Storage tank arrangement suitable for storing liquid gas, vehicle and method for sensing parameters in a storage tank suitable for

Abstract

The invention relates to a storage tank device suitable for storing liquid gas, a vehicle and a method for sensing parameters in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas. The present invention relates to a storage tank device, optionally suitable for use in a vehicle, comprising: a storage tank suitable for storing a volatile liquid, the storage tank comprising an inner tank wall and an outer tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region; an inner feed-through device and an outer feed-through device, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the storage tank device, and to allow one or more sensor cords to pass therethrough, and / or to allow one or more sensors to be connected; and a container located outside the storage tank outer wall, the container configured to inhibit the content of the storage tank from flowing out in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feed-through device and the outer feed-through device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to storage tanks, and in particular to storage tanks for storing volatile liquids.

[0002] The present invention relates to a storage tank, in particular a storage tank suitable for storing a volatile liquid. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a storage tank device suitable for storing a volatile liquid. The present invention also relates to a vehicle including a storage tank device for storing a volatile liquid. Background Art

[0003] Sensors are typically deployed in storage tanks for storing volatile liquids, such as liquid gases, for example, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, liquid helium, liquid hydrogen, and liquefied petroleum gas (commonly referred to as LPG). The sensor typically includes an optical fiber or wire extending into the interior of the storage tank. Typically, a sealing element referred to as a feed-through is used to facilitate placement of the sensor in the storage tank. The feed-through forms a seal with the surface of the storage tank, and one or more apertures are provided in the elastically deformable material for the optical fiber or wire to be inserted therethrough. The feed-through is configured so that when the optical fiber or wire is in place, the elastically deformable material forms a seal against the optical fiber or wire.

[0004] Conventionally, storage tanks for storing volatile liquids, such as liquid gases, typically include an inner wall and an outer wall separated by an insulating region. The insulating region is typically a low pressure or vacuum region. Conventionally, an inner feedthrough is located in the inner wall of the storage tank, and an outer feedthrough is located in the outer wall of the storage tank. The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough are typically arranged "in a straight line" so that optical fibers or wires can easily pass through the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough. Failure of the inner feedthrough may cause gas to occupy the low pressure region between the inner wall and the outer wall, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the previous insulating region, resulting in undesirable heating of the contents of the storage tank. In addition, if the outer feedthrough fails, ambient gas (possibly air) will enter the low pressure region, again reducing the effectiveness of the previous insulating region between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0005] The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the above problems.Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved storage tank arrangement. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage tank device optionally applicable to a vehicle, the storage tank device comprising:

[0007] A storage tank, the storage tank being suitable for storing liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner tank wall and an outer tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region;

[0008] an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the storage tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or to allow connection of one or more sensors; and

[0009] A container is located outside the outer wall of the storage tank, and the container is configured to inhibit the flow of the contents of the storage tank in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feed-through device and the outer feed-through device.

[0010] Applicants have discovered that in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner and outer feed-throughs, by appropriately positioning the container outside the outer wall of the storage tank, the contents of the storage tank may be inhibited from flowing out, thereby preventing any leakage.

[0011] The storage tank device can optionally be configured to inhibit the contents of the storage tank from entering at least 90%, optionally at least 95%, optionally at least 98%, and optionally at least 99% of the inter-wall area in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device and / or the outer feedthrough device, typically in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device. Thus, the storage tank device can be configured so that in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device and / or the outer feedthrough device, and in particular in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device, the contents of the storage tank are allowed to enter the feedthrough area between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank, which is isolated from the rest of the inter-wall area. Such an arrangement can inhibit an undesirable reduction in the thermal insulation performance of the inter-wall area.

[0012] One method of inhibiting the contents of the storage tank from entering the majority of the inter-wall area in the event of a failure of the corresponding feed-through is to isolate any gas or other escaping storage tank contents from the majority of the inter-wall area while providing a path for the wires or optical fibers. Optionally, the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through define a feed-through path between the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through, the feed-through path being at least partially located in the feed-through area between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank. The feed-through area is isolated from the adjacent inter-wall area. Such an arrangement can ensure that any leakage of the storage tank contents is prevented.

[0013] For the avoidance of doubt, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sensors need not be part of the tank apparatus of the present invention.For the avoidance of doubt, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the tank apparatus need not be provided with a volatile liquid.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage tank device optionally applicable to a vehicle, the storage tank device comprising:

[0015] A storage tank, the storage tank being suitable for storing liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner storage tank wall and an outer storage tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region;

[0016] an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the storage tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or to allow connection of one or more sensors; and

[0017] A feedthrough path is defined between an inner feedthrough device and an outer feedthrough device, the feedthrough path is at least partially located in a feedthrough area between an inner wall and an outer wall of the storage tank, and the feedthrough area is isolated from an adjacent inter-wall area between the inner wall and the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0018] Applicants have discovered that, in the event of a feedthrough failure, the contents of the storage tank can be inhibited from entering a substantial portion of the inter-wall region by isolating the feedthrough region from the inter-wall region. This can optionally be accomplished using a fluid-impermeable partition, for example, to isolate the feedthrough region from an adjacent inter-wall region.

[0019] The storage tank device of the second aspect of the present invention may include a container located outside the outer wall of the storage tank, the container being configured to inhibit the outflow of the contents of the storage tank in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through.

[0020] For the avoidance of doubt, the following statements relate to both the storage tank apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and the storage tank apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0021] The storage tank device may be adapted to store liquid gases, such as liquid hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen or petroleum gas. The storage tank may be adapted to store liquid gases, such as liquid hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, oxygen or petroleum gas. In this regard, "liquid gas" refers to a substance that is a gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure but is more conveniently stored as a liquid, typically cooled and optionally at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0022] The storage tank device may be a fuel tank device optionally adapted for use in a vehicle. The applicant has found that the storage tank device of the first and second aspects of the invention is particularly useful for fuel tanks that are intended to be used in confined spaces where escape of gaseous fuels may be undesirable, particularly where those fuels are hazardous (e.g., flammable, explosive, and / or toxic).

[0023] The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may include one or more feedthrough elements, each feedthrough element being configured to form a seal with a corresponding surface of the storage tank device and allowing one or more sensor cords to pass through and / or allowing one or more sensors to be connected. For example, one or both of the inner feedthrough element and the outer feedthrough element may include a first feedthrough element and a second feedthrough element, the first feedthrough element being configured to form a seal with a first portion of a corresponding surface of the storage tank device, and the second feedthrough element being configured to form a seal with a second portion of the surface with which the first feedthrough element forms a seal. For example, the first feedthrough element may be configured to form a seal with a first portion of a surface of an inner wall of a storage tank or an outer wall of a storage tank, and the second feedthrough element may be configured to form a seal with a second portion of the surface of an inner wall of a storage tank or an outer wall of a storage tank.

[0024] As described above, each of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough forms a seal with the corresponding surface of the storage tank device and allows one or more sensor soft wires to pass through and / or allows one or more sensors to be connected. In this regard, the sensor optionally includes a soft wire for optionally transmitting a suitable signal to and / or from the sensor head. The sensor head optionally includes a sensing portion of the sensor. For example, a thermocouple sensor for measuring temperature may include a thermocouple head and a soft wire, the thermocouple head including two different electrical conductors, and the soft wire is used to transmit an electrical signal to and from the thermocouple head. For example, the soft wire can be configured to transmit an electrical signal or an optical signal. For example, the soft wire can include an optical fiber for transmitting an optical signal. For the avoidance of doubt, "light" refers to electromagnetic radiation of all suitable wavelengths that can be transmitted through an optical fiber, whether or not the electromagnetic radiation is visible. For example, the inner feedthrough and / or the outer feedthrough can be configured to allow one or more soft wires to pass through. One or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough can be configured to allow one or more sensors to be connected. For example, one or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may include one or more ports configured to allow connection to one or more sensors. For example, the inner feedthrough may include a first set of ports configured to allow connection to one or more sensors, and the outer feedthrough may include a second set of ports configured to allow connection to one or more sensors. One or more, optionally multiple, flexible wires may be provided to connect the first set of ports to the second set of ports. This connection arrangement eliminates the need to pass a flexible wire from the outside of the storage tank device through the outer feedthrough and the inner feedthrough into the interior of the storage tank.

[0025] For the avoidance of doubt, the words "inner" and "outer" as used in "inner feedthrough" and "outer feedthrough" refer to the position of the respective feedthroughs relative to each other.

[0026] As described above, the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough can define a feedthrough path between the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough, the feedthrough path being at least partially located in a feedthrough region between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank, the feedthrough region being isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank. The feedthrough region can optionally be isolated from the rest of the inter-wall region by a partition. The partition can inhibit the passage of fluid between the feedthrough region and the adjacent inter-wall region. The partition can extend between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank. For example, the partition can include a wall that is impermeable to fluid. For example, the partition can be cylindrical.

[0027] The storage tank device optionally includes a spacer device for maintaining a spaced relationship between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall. A portion of the spacer device may extend between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall. A portion of the spacer may be located outside the storage tank outer wall. A portion of the spacer device may be located inside the storage tank inner wall. The spacer device may include an outer attachment portion for fixing the spacer device to the storage tank outer wall. The spacer device may include an inner attachment portion for fixing the spacer device to the storage tank inner wall. The spacer device may include a spacer portion for maintaining a spaced relationship between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall. The spacer portion may maintain a spaced relationship between the inner attachment portion and the outer attachment portion. The spacer device and the optional spacer portion may provide a feed-through path between the inner feed-through device and the outer feed-through device, the feed-through path being at least partially located in a feed-through region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall, and the feed-through region is isolated from an adjacent wall region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall. The spacer device and the optional spacer portion may optionally provide a feed-through region. For example, the spacer means and the optional spacing portion may define an interior space, at least a portion of which may include a feed-through region. The spacer means and the optional spacing portion may be configured to define a feed-through region isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region. For example, the spacer means and the optional spacing portion may include one or more spacer walls configured to isolate the feed-through region from an adjacent inter-wall region.

[0028] The spacer portion may comprise an elongate hollow portion, such as a cylinder.The spacer portion may extend towards the interior of the inner attachment portion, and may optionally extend towards the exterior of the outer attachment portion.

[0029] The inner feedthrough is optionally sealed to the inner wall of the storage tank. This provides a convenient location for positioning the inner feedthrough.

[0030] Optionally, the inner feed-through device can be sealed to a third wall, and the third wall is located inside the inner wall of the storage tank. If the storage tank device includes a spacer device for maintaining the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank in a spaced relationship, and the spacer device includes a spacer portion, the third wall can optionally be located inside the spacer portion. The spacer device may include a third wall. The third wall and the inner attachment portion can define a space between the third wall and the inner attachment portion, and the space between the third wall and the inner attachment portion is optionally provided with insulating material. Such insulating material can provide a thermal break, thereby inhibiting the contents of the storage tank from heating up. For example, the spacer device may include a device sometimes referred to as a polarity mount. Sometimes a polarity mount is optionally provided to maintain the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank in a spaced relationship.

[0031] The tank arrangement may include one or more cord guides for securing one or more cords. Typically, the or each cord guide may be configured to secure a plurality of cords. The or each cord guide may be located between the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through. The tank arrangement may include a plurality of mutually spaced cord guides. A plurality of mutually spaced cord guides may be located between the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through.

[0032] The or each cord guide may include a cord guide mount for mounting the cord guide to the reservoir device. The or each cord guide may include a load-bearing portion attachable to the cord guide mount, the load-bearing portion being attachable to the cord guide mount in a plurality of different orientations.

[0033] The or each cord guide may comprise means for securing one or more cords. The or each means for securing one or more cords may be provided by the load-bearing portion, or may be coupled to the load-bearing portion. The means for securing one or more cords may, for example, comprise a clamp. The clamp may be operable between an open configuration and a clamped configuration. The clamp may comprise a clamping member, such as an arm, which may move between a first position in which the clamp is in an open configuration and a second position in which the clamp is in a clamped configuration. The clamp may be provided with one or more recesses for receiving a cord. The clamping member may be provided with one or more recesses for receiving a cord.

[0034] One or more of the cord guides may include a sensor mount for mounting a sensor.

[0035] The inner feedthrough may optionally be sealed to the surface of the conduit. The inner feedthrough may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the conduit. The conduit may include a wall. The inner feedthrough may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the wall. The conduit may include a double-walled conduit, wherein the first conduit inner wall is spaced apart from the second conduit outer wall. The inner feedthrough may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the first conduit inner wall. The conduit may optionally extend into the space defined by the container. The interior of the conduit may be in fluid communication with the interior of the storage tank. A portion of the conduit may optionally be located within the interior of the storage tank. The conduit may include a detachable conduit portion, the detachable conduit portion including one or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough. The detachable conduit portion may be attached to another conduit portion and may be detached from the other conduit portion. Another conduit portion is optionally located within the interior of the detachable conduit portion. The detachability of the detachable conduit portion facilitates easier installation and removal of the inner feedthrough and / or the outer feedthrough.

[0036] The external feed-through device can optionally be sealed to the surface of the container. For example, the external feed-through device can optionally be sealed to the inner surface or the outer surface of the container. The external feed-through device can optionally be sealed to the end portion of the container. This provides a convenient location for the feed-through device.

[0037] The outer feed-through may optionally be sealed to the surface of the conduit. The outer feed-through may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the conduit. The conduit may include a wall. The outer feed-through may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the wall. Optionally, the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through may optionally be sealed to the same inner surface of the wall, the inner feed-through being sealed to a first portion of the wall, and the outer feed-through being sealed to a second portion of the wall, the second portion of the wall being located outside the first portion of the wall. The conduit may include a double-walled conduit, wherein the inner wall of the first conduit is spaced apart from the outer wall of the second conduit. The outer feed-through may optionally be sealed to the inner surface of the outer wall of the second conduit.

[0038] As described above, the external feed-through device can be sealed to the surface of the conduit. The conduit can be used as a spacer to maintain the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank in a spaced relationship. Such conduits are sometimes referred to as "polar mounts". The conduit can extend to the outside of the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0039] The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may optionally be configured to define a space therebetween for positioning one or more sensor heads (eg, a pressure sensor head for leak detection).

[0040] One or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may include a plurality of feedthrough ports, each feedthrough port being used for passage of a sensor or for connection to a sensor. Each port may be configured to form a seal with a sensor received in the feedthrough port.

[0041] One or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may optionally comprise at least two, at least three or optionally at least four feedthrough ports.

[0042] The container may be attached directly or indirectly to the storage tank outer wall. The container may be attached to a spacer device configured to maintain the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall in a spaced relationship. At least a portion of the spacer device may extend outside the storage tank outer wall.

[0043] The container may be configured to withstand reduced pressures, such as those associated with the use of a vacuum pump.

[0044] The container may be provided with one or more pressure change ports for connecting to a device for changing the pressure in the container, such as a pump configured to reduce the pressure or a pump configured to increase the pressure. At least one, optionally more than one, and optionally each pressure change port may include a fitting to facilitate connection to a corresponding fitting associated with the device for changing the pressure in the container. For example, the pressure change port may include a fitting configured to cooperate with a corresponding fitting provided on a conduit connected to or connectable to a device for changing the pressure in the container, such as a pump, such as a vacuum pump.

[0045] The container may include one or more access openings to facilitate access to the interior of the container and / or other parts of the storage tank device. Such access openings are optionally configured to allow manual (i.e., adult hands) access to the interior of the container. The container may include one or more covers for covering the access openings. Optionally, each access opening may be provided with a cover. At least one cover, optionally more than one cover, and optionally each cover may be removable and / or replaceable. At least one cover, optionally more than one cover, and optionally each cover may be a panel. At least one cover, optionally more than one cover, and optionally each cover may include a container wall, such as an end wall of the container.

[0046] The container may optionally have substantially the same cross-sectional shape and size along its length. The container may optionally be substantially cylindrical. The container may optionally be substantially cylindrical.

[0047] Optionally, the storage tank device includes a container located outside the outer wall of the storage tank, and the container is configured to inhibit the outflow of the storage tank contents in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device. The container can be optionally configured to inhibit the outflow of the storage tank contents in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device, and optionally in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device not failing. The container can be configured to inhibit the outflow of the storage tank contents in the event of a failure of the outer feedthrough device, and optionally in the event of a failure of the outer feedthrough device and the inner feedthrough device not failing. The container can be optionally configured to inhibit the outflow of the storage tank contents in the event of a failure of both the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device.

[0048] The storage tank device may include one or more sensors. As described above, the sensor may include a wire or cable for transmitting a signal, such as an electrical signal or an optical signal, to and / or from the sensor head. One or more sensor heads may be located inside the storage tank. One or more sensor heads, and optionally at least two sensor heads may be located between the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device, optionally in the space between the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device. At least two of the sensor heads may be optionally configured to sense mutually different phenomena. For example, a first sensor may be configured to detect gas pressure, and a second sensor may be configured to detect the presence or absence of a specific gas, such as hydrogen. One or more of the sensors may be optionally configured to sense and / or measure one or more of the following parameters: pressure; temperature; the presence and / or concentration of one or more gases, such as hydrogen; the presence and / or amount of one or more liquids, such as liquid hydrogen.

[0049] The storage tank device may include, in addition to the container, a vessel optionally located on the inner side of the inner feedthrough. The vessel is optionally located on the inner side of the inner wall of the storage tank. If the storage tank device includes a third wall located on the inner side of the inner wall of the storage tank, the vessel may be located on the inner side of the third wall. The vessel may define a volume together with the third wall. The vessel may be located inside the storage tank. The vessel may be provided with an additional feedthrough optionally located on the inner side of the inner feedthrough. The additional feedthrough may include one or more of the features of the inner feedthrough and / or the outer feedthrough.

[0050] As described above, the storage tank device may include one or more additional feedthroughs in addition to the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough. For the avoidance of doubt, the inner feedthrough need not be the innermost feedthrough, and the outer feedthrough need not be the outermost feedthrough. The words "inside" and "outside" describe the relative positions of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough. For example, if the storage tank device includes a polarity mount or spacer that keeps the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank spaced apart, the spacer or polarity mount (optionally in the form of a cylindrical member) may be provided with an outer feedthrough to facilitate the feedthrough of optical fibers and wires from the inside of the polarity mount to the container. The container may be provided with additional feedthroughs, for example, feedthroughs that are located in the face portion and optionally the end portion of the container and form a seal with the face portion and optionally the end portion of the container.

[0051] The tank arrangement may optionally be provided with means for allowing relative movement of the tank inner wall and the tank outer wall, for example, movement that may occur due to contraction and / or expansion of the respective walls, depending on the temperature to which these walls are subjected. For example, an expandable member, such as a bellows, may be provided.

[0052] If the storage tank arrangement includes a conduit optionally attached to one or both of the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall, means may optionally be provided for allowing relative movement of the conduit and one or both of the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall. Such movement may occur due to contraction and / or expansion of the respective walls and conduit, which may depend on the temperature to which the walls and conduit are subjected and the materials from which the respective components are made. For example, an expandable member such as a bellows may be provided.

[0053] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage tank device suitable for storing liquid gas, the storage tank device comprising:

[0054] A storage tank, the storage tank being suitable for storing liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner storage tank wall and an outer storage tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region;

[0055] an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the storage tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or to allow connection of one or more sensors; and

[0056] A conduit is in gaseous communication with the interior of the storage tank, wherein the conduit comprises:

[0057] A detachable conduit portion is detachable relative to and removable from another conduit portion, the detachable conduit portion being provided with at least one of an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough.

[0058] Applicants have found that it may be advantageous to provide a portion of a conduit that houses at least one of an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough and that is removable to facilitate removal, repair and maintenance of the inner feedthrough and / or the outer feedthrough.

[0059] The storage tank arrangement optionally includes a leak detection region located between the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through.

[0060] The conduit may include an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall of the conduit is optionally substantially parallel to the outer wall. At least one of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough is configured to form a seal with the inner wall of the conduit. The inner feedthrough may optionally be configured to form a seal with the inner wall of the conduit. The outer feedthrough may optionally be configured to form a seal with the outer wall of the conduit.

[0061] The removable conduit portion may be located externally of the storage tank.

[0062] The storage tank arrangement may include a container located outside the outer wall of the storage tank, the container being configured to inhibit the outflow of the contents of the storage tank in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feed-through arrangement and the outer feed-through arrangement.

[0063] Optionally, the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device define a feedthrough path between the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device, and the feedthrough path is at least partially located in a feedthrough area between the inner wall and the outer wall of the storage tank, and the feedthrough area is isolated from the adjacent inter-wall area between the inner wall and the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0064] The storage tank apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the storage tank apparatus of the first and second aspects of the present invention.

[0065] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the storage tank device according to the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect of the present invention.

[0066] The vehicle may include one or more engines configured to receive fuel from the storage tank arrangement.

[0067] A vehicle may comprise more than one storage tank arrangement according to the first, second and / or third aspect of the invention.

[0068] The vehicle can be a land vehicle, such as a road-based vehicle or a track-based vehicle, a water-based vehicle, or an aircraft. The vehicle can be configured to carry passengers, who are typically people who are not involved in the operation of the vehicle. Road-based vehicles can include two-wheeled, four-wheeled, or multi-wheeled vehicles including more than four wheels. Road-based vehicles can include, for example, motorcycles, mopeds, cars, vans, trucks, trucks, buses, or minibuses. For example, track-based vehicles can include trains or trams. The aircraft can be a fixed-wing aircraft or a rotary-wing aircraft. The aircraft can be a single-engine aircraft or can include more than one engine, such as two engines or four engines. The engine can optionally be a jet engine. The aircraft can be a wide-body aircraft or a narrow-body aircraft. The aircraft can be a single-aisle aircraft or a dual-aisle aircraft.

[0069] The aircraft may have a length of at least 30m, optionally at least 35m, optionally at least 40m, optionally at least 45m, optionally at least 50m, optionally at least 55m, optionally at least 60m, optionally at least 65m and optionally at least 70m.

[0070] The aircraft may have a maximum take-off weight of at least 50,000 kg, optionally at least 100,000 kg, optionally at least 150,000 kg, optionally at least 200,000 kg, optionally at least 250,000 kg, optionally at least 300,000 kg, optionally at least 350,000 kg, optionally at least 400,000 kg, optionally at least 450,000 kg, optionally at least 500,000 kg and optionally at least 550,000 kg.

[0071] The aircraft may have a wingspan of at least 30m, optionally at least 35m, optionally at least 40m, optionally at least 45m, optionally at least 50m, optionally at least 55m, optionally at least 60m, optionally at least 65m, optionally at least 70m and optionally at least 75m.

[0072] The aircraft may be a passenger aircraft having a seating capacity of at least 80, optionally at least 100, optionally at least 150, optionally at least 200, optionally at least 250, optionally at least 300, optionally at least 350, optionally at least 400, optionally at least 450 and optionally at least 500 passengers.

[0073] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for sensing a parameter in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas, the method comprising:

[0074] Signals are transmitted and / or received via sensor wires in a feedthrough path, the feedthrough path being at least partially located in a feedthrough region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall, the feedthrough region being isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall.

[0075] The method may comprise transmitting signals to and / or receiving signals from a sensor head via a sensor cord, the sensor head optionally being located in a storage tank.The sensor head may have the features of the storage tank device described above in relation to the first or second aspects of the invention.

[0076] The sensor wire may be configured to transmit light. The sensor wire may be configured to transmit electrical signals.

[0077] The feedthrough path may include one or more features of the feedthrough path as described above with respect to the first, second and / or third aspects of the present invention. The feedthrough region may include one or more features of the feedthrough region as described above with respect to the first, second and / or third aspects of the present invention.

[0078] The feedthrough path may be defined by an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough. The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may optionally be configured to form a seal with a corresponding surface. The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may be configured to allow one or more sensor cords to pass through and / or allow one or more sensors to be connected. The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may optionally include one or more features of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough described above with respect to the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect of the present invention.

[0079] The feed-through region may be isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region by a fluid-impermeable partition, wherein the fluid-impermeable partition is provided by a spacer device for maintaining the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall in a spaced relationship. The spacer device may include one or more features of the spacer device described above in relation to the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect of the invention.

[0080] The method may include transmitting and / or receiving signals via more than one sensor cord.

[0081] The method may comprise one or more features of the storage tank arrangement of the first, second or third aspect of the invention.The method of the fifth aspect of the invention may be performed using the storage tank arrangement of the second aspect of the invention.

[0082] The method of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the method of the sixth aspect of the invention.For example, the method of the fifth aspect of the invention may include transmitting and / or receiving signals via a sensor cord in a container external to the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0083] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sensing a parameter in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner tank wall and an outer tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region, the method comprising:

[0084] Signals are transmitted and / or received via sensor wires located in a container external to the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0085] Optionally, one or both of an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough may be provided. One or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough may be configured to form a seal with a corresponding surface and allow one or more sensor cords to pass through and / or allow one or more sensors to be connected.

[0086] Optionally, the device is configured to inhibit the contents of the storage tank from flowing out in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough.

[0087] Alternatively, the or each sensor wire may pass through a wall of the container.

[0088] The container may be arranged as described above in relation to the storage tank arrangement of the first aspect of the invention.

[0089] The method may comprise transmitting signals to and / or receiving signals from a sensor head via a sensor cord, the sensor head optionally being located in a storage tank.The sensor head may have the characteristics of the storage tank device described above in relation to the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

[0090] The sensor wire may be configured to transmit light. The sensor wire may be configured to transmit electrical signals.

[0091] The method of the sixth aspect of the present invention can be performed using the storage tank device of the first aspect of the present invention. The method of the sixth aspect of the present invention may include one or more features of the method of the fifth aspect of the present invention. For example, the method of the sixth aspect of the present invention may include transmitting and / or receiving signals via a sensor cord located in a feedthrough path, the feedthrough path being at least partially located in a feedthrough region between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank, the feedthrough region being isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region located between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank.

[0092] The methods of the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention may include transmitting signals to the sensor head via the sensor cord, and receiving signals from the sensor head via the sensor cord.

[0093] It will of course be understood that features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the storage tank apparatus of the first aspect of the invention may incorporate any features described with reference to the storage tank apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, and the storage tank apparatus of the second aspect of the invention may incorporate any features described with reference to the storage tank apparatus of the first aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0094] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0095] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage tank device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage tank device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0097] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage tank device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0098] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a storage tank device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0099] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 a perspective view of a portion of a storage tank device;

[0100] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0101] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A perspective view of a pair of cord guides shown in ;

[0102] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing an example of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0103] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing another example of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0104] Now refer to Figure 1An example of an embodiment of a storage tank device according to the first and second aspects of the present invention is described. The storage tank device is generally represented by the reference numeral 1 and includes a storage tank 2 suitable for storing a volatile liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen. In this case, the storage tank device is a fuel tank device, and the storage tank 2 is a fuel tank of an aircraft. The storage tank 2 includes a tank inner wall 3 and a tank outer wall 4 separated by an insulating wall region 5. The tank inner wall 3 and the tank outer wall 4 are kept in a spaced relationship by one or more spacers (not shown). The insulating wall region 5 is a low pressure area, and the low pressure is usually achieved using a vacuum pump (not shown). The storage tank device 1 includes an inner feedthrough device 6 and an outer feedthrough device 7. The inner feedthrough device 6 includes a feedthrough member 6a, and the feedthrough member 6a forms a seal with a corresponding portion 8a of the surface of the storage tank device 1. The feedthrough member 6a also allows one or more sensors (not shown) to pass through. The inner feedthrough device 6 also includes a feedthrough member 6b, and the feedthrough member 6b forms a seal with a corresponding portion 8b of the surface of the storage tank device 1. The feed-through member 6b also allows one or more sensors (not shown) to pass through. The two feed-through members 6a, 6b form a seal against the outer surface of the tank inner wall 3. The feed-through member 6b extends through the orifice (not marked) in the tank inner wall 3. The inner feed-through device 6 also includes a feed-through member 6c, which abuts against the feed-through member 6b and forms a seal with the feed-through member 6b. The outer feed-through device 7 includes a feed-through member 7a, which forms a seal with the surface 9 of the storage tank device 1, in this case, the outer surface of the container 10. The feed-through member 7a allows one or more sensors (not shown) to pass through. The feed-through members 7a, 6a, 6b include one or more channels (not marked) in which the sensor wire can be located. The material forming the channel is generally an elastically deformable material, which forms a sealed joint with the sensor wire present in the channel. The inner feed-through device 6 and the outer feed-through device 7 are aligned to allow the wire and / or optical fiber to pass from the outside of the storage tank 2 to the inside 20, while minimizing the risk of leakage from the inside 20 of the storage tank 2. This is achieved by providing suitable seals between (i) the respective feedthrough and the surface of the tank arrangement 1, and (ii) the respective feedthrough and any electrical wires and / or optical fibers passing through the respective feedthrough.

[0105] As described above, the storage tank device 1 includes a container 10. The container 10 is located outside the storage tank outer wall 4, and the container 10 is configured to inhibit the contents of the storage tank 2 from flowing out of the storage tank 2 in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feedthrough 6 and the outer feedthrough 7. The container 10 is attached to the storage tank outer wall 4, and a volume 18 is formed between the container 10 and the storage tank outer wall 4.

[0106] The storage tank device 1 is also configured such that, in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough 6, the contents of the storage tank 2 are not allowed to enter the majority of the inter-wall area 5, and the escaping contents are contained in a very small portion of the inter-wall area that is isolated from the majority of the inter-wall area. The entry of hydrogen into the inter-wall area 5 will result in an increase in pressure in the inter-wall area 5, which will result in a decrease in the thermal insulation performance of the inter-wall area, thereby resulting in undesirable heating of the contents of the storage tank 2. In this regard, the inner feedthrough 6 and the outer feedthrough 7 define a feedthrough path 45 between them, and the feedthrough path 45 is at least partially located in the feedthrough area 12 between the storage tank inner wall 3 and the storage tank outer wall 4, and the feedthrough area 12 is isolated from the adjacent inter-wall area 5a located between the storage tank inner wall 3 and the storage tank outer wall 4. The feedthrough area 12 is isolated from the rest of the inter-wall area 5 by a fluid-impermeable partition 13, so that there is no fluid communication between the feedthrough area 12 and the rest of the inter-wall area 5. During use, volume 18 and feed-through area 12 are evacuated and therefore at low pressure, wherein apertures 16 in storage tank outer wall 4 provide fluid communication between volume 18 and feed-through area 12. Apertures 16 also allow wires and / or optical fibers to pass through. In the event of a failure of internal feed-through 6, hydrogen enters feed-through area 12 and volume 18 from relatively high pressure interior 20 of storage tank 2. Divider 13 prevents hydrogen from entering the remainder of inter-wall area 5. Container 10 inhibits escape of hydrogen into the surrounding atmosphere.

[0107] The container 10 is provided with an aperture 14 which provides access to the interior of the container 10 and via aperture 16 to the feed-through area 12. A cover 15 is provided for the aperture 14. The provision of the access aperture 14 means that no excessive lengths of cable or cord are required during cord installation.

[0108] The sensor wires passing through the outer feedthrough and the inner feedthrough are indicated by reference numeral 17 .

[0109] The terms "inner" and "outer" in relation to "inner feedthrough" and "outer feedthrough" refer to the relative positions of the "inner feedthrough" and "outer feedthrough". The inner feedthrough is not necessarily the innermost feedthrough, and the outer feedthrough is not necessarily the outermost feedthrough, as described below with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Discussion of the storage tank device.

[0110] Now refer to Figure 2An example of another embodiment of a storage tank device according to the first and third aspects of the present invention is described. The storage tank device is generally represented by the reference numeral 101 and includes a storage tank 102 suitable for storing a volatile liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen. Similarly, the storage tank 102 is an aircraft fuel tank. The storage tank 102 includes a tank inner wall 103 and a tank outer wall 104 separated by an insulating wall inter-region 105. The tank inner wall 103 and the tank outer wall 104 are maintained in a spaced relationship by one or more spacers (not shown). The insulating wall inter-region 105 is a low pressure area, and the low pressure is usually achieved using a vacuum pump (not shown). The storage tank device 101 includes an inner feedthrough device 106 and an outer feedthrough device 107. The inner feedthrough device 106 includes a feedthrough member 106a, and the feedthrough member 106a forms a seal with a corresponding surface 108 of the storage tank device 101. The feedthrough member 106a also allows one or more sensors (not shown) to pass through. The feed-through member 106a forms a seal against the inner surface of the conduit inner wall 122 of the double-walled conduit 121. The conduit 121 has a conduit inner wall 122 and a conduit outer wall 123 separated by a conduit inter-wall region 130. The outer feed-through arrangement 107 includes a feed-through member 107a that forms a seal with a surface 109 of the storage tank arrangement 101, in this case, the inner surface of the conduit outer wall 123.

[0111] The conduit outer wall 123, the feed-through member 106a and the feed-through member 107a define an area 125 that can be used to detect leaks. In this regard, a pressure sensor 127 extends into the leak detection area 125. In the event of a failure of the inner feed-through 106, hydrogen will enter the leak detection area 125, thereby sufficiently changing the pressure in the leak detection area 125 so that the change in pressure will be detected by the pressure sensor 127. Alternatively, a hydrogen sensor can be used instead of a pressure sensor. Additional sensors 128 extend through the outer feed-through 107 and the inner feed-through 106 into the interior 120 of the storage tank 102. These sensors can be of any suitable type, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for detecting and / or measuring liquid hydrogen, a sensor for detecting and / or measuring gaseous hydrogen.

[0112] The feed-through members 106a, 107a may have the above Figure 1 One or more of the features described for the described storage tank device 1 .

[0113] The storage tank device 101 includes a container 110. The container 110 is located outside the storage tank outer wall 104, and the container 110 is configured to inhibit the contents of the storage tank 102 from flowing out of the storage tank 102 in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feedthrough 106 and the outer feedthrough 107. The container 110 is attached to the storage tank outer wall 104, and a volume 118 is formed between the container 110 and the storage tank outer wall 104.

[0114] The conduit 121 extends into the interior 120 of the storage tank 102 and also extends into the volume 118 defined by the container 110 and the storage tank outer wall 104. The removable conduit portion 131 is removably attached to another conduit portion 140 by a suitable connector 126, which allows removal and reattachment of the removable conduit portion 131. The other conduit portion 140 is attached to the storage tank 102. The removable conduit portion 131 includes an inner feedthrough 106 and an outer feedthrough 107 and a leak detection area 125. The removability of the removable conduit portion 131 facilitates easier replacement and / or repair of the inner feedthrough 106 and the outer feedthrough 107.

[0115] The tank arrangement 101 is provided with a bellows 129 which allows relative movement of the tank inner wall 103 and the tank outer wall 104, such as may occur due to contraction and / or expansion of the respective walls depending on the temperature to which these walls are subjected.

[0116] Now refer to Figure 3Another example of another embodiment of a storage tank device according to the first and third aspects of the present invention is described. The storage tank device is generally represented by the reference numeral 201 and includes a storage tank 202 suitable for storing volatile liquids, in this case liquid hydrogen. The storage tank 202 is an aircraft fuel tank. The storage tank 202 includes a tank inner wall 203 and a tank outer wall 204 separated by an insulating wall region 205. The tank inner wall 203 and the tank outer wall 204 are maintained in a spaced relationship by one or more spacers (not shown). The insulating wall region 205 is a low pressure area, and the low pressure is usually achieved using a vacuum pump (not shown). The storage tank device 201 includes an inner feedthrough device 206 and an outer feedthrough device 207. The inner feedthrough device 206 includes a feedthrough member 206a, and the feedthrough member 206a forms a seal with a corresponding surface 208 of the storage tank device 201. The feedthrough member 206a also allows one or more sensors (not shown) to pass through. The feed-through member 206a forms a seal against the inner surface of the conduit inner wall 222 of the double-walled conduit 221. The conduit 221 has a conduit inner wall 222 and a conduit outer wall 223 separated by a conduit inter-wall region 230. The outer feed-through device 207 includes a feed-through member 207a that forms a seal with the surface 209 of the storage tank device 201, in this case, the inner surface of the conduit inner wall 222.

[0117] The conduit inner wall 222, the feedthrough member 206a and the feedthrough member 207a define an area 225 that can be used to detect leaks. Figure 3 The area 225 in the storage tank device 201 is much smaller than the above Figure 2 The storage tank device 101 of the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIG. 1. The pressure sensor 227 extends into the leak detection area 225, which is large enough to accommodate the pressure sensor 227, but not larger. In the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough 206, hydrogen will enter the leak detection area 225, thereby changing the pressure in the leak detection area 225. Alternatively, a hydrogen sensor can be used instead of the pressure sensor. Another sensor 228 extends through the outer feedthrough 207 and the inner feedthrough 206 into the interior 220 of the storage tank 202. These sensors can be of any suitable type, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a sensor for detecting and / or measuring liquid hydrogen, a sensor for detecting and / or measuring gaseous hydrogen.

[0118] The feed-through members 206a, 207a may have the above Figure 1 One or more of the features described for the described storage tank device 1 .

[0119] The storage tank device 201 includes a container 210. The container 210 is located outside the storage tank outer wall 204, and the container 210 is configured to inhibit the contents of the storage tank 202 from flowing out of the storage tank 202 in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feedthrough 206 and the outer feedthrough 207. The container 210 is attached to the storage tank outer wall 204, and a volume 218 is formed between the container 210 and the storage tank outer wall 204.

[0120] and Figure 2 Compared to the storage tank device of the storage tank 102, the conduit 221 does not extend into the interior 220 of the storage tank 202. The conduit 221 extends outward from the storage tank inner wall 203 and the storage tank outer wall 204. The conduit inner wall 222 is attached to the storage tank inner wall 203, and the conduit outer wall 223 is attached to the storage tank outer wall 204, so that the inter-wall area 205 is in fluid communication with the conduit inter-wall area 230. The conduit 221 extends into the volume 218 defined by the container 210 and the storage tank outer wall 204. The conduit inner portion 240 is attached to the storage tank 102. The conduit outer portion 231 is removably attached to the conduit inner portion 240 by a suitable connector 226, which allows removal and reattachment of the conduit outer portion 231. The conduit outer portion 231 includes an inner feedthrough 206 and an outer feedthrough 207 and a leak detection area 225. The removability of conduit outer portion 231 facilitates easier replacement and / or repair of inner feedthrough 206 and outer feedthrough 207 .

[0121] The tank arrangement 201 is provided with a bellows 229 which allows relative movement of the tank inner wall 203 and the tank outer wall 2104, such as may occur due to contraction and / or expansion of the respective walls depending on the temperature to which these walls are subjected.

[0122] Now refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 A further example of another embodiment of a storage tank arrangement according to the second aspect of the present invention is described. The storage tank arrangement is generally indicated by reference numeral 301 and comprises a storage tank 302 suitable for storing a volatile liquid, in this case liquid hydrogen. The storage tank 302 is an aircraft fuel tank. The storage tank 302 comprises an inner tank wall 303 and an outer tank wall 304 separated by an insulating inter-wall region 305. The inner tank wall 303 and the outer tank wall 304 are separated by an insulating inter-wall region 305. Figure 5The spacer device shown in and generally represented by the reference numeral 3000 maintains a spaced relationship. The spacer device 3000 includes an inner attachment portion 3003 in the form of a flange attached to the inner wall 303 of the storage tank. The spacer device 3000 includes an outer attachment portion 3004 in the form of a flange attached to the outer wall 304 of the storage tank. The spacer device 3000 also includes a spacing portion 341 in the form of a cylindrical portion, which serves as a spacer for the inner attachment portion 3003 and the outer attachment portion 3004, and thus serves as a spacer for the inner wall 303 of the storage tank and the outer wall 304 of the storage tank. The spacer device 3000 is sometimes referred to as a "polar mounting member" by those skilled in the art. The insulating inter-wall area 305 is a low pressure area, and the low pressure is usually achieved using a vacuum pump (not shown). The storage tank device 301 includes an inner feed-through device 306 and an outer feed-through device 307. The inner feedthrough 306 comprises four feedthrough members 351, 352, 353, 354 mounted in a plate 3006 in a wall 340. The wall 340 is generally provided with a portion of the spacer device 3000. The wall 340 and the inner attachment portion 3003 define a space 3005, which is provided with a thermal insulator (not shown). Each feedthrough member 351, 352, 353, 354 forms a seal against the plate 3006. Each feedthrough member 351, 352, 353, 354 provides a port for the connection of wires and / or optical fibers. The outer feedthrough 307 comprises four feedthrough members 361, 362, 363, 364 mounted in a wall (not shown) of the cylindrical body 341. Each feedthrough member 361, 362, 363, 364 forms a seal against the wall of the cylindrical body 341. Each feedthrough member 361, 362, 363, 364 provides a port for the connection of wires and / or optical fibers. A cable (collectively shown as 370) extends between each pair of corresponding feedthrough members (351, 361), (352, 362), (353, 363) and (354, 364). This facilitates simple connection of sensors.

[0123] The storage tank device 301 is configured so that in the event of a failure of the inner feedthrough 306, the contents of the storage tank 302 are not allowed to enter the majority of the inter-wall area 305. The inner feedthrough 306 and the outer feedthrough 307 define a feedthrough path 345 therebetween, which is at least partially located in a feedthrough area 312 between the storage tank inner wall 303 and the storage tank outer wall 304, the feedthrough area 312 being isolated from the remainder of the inter-wall area 305 located between the storage tank inner wall 303 and the storage tank outer wall 304. The feedthrough area 312 is isolated from the remainder of the inter-wall area 305 by the wall of the barrel 341, which acts as a fluid-impermeable partition 313, such that there is no fluid communication between the feedthrough area 312 and the remainder of the inter-wall area 305. During use, the interior of the barrel 341 is at ambient pressure. In the event of a failure of the internal feedthrough 306, hydrogen gas enters the interior of the cylinder 341 from the relatively high pressure interior 320 of the storage tank 302. The partition 313 prevents the hydrogen gas from entering the inter-wall region 305.

[0124] The barrel 341 includes an aperture 314 through which the interior of the barrel 341 can be accessed. An end plate 315 serves as a removable cover to facilitate access to the aperture 314. Furthermore, the external feed-through 307 is located in a removable access plate 310 that covers the access aperture (not shown).

[0125] A vacuum port 371 is provided to facilitate evacuation (and re-pressurization) of the feed-through area 312. Evacuation of the feed-through area 312 also evacuates the space 3005 between the wall 340 and the inner attachment portion 3003. This reduces conduction of heat into the interior 320 of the storage tank.

[0126] Two cable guides 381, 382 are arranged in the cylindrical member 341, as shown in FIG. Figure 7381 , 382. Each cable guide 381 , 382 includes a mounting member 385, 386 having a circular periphery, the mounting members 385, 386 being attached to the inner surface of the wall of the barrel 341. Each cable guide 381 , 382 includes a load-bearing portion 387, 388, which is generally circular in shape and is attached to the outer surface of each mounting member 385, 386. Each load-bearing portion 387, 388 is provided with a plurality of curved slots, two of which are labeled 389, 390. Those slots receive fixing members (not shown). The load-bearing portion 387, 388 can be rotated relative to the mounting members 385, 386 by an amount determined by the length of the slot. This allows the orientation of the cable guide to be adjusted, but does not allow the cable guide to be over-rotated, which may cause the cables or cords to cross. Each bearing portion 387, 388 comprises a clamping member 383, 384 for fixing the cable. Each cable guide 381, 382 is provided with a sensor mount 391, 392 in which a sensor 393, 394 is mounted. The sensor 393 is a pressure sensor and the sensor 394 is a hydrogen sensor.

[0127] The present feed-through 301 utilizes an existing portion of the storage tank (polar mount or barrel 341), thus eliminating the need for additional or new structure that could introduce new leak paths into the storage tank.

[0128] Now refer to Figure 6 An example of an embodiment of a vehicle, in this case an aircraft, according to the fourth aspect of the invention is described. The aircraft is generally indicated by reference numeral 400 and is a narrow-body single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft 400 comprises two engines 403, 404, each of which is mounted on a respective wing 401, 402. Each engine 403, 404 is configured to receive liquid hydrogen fuel from a respective storage tank arrangement 1L, 1R located in the respective wing 401, 402.

[0129] Now refer to Figure 8 An example of an embodiment of a method for sensing a parameter in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas is described. The method is generally indicated by reference numeral 800 and includes transmitting 801 a signal to a sensor head via a sensor cord located in a feedthrough path 45, 345, the feedthrough path 345 being at least partially located in a feedthrough region 12, 312 between a storage tank inner wall 3, 303 and a storage tank outer wall 4, 304, the feedthrough region being isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region 5, 305 located between the storage tank inner wall 3, 303 and the storage tank outer wall 4, 304. The method 800 also includes receiving 802 a signal from the sensor head via the sensor cord.

[0130] Now refer to Fig. 9An example of an embodiment of a method for sensing a parameter in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas is described. The method is generally indicated by reference numeral 900. The method 900 includes transmitting 901 a signal to a sensor head via a sensor wire located in a container 10, 110, 210 outside the storage tank outer wall 4, 104, 204. The method also includes receiving 902 a signal from the sensor head via a sensor wire located in the container 10, 110, 210.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically described herein. Some possible variations will now be described by way of example only.

[0132] The above examples describe a tank arrangement including a container for inhibiting outflow of the contents of the tank in the event of failure of one or more feed-throughs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a container is not necessary for the tank arrangement of the second aspect of the invention.

[0133] The above examples describe a storage tank arrangement for storing liquid hydrogen. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used in a storage tank arrangement for storing other volatile liquids, such as liquefied petroleum gas, liquid nitrogen or liquid oxygen.

[0134] The above examples describe a storage tank arrangement used as an aircraft fuel tank. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the storage tank arrangement of the present invention can be used in other vehicles, such as land-based vehicles, such as road and / or rail-based vehicles, and water-based vehicles, such as boats and ships.

[0135] The above examples describe a storage tank arrangement for use as an aircraft fuel tank. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the storage tank arrangement of the present invention is particularly relevant to vehicles, the storage tank arrangement of the present invention may also be used without being in a vehicle or with a vehicle.

[0136] In the foregoing description, when reference is made to an integral body or element that has a known, obvious or foreseeable equivalent, such equivalent is incorporated herein as if set forth separately. The true scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims, which should be interpreted as including any such equivalents. The reader will also understand that integral components or features of the invention described as preferred, advantageous, convenient, etc. are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. In addition, it should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, such optional integral bodies or features, while potentially beneficial, may not be desirable and therefore may not exist in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A storage tank device suitable for storing liquid gas, comprising: A storage tank, the storage tank being adapted to store liquid gas, the storage tank comprising a storage tank inner wall and a storage tank outer wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region; an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or connection of one or more sensors; as well as A feedthrough path, wherein the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device define the feedthrough path between the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device, wherein the feedthrough path is at least partially located in a feedthrough area between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank, and the feedthrough area is isolated from an adjacent inter-wall area between the inner wall of the storage tank and the outer wall of the storage tank.

2. The storage tank device according to claim 1, wherein: The feed-through region is isolated from the adjacent inter-wall region by a fluid impermeable partition, wherein the fluid impermeable partition is provided by a spacer means for maintaining the storage tank inner wall in spaced relation to the storage tank outer wall.

3. The storage tank device according to claim 2, wherein: A portion of the spacer means extends outside the outer wall of the storage tank and a portion of the spacer means is optionally located inside the inner wall of the storage tank.

4. The storage tank device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein: The spacer device includes an inner attachment portion for securing the spacer device to the inner wall of the storage tank, an outer attachment portion for securing the spacer device to the outer wall of the storage tank, and a spacing portion for maintaining the inner and outer attachment portions in a spaced relationship.

5. The storage tank device according to claim 4, wherein: The spacing portion provides the feed-through region.

6. The storage tank device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: The spacing portion includes an elongated hollow portion.

7. A tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more cord guides for securing one or more cords.

8. The storage tank device according to claim 7, wherein: One or more cord guides are located between the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough.

9. The storage tank device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein: The or each cord guide comprises a cord guide mount for mounting the cord guide to the reservoir device and a load-bearing portion attachable to the cord guide mount, the load-bearing portion being attachable to the cord guide mount in a plurality of different orientations.

10. The storage tank device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The or each cord guide comprises means for securing one or more cords, the means for securing one or more cords comprising a clamp.

11. The storage tank device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The or each cord guide comprises a sensor mount for mounting a sensor.

12. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: One or more of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough include one or more feedthrough elements, each feedthrough element being configured to form a seal with a corresponding surface of the storage tank device and to allow one or more sensor flexible wires to pass through and / or to allow one or more sensors to be connected.

13. The storage tank device according to claim 12, wherein: The first feedthrough element is configured to form a seal with a first portion of a surface of the storage tank inner wall or the storage tank outer wall, and the second feedthrough element is configured to form a seal with a second portion of the surface of the storage tank inner wall or the storage tank outer wall.

14. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: The inner feed-through device is sealed to the inner wall of the storage tank or to a third wall, and the third wall is located inside the inner wall of the storage tank.

15. The storage tank device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: Each of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough is sealed to a respective inner surface of a conduit.

16. The storage tank device according to claim 15, wherein: The conduit comprises a double wall conduit with a first conduit inner wall spaced apart from a second conduit outer wall, the inner feedthrough sealed to an inner surface of the first conduit inner wall, and the outer feedthrough sealed to an inner surface of the conduit outer wall.

17. The storage tank apparatus of claim 15, wherein: The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough are sealed to the same inner surface of the conduit, the inner feedthrough is sealed to a first portion of the conduit, and the outer feedthrough is sealed to a second portion of the conduit, the second portion of the wall being located outside the first portion of the conduit.

18. A storage tank arrangement according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: The conduit includes a detachable conduit portion including one or both of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough.

19. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: The inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough are configured to define an area therebetween for positioning of one or more sensor heads.

20. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, wherein: One or both of the inner feedthrough device and the outer feedthrough device include a plurality of feedthrough ports, each feedthrough port being used for passing one or more sensor flexible wires, or for connecting to one or more sensors.

21. A tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more access apertures to facilitate access to the interior of the tank arrangement.

22. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more sensors.

23. A storage tank arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more further feed-throughs in addition to the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through.

24. A storage tank device suitable for storing liquid gas, comprising: A storage tank, the storage tank being adapted to store liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner tank wall and an outer tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region; an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or connection of one or more sensors; as well as A container is located outside the outer wall of the storage tank, and the container is configured to inhibit the outflow of the contents of the storage tank in the event of a failure of at least one of the inner feed-through and the outer feed-through.

25. A storage tank device suitable for storing liquid gas, comprising: A storage tank, the storage tank being adapted to store liquid gas, the storage tank comprising a storage tank inner wall and a storage tank outer wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region; an inner feedthrough and an outer feedthrough, each configured to form a seal with a respective surface of the tank device and to allow passage of one or more sensor cords and / or connection of one or more sensors; as well as A conduit is in gaseous communication with the interior of the storage tank, wherein the conduit comprises: A detachable conduit portion, which is detachable relative to and removable from another conduit portion, is provided with at least one of the inner feedthrough and the outer feedthrough.

26. A vehicle comprising a tank arrangement according to any preceding claim and one or more engines configured to receive fuel from the tank arrangement.

27. A method of sensing a parameter in a storage tank suitable for storing liquid gas, the method comprising: Signals are transmitted and / or received via a sensor wire in a feedthrough path at least partially located in a feedthrough region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall, the feedthrough region being isolated from an adjacent inter-wall region between the storage tank inner wall and the storage tank outer wall.

28. A method of sensing a parameter in a storage tank adapted for storing liquid gas, the storage tank comprising an inner tank wall and an outer tank wall separated by an insulating inter-wall region, the method comprising: Signals are transmitted and / or received via sensor wires located in a container external to the outer wall of the storage tank.

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