Patent · US Expired

Method for cleaning vessels during service

US6021787A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
6References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 10, 1998
Grant dateFeb 8, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 10, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01D21/2472
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An improved system for removing solids such as sand from hydrocarbon liquid and water separation vessels. A nozzle discharges a fluid stream for displacing the solids within the vessel interior through a valve or exit port. The nozzle can be manipulated to selectively control the fluid stream discharge placement. A controller positions the nozzle below the vessel to clear a port and valve above the nozzle. The controller can also position the nozzle within the vessel interior and can control the placement of the nozzle liquid discharge stream. This directional control efficiently directs the solids toward a discharge port and reduces inadvertent movement of the solids into oil buckets and other defined spaces within the vessel.

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