Side storage tank connecting space of ship fuel tank and connecting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a side storage tank connecting space of a ship fuel tank and a connecting method, and belongs to the field of ships. The technical scheme comprises a ship body; the fuel storage tank is used for storing low-temperature fuel; the connecting space is fixedly connected to the outer side face of the fuel storage tank to form a closed containing space for containing a fuel pipeline; and the flexible supporting device is flexibly connected with the connecting space and the ship body and comprises a spring supporting device or a rubber supporting device. The supporting device is applied to side face installation of the connecting space of the ship clean fuel storage tank, solves the technical problem that the connecting space of the fuel storage tank is arranged on the side face of the storage tank, so that the storage tank rotates due to unbalanced stress, and a pipeline is damaged, and has the characteristics of preventing the storage tank from rotating and preventing the supporting device from deforming due to temperature stress.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of ships, and in particular relates to a side-mounted storage tank connection space of a ship fuel tank and a connection method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, fuel tank connections on ships are typically located at the top or end of the tank. While this traditional layout has some merit in newbuildings, it presents numerous drawbacks in practice. From a structural design perspective, concentrating the connection space at the top or end inevitably increases the tank's height and diameter, significantly increasing its overall dimensions. This increase in size not only consumes valuable hull cabin space but also disrupts the compactness and rationality of the existing cabin layout, significantly reducing internal space utilization and increasing the difficulty of arranging subsequent equipment and systems. These issues are particularly exacerbated in clean fuel retrofit projects for older ships. The spatial structure and dimensions of older ship cabins are already fixed, making large-scale structural modifications difficult. If the traditional approach of locating the fuel tank connection space at the top or end of the tank is maintained, significant interference between the tank and existing equipment, pipelines, bulkheads, and other structures within the cabin is likely to occur. Even if installation is successful, the resulting connecting pipeline layout is often chaotic and requires circuitous routing, increasing installation costs and compromising the efficiency and safety of fuel transportation.

[0003] While installing the connection space on the side of the fuel tank could solve these problems, it also poses a series of challenges. For example, unbalanced forces can cause the tank to rotate, potentially damaging the piping. Conventional rigid connections are subject to thermal stresses caused by the inconsistency between the tank's shrinkage after filling with low-temperature fuel and the ship's hull deformation. Therefore, a side-mounted tank connection space and connection method for ship fuel tanks that can address these issues are urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention proposes a side-mounted tank connection space and connection method for a ship fuel tank, which solves the technical problem that setting the connection space of the fuel tank on the side of the tank will cause the tank to rotate due to unbalanced force and damage the pipeline. It has the characteristics of preventing the tank from rotating and preventing the supporting device from being deformed by temperature stress.

[0005] On one hand, the present invention discloses a side-mounted storage tank connection space for a ship fuel tank, comprising: a shell, fixedly connected to the outer side of the fuel storage tank to form a closed accommodation space for placing a fuel pipeline, and the fuel storage tank is used to store low-temperature fuel; a flexible support device, flexibly connecting the shell and the hull, including a spring support device or a rubber support device; the spring support device comprises: a first thermal insulation layer, arranged under the main beam on the outer side of the bottom of the shell; a spring, one end of which is connected to the first thermal insulation layer and the other end is connected to the hull; the rubber support device comprises: a second thermal insulation layer, arranged under the main beam on the outer side of the bottom of the shell; a rubber support body, one end of which is connected to the second thermal insulation layer and the other end is connected to the hull.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is less than -60°C and the deformation caused by cold shrinkage of the fuel tank after filling with fuel is greater than 6 mm, the flexible support device is a spring support device, and the hardness of the spring is HRC45-52.

[0007] In some embodiments, the material of the spring is 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is greater than -60°C and the deformation caused by shrinkage after the fuel tank is filled with fuel is less than 6 mm, the flexible support device is a rubber support device, the Shore hardness of the rubber support body is 60±5, the tensile strength is greater than 15 MPa, and the static rated load is greater than 5t.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rubber support member is one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or nitrile-butadiene rubber.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the weight of the shell is less than 10 tons, 2 groups of flexible support devices are set; when the weight of the shell is 10 tons to 20 tons, 4 groups of flexible support devices are set; when the weight of the shell is 20 tons to 30 tons, 6 groups of flexible support devices are set; the flexible support devices are arranged linearly along the axial direction of the fuel storage tank.

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing has an arc-shaped groove, and the central angle of the arc-shaped groove is greater than 180 ° , the fuel storage tank is partially accommodated in the arc-shaped groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hull also includes a saddle support device, which is located at the bottom of the fuel storage tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end connecting the fuel storage tank and the hull structure and a sliding end connecting the fuel storage tank and the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged front and back along the axis of the fuel storage tank to support the fuel storage tank.

[0013] In some embodiments, the shell is located between the fixed end and the sliding end, the minimum distance between the outer side of the shell close to the fixed end and the center line of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the shell close to the sliding end and the center line of the sliding end is greater than 1m.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first thermal insulation layer and the second thermal insulation layer are both 30 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene liners; and the shell and the fuel storage tank are both wrapped with an insulation layer.

[0015] The present invention also discloses a method for connecting the side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank, comprising: a flexible support device flexibly connecting the shell and the hull; when the fuel tank is rotated under force, the flexible support device supports the shell to reduce the rotational stress of the fuel tank on the hull.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] (1) The present invention discloses a side-mounted tank connection space for a ship fuel tank, which provides support by providing a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the connection space on the side of the fuel tank, thereby preventing the connection space from generating a pulling force on the fuel tank, causing the center of gravity of the tank to be unbalanced and rotated, thereby preventing the tank from leaking and causing a series of other problems.

[0018] (2) The present invention discloses a side-mounted tank connection space for a ship fuel tank, which provides support by arranging a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the connection space on the side of the fuel tank, thereby preventing the tank from being constrained by the rigid support device and unable to move freely when it shrinks, and preventing stress from being generated at the support point and other parts, causing cracks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the interior of a hull provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another direction inside the hull provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a spring support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a rubber support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the deformation of the connection space shell provided in an embodiment of the present invention without a flexible support device;

[0025] Figure 6 A diagram showing deformation of a shell connecting a space with a flexible support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a stress distribution diagram of the anti-rotation plate provided by an embodiment of the present invention without a flexible support device;

[0027] Figure 8 A stress distribution diagram of a rotation-stop plate provided with a flexible support device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Description of the drawings:

[0029] 1. Hull; 2. Fuel tank; 3. Shell;

[0030] 4. Flexible support device; 401. Spring support device; 402. First thermal insulation layer; 403. High-strength spring support; 404. First outer protective sleeve; 405. Rubber support device; 406. Second thermal insulation layer; 407. Rubber support; 408. Second outer protective sleeve;

[0031] 5. Saddle support device; 501. Fixed end; 502. Sliding end;

[0032] 601. Manhole; 602. Sprinkler system; 603. Overpressure discharge system; 604. Filling system; 605. Fuel pump supply system; 606. Insulation layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is described and illustrated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Based on the embodiments provided by the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples or embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that while the effort involved in such a development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the disclosure of the present invention, any design, manufacturing, or production changes based on the technical content disclosed in the present invention are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as an inadequacy of the disclosure of the present invention.

[0035] References to "embodiments" in this disclosure mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this disclosure may be combined with other embodiments, unless there is a conflict.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, technical or scientific terms used in the present invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. As used in the present invention, the terms "a," "an," "a kind of," "the," and similar expressions do not limit the number and may refer to the singular or plural. The terms "comprise," "include," "have," and any variations thereof, as used in the present invention, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device comprising a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to the process, method, product, or device. As used in the present invention, the terms "connect," "connected," "coupled," and similar expressions are not limited to physical or mechanical connections but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. As used in the present invention, "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes an association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" may mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects in the preceding and following relationship are in an "or" relationship. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. involved in the present invention are only used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention provides a ship, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the device at least includes: a shell, fixedly connected to the outer side of the fuel storage tank to form a closed accommodation space for placing the fuel pipeline, and the fuel storage tank is used to store low-temperature fuel; a flexible support device, flexibly connecting the shell and the hull, including a spring support device or a rubber support device; the spring support device includes: a first thermal insulation layer, provided under the main beam on the outside of the bottom of the shell; a spring, one end of which is connected to the first thermal insulation layer and the other end is connected to the hull; the rubber support device includes: a second thermal insulation layer, provided under the main beam on the outside of the bottom of the shell; a rubber support body, one end of which is connected to the second thermal insulation layer and the other end is connected to the hull.

[0038] Unlike the traditional arrangement at the top or head of the tank, the present invention arranges the shell of the tank connection space on the side of the tank, which reduces the overall size of the tank and can be flexibly arranged on the longer side, which facilitates the overall design of the hull and provides a feasible solution for the transformation of old ships. However, based on the particularity of the tank and the connection space, due to the heavy weight of the shell of the connection space, installation on the side of the tank will cause serious deflection of the center of gravity of the entire tank system. At the same time, due to the extremely low temperature of the tank, it needs to be installed in isolation from the hull structure through insulation wood, that is, assembled through a saddle support system. The assembly form of the saddle support system only has high requirements for support in the three displacement directions of load-bearing, longitudinal and transverse. The axial rotation and rolling of the tank only relies on the weak anti-rotation plate set in the middle of the insulation wood at the fixed end. The damage of the anti-rotation plate will cause a series of major problems such as leakage of the tank. If there are no additional anti-rotation and anti-rolling measures, a series of problems will occur, such as the connection space being bumped and losing its tightness. The present invention provides support by arranging a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the shell of the connecting space on the side of the fuel storage tank to prevent the shell of the connecting space from generating pulling force on the fuel storage tank, causing the center of gravity of the tank to be unbalanced and rotate, thereby preventing the tank from leaking and causing a series of problems.

[0039] On the other hand, the fuel in the fuel tank is extremely cold. The shrinkage effect caused by the sudden drop in temperature after the low-temperature fuel tank is filled with fuel, and the asynchrony with the deformation of the hull structure, is the core contradiction that causes temperature stress. If this stress is not effectively controlled, it may cause cracking of the tank, seal failure or damage to the hull structure, especially in the reconstruction of old ships due to the limitations of the original structure, it is more likely to become a safety hazard. For example, low-temperature fuel tanks (such as LNG tanks) are often made of 9% nickel steel, austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and their linear expansion coefficient is about 10~18×10 -6 / ℃ (such as 304 stainless steel shrinks by about 0.3% at -196℃). When filled with LNG (-162℃), the storage tank shrinks as a whole. If the temperature of a 10-meter-high storage tank drops from 20℃ to -162℃, the axial shrinkage can reach about 20mm. If the storage tank is rigidly connected to the hull through a fixed support (such as through an insulating wood assembly connection), the storage tank will be constrained by the hull and cannot move freely when it shrinks, and tensile stress or compressive stress will be generated at the support points, welds and other parts. The fixed support at the bottom of the storage tank will limit its axial shrinkage, causing the bottom head to bear upward tension, which may cause the weld to crack. In addition, when the ship is sailing, the hull will bend and torsionally deform under the wave load (such as the deck will warp up when the hull is arched). If the storage tank is fixedly connected to the hull at this time, the dynamic deformation will be superimposed on the temperature stress, aggravating structural fatigue. The present invention can prevent the above problems by providing support on the outside of the bottom of the shell of the connecting space on the side of the fuel storage tank.

[0040] Fuel lines, such as a safety valve vent pipe, a filling pipe, and a top spray pipe, are installed within the connection space housing. After entering the tank through the tank body, the fuel lines are arranged according to their function. For example, the safety valve vent pipe bends upward to the tank's gas phase space, and the filling pipe bends downward to the tank bottom. A fuel pump is also installed within the tank connection space housing and is drawn out from the tank bottom. The connection space housing of the present invention forms a sealed containment space with the tank body, preventing dangerous gases from leaking into other areas of the vessel in the event of a rupture in the piping within the tank connection space housing.

[0041] Through the arrangement of the present invention, the storage tank does not need to be specially provided with an air dome, the spacing between the reinforcement rings of the storage tank can be reduced, and the thickness of the plate can be reduced, thereby saving manufacturing costs.

[0042] The flexible support device is installed under the main beam to better distribute the supporting force.

[0043] As a necessary component of the side connection space, the flexible support device can be a spring support device or a rubber support device. The specific choice is related to the size of the deformation displacement. When the connection space and the hull structure have a large relative displacement, a spring support device is selected. When the relative displacement is small, a rubber support device can be selected. In addition, when the installation space of the flexible support device is very limited (such as some old modified ships), it is also necessary to select a rubber support device that takes up less space. For storage tanks with a high design temperature (above -60°C) such as liquid ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas, the tank connection space is set as a rubber support device; for storage tanks with liquefied natural gas, LEG and other media (below -60°C), the tank connection space is set as a spring support device with a larger deformation rate.

[0044] In some embodiments, when the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is less than -60°C and the deformation caused by cold shrinkage of the fuel tank after filling with fuel is greater than 6 mm, the flexible support device is a spring support device, and the hardness of the spring is HRC45-52.

[0045] In some embodiments, the material of the spring is 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is greater than -60°C and the deformation caused by shrinkage after the fuel tank is filled with fuel is less than 6 mm, the flexible support device is a rubber support device, the Shore hardness of the rubber support body is 60±5, the tensile strength is greater than 15 MPa, and the static rated load is greater than 5t.

[0047] In some embodiments, the rubber support member is one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or nitrile-butadiene rubber.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the connecting space shell weighs less than 10 tons, two sets of flexible support devices are provided; when the connecting space shell weighs between 10 and 20 tons, four sets of flexible support devices are provided; and when the connecting space shell weighs between 20 and 30 tons, six sets of flexible support devices are provided. The flexible support devices are arranged linearly along the axis of the fuel storage tank. This arrangement achieves the following effects: the support force and deformation displacement at each support point are essentially equivalent, allowing the selected flexible supports to be of uniform specifications and reducing design complexity.

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the housing of the connecting space has an arcuate groove with a central angle greater than 180°, and the fuel storage tank is partially accommodated within the arcuate groove. The tank body has a manhole at the top, a spray system is installed at the top of the tank body, the filling system passes through the tank body and is connected to the spray system, the upper part of the tank body is connected to the overpressure relief system, and the bottom of the tank body is connected to the fuel pump supply system. The connecting space contains an opening for the manhole to facilitate access for maintenance personnel. The connecting space also accommodates the filling system, overpressure relief system, and fuel pump supply system.

[0050] In some embodiments, the hull further includes a saddle support device located at the bottom of the fuel tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure and a sliding end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged in a front-to-rear manner along the axis of the fuel tank to support the fuel tank. Due to the loading of cryogenic medium fuel, the fuel tank will experience significant axial contraction displacement. Therefore, one of the two supports is configured as a fixed support to prevent the fuel tank from being lacking restraint during the swaying of the ship, and the other set of supports is configured as a sliding support to prevent thermal stress generated by contraction displacement and damage to the tank.

[0051] In some embodiments, the shell of the connecting space is located between the fixed end and the sliding end, the minimum distance between the outer side surface of the connecting space shell close to the fixed end and the center line of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side surface of the connecting space shell close to the sliding end and the center line of the sliding end is greater than 1m.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer are both 30 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene liners; the connecting space and the outside of the fuel storage tank are both wrapped with insulation layers to maintain the low temperature in the fuel storage tank.

[0053] In some embodiments, the spring support device includes a thermal insulation polytetrafluoroethylene pad on the top and a high-strength spring support.

[0054] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the spring support device includes a thermal insulation polytetrafluoroethylene pad on the top, a high-strength spring support, and an outer protective sleeve, wherein the high-strength spring support includes a spring and a top rod and a top plate on the upper part of the spring, the top rod and the top plate are fixedly connected to the top of the spring, and the spring pushes the top rod and the top plate to provide supporting force for the connecting space, the thermal insulation polytetrafluoroethylene pad is installed on the upper part of the top plate, the spring is accommodated in the outer protective sleeve, the top plate and the top rod extend out of the top of the sleeve, wherein the outer protective sleeve is made of hard steel material, and the bottom of the outer protective sleeve is fixedly connected to the high-strength spring support; after the top plate is subjected to pressure, it drives the spring to compress downward, and the height of the outer protective sleeve is not higher than the height of the lowest compression state of the high-strength spring support; the arrangement of the spring accommodated in the outer protective sleeve can prevent the spring from deforming in the horizontal direction and prevent mechanical damage to the spring.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the rubber support device includes a top thermal insulation PTFE pad, a rubber support and an outer protective sleeve, wherein the outer protective sleeve is made of hard steel material, and the height of the outer protective sleeve is not higher than the height of the rubber support in the lowest compression state; the outer protective sleeve plays a role in protecting the rubber support and preventing mechanical damage and lateral deformation.

[0056] The present invention also discloses a method for connecting the side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank, comprising: a flexible support device flexibly connecting the shell and the hull; when the fuel tank is rotated under force, the flexible support device supports the shell to reduce the rotational stress of the fuel tank on the hull.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] The tank connection space is located in the middle of the tank, avoiding the hull structure and avoiding interference.

[0059] The tank connection space shell is directly welded to the tank structure to form a sealed structure. Once the pipeline in the tank connection space ruptures, it can prevent the dangerous gas from leaking to other areas of the ship, meeting the classification society's secondary protection requirements for hazardous media.

[0060] The tank connection space shell is divided into three layers in the height direction using grid plates to expand the usable space and facilitate the layout of equipment. The layers are connected by metal stairs.

[0061] Because the tank connection space is located on the side of the tank, which could cause the tank to rotate, a flexible support device is used to connect the tank connection space to the hull structure to provide support and reduce vibration. This also avoids rigid connections that would cause the tank to shrink after filling with low-temperature fuel and be inconsistent with the hull deformation, resulting in thermal stress.

[0062] Among them, 4 to 6 sets of flexible support devices are set at the bottom of the tank connection space shell and connected to the bottom of the cabin, and a 30mm thick high-strength polytetrafluoroethylene pad is set on the top of the flexible support device to prevent heat conduction from affecting the hull structure after the low-temperature medium leaks in the tank connection space.

[0063] The tank connection space is equipped with fuel pipelines, safety valve vent pipes, filling pipes, top spray pipes and other equipment. After the fuel pipeline enters the tank through the tank body, it is arranged according to its function. The safety valve vent pipe bends upward to the gas phase space of the tank, and the filling pipe bends downward to the bottom of the tank. A fuel pump is also provided in the tank connection space, which is led out from the bottom of the tank. The liquid phase pipeline led out from the bottom is set as a double-walled pipe for protection to the first stop valve according to relevant safety requirements.

[0064] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0065] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A side tank connection space for a ship fuel tank, characterized in that: include: a shell fixedly connected to the outer side of a fuel storage tank to form a sealed accommodation space for placing a fuel pipeline, wherein the fuel storage tank is used to store cryogenic fuel; a flexible support device, flexibly connecting the shell and the hull, including a spring support device or a rubber support device; The spring support device comprises: a first heat-insulating layer, provided under the main beam on the outer side of the bottom of the shell; a spring, one end of which is connected to the first thermal insulation layer and the other end of which is connected to the hull; The rubber supporting device comprises: A second heat insulation layer is provided under the main beam on the outer side of the bottom of the shell; A rubber support body has one end connected to the second heat insulation layer and the other end connected to the hull.

2. The side tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel storage tank is lower than -60°C, and the deformation of the fuel storage tank caused by shrinkage after filling with fuel is greater than 6mm, the flexible support device is the spring support device, and the hardness of the spring is HRC45-52.

3. The side tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 2, characterized in that: The material of the spring is 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.

4. The side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel storage tank is greater than -60°C, and the deformation caused by shrinkage after the fuel storage tank is filled with fuel is less than 6 mm, the flexible support device is the rubber support device, and the Shore hardness of the rubber support body is 60±5, the tensile strength is greater than 15 MPa, and the static rated load is greater than 5t.

5. The side tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rubber support is made of one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber or nitrile-butadiene rubber.

6. The side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the weight of the shell is less than 10 tons, 2 groups of the flexible support devices are set; when the weight of the shell is 10 tons to 20 tons, 4 groups of the flexible support devices are set; when the weight of the shell is 20 tons to 30 tons, 6 groups of the flexible support devices are set; the flexible support devices are linearly arranged along the axial direction of the fuel storage tank.

7. The side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shell has an arc-shaped groove, the central angle of the arc-shaped groove is greater than 180 degrees, and the fuel storage tank is partially accommodated in the arc-shaped groove.

8. The side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hull also includes a saddle support device, which is located at the bottom of the fuel storage tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end connecting the fuel storage tank to the hull structure and a sliding end connecting the fuel storage tank to the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged front and back along the axis of the fuel storage tank to support the fuel storage tank; the shell is located between the fixed end and the sliding end, and the minimum distance between the outer side surface of the shell close to the fixed end and the center line of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side surface of the shell close to the sliding end and the center line of the sliding end is greater than 1m.

9. The side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first thermal insulation layer and the second thermal insulation layer are both 30 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene liners; the shell and the fuel storage tank are both wrapped with thermal insulation layers.

10. The method for connecting the side tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The flexible support device flexibly connects the shell and the hull. When the fuel storage tank is rotated under force, the flexible support device supports the shell, thereby reducing the rotational stress of the fuel storage tank on the hull.

Images