Patent ID: 11820274

Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for offloading cargo from a tank trailer, which has at least interior compartments, to one or more discharge points. The apparatus includes two or more T-connectors each of which is connected, via a valve, to an outlet of a respective one of the interior compartments of the tank trailer. Each T-connector has an axis defined by a pair of opposing arms and, contrary to conventional apparatus and methods, the T-connectors are positioned with their axes oriented perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the length of the tank trailer. Additionally, for each T-connector, a discharge conduit is connected to one of the opposing arms so that all of the discharge conduits extend from the same side of the tank trailer, perpendicularly or obliquely relative to the length of the tank trailer. A blower conduit is also connected to each T-connector, to the other of the pair of opposing arms, and extend from the other side the tank trailer, opposite the discharge conduits. The blower conduits are also connected to at least one blower which provides air flow and pressure. The method involves providing power to the blower(s), and opening the valves to cause the cargo to flow from each of the interior compartments and form multiple flow streams which flow concurrently, along multiple flow paths, to the one or more discharge points. This apparatus and method reduce the time necessary to accomplish offloading the cargo, among other advantages.