Reduced emissions method of cleaning hydrocarbon separator and storage tanks

Abstract

A method for cleaning a storage tank, comprising isolating the tank; creating a vortex within the tank by pumping fluid through one or more nozzles disposed within the tank, thereby dislodging sediment within the tank; and connecting a suction source to a drain located on a bottom of the tank, thereby removing the fluid and sediment without exposure to air. Each nozzle may comprise one or more sub-nozzles positioned to direct fluid flow to assist in creation of the vortex and removal of the fluid and sediment. A storage tank, comprising one or more nozzles disposed within the tank such that fluid may be pumped through the nozzles to create a vortex within the tank; and a drain line located on a bottom of the tank such that a suction source may be connected and contents of the tank removed without exposure to air.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.