IP Library Granted Patent US 9,925,573
Granted Patent B2
US 9,925,573 · App. 15/214,550 · Granted Mar 27, 2018

Systems and processes for cleaning tanker truck interiors

Inventors: Robert Harman (Troutville, VA); Terry Bailey (Center, TX); Dewayne Jacobs (Shelbyville, TX); Justin White (McAlester, OK)
Assignee: NGL Solids Solutions, LLC
B08B9/093B08B3/02B08B9/0813B08B9/08B08B9/0804B08B9/0933B08B9/0936B60S3/008
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,925,573
App. No.
15/214,550
Granted
Mar 27, 2018
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system and process for cleaning a vessel is described. In embodiments, the system has one or more manway adapters configured to fit one or more manways of the vessel and deliver a cleaning solution through them. Further, in embodiments the system includes one or more actuators which are configured to position the one or more manway adapters horizontally or vertically to allow for optimal alignment and positioning of the manway adapters within the manways. Movement of the manway adapters may be facilitated by way of a frame assembly mounted on one or more horizontal rails. The system may be used to clean tanks and other vessels such as those that are on tanker trucks, tanker cars, or frac tanks.

Claims (38)

1. A system for cleaning a vessel, comprising:

one or more horizontal rails;

one or more frame assemblies configured for moveable engagement with the rails;

one or more manway adapters configured to fit in a manway of a vessel and to deliver a cleaning solution to one or more interior surfaces of the vessel, wherein each of the manway adapters is operably connected to one of the frame assemblies and connected to a washout nozzle;

one or more first actuators operably configured for positioning at least one of the manway adapters horizontally along the rails; and

one or more second actuators operably configured for positioning at least one of the manway adapters vertically.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more first actuators position the one or more manway adapters horizontally through movement of the frame assembly.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more frame assemblies each comprise:

a first frame;

a second frame disposed on top of the first frame;

wherein the first frame is configured to moveably engage with the horizontal rails;

wherein a portion of the first frame and the entire second frame are disposed above the horizontal rails.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein a top of the second frame comprises slanting supports connected to the second actuator.

5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the first frame has a box-like shape and the second frame has a tapered portion.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein first or second actuator are hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuators.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vessel is a tanker truck, tanker car, or other vessels of similar structure.

8. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a support structure supporting the one or more horizontal rails.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the support structure is an overhead mounted support structure or a post mounted support structure.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein system control is via a wireless operator station.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the washout nozzle is capable of spraying a washing solution in a 360° spray pattern.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more frame assemblies are moveably connected to the horizontal rails through wheels or casters.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more horizontal rails provide for up to 45° of lateral movement.

14. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a solution feeding pipe passing through each manway adapter and terminating at the washout nozzle.

15. A washout system comprising:

one or more horizontal rails;

one or more first actuators in operable communication with the one or more horizontal rails;

one or more manway adapters capable of delivering a cleaning solution; and

one or more second actuators in operable communication with one or more of the one or more manway adapters;

wherein the one or more first actuators are operably configured to control horizontal movement of the one or more manway adapters along the one or more horizontal rails;

wherein the one or more second actuators are operably configured to control vertical movement of the one or more manway adapters.

16. The system of claim 15 , further comprising a support structure supporting the one or more horizontal rails.

17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the support structure is an overhead mounted support structure or a post mounted support structure.

18. The system of claim 15 , further comprising:

one or more frame assemblies, each comprising a box-type frame configuration;

wherein the one or more frame assemblies are in operable communication with the one or more horizontal rails and with the one or more manway adapters;

wherein the one or more frame assemblies are adapted to slide lengthwise along an outward facing surface of the one or more horizontal rails.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the at least one second actuator is in operable communication with the one or more frame assemblies and the one or more manway adapters.

20. The system of claim 18 , wherein the outward facing surface of the one or more horizontal rails are disposed facing an inward facing surface of the one or more frame assemblies.

Assignments (12)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Mar 12, 2026
From: NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; HILLSTONE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS, LLC; ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: BARCLAYS BANK PLC, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 074061/0417 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 6, 2024
From: NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; NGL ENERGY OPERATING LLC; HILLSTONE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS, LLC; ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: TORONTO DOMINION (TEXAS) LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 066391/0921 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 5, 2024
From: NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; HILLSTONE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS, LLC; ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 066385/0698 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 5, 2024
From: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, IN ITS CAPACITY AS SUCCESSOR TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
To: NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; NGL ENERGY OPERATING LLC; HILLSTONE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERS, LLC (AS SUCCESSOR-BY-MERGER TO HEP SHALEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC)
Reel/Frame 066349/0743 →
PATENT SECURITY INTEREST AGENT AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 14, 2022
From: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 060650/0977 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 18, 2021
From: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
To: ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
Reel/Frame 055325/0834 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 18, 2021
From: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
To: ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
Reel/Frame 055325/0783 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Feb 4, 2021
From: NGL ENERGY OPERATING LLC; NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; HEP SHALEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC; ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A,, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 055223/0725 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 4, 2021
From: HARMAN, ROBERT; BAILEY, TERRY; JACOBS, DEWAYNE; WHITE, JUSTIN
To: NGL SOLIDS SOLUTIONS, LLC
Reel/Frame 055140/0809 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (BOND) Recorded Feb 4, 2021
From: NGL ENERGY OPERATING LLC; NGL ENERGY PARTNERS LP; HEP SHALEWATER SOLUTIONS, LLC; ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: U.S BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 055223/0741 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 6, 2019
From: ANTICLINE DISPOSAL, LLC; NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
To: DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
Reel/Frame 050297/0272 →
MERGER Recorded Jul 27, 2018
From: NGL SOLIDS SOLUTIONS, LLC
To: NGL WATER SOLUTIONS PERMIAN, LLC
Reel/Frame 046484/0509 →
Continuity (2)
Division 14796006 · Jul 10, 2015
Related Publication 20170008047A1 · Jan 12, 2017