Side tank connection space and connection method for a ship fuel tank
By installing flexible support devices on the sides of the fuel storage tank, the problems of tank rotation and temperature stress were solved, improving fuel transportation safety and compartment space utilization, and reducing installation costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUNRUI MARINE ENVIRONMENT ENG
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the connection space of the fuel storage tank is set at the top or end cap, which increases the overall size of the tank, occupies the compartment space, and affects the fuel delivery efficiency and safety. Moreover, when set on the side, it is easy to cause the tank to rotate due to unbalanced forces and damage to the pipeline.
Flexible support devices, including spring support devices or rubber support devices, are used to provide support on the bottom outer side of the connection space on the side of the fuel storage tank to prevent structural damage caused by tank rotation and temperature stress.
It effectively prevents structural damage caused by tank rotation and temperature stress, improves fuel transportation safety, reduces interference between the tank and the ship's hull, and saves compartment space.
Smart Images

Figure CN120606938B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of shipbuilding, and particularly relates to a side-mounted storage tank connection space and connection method for ship fuel tanks. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the connection space for ship fuel storage tanks is generally located at the top or head of the tank. While this traditional layout has some merit in newly built ships, it presents numerous drawbacks in practical applications. From a structural design perspective, concentrating the connection space at the top or head inevitably requires increasing the height and diameter of the tank, significantly increasing its overall geometric dimensions. This increase not only occupies a large amount of valuable hull space but also disrupts the compactness and rationality of the original cabin layout, leading to a substantial reduction in the utilization rate of the ship's internal space and a significant increase in the difficulty of subsequently arranging other equipment and systems. These problems are amplified, especially in clean fuel retrofit projects on older ships. The spatial structure and dimensions of the ship's hold are already fixed, making large-scale structural modifications difficult. If the traditional method of placing the fuel storage tank connection space at the top or head is still used, serious interference between the tank and existing equipment, pipelines, and bulkheads within the hold is highly likely. Even if installation is forced, it will result in a chaotic and winding layout of connecting pipes, increasing installation costs and affecting the efficiency and safety of fuel delivery.
[0003] While placing the connection space on the side of the fuel tank could solve the aforementioned problems, it also leads to a series of issues, such as tank rotation due to unbalanced stress and pipeline damage. Ordinary rigid connection devices are susceptible to temperature stresses caused by the mismatch between the tank's contraction and the ship's deformation after the addition of cryogenic fuel. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a side-mounted fuel tank connection space and method that can address these problems. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This invention proposes a side-mounted tank connection space and connection method for ship fuel tanks, which solves the technical problem that setting the connection space of the fuel tank on the side of the tank will cause the tank to rotate due to unbalanced force and damage to the pipeline. It has the characteristics of preventing the tank from rotating and preventing the support device from being deformed by temperature stress.
[0005] This invention discloses a side-mounted storage tank connection space for a ship's fuel tank, comprising: a shell, fixedly connected to the outer side of the fuel tank to form a sealed accommodating space for placing fuel pipelines, the fuel tank being used to store cryogenic fuel; and a flexible support device, flexibly connecting the shell and the hull, including a spring support device or a rubber support device; the spring support device comprising: a first heat insulation layer disposed under the main beam on the outer bottom of the shell; and a spring, one end connected to the first heat insulation layer and the other end connected to the hull; the rubber support device comprising: a second heat insulation layer disposed under the main beam on the outer bottom of the shell; and a rubber support body, one end connected to the second heat insulation layer and the other end connected to the hull.
[0006] In some embodiments, when the fuel storage temperature in the fuel tank is less than -60°C and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage after the fuel tank is filled with fuel is greater than 6mm, the flexible support device is a spring support device with a spring hardness of HRC45~52.
[0007] In some embodiments, the spring material is 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.
[0008] In some embodiments, when the fuel storage temperature in the fuel storage tank is greater than -60°C and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage after the fuel storage tank is filled with fuel is less than 6mm, the flexible support device is a rubber support device, the Shore hardness of the rubber support body is 60±5, the tensile strength is greater than 15MPa, and the static rated load is greater than 5t.
[0009] In some embodiments, the rubber support is one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or nitrile rubber.
[0010] In some embodiments, when the weight of the shell is less than 10 tons, two sets of flexible support devices are provided; when the weight of the shell is between 10 tons and 20 tons, four sets of flexible support devices are provided; when the weight of the shell is between 20 tons and 30 tons, six sets of flexible support devices are provided; the flexible support devices are arranged linearly along the axial direction of the fuel storage tank.
[0011] In some embodiments, the housing has an arcuate groove with a central angle greater than 180 degrees. ° The fuel storage tank is partially housed within an arc-shaped recess.
[0012] In some embodiments, the hull also includes a saddle support device located at the bottom of the fuel tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end for connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure and a sliding end for connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged back and forth along the axis of the fuel tank to support the fuel tank.
[0013] In some embodiments, the housing is located between the fixed end and the sliding end, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the housing near the fixed end and the centerline of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the housing near the sliding end and the centerline of the sliding end is greater than 1m.
[0014] In some embodiments, both the first and second insulation layers are 30mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaskets; the shell and the fuel storage tank are both wrapped with insulation layers.
[0015] The present invention also discloses a method for connecting the side-mounted storage tank connection space of a ship fuel tank, including: a flexible support device flexibly connecting the shell and the hull; when the fuel tank is subjected to force and rotates, the flexible support device supports the shell and reduces the rotational stress of the fuel tank on the hull.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:
[0017] (1) The present invention discloses a side-mounted storage tank connection space for a ship fuel tank. By providing support by setting a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the connection space on the side of the fuel tank, the connection space can prevent the fuel tank from being pulled by the fuel tank, causing the tank to rotate due to an imbalance of the center of gravity, resulting in a series of problems such as tank leakage.
[0018] (2) The present invention discloses a side-mounted storage tank connection space for a ship fuel tank. By providing support by setting a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the connection space on the side of the fuel tank, it prevents the tank from being constrained by the rigid support device and unable to move freely when it is cold and shrinking, and prevents stress from causing cracks at the support points and other parts. Attached Figure Description
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and form part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the ship's hull provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of the ship's hull from another direction, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the spring support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rubber support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the deformation of the connecting space shell without a flexible support device, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the deformation of a connected spatial shell equipped with a flexible support device, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 7 This is a stress distribution diagram of an anti-spinning plate without a flexible support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 8 This is a stress distribution diagram of the anti-spin plate with a flexible support device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Attached image description:
[0029] 1. Hull; 2. Fuel storage tanks; 3. Shell;
[0030] 4. Flexible support device; 401. Spring support device; 402. First heat insulation layer; 403. High-strength spring support; 404. First outer protective sleeve; 405. Rubber support device; 406. Second heat insulation layer; 407. Rubber support; 408. Second outer protective sleeve;
[0031] 5. Saddle support device; 501. Fixed end; 502. Sliding end;
[0032] 601. Manhole; 602. Sprinkler system; 603. Overpressure discharge system; 604. Refueling system; 605. Fuel pump supply system; 606. Insulation layer. Detailed Implementation
[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided by this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.
[0034] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this invention, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this invention are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the present invention.
[0035] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.
[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "a," "an," "an," "the," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and any variations thereof used in this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms "connected," "linked," "coupled," and similar words used in this invention are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "A plurality" in this invention refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this invention are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.
[0037] This invention provides a ship, with reference to Figure 1 As shown, the device includes at least: a shell, fixedly connected to the outer side of a fuel storage tank to form a sealed containment space for placing fuel pipelines, the fuel storage tank being used to store cryogenic fuel; a flexible support device, flexibly connecting the shell and the hull, including a spring support device or a rubber support device; the spring support device includes: a first heat insulation layer, disposed under the main beam on the outer bottom of the shell; a spring, one end connected to the first heat insulation layer and the other end connected to the hull; the rubber support device includes: a second heat insulation layer, disposed under the main beam on the outer bottom of the shell; a rubber support body, one end connected to the second heat insulation layer and the other end connected to the hull.
[0038] Unlike traditional methods where the connecting space is located on the top or end cap of the tank, this invention places the shell of the tank connection space on the side of the tank, reducing the overall size of the tank. This allows for flexible arrangement along the longer side, facilitating overall hull design and providing a feasible solution for the retrofitting of older vessels. However, due to the unique characteristics of the tank and the connection space, the heavy weight of the connecting space shell, when installed on the side of the tank, causes a significant shift in the center of gravity of the entire tank system. Furthermore, because the tank operates at extremely low temperatures, it needs to be installed insulated from the hull structure using a saddle support system. This saddle support system only requires high support in the load-bearing, longitudinal, and lateral displacement directions. The axial rotation and rolling of the tank rely solely on a weak anti-rotation plate located in the center of the insulated wood at the fixed end. Damage to this anti-rotation plate can cause leaks and other serious problems. Without additional anti-rotation and anti-roll measures, the connection space may experience damage and loss of airtightness. This invention provides support by setting a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the shell of the connecting space on the side of the fuel storage tank, so as to prevent the shell of the connecting space from exerting a pulling force on the fuel storage tank, causing the center of gravity of the storage tank to become unbalanced and rotate, resulting in a series of problems such as storage tank leakage.
[0039] On the other hand, the extremely low temperature of fuel in cryogenic fuel tanks poses a significant challenge. The sudden drop in temperature after refueling causes a contraction effect, which, combined with the asynchronous deformation of the ship's structure, is the core issue leading to temperature stress. If this stress is not effectively controlled, it can cause tank cracking, seal failure, or damage to the ship's structure, especially during the conversion of older ships where the original structure limits its potential safety hazards. For example, cryogenic fuel tanks (such as LNG tanks) commonly use 9% nickel steel, austenitic stainless steel, or aluminum alloys, with a coefficient of linear expansion of approximately 10–18 × 10⁻⁶. -6 / ℃ (e.g., 304 stainless steel shrinks by about 0.3% at -196℃). When LNG is added (to -162℃), the entire storage tank shrinks. If the temperature of a 10-meter-high storage tank drops from 20℃ to -162℃, the axial shrinkage can reach about 20mm. If the storage tank is rigidly connected to the hull via fixed supports (e.g., assembled with insulated wood), the tank cannot move freely due to the constraint of the hull during cold shrinkage, which will generate tensile or compressive stress at support points, welds, etc. The fixed supports at the bottom of the storage tank will restrict its axial shrinkage, causing the bottom end cap to bear upward tensile force, which may lead to weld cracking. In addition, when the ship is sailing, the hull is subjected to wave loads and undergoes bending and torsional deformation (e.g., the deck warps when the hull arches). If the storage tank is fixedly connected to the hull at this time, the dynamic deformation will be superimposed with the temperature stress, exacerbating structural fatigue. This invention can prevent the above problems by providing support through a flexible support device on the outer side of the bottom of the shell in the connection space on the side of the fuel storage tank.
[0040] Fuel pipelines, such as safety valve vent pipes, refueling pipes, and top spray pipes, are installed within the connecting space shell. After entering the storage tank through the tank body, the fuel pipelines are arranged according to their function; for example, the safety valve vent pipe bends upwards to the gas phase space of the storage tank, and the refueling pipe bends downwards to the bottom of the storage tank. A fuel pump is also installed within the connecting space shell, extending from the bottom of the storage tank. The connecting space shell of this invention forms a sealed containment space with the tank body, preventing hazardous gases from leaking to other areas of the ship in the event of a rupture in the pipelines within the connecting space shell.
[0041] With the design of this invention, the storage tank does not need to be specially equipped with an air dome, the spacing between the reinforcing rings of the storage tank can be reduced, thereby reducing the thickness of the plate and saving manufacturing costs.
[0042] The flexible support device is installed under the main beam, which can better distribute the support force.
[0043] Flexible support devices are an essential component of the side-mounted connection space. The supports used can be either spring supports or rubber supports, depending on the magnitude of the deformation displacement. When there is a large relative displacement between the connection space and the hull structure, spring supports are selected; when the relative displacement is small, rubber supports can be chosen. Additionally, when the installation space for flexible support devices is very limited (such as in some converted older ships), rubber supports, which occupy less installation space, should be selected. For storage tanks loading liquid ammonia, liquefied petroleum gas, or other media with high design temperatures (above -60°C), rubber supports are used for the tank connection space; for storage tanks loading liquefied natural gas, LEG, or other media (below -60°C), spring supports with a larger deformation rate are used for the tank connection space.
[0044] In some embodiments, when the fuel storage temperature in the fuel tank is less than -60°C and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage after the fuel tank is filled with fuel is greater than 6mm, the flexible support device is a spring support device with a spring hardness of HRC45~52.
[0045] In some embodiments, the spring material is 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.
[0046] In some embodiments, when the fuel storage temperature in the fuel storage tank is greater than -60°C and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage after the fuel storage tank is filled with fuel is less than 6mm, the flexible support device is a rubber support device, the Shore hardness of the rubber support body is 60±5, the tensile strength is greater than 15MPa, and the static rated load is greater than 5t.
[0047] In some embodiments, the rubber support is one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or nitrile rubber.
[0048] In some embodiments, when the shell weight of the connecting space is less than 10 tons, two sets of flexible support devices are provided; when the shell weight of the connecting space is between 10 and 20 tons, four sets of flexible support devices are provided; and when the shell weight of the connecting space is between 20 and 30 tons, six sets of flexible support devices are provided. The flexible support devices are arranged linearly along the axis of the fuel storage tank. This arrangement achieves the following effects: the supporting force and deformation displacement at each support point are basically equivalent, ensuring that the selected flexible supports are of uniform specifications and reducing design complexity.
[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the shell of the connecting space has an arc-shaped groove with a central angle greater than 180°, and the fuel tank is partially accommodated within the arc-shaped groove. The tank body has a manhole at its top, a sprinkler system at the top of the tank body, a refueling system connected to the sprinkler system through the tank body, an overpressure venting system connected to the upper part of the tank body, and a fuel pump supply system connected to the bottom of the tank body. The connecting space includes the opening of the manhole for easy access by maintenance personnel. The connecting space also accommodates the refueling system, the overpressure venting system, and the fuel pump supply system.
[0050] In some embodiments, the hull also includes a saddle support device located at the bottom of the fuel tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure and a sliding end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged forward and backward along the axis of the fuel tank to support it. Because the fuel tank is loaded with cryogenic fuel, it experiences significant axial contraction displacement. Therefore, one of the two supports is configured as a fixed support to prevent the fuel tank from lacking restraint during ship swaying, while the other set is configured as a sliding support to avoid thermal stress generated by the contraction displacement, which could damage the tank.
[0051] In some embodiments, the housing of the connecting space is located between the fixed end and the sliding end, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the connecting space housing near the fixed end and the centerline of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the connecting space housing near the sliding end and the centerline of the sliding end is greater than 1m.
[0052] In some embodiments, both the first and second insulation layers are 30mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaskets; the connection space and the outside of the fuel tank are both wrapped with insulation layers to maintain a low temperature in the fuel tank.
[0053] In some embodiments, the spring support device includes a top heat-insulating PTFE pad and a high-strength spring support.
[0054] like Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the spring support device includes a top heat-insulating PTFE pad, a high-strength spring support, and an outer protective sleeve. The high-strength spring support includes a spring and a top rod and a top plate at the top of the spring. The top rod and top plate are fixedly connected to the top of the spring. The spring pushes the top rod and top plate to provide support for the connection space. The heat-insulating PTFE pad is installed on the upper part of the top plate. The spring is housed within the outer protective sleeve. The top plate and top rod extend beyond the top of the sleeve. The outer protective sleeve is made of hard steel, and its bottom is fixedly connected to the high-strength spring support. When the top plate is under pressure, it causes the spring to compress downwards. The height of the outer protective sleeve is not higher than the height of the high-strength spring support in its lowest compressed state. This arrangement, where the spring is housed within the outer protective sleeve, prevents horizontal deformation of the spring and also prevents mechanical damage to the spring.
[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the rubber support device includes a top heat-insulating PTFE pad, a rubber support, and an outer protective sleeve, wherein the outer protective sleeve is made of hard steel and the height of the outer protective sleeve is not higher than the height of the rubber support in its lowest compressed state; the outer protective sleeve serves to protect the rubber support and prevent mechanical damage and lateral deformation.
[0056] The present invention also discloses a method for connecting the side-mounted storage tank connection space of a ship fuel tank, including: a flexible support device flexibly connecting the shell and the hull; when the fuel tank is subjected to force and rotates, the flexible support device supports the shell and reduces the rotational stress of the fuel tank on the hull.
[0057] Example 1
[0058] The tank connection space is located in the middle of the tank, which avoids interference with the ship's structure.
[0059] The tank connection space shell is directly welded to the tank structure to form a sealed structure. In the event of a pipeline rupture within the tank connection space, it can prevent dangerous gases from leaking into other areas of the ship, thus meeting the classification society's secondary protection requirements for dangerous media.
[0060] The storage tank's internal space shell is divided into three layers using grating panels along its height, expanding the usable space and facilitating equipment placement. The layers are connected by metal staircases.
[0061] Since the tank connection space shell is located on the side of the tank, it may cause the tank to rotate. Therefore, the tank connection space is connected to the hull structure through a flexible support device to provide support and reduce vibration. At the same time, it can also avoid rigid connections, which would cause a mismatch between the cooling and contraction of the tank after the cryogenic fuel is filled and the deformation of the hull, resulting in thermal stress.
[0062] The bottom of the tank connection space shell is equipped with 4 to 6 sets of flexible support devices that are connected to the bottom of the ship's cabin. A 30mm thick high-strength polytetrafluoroethylene liner is installed on top of the flexible support devices to prevent heat conduction from affecting the ship's structure after the low-temperature medium leaks in the tank connection space.
[0063] Fuel pipelines, safety valve vent pipes, filling pipes, top spray pipes, and other equipment are installed in the tank connection space. After entering the tank through the tank body, the fuel pipelines are arranged according to their functions. The safety valve vent pipe bends upward to the gas phase space of the tank, and the filling pipe bends downward to the bottom of the tank. A fuel pump is also installed in the tank connection space, which is led out from the bottom of the tank. The liquid phase pipeline led out from the bottom is set up with double-walled protection to the first shut-off valve according to relevant safety requirements.
[0064] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.
[0065] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A side-mounted storage tank connection space for a ship's fuel tank, characterized in that, include: A shell is fixedly connected to the outer side of the fuel storage tank to form a sealed containment space for placing fuel pipelines, the fuel storage tank being used to store cryogenic fuels; Flexible support device, which flexibly connects the shell and the hull, including spring support device or rubber support device; The spring support device includes: The first heat insulation layer is located under the main beam on the bottom outer side of the shell; A spring, one end of which is connected to the first heat insulation layer, and the other end of which is connected to the hull; The rubber support device includes: The second heat insulation layer is located under the main beam on the outer bottom of the shell; A rubber support body, one end of which is connected to the second heat insulation layer, and the other end of which is connected to the hull; The shell has an arc-shaped groove with a central angle greater than 180º, and the fuel storage tank is partially accommodated within the arc-shaped groove; The hull also includes a saddle support device located at the bottom of the fuel tank. The saddle support device includes a fixed end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure and a sliding end connecting the fuel tank to the hull structure. The fixed end and the sliding end are arranged front and rear along the axis of the fuel tank to support it. The shell is located between the fixed end and the sliding end. The minimum distance between the outer side of the shell near the fixed end and the centerline of the fixed end is greater than 1m, and the minimum distance between the outer side of the shell near the sliding end and the centerline of the sliding end is also greater than 1m.
2. The side-mounted storage tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is less than -60°C, and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage of the fuel tank after fuel filling is greater than 6mm, the flexible support device is the spring support device, and the hardness of the spring is HRC45~52.
3. The side-mounted storage tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The spring is made of 60Si2Mn or 65Si2MnWA.
4. The side-mounted storage tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the storage temperature of the fuel stored in the fuel tank is greater than -60℃, and the deformation caused by the cooling and shrinkage of the fuel tank after fuel filling is less than 6mm, the flexible support device is the rubber support device with a tensile strength greater than 15MPa and a static rated load greater than 5t.
5. The side-mounted storage tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rubber support is one of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, or nitrile rubber.
6. The side-mounted storage tank connection space of the ship fuel tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first and second insulation layers are 30mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaskets; the outer shell and the fuel storage tank are both wrapped with insulation layers.
7. The method for connecting the side-mounted storage tank connection space of a ship fuel tank according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The flexible support device flexibly connects the shell and the hull. When the fuel tank is rotated under force, the flexible support device supports the shell and reduces the rotational stress of the fuel tank on the hull.