Gravity flow device for cryogenic liquid cargo containment tanks and ship

Abstract

This invention provides a gravity flow guiding device and a vessel for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks. The gravity flow guiding device includes an inner tank wall, an outer support wall, and a flow guiding structure. The inner tank wall consists of an insulation module and a shielding layer, defining a liquid cargo storage space between the inner wall surfaces. The inner tank wall is installed within the outer support wall, and a liquid flow space exists between the inner wall surface of the outer support wall and the outer wall surface of the inner tank wall. The outer support wall includes a bottom wall and side walls, with the bottom wall connected to the side walls. A drain hole penetrating the bottom wall is provided on the bottom wall. The flow guiding structure is disposed within the liquid flow space and located between the side walls and the inner tank wall to guide the condensate generated in the liquid flow space at the side walls to the drain hole. This cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank can promptly discharge internal condensate, improving the stability of cryogenic liquid cargo storage and transportation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cryogenic liquid cargo storage and transportation technology, and in particular to a cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank and a ship having the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] Liquefied natural gas (LNG) typically requires storage and transportation at a cryogenic environment of approximately -163°C. To ensure the safe and stable storage of cryogenic liquid cargo during ship transport, LNG carriers are usually equipped with cryogenic storage tanks. Membrane-type storage tanks, due to their advantages such as high capacity utilization, lightweight structure, and suitability for large LNG carriers, have been widely adopted in the LNG shipping industry.

[0003] Membrane-type storage tanks typically consist of an outer support wall (e.g., a ship's hull) and an inner tank wall located inside the outer support wall (for storing cryogenic liquid cargo). During operation, although the inner tank wall is equipped with insulation modules, heat transfer is still unavoidable due to the significant temperature difference between the cryogenic liquid cargo and the external environment. When a temperature difference forms between the inner and outer sides of the outer support wall and water vapor in the air is encountered, condensation easily occurs, forming condensate. This condensate tends to stagnate, adhere, or form localized accumulations on the sidewalls, making it difficult to collect at the bottom drain point in a timely manner. This leads to problems such as moisture absorption by the insulation modules, reduced insulation performance, corrosion of the metal structure, and impacts on the structural stability and operational reliability of the storage tank.

[0004] Therefore, providing a cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank that can discharge condensate in a timely manner to improve condensate discharge efficiency and reduce the risk of condensate retention is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0005] The background technology places the flow guiding structure at the bottom. When the liquid in the tank body, especially the side wall, flows to the bottom, it cannot use the gravitational potential energy to quickly collect the liquid in the drain hole, causing liquid to remain at the bottom and affecting the stability of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a gravity flow guiding device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks, so as to solve the problem in the prior art that the condensate generated in the liquid flow space between the outer support wall and the inner tank wall, especially in the side wall area, is difficult to be discharged in a timely manner. To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a gravity flow guiding device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks, which includes an inner tank wall, an outer support wall, and a flow guiding structure; The inner tank wall is composed of an insulation module and a shielding layer, and the inner wall surfaces of the inner tank wall define the liquid storage space. An outer support wall is provided, the inner tank wall is installed inside the outer support wall, and there is a liquid flow space between the inner wall surface of the outer support wall and the outer wall surface of the inner tank wall. The outer support wall includes a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall is connected to the side wall, and the bottom wall is provided with a drain hole that penetrates the bottom wall. A flow guiding structure is provided within the liquid flow space and located between the side wall and the inner tank wall. The flow guiding structure is located close to the bottom wall to guide the condensate generated in the liquid flow space at the side wall to the drain hole. The flow guiding structure is constructed as a continuous long strip structure arranged on at least two side walls, which gradually slopes from the top of the side wall away from the bottom wall to the bottom wall, and the two ends of the flow guiding structure are not closed. The drain hole is located on the bottom wall near the end of the flow guiding structure; The flow guiding structure is made of soft material and is sandwiched between the inner tank wall and the outer support wall to guide the flow of liquid.

[0007] Furthermore, the side wall includes a left side wall, a rear side wall, a right side wall, and a front side wall. The flow guiding structure is continuously arranged in the liquid flow space corresponding to the left side wall, the rear side wall, the right side wall, and the front side wall. Only one continuous flow guiding structure is arranged around the circumference of the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank.

[0008] Furthermore, the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank is provided with multiple continuous flow guiding structures around its circumference. The flow guiding structures are constructed as continuous structures arranged on at least two of the side walls, gradually sloping from the upper part of the side wall away from the bottom wall to the lower part closer to the bottom wall, and the highest and lowest ends of the flow guiding structures are not closed; the lowest end of one of the multiple flow guiding structures guides the liquid to another flow guiding structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the highest end of the flow guiding structure is located at one end of the flow guiding structure, and the other end is the lowest end, with the height continuously decreasing from one end to the other.

[0010] Furthermore, the highest point of the flow guiding structure is located in the middle section of the flow guiding structure, and the two ends are the lowest points, forming a continuous decrease in height from the middle section to the two ends.

[0011] The present invention also provides a ship that includes the gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks as described above.

[0012] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a drain hole on the bottom wall of the outer support wall and a flow guiding structure within the liquid flow space between the side wall and the inner tank wall, allowing condensate generated in the liquid flow space to be guided to the drain hole. Compared to relying solely on the natural fall of condensate, this invention significantly improves the discharge efficiency of condensate, reduces condensate retention in the side and bottom wall areas, and ensures the structural stability and operational reliability of the cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an outer support wall provided in an embodiment of the present invention, in which the flow guiding structure disposed inside the outer support wall can be seen through the perspective. Figure 2 A perspective view of an outer support wall provided in another embodiment of the present invention, in which the flow guiding structure disposed inside the outer support wall can be seen through the perspective; Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a guide plate disposed on a side wall surface according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a flow guiding structure provided in one embodiment of the present invention connected to both an outer support wall and an inner tank wall. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a flow-guiding structure made of soft material according to an embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Outer support wall; 101. Bottom wall; 1011. Drain hole; 102. Side wall; 1021. Left side wall; 1022. Rear side wall; 1023. Right side wall; 1024. Front side wall; 20. Inner tank wall; 30. Flow guiding structure; 301. Bottom plate; 302. Baffle; 50. Liquid flow space; 60. Gas flow gap. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment provides a gravity flow guiding device for a cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank. This cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank can be used to store and transport LNG, as well as other cryogenic liquid cargoes, such as liquefied ethane, liquefied ethylene, or other liquid cargoes requiring cryogenic sealed storage.

[0016] The gravity flow guiding device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks includes an outer support wall 10, an inner tank wall 20, and a flow guiding structure 30.

[0017] The outer support wall 10 can be part of the hull structure. For example, when the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank is used in an LNG carrier, the outer support wall 10 can be formed by the hull, cargo hold bulkhead, or other support structure. The outer support wall 10 provides the installation foundation and structural support for the inner tank wall 20.

[0018] The inner tank wall 20 is installed inside the outer support wall 10. The inner tank wall 20 is composed of stacked insulation modules and shielding layers. The insulation modules are used to reduce heat transfer between the liquid cargo storage space and the outside environment, and the shielding layer is used to seal the cryogenic liquid cargo. The inner wall surfaces of the inner tank wall 20 define a liquid cargo storage space for accommodating cryogenic liquid cargoes such as LNG.

[0019] A liquid flow space 50 is provided between the inner wall surface of the outer support wall 10 and the outer wall surface of the inner tank wall 20. The liquid flow space 50 can be a gap space formed between the outer support wall 10 and the inner tank wall 20. This liquid flow space 50 can be used to accommodate the flow of condensed liquid, or for ventilation, maintenance, testing, or structural deformation compensation.

[0020] The outer support wall 10 includes a bottom wall 101 and a side wall 102. The bottom wall 101 is connected to the side wall 102. The side wall 102 may be arranged around the bottom wall 101 and together with the bottom wall 101 forms a support space for accommodating the inner tank wall 20. The bottom wall 101 is provided with a drain hole 1011 that penetrates the bottom wall 101. The drain hole 1011 is used to drain the condensate collected in the liquid flow space 50 to the outside of the outer support wall 10.

[0021] The flow guiding structure 30 is disposed within the liquid flow space 50 and is located between the side wall 102 and the inner tank wall 20. The flow guiding structure 30 is used to guide the condensate generated in the liquid flow space 50 at the side wall 102 to the drain hole 1011.

[0022] When air enters the liquid flow space 50, water vapor in the air may condense on the outer support wall 10, the inner tank wall 20, or other structural surfaces within the liquid flow space 50 under low temperature conditions, forming condensate. Particularly in the area corresponding to the side wall 102, the condensate may flow downwards along the surface of the side wall 102 or the inner tank wall 20. By providing the flow guiding structure 30, the condensate can be caught by the flow guiding structure 30 during its descent or adhering flow, and flow along the flow guiding structure 30 to the drain hole 1011, thereby preventing the condensate from remaining on the side wall 102 for a long time.

[0023] That is, by cooperating with the drain hole 1011 on the bottom wall 101 and the flow guiding structure 30 on the side wall 102, the condensate generated on the side wall 102 can be actively guided to the drain hole 1011, thereby improving the condensate discharge efficiency.

[0024] In this embodiment, the flow guiding structure 30 can be constructed as a continuous elongated structure arranged on at least two side walls 102, gradually sloping downwards from the top of the side wall 102 away from the bottom wall 101 towards the bottom wall 101, and the two ends of the flow guiding structure 30 are not closed. In other words, the flow guiding structure 30 can have an inclined flow guiding surface, allowing the condensed liquid to flow downwards along the inclined flow guiding surface under the action of gravity. This structure does not require an additional power drive device and can improve the drainage efficiency in a simple and reliable manner.

[0025] In some embodiments, the flow guiding structure 30 may be provided in the middle region, lower region or near the bottom wall 101 of the side wall 102 to facilitate better collection of condensate and its flow to the drain hole 1011.

[0026] like Figure 5 As shown, the flow guiding structure 30 is made of a soft material and is sandwiched and supported between the inner tank wall 20 and the outer support wall 10 to fill the liquid flow space 50. Thus, by using a soft material to block the gas flow within the liquid flow space 50, a heat preservation effect is achieved. Furthermore, by using a soft material for the flow guiding structure 30, it possesses good compressibility and elasticity, allowing it to deform with the relative displacement between the outer support wall 10 and the inner tank wall 20, adapting to thermal contraction, and also dispersing pressure and buffering vibrations.

[0027] Furthermore, the drain hole 1011 is located on the bottom wall 101 near the end of the guide structure 30, and is correspondingly positioned to the end of the guide structure 30. The end of the guide structure 30 is the downstream end of the guide structure 30 in the direction of condensate flow. By aligning the drain hole 1011 with the end of the guide structure 30, condensate can directly enter or quickly flow into the drain hole 1011 after flowing out from the end of the guide structure 30, reducing the diffusion and residue of condensate on the bottom wall 101.

[0028] That is, when the flow guiding structure 30 adopts an inclined structure, the flow can be guided by the gravity of the condensed liquid itself, and the structure is simple and reliable; when the drain hole 1011 is set to correspond to the end of the flow guiding structure 30, the drain path can be shortened and the bottom liquid accumulation can be reduced. In some embodiments, the side wall 102 includes a left side wall 1021, a rear side wall 1022, a right side wall 1023, and a front side wall 1024. In one embodiment, the flow guiding structure 30 is disposed near the bottom wall 101. Specifically, the left and right side walls are respectively composed of an upper wall, a middle wall, and a lower wall connected from top to bottom, with the lower wall directly connected to the bottom wall 101, and the flow guiding structure 30 disposed within the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the lower wall. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the left side wall 1021 includes an upper left wall, a middle left wall, and a lower left wall. The lower left wall is directly connected to the bottom wall 101, and the flow guiding structure 30 is set in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the lower left wall. The right side wall 1023 includes an upper right wall, a middle right wall, and a lower right wall. The lower right wall is directly connected to the bottom wall 101, and the flow guiding structure 30 is set in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the lower right wall.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 The flow guiding structure 30 is continuously set in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the left side wall 1021, the rear side wall 1022, the right side wall 1023 and the front side wall 1024. Only one continuous flow guiding structure 30 is set around the circumference of the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank.

[0030] Specifically, the flow guiding structure 30 can extend continuously along the left side wall 1021, rear side wall 1022, right side wall 1023, and front side wall 1024 to form a continuous flow guiding path in the circumference of the storage tank. The flow guiding structure 30 can be in the form of a ring, a zigzag, a stepped, a spiral descending shape, or other structural forms that can continuously guide the condensate to the drain hole 1011.

[0031] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, the flow guiding structure 30 starts from a higher position on the front sidewall 1024, gradually decreases along the right sidewall 1023, the rear sidewall 1022, and the left sidewall 1021, and finally extends to a position near the drain hole 1011. Thus, condensate from different sidewall regions can be received by the continuous flow guiding structure 30 and collected near the drain hole 1011 along the continuous flow path.

[0032] Optionally, the flow guiding structure 30 can be connected between the left side wall 1021, the rear side wall 1022, the right side wall 1023, and the front side wall 1024 via transition sections. The transition sections can be located at the junction of adjacent side walls, and can be arc-shaped, angled, or smoothly transitioned to reduce the stagnation of condensate at corners.

[0033] By continuously setting the flow guiding structure 30 in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to multiple side walls, a full circumferential or large-scale flow guiding path can be formed, reducing the liquid drainage blind zone, and enabling the condensate generated in multiple side wall areas to be uniformly guided to the liquid drainage hole 1011, which is suitable for large cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks.

[0034] In some embodiments, multiple continuous flow guiding structures 30 are arranged around the circumference of the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank. The flow guiding structures 30 are constructed as continuous structures arranged on at least two side walls 102, gradually sloping from the upper part of the side wall 102 away from the bottom wall 101 to the lower part closer to the bottom wall 101, and the highest and lowest ends of the flow guiding structures are not closed. The lowest end of one of the multiple flow guiding structures 30 guides the liquid to another flow guiding structure 30. By setting multiple flow guiding structures 30, a full circumferential or large-area flow guiding path can be formed, reducing drainage blind spots, and enabling condensate generated in multiple side wall areas to be uniformly guided to the drain hole 1011, which is suitable for large cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 2 In another configuration of the flow guiding structure 30, the flow guiding structure 30 includes multiple flow guiding structures 30, which are respectively disposed in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the left side wall 1021, the rear side wall 1022, the right side wall 1023 and the front side wall 1024.

[0036] For example, at least one flow guiding structure 30 is provided in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the left side wall 1021, at least one flow guiding structure 30 is provided in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the rear side wall 1022, at least one flow guiding structure 30 is provided in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the right side wall 1023, and at least one flow guiding structure 30 is provided in the liquid flow space 50 corresponding to the front side wall 1024. Each flow guiding structure 30 can be inclined toward a common drain hole 1011, or they can be inclined toward different drain holes 1011.

[0037] like Figure 2In one specific embodiment shown, the highest points of the two flow guiding structures 30 corresponding to the left side wall 1021 and the rear side wall 1022 are connected, the highest points of the two flow guiding structures 30 corresponding to the right side wall 1023 and the front side wall 1024 are connected, the lowest points of the two flow guiding structures 30 corresponding to the left side wall 1021 and the front side wall 1024 are close to the same drain hole 1011, and the lowest points of the two flow guiding structures 30 corresponding to the right side wall 1023 and the rear side wall 1022 are close to another drain hole 1011.

[0038] By connecting the highest points of the two guide structures 30 on some adjacent sidewalls, the condensate is prevented from flowing in the corner gap between adjacent sidewalls, thus allowing the condensate to flow smoothly through the guide structure 30 to the drain hole 1011, improving the draining efficiency.

[0039] In some embodiments, the highest point of the flow guiding structure 30 is located in the middle section of the flow guiding structure, and the two ends are the lowest points. A continuous decrease in height is formed from the middle section to the two ends, which not only prevents the condensate from flowing in the corner gap between adjacent sidewalls, but also accelerates the discharge of fluid, so that the condensate can flow smoothly through the flow guiding structure 30 to the drain hole 1011, thereby improving the drainage efficiency.

[0040] In one alternative embodiment, each sidewall is provided with a corresponding flow guiding structure 30, and the end of each flow guiding structure 30 extends toward the drain hole 1011 on the bottom wall 101. This structure is simple and easy to install.

[0041] In another alternative embodiment, each sidewall is provided with multiple flow guiding structures 30. For example, the multiple flow guiding structures 30 can be distributed vertically at intervals. The flow guiding structure 30 located at a higher position can guide the condensate to the flow guiding structure 30 located at a lower position, and the flow guiding structure 30 located at a lower position can then guide the condensate to the drain hole 1011. Thus, it can be adapted to tank structures with large sidewall heights.

[0042] In another alternative embodiment, multiple flow guiding structures 30 can avoid reinforcing ribs, supports, inspection ports, sensors, pipelines or other structural components on the outer support wall 10 or the inner tank wall 20, thereby achieving flow guiding by setting them in sections without affecting the original structural layout.

[0043] By setting multiple flow guiding structures 30 in segments, they can be flexibly arranged according to the structural characteristics of different sidewalls and the condensate generation situation, which facilitates manufacturing, installation, maintenance and avoidance of other structural components. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The flow guiding structure 30 is fixed on the side wall 102.

[0044] The flow guiding structure 30 can be fixed to the side wall 102 by welding, screwing, riveting, bonding, snapping, or other means. When the outer support wall 10 is a metal hull structure, the flow guiding structure 30 can be made of metal and welded to the side wall 102; when it is necessary to reduce heat conduction or avoid cold bridges, the flow guiding structure 30 can also be made of composite materials, heat insulation materials, or heat insulation gaskets can be installed at the connection position.

[0045] By fixing the flow guiding structure 30 to the side wall 102, it can be arranged close to the inner wall surface of the outer support wall 10 where condensate is likely to be generated or adhered, making it convenient to directly receive condensate.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the flow guiding structure 30 is integrally formed on the side wall 102.

[0047] For example, the side wall 102 may be formed during manufacturing with an inwardly protruding inclined flange, a pressed rib, a stamped guide portion, or a guide boss that is integrally formed with the side wall 102 after welding. The guide structure 30 can gradually extend from a higher position of the side wall 102 to a lower position near the bottom wall 101 to guide the condensate to the drain hole 1011.

[0048] By integrally forming the flow guide structure 30 onto the side wall 102, the use of additional connectors can be reduced, simplifying the assembly process. Since the flow guide structure 30 and the side wall 102 are an integral structure, the risk of loosening at the connection points under long-term vibration is also reduced.

[0049] In other embodiments, the flow guiding structure 30 is fixed to the inner tank wall 20.

[0050] Specifically, the flow guiding structure 30 can be fixed to the outer wall surface of the inner tank wall 20, or it can be fixed to the outer structure of the insulation module. The flow guiding structure 30 can be prefabricated or modularly installed with the inner tank wall 20. For example, when manufacturing the insulation module, the flow guiding structure 30 can be pre-installed on the outer side of the insulation module; after the inner tank wall 20 is installed into the outer support wall 10, the flow guiding structure 30 is located in the liquid flow space 50 between the side wall 102 and the inner tank wall 20.

[0051] When the flow guiding structure 30 is fixed on the inner tank wall 20, the flow guiding structure 30 can still be constructed as a structure that slopes from top to bottom, so that the condensate can flow along the flow guiding structure 30 to the drain hole 1011 on the bottom wall 101.

[0052] By fixing the flow guiding structure 30 to the inner tank wall 20, the welding or drilling of the outer support wall 10 can be reduced, which facilitates pre-installation during the manufacturing stage of the inner tank wall 20 or the insulation module; at the same time, this structure is conducive to modular production and rapid on-site installation.

[0053] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 4 The flow guiding structure 30 is simultaneously fixed to the side wall 102 and the inner tank wall 20.

[0054] Specifically, a portion of the flow guiding structure 30 is fixedly connected to the side wall 102, and another portion is fixedly connected to the inner tank wall 20. The flow guiding structure 30 can form an inclined flow guiding component bridging the side wall 102 and the inner tank wall 20. To reduce the impact of heat conduction, a heat insulation pad, a flexible connector, or a low thermal conductivity connector can be provided at the connection position between the flow guiding structure 30 and the inner tank wall 20 or the side wall 102.

[0055] During ship operation, cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks may be affected by vibration, swaying, impact, or hull deformation. When the flow guiding structure 30 is simultaneously fixed to the side wall 102 and the inner tank wall 20, the installation stability of the flow guiding structure 30 can be improved, reducing the risk of deformation, loosening, or detachment of the flow guiding structure 30 during long-term operation. In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The flow guiding structure 30 is constructed as a flow guide plate. The flow guide plate has a simple structure, occupies little space, and is suitable for narrow liquid flow spaces 50.

[0056] The angle between the guide plate and the side wall 102 or the inner tank wall 20 is acute. That is, the guide plate is arranged at an angle relative to the side wall 102 or the inner tank wall 20, so that the guide plate can form an inclined surface to receive condensate. The condensate can flow downward along the side wall 102 or the inner tank wall 20 and fall onto the guide plate, and then flow along the guide plate to the drain hole 1011. In some embodiments, the drain hole 1011 may be one; in other embodiments, the drain hole 1011 may be multiple.

[0057] When there is only one drain hole 1011, the flow guiding structure 30 can be tilted towards the drain hole 1011 as a whole, so that the condensate in the liquid flow space 50 can be discharged in a concentrated manner. This method has a simple structure and is convenient for centralized collection and treatment of condensate.

[0058] When multiple drain holes 1011 are provided, they can be located near different side walls 102. For example, drain holes 1011 can be provided on the bottom walls 101 of the corresponding areas of the left side wall 1021, rear side wall 1022, right side wall 1023, and front side wall 1024. Correspondingly, multiple flow guiding structures 30 can guide the condensate generated in different side wall areas to the corresponding drain holes 1011. This method can shorten the flow path of condensate in each area and improve the drainage efficiency of large storage tanks. This application also provides a vessel. The vessel includes the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank of any of the above embodiments.

[0059] The vessel can be an LNG carrier or other vessels used for transporting cryogenic liquid cargo. The cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank can be located within the ship's cargo hold. The outer support wall 10 can be formed by the ship's inner shell structure, and the inner tank wall 20 is located within the outer support wall 10. A flow guiding structure 30 is located within the liquid flow space 50 between the outer support wall 10 and the inner tank wall 20, used to guide the condensate generated at the side wall 102 to the drain hole 1011 on the bottom wall 101.

[0060] During ship navigation, storage tanks may be affected by factors such as waves, swaying, vibration, and cargo liquid sloshing. By setting up the flow guiding structure 30, even if the condensate is affected by the ship's movement within the liquid flow space 50, it can be quickly received by the flow guiding structure 30 and guided to the drain hole 1011, thereby reducing the risk of condensate remaining inside the storage tank.

[0061] By adopting the aforementioned cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks, ships can improve the efficiency of condensate discharge, reduce the risk of moisture absorption of insulation modules and corrosion of the external support walls, and enhance the safety and reliability of ships transporting cryogenic liquid cargo. The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent substitutions, improvements, or combinations made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The orientation or spatial relationships involved in this application, such as "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "lateral," and "longitudinal," are all defined based on the perspective shown in the accompanying drawings. These expressions are intended only to simplify the description of the technical solutions of this invention and are not intended to imply or indicate that the elements referred to must be in a specific orientation or constructed and operated in a specific order. Therefore, the orientation terms mentioned herein should not be regarded as absolute limitations on the claims.

[0062] In the description of this application, terms such as "installation," "connection," "arrangement," and "setup" should be interpreted broadly. Specifically, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or even a structurally integral molding; it can refer to physical mechanical contact or the connection of pipelines; furthermore, a connection includes both direct connection and indirect connection achieved through intermediate components (such as valves or flanges). Those skilled in the art can determine the precise meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific context and technical logic.

[0063] It should be clarified that the foregoing embodiments are merely representative examples of this application and do not constitute an exclusive definition of the scope of protection of this invention. For those skilled in the art, any conventional changes such as local optimizations, functional equivalent substitutions, or detailed modifications made without departing from the core concept of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks, characterized in that, include: The inner tank wall is composed of an insulation module and a shielding layer, and the inner wall surfaces of the inner tank wall define the liquid storage space. An outer support wall is provided, the inner tank wall is installed inside the outer support wall, and there is a liquid flow space between the inner wall surface of the outer support wall and the outer wall surface of the inner tank wall. The outer support wall includes a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall is connected to the side wall, and the bottom wall is provided with a drain hole that penetrates the bottom wall. A flow guiding structure is provided within the liquid flow space and located between the side wall and the inner tank wall. The flow guiding structure is located close to the bottom wall to guide the condensate generated in the liquid flow space at the side wall to the drain hole. The flow guiding structure is constructed as a continuous long strip structure arranged on at least two side walls, which gradually slopes from the top of the side wall away from the bottom wall to the bottom wall, and the two ends of the flow guiding structure are not closed. The drain hole is located on the bottom wall near the end of the flow guiding structure; The flow guiding structure is made of soft material and is sandwiched between the inner tank wall and the outer support wall to guide the flow of liquid.

2. The gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side wall includes a left side wall, a rear side wall, a right side wall, and a front side wall. The flow guiding structure is continuously arranged in the liquid flow space corresponding to the left side wall, the rear side wall, the right side wall, and the front side wall. Only one continuous flow guiding structure is arranged around the circumference of the cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank.

3. The gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tank is provided with multiple continuous flow guiding structures around its circumference. The flow guiding structures are constructed as continuous structures arranged on at least two of the side walls, gradually sloping from the top of the side wall away from the bottom wall to the bottom wall, and the highest and lowest ends of the flow guiding structures are not closed. The lowest end of one of the multiple flow guiding structures guides the liquid to another flow guiding structure.

4. The gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The highest end of the flow guiding structure is located at one end of the flow guiding structure, and the other end is the lowest end, with the height continuously decreasing from one end to the other.

5. The gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The highest point of the flow guiding structure is located in the middle section of the flow guiding structure, and the two ends are the lowest points, forming a continuous decrease in height from the middle section to the two ends.

6. A vessel comprising a gravity diversion device for cryogenic liquid cargo sealed storage tanks as claimed in any one of claims 1-5.

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