Container for holding a cryogenic fluid

Abstract

A double-walled vacuum insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support system for the inner vessel that comprises at least one elongated metallic conduit that penetrates the walls of the outer vessel and the inner vessel. The conduit itself provides support in an axial direction parallel to a horizontal axis and at least two non-metallic members provide support in a radial direction from the horizontal axis. By requiring the conduit to support only axial loads, its wall thickness can be reduced, thereby reducing heat transfer through the conduit. The non-metallic members that provide support in the radial direction can be made from composite materials selected for structural strength as well as low thermal conductivity, resulting in a container with improved overall thermal insulation to reduce heat leak and allow longer holding times.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for holding refrigerating fluid. More particularly, the present invention relates to an insulated double-walled container having a combined support and fluid conduit structure for suspending an inner tank within an outer tank, thereby reducing heat transfer and allowing longer storage time. Background technique

[0002] Developments in combustion engine technology have shown that compression ignition engines, often referred to as diesel cycle engines, can be fueled by gaseous fuels instead of diesel with no loss in operation or efficiency. Such fuels include, for example, natural gas, methane, propane, ethane, derivatives of gaseous combustible hydrocarbons, and hydrogen. Replacing diesel with such gaseous fuels generally results in benefits over diesel in terms of cost, availability and emissions.

[0003] However, one challenge with using gaseous fuels for these applications is that gaseous fuels are no...