The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 13, 1988
Filed:
Aug. 24, 1984
James F Deal, III, Amelia Island, FL (US);
Anderson M Foote, III, Fernandina, FL (US);
Stephen R Gabbard, Broken Arrow, OK (US);
Petroleum Fermentations N.V., Curacao, AN;
Abstract
A method utilizing a portable hydraulic apparatus for cleaning the hydrocarbon contaminated sludge deposit of an oil storage tank with a fluidizing agent, the tank having a floor, a side wall and a passageway through the side wall positioned adjacent the floor of the tank, comprises a frame having a central portion and first and second end portions. The frame is configured and dimensioned to pass through the passageway. A pair of independently movable endless chain belts are position on opposite sides of the frame for selectively moving the frame within the oil storage tank to selected locations. A hydraulic line coupled to the central portion of the frame discharges the fluidizing agent onto an adjacent first portion of the sludge deposit so as to form a pool of sludge and fluidizing agent. A suction pump is positioned on the central portion of the frame for drawing up the pool of sludge and fluidizing agent. A plurality of nozzles disposed adjacent the first end portion of the frame are in fluid communication with the suction pump so as to provide pressurized agitation and discharging of the pool of sludge and fluidizing agent onto a second portion of the sludge deposit adjacent said first end portion of the frame so as to dislodge and also aid in liquifying the second portion of the sludge deposit. The chain belts and suction pump are driven preferably by a pair of separately operable hydraulic motors supported on the frame.