Transportation method of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) fuel tank

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of LNG fuel tank transportation, in particular to an LNG fuel tank transportation method which is used for transporting an LNG fuel tank and comprises the steps that a self-propelled module transport vehicle is selected to transport the LNG fuel tank; a bearing area is defined at the bottom of the LNG fuel tank according to the arrangement position of the self-propelled module transport vehicle and the size of the self-propelled module, and the outer side of the part, except the bearing area, of the LNG fuel tank is wrapped with a first insulating material; loading / transporting; arranging steel piers at a destination; the LNG fuel tank is placed on the corresponding steel pier, the self-propelled module transport vehicle is controlled to drive away from the site, and a bearing area of the LNG fuel tank is supplemented with a second insulating material; and the LNG fuel tank with the insulating material supplemented is hoisted to a barge to be delivered. According to the transportation method of the LNG fuel tank, the safety risk is reduced, the overall insulation performance is ensured, the damage risk is reduced, the period is shortened, and delivery on time is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of LNG fuel tank transportation technology, and in particular to a method for transporting LNG fuel tanks. Background Technology

[0002] LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) fuel tanks are the core fuel storage components of LNG-powered ships. Their function is to safely store cryogenic liquefied natural gas during the ship's voyage and to stably supply fuel to the ship's LNG engines (or gas turbines).

[0003] To reduce heat transfer in LNG fuel tanks and ensure low-temperature performance inside the tanks, a layer of thermal insulation modules is typically applied to the outer surface of the LNG fuel tank structure. After the LNG fuel tank structure is constructed, insulation installation must be carried out at a dedicated insulation construction site. Once the insulation installation is complete, the fuel tanks need to be transported to the dock for delivery by transport vehicles.

[0004] However, existing LNG fuel tank vehicle transportation methods have many problems. On the one hand, transportation stability is poor. Conventional hydraulic flatbed trucks can only contact the bottom base of the fuel tank. The maximum distance between the bases along the length of the fuel tank is known to be 6.7m, while the tank height reaches 18.5m, resulting in a large height-to-length ratio. This leads to poor stability and extremely high safety risks during transportation. Accidents such as tipping over can cause huge economic losses and may even trigger safety incidents. On the other hand, the insulation material on the outer surface of the fuel tank is very fragile. During transportation, the insulation material comes into direct contact with the transport vehicle. The bumps and friction from the vehicle's movement easily damage the insulation material, affecting the thermal insulation effect of the LNG fuel tank and consequently impacting its normal delivery, causing unnecessary trouble and losses for production and construction companies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a method for transporting LNG fuel tanks, in order to solve to some extent the technical problems existing in the prior art, such as poor transportation stability and the fact that the insulation material comes into direct contact with the transport vehicle during transportation. Under the bumps and friction of the vehicle, the insulation material is easily damaged, and the damage to the insulation material will affect the heat insulation effect of the LNG fuel tank.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this application, a method for transporting an LNG fuel tank is provided, comprising the steps of: Design a transportation plan, select self-propelled modular transport vehicles to transport the LNG fuel tanks, and determine the model, assembly method, quantity, and location of the self-propelled modular transport vehicles based on the parameters of the LNG fuel tanks; An insulating material is used to cover the bottom of the LNG fuel tank. According to the installation position of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle and the size of the self-propelled module, a support area is marked out. The self-propelled modular transport vehicle contacts the LNG fuel tank through the support area. The outer side of the LNG fuel tank, excluding the support area, is covered with a first insulating material. Loading / transportation: Control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to drive into the assembly site and set up directly opposite the support area of ​​the LNG fuel tank. Use the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to lift the LNG fuel tank from the tire position in the assembly site and transport it to the destination. Steel blocks are placed at the destination according to the tire layout of the assembly site. Unload / refill insulation material, control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle supporting the LNG fuel tank to drive into the destination, place the LNG fuel tank on the corresponding steel pier, and control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to leave the site, and refill the second insulation material in the supporting area of ​​the LNG fuel tank. Delivery involves hoisting the LNG fuel tank, after the insulation material has been replenished, onto the barge for delivery.

[0007] Preferably, the loading / transportation step further includes placing timber between the LNG fuel tank and the self-propelled modular transport vehicle at a predetermined height.

[0008] Preferably, the predetermined height is 100mm to 300mm.

[0009] Preferably, the LNG fuel tank includes a tank body and a plurality of bases, the tank body extending along a first direction, the plurality of bases being spaced apart at the bottom of the tank body along the first direction, and the supporting area being disposed between two adjacent bases.

[0010] Preferably, in the step of designing the transportation scheme, the model of the selected self-propelled modular transport vehicle needs to meet the following requirement: the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is less than the distance between two adjacent bases in the first direction.

[0011] Preferably, the difference between the dimension of the supporting area in the first direction and the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is 200mm to 400mm.

[0012] Preferably, in the first direction, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is centrally located within the support area.

[0013] Preferably, both the first insulating material and the second insulating material are polyurethane foam boards.

[0014] Preferably, in the second direction, the size of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is greater than or equal to the size of the tank, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0015] Preferably, in the step of designing the transportation plan, the number of self-propelled modular transport vehicles selected is multiple, and the multiple self-propelled modular transport vehicles selected in the step of designing the transportation plan are spaced apart along the first direction.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The LNG fuel tank transportation method provided in this application utilizes a technical solution of "SPMT precise adaptation transportation - differentiated insulation coating - precise position control throughout the entire process - closed-loop replenishment and delivery." This solution addresses the overturning problem of tanks with high aspect ratios by selecting and adapting SPMTs and optimizing contact positions (avoiding the base and extending the lever arm), thus reducing safety risks. Differentiated coating prevents damage during transportation, and replenishment ensures overall insulation performance, addressing the vulnerability of insulation materials. Precise docking, layout replication, and a closed-loop process reduce damage risks, shorten the cycle time, and ensure on-time delivery.

[0017] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 A front view of the LNG fuel tank at the assembly site, provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A top view of the LNG fuel tank at the assembly site, provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a front view structural diagram of an LNG fuel tank at its destination, provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Figure label: 1-LNG fuel tank; 11-Tank body; 12-Base; 2-Self-propelled modular transport vehicle; 31-First insulation material; 32-Second insulation material; 41-Tire position; 42-Steel block; 5-Square timber.

[0021] F1 - First direction; F2 - Second direction; G - Gravity direction. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this application, but not all embodiments.

[0023] The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application.

[0024] Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 This application describes a method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to some embodiments.

[0028] See Figures 1 to 3As shown, an embodiment of the first aspect of this application provides a method for transporting an LNG fuel tank 1, the steps of which include: S010 designs a transportation scheme, selecting a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) 2 to transport LNG fuel tank 1, and determining the model, assembly method, quantity, and location of the self-propelled modular transporter 2 based on the parameters of LNG fuel tank 1.

[0029] Preferably, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the LNG fuel tank 1 may include a tank body 11 and a plurality of bases 12. The tank body 11 extends along a first direction F1, and the plurality of bases 12 are spaced apart at the bottom of the tank body 11 along the first direction F1.

[0030] Preferably, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the design of the transportation scheme, the model of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 selected needs to meet the following requirements: the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 is less than the distance between two adjacent bases 12 in the first direction F1. This ensures that the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can be completely positioned between adjacent bases 12, completely avoiding contact between the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 and the base 12. Compared with the existing technology of using a flatbed truck to transfer LNG fuel tank 1 (i.e., the LNG fuel tank 1 is hoisted and placed on the flatbed truck as a whole, and the LNG fuel tank 1 can only contact the flatbed truck through the base 12), this effectively increases the contact area between the transfer vehicle and the LNG fuel tank 1, reduces the center of gravity height of the LNG fuel tank 1 during the transfer process, effectively increases the anti-overturning lever arm of the LNG fuel tank 1, and greatly improves the stability of transportation.

[0031] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can be supported between two adjacent bases 12 to ensure that the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can support the tank 11.

[0032] Preferably, such as Figure 2 As shown, in the second direction F2, the size of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 is greater than or equal to the size of the tank 11. The second direction F2 is perpendicular to the first direction F1. In this way, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can support the LNG fuel tank 1 across the full width of the second direction F2, avoiding the risk of collision and lateral displacement caused by the tank 11 exceeding its limit. At the same time, it increases the lateral anti-overturning moment, improves the lateral stability during transportation, and ensures the integrity of the tank 11 and the insulation materials.

[0033] Optionally, such as Figure 2As shown, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can include multiple modular components, which can be sequentially assembled along the second direction F2 to form the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 (i.e., the assembly method described above). The number of modular components can be adaptively adjusted according to the dimensions of the tank 11 in the second direction F2.

[0034] However, it is not limited to this. The self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned form of sequential splicing along the second direction F2. The assembly method of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can be adaptively adjusted according to the spatial shape and size between the two adjacent bases 12 and the shape and size of the individual assembleable modules. For example, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 can be formed by splicing multiple assembleable modules in a matrix manner.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, F1 can be an example of the first direction F1 mentioned above, and F2 can be an example of the second direction F2 mentioned above. The plane defined by the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 can be a horizontal plane. For ease of description, G shown in the figure represents the direction of gravity G.

[0036] Preferably, in the S010 transportation scheme design step, the number of self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2 selected can be multiple. These multiple self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2 are spaced apart along the first direction F1 to ensure the stability and smoothness of transporting the LNG fuel tank 1. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, an example of two self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2 is presented. However, it is not limited to this. The number of self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2 can be adaptively adjusted according to the size of the tank 11 in the first direction F1. For example, the number of self-propelled modular transport vehicles 2 can also be 1, 3, 4, ... or more.

[0037] S020 is covered with insulating material. According to the installation position of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 and the size of the self-propelled module, a support area is marked on the bottom of the LNG fuel tank 1. The self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 contacts the LNG fuel tank 1 through the support area. The outside of the part of the LNG fuel tank 1 excluding the support area is covered with the first insulating material 31.

[0038] Similarly, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the supporting area can be set between two adjacent bases 12.

[0039] Preferably, such as Figure 1As shown, the difference between the dimension of the support area in the first direction F1 (i.e., w1 shown in the figure) and the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 (i.e., w2 shown in the figure) is 200mm~400mm, ensuring that sufficient safety gaps are reserved on both sides of the SPMT to cope with lateral offset, while avoiding insufficient insulation of the tank 11 due to excessive gaps, thus balancing safety and insulation of the tank 11, and improving the adaptability and practicality of the method.

[0040] Preferably, in the first direction F1, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 is centrally located in the support area. In other words, the distance between the two ends of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle and the first insulating material 31 on the first direction F1 is 100mm~200mm respectively, which effectively reduces the probability of contact between the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 and the first insulating material 31 and ensures the integrity of the first insulating material 31 during transportation.

[0041] S030 Loading / Transportation: Control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 to drive into the assembly site and set up directly opposite the support area of ​​the LNG fuel tank 1. The self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 lifts the LNG fuel tank 1 from the tire position 41 of the assembly site and transports it to the destination.

[0042] Optionally, in the loading / transportation step S030, the method further includes S031 laying wooden blocks 5. Wooden blocks 5 of a predetermined height are laid between the LNG fuel tank 1 and the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2. Through the buffering effect of the wooden blocks 5, the impact damage to the bottom structure of the LNG fuel tank 1 caused by bumps and vibrations during transportation is reduced. At the same time, the gaps between the contact surfaces are filled, so as to achieve uniform weight transfer of the tank 11, avoid local stress concentration, further ensure the structural integrity of the tank 11, and improve the safety of the transportation process.

[0043] Preferably, the predetermined height can be 100mm to 300mm (for example, the height of the timber 5 can be 100mm, 200mm, or 300mm). Thus, by limiting the height of the timber 5 to 100mm to 300mm, while ensuring effective cushioning against impact vibrations, it avoids problems such as decreased stability or imbalance of the timber 5 due to improper height, balancing cushioning effect and transport stability, adapting to different construction scenarios, and improving the practicality and reliability of the method. It should be noted that the dimensions of the timber 5 can be adaptively adjusted according to the height of the base 12 and the lifting height of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2.

[0044] S040 Steel blocks 42 are placed at the destination according to the layout of the assembly site 41.

[0045] Optionally, the above-mentioned steps S030 loading / transportation and S040 destination placement of steel piers 42 can be carried out simultaneously to improve transfer efficiency.

[0046] S050 unloads / refills insulation material, controls the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 supporting the LNG fuel tank 1 to drive into the destination, places the LNG fuel tank 1 on the corresponding steel block 42, and controls the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 to drive away from the site, and refills the second insulation material 32 in the supporting area of ​​the LNG fuel tank 1. Optionally, the first insulating material 31 and the second insulating material 32 can both be polyurethane foam boards. This ensures that the overall insulation performance and physical properties of the LNG fuel tank 1 are consistent, avoids uneven insulation or gaps caused by material differences, maintains the low temperature environment inside the tank, and reduces LNG evaporation loss. At the same time, it improves the bonding strength and construction efficiency of the re-installation, ensures the overall thermal insulation effect of the tank 11, and maintains the performance of the LNG fuel tank 1.

[0047] S060 delivery involves hoisting the LNG fuel tank 1, with insulation materials replenished, onto the barge for delivery.

[0048] The LNG fuel tank transportation method provided by the above technical features has the following beneficial effects: 1. Transportation Vehicle Selection: Instead of conventional hydraulic flatbed trucks, Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) were selected. Utilizing the modular assembly characteristics of SPMTs, the number, assembly method, and distribution of SPMTs were determined based on parameters such as the structure and center of gravity distribution of the tank 11. This not only ensures that the load-bearing capacity matches the weight of the tank 11, preventing tilting of the tank 11 due to insufficient load, but also significantly extends the contact span between the tank 11 and the transporter compared to the conventional flatbed truck's mere 6.7m base 12 contact length. This directly increases the anti-overturning lever arm (lever arm length is positively correlated with contact span). Through the dual effect of "load-bearing matching + lever arm extension," the stability of the LNG fuel tank 1 during transportation is greatly improved, reducing the risk of tipping due to excessive height-to-length ratio, and solving the core problems of "poor transportation stability and high safety risks" in existing technologies.

[0049] 2. Differentiated Covering: Before transport, the first insulating material 31 is only applied to the non-supporting areas. After transport, the second insulating material 32 is applied to the supporting areas. In this way, the supporting areas are precisely positioned according to the location and size of the SPMT, which neither wastes the surface space of the tank 11 (the non-supporting areas are normally covered) nor causes the SPMT to come into contact with the already covered insulating material. This cuts off the causal chain of "transport vehicle damaging the insulating material" from the source, ensuring that the first insulating material 31 in the non-supporting areas remains intact during transport. At the same time, it reserves the conditions for subsequent refilling of the second insulating material 32 in the supporting areas, solving the problem of "easy damage to the insulating material" in the existing technology during transport.

[0050] 3. During loading, control the SPMT to drive into the assembly site and face the support area, lift the tank 11 for transport, and arrange steel blocks 42 according to the tire position 41 layout of the assembly site at the destination: ensure the precise docking of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle 2 and the LNG fuel tank 1, and avoid damage to the tank 11 caused by uneven local stress; at the same time, by replicating the tire position 41 layout of the steel blocks 42, ensure the structural stability of the tank 11 when it is placed at the destination, reduce the risk of stress concentration, and improve the continuity and safety of the transportation and unloading process.

[0051] In summary, the transportation method proposed in this application, through the technical solution of "SPMT precise adaptation transportation - differentiated insulation wrapping - precise position control throughout the process - closed-loop replenishment and delivery", solves the overturning problem of the high length-to-length ratio tank 11 and reduces safety risks by selecting and adapting SPMTs and optimizing contact positions (avoiding base 12 and extending lever arm); avoids transportation damage through differentiated wrapping and ensures overall insulation performance through replenishment, solving the pain point of easy damage to insulation materials; and reduces damage risks, shortens the cycle, and ensures on-time delivery through precise docking, layout replication, and closed-loop process.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A method for transporting LNG fuel tanks, characterized in that, The steps for transporting LNG fuel tanks include: Design a transportation plan, select self-propelled modular transport vehicles to transport the LNG fuel tanks, and determine the model, assembly method, quantity, and location of the self-propelled modular transport vehicles based on the parameters of the LNG fuel tanks; An insulating material is used to cover the bottom of the LNG fuel tank. According to the installation position of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle and the size of the self-propelled module, a support area is marked out. The self-propelled modular transport vehicle contacts the LNG fuel tank through the support area. The outer side of the LNG fuel tank, excluding the support area, is covered with a first insulating material. Loading / transportation: Control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to drive into the assembly site and set up directly opposite the support area of ​​the LNG fuel tank. Use the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to lift the LNG fuel tank from the tire position in the assembly site and transport it to the destination. Steel blocks are placed at the destination according to the tire layout of the assembly site. Unload / refill insulation material, control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle supporting the LNG fuel tank to drive into the destination, place the LNG fuel tank on the corresponding steel pier, and control the self-propelled modular transport vehicle to leave the site, and refill the second insulation material in the supporting area of ​​the LNG fuel tank. Delivery involves hoisting the LNG fuel tank, after the insulation material has been replenished, onto the barge for delivery.

2. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The loading / transportation step also includes placing timber between the LNG fuel tank and the self-propelled modular transport vehicle at a predetermined height.

3. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The predetermined height is 100mm~300mm.

4. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LNG fuel tank includes a tank body and multiple bases. The tank body extends along a first direction, and the multiple bases are spaced apart at the bottom of the tank body along the first direction. The supporting area is located between two adjacent bases.

5. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the step of designing the transportation scheme, the model of the selected self-propelled modular transport vehicle needs to meet the following requirement: the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is less than the distance between two adjacent bases in the first direction.

6. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 5, characterized in that, The difference between the dimension of the supporting area in the first direction and the width of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is 200mm~400mm.

7. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the first direction, the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is centrally positioned within the support area.

8. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first insulating material and the second insulating material are polyurethane foam boards.

9. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the second direction, the size of the self-propelled modular transport vehicle is greater than or equal to the size of the tank, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

10. The method for transporting LNG fuel tanks according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the step of designing the transportation plan, the number of self-propelled modular transport vehicles selected is multiple, and the multiple self-propelled modular transport vehicles selected in the step of designing the transportation plan are spaced apart along the first direction.

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