Patent Publication Number: US-2022219188-A1

Title: Slurry Preparation Sprayer Apparatus and Systems Thereof

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Hydrocarbon based oils used in the petroleum and petrochemical industry are often stored in tanks. Such storage occurs in crude oil and gas production, refineries, petrochemical plants, bulk plants, and terminals. Typical petroleum storage tanks will have a diameter from 100 to 400 feet and heights of 20 to 50 feet or more. 
     Over time, “sludge” forms in the bottom of these tanks. Sludge is formed when naturally occurring sediments, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, and entrained water are separated by gravity from the volume of liquid hydrocarbons in the storage tank. Over time, the heavier elements in the stored oil will continue to migrate to the bottom of the tank and enter the sludge. As these heavier components concentrate, the sludge becomes more viscous, loses its flow characteristics, and (depending upon its composition) may even solidify. Since a large tank can hold a million barrels or more, and the volume which passes through a tank in the years between cleanings can be a large multiple of the tank volume, the sludge can accumulate sludges from an enormous volume of oil. 
     Precipitation of asphaltenes in crude oil storage tanks can occur as a result of improper blending of crude oils. For example, improper blending can occur when adding poor-solvent crude oils to tank heels that contain high levels of asphaltenes and/or waxes or adding oils that contain asphaltenes that possess relatively high Insolubility Numbers (In). Such asphaltene precipitates interfere with effective storage tank operation and have a detrimental effect on refinery processes by accelerating fouling in pre-heat train exchangers and furnaces. The precipitates create an accumulation of sludge in the bottoms of storage tanks used for crude oils and other high gravity petroleum products. 
     In case the sludge is not periodically removed, there is a decrease in the storage capacity of the tank. In addition, excess sludge can compromise the quality of oil and its derivatives. Sludge removal or tank cleaning is required when sludge buildup interfers with or reduces the efficiency of the storage tank operation. Sludge removal or tank cleaning may also be required prior to the performance of a tank maintenance procedure, repair, modification or inspection. 
     Typically, sludge removal manually performed by entering the storage tank. Due to the large amount of sludge stored inside the tank, this removal process is quite long and costly, and can have negative environmental affects due to toxic gases release upon opening the manways to the storage tank. 
     In addition, an amount of sludge typically remains inside the storage tank after completion of the sludge removal process due to the inefficiency of current sludge removal processes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure pertains to a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and a stabilizing member having a stabilizing mounting plate and a stabilizing conduit, wherein the stabilizing conduit receives the feed conduit, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has an exterior stop protruding beyond the exterior surface of the feed conduit, wherein the exterior stop is positioned on a portion of the feed conduit extending into the exterior of the storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has an interior stop protruding beyond the exterior surface of the feed conduit, wherein the interior stop is positioned on a portion of the feed conduit extending into the interior of the storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has a feed extension. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has a spray nozzle. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the stabilizing member has a stabilizing support member. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus further having an adapter plate, wherein the adapter plate engages the perimeter of the manway port and the stabilizing member. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus further having a first actuator assembly having a first link and a second link. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the first actuator assembly has an actuator. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and a stabilizing member having a stabilizing mounting plate and a stabilizing conduit, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus further having a first actuator assembly having a first link and a second link, wherein the first actuator assembly is configured to rotate the feed conduit. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus further having a second actuator assembly having a first link and a second link, wherein the second actuator assembly is configured to rotate the feed conduit. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus further having a viewing device configured to allow for the operator to view the interior of a storage tank from the exterior of the storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has a spray nozzle and wherein the spray nozzle is positioned within the vertical axial center of the feed conduit. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and an apparatus support, wherein the apparatus support is engaged to the exterior surface of the feed conduit and the apparatus support is engaged to the mounting plate, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. Another aspect of the disclosure is a spray apparatus wherein the feed conduit has a spray nozzle and wherein the spray nozzle is positioned within the horizontal axial center of the feed conduit. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a storage tank cleaning system having a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and a stabilizing member having a stabilizing mounting plate and a stabilizing conduit, wherein the stabilizing conduit receives the feed conduit, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a storage tank cleaning system further having a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and a stabilizing member having a stabilizing mounting plate and a stabilizing conduit, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a storage tank cleaning system further having a spray apparatus having a feed conduit, and an apparatus support, wherein the apparatus support is engaged to the exterior surface of the feed conduit and the apparatus support is engaged to the mounting plate, wherein the feed conduit is configured to rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit, and wherein the spray apparatus is configured to mount to a manway port of a storage tank. 
     With those and other objects, advantages and features on the invention that may become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, the appended claims, and the drawings attached hereto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate various embodiments of the present invention and together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a slurry preparation system according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 a    is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 b    is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 2 c    is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a stabilization member according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a stabilization member according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a feed conduit according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a feed extension according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a spray apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. 
     The present disclosure pertains to a slurry preparation system  100  configured to convert sludge  10  in a storage tank  20  into a slurry layer  32  by spraying diluent  30  into the storage tank  20  so that the sludge  10  can be removed from the storage tank  20 . The storage tank  20  can be, for example, without limitation, a crude oil storage tank  20 , small production oil field tanks, mobile crude oil storage tank (such as frack tanks), barges, sewage tanks, or the like. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the storage tank  20  can have a roof  22 , sidewall  24 , floor  26 , manway port  28 , and evacuation port  31 . The roof  22  of the storage tank  20  can be a fixed roof  22  or height adjusting roof  22 , where the height adjusting roof  22  is configured to move up or down depending on the desired storage capacity of the storage tank  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the slurry preparation system  100  can comprise at least one spray apparatus  200 . Where the slurry preparation system  100  has a plurality of spray apparatus&#39;  200 , the spray apparatus&#39;  200  can have various configurations and embodiments depending on the purpose of each spray apparatus  200 . The spray apparatus  200  can be mounted to a storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can be mounted to a manway port  28  on the storage tank  20 , for example, without limitation, a manway port  28  positioned in the roof  22  and/or sidewall  24  of the storage tank  20 . The manway port  28  can have a flange extending from the exterior of the storage tank  20 , where the flange defines a passageway. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2 a -2 c   , the spray apparatus  200  can comprise a feed conduit  210  and a stabilizing member  230  where the feed conduit  210  can rotationally engage the stabilizing member  230 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 &amp; 4 , the stabilizing member  230  can have a stabilizing conduit  232  having a passageway  233  configured to receive the feed conduit  210 . The stabilizing member  230  can be rigid thereby allowing the stabilizing member  230  to stabilize the feed conduit  210 . 
     In one embodiment, the stabilizing member  230  can have a stabilizing mounting plate  234  configured to mount the stabilizing conduit  232  to the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the stabilizing mounting plate  234  can engage the perimeter of a manway port  28  in the storage tank  20  thereby securing the spray apparatus  200  in the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the stabilizing mounting plate  234  can engage the flange of the manway port  28 . The stabilizing conduit  232  can pass through the center of the stabilizing mounting plate  234 . The stabilizing conduit  232  can be fixed to the stabilizing mounting plate  234 . 
     In one embodiment, the stabilizing member  230  can have a stabilizing support member  236  configured to provide stabilization to the stabilizing conduit  232 . In one embodiment, the stabilizing support member  236  can engage the exterior surface of the stabilizing member  230  and the stabilizing mounting plate  234 . The stabilizing support member  236  can be any type of member configured to provide stabilization, for example, without limitation, a brace, bracket, or the like. While the stabilizing member  230  can have at least one stabilizing support member  236 , the stabilizing member  230  preferably has four stabilizing support members  236 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an adapter plate  238  configured to mount the spray apparatus  200  to the storage tank  20  where the diameter of the manway port  28  is greater than the diameter of the stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227 . In one embodiment, the adapter plate  238  engages the perimeter of a manway port  28  of the storage tank  20  and engages the stabilizing member  230  or feed mounting plate  227  thereby securing the spray apparatus  200  in the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the adapter plate  238  can engage the flange of the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the adapter plate  238  is clamped to the flange of the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the adapter plate  328  can engage the stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227 . The adapter plate  238  can have a hole  239  having a diameter less that the diameter of the stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227  thereby allowing for the top surface  242  of the adapter plate  238  to engage the bottom surface  244  of the stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227 . 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  is configured to receive diluent  30  and discharge it toward sludge  10  in the storage tank  20 . Diluent  30  is supplied to the feed conduit  210  via a supply line. Diluent  30  can be any substance capable of converting the sludge  10  to a slurry, for example, without limitation, water, diesel, cutter stock, surfactants, or the like. The feed conduit  210  can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  is configured to withstand pressure greater than 100 PSI. The feed conduit  210  can have a proximal end  212  configured to engage with a feed line and distal end  214  configured to discharge diluent  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can rotationally engage the storage tank  20  thereby allowing for the feed conduit  210  to rotate relative to the storage tank  20 , for example, without limitation, the feed conduit  210  can rotate about the vertical axial center  216  of the feed conduit  210 . The rotation of the feed conduit  210  allows for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate left and right. In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can rotate up to and including 360 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can rotationally engage the stabilizing conduit  232 , thereby allowing for the feed conduit  210  to rotate relative to the stabilizing member  230 . The length of the interior diameter of the stabilizing conduit  232  can be greater than the length of the exterior diameter of the feed conduit  210  thereby allowing for the feed conduit  210  to rotate within the passageway  233  of the stabilizing conduit  232 . The interior surface  246  of the stabilizing conduit  232  can be matted with the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210  in a manner that allows for the feed conduit  210  to rotate within the passageway  233  of the stabilizing conduit  232 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the feed conduit  210  can have an exterior stop  218  configured to prevent the feed conduit  210  from passing down through the stabilizing conduit  232  beyond a desired position on the feed conduit  210 . Upon the stabilizing conduit  232  receiving the feed conduit  210 , the feed conduit  210  is prevented from passing through the stabilizing conduit  232  upon the exterior stop  218  engaging the stabilizing member  230 . The exterior stop  218  can be fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the exterior stop  218  is fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the traversing member  223 . The exterior stop  218  can protrude beyond the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . The exterior stop  218  can protrude beyond the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210  at a distance so that the exterior diameter of the exterior stop  218  is greater than interior diameter of the stabilizing conduit  232 . While the exterior stop  218  can be any shape or size that prevents the feed conduit  210  from passing through the stabilizing conduit  232 , the exterior stop  218  is preferably a ring. In one embodiment, the exterior stop  218  is positioned at a location on the feed conduit  210  that extends to the exterior of the storage tank  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can have an interior stop  220  configured to prevent the feed conduit  210  from passing up through the stabilizing conduit  232  beyond a desired position on the feed conduit  210 . Upon the feed conduit  210  being pulled up through the stabilizing conduit  232 , the feed conduit  210  is prevented from passing through the stabilizing conduit  232  upon the interior stop  220  engaging the stabilizing member  230 . The interior stop  220  can be fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the interior stop  220  is fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the traversing member  223 . The interior stop  220  can protrude beyond the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . The interior stop  220  can protrude beyond the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210  at a distance so that the exterior diameter of the interior stop  220  is greater than interior diameter of the stabilizing conduit  232 . While the interior stop  220  can be any shape or size that prevents the feed conduit  210  from passing through the stabilizing conduit  232 , the interior stop  220  is preferably a ring. In one embodiment, the interior stop  220  is positioned at a location on the portion of the feed conduit  210  that extends into the exterior of the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the length between the exterior stop  218  and the interior stop  220  is substantially similar to the length of the stabilizing conduit  232 . 
     In one embodiment the feed conduit  210  can have a traversing member  223  configured to extend from the exterior of the storage tank to the interior of the storage tank. The traversing member  223  can be a conduit configured to allow diluent  30  to pass through the traversing member  223 . 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can have a swivel conduit  221  engaged to the proximal end  212  of the traversing member  223 . The swivel conduit  221  rotationally engages the traversing member  223  thereby allowing for the traversing member  223  to rotate while the swivel conduit  221  remains in place. The swivel conduit  221  can be a conduit configured to allow diluent  30  to pass through the swivel conduit  221  to the traversing member  223 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the feed conduit  210  can have at least one feed extension  222  to lengthen the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the feed extension  222  allows for the length of the feed conduit  210  to extend such that the distal end  214  of the feed conduit  210  is in close proximity to the floor  26  of the storage tank  20 . The length of the feed conduit  210  with feed extension  222  attached can be substantially similar to the interior height of the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the feed extension  222  is configured to receive diluent  30  and allow it to pass through the feed extension  222 . The feed extension  222  can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In one embodiment, the feed extension  222  is configured to withstand pressure greater than 100 PSI. The feed extension  222  can have a proximal end  212  configured to engage with a feed conduit  210  and distal end  214  configured to engage another feed extension  222  or spray nozzle  250 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the spray apparatus  200  can have at least one apparatus extension  255  to lengthen the spray apparatus  200 . In one embodiment, the apparatus extension  255  allows for the length of the spray apparatus  200  to extend such that the distal end  214  of the spray apparatus  200  is in close proximity to the sludge  10  in the storage tank  20 . The apparatus extension  255  can be a conduit configured to receive a feed conduit  210 , electrical wires of the first actuator  262 , electrical wires of the second actuator  272 , electrical wires of the viewing device  290 , or any combination thereof. The apparatus extension  255  can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. The apparatus extension  255  can have a proximal end  294  configured to engage a manway port  28  or another apparatus extension  255  and a distal end  295  configured to engage a feed conduit  210  or another apparatus extension  255 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the feed conduit  210  can have a straight portion  224  and a curved portion  226  where the curved portion  226  has at least one turn  229  or curvature in the length of the conduit to allow for the spray nozzle  250  to be positioned directly below or within the vertical axial center  216  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the curved portion  226  has at least one turn  229  or curvature in the length of the conduit to allow for the spray nozzle  250  to be positioned within the horizontal axial center  216  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  has three turns  227 . Positioning the spray nozzle  250  within the vertical or horizontal axial center  216  of the feed conduit  210  reduces the amount or torque on the feed conduit  210  allowing for the feed conduit  210  to smoothly rotate within the stabilizing conduit  232 . In one embodiment, the curvature of the turns  227  can define a void  228 . The void  228  is configured to allow for a viewing device  290  to be engaged on the end or the substantial end of the feed conduit  210  and/or spray nozzle  250 . 
     In one embodiment, the feed conduit  210  can have a spray nozzle  250  configured to discharge diluent  30 . The spray nozzle  250  can have a proximal end  252  and a distal end  254 . In one embodiment, the spray nozzle  250  can have a base  256 , a curved portion  258 , a tip  269 , or any combinations thereof. The proximal end  252  of the spray nozzle  250  can be attached to the distal end  214  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the spray nozzle  250  can have multiple tips  269 , for example, a two tips, three tips, four tips, or the like. The tip can be positioned at various desired locations. In one embodiment, multiple tips can be substantially positioned within the same horizontal plane. By way of example, without limitation, where the spray nozzle  250  has two tips  269 , a first tip can be positioned 180 degrees from the second tip thereby allowing for the diluent to be sprayed in opposite directions simultaneously. By way of another example, without limitation, where the spray nozzle has four tips  269 , the tips  269  can be positioned 90 degrees from the neighboring tip. 
     The spray nozzle  250  can rotationally engage the feed conduit  210  thereby allowing for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate relative to the feed conduit  210 , for example, without limitation, the spray nozzle  250  can rotate about the horizontal axial center  259  of the base  256  of the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the base  256  can rotationally engage the feed conduit  210 . Where the feed conduit  210  has a feed extension  222 , the proximal end  252  of the spray nozzle  250  can be attached to the distal end  257  of the feed extension  222 . The spray nozzle  250  can rotationally engage the feed extension  222  thereby allowing for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate relative to the feed extension  222 . Where the spray nozzle  250  has a curved portion  258 , the rotation of the spray nozzle  250  allows for the tip  269  of the spray nozzle  250  to rotate up and down. The spray nozzle  250  can rotationally engage the feed conduit  210  by any connection that allows for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate relative to the feed conduit  210 , for example, a ball and socket, or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a feed mounting plate  227  configured to mount the feed conduit  210  to the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the feed mounting plate  227  can engage the perimeter of a manway port  28  in the storage tank  20  thereby securing the spray apparatus  200  in the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the feed mounting plate  227  can engage the flange of the manway port  28 . The feed mounting plate  227  can have a hole having a diameter substantially similar to the exterior diameter of the feed conduit  210 , where the hole is configured to receive the feed conduit  210 . The feed conduit  210  can be fixed to the feed mounting plate  227 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a feed support member  225  configured to provide stabilization to the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the feed support member  225  can engage the exterior surface of the feed conduit  210  and the feed mounting plate  227 . The feed support member  225  can be any type of member configured to provide stabilization, for example, without limitation, a brace, bracket, plate, or the like. While the feed conduit  210  can have at least one feed support member  225 , the feed conduit  210  preferably has four feed support members  225 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a vapor pipe  283  configured to allow for testing hazardous vapors inside of the storage tank  20 . The vapor pipe  283  can be a conduit that can pass through a stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227  where an exterior portion  284  of the vapor pipe  283  extends exterior to the storage tank  20  and an interior portion  285  of the vapor pipe  283  extends into the interior of the storage tank  20 . The exterior portion  284  of the vapor pipe  283  is configured to engage a vapor detector used in detecting hazardous vapors. The positioning of the vapor pipe  283  through a stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227  avoids having to remove all the sludge  10  in order to test the hazardous materials utilizing an evacuation port  30  and allows for the hazardous vapors to be tested while sludge  10  remains in the storage tank  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an evacuation pipe  286  configured to allow for the removal of the slurry layer  32  from the storage tank  20 . The evacuation pipe  286  can be a conduit that can pass through a stabilizing mounting plate  234  or feed mounting plate  227  where an exterior portion  287  of the evacuation pipe  286  extends exterior to the storage tank  20  and an interior portion  288  of the evacuation pipe  286  extends into the interior of the storage tank  20 . The exterior portion  287  of the evacuation pipe  286  is configured to engage a component of an evacuation system (for example, without limitation, an evacuation hose, or the like) for removing the slurry layer  32  from the storage tank  20 . The interior portion  288  of the evacuation pipe  286  is configured to engage an extension hose configured to receive the slurry layer  32 . In one embodiment, the length of the extension hose is configured to reach the floor of the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the vapor pipe  283  and the evacuation pipe  286  can be a multi-purpose pipe  289 , where the multi-purpose pipe  2589  can be used to detect hazardous vapor and/or used to remove the slurry layer  32  from the storage tank  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a first actuator assembly  260  coupled to the spray apparatus  200  and configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  is configured to rotate the feed conduit  210 . For example, the first actuator assembly  260  can rotate the feed conduit  210  about the vertical axial center  216  of the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the first actuator assembly  260  can be configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250  left and right. In one embodiment, the first actuator assembly  260  can be configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250  up and down. The first actuator assembly  260  may be manually operated and/or the first actuator assembly  260  may be automated, such as by having a first actuator  262  control the movement of the feed conduit  210  using the first actuator assembly  260 , such as one or more hydraulic or pneumatic actuators (e.g., piston and rod assembly) and/or one or more electric actuators (e.g., a motor). 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first actuator assembly  260  may include a first link  264 . The first link  264  can be, for example, without limitation, one or more links, such as one or more gears, rods, stems, and/or pipes connected and/or coupled to each other. The first link can be coupled to the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the first link  264  is a gear fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . 
     In one embodiment, the first actuator assembly  260  can have a second link  266 . The second link  266  can be, for example, without limitation, one or more links, such as one or more gears, rods, stems, and/or pipes connected and/or coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the second link  266  is a gear configured to engage and rotate the first link  264 . The second link  266  can be engaged to a first actuator  262  configured to drive the second link  266 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a second actuator assembly  270  coupled to the spray apparatus  200  configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250 . For example, the second actuator assembly  270  can rotate the spray nozzle  250  about the horizontal axial center  259  of the base  256  of the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the second actuator assembly  270  can be configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250  up and down. In one embodiment, the second actuator assembly  260  can be configured to rotate the spray nozzle  250  left and right. The second actuator assembly  270  may be manually operated and/or the second actuator assembly  270  may be automated, such as by having a second actuator  272  control the movement of the spray nozzle  250  using the first actuator assembly  260 , such as one or more hydraulic or pneumatic actuators (e.g., piston and rod assembly) and/or one or more electric actuators (e.g., a motor). 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the second actuator assembly  270  may include a first link  274 . The first link  274  can be, for example, without limitation, one or more links, such as one or more gears, rods, stems, and/or pipes connected and/or coupled to each other. The first link  274  can be coupled to the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the first link  274  is a gear fixed to the exterior surface  231  of the feed conduit  210 . 
     In one embodiment, the second actuator assembly  270  can have a second link  276 . The second link  276  can be, for example, without limitation, one or more links, such as one or more gears, rods, stems, and/or pipes connected and/or coupled to each other. In one embodiment, the second link  276  is a gear configured to engage and rotate the first link  274 . The second link  276  can be engaged to a second actuator  272  configured to drive the second link  276 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an apparatus support  278  configured to support the spray apparatus  200  where the spray apparatus  200  is engaged to a sidewall  24  of the storage tank  20 . In one embodiment, the apparatus support  278  can engage the exterior surface of the feed conduit  210  and the feed mounting plate  227 . The apparatus support  278  can be any type of member configured to provide support, for example, without limitation, a brace, bracket, plate, or the like. While the spray apparatus  200  can have at least one apparatus support  278 , the spray apparatus  200  preferably has two apparatus supports  278 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an installation support  275  configured to support the spray apparatus  200  where the spray apparatus  200  is being installed within the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the installation support  275  is configured to rest upon the interior surface or the bottom portion of the interior surface of a manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the installation support  275  can engage any component of the spray apparatus  200 , for example, without limitation, the apparatus support  278 , mounting plate  227 , feed conduit  210 , or the like. In one embodiment, the installation support  275  can touch the apparatus support  278 . In one embodiment, the exterior surface  276  of the installation support  275  can touch or be matted to the interior surface  277  of the apparatus support  278 . The installation support  275  can be any type of member configured to provide support to the spray apparatus  200  where the spray apparatus  200  is being installed within the manway port  28 , for example, without limitation, a brace, bracket, plate, or the like. The bottom surface of the installation support  275  can have a frictionless surface to allow for the installation support  275  to slide along the interior surface of the manway port  28 . In one embodiment, the installation support  275  is made of non-sparking material, for example, aluminum, or the like. While the spray apparatus  200  can have at least one installation support  275 , the spray apparatus  200  preferably has two installation supports  275 . 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an exterior directional indicator  280  configured to indicate the direction of the diluent  30  exiting the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the exterior directional indicator  280  can be fixed to the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the exterior directional indicator  280  can be fixed to the portion of the feed conduit  210  protruding to the exterior of the storage tank  20 . The exterior directional indicator  280  can be any means for indicating the direction the spray nozzle  250  is aiming, for example, without limitation, a protrusion extending from the feed conduit  210 , a mark on the feed conduit  210 , or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have an interior directional indicator  282  configured to indicate the direction of the diluent  30  exiting the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the interior directional indicator  282  can be fixed to the feed conduit  210 . In one embodiment, the interior directional indicator  282  can be fixed to the portion of the feed conduit  210  protruding into the interior of the storage tank  20 . The interior directional indicator  282  can be any means for indicating the direction the spray nozzle  250  is aiming, for example, without limitation, a protrusion extending from the feed conduit  210 , a mark on the feed conduit  210 , or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the spray apparatus  200  can have a viewing device  290  for viewing the inside of the storage tank  20 . The viewing device  290  can be any device configured to provide images, video, or the like, of the interior of the storage tank  20  to a user positioned in the exterior of the storage tank  20 , for example, without limitation, a video camera, a camera, or the like. The viewing device  290  can be engaged to the feed conduit  210  to allow for the viewing device  290  to track and/or point in the same direction as the spray nozzle  250  thereby allowing for the operator to view the effect of the delivered diluent  30  on the sludge  10 . For example, without limitation, the viewing device  290  can be engaged to the spray nozzle  250  of the feed conduit  210  so that the viewing device  290  points in the same direction as the spray nozzle  250 . In one embodiment, the viewing device  290  can have a light source  292  for illuminating the interior of the storage tank  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the slurry preparation system  100  can have a first spray apparatus  200   a  and a second spray apparatus  200   b . By way of example, without limitation, the first spray apparatus  200   a  can have a feed conduit  210  having at least one feed extension  222 , an exterior stop  218 , and a spray nozzle  250 , and a stabilizing member  230 , where the feed conduit  210  rotationally engages the stabilizing member  230  allowing for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate left and right. 
     In this example, the first spray apparatus  200   a  is secured to a first manway port  28  in the roof  22  of the storage tank  20 . The feed conduit  210  of the first spray apparatus  200   a  extends into the sludge  10  with the spray nozzle  250  positioned just above the floor  26  of the storage tank  20 . The first spray apparatus  200   a  is configured to spray diluent  30  at the sludge  10  thereby turning the bottom layer or bottom portion of the sludge  10  into a pumpable slurry layer  32  of solid and diluted hydrocarbon. The slurry layer  32  can extend to the evacuation port  31  in the storage tank  20  allowing for the slurry layer  32  to be removed from the storage tank  20  evacuation port  31 . As the slurry layer  32  is removed from the storage tank  20 , the height of the sludge  10  lowers allowing for the first spray apparatus  200   a  to spray diluent  30  at the sludge  10  thereby turning the sludge  10  into a pumpable slurry layer  32 . As the height of the sludge  10  lowers, space between the top of the sludge  10  and the ceiling of the storage tank  20  to allow for a second spray apparatus  200   b  to be inserted into the storage tank  20  and engaged to the roof  22  or sidewall  24  of the storage tank  20 . 
     In this example, without limitation, the second spray apparatus  200   b  can have a feed conduit  210  having a straight portion  224  and a curved portion  226 , and a spray nozzle  250  having a curved portion  226 , a stabilizing member  230 , and a viewing device  290 , where the feed conduit  210  rotationally engages the stabilizing member  230  allowing for the feed conduit  210  to rotate left and right, where the spray nozzle  250  rotationally engages the feed conduit  210  allowing for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate up and down, and where the curved portion  226  allows for the spray nozzle  250  to be positioned directly below the axial center of the straight portion  224  of the feed conduit  210 . 
     In this example, the second spray apparatus  200   b  is secured to a second manway port  28  in the roof  22  of the storage tank  20 . The second spray apparatus  200   b  can then be used to liquefy the remaining sludge  10 . The spray nozzle  250  of the second spray apparatus  200   b  can be rotated left and right, and up and down, thereby allowing for spray nozzle  250  to rotate in a 360 degree spherical rotation to liquefy sludge  10  on the walls and/or floor  26  of the storage tank  20 . The viewing device  290  can be used so that the operator can see where the remaining sludge  10  is located inside the storage tank  20  and aim the spray nozzle  250  of the second spray apparatus  200   b  towards the residual sludge  10 . 
     By way of another example, without limitation, the slurry preparation system  100  can have a third spray apparatus  200   c . The third spray apparatus  200   c  can have a feed conduit  210  having a straight portion  224  and a curved portion  226 , and a spray nozzle  250  having a curved portion  226 , a stabilizing member  230 , and a viewing device  290 , where the feed conduit  210  rotationally engages the stabilizing member  230  allowing for the feed conduit  210  to rotate up and down, where the spray nozzle  250  rotationally engages the feed conduit  210  allowing for the spray nozzle  250  to rotate left and right, and where the curved portion  226  allows for the spray nozzle  250  to be positioned directly in line with the axial center of the straight portion  224  of the feed conduit  210 . 
     In this example, the third spray apparatus  200   c  can be secured to a third manway port  28  in the sidewall  24  of the storage tank  20 . The third spray apparatus  200   c  can then be used to liquefy the remaining sludge  10 . The spray nozzle  250  of the third spray apparatus  200   c  can be rotated left and right, and up and down, thereby allowing for spray nozzle  250  to rotate in a 360 degree spherical rotation to liquefy sludge  10  on the walls and/or floor  26  of the storage tank  20 . The viewing device  290  can be used so that the operator can see where the remaining sludge  10  is located inside the storage tank  20  and aim the spray nozzle  250  of the second spray apparatus  200  towards the residual sludge  10 . 
     By way of additional examples, the slurry preparation system  100  can have any combinations of spray apparatus&#39;  200 , such as a slurry preparation system  100  having two spray apparatus  200  where the first spray apparatus  200  engages a manway port  28  on the roof  22  and the second spray apparatus  200  engages manway port  28  on the sidewall  24 . 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The foregoing has described the principles, embodiments, and modes of operation of the present invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments described above, as they should be regarded as being illustrative and not as restrictive. It should be appreciated that variations may be made in those embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.