A marine fuel tank container
By integrating a pipeline system into the tank container, the problem of the inability to directly supply fuel to the tank container is solved, enabling convenient fuel supply and unloading of marine fuel tank containers and improving transportation efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LIANYUNGANG COSCO MARINE SPECIAL EQUIP MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing tank containers can only store liquefied natural gas and cannot directly supply fuel to the ship's hull, causing ships to need to dock at a port or gas station to refuel, wasting time.
A marine fuel tank container was designed, integrating a piping system including liquid phase pipes, gas phase pipes and discharge pipes, and equipped with a variety of valves and double-walled pipes, enabling direct fuel supply and unloading to the ship's hull.
This enables the direct supply and unloading of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the ship without docking at a port or gas station, improving transportation efficiency and the convenience of refueling.
Smart Images
Figure CN116498895B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a container, and more particularly to a marine fuel tank container. Background Technology
[0002] Liquefied natural gas (LNG), as a clean energy source, has gradually gained attention in the shipping industry due to its abundant reserves, high safety, and mature supporting infrastructure. In recent years, driven by environmental protection and energy transition, more and more ships have begun to use LNG as their primary fuel. Tank containers, as portable cryogenic liquid storage and transportation equipment, have a very broad application prospect for storing and transporting LNG as marine fuel due to their advantages such as mobility, flexibility, and small footprint.
[0003] However, with current technology, while ordinary tank containers are convenient to load and unload, they can only serve the purpose of storing fuel and cannot supply the fuel inside to the hull. When ships need to refuel temporarily, they can only find a dock or gas station to dock for refueling, which is very time-consuming. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a marine fuel tank container that can both store liquid and supply the stored liquid as fuel to the hull, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] A marine fuel tank container, characterized in that it includes a container body and an integrated piping system, the container body including an outer shell and an inner tank, a vacuum chamber being provided between the outer shell and the inner tank, and the integrated piping system including a liquid phase pipe, a gas phase pipe and an exhaust pipe;
[0007] The liquid phase pipe is equipped with an inlet / outlet and a filling port. The inlet / outlet is located at the bottom of the inner tank. The liquid phase pipe is equipped with a liquid phase emergency shut-off valve, and a liquid phase shut-off valve is located between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the filling port.
[0008] The gas phase pipe is equipped with a gas phase inlet. A distribution pipe is located at the top of the inner tank and is connected to the gas phase pipe. A gas phase emergency shut-off valve is installed on the gas phase pipe, and a gas phase shut-off valve is installed between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase inlet.
[0009] The discharge pipe is equipped with a safety discharge port and a top discharge port located at the top of the inner tank, and a discharge valve is installed on the discharge pipe.
[0010] A top liquid inlet pipe is connected between the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe. A top liquid inlet shut-off valve is installed on the top liquid inlet pipe. The inlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the liquid phase shut-off valve and the filling port, and the outlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase shut-off valve.
[0011] The liquid phase pipes at both ends of the liquid phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipe through connecting pipe I and connecting pipe II respectively; a manual discharge valve I is installed on connecting pipe I, and a safety valve I is installed on connecting pipe II.
[0012] The gas phase pipes at both ends of the gas phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipes via connecting pipe III and connecting pipe IV, respectively; a manual discharge valve II is installed on connecting pipe III, and a safety valve II is installed on connecting pipe IV.
[0013] The liquid phase pipe between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the outer shell is configured as a liquid phase double-wall pipe. The liquid phase double-wall pipe includes an inner pipe I and an outer pipe I that are fitted together. The inner pipe I is a pipe for liquid flow. The cavity between the inner pipe I and the outer pipe I is configured as a purge chamber I. The outer pipe I is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as a liquid phase double-wall pipe purge port, and the outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe V equipped with a safety valve III.
[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following means: a liquid phase tube purge port is provided on the liquid phase tube between the filling port and the liquid phase shut-off valve; a gas phase tube purge port is provided on the gas phase tube between the gas phase port and the gas phase shut-off valve.
[0015] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following means: including a level gauge, wherein the level gauge is connected to a level gauge gas phase tube and a level gauge liquid phase tube, the level gauge gas phase tube is provided with a level gauge gas phase port located at the top of the inner tank, and the level gauge liquid phase tube is provided with a level gauge liquid phase port located at the bottom of the inner tank;
[0016] A liquid level gauge gas phase valve is installed on the liquid level gauge gas phase pipe, and a liquid level gauge liquid phase valve is installed on the liquid level gauge liquid phase pipe;
[0017] The liquid phase tube between the liquid phase valve of the level gauge and the outer shell is configured as a double-walled tube. The double-walled tube includes an inner tube II and an outer tube II that are fitted together. The inner tube II is a pipe for liquid flow. The cavity between the inner tube II and the outer tube II is configured as a purge chamber II. The outer tube II has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as a purge port for the double-walled tube of the level gauge, and the outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe VI equipped with a safety valve IV.
[0018] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following method: the discharge valve includes a manual discharge valve III and a manual discharge valve IV arranged in parallel.
[0019] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following means: an explosion-proof pipe is provided on the outer shell, the explosion-proof pipe is provided with an explosion-proof port and a pressure relief port, the explosion-proof port is provided on the outer shell, the explosion-proof pipe is connected to the vacuum cavity between the outer shell and the inner tank, and the explosion-proof pipe is provided with a pressure relief valve and a check valve.
[0020] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following method: the explosion-proof pipe is connected to the discharge pipe through a pipe disposed between the pressure relief valve and the check valve.
[0021] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by the following means: an overflow pipe is provided in the inner tank, the overflow pipe passes through the inner tank and extends to the outside of the box body, an overflow port and a discharge port are provided on the overflow pipe, the overflow port is located in the inner tank, the discharge port is located on the outside of the box body, and an overflow valve is provided on the overflow pipe between the discharge port and the outer shell.
[0022] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention can also be further achieved by providing a vacuum port and a vacuum measurement port on the outer shell.
[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: by setting an integrated pipeline system on the tank container that can be connected to various pipelines on the ship, the present invention can not only realize the transportation function, but also realize the supply of fuel to the ship, making it more convenient to refuel the ship and improving the overall transportation efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.
[0025] In the diagram: 1-Outer shell; 2-Inner tank; 3-Liquid phase pipe; 4-Gas phase pipe; 5-Discharge pipe; 6-Filling port; 7-Liquid phase emergency shut-off valve; 8-Liquid phase shut-off valve; 9-Gas phase port; 10-Distribution pipe; 11-Gas phase emergency shut-off valve; 12-Gas phase shut-off valve; 13-Safety discharge port; 14-Manual discharge valve IV; 15-Manual discharge valve III; 16-Top liquid inlet pipe; 17-Top liquid inlet shut-off valve; 18-Connecting pipe I; 19-Connecting pipe II; 20-Manual discharge valve I; 21-Connecting... Pipe III; 22-Connecting Pipe IV; 23-Manual Drain Valve II; 24-Liquid Phase Double Wall Pipe; 25-Liquid Phase Double Wall Pipe Purge Port; 26-Connecting Pipe V; 27-Liquid Phase Pipe Purge Port; 28-Gas Phase Pipe Purge Port; 29-Level Gauge; 30-Level Gauge Gas Phase Pipe; 31-Level Gauge Liquid Phase Pipe; 32-Level Gauge Gas Phase Valve; 33-Level Gauge Liquid Phase Valve; 34-Level Gauge Double Wall Pipe; 35-Level Gauge Double Wall Pipe Purge Port; 36-Connecting Pipe VI; 37-Explosion-proof Pipe; 38-Pressure Relief Valve; 39-Electrical Control Box. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The specific technical solutions of the present invention are further described below to enable those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, without constituting a limitation on its rights. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the invention.
[0027] Reference Figure 1 A marine fuel tank container includes a container body and an integrated piping system. The container body includes an outer shell 1 and an inner tank 2, with a vacuum chamber between the outer shell and the inner tank. The integrated piping system includes a liquid phase pipe 3, a gas phase pipe 4, and an exhaust pipe 5.
[0028] The liquid phase pipe is provided with an inlet / outlet and a filling port 6. The inlet / outlet is located at the bottom of the inner tank. The liquid phase pipe is equipped with a liquid phase emergency shut-off valve 7, and a liquid phase shut-off valve 8 is provided between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the filling port.
[0029] The gas phase pipe is equipped with a gas phase port 9. A distribution pipe 10 is located at the top of the inner tank and is connected to the gas phase pipe. The gas phase pipe is equipped with a gas phase emergency shut-off valve 11, and a gas phase shut-off valve 12 is located between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase port. The discharge pipe is equipped with a safety discharge port 13 and a top discharge port located at the top of the inner tank. Discharge valves 14 and 15 are installed on the discharge pipe.
[0030] Both the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase emergency shut-off valve are pneumatic valves, with an air supply pipe connected to them. The air supply pipe is equipped with a pressure regulating filter, and one end of the air supply pipe is connected to an air source port. During operation, the air source port is connected to the air supply equipment, and the opening and closing can be controlled by controlling the air supply of the equipment.
[0031] A top liquid inlet pipe 16 is connected between the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe. A top liquid inlet shut-off valve 17 is installed on the top liquid inlet pipe. The inlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the liquid phase shut-off valve and the filling port, and the outlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase shut-off valve.
[0032] The liquid phase pipes at both ends of the liquid phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipes via connecting pipe I18 and connecting pipe II19, respectively; a manual discharge valve I20 is installed on connecting pipe I, and a safety valve I is installed on connecting pipe II.
[0033] The gas phase pipes at both ends of the gas phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipes via connecting pipe Ⅲ21 and connecting pipe Ⅳ22 respectively; a manual discharge valve Ⅱ23 is installed on connecting pipe Ⅲ, and a safety valve Ⅱ is installed on connecting pipe Ⅳ.
[0034] The liquid phase pipe between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the outer shell is configured as a liquid phase double-wall pipe 24. The liquid phase double-wall pipe includes an inner pipe I and an outer pipe I that are fitted together. The inner pipe I is a pipe for liquid flow. The cavity between the inner pipe I and the outer pipe I is configured as a purge chamber I. The outer pipe I is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as a liquid phase double-wall pipe purge port 25. The outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe V 26 provided with a safety valve III.
[0035] The liquid phase double-walled pipe can keep the LNG flowing through the pipeline warm, and the outer pipe I can act as a buffer in case of leakage in the inner pipe I. After the liquid phase pipe is used up, water vapor may remain in the purge chamber I. In order to prevent affecting the service life, the purge chamber I should be purged with nitrogen through the purge port of the liquid phase double-walled pipe to discharge the water vapor from the outlet of the outer pipe I, so as to ensure that there are no impurities inside the purge chamber I.
[0036] When supplying LNG fuel from the container to the ship, the liquid phase pipe is connected to the ship's fuel inlet, and the gas phase pipe is connected to the ship's gas supply inlet. Workers open the gas phase shut-off valve, the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve, and the gas phase emergency shut-off valve. After preparation, the liquid phase shut-off valve is opened, and gas supply to the gas phase pipe begins. Under its own weight and gas pressure, the LNG fuel in the tank flows through the inlet / outlet at the bottom of the inner tank into the liquid phase pipe, and then through the filling port to the ship's fuel tank.
[0037] After the LNG fuel transfer is completed, close all the above valves, open the discharge valve on the discharge pipe to discharge excess gas and keep the pressure in the inner tank stable.
[0038] When unloading LNG from a storage tank using this invention as a transportation device, the liquid phase pipe is connected to the unloading port of the storage tank, and the gas phase pipe is connected to the pressurization port. Operators open the gas phase shut-off valve, the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve, and the gas phase emergency shut-off valve. After preparation, the liquid phase shut-off valve is opened, and gas supply to the gas phase pipe begins. Under the influence of its own gravity and gas pressure, the LNG fuel in the tank flows through the inlet / outlet at the bottom of the inner tank into the liquid phase pipe, and is then transported to the ship's fuel tank through the filling port.
[0039] After unloading is complete, close all the above valves, open the discharge valve on the discharge pipe to release excess gas and keep the pressure in the inner tank stable.
[0040] Of course, when transporting fuel and unloading liquid, the present invention can also open only the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the liquid phase stop valve, so that the LNG fuel in the tank flows into the bottom inlet and outlet under its own weight, and flows into the target container through the liquid phase pipe.
[0041] When filling a container with LNG fuel, first, connect the liquid phase pipe to the filling port of the refueling station, open the top liquid inlet shut-off valve on the top connecting pipe and supply gas to the gas phase emergency shut-off valve to open it. LNG fuel enters the liquid phase pipe through the filling port, flows through the top liquid inlet pipe to the gas phase pipe, and is evenly sprayed into the inner tank through the distribution pipe. This can effectively reduce the temperature and pressure of the inner tank. Then, open the liquid phase shut-off valve and supply gas to the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve to open it. LNG fuel enters the inner tank from the bottom inlet and outlet. After reaching the preset value, the refueling station stops supplying liquid.
[0042] To keep the pressure in the inner tank stable throughout the fuel filling process, the vent valve should be opened to allow the gas in the inner tank to enter the vent pipe through the top vent and exit through the safety vent.
[0043] Specifically, the marine fuel container has a liquid phase pipe purge port 27 on the liquid phase pipe between the filling port and the liquid phase shut-off valve; and a gas phase pipe purge port 28 on the gas phase pipe between the gas phase port and the gas phase shut-off valve.
[0044] After use, both the gas phase pipe and the liquid phase pipe must be purged with nitrogen to remove impurities and moisture from the pipes and ensure the purity of the LNG flowing through them.
[0045] Specifically, the marine fuel container includes a level gauge 29, which is connected to a level gauge vapor phase pipe 30 and a level gauge liquid phase pipe 31. The level gauge vapor phase pipe has a level gauge vapor phase port located at the top of the inner tank, and the level gauge liquid phase pipe has a level gauge liquid phase port located at the bottom of the inner tank. A level gauge vapor phase valve 32 and a level gauge liquid phase valve 33 are provided on the level gauge vapor phase pipe.
[0046] During LNG fuel filling, the liquid phase valve and the gas phase valve of the level gauge are opened. Gas in the tank enters the gas phase tube of the level gauge through the gas phase port, and LNG enters the liquid phase tube of the level gauge through the liquid phase port. The level gauge can display the liquid level and pressure in the inner tank.
[0047] The liquid phase tube between the liquid phase valve of the level gauge and the outer shell is configured as a double-walled tube 34 of the level gauge. The double-walled tube of the level gauge includes an inner tube II and an outer tube II that are fitted together. The inner tube II is a pipe for liquid flow. The cavity between the inner tube II and the outer tube II is configured as a purge chamber II. The outer tube II has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as a purge port 35 of the double-walled tube of the level gauge. The outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe VI 36 equipped with a safety valve IV.
[0048] The liquid phase double-walled tube can keep the LNG flowing through the pipeline warm, and the outer tube II can act as a buffer in case of leakage in the inner tube II. After the liquid phase tube of the level gauge is used up, water vapor may remain in the purge chamber II. In order to prevent it from affecting the service life, the purge chamber II should be purged with nitrogen through the purge port of the liquid phase double-walled tube to discharge the water vapor from the outlet of the outer tube II and ensure that there are no impurities inside the purge chamber II.
[0049] Specifically, the discharge valves include manual discharge valve III15 and manual discharge valve IV14 connected in parallel. This arrangement ensures the safety of the overall pipeline.
[0050] Specifically, the marine fuel container includes an explosion-proof pipe 37, which is provided with an explosion-proof port and a pressure relief port. The explosion-proof port is located on the outer shell. The explosion-proof pipe is connected to the vacuum cavity between the outer shell and the inner tank. The explosion-proof pipe is provided with a pressure relief valve 38 and a check valve.
[0051] By installing explosion-proof pipes, the pressure in the chamber can be relieved in a timely manner when sealing problems occur in the vacuum chamber, thereby improving the overall safety of the chamber.
[0052] Specifically, the explosion-proof pipe is connected to the discharge pipe through a pipe installed between the pressure relief valve and the check valve.
[0053] This design allows for pressure release through the discharge pipe even if the pressure relief valve malfunctions, further enhancing the overall safety of the enclosure.
[0054] Specifically, an overflow pipe is installed in the inner tank, passing through the inner tank and extending to the outside of the container. The overflow pipe has an overflow port and a drain port. The overflow port is located inside the inner tank, and the drain port is located outside the container. The horizontal height of the overflow port is higher than that of the overflow outlet. An overflow valve is installed on the overflow pipe between the drain port and the outer shell. This design prevents overfilling when the container is refueled with LNG.
[0055] Specifically, the marine fuel container is equipped with a vacuum extraction port and a vacuum measurement port on its outer shell. This design facilitates the measurement of the vacuum level in the container's interlayer.
[0056] This invention also includes a monitoring system, comprising a temperature sensor installed in the inner tank. The temperature sensor is connected to an electrical control box 39 associated with the ship's electrical control system. The electrical control box is connected to differential pressure sensors installed on the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve, the gas phase emergency shut-off valve, the level gauge, the level gauge double-walled pipe, and the liquid phase double-walled pipe. The electrical control box feeds back the signals from the aforementioned sensors to the ship's electrical control system to monitor the temperature of the inner tank and the pressure in the pipelines, further enhancing the overall pipeline safety.
[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A marine fuel tank container, characterized in that: Including enclosure and integrated piping system, The enclosure includes an outer shell and an inner tank, with a vacuum chamber between the outer shell and the inner tank. The integrated piping system includes a liquid phase pipe, a gas phase pipe, and an exhaust pipe; The liquid phase pipe is equipped with an inlet / outlet and a filling port. The inlet / outlet is located at the bottom of the inner tank. The liquid phase pipe is equipped with a liquid phase emergency shut-off valve, and a liquid phase shut-off valve is located between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the filling port. The gas phase pipe is equipped with a gas phase inlet, and a distribution pipe is located at the top of the inner tank, which is connected to the gas phase pipe. The gas phase pipe is equipped with a gas phase emergency shut-off valve, and a gas phase shut-off valve is installed between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase port. The discharge pipe is equipped with a safety discharge port and a top discharge port located at the top of the inner tank, and a discharge valve is installed on the discharge pipe. A top liquid inlet pipe is connected between the liquid phase pipe and the gas phase pipe. A top liquid inlet shut-off valve is installed on the top liquid inlet pipe. The inlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the liquid phase shut-off valve and the filling port, and the outlet of the top liquid inlet pipe is located between the gas phase emergency shut-off valve and the gas phase shut-off valve. The liquid phase pipes at both ends of the liquid phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipe through connecting pipe I and connecting pipe II respectively; a manual discharge valve I is installed on connecting pipe I, and a safety valve I is installed on connecting pipe II. The gas phase pipes at both ends of the gas phase shut-off valve are connected to the discharge pipes via connecting pipe III and connecting pipe IV, respectively; a manual discharge valve II is installed on connecting pipe III, and a safety valve II is installed on connecting pipe IV. The liquid phase pipe between the liquid phase emergency shut-off valve and the outer casing is configured as a liquid phase double-walled pipe. The liquid phase double-walled pipe includes an inner pipe I and an outer pipe I nested together. The inner pipe I is the liquid flow pipe, and the cavity between the inner pipe I and the outer pipe I is configured as a purge chamber I. The outer pipe I has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as the liquid phase double-walled pipe purge port, and the outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe V equipped with a safety valve III. A liquid phase tube purge port is provided on the liquid phase tube between the filling port and the liquid phase shut-off valve; A gas phase pipe purge port is provided on the gas phase pipe between the gas phase port and the gas phase shut-off valve; The system includes a level gauge, which is connected to a level gauge gas phase tube and a level gauge liquid phase tube. The level gauge gas phase tube has a level gauge gas phase port located at the top of the inner tank, and the level gauge liquid phase tube has a level gauge liquid phase port located at the bottom of the inner tank. A liquid level gauge gas phase valve is installed on the liquid level gauge gas phase pipe, and a liquid level gauge liquid phase valve is installed on the liquid level gauge liquid phase pipe; The liquid phase tube between the liquid phase valve of the level gauge and the outer shell is configured as a double-walled tube. The double-walled tube includes an inner tube II and an outer tube II that are fitted together. The inner tube II is a pipe for liquid flow. The cavity between the inner tube II and the outer tube II is configured as a purge chamber II. The outer tube II has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured as a purge port for the double-walled tube of the level gauge, and the outlet is connected to the discharge pipe through a connecting pipe VI equipped with a safety valve IV.
2. The marine fuel tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The discharge valves include manual discharge valve III and manual discharge valve IV, which are connected in parallel.
3. The marine fuel tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that: An explosion-proof pipe is provided on the outer shell, and the explosion-proof pipe is provided with an explosion-proof port and a pressure relief port. The explosion-proof port is located on the outer shell, and the explosion-proof pipe is connected to the vacuum cavity between the outer shell and the inner tank. The explosion-proof pipe is provided with a pressure relief valve and a check valve.
4. The marine fuel tank container according to claim 3, characterized in that: The explosion-proof pipe is connected to the discharge pipe through a pipe installed between the pressure relief valve and the check valve.
5. The marine fuel tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that: An overflow pipe is provided in the inner tank, which passes through the inner tank and extends to the outside of the box. The overflow pipe is provided with an overflow port and a drain port. The overflow port is located in the inner tank, and the drain port is located on the outside of the box. An overflow valve is provided on the overflow pipe between the drain port and the outer shell.
6. The marine fuel tank container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing is equipped with a vacuum port and a vacuum measurement port.