Multilayered shell tank and vessel

Abstract

An inner tank, an outer tank that houses the inner tank, an outermost case that houses the inner tank and the outer tank, and an inter-tank pipe that passes between the inner tank and the outer tank. The inner tank has an inner tank main body and an inner tank protruding portion that protrudes from the inner tank main body to the outside of the outermost case. The outer tank has an outer tank main body that covers the inner tank main body and an outer tank protruding portion that protrudes from the top of the outer tank main body to the outside of the outermost case and surrounds at least a portion of the inner tank protruding portion, the outer tank protruding portion having an outer tank exposed portion that is exposed to the outside of the outermost case at least in part. The inter-tank pipe passes between the inner tank main body and the outer tank main body, passes between the inner tank protruding portion and the outer tank protruding portion, and extends to the outside through the outer tank exposed portion of the outer tank protruding portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to multi-shell tanks and ships having such multi-shell tanks, and more specifically, to piping structures of multi-shell tanks that pass through adjacent tanks. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, multi-layered shell tanks for storing cryogenic liquefied gases and ships having such multi-layered shell tanks were known. Such a multi-layered shell tank is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-layered tank (liquid gas storage device) comprising a tank for storing liquid gas, an inner shell covering the tank, and an outer shell covering the inner shell. A vaporized gas obtained by vaporizing the liquid gas is filled in the cold-insulating space between the tank and the inner shell. Nitrogen gas is filled in the space between the inner shell and the outer shell. An arched top is provided at the top of the tank for the passage of pipelines for loading and unloading the liquid gas. An evaporation gas pipe is provided in the arch to guide the vaporized gas evaporating inside the tank to a heater, and the vaporized gas heated by the heater is supplied to the cold-insulating space via a supply pipe.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-323498 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] As described in Patent Document 1, multi-layer shell tanks, sometimes composed of multiple layers of tanks (shells), are equipped with piping that passes through the tanks and extends to the outside of the multi-layer shell tank in order to supply or discharge gas into or from the tanks. Regarding such piping, especially in cases involving flammable or cryogenic fluids, it is preferable to lay it in a manner that avoids passing through other tanks located outside the tanks through which the piping passes, in order to prevent leakage at joints or other points. In Patent Document 1, a protrusion is provided in the inner shell that penetrates the outer shell and protrudes into the exposed space, and the supply pipe passes through this protrusion and through the cold-insulating space without passing through other tanks located on the outside. However, this protrusion of the inner shell is located at an arch far from where the piping is concentrated.

[0009] The portion of the supply and distribution pipes that pass through the tank (hereinafter referred to as the pipe penetration section) requires reinforcement and strength evaluation. Furthermore, if the tank is heat-insulated, the pipe penetration section requires special heat-insulation construction. For this reason, the more pipe penetration sections there are, the more time is spent in manufacturing and the more inspection points are required during maintenance; therefore, it is preferable to have fewer pipe penetration sections. Moreover, if the pipe penetration sections are scattered in a multi-layered tank, the accessibility and maintainability of valves and meters installed on the piping are reduced; therefore, it is preferable to centrally arrange the pipe penetration sections.

[0010] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a piping structure for a multi-layer shell tank that enables the pipe penetrations of the tank to be concentrated.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The multi-layer shell tank disclosed herein is characterized by having: an inner tank; an outer tank that houses the inner tank; an outer shell that houses the inner tank and the outer tank; and inter-tank piping that passes between the inner tank and the outer tank. The inner tank has: an inner tank body; and an inner tank protrusion that extends from the inner tank body through the outer shell and outwards from the outer shell. The outer tank has: an outer tank body that covers the inner tank body; and an outer tank protrusion that extends through the outer shell and outwards from the outer shell and surrounds at least a portion of the inner tank protrusion. The outer tank protrusion has at least a portion of an outer tank exposure portion that exposes to the outer side of the outer shell. The inter-tank piping passes between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, passes between the inner tank protrusion and the outer tank protrusion, and extends outwards through the outer tank exposure portion of the outer tank protrusion.

[0013] Furthermore, the multi-layer shell tank of this disclosure is characterized in that it has: an inner tank; an outer tank that houses the inner tank; an outer shell that houses the inner tank and the outer tank; and an inter-tank pipe that passes through the space between the inner tank and the outer tank. The inner tank has: an inner tank body; and an inner tank protrusion that protrudes from the inner tank body through the outer tank and the outer shell to the outside of the outer shell. The outer tank has an outer tank body that covers the inner tank body. The inner tank protrusion has an inner tank exposure portion exposed to the outside of the outer shell in at least a portion. The inter-tank pipe passes through the space between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, passes through the inner tank protrusion and through the inner tank protrusion, and extends outward through the inner tank exposure portion of the inner tank protrusion.

[0014] Furthermore, the multi-layer shell tank of this disclosure is characterized in that it has: an inner tank; an outer tank that houses the inner tank; an outer shell that houses the inner tank and the outer tank; an inter-tank pipe that passes between the inner tank and the outer tank; and an inner tank pipe that connects the interior of the inner tank to the exterior. The inner tank has an inner tank body, and the outer tank has: an outer tank body that covers the inner tank body; and an outer tank protrusion that protrudes from the outer tank body through the outer shell to the outside of the outer shell. The outer tank protrusion has at least a portion of an exposed outer tank portion that extends to the outside of the outer shell. The inter-tank pipe passes between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, passes through the interior of the outer tank protrusion, passes through the exposed outer tank portion of the outer tank protrusion, and extends outward. The inner tank pipe passes from the interior of the inner tank body through the inner tank body, passes through the interior of the outer tank protrusion, passes through the exposed outer tank portion of the outer tank protrusion, and extends outward.

[0015] The vessel disclosed herein is characterized in that it has: a hull; and the multi-layered shell tank supported by said hull.

[0016] According to the multi-shell tank with the above structure and the ship having the multi-shell tank, the pipe penetrations of the multi-shell tank are concentrated in the outer tank protrusion and the inner tank protrusion (or, the inner tank protrusion or the outer tank protrusion). By concentrating the pipe penetrations in the multi-shell tank in this way, it is expected that the workability during tank construction will be improved. Furthermore, when maintaining each pipe penetration and the valves and meters installed on the piping connecting the pipe penetrations, since the maintenance points are concentrated by concentrating the pipe penetrations, maintainability and accessibility are expected to be improved.

[0017] Furthermore, in the multi-shell tanks with the aforementioned structure and in ships equipped with such multi-shell tanks, the inter-tank piping extends through the protrusions of the outer or inner tanks to reach the exposed space, but does not pass through the space between the outer tank and the outermost shell. This prevents fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping from leaking into the space between the outer tank and the outermost shell.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, a piping structure for a multi-layer shell tank that allows for the concentration of the pipe passages in the tank can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vessel with a multi-layered shell tank having an implementation method.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 1.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 1.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 2.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layered shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 3.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 4.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank that uses the piping structure of Example 5. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in this specification, "inner side" refers to the side near the center portion of the space within the inner tank of the multi-layered shell tank, and "outer side" refers to the side away from the center portion of the space within the inner tank of the multi-layered shell tank.

[0028] [Ship 1's general structure]

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a ship 1 having the multi-layered shell tank 2 of this embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 1 As shown, vessel 1 has at least one multi-layered tank 2 and a hull 11 that carries the multi-layered tank 2. Vessel 1 is a liquefied gas carrier for transporting cryogenic liquefied gases. Examples of liquefied gases include LNG, liquid nitrogen, liquid hydrogen, and liquid helium.

[0030] [Simplified structure of multi-layer shell tank 2]

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-layer shell tank 2 (2A) using the piping structure of Example 1. (See attached image.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-layered shell tank 2 has: an inner groove 3; an outer groove 4 that houses the inner groove 3; and an outermost shell 15 that houses the inner groove 3 and the outer groove 4. In this embodiment, the outermost shell 15 is formed by a can cover 12 and a retaining wall 14, the can cover 12 covering the upper part of the outer groove 4, and the retaining wall 14 covering the sides and bottom of the outer groove 4. Alternatively, the upper part of the outer groove 4 can be covered by a part of the hull 11 instead of the can cover 12. The retaining wall 14 can, for example, be formed by a part of the hull 11.

[0032] In this embodiment, both the inner groove 3 and the outer groove 4 are spherical. Regarding spherical shapes, in addition to round spheres, capsule shapes and ellipses are also included. However, the inner groove 3 and the outer groove 4 are not necessarily limited to spherical shapes; they can also be square.

[0033] The liquefied gas is stored in the storage space 51 inside the inner tank 3. An airtight space (hereinafter referred to as the cold-insulating space 52) is formed between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4. The cold-insulating space 52 is provided with heat-insulating material. Moreover, the cold-insulating space 52 is filled with a gas whose boiling point is higher than or equal to the boiling point of the liquefied gas stored in the storage space 51. In this embodiment, the vaporized gas of the liquefied gas in the storage space 51 is filled in the cold-insulating space 52, and this vaporized gas is flammable. In this way, when the storage space 51 and the cold-insulating space 52 are filled with the same gas, the cold-insulating space 52 can communicate with the storage space 51 in the inner tank 3.

[0034] A substantially sealed space (hereinafter referred to as the holding space 53) is formed between the outer groove 4 and the outermost shell 15. The holding space 53 is filled with a non-flammable gas or a flame-retardant gas, such as nitrogen or an inert gas, or dry air. In this embodiment, the holding space 53 is filled with nitrogen.

[0035] The inner tank 3 has an inner tank body 31 and an inner tank protrusion 32, which protrudes upward from the top of the inner tank body 31. The inner tank protrusion 32 forms a space that protrudes upward above the tank cover 12 and communicates with the interior of the inner tank 3, allowing piping passing through the interior of the inner tank 3 to be directly guided to the exposed space without passing through other spaces. The inner tank protrusion 32 is domed and is commonly referred to as the inner tank dome. The inner tank protrusion 32 includes: a tubular peripheral wall that rises from the inner tank body 31; and a top wall that closes the upper opening of the peripheral wall. The upper part of the inner tank protrusion 32 protrudes upward above the tank cover 12, thus being exposed.

[0036] A tower 20 is provided in the inner tank 3, extending from the top of the inner tank protrusion 32 to the bottom of the inner tank body 31. Although not shown in the figure, a pump for drawing liquefied gas is provided in the lower part of the tower 20. This pump is connected to a liquid delivery pipe and an electrical conduit, which pass through the interior of the tower 20, through the inner tank protrusion 32, and extend to the outside. However, the pump located at the bottom of the tower 20 may also be omitted. The inner tank 3 is provided with at least one inner tank pipe 91 communicating with the interior of the inner tank 3 and the exterior of the multi-layer shell tank 2. One end of the inner tank pipe 91 opens into the interior of the inner tank 3, and the inner tank pipe 91 passes through the inner tank 3 (or, the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4) and extends to the outside. The inner tank pipe 91 may also pass through the tower 20. Figure 2The diagram shows a single inner tank pipe 91, but multiple inner tank pipes 91 can also be installed in the multi-layer shell tank 2. The inner tank pipe 91 is, for example, a gas supply pipe that directs the vaporized gas generated by the vaporization of liquefied gas within the inner tank 3 from the inner tank 3 to other equipment outside the multi-layer shell tank 2. Other equipment includes, for example, a propulsion engine, a generator, a reliquefaction unit, and an atmospheric venting device. However, the inner tank pipe 91 is not limited to a gas supply pipe; it can also be, for example, a liquid delivery pipe for transporting goods, a sampling pipe, or a spraying pipe.

[0037] At least one inter-tank pipe 92 passes through the insulation space 52 between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4. Figure 2 The diagram shows a single inter-tank piping 92, but multiple inter-tank piping 92s can be provided in the multi-layer shell tank 2. The inter-tank piping 92 can be appropriately supported by structural components of the cold insulation space 52. The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, extending outwards through at least one of the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4. One end of the inter-tank piping 92 can open at any location within the cold insulation space 52 between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41. The inter-tank piping 92 can branch / merge within the cold insulation space 52. The inter-tank piping 92 can be any of the following: a liquid supply pipe, a gas supply pipe, or an electrical conduit. Furthermore, when the inter-tank piping 92 is a liquid supply pipe or a gas supply pipe, it can supply gas or liquid to the cold insulation space 52, and it can also discharge gas or liquid from the cold insulation space 52. As a specific example of the inter-tank piping 92, purging piping, sampling piping, gas supply piping, etc. can be listed.

[0038] In the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4, the section through which the pipes such as the inter-tank piping 92 pass is referred to as the pipe penetration section. Airtight construction is performed on the pipe penetration section to ensure airtightness between the tank and the piping. Furthermore, the same heat-resistant construction is performed on the pipe penetration section as on the tank.

[0039] [Pipe Construction]

[0040] The following describes examples 1 to 5 of the piping structures used for the main installation of inter-tank piping 92 in the multi-layer shell tank 2.

[0041] <Example 1 of Piping Construction>

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the multi-layer shell tank 2A ​​shown, the outer tank 4 has an outer tank body 41 and an outer tank protrusion 42, which protrudes upward from the top of the outer tank body 41. The outer tank protrusion 42 is used to form a space that protrudes upward toward an exposed space above the tank cover 12 and communicates with the cold insulation space 52, so that piping passing through the cold insulation space 52 between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4 can be directly guided to the exposed space without passing through other spaces.

[0043] The outer groove protrusion 42 is a cylindrical body surrounding the inner groove protrusion 32. However, the outer groove protrusion 42 does not need to surround the entire circumference of the inner groove protrusion 32; surrounding at least a portion is sufficient. The top of the outer groove protrusion 42 is lower than the top of the inner groove protrusion 32, thus the annular top of the outer groove protrusion 42 appears around the top of the inner groove protrusion 32. The top and a portion (upper part) of the side of the outer groove protrusion 42 form an outer groove exposure portion 43 exposed above the can cover 12. However, as long as the outer groove exposure portion 43 can be formed on the outer groove protrusion 42, the height of the top of the outer groove protrusion 42 can also be higher than the height of the top of the inner groove protrusion 32. Furthermore, as long as the outer groove exposure portion 43 can be exposed to the exposed space (atmosphere), a cover or roof can also be provided around it.

[0044] The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, and between the inner tank protrusion 32 and the outer tank protrusion 42, extending to the outside through the outer tank exposed portion 43. That is, the pipe penetration portion of the inter-tank piping 92 is located at the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. Figure 2 In the multi-layer shell tank 2A ​​shown, the pipe penetration portion is provided in the outer tank exposure portion 43 on the side of the outer tank protrusion 42, but it can also be as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the multi-layer shell tank 2A', the pipe penetration portion is located at the top of the outer groove protrusion 42 in the exposed outer groove portion 43. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multi-layer shell tank 2A' that uses the piping structure of Example 1.

[0045] In the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' with the above-described structure, the pipe penetrations for the inter-tank piping 92 are located at the outer tank protrusion 42. The pipe penetrations of the piping passing through the tower 20, including the inner tank piping 91, are concentrated at the inner tank protrusion 32. The outer tank protrusion 42 surrounds the side of the inner tank protrusion 32, and the inner tank protrusion 32 is sufficiently close to the outer tank protrusion 42. Therefore, it can be said that the pipe penetrations located at the outer tank protrusion 42 and the inner tank protrusion 32 are centrally located in the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A'. That is, through the piping structure described above, multiple pipe penetrations in the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' can be concentrated. Strength evaluation is performed after applying airtight construction, heat protection construction, and reinforcement to the pipe penetrations. By concentrating the pipe penetrations, improved workability can be expected. Furthermore, although the valves and meters installed on the pipes and the piping of the pipes are inspected during maintenance, by concentrating the pipe connections and maintenance points, it is expected that maintainability and accessibility can be improved.

[0046] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' described above, the inter-tank piping 92 only passes through the insulation space 52, and does not pass through the storage space 51 or the holding space 53. Therefore, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92, even if the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 leaks into the insulation space 52 or the exposed space, it will not leak into the storage space 51 or the holding space 53. This piping structure is particularly useful when the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 is a flammable gas.

[0047] <Example 2 of Piping Construction>

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of multi-layer shell tank 2B, which uses the piping structure of Example 2. Figure 4 In the multi-layer shell tank 2B shown, the inner groove protrusion 32 has a necking 33 between its connection point with the inner groove body 31, i.e., between the base 35 and the top 36, in the vertical direction. The diameter of the necking 33 is smaller than the diameter of the top 36 and the base 35 of the inner groove protrusion 32. The necking 33 can be provided on the entire outer periphery of the inner groove protrusion 32, or it can be provided at multiple locations distributed on the outer periphery of the inner groove protrusion 32.

[0049] The outer groove 4 has an outer groove body 41 and an outer groove protrusion 42, which protrudes upward from the top of the outer groove body 41. The outer groove protrusion 42 is cylindrical and forms a constricted neck 33 surrounding the inner groove protrusion 32. The outer diameter of the outer groove protrusion 42 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the top 36 of the inner groove protrusion 32, and the constricted neck 33 of the inner groove protrusion 32 is separated from the outer groove protrusion 42. However, the outer diameter of the outer groove protrusion 42 may also be different from the outer diameter of the top 36 of the inner groove protrusion 32. A portion of the side of the outer groove protrusion 42 becomes the outer groove exposure portion 43, which is exposed above the can cover 12.

[0050] The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, and between the constriction 33 of the inner tank protrusion 32 and the outer tank protrusion 42, extending to the outside through the outer tank exposure portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. The through portion of the inter-tank piping 92 is located on the side of the outer tank exposure portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. In this way, the inter-tank piping 92 only passes through the cold insulation space 52 within the multi-layer shell tank 2B, and does not pass through the storage space 51 and the holding space 53.

[0051] In the multi-layer shell tank 2B with the piping structure of the second example, in addition to the effects achieved by the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' with the piping structure of the first example, the following effects are also achieved: the outer groove protrusion 42 and the inner groove protrusion 32 each have independent exposed portions, and the total volume of the outer groove protrusion 42 and the inner groove protrusion 32 can be suppressed.

[0052] <Example 3 of Piping Construction>

[0053] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-layer shell tank 2C, which uses the piping structure described in Example 3. Figure 5 In the multi-layer shell tank 2C shown, the outer tank 4 has an outer tank body 41 and an outer tank protrusion 42, which protrudes upward from the top of the outer tank body 41. The outer tank protrusion 42 is domed and completely surrounds the inner tank protrusion 32. The top and a portion of the side of the outer tank protrusion 42 form an outer tank exposure portion 43 exposed above the tank cover 12. The outer diameter of the outer tank protrusion 42 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner tank protrusion 32, and the inner tank protrusion 32 is separated from the outer tank protrusion 42.

[0054] The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, and between the inner tank protrusion 32 and the outer tank protrusion 42, extending to the outside by penetrating the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. The pipe penetration portion of the inter-tank piping 92 is located at the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. Additionally, in Figure 5 In the middle, the pipe penetration part is provided on the side of the outer tank protrusion 42, which is the outer tank exposure part 43, but the pipe penetration part can also be provided on the top of the outer tank protrusion 42, which is the outer tank exposure part 43. The inter-tank piping 92 only passes through the cold insulation space 52 in the multi-layer shell tank 2C, and does not pass through the storage space 51 and the holding space 53.

[0055] In the multi-layer shell tank 2C with the piping structure of the third example, in addition to the effects achieved by the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' with the piping structure of the first example, the following effects are also achieved: a cold insulation layer is formed over the entire circumference of the inner groove protrusion 32 by covering the entire inner groove protrusion 32 with the outer groove protrusion 42.

[0056] <Example 4 of Piping Construction>

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic 2D cross-sectional view of a multi-layered shell tank using the piping structure described in Example 4. Figure 6 In the multi-layer shell tank 2D shown, the outer tank 4 has an outer tank body 41, and the outer tank body 41 is airtightly connected to the side of the inner tank protrusion 32.

[0058] The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, penetrates the inner tank protrusion 32, passes through the inner tank protrusion 32, and extends to the outside through the exposed portion of the inner tank protrusion 32. The pipe penetration portion of the inter-tank piping 92 is located at the exposed portion of the inner tank protrusion 32 facing the cold insulation space 52 and at the exposed portion of the inner tank protrusion 32. Furthermore, in Figure 6 In the middle, the pipe penetration part is provided in the exposed part on the side of the inner groove protrusion 32, but the pipe penetration part can also be provided in the exposed part at the top of the inner groove protrusion 32.

[0059] In the multi-layer shell tank 2D with the above-described structure, the pipe penetration section for the inter-tank piping 92 is located in the inner tank protrusion 32. Furthermore, the pipe penetration sections of the piping passing through the tower 20, including the inner tank piping 91, are concentrated in this inner tank protrusion 32. Thus, the pipe penetration sections of the piping, including the inter-tank piping 92, are centrally located in the inner tank protrusion 32. That is, with the piping structure described above, multiple pipe penetration sections of the multi-layer shell tank 2D can be concentrated. Strength evaluation is performed based on airtight construction, heat protection construction, and reinforcement of the pipe penetration sections. By concentrating the pipe penetration sections, improved workability can be expected. Moreover, although valves and meters installed on each pipe penetration section and the piping passing through the pipe penetration sections are inspected during maintenance, the concentration of the pipe penetration sections and maintenance locations leads to improved maintainability and accessibility.

[0060] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tank 2D described above, the inter-tank piping 92 passes through the cold insulation space 52 and the storage space 51, but not through the holding space 53. Therefore, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92, even if the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 leaks into the storage space 51, the cold insulation space 52, or the exposed space, it will not leak into the holding space 53. This piping structure is particularly useful when the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 is the same as the vaporized gas of the liquefied gas contained in the storage space 51.

[0061] <Example 5 of Piping Construction>

[0062] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multi-layer shell tank 2E, which uses the piping structure described in Example 5. Figure 7 In the multi-layer shell tank 2E shown, the inner tank 3 has an inner tank body 31 but no inner tank protrusion 32. The outer tank 4 has an outer tank body 41 and an outer tank protrusion 42, which protrudes upward from the top of the outer tank body 41. The outer tank protrusion 42 is domed. The top and a portion of the side of the outer tank protrusion 42 form an outer tank exposure portion 43 exposed to the outside of the tank cover 12.

[0063] The inter-tank piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, and inside the outer tank protrusion 42, extending to the outside through the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. Additionally, in Figure 7 In this configuration, the pipe penetration portion for the inter-tank piping 92 is located on the side of the outer tank protrusion 42 at the outer tank exposure portion 43. However, the pipe penetration portion for the inter-tank piping 92 may also be located at the top of the outer tank protrusion 42 at the outer tank exposure portion 43. The inter-tank piping 92 passes only through the cold insulation space 52 within the multi-layer shell tank 2E, and does not pass through the storage space 51 or the holding space 53.

[0064] The inner groove piping 91 penetrates the inner groove body 31, passes through the interior of the outer groove protrusion 42, penetrates the outer groove exposed portion 43 of the outer groove protrusion 42, and extends to the outside. Additionally, in Figure 7 In the inner tank pipe 91, the through portion of the pipe is located at the top of the outer tank protrusion 42 in the exposed portion 43 of the outer tank. However, the through portion of the inner tank pipe 91 can also be located at the side of the exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. The inner tank pipe 91 passes through the storage space 51 and the cold insulation space 52 within the multi-layer shell tank 2E, but does not pass through the holding space 53.

[0065] In the multi-layer shell tank 2E with the piping structure of Example 5, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92, even if the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 leaks into the cold-insulating space 52 or the exposed space, it will not leak into the holding space 53. Similarly, in the event of damage to the inner tank piping 91, even if the fluid flowing through the inner tank piping 91 leaks into the storage space 51, the cold-insulating space 52, or the exposed space, it will not leak into the holding space 53. Therefore, the above piping structure is particularly useful when the fluid filling the cold-insulating space 52 is the same as the vaporized gas of the liquefied gas stored in the storage space 51.

[0066] [Summarize]

[0067] As described above, the multi-layer shell tanks 2A, 2A', 2B, and 2C having the piping structure of Examples 1 to 3 of this embodiment include: an inner tank 3; an outer tank 4 that houses the inner tank 3; an outer shell 15 that houses the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4; and an inter-tank pipe 92 that passes between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4. The inner tank 3 includes: an inner tank body 31; and an inner tank protrusion 32 that protrudes from the top of the inner tank body 31 through the outer shell 15 and outwards from the outer shell 15. The outer tank 4 includes: an outer tank body 41 that covers the inner tank body 31; and an outer tank protrusion 42 that protrudes from the top of the outer tank body 41 through the outer shell 15 and outwards from the outer shell 15 and surrounds at least a portion of the inner tank protrusion 32, wherein the outer tank protrusion 42 has an exposed outer tank exposure portion 43 in at least a portion. Furthermore, the inter-slot piping 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, between the inner tank protrusion 32 and the outer tank protrusion 42, and extends outward through the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42.

[0068] In these multi-layer shell tanks 2A, 2A', 2B, and 2C, the pipe penetrations for the inter-tank piping 92 are located at the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. The outer tank protrusion 42 surrounds the inner tank protrusion 32 where the pipe penetrations of the piping passing through the inner tank 3 are concentrated, and the pipe penetrations of the inter-tank piping 92 are positioned close to the pipe penetrations of the piping passing through the inner tank 3. By concentrating the pipe penetrations in the multi-layer shell tanks 2A, 2A', 2B, and 2C in this way, improved workability during tank construction can be expected. Furthermore, when maintaining each pipe penetration and valves and meters installed on the piping passing through the pipe penetrations, the maintenance points are concentrated due to the concentration of the pipe penetrations, thus improving maintainability and accessibility.

[0069] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tanks 2A, 2A', 2B, and 2C described above, the inter-tank piping 92 only passes through the cold insulation space 52 and does not pass through the storage space 51 and the holding space 53. Therefore, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92, the fluid flowing through it will not leak into the storage space 51 and the holding space 53. Thus, when the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 is a flammable gas, as described in the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the flammable gas from flowing into the holding space 53, making the above piping structure particularly useful.

[0070] In the multi-layer shell tanks 2A and 2A' with the piping structure of the first example described above, the inner groove protrusion 32 protrudes more than the outer groove protrusion 42, and the outer groove protrusion 42 has an outer groove exposure 43 on at least one of its top and side.

[0071] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tank 2B with the piping structure of the second example described above, the inner groove protrusion 32 has a neck 33 at the midpoint of the protrusion direction, the outer groove protrusion 42 surrounds the neck 33, and the inter-groove piping 92 passes between the neck 33 of the inner groove protrusion 32 and the outer groove protrusion 42.

[0072] Furthermore, the multi-layer shell tank 2D with the piping structure of the fourth embodiment of this invention includes: an inner tank 3; an outer tank 4 that houses the inner tank 3; an outer shell 15 that houses the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4; and an inter-tank pipe 92 that passes between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4. The inner tank 3 includes: an inner tank body 31; and an inner tank protrusion 32 that protrudes from the top of the inner tank body 31 through the outer tank 4 and the outer shell 15 to the outside of the outer shell 15. The inner tank protrusion 32 has at least a partially exposed inner tank exposure portion 38. The outer tank 4 has an outer tank body 41 that covers the inner tank body 31. The inter-tank pipe 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, passes through the inner tank protrusion 32, passes through the inner tank protrusion 32, and extends outward through the inner tank exposure portion 38 of the inner tank protrusion 32.

[0073] In the multi-layer shell tank 2D with the above-described structure, the pipe penetration section for the inter-tank piping 92 is provided in the inner tank protrusion 32, and the pipe penetration sections of the piping, including the inter-tank piping 92, are centrally located in the inner tank protrusion 32. By centralizing the pipe penetration sections provided in the multi-layer shell tank 2D in this way, it is expected that the workability during tank construction will be improved. Moreover, when maintaining each pipe penetration section and valves and meters installed on the piping passing through the pipe penetration sections, the maintenance points are concentrated by centralizing the pipe penetration sections, thus improving maintainability and accessibility.

[0074] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tank 2D, the inter-tank piping 92 only passes through the insulation space 52 and the storage space 51, and does not pass through the holding space 53. Therefore, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92, leakage of the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 into the holding space 53 can be prevented. Thus, if the fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 is a flammable gas that is the same as the vaporized gas of the liquefied gas contained in the storage space 51, the flammable gas can be prevented from flowing into the holding space 53, making the above piping structure particularly useful.

[0075] Furthermore, the multi-layer shell tank 2E with the piping structure of the fifth embodiment of this invention includes: an inner tank 3; an outer tank 4 that houses the inner tank 3; an outer shell 15 that houses the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4; an inter-tank pipe 92 that passes between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4; and an inner tank pipe 91 that connects the inner tank 3 to the outside. The inner tank 3 has an inner tank body 31, and the outer tank 4 has: an outer tank body 41 that covers the inner tank body 31; and an outer tank protrusion 42 that protrudes from the outer tank body 41 through the outer shell 15 to the outside of the outer shell 15, the outer tank protrusion 42 having at least a portion of an outer tank exposure portion 43 that exposes to the outside of the outer shell 15. Furthermore, the inter-slot pipe 92 passes between the inner tank body 31 and the outer tank body 41, passes through the interior of the outer tank protrusion 42, and extends outward through the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42. The inner tank pipe 91 passes through the inner tank body 31 from the inner tank body 31, passes through the interior of the outer tank protrusion 42, and extends outward through the outer tank exposed portion 43 of the outer tank protrusion 42.

[0076] In the multi-layer shell tank 2E with the above-described structure, the pipe penetrations of the inter-tank piping 92 and the inner tank piping 91 are provided at the outer tank protrusion 42, thus concentrating the pipe penetrations of the piping, including the inter-tank piping 92 and the inner tank piping 91, at the outer tank protrusion 42. This concentration of pipe penetrations in the multi-layer shell tank 2E can be expected to improve workability during tank construction. Furthermore, when maintaining each pipe penetration and valves and meters installed on the piping passing through it, the concentration of maintenance points due to the centralized pipe penetrations can be expected to improve maintainability and accessibility.

[0077] Furthermore, in the multi-layer shell tank 2E, the inter-tank piping 92 passes through the cold insulation space 52 but not through the holding space 53. Similarly, the inner tank piping 91 passes through the storage space 51 and the cold insulation space 52 but not through the holding space 53. Therefore, in the event of damage to the inter-tank piping 92 and / or the inner tank piping 91, leakage of fluid flowing through the inter-tank piping 92 and / or the inner tank piping 91 into the holding space 53 can be prevented. This piping configuration is particularly useful when the fluid filling the cold insulation space 52 is the same as the vaporized gas of the liquefied gas stored in the storage space 51.

[0078] Furthermore, the vessel 1 of this embodiment includes: a hull 11; and multi-layered shell tanks 2 (2A-2E) supported by the hull 11. A liquefied gas is contained in the inner tank 3, a flammable gas is filled between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4, and a non-flammable gas, a flame-retardant gas, or dry air is filled between the outer tank 4 and the outermost shell 15. In the vessel 1 described above, the flammable gas filled between the inner tank 3 and the outer tank 4 can be prevented from leaking through the inter-tank piping 92 into the space filled with non-flammable gas between the outer tank 4 and the outermost shell 15.

[0079] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, embodiments obtained by changing the details of the specific structure and / or function of the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure may also be included in this invention. The above structure may also be modified as follows, for example.

[0080] For example, the multi-layer shell tank 2 (2A-2E) of the above embodiments has two slots, an inner slot 3 and an outer slot 4, but it may also have three or more slots. In this case, the present invention can be applied by considering a set of adjacent inner and outer slots as the inner slot 3 and the outer slot 4.

[0081] For example, the multi-layer shell tank 2 (2A-2E) of the above embodiment is a spherical (or square) tank independent of the hull 11, but it can also be a membrane-type tank utilizing the hull 11. In this case, in the above embodiment, by renaming the inner tank 3 as a membrane, the outer tank 4 as an inner shell, and the outermost outer shell 15 as an outer shell (hull), this disclosure can be applied to membrane-type tanks.

[0082] For example, the multi-shell tanks 2 (2A to 2E) in the above embodiment are cargo tanks, but the multi-shell tanks 2 (2A to 2E) are not necessarily carried on the ship 1 as cargo tanks; they can also be carried on the ship 1 as fuel tanks. Furthermore, there is no limitation on the number of multi-shell tanks 2 (2A to 2E) carried on the ship 1.

Claims

1. A multi-layer shell tank, comprising: Inner groove; The outer groove, which houses the inner groove; The outermost shell houses the inner groove and the outer groove; Inter-tank piping, which passes between the inner tank and the outer tank; as well as The inner tank piping connects the interior of the inner tank to the outside. The inner groove has: Inner tank body; as well as The inner groove protrusion extends from the inner groove body through the outermost outer shell and protrudes outward from the outermost outer shell. The outer groove has: An outer tank body that covers the inner tank body; as well as An outer groove protrusion that penetrates the outermost shell and protrudes outward from the outermost shell and surrounds at least a portion of the inner groove protrusion. The outer groove protrusion has at least a portion of an exposed outer groove portion that protrudes to the outer side of the outermost shell. The inter-tank piping passes between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, passes between the inner tank protrusion and the outer tank protrusion, and then extends outward through the exposed portion of the outer tank protrusion. The inner groove protrusion has, in at least a portion, an inner groove exposure portion that extends further outward from the outer groove exposure portion to the outermost outer surface of the outer shell. The inner tank piping extends from the interior of the inner tank body to the inner tank protrusion, and then extends outward through the inner tank exposed portion in the inner tank protrusion.

2. The multi-layer shell tank according to claim 1, wherein, The inner groove protrusion protrudes more than the outer groove protrusion, and the outer groove protrusion has the outer groove exposed portion on at least one of its top and side portions.

3. The multi-layer shell tank according to claim 1, wherein, The inner groove protrusion has a neck at the midpoint of its protrusion direction. The protruding part of the outer groove surrounds the constricted neck. The inter-slot piping passes between the constricted neck of the inner slot protrusion and the outer slot protrusion.

4. A multi-layer shell tank, comprising: Inner groove; The outer groove, which houses the inner groove; The outermost shell houses the inner groove and the outer groove; Inter-tank piping, which passes between the inner tank and the outer tank; as well as The inner tank piping connects the interior of the inner tank to the outside. The inner groove has: Inner tank body; as well as An inner groove protrusion extends from the inner groove body through the outer groove and the outermost shell, protruding outward from the outermost shell. The outer groove has an outer groove body that covers the inner groove body. The inner groove protrusion has at least a portion of an inner groove exposed to the outer side of the outermost shell. The inter-tank piping passes between the inner tank body and the outer tank body, penetrates the inner tank protrusion, and then extends outward through the exposed portion of the inner tank protrusion. The inner tank piping extends from the interior of the inner tank body to the inner tank protrusion, and then extends outward through the inner tank exposed portion in the inner tank protrusion.

5. A ship having: Hull; and The multi-shell tank of any one of claims 1 to 4, supported by the hull.

6. The vessel according to claim 5, wherein, The inner tank contains liquefied gas, the space between the inner tank and the outer tank is filled with flammable gas, and the space between the outer tank and the outermost shell is filled with non-flammable gas, flame-retardant gas, or dry air.

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