Compact, inflatable, snorkel-float apparatus and method
US10974171B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2201/008
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently without entrainment of overlying gases and vapors, nor the second liquid layered therebelow. All are configured to fit into the tank without requiring any personnel to enter the tank. Oil, water, and sludge may drain through the system to exit the tank.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.