressure valve
8 barrels
8a upper barrel edge
9 positioning plate
9a extensions of the positioning plate
10 holes in the top cover
11 holes in the positioning plate
12 pressure opening
13 inlet connecting device-Y-shaped
14 sensor piston
15 openings for bolts
20a engine purge air drain connection (pipe, hoses etc.)
20b connection to the outside of the barrel for oil outlet
21 pressure connection

Claims (16)

A sludge collection unit comprising a pressure tank (2) having an inner hollow and an upper cover (3) configured to pressure-tightly close the inner vacuum, wherein the pressure tank (2) has a cartridge (8) inserted into the inner hollow The sludge collection unit, characterized in that it is configured to be enclosed and connected (10, 11, 12, 20a, 21) to the engine purge air outlet both inside the cartridge (8) and inside the pressure tank (2) hollow. 2. The cartridge (8) interior is connected (10, 11, 20a) to the engine purge air outlet by means of an engine purge air outlet connection (20a) for collecting material within the engine purge air outlet, wherein said interior The sludge collection unit, characterized in that the hollow is connected to the engine purge air outlet connection by means of pressure connections (12, 21). 3. The pressure tank (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in order to overflow fluid material from the engine purge air outlet, the pressure tank (2) is configured such that the outlet of the cartridge (8) is connected to the outside by a connection (20b) to the outside. Sludge collection unit, characterized in that. 4. The sludge collection unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the connection to the outside (20b) is connected in pressure-tight communication with an intermediate tank for collecting the overflowed fluid material. 5. The pressure connection according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the pressure connection (12, 21) is provided in the engine purge at a position where gas air can enter the pressure connection (12, 21) but substantially no solids. The sludge collection unit, characterized in that the inside of the pressure tank (2) is connected (10, 11, 20a) at a position where solid materials can flow. 6. Sludge collection unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the pressure connection (12, 21) is connected to the upper side of the engine purge air discharge connection (20a). 7. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the top cover (3) allows the connection(s) (20a, 20b) to be connected to the cartridge (8) via the top cover (3) in a pressure-tight manner. Sludge collection unit, characterized in that formed with a configured hole (10). 8. The sludge collection unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the connection(s) (20a, 20b) to the cartridge (8) are through-insert connections to the hole(s) (10) configured to be fixed to the cartridge (8). 9. The sludge collection unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the insert connection portion is sealed against the top cover (3) using a guide bushing. The sludge collection unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a positioning plate (9) configured to connect to the upper surface of the cartridge (8) and to the inner surface of the inner hollow. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the positioning plate (9) has an extension (9a) configured to reach the side of the cartridge (8) to fit between the outer surface of the cartridge (8) and the inner surface of the pressure tank (2). sludge collection unit. 12. Sludge collection unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the extension (9a) is configured to fit into an inner shape (2a) formed on the inner surface of the pressure tank (2). 13. The method according to claims 6 and 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the positioning plate (9) is formed with a hole (11) configured to match the hole (10) of the top cover (3). sludge collection unit. 5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top cover (3) is formed with an opening (7) communicating with an overpressure valve (6) located on the outer surface of the top cover (3). Sludge collection unit. According to any one of the preceding claims, the engine purge air outlet connection (20a) is made by an inlet connection device (13) also comprising a sensor piston (14) formed with a sensor element located in the cartridge (8). Sludge collection unit, characterized in that it is connected to the cartridge (8). The sludge collection unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure tank (2) is configured for a cartridge (8) which is a standard 208L (55 gallon) steel oil barrel.

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