Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a facility which stores large quantities of petroleum. When the large storage tanks need cleaning or sludge abatement, the sludge from the interior of storage tanks is mobilized using a metered flow agent stream, and then subjected to a mechanical comminution or high shear action, e.g. by grinding or chopping. This produces a pumpable slurry which is then recirculated back into the tank to further mobilize sludge. This cleaning technique results in a faster cleaning process. This also provides a process which is less exposed to uncertainties in the composition of the sludge, e.g. to how much rust or scale is present in the sludge. Since the duration of downtime for cleaning is shorter AND less uncertain, tank cleaning can be scheduled into smaller schedule gaps, resulting in less capital cost (for downtime) and lower maintenance budget overall (since developing leakage problems can be caught sooner).

Abstract: Systems for cleaning sludge from a large tank. The sludge from the interior of storage tanks is mobilized using a metered flow agent stream and then subjected to a mechanical comminution or high shear action, e.g. by grinding or chopping. This produces a pumpable slurry which is then recirculated back into the tank to further mobilize sludge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning sludge from a large tank. The sludge from the interior of storage tanks is mobilized using a metered flow agent stream and then subjected to a mechanical comminution or high shear action, e.g. by grinding or chopping. This produces a pumpable slurry which is then recirculated back into the tank to further mobilize sludge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing on the outer surface of a glass volume, such as a bottle or flask, an indelible decoration consisting of fine particles of enamel each fused in situ with the surface layer of glass of the volume. The process consists in spraying onto the said outer surface a frit of enamel particles having a melting point lower than the softening point of the glass and a coefficient of expansion close to that of the glass, under conditions such that the frit remains temporarily in place on the surface and, while the frit is in place in this way on the surface, it is fired by heat treatment at a temperature such that the frit particles melt on the surface while fusing with it, but retain their individuality without associating together to form a continuous film.The frit is used in a suspended state in an oil-aqueous binder so as to constitute a slip which is sufficiently viscous to adhere to the outer surface of the bottle.