A membrane cabin temperature sensor, cable fixing device and installation method

Abstract

The present invention provides a temperature sensor and cable fixing device for a membrane cabin and an installation method. The sensor fixing device is formed by processing a whole piece of stainless steel plate into a concave groove portion, and the side panels of the groove portion are folded out to form an outward-folded oblique steel plate. Since the corresponding cable and sensor grooves are pre-arranged on the Mark III membrane cabin structure, the sensor can be first installed in the groove portion of the sensor fixing device and welded and fixed, and then the entire sensor fixing device can be inserted into the groove. The cable fixing device is formed by welding a stainless steel wire bent into a gate-shaped steel wire slightly wider than the groove and another stainless steel wire bent into an elliptical steel wire slightly wider than the groove. The cable fixing device is then evenly fixed and inserted into the low-temperature resistant glass wool strips in the groove at a certain interval. The glass wool strips are pre-wrapped with the cable and buried in the groove. The fixing and installation method of the present invention is novel, simple in materials, easy to operate, and has high practical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of shipbuilding, and in particular to a temperature sensor for a membrane cabin, a fixing device for a cable, and an installation method. Background Art

[0002] The Mark III membrane tank temperature sensor measures the temperature of liquefied natural gas (LNG) within the tank. This device transmits temperature changes within the tank to the crew via a cable, facilitating temperature monitoring. LNG carriers are high-value-added vessels, particularly large ones. The Mark III membrane tank is the most commonly used liquid cargo maintenance system. This system differs from the Type A, B, and C tanks used on conventional LPG carriers. While similar in structure to the Type A tank, the Mark III insulation film and temperature sensor are installed within the tank structure, placing stringent requirements on the secure installation of the temperature sensor and its cable. To ensure the entire tank withstands the LNG temperature requirement of -163°C, the Mark III membrane tank's surface structure requires extremely high welding and sealing technology. Beyond the membrane tank's own welding requirements, no other components can be welded or bolted to the membrane tank. Therefore, securing the sensor and cable requires both securement to the Mark III membrane tank's surface structure and non-destructiveness, meaning welding and screwing are prohibited. Therefore, choosing the right mounting method presents a challenging technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a fixing device for a temperature sensor and a cable of a membrane cabin, the fixing device comprising:

[0004] The sensor fixing device is concave in shape and is bent from a whole piece of steel plate, including a groove portion and a horizontal portion extending outward from the side panels of the groove portion. The side panels of the groove portion are cut into obliquely folded steel plates, which are folded outward along the bottom edge connected to the side panels to form an oblique upward state. The groove portion is used to accommodate the temperature sensor;

[0005] A cable fixture device, comprising an elliptical steel wire and a gate-shaped steel wire, wherein the elliptical steel wire comprises an upper semi-elliptical segment and an inwardly bent barb segment connected below the end of the semi-elliptical segment; and the gate-shaped steel wire comprises a semi-elliptical segment and a vertical segment connected below the end of the semi-elliptical segment. The semi-elliptical segment of the elliptical steel wire and the semi-elliptical segment of the gate-shaped steel wire are overlapped and welded, and the two barb segments are located inside the two vertical segments.

[0006] The sensor fixing device and the cable fixing device are fixed in the reserved grooves of the membrane cabin tank body.

[0007] Preferably, for the cable arrangement section in which the reserved groove is used to accommodate the cable, the glass wool filler covers the cable and fills the entire cable arrangement section, the cable fixing device is inserted into the cable arrangement section for clamping and fixing, and the two barb sections hook the glass wool filler to prevent it from popping out; for the sensor arrangement section in which the reserved groove is used to accommodate the temperature sensor, the glass wool filler fills the lower part of the entire sensor arrangement section to leave space in the upper part of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixing device, and the sensor fixing device is clamped and fixed by an obliquely folded steel plate.

[0008] Preferably, the distance between the two vertical sections of the cable fixing device is wider than the reserved groove so as to be clamped in the reserved groove.

[0009] Preferably, the top edge of the obliquely folded steel plate opposite to the bottom edge is in the shape of an upwardly bent arc.

[0010] Preferably, the preset groove is covered with a corrugated plate.

[0011] Preferably, the edge of the horizontal portion is ground into a sloped arc angle to prevent wear caused by the corrugated plate that contacts the cover later.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method for installing the fixing device, comprising the following steps:

[0013] S1. A reserved groove consisting of a horizontal shielding steel plate and a vertical shielding steel plate is provided on the membrane cabin. The horizontal shielding steel plate and the vertical shielding steel plate are connected and assembled with special bolts and nuts. The reserved groove is designed on the membrane cabin body according to the cable direction groove shown in the drawing. Its width is greater than the width of the temperature sensor.

[0014] S2. Fill the reserved groove with a strip of low-temperature-resistant glass wool filler. If the reserved groove is used to accommodate a cable arrangement section, the glass wool filler covers the cable and fills the entire cable arrangement section. If the reserved groove is used to accommodate a temperature sensor arrangement section, the glass wool filler fills the entire lower portion of the sensor arrangement section, leaving space at the upper portion of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixture.

[0015] S3. Insert the temperature sensor into the sensor fixing device, and perform argon arc welding on the tail welding part and the head welding part of the temperature sensor to fix them into one piece;

[0016] S4. Coat the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the sensor fixture with low-temperature resistant glue, and forcefully insert the entire integrated sensor fixture into the sensor arrangement section of the reserved groove, using the elastic force of the obliquely folded steel plate to clamp it in the reserved groove;

[0017] S5. In the cable arrangement section where the cables are laid, insert the cable fixture into the reserved groove at a fixed interval. Since the width of the reserved groove is narrower than the cable fixture, pinching the cable fixture with a certain closing force and inserting it into the inner wall of the reserved groove will generate a certain elastic tension, thereby securing the cable fixture. The two barbed sections of the cable fixture hook back onto the glass wool filler to further prevent it from popping out, ultimately securing the temperature sensor cable.

[0018] S6. After fixing all temperature sensors and cables, press the corrugated plate onto the surface of the transverse shielding steel plate for sealing and welding.

[0019] As described above, the present invention provides a temperature sensor and cable fixture for a membrane cabin, and an installation method. The sensor fixture is formed by processing a whole piece of stainless steel plate into a concave groove portion, and the side panels of the groove portion are folded outward to form an obliquely folded steel plate. Since the corresponding cable and sensor grooves are pre-arranged on the Mark III membrane cabin structure, the sensor can be first installed in the groove portion of the sensor fixture and welded to fix it, and then the entire sensor fixture can be inserted into the groove. The cable fixture is formed by welding a stainless steel wire bent into a gate-shaped wire slightly wider than the groove and another stainless steel wire bent into an elliptical wire slightly wider than the groove. The cable fixture is then evenly fixed and inserted into the low-temperature resistant glass wool strips in the groove at a certain interval. The glass wool strips are pre-wrapped with the cable and buried in the groove.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, this invention represents a significant improvement: Previously, liquid tank temperature sensors and their cables on liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers were installed on the outside of the tank, secured by welding, screwing, or pre-embedded into the outer polyurethane foam layer. Because these sensors were located on the tank surface, low-temperature resistance requirements were relatively low. Existing technologies require the sensors to be located inside the tank, where the lowest liquid temperature of LNG reaches -163°C. This invention, without damaging the corrugated plate, pre-embeds the fixing device into a groove and secures it within the groove using the elastic properties of stainless steel plates or steel wire. This novel method utilizes simple materials, is easy to operate, and offers high practical value. Currently, this invention is in use on an 80,000 cubic meter LNG carrier and can be extended to all LNG carriers equipped with Mark III membrane tanks as maintenance systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Shown is a schematic cross-sectional structural diagram of the sensor fixing device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 Shown is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the sensor fixing device in the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 Shown is a schematic diagram of the temperature sensor and the cable connected thereto in the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 Shown is a schematic structural diagram of the cable fixing device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 Shown is a schematic diagram of the process of placing the sensor fixing device into the reserved groove in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 Shown is a schematic diagram of the process of inserting the cable fixing device into the reserved groove in the present invention.

[0027] Figures 7 and 8 Shown is a schematic diagram of the process of laminating corrugated board.

[0028] Figure 9 Shown is a top view of the completed fixture installation.

[0029] Figure 10 Display as Figure 9 Middle AA section view.

[0030] Figure 11 Display as Figure 9 Middle BB section view.

[0031] Component number description

[0032] 11 Horizontal

[0033] 12 side panels

[0034] 13 Oblique folded steel plate

[0035] 14 Slope arc angle

[0036] 41 Gate Wire

[0037] 42 oval steel wire

[0038] 51 Horizontal shielding steel plate

[0039] 52 vertical shielding steel plate

[0040] 53 Glass wool filler

[0041] 100 Sensor Fixture

[0042] 200 Temperature Sensor

[0043] 300 cable

[0044] 400 Cable Fixing Device

[0045] 500 membrane cabin

[0046] 600 corrugated sheet

[0047] 700 reserved groove

[0048] 800 Bolt tightening DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention through specific examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the other advantages and benefits of the present invention from the disclosure herein. The present invention may also be implemented or applied through various other specific embodiments, and the details in this specification may be modified or altered based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0050] For example, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, cross-sectional views of device structures may be partially enlarged to scale for ease of explanation. Furthermore, these schematic views are merely illustrative and should not limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in actual manufacturing, three-dimensional dimensions, including length, width, and depth, should be included.

[0051] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under," "below," "below," "below," "above," and "on" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to other elements or features shown in the drawings. It will be understood that these spatially relative terms are intended to encompass orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. Additionally, when a layer is referred to as being "between" two layers, it can be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. As used herein, "between" is inclusive of both endpoints.

[0052] In the context of the present application, a structure described as a first feature being "above" a second feature may include embodiments where the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments where an additional feature is formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

[0053] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only used to schematically illustrate the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component can be changed at will, and the component layout type may also be more complicated.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a fixing device for a temperature sensor and a cable of a membrane cabin, the fixing device comprising:

[0055] The sensor fixture 100 is concave-shaped and is formed by bending a single piece of steel plate. The fixture includes a groove portion and a horizontal portion 11 extending outward from the side panels of the groove portion. The side panels 12 of the groove portion are cut into obliquely folded steel plates 13. The obliquely folded steel plates 13 are folded outward along the bottom edge connected to the side panels 12 to form an oblique upward position. The groove portion is used to accommodate the temperature sensor 200.

[0056] A cable fixing device 400 includes an elliptical steel wire 42 and a gate-shaped steel wire 41. The elliptical steel wire 41 has an upper semi-elliptical segment and an inwardly bent barb segment connected to the lower end of the semi-elliptical segment. The gate-shaped steel wire 41 includes a semi-elliptical segment and a vertical segment connected to the lower end of the semi-elliptical segment. The semi-elliptical segment of the elliptical steel wire and the semi-elliptical segment of the gate-shaped steel wire are overlapped and welded, and the two barb segments are located on the inner sides of the two vertical segments.

[0057] See Figures 5 to 8 The sensor fixing device 100 and the cable fixing device 400 are fixed in the preset groove 700 of the membrane bulkhead. For the cable arrangement section of the reserved groove 700 for accommodating the cable, the glass wool filler 53 covers the cable 300 and fills the entire cable arrangement section. The cable fixing device 400 is inserted into the reserved groove 700 for clamping and fixing. The two barb sections hook the glass wool filler to prevent it from popping out; for the sensor arrangement section of the reserved groove 700 for accommodating the temperature sensor, the glass wool filler 53 fills the lower part of the entire sensor arrangement section to leave space at the upper part of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixing device 100. The sensor fixing device 100 is clamped and fixed by the obliquely folded steel plate 13.

[0058] Furthermore, the distance between the two vertical sections of the cable fixing device 400 is slightly wider than the reserved groove 700 so as to be clamped in the reserved groove 700 .

[0059] Furthermore, the top edge of the obliquely folded steel plate 13 opposite to the bottom edge is an upwardly bent arc segment.

[0060] Furthermore, the preset groove 700 is covered with a corrugated plate 600 .

[0061] Furthermore, the horizontal portion is in a horizontal state, and the edge of the horizontal portion is ground into a slope arc angle 14, in order to prevent the corrugated plate 600 that contacts the cover later from being worn in long-term contact.

[0062] The present invention also provides a method for installing the above-mentioned fixing device, the installation method comprising the following steps:

[0063] S1. A reserved groove 700 consisting of a horizontal shielding steel plate 51 and a vertical shielding steel plate 52 is provided on the Mark III membrane cabin 500. The horizontal shielding steel plate 51 and the vertical shielding steel plate 52 are connected and assembled by special bolts and nuts. The reserved groove 700 is designed as a cable routing groove pre-designed on the membrane cabin body according to the drawings. Its width is greater than the width of the temperature sensor 200. Figure 5 shown.

[0064] S2. Fill the reserved groove 700 with a strip of low-temperature resistant glass wool filler 53. For the cable arrangement section of the reserved groove 700 for accommodating the cable, the glass wool filler 53 covers the cable 300 and fills the entire cable arrangement section; for the sensor arrangement section of the reserved groove 700 for accommodating the temperature sensor, the glass wool filler 53 fills the lower part of the entire sensor arrangement section, leaving space at the upper part of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixing device 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown;

[0065] S3. Insert the temperature sensor 200 into the sensor fixing device 100 , and perform argon arc welding on the tail welding portion and the head welding portion of the temperature sensor 200 to fix them into an integrated whole.

[0066] S4, the lower surface of the horizontal portion 11 of the sensor fixing device 100 is coated with low temperature resistant glue 54, and the integrated sensor fixing device 100 is firmly inserted into the sensor arrangement section of the reserved groove 700, and the elastic force of the obliquely folded steel plate 13 is used to clamp it in the reserved groove 700, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 、 Figure 7 shown.

[0067] S5. In the cable arrangement section where the cable 300 is laid, the cable fixture 400 is inserted into the reserved groove 700 at a certain fixed interval. Since the width of the reserved groove 700 is narrower than the cable fixture 400, the cable fixture 400 is pinched and narrowed with a certain closing force and then inserted into the inner wall of the reserved groove 700, which generates a certain elastic tension, thereby fixing the cable fixture 400. The two barbed sections of the cable fixture 400 hook the glass wool filler to further prevent it from popping out, and finally fix the cable 300 of the temperature sensor. Figure 8 shown.

[0068] S6. After fixing all the temperature sensors 200 and cables 300, press the corrugated plate onto the surface of the transverse shielding steel plate 51 for sealing and welding. The final installed structure is as follows: Figures 9 to 11 shown.

[0069] In summary, the present invention provides a temperature sensor and cable fixing device and installation method for a membrane cabin. The sensor fixing device is formed by processing a whole piece of stainless steel plate into a concave groove portion, and the side panels of the groove portion are folded outward to form an obliquely folded steel plate. Since the corresponding cable and sensor grooves are pre-arranged on the Mark III membrane cabin structure, the sensor can be first installed in the groove portion of the sensor fixing device and welded and fixed, and then the entire sensor fixing device can be stuck into the groove. The cable fixing device is formed by welding a stainless steel wire bent into a gate-shaped steel wire slightly wider than the groove and another stainless steel wire bent into an elliptical steel wire slightly wider than the groove. The cable fixing device is then evenly fixed and stuck into the low-temperature resistant glass wool strips in the groove at a certain interval. The glass wool strips are pre-wrapped with the cable and buried in the groove.

[0070] Compared with existing technologies, this invention represents a significant improvement: Previously, liquid tank temperature sensors and their cables on liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers were installed on the outside of the tank, secured by welding, screwing, or pre-embedded into the outer polyurethane foam layer. Because these sensors were located on the tank surface, low-temperature resistance requirements were relatively low. Existing technologies require the sensors to be located inside the tank, where the lowest liquid temperature of LNG reaches -163°C. This invention, without damaging the corrugated plate, pre-embeds the fixing device into a groove and secures it within the groove using the elastic properties of stainless steel plates or steel wire. This novel method utilizes simple materials, is easy to operate, and offers high practical value. Currently, this invention is in use on an 80,000 cubic meter LNG carrier and can be extended to all LNG carriers equipped with Mark III membrane tanks as maintenance systems.

[0071] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed herein are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for fixing a temperature sensor and a cable of a membrane cabin, characterized in that: The fixing device comprises: The sensor fixing device is concave in shape and is bent from a whole piece of steel plate, including a groove portion and a horizontal portion extending outward from the side panels of the groove portion. The side panels of the groove portion are cut into obliquely folded steel plates, which are folded outward along the bottom edge connected to the side panels to form an oblique upward state. The groove portion is used to accommodate the temperature sensor; A cable fixture device, comprising an elliptical steel wire and a gate-shaped steel wire, wherein the elliptical steel wire comprises an upper semi-elliptical segment and an inwardly bent barb segment connected below the end of the semi-elliptical segment; and the gate-shaped steel wire comprises a semi-elliptical segment and a vertical segment connected below the end of the semi-elliptical segment. The semi-elliptical segment of the elliptical steel wire and the semi-elliptical segment of the gate-shaped steel wire are overlapped and welded, and the two barb segments are located inside the two vertical segments. The sensor fixing device and the cable fixing device are fixed in the reserved groove of the membrane tank body; For the cable arrangement section with a reserved groove for accommodating the cable, the glass wool filler covers the cable and fills the entire cable arrangement section, the cable fixing device is inserted into the cable arrangement section for clamping and fixing, and the two barb sections hook the glass wool filler to prevent it from popping out; for the sensor arrangement section with a reserved groove for accommodating the temperature sensor, the glass wool filler fills the lower part of the entire sensor arrangement section to leave space in the upper part of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixing device, and the sensor fixing device is clamped and fixed by an obliquely folded steel plate.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the two vertical sections of the cable fixing device is wider than the reserved groove so as to be clamped in the reserved groove.

3. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The top edge of the obliquely folded steel plate opposite to the bottom edge is in an upwardly bent arc shape.

4. The fixing device according to claim 1, wherein: The reserved groove is covered with a corrugated plate.

5. The fixing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The edge of the horizontal portion is ground into a sloped arc angle to prevent wear caused by contact with the corrugated plate that will be added to the cover later.

6. A method for installing a fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steps include: S1. A reserved groove consisting of a horizontal shielding steel plate and a vertical shielding steel plate is provided on the membrane cabin. The horizontal shielding steel plate and the vertical shielding steel plate are connected and assembled with special bolts and nuts. The reserved groove is designed on the membrane cabin body according to the cable direction groove shown in the drawing. Its width is greater than the width of the temperature sensor. S2. Fill the reserved groove with a strip of low-temperature-resistant glass wool filler. If the reserved groove is used to accommodate a cable arrangement section, the glass wool filler covers the cable and fills the entire cable arrangement section. If the reserved groove is used to accommodate a temperature sensor arrangement section, the glass wool filler fills the entire lower portion of the sensor arrangement section, leaving space at the upper portion of the sensor arrangement section to accommodate the sensor fixture. S3. Insert the temperature sensor into the sensor fixing device, and perform argon arc welding on the tail welding part and the head welding part of the temperature sensor to fix them into one piece; S4. Coat the lower surface of the horizontal portion of the sensor fixture with low-temperature resistant glue, and forcefully insert the entire integrated sensor fixture into the sensor arrangement section of the reserved groove, using the elastic force of the obliquely folded steel plate to clamp it in the reserved groove; S5. In the cable arrangement section where the cables are laid, insert the cable fixture into the reserved groove at a fixed interval. Since the width of the reserved groove is narrower than the cable fixture, pinching the cable fixture with a certain closing force and inserting it into the inner wall of the reserved groove will generate a certain elastic tension, thereby securing the cable fixture. The two barbed sections of the cable fixture hook back onto the glass wool filler to further prevent it from popping out, ultimately securing the temperature sensor cable. S6. After fixing all temperature sensors and cables, press the corrugated plate onto the surface of the transverse shielding steel plate for sealing and welding.

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