Modularized connecting device applied to LNG (liquefied natural gas) land terminal transportation beam and supporting column node

By using a ring structure connection with flanged U-shaped channel steel and box-type beam sleeve, the problem of irreversible damage to the support column connection in the modular construction of LNG land terminals was solved, enabling rapid and non-destructive disassembly and assembly and high-precision positioning of the support column, thereby improving construction efficiency and structural safety.

CN121407656APending Publication Date: 2026-01-27OFFSHORE OIL ENG CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511845901.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-12-09
Publication Date
2026-01-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the modular construction of LNG land terminals, the existing technology for connecting steel frame transport beams and support columns has problems such as irreversible damage to the support columns, weakening of structural integrity, and cumbersome operation, making it difficult to meet the requirements of efficient disassembly and assembly, structural integrity, and long-term reliability.

Method used

The support column is wrapped with a ring structure consisting of flanged U-shaped channel steel and box-shaped beam sleeve, and connected to the transport beam through shear connectors to achieve rapid and non-destructive assembly and disassembly and high-precision positioning, thereby enhancing the overall rigidity and load-bearing capacity and avoiding drilling operations on the support column.

Benefits of technology

It achieves the maintenance of the structural integrity of the support columns, rapid and non-destructive disassembly and assembly, and high-precision positioning, thereby improving construction efficiency and structural safety and meeting the high-efficiency and reliable connection requirements of modular construction.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a modularized connecting device applied to an LNG land terminal transportation beam and a supporting column node, relates to the technical field of LNG land terminal modules, and solves the problem that when an LNG land terminal is connected, a hole is formed in a supporting column, so that the bearing capacity of the column is reduced. The device comprises U-shaped channel steel with flanges and a box beam sleeve, the U-shaped channel steel with the flanges and the box beam sleeve are connected to form an annular structure, and the annular structure is arranged on a supporting column in a sleeving mode and connected with the supporting column; the box beam sleeve comprises an end plate and a steel pipe, the steel pipe is arranged on the end plate, and the flange of the U-shaped channel steel with the flange is connected with the end plate; the transportation beams are inserted into the steel pipes; the upper end of the end plate is in lap joint with an LNG land terminal module cross beam. The supporting column body does not need to be damaged, rapid and lossless disassembly and assembly can be achieved, and high-precision positioning and stable bearing can be provided; no drilling operation needs to be conducted on the main body supporting column, and the structural integrity of the supporting column is completely kept.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of LNG land terminal module technology, specifically a modular connection device applied to the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous growth of global energy demand and the increasing frequency of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, the construction scale of LNG land-based terminals has been expanding, and their construction models have gradually developed towards modularization and factory production. Due to the numerous challenges of directly constructing terminals overseas, such as high labor costs, inconsistent construction standards, difficulties in quality control, and uncertainties in construction periods, the modular construction method of domestic prefabrication, overall transportation, and rapid on-site assembly has shown significant advantages. This model, by prefabricating large structural modules in a controlled factory environment, can significantly improve construction accuracy, shorten on-site construction time, reduce overall construction costs, and help ensure project quality and safety. In the modular construction of large LNG land-based terminals, the efficient and reliable connection between the components of the steel frame modules is crucial. Among them, the node connection performance between the steel frame transport beams and support columns directly affects the structural safety and stability of the module throughout its entire life cycle, including long-distance transportation and final placement and use. The safety of its design and connection technology becomes the key to determining the success or failure of the overall project.

[0003] The modular construction of LNG land terminals, which has developed rapidly in recent years, relies heavily on the rational design of transport beams. Detachable connection devices are closely related to the design and construction of transport beams and the advancement of modular LNG land terminal construction. During the modular construction and transportation of LNG, transport beams bear the crucial responsibility of safely transferring the weight of the modules (hundreds or even thousands of tons) and their internal equipment loads to the transport vehicles. Their stress state is complex, requiring them to simultaneously resist enormous bending moments and shear forces. Therefore, the connection devices must not only possess sufficient strength and rigidity but also meet core requirements such as reusability, rapid positioning, non-destructive installation, and tolerance to minor errors. Designing safe, reliable, convenient, and recyclable beam-column joint connection devices is essential for promoting the modular development of LNG land terminals.

[0004] Traditional connection methods, such as drilling holes in the flanges or webs of the support columns and using high-strength bolts, or direct on-site welding, while solving the connection problem to some extent, have inherent drawbacks that cannot be ignored. Welding generates residual stress and deformation, and is an irreversible connection, compromising the module's detachability. Drilling holes in the main support columns weakens their cross-section, creating stress concentration points that may permanently damage the integrity and long-term fatigue performance of the main structure. This contradicts the principles of "zero damage to the main structure" and "reusable connection devices" advocated by modular construction. Although some connection schemes attempt to achieve detachable functionality, such as using additional connecting plates or clamping components, they often still rely on local modifications to the column body through welding lugs or liners, or their complex construction leads to cumbersome, time-consuming, and difficult-to-guarantee alignment accuracy on-site operations. Furthermore, LNG modules are typically enormous in size and weight, placing extremely high demands on the long-term reliability of connection nodes. The limitations of existing technologies make it difficult to meet the core requirements of efficient assembly and disassembly, non-destructive structure, and reliable load-bearing capacity in LNG modular construction, thus hindering the further promotion and application of LNG land-based terminal modular technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problem of reduced column load-bearing capacity caused by drilling holes in support columns during existing LNG land terminal connections, this invention proposes a modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and support column in LNG land terminals. This invention allows for rapid, non-destructive assembly and disassembly without damaging the support column itself, providing high-precision positioning and stable load-bearing capacity; it also eliminates the need for any drilling operations on the main support column, completely preserving its structural integrity.

[0006] This invention proposes a modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal. Specifically, it includes a flanged U-shaped channel steel and a box-shaped beam sleeve. The flanged U-shaped channel steel and the box-shaped beam sleeve are connected to form a ring structure, which is sleeved on the support column and connected to the support column. The box-shaped beam sleeve includes an end plate and a steel pipe. The steel pipe is set on the end plate, and the flange of the flanged U-shaped channel steel is connected to the end plate. The transport beam is inserted into the steel pipe. The upper end of the end plate overlaps with the crossbeam of the LNG land terminal module.

[0007] Furthermore, the flanged U-shaped channel steel is provided with several through holes, and the flange of the support column is provided with several shear connectors; one end of the shear connector is connected to the support column, and the other end passes through the through hole of the flanged U-shaped channel steel and is provided with a nut.

[0008] Furthermore, the difference between the diameter of the through hole on the flanged U-shaped channel steel and the diameter of the shear connector is 1~2mm.

[0009] Furthermore, the flanged U-shaped channel steel includes a base plate and two web plates, which are respectively disposed at both ends of the base plate; flanges are provided on the web plates.

[0010] Furthermore, the flanges and end plates of the flanged U-shaped channel steel are connected by bolts.

[0011] Furthermore, the end plate is provided with node stiffening ribs, which are located between the steel pipe and the crossbeam of the LNG land terminal module.

[0012] Furthermore, the end plate is provided with steel pipe stiffening ribs, which are located below the steel pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the width of the end plate is greater than or equal to the width of the flanged U-shaped channel steel, and the distance from both sides of the end plate to both sides of the steel pipe is 500mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the steel pipe is rectangular in shape, 300mm long and 20mm thick.

[0015] Furthermore, the gap between the inner wall of the steel pipe and the flange of the transport beam is 0.5mm~1mm.

[0016] The advantages of the modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in this invention are as follows: (1) The modular connection device for the transport beam and support column node of LNG land terminal described in this invention wraps the support column with a ring structure composed of flanged U-shaped channel steel and box-shaped beam sleeve, and connects it to the transport beam through the steel pipe on the box-shaped beam sleeve. It can achieve rapid and non-destructive disassembly and assembly without damaging the support column body, and can provide high-precision positioning and stable load bearing. No drilling operation is required on the main support column, and its structural integrity is completely maintained. At the same time, it has a high degree of modularity and standardization, which can achieve rapid and accurate installation and disassembly, and significantly improve construction efficiency.

[0017] (2) The modular connection device for the LNG land terminal transport beam and support column node described in this invention has shear connectors installed on the support column. The support column is connected by shear connectors and flanged U-shaped channel steel. While ensuring the integrity of the support column, it provides sufficient rigid connection and stable load-bearing in terms of structural mechanical performance, and ensures the structural safety of the module in each stage of construction, transportation and placement.

[0018] (3) The modular connection device for the LNG land terminal transport beam and support column node described in this invention enhances the overall rigidity and bearing capacity by setting node stiffening ribs and steel pipe stiffening ribs on the end plate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connection device for the LNG land terminal transport beam and support column node described in this invention, applied to the LNG land terminal modular transport beam. Figure 2 This is a side view of a modular connection device for the transport beam and support column node of an LNG land terminal, as described in this invention. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a modular connection device for LNG land terminal transportation beam and support column nodes as described in this invention; Figure 4 This is a top view of a modular connection device for the transport beam and support column node of an LNG land terminal, as described in this invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the flanged U-shaped channel steel and the end plate of a modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal, as described in this invention. Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of a box-type beam sleeve for a modular connection device applied to the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal, as described in this invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shear connector of a modular connection device for LNG land terminal transportation beam and support column node, as described in this invention, which is installed on the support column. Wherein: 1-support column; 2-end plate; 3-bolt; 4-U-shaped channel steel with flange; 5-shear connector; 6-LNG land terminal module crossbeam; 7-node stiffening rib; 8-steel pipe; 9-transport beam; 10-steel pipe stiffening rib; 11-U-shaped channel steel flange; 12-circular opening. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Specific implementation method one: See Figures 1-7This embodiment is described in detail. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and support column of an LNG land terminal, as described in this embodiment, specifically includes a flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and a box-shaped beam sleeve. The flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and the box-shaped beam sleeve are connected to form a ring-shaped box-shaped column sleeve structure. The box-shaped column sleeve structure wraps around the column body along the height direction of the support column 1 and connects to the support column 1, forming an integral load-bearing structure. The flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 is provided with several through holes arranged in rows, with each row of through holes equidistant from each other. The distance between two rows of through holes on the same side is the height of the web of the support column 1 minus the diameter of the through hole. Several shear connectors 5 are provided on the four flanges of the support column 1. The shear connector 5 is a cylindrical structure, with one end connected to the support column 1 by welding, and the other end provided with threads that pass through the through holes of the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4. An anti-loosening nut is provided at the threaded end for tightening, constituting a shear connection system between the support column 1 and the connection device. The shear connector 5 is made of hot-rolled steel bar, and the diameter of the through hole on the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 is 1mm~2mm different from the diameter of the shear connector 5 to ensure assembly accuracy and shear resistance.

[0023] The box girder sleeve includes an end plate 2 and a steel pipe 8. The steel pipe 8 is welded onto the end plate 2, and the central axis of the steel pipe 8 coincides with the central axis of the end plate 2 for precise embedding of the transport beam 9. The width of the end plate 2 is greater than or equal to the width of the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4. The distance from the left and right edges of the end plate 2 to the corresponding left and right edges of the steel pipe 8 is 500mm. A row of circular openings 12 is provided on both flanges of the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4, and a row of circular openings 12 is also provided on both sides of the end plate 2. The circular openings 12 on the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and the end plate 2 are equidistant. The flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and the end plate 2 are connected by the circular openings 12 and high-strength bolts. The transport beam 9 is inserted into the steel pipe 8. The upper end of the end plate 2 extends to the bottommost LNG land terminal module crossbeam 6 of the module and overlaps with the LNG land terminal module crossbeam 6, transferring part of the load to the LNG land terminal module crossbeam 6. The steel pipe 8 is rectangular in shape, 300mm long and 20mm thick; the gap between the inner wall of the steel pipe 8 and the flange of the transport beam 9 is 0.5mm~1mm to ensure tight embedding.

[0024] The end plate 2 is provided with node stiffening ribs 7, which are located between the steel pipe 8 and the LNG land terminal module crossbeam 6. The end plate 2 is provided with steel pipe stiffening ribs 10, which are located below the steel pipe 8.

[0025] The difference between the diameter of the through hole on the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and the diameter of the shear connector 5 is 1~2mm.

[0026] The flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 includes a base plate and two web plates, which are respectively located at both ends of the base plate. Flanges are provided on the web plates. During installation, the two web plates are first installed on the support column 1 and fastened with nuts and shear support members 5. Then, the base plate and the two web plates are welded together to form the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4.

[0027] The device can separate the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 from the end plate 2 by disassembling the high-strength bolts, thereby enabling the rapid and non-destructive disassembly of the support column 1 and the transport beam 9.

[0028] In summary, the modular connection device for the LNG land terminal transport beam and support column node described in this invention uses a ring-shaped box-shaped column sleeve structure composed of flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 and box-shaped beam sleeve to enclose the support column 1, and connects it to the transport beam 9 through steel pipe 8 on the box-shaped beam sleeve. This allows for rapid and non-destructive assembly and disassembly without damaging the support column 1, and provides high-precision positioning and stable load-bearing capacity. No drilling is required on the main support column 1, maintaining its structural integrity. Furthermore, it possesses high modularity and standardization, enabling rapid and precise installation and disassembly, significantly improving construction efficiency. The modular connection device for the LNG land terminal transport beam and support column node also includes shear connectors 5 installed on the support column 1. The support column 1 is connected to the flanged U-shaped channel steel 4 via shear connectors 5, ensuring the integrity of the support column 1 while providing sufficient rigid connection and stable load-bearing capacity in terms of structural mechanical performance, ensuring the structural safety of the module during construction, transportation, and placement. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of the LNG land terminal described in this invention enhances the overall rigidity and load-bearing capacity by setting node stiffening ribs 7 and steel pipe stiffening ribs 10 on the end plate 2.

[0029] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. They can also be reasonable combinations of the features described in the above embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular connection device for the node between the beam and the support column in LNG land terminal transportation, characterized in that: It includes a flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) and a box girder sleeve. The flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) and the box girder sleeve are connected to form a ring structure. The ring structure is sleeved on the support column (1) and connected to the support column (1). The box girder sleeve includes an end plate (2) and a steel pipe (8). The steel pipe (8) is set on the end plate (2). The flange of the flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) is connected to the end plate (2). The transport beam (9) is inserted into the steel pipe (8). The upper end of the end plate (2) overlaps with the LNG land terminal module crossbeam (6).

2. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) has several through holes, and the flange of the support column (1) has several shear connectors (5); one end of the shear connector (5) is connected to the support column (1), and the other end passes through the through hole of the flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) and is equipped with a nut.

3. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The difference between the diameter of the through hole on the flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) and the diameter of the shear connector (5) is 1~2mm.

4. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) includes a bottom plate and two webs, which are respectively located at both ends of the bottom plate; flanges are provided on the webs.

5. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The flanges and end plates (2) of the flanged U-shaped channel steel (4) are connected by bolts.

6. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end plate (2) is provided with a node stiffening rib (7), which is located between the steel pipe (8) and the LNG land terminal module crossbeam (6).

7. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end plate (2) is provided with steel pipe stiffening ribs (10), which are located below the steel pipe (8).

8. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal, as described in claim 1, 6, or 7, is characterized in that: The width of the end plate (2) is greater than or equal to the width of the flanged U-shaped channel steel (4), and the distance from the two sides of the end plate (2) to the two sides of the steel pipe (8) is 500mm.

9. The modular connection device for the node between the LNG land terminal transport beam and the support column as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The steel pipe (8) is rectangular in shape, with a length of 300mm and a thickness of 20mm.

10. The modular connection device for the node between the transport beam and the support column of an LNG land terminal according to claim 9, characterized in that: The gap between the inner wall of the steel pipe (8) and the flange of the transport beam (9) is 0.5mm~1mm.