Automatic Solids Removal/Vent System for Tanks

No experience with automated systems, but they are around.

Go here: Search GlobalSpec and search. They have a huge resource.

here's two from a search:

AUTOMATIC TANK CLEANING (ATC), M-I SWACO - Schlumberger

AgiSonic Tank Cleaning Systems | Cleaning Technologies Group LLC

Thanks lyn. The system i'm looking for is a vented device that attaches to the bottom of a tank and turns on which flushes fluid and sediments from the bottom of the tank. Something similar to a fan based system, vent or perhaps a valve with controls that can be manually opened for cleaning and solids removal or set up to automatically flush the tank periodically.

- - - wants it served on a plate, Lyn.

Yes, served on a plate would be ideal. I believe what i'm looking for is probably a custom solution that would incorporate off the shelf items not specific to this particular application but can be installed to achieve the desired objective. A new, cost-effective solution to address a significant problem in the water disposal market. Perhaps I am looking in the wrong direction and need to get an engineer to assist with the design. Wanted to throw it out there and see what came back. Thanks

Excuse my sarcasm, I just threw it out there. No offence intended.

No apologies necessary. Thought it was funny. Thanks

What - like a monovalve automatic sand filter?

more like a valve in the bottom of a 1,000 bbl fiberglass water transfer tank used in oil/gas related saltwater disposal facility operations that can enable the "flushing" of a tank from the bottom to remove any solids that have built up over time that traditional pot/can filters don't always catch. disposal operators have to shut down and manually evacuate a tank to remove the solids that build up.

Can you define the problem a little better? Is the tank empty or full? Are you trying to clean just the bottom of the tank, or the whole tank? What is the configuration of the tank bottom (flat, cone, etc.)? What size are the solids? Any other info that might be useful?

Thanks

The tank would be partially full at all times. The base could be either flat or coned. What i'm thinking of is a valve attached to the bottom of a 1,000 bbl fiberglass water transfer tank used in oil/gas related saltwater disposal operations that can enable the "flushing" of a tank from the bottom to remove any solids that have built up over time that traditional pot/can filters don't always catch. Disposal operators lose money shutting down and spend money manually evacuating tanks to remove the solids that build up. Size can vary based but mostly sand sized particles. The best way to prevent this is to use some advanced filtration like a cyclone desander/desilter after the trucks unload prior sending water to a gun barrel.

Most well designed tank systems would have "scour" valves already fitted that draw from a level below the usual outlets for exactly this type of work.

It would be possible to set them onto some automation to periodically open and release materials for more focussed recovery/separation and return of desirable material to the tank.

We utilise a "syphon" and a diver inside the (water) tanks while in service, but only need to do this once every two or three years. The suction is achieved by either connection to the scour outlet or pipe over the tank wall. Have seen 30cm of sediment removed in this way.

New treatment facility seems to be providing only 10% of previous sediment levels, so will probably revert to 5 year period.

How about a tank with a fairly steep conical bottom, so that solids naturally fall to the bottom on their own, with a drain valve that is opened periodically, either manually or automatically?