Fuel Tank Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

A fuel tank cleaning apparatus configured to remove sludge and prevent sludge accumulation in a fuel tank. A sludge collecting pipe lays horizontally along most of a length of a floor of the fuel tank. A plurality of openings penetrate the sludge collecting pipe along its length. The plurality of openings gradually increase in diameter along the length of the sludge collecting pipe to allow for uniform suction along the entire floor of the tank. A connecting elbow fluidly connects the sludge collecting pipe to a suction pipe. A pump is attachable to the suction pipe to create a suction at the bottom of the tank. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus may be positioned during the construction of the fuel tank, may be retrofitted into existing fuel tanks, or may be integrated into the floor of the fuel tank itself.

Claims

1. A fuel tank cleaning apparatus for use with a fuel tank comprising: a sludge collecting pipe comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected by a sidewall comprising a plurality of openings of gradually increasing diameter from the proximal end to the distal end; and wherein the distal end is capped and the proximal end is open.

2. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end is configured to engage a suction pipe.

3. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximal end curves upward perpendicularly.

4. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sludge collecting pipe is one to one and a half inches in diameter.

5. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings range from ⅕.sup.th to ⅓.sup.rd inches in diameter.

6. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a proximal most opening is ⅕.sup.th of an inch in diameter and a distal most opening is ⅓.sup.rd of an inch in diameter.

7. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings penetrate the sidewall on both sides.

8. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings penetrate the sidewall adjacent to a floor of the fuel tank.

9. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings penetrate the sidewall at six inch intervals.

10. A fuel tank cleaning apparatus for use with a fuel tank comprising: a sludge collecting pipe comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected by a sidewall comprising a plurality of openings of gradually increasing diameter from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the distal end is capped and the proximal end is open; a suction pipe; and a connecting elbow fluidly connecting the suction pipe to the proximal end of the sludge collecting pipe perpendicularly.

11. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sludge collecting pipe is one to one and a half inches in diameter.

12. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings range from ⅕.sup.th to ⅓.sup.rd inches in diameter.

13. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein a proximal most opening is ⅕.sup.th of an inch in diameter and a distal most opening is ⅓.sup.rd of an inch in diameter.

14. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connecting elbow is integrated into the proximal end of the sludge collecting pipe.

15. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the connecting elbow connects to the proximal end of the sludge collecting pipe via a fitting.

16. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of openings penetrate the sidewall at six inch intervals.

17. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of pipe straps for securing the sludge collecting pipe to a floor of the fuel tank.

18. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the suction pipe.

19. A fuel tank cleaning apparatus comprising: a fuel tank comprising a floor; a sludge collecting pipe comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected by a sidewall comprising a plurality of openings of gradually increasing diameter from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the distal end is capped and the proximal end is open; a suction pipe; and a connecting elbow fluidly connecting the suction pipe to the proximal end of the sludge collecting pipe perpendicularly; and wherein the sludge collecting pipe is integrated into the floor of the fuel tank.

20. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the suction pipe.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with a fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway view of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a sludge collecting pipe of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of the sludge collecting pipe and a connecting elbow of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the sludge collecting pipe, the connecting elbow, and a suction pipe of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a closeup view of the sludge collecting pipe, the connecting elbow, and the suction pipe of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a closeup view of sludge entering the sludge collecting pipe and the connecting elbow of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a flow of sludge entering a plurality of openings in the sludge collecting pipe of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a closeup view of the plurality of openings in the sludge collecting pipe of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with the fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention for use with a fuel tank in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a fuel tank cleaning apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a fuel tank cleaning apparatus comprised of a one to one and a half inch pipe, capped off on the end with approximately ⅕.sup.th. ⅓.sup.rd inch in diameter holes cut through the side of the pipe approximately every six inches. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus extends approximately 90% of the length of the tank and lays horizontally on the base of the tank. A sludge pipe connects to a suction tube with a 90-degree elbow, allowing a pump to create suction off the entire base of the tank where sludge accumulation occurs. The holes will increase in size the further they are from the suction tube to ensure equal suction throughout.

[0036] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-10 illustrate a fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 is configured to remove sludge and prevent the accumulation of sludge and other contaminates in a fuel tank 10. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 may be positioned during the construction of the fuel tank 10 as illustrated in FIG. 10 or may be retrofitted into existing fuel tanks.

[0037] The fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a sludge collecting pipe 110. The sludge collecting pipe 110 is typically configured to extend substantially horizontally along a floor 12 of the fuel tank 10 as illustrated in FIG, 2. The sludge collecting pipe 110 is typically sized to extend approximately 90% of the length of the fuel tank 10, but may be longer or shorter as desired. The sludge collecting pipe 110 is a metal or plastic pipe approximately one to one and a half inches in diameter but may be smaller or larger to fit a particular fuel tank. The preferred diameter will depend on the size of the pump which will typically range from between 8-60 gallons per minute.

[0038] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sludge collecting pipe 110 comprises a distal end 112 and a proximal end 116. The distal 112 and proximal 116 ends are connected along a sidewall 122. The sidewall 122 extends a length of the sludge collecting pipe 110. The distal end 112 is capped via an end cap 114 and the proximal end 116 comprises an opening 118 that is not capped. The proximal end 116 may be straight or curve perpendicularly upward. The proximal end 116 is configured to engage a suction pipe. The proximal end 116 may further comprise a fitting 120, such as a screw thread or quick connect, to engage the suction pipe.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, the sidewall 122 comprises a plurality of openings 124. The plurality of openings 124 penetrate the sidewall 122 along its length. The plurality of openings 124 in one embodiment typically extend laterally at approximately six inch intervals but may be further or closer apart as desired. This interval is desirable for tanks that range from six to twelve feet in length. In another example with a longer tank, the plurality of openings 124 may be up t0 24 inch intervals. The plurality of openings 124 gradually increase in diameter from the proximal end 116 to the distal end 112 of the sludge collecting pipe 110. The plurality of openings 124 generally range from approximately ⅕.sup.th of an inch in diameter to approximately ⅓.sup.rd of an inch in diameter but may be smaller or larger in diameter as desired. In one embodiment, a proximal most opening 126 of the plurality of openings 124 is generally approximately ⅕.sup.th of an inch in diameter. A distal most opening 128 of the plurality of openings 124 is generally approximately ⅓.sup.rd of an inch in diameter. This configuration is advantageous as locating the larger openings 124 further from the suction tube and smaller openings 124 closer to the suction tube 136 ensures even and consistent suction across the entire bottom surface of the tank 10. In other embodiments, the plurality of openings 124 may have gradually larger diameters to accommodate larger pumps that pull with greater suction.

[0040] The plurality of openings 124 are typically round in shape but may be shaped in any geometric configuration. The plurality of openings 124 can penetrate either one or both sides of the sidewall 122 at any height. The plurality of openings 124 may be penetrate the sidewall 122 adjacent to the floor 12 of the fuel tank 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 or may be positioned along the sides or the top of the sidewall 122 as desired.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 may further comprise a suction pipe 136 and a connecting elbow 130. The connecting elbow 130 fluidly connects the suction pipe 136 to the proximal end 116 of the sludge collecting pipe 110. Once connected, the suction pipe 136 extends generally perpendicularly upward from the sludge collecting pipe 110. The connecting elbow 130 may be integrated into the proximal end 116 of the sludge collecting pipe 110 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connecting elbow 130 may be attached to the sludge connecting pipe 110 via a fitting 120, such as a swivel, 90 degree elbow, screw thread, a quick connect, a weld, a mechanical connector, or the like.

[0042] A sludge connecting pipe end 132 of the connecting elbow 130 engages the opening 118 in the proximal end 116 of the sludge connecting pipe 110. A suction pipe end 134 of the connecting elbow 130 is configured to engage an inlet end 138 of the suction pipe 136. Alternatively, the sludge connecting pipe 110, the connecting elbow 130, and the suction pipe 136 may be integrated as a single unit without connections as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 may further comprise a plurality of pipe straps 150. The plurality of pipe straps 150 are typically metal or plastic brackets or clamps configured to engage the sludge collecting pipe 110 and secure it to the floor 10 of the fuel tank 12. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 may further comprise a pump 160. The pump 160 is fluidly connectable to the suction pipe 136 at an outlet end 140 of the suction pipe 136. The pump 160 is configured to create a suction in the suction pipe 136 drawing sludge, debris, or other contaminates through the plurality of openings 124 of the sludge collecting pipe 110, through the connecting elbow 130, and up the suction pipe 136 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The pump 160 may be externally located to the tank or may be a submersible pump.

[0044] The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a fuel tank cleaning apparatus 200. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 200 comprises a fuel tank 202 comprising a floor 204. The fuel tank cleaning apparatus 200 further comprises a sludge collecting pipe 210. The sludge collecting pipe 210 is horizontally integrated into the floor 204 of the fuel tank 202 extending approximately 90% of the length of the fuel tank 202. The sludge collecting pipe 210 is approximately one to one and a half inches in diameter but may be smaller or larger depending on the size of the fuel tank 202.

[0045] The sludge collecting pipe 210 comprises a distal end 212 and a proximal end 216. The distal 212 and proximal 216 ends are connected along a sidewall 222. The sidewall 222 extends a length of the sludge collecting pipe 210. The distal end 212 is capped and the proximal end 216 is open. The proximal end 216 may be straight or curve perpendicularly upward. The proximal end 216 is configured to engage a suction pipe 236. The proximal end 216 may comprise a fitting 220, such as a screw thread or quick connect, to engage the suction pipe 236.

[0046] The sidewall 222 comprises a plurality of openings 224 penetrating the sidewall 222 along its length. The plurality of openings 224 typically extend laterally at approximately six inch intervals but may be further or closer apart as desired. The plurality of openings 224 gradually increase in diameter from the proximal end 216 to the distal end 212 of the sludge collecting pipe 210. The plurality of openings 224 generally range from approximately ⅕.sup.th of an inch in diameter at the proximal end 216 to approximately ⅓.sup.rd of an inch in diameter at the distal end 212 but may be smaller or larger in diameter as desired.

[0047] The plurality of openings 224 are typically round in shape but may be shaped in any geometric configuration. The plurality of openings 224 can penetrate either one or both sides of the sidewall 222 at any height. The plurality of openings 224 may be penetrate the sidewall 222 adjacent to the floor 204 of the fuel tank 202 or may be positioned along the sides or the top of the sidewall 222 as desired.

[0048] The fuel tank cleaning apparatus 200 further comprise a suction pipe 236 and a connecting elbow 230. The connecting elbow 230 fluidly connects the suction pipe 236 to the proximal end 216 of the sludge collecting pipe 210. Once connected, the suction pipe 236 extends perpendicularly upward from the sludge collecting pipe 210. The connecting elbow 230 may be integrated into the proximal end 216 of the sludge collecting pipe 210. Alternatively, the connecting elbow 230 may be attached to the sludge connecting pipe 210. Alternatively, the sludge connecting pipe 210, the connecting elbow 230, and the suction pipe 236 may be integrated as a single unit without connections.

[0049] The fuel tank cleaning apparatus 200 may further comprise a pump 260. The pump 260 is fluidly connectable to the suction pipe 236. The pump 260 is attachable to a top of an exterior of the fuel tank 202. The pump 260 is configured to create a suction in the suction pipe 236 drawing sludge, debris, or other contaminates through the plurality of openings 224 of the sludge collecting pipe 210, through the connecting elbow 230, and up the suction pipe 236.

[0050] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 and its various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the fuel tank cleaning apparatus 100 and 200 is designed to be applied.

[0051] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.