DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING AND FLUSHING OF HYDRAULIC AND FUEL TANK OF OFF HIGHWAY VEHICLES

Applicant:
BEML Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having Address As:
BEML Soudha, 23/1, 4th Main,
Sampangirama Nagar, Bengaluru - 560 027,
Karnataka, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present invention claims priority from Indian patent application numbered IN 202241047399 filed on 19th August, 2022.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a system and method for cleaning and flushing a hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles and more specifically relates to the system having a spinner jig for cleaning of hydraulic tanks and fuel tanks.
BACKGROUND
[003] Currently, the systems used for cleaning the hydraulic tank and fuel tanks of off highway vehicles are very time consuming and ineffective. The tank is positioned at a stationary stand and diesel/kerosene is sprayed at high pressure on the tank to clean the tank. The inside surface of the tanks is cleaned using the high pressure spray and then the diesel/kerosene is drained from the tank. Further, the tanks are cleaned manually. This system and method of cleaning is a very time consuming and a lot of diesel/ kerosene is wasted which increases the costing.
[004] Hence, there is a requirement to provide a better system and method for cleaning and flushing the fuel tanks of off highway vehicles to save time and which is cost effective.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[005] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a system for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles.
[006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method of cleaning and flushing the hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles.
[007] Another object of the present disclosure is to reduce a time taken for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles.
[008] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to minimize a cost of cleaning and flushing the hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles.
STATEMENT OF THE IVENTION
[009] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a system for cleaning and flushing of the hydraulic tank and fuel tank of off highway vehicles comprises of a hydraulic / fuel tank configured to be removably clamped on a spinner jig unit by a plurality of fastening members, a rotation unit configured to rotate the hydraulic / fuel tank wherein the rotation unit is driven by a spinner drive unit and a spinner drive control unit configured to operate the spinner drive unit. The hydraulic / fuel tank is configured to be filled with clean low viscosity fluid before rotation of the fuel tank. Further, the above-mentioned low viscosity fluid is configured to be a kerosene or diesel or petrol or alike. All the ports of the fuel tank are configured to be closed by plastic caps or likewise before rotation of the fuel tank. Further, said off highway vehicles includes passenger cars, cargo cars and cars for the construction of roads and buildings or likewise.
[0010] Moreover, a method for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic / fuel tank of an off highway vehicles comprising the steps of i. clamping the hydraulic / fuel tank on a spinner jig unit through a plurality of fastening members wherein the clamping is done on top and side of the hydraulic / fuel tank, ii. filling the hydraulic / fuel tank with a low viscosity fluid, iii. closing the ports of the hydraulic / fuel tank, iv. operating the spinner drive control unit for predetermined cycles to control the spinner drive unit wherein the spinner drive unit rotates the rotation unit along with the spinner jig unit and the hydraulic / fuel tank, v. de-clamping the hydraulic / fuel tank from the spinner jig unit, vi. rotating the fuel tank at 90 degrees around a vertical axis and clamping it again on the spinner jig unit, vii. repeating the step iv for rotating the hydraulic / fuel tank, viii. de-clamping the hydraulic / fuel tank from the spinner jig unit, ix. draining out a contaminated fluid from the hydraulic / fuel tank, x. removing the remaining dust by a vacuum pump unit from the hydraulic / fuel tank and wiping off the hydraulic / fuel tank in order to ensure proper cleanliness of the hydraulic / fuel tank. In the said method, the hydraulic / fuel tank is rotated at 10 rpm for 10 minutes and is rotated in both clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
SUMMARY
[0011] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine, device or system, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and method for cleaning the hydraulic / fuel tanks of off highway vehicles, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0012] The present subject matter discloses a system and method for cleaning a hydraulic / fuel tanks of off highway vehicles. The system mainly comprises a hydraulic / fuel tank, a spinner jig unit, a rotation unit, a spinner drive unit, a plurality of screw clamps and a spinner drive control unit. Said hydraulic / fuel tank may be a hydraulic tank or any fluid containing tank. The hydraulic / fuel tank is clamped on the spinner jig unit using said screw clamps and the fuel tank is filled with a clean low viscosity liquid, such as kerosene or diesel or petrol. All the ports of the hydraulic / fuel tank are closed by plastic caps or any other type of closure. Further, the hydraulic / fuel tank is configured to be rotated by the rotation unit which in turn is driven by the spinner drive unit operated by the spinner drive control unit. The above-mentioned closing of the hydraulic / fuel tank does not allow the liquid filled in the fuel tank to come out during rotation of the fuel tank. In one of the embodiments, the spinner jig is rotated at 10 rpm for 10 minutes in both directions (clockwise and anti-clockwise). After spinning, the hydraulic / fuel tank is de-clamped from the spinner jig. Furthermore, the tank is rotated in 90 degrees around its vertical axis and clamped again from another two sides of the fuel tank and the above-mentioned process is repeated to clean the fuel tank properly from all the sides. Finally, contaminated kerosene or diesel or petrol is drained out from the hydraulic / fuel tank, dust particles are removed using a vacuum pump unit and the hydraulic / fuel tank is wiped off for proper cleanliness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure, however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific methods and device disclosed in the document and the drawing. The detailed description is described with reference to the following accompanying figures.
[0014] Figure 1 illustrates a system for cleaning and flushing a hydraulic / fuel tank of off highway vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0015] Figure 2 illustrates a second view of a system for cleaning and flushing a hydraulic / fuel tank of off highway vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0016] The figures depict various embodiments of the present disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising", “having”, and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any devices and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, devices and methods are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0018] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0019] The present invention discloses a system (100) for cleaning and flushing a hydraulic /fuel tank of off highway vehicles. Referring to figure 1 and 2, the system (100) comprises a hydraulic / fuel tank (102), a spinner jig unit (112), a rotation unit (106), a spinner drive unit (108), a plurality of screw clamps (104) and a spinner drive control unit (110). Said hydraulic/fuel tank (102) may be a hydraulic tank or any type of fluid containing tank. Further, the hydraulic/ fuel tank (102) is configured to be clamped on the spinner jig unit (112) by the plurality of screw clamps (104) on top and side of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). Further, said hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is configured to be filled with a clean low viscosity liquid. In an embodiment, said low viscosity fluid may be kerosene or diesel or petrol or alike. Furthermore, all the ports of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) are closed by plastic caps or any other type of closure, during rotation of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). The hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is configured to be rotated by the rotation unit (106) wherein said rotation unit (106) is driven by the spinner drive unit (108) operated by the spinner drive control unit (110). In the present invention, the off highway vehicles is preferably a dump truck but it may also include other off highway vehicles.
[0020] Further, a method for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of off highway vehicles is disclosed herein. First, the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is removably secured on the spinner jig unit (112) through the plurality of screw clamps (104) wherein the clamping is done on the top and on the side of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). Then the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is filled with the clean low viscosity fluid and all the ports are closed with plastic caps. Further, the spinner drive control unit (110) is operated to rotate the rotation unit (106) and the spinner jig unit (112) along with the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) wherein the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is driven by the spinner drive unit (108). In one of the embodiments, the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is rotated at 10 rpm for 10 minutes in both, clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction. Furthermore, the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is de-clamped from the spinner jig unit (112) and rotated at 90 degrees around its vertical axis. Then, the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is clamped again using said plurality of screw clamps (104) from other two sides to clean all the six sides of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) properly. The spinner jig unit (112) which is holding the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is rotated again at 10 rpm for 10 minutes in both, clockwise direction and anti-clockwise direction for cleaning the remaining sides of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). Finally, the contaminated kerosene or diesel or petrol is drained out from the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) and the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is then checked if any dust particles are remaining. These dust particles are removed using a vacuum pump unit and then the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is wiped off to ensure proper cleanliness of said hydraulic/ fuel tank (102).
[0021] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank of an off highway vehicles comprises of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) configured to be removably clamped on a spinner jig unit (112) by a plurality of fastening members (104), a rotation unit (106) configured to rotate the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) wherein the rotation unit (106) is driven by a spinner drive unit (108) and a spinner drive control unit (110) configured to operate the spinner drive unit (108). The hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is configured to be filled with clean low viscosity fluid before rotation of the fuel tank (102). Further, the above-mentioned low viscosity fluid is configured to be a kerosene or diesel or petrol or alike. All the ports of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) are configured to be closed by plastic caps or likewise before rotation of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). Further, said off highway vehicles includes dump trucks and likewise.
[0022] Moreover, a method for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of an off highway vehicles comprising the steps of i. clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) on a spinner jig unit (108) through a plurality of fastening members (104) wherein the clamping is done on top and side of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102), ii. filling the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) with a low viscosity fluid, iii. closing the ports of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102), iv. operating the spinner drive control unit (110) for predetermined cycles to control the spinner drive unit (108) wherein the spinner drive unit (108) rotates the rotation unit (106) along with the spinner jig unit (112) and the hydraulic/fuel tank (102), v. de-clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) from the spinner jig unit (112), vi. rotating the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) at 90 degrees around a vertical axis and clamping it again on the spinner jig unit (112), vii. repeating the step iv for rotating the hydraulic/fuel tank (102), viii. de-clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) from the spinner jig unit (112), ix. draining out a contaminated fluid from the hydraulic/fuel tank (102), x. removing the remaining dust by a vacuum pump unit from the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) and wiping off the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) in order to ensure proper cleanliness of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102). In the said method, the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is rotated at 10 rpm for 10 minutes and is rotated in both clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.
[0023] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following.
[0024] Some embodiments of the subject matter provide a spinner jig system for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic/fuel tanks of off highway vehicles, which is easy to use.
[0025] Some embodiments of the subject matter provide a spinner jig system for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic/fuel tanks of off highway vehicles, which ensures proper cleanliness of the hydraulic/fuel tanks.
[0026] Some embodiments of the subject matter provide a spinner jig system for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic/fuel tanks of off highway vehicles, which demands less efforts, as it is electrically operated.
[0027] Some embodiments of the subject matter provide a spinner jig system for cleaning and flushing the hydraulic/fuel tanks of off highway vehicles, which is cost effective.
[0028] Following is a list of elements and reference numerals used to explain various embodiments of the present subject matter.
Reference Numeral Element Description
100 Spinner jig system
102 Hydraulic/fuel tank
104 Plurality of screw clamps
106 Rotation unit
108 Spinner drive unit
110 Spinner drive control unit
112 Spinner jig unit

,CLAIMS:
1. A system for cleaning and flushing of a fuel tank of off highway vehicles comprising:
a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) configured to be removably clamped on a spinner jig unit (112) by a plurality of fastening members (104);
a rotation unit (106) configured to rotate the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) wherein the rotation unit (106) is driven by a spinner drive unit (108); and
a spinner drive control unit (110) configured to operate the spinner drive unit (108).
2. The system for cleaning and flushing of the hydraulic/fuel tank of the off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is configured to be filled with clean low viscosity fluid before rotation of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102).
3. The system for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned low viscosity fluid is configured to be a kerosene or diesel or petrol or alike.
4. The system for cleaning and flushing of the hydraulic/fuel tank of the off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein all the ports of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) are configured to be closed by plastic caps or likewise before rotation of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102).
5. The system for cleaning and flushing of the hydraulic/fuel tank of off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 1, wherein said off highway vehicles includes dump trucks and likewise.
6. A method for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of an off highway vehicles comprising the steps of :
i. clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) on a spinner jig unit (108) through a plurality of fastening members (104) wherein the clamping is done on top and side of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102);
ii. filling the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) with a low viscosity fluid;
iii. closing the ports of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102);
iv. operating the spinner drive control unit (110) for predetermined cycles to control the spinner drive unit (108) wherein the spinner drive unit (108) rotates the rotation unit (106) along with the spinner jig unit (112) and the hydraulic/fuel tank (102);
v. de-clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) from the spinner jig unit (112);
vi. rotating the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) at 90 degrees around a vertical axis and clamping it again on the spinner jig unit (112);
vii. repeating the step iv for rotating the hydraulic/fuel tank (102);
viii. de-clamping the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) from the spinner jig unit (112);
ix. draining out a contaminated fluid from the hydraulic/fuel tank (102);
x. removing the remaining dust by a vacuum pump unit from the hydraulic/fuel tank (102); and
xi. wiping off the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) in order to ensure proper cleanliness of the hydraulic/fuel tank (102).
7. The method for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of the off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is rotated at 10 rpm for 10 minutes.
8. The method for cleaning and flushing of a hydraulic/fuel tank (102) of off highway vehicles as claimed in claim 6, wherein the hydraulic/fuel tank (102) is rotated in both clockwise and anti-clockwise direction.