Liquefied natural gas storage tank

Abstract

Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to an internal frame structure comprised of a plate girder ring frame structure and / or an internal truss frame structure. Optionally, a grillage of stiffeners and stringers may be disposed on the plate cover and additional sifters disposed on the plate girder ring frame structure and / or an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] [0001] This application claims priority to US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 796,262, filed March 9, 2004. technical field [0003] [0002] The present invention relates to liquefied gas storage tanks and, in one aspect, to tanks particularly suitable for storing liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas ("LNG"), at cryogenic temperatures near atmospheric pressure. Background technique [0004] [0003] In the following description, various terms are defined. For convenience, a glossary is provided at the end of this specification. [0005] [0004] Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is typically stored at cryogenic temperatures of about -162°C (-260°F) and at substantially atmospheric pressure. As used herein, the term "cryogenic temperature" includes all temperatures of about -40°C (-40°F) and lower. Typically, LNG is stored in double-walled tanks or containers. The inner tank provides the main volume for the LNG while ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0013] [0012] Large tanks in the volume range of 100,000 to 200,000 cubic meters (approximately 600,000 to 1.2 million barrels) constructed according to the teachings of Farrell et al. expensive

In general, any tank of the type taught by Farrell et al. and Abe et al., where the strength and stability of the tank is provided by the liquid containment tank exterior or a combination of the tank interior diaphragm and the liquid containment vessel exterior, will be fairly Expensive, and most are too expensive to be considered economically attractive

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