Abstract: Each immersed jet creates turbulences as a result of the resistance of the medium in which it is immersed and at the end of its effective range the complete introduced energy is broken down into turbulent flows. These turbulent flows observed as a whole are local, thus are small-scale. However, these small-scale turbulences which have a strong eroding effect. The present invention produces as high a number as possible of small-scale turbulences and distributes them over a large volume. Large volume is to be understood as, for example, 3000–4000 m3 on a surface of 2000 m2 and a height of 2 m as is the case with a storage tank of 50 m diameter and a liquid column of 3 m. The problem thus lies in the optimal distribution of the introduced or applied energy.

Abstract: Each immersed jet creates turbulences as a result of the resistance of the medium in which it is immersed and at the end of its effective range the complete introduced energy is broken down into turbulent flows. These turbulent flows observed as a whole are local, thus are small-scale. It is however indeed these small-scale turbulences which have a strong eroding effect and it is the object of the invention to produced as high a number as possible of small-scale turbulences and to distribute these over a large volume. Large volume is to be understood as for example 3000-4000 m3 on a surface of 2000 m2 and a height of 2 m as is the case with a storage tank of 50 m diameter and a liquid column of 3 m. The problem thus lies in the optimal distribution of the introduced energy.

Abstract: Liquefaction of sludgy to compact sediments (3) in vessels (1) in which crude oil (2) is stored and/or transported uses injecting a liquid above the sediment surface with nozzles (11) so that the sediment is at least partly liquified or dissolved in the liquid such that it can be removed from the vessel (1) together with the liquid. A substantially horizontally flowing liquid current which can be closed on itself is created above the sediment surface by directing the injection through all nozzles (11) such that the injection direction has a horizontal component which is oriented tangentially to a current line of the liquid current being created and is oriented in the flowing direction. The injected liquid is crude oil or a refinery product and differs from the lowest levels above the sediment in that it comprises a smaller share of heavy components.