Tank protective material and tank using the same

Abstract

To provide a tank protection material that is highly resistant to temperature changes and more reliable. [Solution] A tank protective material according to one aspect of the present invention is made by alternately laminating a resin layer and a metal layer, and a tank according to another aspect of the present invention is a tank having a tank body and a tank protective material fixed to the tank body, wherein the tank protective material is made by alternately laminating a resin layer and a metal layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank protection material and a tank using the same.

Background Art

[0002] In present-day Japan, a significant portion is supplied by importing foreign resources, including energy. Specifically, resources such as oil and natural gas produced overseas are often filled into tanks, which are then loaded onto ships for import.

[0003] By the way, it is common for tanks to be detachable from ships. When filling the tank with resources, the tank is removed from the ship once, filled with resources, and then fixed to the ship again. Therefore, a tank protection material for protecting the periphery of the tank is attached around the tank so that the tank is not damaged when it comes into contact with the ship's body. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 below discloses a tank protection material in which wood is impregnated with a phenolic resin.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, if the resource being transported is, for example, natural gas, it is more efficient to cool and liquefy it before transport. Therefore, when it is filled into tanks, it will be cooled to an extremely low temperature (for example, around minus 165 degrees Celsius). On the other hand, the cooling may stop and it may return to room temperature. In other words, a temperature change of more than 200 degrees Celsius can occur.

[0006] However, the above-mentioned tank protection material cannot withstand temperature changes of more than 200 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is necessary to consider a new tank protection material.

[0007] In other words, the present invention aims to provide a tank protection material that is highly resistant to temperature changes and more reliable, in view of the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A tank protective material according to one aspect of the present invention, which solves the above problems, is made by alternately laminating resin layers and metal layers.

[0009] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the resin layer be a fluororesin and the metal layer be SUS.

[0010] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the resin layer be polyethylene and the metal layer be copper.

[0011] Furthermore, although not limited to this viewpoint, it is preferable that the thickness of the resin layer be between 2 and 10, given that the thickness of the metal layer is 1.

[0012] Furthermore, although not limited to this perspective, it is preferable that the overall thickness be in the range of 30 mm to 1000 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, a tank according to another aspect of the present invention is a tank comprising a tank body and a tank protective material fixed to the tank body, wherein the tank protective material is made by alternately laminating a resin layer and a metal layer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In summary, the present invention provides a tank protection material that is highly resistant to temperature changes and more reliable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a tank according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] These are schematic diagrams of the perspective view and cross-section of the tank protection material according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an illustrative diagram showing the case where the device is fixed using a through-type fixing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative diagram of the portion of the tank protective material according to the embodiment in which the metal layer is recessed inward from the side compared to the resin layer. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative diagram showing how the protrusions on the tank according to the embodiment fit into the fitting recesses of the tank protection material. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram showing the use of a tank protection material that has a fitting recess on one side and a flat upper surface on the other side when attempting to fix the tank according to the embodiment to a ship. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific examples described below.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a tank (hereinafter referred to as "the tank") 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the tank 1 comprises a tank body 2 and a tank protective material 3 fixed to the tank body 2, the tank protective material 3 being made of alternating layers of resin 31 and metal 32. As will be described later, the tank protective material 3 can be fixed not only to the tank body 2 but also to the ground surface of a ship or the like on which the tank 1 is installed.

[0018] Due to the above structure, the present tank 1 can provide a highly reliable tank protective material 3 that is resistant to temperature changes. The specific structure and its effects will be described in detail below.

[0019] First, the tank body 2 of the present tank 1 is detachable from the ship for transportation by the ship and is not limited as long as it can be filled with resources. As its structure, it preferably has a shape with a space for filling resources, that is, it is hollow. For example, it may be a cube shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but a spherical or cylindrical shape is preferable from the viewpoints of easy filling and extraction of resources and ensuring strength. Also, its size is not limited because it can be appropriately adjusted according to the weight of the resources to be transported. Generally, it is 10m 3 or more and 300000m 3 It can be appropriately adjusted within the following range.

[0020] In addition, the resources filled in the present tank 1 are not limited as long as they are filled in the present tank 1 and are the objects to be transported, and they may be any of liquid, gas, and solid, but gas and liquid are preferable. In the case of liquid, for example, petroleum products such as crude oil and gasoline, edible oil, liquid fertilizer, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), etc. can be exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. However, since the tank protective material 3 is designed to exhibit sufficient performance even when the present tank 1 is in a low-temperature state, it is a preferable example to use resources that are liquefied by cooling such as LNG.

[0021] Also, the material of the present tank 1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of metal or resin from the viewpoint of ensuring its strength. When using metal, for example, steel such as carbon steel and stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. can be used. When using resin, for example, glass fiber reinforced plastic, etc. can be exemplified for highly corrosive liquids.

[0022] Furthermore, a tank protection material 3 is fixed around the tank body 2 of the tank 1, specifically on its surface. Figure 2 shows an example of a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the tank protection material 3 in the tank 1. As shown in the figure, the tank protection material 3 is arranged around the tank body 2, thereby protecting the tank body 2 from damage caused by contact with the outside. However, in some cases, the tank protection material 3 may be provided not only on the tank body 2, or instead of being provided on the tank body 2, it may be provided on the ship side.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange numerous tank protection materials 3 in a row on the surface of the tank body 2. By arranging multiple materials in a row, it becomes possible to protect the tank body 2 over a wider area. The number of materials, as well as the thickness and size of each tank protection material 3, can be adjusted as appropriate. In particular, even if the tank body 2 has a curved surface, by arranging multiple small tank protection materials 3 in a row to conform to the curve, sufficient fixation and protection can be achieved even on a curved surface.

[0024] The thickness of the tank protection material 3 of this tank 1 is adjustable according to the size of the tank body 2 and is not limited to that of a spacer that can reliably support the tank body 2, prevent contact between the tank body 2 and the outside (e.g., the floor or wall), and prevent unnecessary heat transfer. However, it is preferable that the thickness be within the range of 30 mm to 1000 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, the shape of the tank protection material 3 of this tank 1 is not particularly limited from the standpoint of ensuring that it can reliably support the tank body 2 and that the tank body 2 does not come into contact with the outside (for example, the floor or walls). For example, when viewed from a direction along the thickness (specifically, when viewed from above), it can be a polygon such as a square, triangle, or hexagon, or a circle, ellipse, or any other shape, but is not limited to these. However, it is preferable that it be tile-like, that is, square when viewed from above. This makes it very easy to lay out, and it becomes possible to attach many of them to the surface of the tank body 2 to cover and protect the tank body 2.

[0026] Furthermore, the size of the tank protection material 3 in this tank 1 is also not limited, as it can be appropriately adjusted depending on the size of the tank body 2, as long as it can be securely fixed and supported to the tank body 2 and the tank body 2 does not come into contact with the outside (for example, the floor or walls). For example, if the shape of the tank protection material 3 is a thick rectangular shape (cuboid or cube), the width (maximum width) can be in the range of 30 mm to 1000 mm, and the length (maximum length) can be in the range of 30 mm to 5000 mm, but is not limited to these.

[0027] Furthermore, the tank protection material 3 in this tank 1 must possess the necessary properties to perform its function as a whole. For example, its usable temperature range must be between -196°C and 45°C, and its compressive strength must be 240 N / mm². 2 In summary, the compressive modulus is 11 MN / mm². 2 The above requirements are necessary. In addition, fire resistance and self-extinguishing properties equivalent to UL94 V0 are required, and a static friction coefficient of 0.2 to 0.4 is required for sliding resistance. In other words, the tank protective material 3 according to this embodiment must satisfy the above performance requirements. For this reason, the tank protective material 3 according to this embodiment has the configuration described above and in detail below.

[0028] As described above, the tank protective material 3 of this embodiment is constructed by alternately laminating a resin layer 31 and a metal layer 32. While it is not limited to the alternating lamination of the resin layer 31 and the metal layer 32, it is preferable that the top layer and the bottom layer, i.e., the outermost layer, are made of resin layer 31. By making the outermost layer a resin layer 31, it can be made softer than a metal layer, which has the advantage of being able to easily absorb external impacts.

[0029] Furthermore, the resin layer 31 of the tank protective material 3 is preferably, though not limited, resistant to brittle fracture not only in the room temperature range but also in the low temperature range, specifically having high compressive strength. Examples of the resin layer 31 include fluororesin and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Fluororesin is particularly preferable because it can provide sufficient compressive strength in the low temperature range expected for the tank 1, and also possesses flame retardancy that satisfies the above requirements. More specifically, examples of fluororesin include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ethylene fluoride propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0030] On the other hand, the metal layer 32 is sandwiched to complement the performance of the resin layer 31, and specifically can be used to reinforce the strength of the resin layer 31. Specific examples of the metal layer 32 are not limited to those having the above-mentioned functions, but examples include stainless steel (SUS) and copper. In particular, stainless steel maintains particularly high strength at room temperature, which has the advantage of maintaining strength when combined with the fluororesin, etc. Examples of stainless steel include austenitic stainless steel (SUS304, SUS316, SUS310S, etc.) and precipitation-hardening stainless steel, but are not limited to these.

[0031] Furthermore, the number of layers of the resin layer 31 and metal layer 32 in the tank protective material 3 is not particularly limited, and it is preferable that the number of layers of each is in the range of 3 to 100, but it can be adjusted as appropriate as long as it can satisfy the performance required for the tank protective material described above, and is not limited.

[0032] Furthermore, in this tank protective material 3, it is preferable that the lamination direction be perpendicular to the surface of the tank body 2. This direction allows the material to adequately support the weight applied from the tank body 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the joining of each resin layer and each metal layer of the tank protective material 3 is not limited as long as it has sufficient strength to prevent shifting or peeling during use. Examples include fixing with adhesive or fixing with through-fixing devices 33 such as bolts and nuts. Fixing with bolts and nuts is preferable from the viewpoint that the fixing between layers can be reliably ensured regardless of temperature. In the case of adhesive, it is preferable because there is no need to provide through-fixing devices, and the risk of damage to the tank due to contact is further reduced. Figure 3 shows an image of fixing when using through-fixing devices 33 with bolts and nuts. In this case, it is preferable that both the upper and lower end layers are resin layers, and that counterbores 311 are provided in each upper and lower resin layer so that the bolts and nuts do not protrude from the surface of the resin layer.

[0034] Furthermore, in the tank protective material 3 of this tank 1, the relationship between the thickness of the resin layer 31 and the metal layer 32 is not limited as long as the required strength can be maintained. However, if the thickness of the metal layer 32 is 1, the thickness of the resin layer 31 is preferably 2 to 20, more preferably 2 to 10, and even more preferably 3 to 8. This range makes it possible to ensure high strength in the low-temperature range using resin, while also ensuring high strength in the room-temperature range.

[0035] Furthermore, in the tank protection material 3 of this tank 1, it is preferable that the metal layer 32 has a portion (recess 321) that is recessed inward from the side surface formed by the resin layer 31. Generally, the metal layer 32 has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the resin layer 31, and when the temperature rises from a low temperature range to a room temperature range, the metal layer 32 will expand. Therefore, by providing a portion recessed inward from the side surface, i.e., a recess 321, it is possible to prevent the metal layer 32 from protruding from the side surface and the risk of metal contact. The length of this recessed portion is preferably 0.1 to 0.3 (of the metal layer) when the entire width (or length) of the tank protection material 3 is considered as 1. An image of this case is shown in Figure 4.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that a fitting recess 34 is formed on at least one of the upper end surface 312 and the lower end surface 313 of the tank protection material 3. Generally, the tank body 2 may have projections B for fixing the tank to the installation location. Therefore, by providing the tank protection material 3 with fitting recesses 34 for fitting onto these projections B, it is possible to prevent the tank protection material 3 from shifting relative to the tank body 2. In particular, since this tank 1 is designed to withstand temperature changes of nearly 200°C from room temperature to low temperatures, the thermal expansion of the tank body 2 cannot be ignored. Therefore, by adopting the above structure, the tank protection material 3 can accommodate the movement of position due to thermal expansion. An image of this case is shown in Figure 5. In this case, the tank protection material 3 may be fixed to the tank body 2, but it is more preferable and effective if it is fixed to the bottom of the ship to which this tank 1 is fixed. In this way, when attempting to fix the tank body 2 to the ship, the projection B of the tank body 2 fits into the fitting recess 34 of the tank protection material 3. This has the advantage that even if the tank body expands due to temperature changes, this part remains unchanged, and there is little risk of the tank shifting significantly. Furthermore, in this case, it is necessary to provide two or more tank protection materials 3 to support the tank, but it is preferable that the other one is in an open state, that is, has a flat upper end surface without a fitting recess 34 formed therein. Fixing both together could apply unnecessary force to the tank due to thermal expansion, so this way reduces the risk of damaging the tank. An illustrative diagram of this is shown in Figure 6.

[0037] In summary, this embodiment provides a tank protection material that is highly resistant to temperature changes and more reliable. [Industrial applicability]

[0038] This invention has industrial potential as a tank protective material. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1... Tank 2... Tank body 3… Tank protective material 31… Resin layer 311... Zagri 312…Top end surface 313…Lower end surface 32...Metal layer 321...dent 33...Penetrating fixture 34... Fitting dent B…Protrusion

Claims

1. A tank protective material consisting of alternating layers of resin and metal.

2. The tank protective material according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer is a fluororesin and the metal layer is SUS.

3. The tank protective material according to claim 1, wherein the resin layer is polyethylene and the metal layer is copper.

4. The tank protective material according to claim 1, wherein, when the thickness of the metal layer is 1, the thickness of the resin layer is in the range of 2 to 10.

5. The tank protective material according to claim 1, wherein the overall thickness is in the range of 30 mm to 1000 mm.

6. A tank comprising a tank body and a tank protective material fixed to the tank body, The tank protective material is a tank formed by alternately laminating resin layers and metal layers.

Images