Phillips 66 has patented a method and apparatus for safely launching and recovering a remote inspection device in a liquid storage tank. The process involves creating a foam layer on the liquid surface, purging hazardous vapors with inert gas, and using a sealed launching system. GlobalData’s report on Phillips 66 gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Phillips 66, Microscale biofuel reactors was a key innovation area identified from patents. Phillips 66's grant share as of May 2024 was 32%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Deploying inspection device into liquid storage tank using vapor suppression

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: Phillips 66

A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12011626B2) outlines a method for deploying an inspection device into a vessel containing a fluid. The process involves forming a vapor suppression layer on the fluid, displacing gases within the launching system and vessel with inert gases like nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide, and passing the inspection device into the fluid. The method includes steps such as transitioning the closable chamber of the launching system, lowering the inspection device through different volumes within the vessel, and maintaining a slight overpressure before opening closures.

Furthermore, the patent details variations of the method for deploying an inspection device into vessels containing liquids or vaporizable liquids. These variations include forming vapor suppression layers using foam, displacing gases with inert gases, and passing the inspection device into the liquid within the vessel. Additional steps involve supplying cleaning fluids to wash the inspection device, closing and removing the closable chamber from the access passage, and maintaining overpressure within volumes. The patent emphasizes the use of specific inert gases and foam types for effective deployment of inspection devices into various vessel contents, ensuring safety and efficiency in inspection processes.

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GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.