Abstract:
Disclosed is a port system for facilitating mixed solid/liquid content discharge from a portable tank especially vacuum tank trailer, discharge system. The system provides an enlarged sloped tank outlet system that overcomes the deficiencies of convention systems.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/775,349 filed Mar. 8, 2013. The contents and disclosures of the application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Portable tanks, especially vacuum tank trailer, discharge system. A port discharge system for facilitating mixed solid/liquid content discharge from a portable tank. 
     2. Background 
     Vacuum tank trailers (and trucks) are increasing engaged in uses in hauling liquids contents with significant solid content. Such trailer are in heavy use in oil and gas operations where high solid content materials are transported to and from well sites. Liquid with solid contents (mud and the like) are often difficult to remove from the tank. 
     It is customary to discharge tank contents through one or more nominal 4 inch pipe outlets located at the rear bottom of the tank. Generally the contents must be flushed out by water hose from the top opening of the tank. This procedure is time consuming and therefore expensive since it ties up the tank and driver for longer than necessary. 
     Some trailers tilt as in a dump truck to aid in discharge of the solids containing liquid but they are considerably more expensive than non-tilting tanks. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides an enlarged sloped tank outlet system that overcomes the deficiencies of convention systems. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The Figures represent embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope of the invention. 
         FIG. 1   a  is a top view of a vacuum tank trailer showing the system of an embodiment of the invention located at the rear bottom of the trailer. 
         FIG. 1   b  is a rear view of a vacuum tank trailer showing the system of an embodiment of the invention located at the rear bottom of the trailer. 
         FIG. 1   c  is an enlarged rear view of a vacuum tank trailer showing the system of an embodiment of the invention located at the rear bottom of the trailer. 
         FIG. 2   a  is an end view of the system of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   b  is a top view of the system of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   c  is perspective isometric view of the system of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2   d  is a side view of the system of an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The tank discharge system of embodiments of the invention comprises a conduit of 6 to 10 inch diameter that attaches to the underside of an elongated circular tank, the conduit having two conjoined members, and the first member configured to mate to the bottom of a tank and the second to be substantially parallel to the long plane of the tank. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings.  FIG. 1   a  is the top side view and  FIG. 1   b  is a rear view of a tank trailer  10 , showing the placement of member  102  of an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1   c  is an enlarged section of the rear view of tank  10  showing component  102 ,  101 , and  103  of the system. 
     The  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d  show details of the conduit of an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIGS. 2   a - 2   d , the principal member  102  comprises two components, one tilted from the vertical that is attached to the underside of the tank at  106 , the other configured to be substantially horizontal to the ground (and the long plane of the tank) when the system is attached 9and the tank level). Attachment to the tank is preferably by welding if the system and tank is metal—adhesive if the tank is polymer materials (such as fiberglass). Extending at an angle from the principal member is, in one embodiment, side arms  101  and  105 . These are generally 2 to 6 inch nominal diameter conduit. They may be used when the main drain  102  is not needed (as when the liquid content is of low solid content and/or when it is necessary to connect to an existing drain conduit of a smaller diameter than the main drain member  102 . Either one or more auxiliary drains (as shown) may be attached. Generally, each member,  102 ,  101  and  103  will have half flanges,  121 , 122  and  123  attached to allow valves to be attached. Other suitable connection means may also be used. 
     There may also be flush ports inserted at several points in the main drain member, for example, at points  115 ,  116  and  117 . These ports can have a nozzle pointing downward in the drain member and a conduit connection (such as a hose connection) to allow water to be sprayed into the member to assist in draining and flushing the drain member. 
     The embodiment shown is attached at the rear of an elongate tank. The system may also be attached to the side of the tank as necessary, as for example, if the tank is compartmented and a drain or drains are needed along the sides of the tank. 
     In this specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification is, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.