Patent · US Expired

Tank cleaning system using remotely controlled robotic vehicle

US5561883A · kind A · utility

68Cited by
6References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 15, 1994
Grant dateOct 8, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 15, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA47L2201/00
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for cleaning storage containers used in petrochemical or oil refineries. A remotely controllable dual tracked robotic vehicle is placed in a container to be cleaned. A cleaning fluid diluent material is directed against waste material in the container causing a portion of it to form a slurry which is vacuumed out by a nozzle and hose carried by the vehicle. A separator system exterior to the tank processes the removed slurry.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.