A spherical tank for cryogenic liquids
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521919403.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-05
AI Technical Summary
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
Smart Images
Figure CN224860408U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of cryogenic liquid storage and transportation technology, specifically, it relates to a spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids. Background Technology
[0002] For liquid hydrogen containers, since the boiling point of liquid hydrogen is -253℃, the key to its design is how to improve the insulation effect, reduce the evaporation rate, and increase the holding time of the liquid hydrogen container.
[0003] To reduce heat leakage and improve sustainment time, liquid hydrogen containers typically employ a double-layer structure, consisting of an outer shell and an inner container. A vacuum is evacuated between the outer and inner shells. Depending on the volume, the outer wall of the inner container can be wrapped with multiple layers of insulation material, or expanded perlite, HGM hollow glass microspheres, etc., as insulation. For liquid hydrogen containers, heat leakage consists of three parts: overall heat leakage from the insulation layer, heat leakage from the support components, and heat leakage from the piping and its components. The heat leakage from the support structure is significant. Multiple studies have shown that a well-designed liquid hydrogen container can reduce the support heat leakage rate to below 15% of the total heat leakage; otherwise, the heat leakage may reach around 30%. Therefore, to meet the needs of long-term storage of large-capacity liquid hydrogen and other cryogenic media, providing a low-heat-leakage, well-stressed spherical tank support structure is crucial for the operational performance of a large spherical tank.
[0004] In view of the above, this utility model is hereby proposed. Utility Model Content
[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to overcome at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids. By setting multiple horizontal support components located between the inner and outer spherical tanks and on the equatorial plane as a structure that can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and expand and contract in the equatorial plane, it can adapt to the horizontal displacement of the inner spherical tank on the one hand, and the slight vertical displacement caused by the contraction of the inner spherical tank on the other hand. This allows it to adapt to the temperature difference stress formed by the cryogenic liquid in the large spherical tank, and meet the needs of long-term storage of large-capacity liquid hydrogen and other cryogenic media.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids, comprising: an inner spherical tank, an outer spherical tank, and a plurality of horizontal support components disposed between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank and located on the equatorial plane; Each of the horizontal support components includes: The first horizontal fixing part is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank; The second horizontal fixing part is fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank; and A crossbar assembly, wherein a first end of the crossbar assembly is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part, and a second end of the crossbar assembly is configured to rotate relative to the second horizontal fixing part in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and to extend and retract relative to the second horizontal fixing part in the equatorial plane.
[0007] In some embodiments, the second horizontal fixing part includes an outer spherical tank support and a rotating sleeve. The outer spherical tank support is configured to be fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank, and the rotating sleeve is disposed in the outer spherical tank support and rotates relative to the outer spherical tank support in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane. The crossbar assembly includes: A transverse support rod, the first end of which is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part, and the second end of which has a shoulder and can axially extend into the rotating sleeve; and A damping spring is sleeved on the second end of the transverse support rod. The first end of the damping spring abuts against the bottom wall of the rotating sleeve, and the second end of the damping spring abuts against the shoulder of the transverse support rod.
[0008] In some embodiments, the lateral support rod includes a crossbar and a T-shaped shaft head welded to one end of the crossbar, and the damping spring is sleeved on the T-shaped shaft head.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first horizontal fixing part includes: An inner spherical tank support is configured to be fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and extends in the radial direction between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank; A variable diameter bushing, one end of which is welded to the inner spherical tank support seat, and the other end of which is welded to the transverse support tie rod; and An insulating support base is provided, which covers the first end of the transverse support rod and is embedded between the inner spherical tank support base and the variable diameter bushing.
[0010] In some embodiments, each of the horizontal support components extends radially in the equatorial plane or in a direction at a predetermined angle to the radial direction.
[0011] In some embodiments, a plurality of vertical support components are further provided between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of vertical support components are alternately and at intervals with the plurality of horizontal support components; Each of the vertical support components includes a vertical rod assembly and a vertical fixing part that is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank respectively; The two ends of the vertical rod assembly are rotatably connected relative to the arc surface of the vertical fixing part, and the center of the vertical rod assembly is higher than the equatorial plane.
[0012] In some embodiments, the vertical fixing part includes a vertical support and an arc-shaped heat-insulating support seat disposed within the vertical support; Each of the vertical supports is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank, respectively; The vertical rod assembly includes a vertical support rod and arc-shaped rotating parts respectively disposed at both ends of the vertical support rod. The side of the arc-shaped rotating part closest to the vertical support rod is a spherical convex surface. The arc-shaped rotating part is located inside the vertical support, and the spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part can rotate freely relative to the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped thermal insulation support.
[0013] In some embodiments, the spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part and the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped thermal insulation support are fitted with a clearance of equal diameter; The side of the arc-shaped rotating part away from the vertical support rod is a plane, and the plane of the arc-shaped rotating part does not contact the vertical support.
[0014] In some embodiments, each of the vertical supports is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank respectively via a cantilever plate.
[0015] In some embodiments, the vertical support rod includes an upper rod, a lower rod, and a rod connector connecting the upper rod and the lower rod.
[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
[0017] 1. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model, by setting multiple horizontal support components located between the inner and outer spherical tanks and on the equatorial plane, into a structure that can rotate in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and extend and retract in the equatorial plane, can adapt to the horizontal displacement of the inner spherical tank on the one hand, and to the slight vertical displacement caused by the contraction of the inner spherical tank on the other hand, so that it can adapt to the temperature difference stress formed by the influence of cryogenic liquid on the large spherical tank, and meet the needs of long-term storage of large-capacity liquid hydrogen and other cryogenic media.
[0018] 2. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model connects an outer spherical tank support base and a rotating sleeve to the inner wall of the outer spherical tank, so that the second end of the transverse support rod can be axially extended into the rotating sleeve. Furthermore, a damping spring is sleeved on the transverse support rod, which not only reduces the contact area between the transverse support rod and the rotating sleeve, but also increases the heat conduction length by utilizing the damping spring, thus helping to reduce heat leakage.
[0019] 3. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model, by setting up paired horizontal and vertical support components, allows the inner spherical tank to radially contract when filled with cryogenic medium, with the outer spherical tank mounting point as the fixed point. Since the fixed point of the outer spherical tank of the vertical support component is higher than the center of the spherical tank, the inner spherical tank will have a slight upward displacement. At this time, the horizontal support rod, under the action of the damping spring compression reaction force, still acts on the inner spherical tank. Furthermore, the horizontal support rod rotates relative to the outer spherical tank support seat in a plane perpendicular to the equator, which helps to make the inner spherical tank tend towards the center and prevents uneven force, support failure, and failure of the insulation layer caused by the eccentricity of the inner spherical tank from affecting the spherical storage tank.
[0020] 4. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model has multiple reflux injection holes on the reflux annular pipe in the inner spherical tank for the reflux of self-pressurized gas. The opening surfaces of the multiple reflux injection holes face the top of the inner spherical tank, which can introduce the self-pressurized gas into the gas phase space of the storage tank, prevent the self-pressurized gas from blowing directly onto the liquid surface and causing flow field disturbance and energy waste, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the self-pressurization process.
[0021] 5. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model has a self-pressurizing regulating valve installed on the self-pressurizing liquid outflow pipeline, a self-pressurizing bypass connected in parallel to the self-pressurizing regulating valve, and a bypass shut-off valve installed on the self-pressurizing bypass. The bypass shut-off valve assists the self-pressurizing regulating valve in regulating the flow rate of the self-pressurizing liquid outflow pipeline, thereby achieving precise control of the self-pressurizing flow rate and further ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the self-pressurizing process.
[0022] 6. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model achieves the purpose of "one line for two uses" by setting up bottom filling / discharging pipelines and external pressurized discharge / return pipelines, thereby reducing heat leakage caused by too many interfaces.
[0023] 7. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model utilizes a tower-mounted temperature-conducting plate located inside the inner spherical tank and at its center. This allows for a reserved space between the temperature-conducting plate and the inner spherical tank, facilitating the flow of cryogenic liquids and enhancing heat transfer efficiency. This not only accelerates heat transfer within the cryogenic liquid, making the overall temperature of the cryogenic liquid more uniform and extending its non-destructive maintenance time, but also avoids heat leakage caused by direct contact between the temperature-conducting plate and the inner spherical tank.
[0024] 8. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided by this utility model can spray the cryogenic liquid added from the top into the gas phase space by setting the top filling pipeline in the gas phase space and facing the opening surface of multiple filling spray holes toward the bottom of the inner spherical tank. This helps the inner spherical tank to cool down quickly and evenly.
[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0026] The accompanying drawings, as part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments; those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process principle of a spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model. Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of a spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement structure of the heat-conducting plate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the horizontal support component and the vertical support component according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the horizontal support assembly for a spherical tank for cryogenic liquids according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Enlarged view of section I in the image; Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of section III in the image; Figure 8 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section II in the image.
[0027] In the diagram: 100, spherical storage tank; 1. Inner spherical tank; 101. Tower; 102. Front temperature guide plate; 103. Rear temperature guide plate; 104. Left temperature guide plate; 105. Right temperature guide plate; 106. First transverse temperature guide plate; 107. Second transverse temperature guide plate; 108. First longitudinal temperature guide plate; 109. Second longitudinal temperature guide plate; 110. Overflow port; 2. Outer spherical tank; 201. Filling port; 3. Horizontal support assembly; 301. First horizontal fixing part; 3011. Inner spherical tank support seat; 3012. Variable diameter bushing; 3013. Thermal insulation support seat; 302. Second horizontal fixing part; 3021. Outer spherical tank support seat; 3022. Rotating sleeve; 3023. First wing plate; 3024. Second wing plate; 303. Crossbar assembly; 3031. Transverse support tie rod; 3032. Damping spring; 3033. Crossbar; 3034. T-shaped shaft head; 3035. Pin shaft; 4. Vertical support assembly; 401. Vertical rod assembly; 4011. Vertical support tie rod; 4012. Arc-shaped rotating part; 402. Vertical fixing part; 4021. Vertical support; 4022. Arc-shaped thermal insulation support seat; 403. Cantilever plate; 5. Support pillar; 6. Annular space; 601. Vacuum insulation layer; 602. Inspection manhole structure; 603. Low-temperature adsorbent; 7. Bottom filling / discharging structure; 701. Bottom filling / discharging pipe; 702. Bottom filling / discharging line; 703. Liquid hydrogen bottom filling / draining valve; 704. Bottom filling / draining emergency shut-off valve; 8. Top filling structure; 801. Top filling inlet pipe; 802. Filling ring pipe; 803. Top filling line; 804. Top filling valve; 9. Self-pressurizing device; 901. Return inlet pipe; 902. Return ring pipe; 903. Self-pressurizing liquid outlet pipe; 904. Self-pressurizing evaporator; 905. Bottom pressurizing liquid outlet line; 906. Top pressurizing gas return line; 907. Self-pressurizing isolation valve; 908. Self-pressurizing regulating valve; 909. Self-pressurizing bypass; 910. Bypass shut-off valve; 10. External pressurized discharge / return pipeline; 1001. External pressurized discharge / return valve; 11. Safety valve discharge pipeline; 1101. Safety valve assembly; 12. Economic control emission pipeline; 1201. Pressure control valve; 13. Evacuation and instrumentation lines; 1301. Vacuum detection valve; 14. External tank venting pipeline; 1401. External tank rupture disc; 15. Upper and lower liquid level pipelines; 1501. Differential pressure liquid level gauge; 16. Overflow line; 1601. Overflow valve.
[0028] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] Figures 1 to 8 A partial structure of a cryogenic liquid spherical storage tank 100 provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.
[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the spherical storage tank 100 for cryogenic liquids includes an outer spherical tank 2 and an inner spherical tank 1 disposed within the outer spherical tank 2, along with process accessories. The inner cavity of the inner spherical tank 1 is used to hold cryogenic liquids, such as liquid hydrogen. An annular space 6 is formed between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2. This annular space is evacuated to form a vacuum insulation cavity, thereby placing the inner spherical tank 1 in a vacuum environment and reducing heat leakage from the inner spherical tank 1. The bottom of the outer spherical tank 2 is connected to external support structures such as pillars 5.
[0034] Furthermore, within the vacuum insulation cavity, the outer side of the inner spherical tank 1 is wrapped with a vacuum insulation layer 601 to further reduce heat leakage from the inner spherical tank 1. The vacuum insulation layer 601 can be made of materials commonly used in the art, and this invention does not impose any limitations on this. It is understood that the outer spherical tank 2 is provided with a filling port 201 for filling the vacuum insulation layer 601.
[0035] In order to maintain the vacuum level of the annular vacuum insulation cavity, a normal temperature getter is installed on the inner wall of the outer spherical tank 2, and a low temperature adsorbent 603 is installed on the outer wall of the bottom of the inner spherical tank 1, so as to ensure the vacuum level in the vacuum insulation cavity during operation.
[0036] In some implementations, refer again Figure 1 The spherical storage tank 100 is equipped with a bottom filling / unloading structure 7 and a top filling structure 8.
[0037] Among them, such as Figure 2 As shown, the bottom filling / discharging structure 7 includes bottom filling / discharging outlets located at the bottom of the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2, with a bottom filling / discharging pipe 701 connected between them. The bottom filling / discharging pipe 701 is connected to a bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702. External cryogenic liquids such as liquid hydrogen can enter the inner spherical tank 1 through the bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702 and the bottom filling / discharging pipe 701, while cryogenic liquids such as liquid hydrogen in the inner spherical tank 1 can be discharged through the bottom filling / discharging pipe 701 and the bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702.
[0038] Specifically, the bottom filling / discharging pipe 701 passes through the vacuum insulation layer 601 from the bottom filling / discharging outlet of the inner spherical tank 1 and is led out from the bottom filling / discharging outlet of the outer spherical tank 2. It is flush with the tank wall at the inlet of the inner spherical tank 1 and is equipped with an anti-vortex plate at the inlet to prevent liquid from splashing during bottom filling and generating vortices during discharge.
[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, a bottom filling / discharging valve 703 is installed on the bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702. The bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702 between the bottom filling / discharging valve 703 and the lower filling / discharging outlet of the outer spherical tank 2 adopts a vacuum double-layer pipeline to isolate heat transfer. The bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702 can be isolated from the outside through a quick-connect coupling, and a purging and venting interface is provided on the side of the coupling near the spherical storage tank 100 to provide gas replacement service for the pipeline before and after each operation.
[0040] Furthermore, a bottom filling / discharging emergency shut-off valve 704 is also provided on the bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702 near the bottom filling / discharging outlet of the outer spherical tank 2, which is used to shut off the flow of the bottom filling / discharging pipeline 702 in an emergency under special working conditions.
[0041] It should be noted that a Π-shaped bend should be provided inside the vacuum insulation layer 601 of the lower filling / discharging pipe 701 to increase the flexibility of the pipe and alleviate deformation caused by vibration and / or temperature difference. Moreover, the Π-shaped bend can also form a liquid seal on the lower filling / discharging pipe 701, reducing the transfer of heat from the external environment to the inner spherical tank 1 through the lower filling / discharging pipe 701, thereby further reducing heat leakage.
[0042] The top filling structure 8 includes a top filling port located at the top of the inner spherical tank 1 and a top filling port located at the bottom of the outer spherical tank 2, as well as a top filling pipeline. The top filling pipeline includes a top filling input pipe 801 that extends from the bottom of the outer spherical tank 2 through the vacuum insulation cavity between the outer spherical tank 2 and the inner spherical tank 1 to the top of the inner spherical tank 1, and a filling annular pipe 802 connected to the top filling input pipe 801 and located in the inner spherical tank 1. The filling annular pipe 802 is suspended in the gas phase region of the inner spherical tank 1. The top filling input pipe 801 is connected to the top filling pipeline 803; the filling annular pipe 802 is located below the self-pressurized reflux annular pipe 902, and the filling annular pipe 802 is provided with multiple filling spray holes, the opening surfaces of which face the bottom of the inner spherical tank 1.
[0043] In other words, the top filling inlet pipe 801 is located between the top filling port and the top filling port, and cryogenic liquids such as liquid hydrogen can enter the inner spherical tank 1 through the top filling line 803, the top filling inlet pipe 801 and the filling ring pipe 802.
[0044] In the above scheme, by setting the top filling pipeline in the gas phase space and facing the opening surfaces of multiple filling spray holes toward the bottom of the inner spherical tank 1, the cryogenic liquid added from the top can be sprayed into the gas phase space, which helps the inner spherical tank 1 to cool down quickly and evenly.
[0045] In addition, the upper filling inlet pipe 801 needs to make multiple turns or be set with Π-shaped bends in the annular space 6 to increase flexibility, and a liquid seal needs to be set. Its size should ensure that natural convection in the pipe is prevented during periods of no flow, thereby reducing heat leakage.
[0046] It should be noted that the above-mentioned bottom filling / unloading structure also serves to unload the cryogenic liquid from the inner spherical tank 1.
[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a top filling valve 804 is installed on the top filling pipeline 803. The part of the top filling pipeline 803 between the top filling valve 804 and the upper filling port at the bottom of the outer spherical tank 2 adopts a vacuum double-layer pipeline to isolate heat transfer. The pipeline is isolated from the outside through a quick-connect fitting, and a purging and venting interface is provided on the side of the fitting near the spherical tank to provide gas replacement service for the pipeline before and after each operation.
[0048] When the cryogenic liquid medium flows out of the inner spherical tank 1, the outflow can be ensured by setting up a self-pressurizing device 9.
[0049] Specifically, the spherical storage tank 100 is equipped with a self-pressurizing reflux pipeline to increase the gas phase pressure inside the inner spherical tank 1, providing power for the outflow of the liquid medium and assisting the smooth outflow of liquid from the inner spherical tank 1. More specifically, the self-pressurizing reflux pipeline includes a reflux input pipe 901 extending into the inner spherical tank 1 through the vacuum insulation cavity between the outer spherical tank 2 and the inner spherical tank 1, and a reflux annular pipe 902 connected to the reflux input pipe 901 and located within the inner spherical tank 1. The reflux annular pipe 902 is suspended in the gas phase region of the inner spherical tank 1. The reflux annular pipe 902 is located above the filling annular pipe 802, and the reflux annular pipe 902 is provided with multiple reflux injection holes, the opening surfaces of which face the top of the inner spherical tank 1.
[0050] Both the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 have self-pressurized liquid outlets at their bottoms, connected by a self-pressurized liquid outflow pipe 903. This pipe is used to export the cryogenic liquid from the inner spherical tank 1 to a self-pressurizing device 9 located outside the outer spherical tank 2. The self-pressurizing device 9 also includes a self-pressurizing evaporator 904. The self-pressurized liquid outflow pipe 903 and the return inflow pipe 901 are connected to the self-pressurizing evaporator 904 via a bottom pressurized liquid outlet line 905 and a top pressurized gas return line 906, respectively. The cryogenic liquid is exported from the bottom pressurized liquid outlet line 905, reheated and converted into a gaseous state in the self-pressurizing evaporator 904, and then introduced into the gas phase region of the inner spherical tank 1 via the top pressurized gas return line 906.
[0051] This invention provides multiple reflux injection holes on the reflux annular pipe 902 for the reflux of self-pressurized gas. The opening surfaces of the multiple reflux injection holes face the top of the inner spherical tank 1, which can introduce the self-pressurized gas into the gas phase space of the storage tank and prevent the flow field disturbance and energy waste caused by the self-pressurized gas blowing directly onto the liquid surface.
[0052] It should be noted that an anti-vortex plate is also installed at the outlet of the self-pressurized liquid at the bottom of the inner spherical tank 1 to prevent the formation of vortices at the outlet of the self-pressurized liquid, which would cause the liquid flow to become turbulent and lead to periodic fluctuations in the flow velocity and pressure in the self-pressurized liquid outlet pipe 903, thereby causing the self-pressurized liquid outlet pipe 903 to vibrate and leak.
[0053] Furthermore, Π-shaped bends should be installed on the self-pressurized liquid outflow pipe 903 and the return inflow pipe 901 to increase pipe flexibility and mitigate deformation caused by vibration and / or temperature differences. Moreover, the Π-shaped bends can form a liquid seal on the self-pressurized liquid outflow pipe 903 and the return inflow pipe 901, reducing heat transfer from the external environment to the inner spherical tank 1 through these pipes, thereby further reducing heat leakage.
[0054] A self-pressurizing isolation valve 907 is installed on the bottom pressurized liquid outlet line 905. The bottom pressurized liquid outlet line 905 between the self-pressurizing isolation valve 907 and the self-pressurized liquid outlet at the bottom of the outer spherical tank 2 uses a vacuum double-layer pipe to isolate heat transfer. The bottom pressurized liquid outlet line 905 after the self-pressurizing isolation valve 907 can use a single-wall pipe. The top pressurized gas return line 906 can also use a single-wall pipe.
[0055] In some embodiments, a self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 is provided on the self-pressurizing liquid outflow pipe 903. The self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 is electrically connected to a gas phase pressure detection unit in the inner spherical tank 1 and is used to control the opening degree of the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 to control the pressurization rate. A self-pressurizing bypass 909 is connected in parallel to the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908. A bypass shut-off valve 910 is provided on the self-pressurizing bypass 909. The bypass shut-off valve 910 assists the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 in regulating the flow rate and speed of the self-pressurizing liquid outflow pipe 903.
[0056] For example, when the adjustment range of the self-boosting regulating valve 908 is insufficient, such as when the adjustment accuracy of the self-boosting regulating valve 908 is low under low flow conditions, or when the self-boosting regulating valve 908 malfunctions and cannot be adjusted normally, the bypass shut-off valve 910 can be opened to allow some cryogenic liquid to be diverted through the self-boosting bypass 909, which can then cooperate with the self-boosting regulating valve 908 to achieve precise control of the total flow / pressure.
[0057] As an example, when the minimum opening of the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 still cannot meet the system's low flow rate requirement, the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908 is closed and the bypass shut-off valve 910 is opened. The fixed flow section of the self-pressurizing bypass 909, or the throttling effect of the bypass shut-off valve 910, is used to achieve stable low-flow delivery. In this case, it is understandable that the diameter of the self-pressurizing bypass 909 is relatively smaller than the inner diameter of the bottom pressurized outlet pipeline 905, and the diameter of the self-pressurizing bypass 909 can be adaptively set according to the actual operating conditions of the spherical storage tank 100 and the regulating capacity of the self-pressurizing regulating valve 908.
[0058] In some embodiments, the reflux inlet pipe 901 located outside the outer spherical tank 2 is provided with a branch pipe for installing a safety device for the inner spherical tank 1 to ensure that the gas phase pressure inside the inner spherical tank 1 is within an acceptable range. Optionally, the safety device for the inner spherical tank 1 may be, for example, a pressure relief valve.
[0059] In some implementations, refer again Figure 1To ensure smooth outflow and filling of the cryogenic liquid in the inner spherical tank 1, the top pressurized gas return line 906 is connected to an external pressurized discharge / return line 10, which is equipped with an external pressurized discharge / return valve 1001. When the pressure of the return gas injected from the return injection hole is insufficient, the external pressurized discharge / return line 10 is activated to externally pressurize the inner spherical tank 1; or when filling the inner spherical tank 1 and the pressure inside the inner spherical tank 1 is higher than the pressure on the filling side, the external pressurized discharge / return line 10 is activated to return the gas in the inner spherical tank 1 to the filling side.
[0060] Specifically, when the self-pressurization method cannot meet the usage requirements or when pressurization needs to be completed in a short time, the external pressurization discharge / return pipeline 10 can be activated. When filling the inner spherical tank 1, if the pressure inside the tank is higher than the pressure on the filling side, this pipeline is used to generate a siphon effect, returning the evaporated gas in the inner spherical tank 1 to the filling side, such as a hydrogen source, and drawing cryogenic liquids, such as liquid hydrogen, from the hydrogen source into the inner spherical tank 1, thus avoiding a situation where filling is not possible.
[0061] In some embodiments, the external pressurized discharge / return line 10 is connected to a safety valve discharge line 11 and / or an economic control discharge line 12; wherein, a safety valve assembly 1101 is provided on the safety valve discharge line 11, and a pressure control valve 1201 is provided on the economic control discharge line 12.
[0062] Specifically, the safety valve discharge line 11 is a bypass of the external pressurization discharge / return line 10, used to ensure that the spherical tank does not overpressure during operation and to guarantee the safety of the spherical tank. Two safety valve combinations are provided, each containing two safety valves: a basic safety valve and an auxiliary safety valve. Before the spherical storage tank 100 is put into operation, the safety valve discharge line 11 should be purged and replaced. A check valve is installed before the safety valve discharge line 11 enters the centralized discharge pipe to protect the safety valve and prevent backflow of the medium.
[0063] The economic control discharge line 12 is a branch of the external pressurized discharge / return line 10. When the spherical storage tank 100 stores cryogenic liquids such as liquid hydrogen for a long time, heat leakage causes the internal pressure to rise, and the liquid hydrogen volume also expands due to the temperature increase, i.e., when liquid hydrogen overflow occurs, in order to prevent accidents, the pressure control valve 1201 is used to open the economic control discharge line 12 to vent the gaseous medium and reduce the pressure to a safe pressure. The pressure control valve 1201 is, for example, a manual valve.
[0064] In some embodiments, the outer spherical tank 2 is also connected to a evacuation and instrumentation line 13, which is equipped with a vacuum detection valve 1301. This line is used to evacuate the annular space 6 between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 to the required pressure and to measure the pressure of the vacuum space.
[0065] In some embodiments, the outer spherical tank 2 is also connected to an outer tank venting pipeline 14, on which an outer tank rupture disc 1401 is installed. This pipeline is used to protect the outer spherical tank 2 when the inner spherical tank 1 leaks. When the pressure in the outer tank accumulates to, for example, 30~50 kPa, the outer tank rupture disc 1401 detonates, completing the pressure release of the interlayer.
[0066] It should be noted that the spherical storage tank 100 must undergo gas purging before commissioning, ensuring that the oxygen volume content is <30ppm and the nitrogen volume content is <200ppm after purging. Furthermore, the connecting pipelines must be purged before each filling and after each unloading operation, depending on the intended use. All purging, flushing, or venting gases must be discharged at a high point through a centralized discharge pipe. Additionally, filters, pressure gauges, etc., can be installed on the aforementioned pipelines as needed.
[0067] To monitor the level of the cryogenic liquid medium inside the inner spherical tank 1, the spherical storage tank 100 is also equipped with a differential pressure level gauge 1501. The upper and lower level pipelines 15 make multiple bends within the annular vacuum insulation cavity to increase flexibility. The upper level pipeline is installed at the upper inlet of the differential pressure level gauge 1501, which communicates with the vapor space at the top of the inner spherical tank 1. The upper level pipeline provides the operating pressure of the storage tank to the differential pressure level gauge and includes a bypass for the pressure measuring device, housing local pressure gauges and pressure sensor transmitters. The lower level pipeline is installed at the upper outlet of the differential pressure level gauge at the bottom of both the inner and outer spherical tanks 1 and 2, providing the operating pressure and static water level to the differential pressure level gauge 1501. The upper outlet of the differential pressure level gauge should be located away from other liquid discharge pipelines to prevent funnel or vortex effects on the level pipeline. A Π-shaped bend is also required before the pipeline passes through the outer spherical tank 2 to absorb pipe contraction deformation.
[0068] In some embodiments, the inner spherical tank 1 is also provided with a spherical tank overflow port 110 for installing an overflow pipeline 16, on which an overflow valve 1601 is installed. It should be explained here that the filling rate of the spherical storage tank 100 with cryogenic liquid medium needs to be controlled according to whether the medium is flammable; that is, the inner spherical tank 1 needs to leave a certain amount of gas phase space. An overflow gauge is installed on the overflow pipeline 16 to detect whether the liquid level has reached the maximum liquid level. The overflow pipeline 16 is connected to the internal suction pipe of the gas phase space of the inner spherical tank 1, and its position and height correspond to the maximum liquid level set by the spherical storage tank 100. The amount of cryogenic liquid medium at this height is the rated capacity of the spherical storage tank 100. The gas phase space above this liquid level in the inner spherical tank 1 is the gas phase zone of the spherical storage tank 100.
[0069] In addition, it should be noted that, in order to reduce heat leakage, both liquid and gas pipelines inside the spherical storage tank 100 are connected to the outer spherical tank 2 through a labyrinthine pipe structure. Furthermore, the pipelines connected to the outer spherical tank 2 are all made of thickened pipe structure, and the spherical shell plate of the outer spherical tank 2 welded to the thickened pipe is made of stainless steel of the same material as the pipeline.
[0070] In some implementations, refer again Figure 2 A tower 101 is centrally located in the inner spherical tank 1. During the installation phase of the spherical tank 100, the tower 101 serves as a temporary support structure, working in conjunction with hoisting equipment to assemble, weld, or line the spherical shell plates. Especially for large spherical tanks delivered in sections, the tower 101 provides a stable high-altitude work support point, ensuring installation accuracy. During the operation phase of the spherical tank 100, the tower 101 can serve as a climbing frame for operators to periodically inspect, maintain, or sample equipment at the top or higher levels (e.g., safety valve calibration, level gauge maintenance, manhole opening).
[0071] It is understandable that the annular space 6 between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 is provided with a maintenance manhole structure 602 corresponding to the tower 101. The maintenance manhole structure 602 needs to pass through the annular vacuum insulation cavity between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2. However, there is a large temperature difference between the inner and outer spherical tanks 2. In order to meet the connection needs between the inner and outer spherical tanks 2, a corrugated expansion joint is provided to compensate for the deformation difference between the inner and outer spherical tanks 2.
[0072] In addition, the maintenance manhole structure 602 can also be equipped with a capacitive level gauge to monitor the liquid level of the inner spherical tank 1, and the tower 101 can serve as a support point for the capacitive level gauge.
[0073] During the operation of the spherical storage tank 100, the density of the heated cryogenic liquid medium decreases and increases, resulting in a higher temperature in the upper layer of the cryogenic liquid compared to the lower layer, leading to severely uneven temperature distribution. Therefore, the spherical storage tank 100 provided by this invention also includes a temperature-conducting component. The function of the temperature-conducting component is to accelerate heat transfer within the cryogenic liquid, making the overall temperature of the cryogenic liquid more uniform, thus ensuring a more consistent temperature of the liquid medium within the inner spherical tank 1 and extending its non-destructive maintenance time.
[0074] The temperature-conducting assembly includes multiple temperature-conducting plates. At least one of the multiple temperature-conducting plates is fixedly connected to the tower 101, and the other temperature-conducting plates are fixedly connected to the at least one temperature-conducting plate. The multiple temperature-conducting plates are not rigidly connected to the inner spherical tank 1. Optionally, the temperature-conducting plates are fixedly connected to the tower 101 by welding, and two temperature-conducting plates that need to be fixed can also be fixedly connected by welding.
[0075] Furthermore, flow-guiding notches are provided between the bottom of the plurality of temperature-conducting plates and the inner spherical tank 1. This allows for reserved space between the temperature-conducting plates and the inner spherical tank 1, facilitating the flow of cryogenic liquids, enhancing heat transfer efficiency, and preventing heat leakage caused by direct contact between the temperature-conducting plates and the inner spherical tank 1.
[0076] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plurality of temperature-conducting plates include a front temperature-conducting plate 102, a rear temperature-conducting plate 103, a left temperature-conducting plate 104, and a right temperature-conducting plate 105 extending radially along the front-back and left-right directions of the tower 101, and a first transverse temperature-conducting plate 106, a second transverse temperature-conducting plate 107, a first longitudinal temperature-conducting plate 108, and a second longitudinal temperature-conducting plate 109 respectively connected to the other ends of the front temperature-conducting plate 102, the rear temperature-conducting plate 103, the left temperature-conducting plate 104, and the right temperature-conducting plate 105. One end of the front temperature-conducting plate 102, the rear temperature-conducting plate 103, the left temperature-conducting plate 104, and the right temperature-conducting plate 105 is connected to the front, back, left, and right sides of the tower 101, respectively. By providing temperature-conducting plates in all four directions of the tower 101, the stability of the tower 101 is improved.
[0077] In some embodiments, at least one of the first transverse heat-conducting plate 106, the second transverse heat-conducting plate 107, the first longitudinal heat-conducting plate 108, and the second longitudinal heat-conducting plate 109 extends to the inner wall of the inner spherical tank 1. This increases the heat-conducting area and enhances the heat transfer efficiency.
[0078] It should be noted that in practical applications, the number of heat-conducting plates can be increased or decreased depending on the volume of the spherical tank.
[0079] In some embodiments, the tops of the plurality of temperature-conducting plates do not exceed the highest liquid level allowed by the inner spherical tank 1. In other words, during the actual operation of the spherical storage tank 100, it should be ensured that the plurality of temperature-conducting plates are as fully submerged in the cryogenic liquid as possible to prevent heat transfer from the gas phase space to the liquid phase space, which would result in heat leakage.
[0080] In some embodiments, when the spherical storage tank 100 is used in a transportation environment, at least one of the plurality of temperature-conducting plates is provided with a plurality of anti-wave holes to suppress violent liquid sloshing, reduce the impact load on the inner spherical tank 1 wall, significantly reduce the impact force, and protect the spherical storage tank 100 body and support system.
[0081] To secure the inner spherical tank 1 within the insulated vacuum cavity, multiple sets of internal support structures are provided between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2. Each set of internal support structures includes a horizontal support component 3 located on the equatorial plane and a vertical support component 4 at a predetermined angle to the equatorial plane. (Refer to...) Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown. The horizontal support assembly 3 mainly bears the horizontal load of the inner spherical tank 1, and the vertical support assembly 4 mainly bears the vertical load of the inner spherical tank 1, and can rotate within a certain range to adapt to the radial contraction of the inner spherical tank 1.
[0082] It should be noted that the horizontal support component 3 can be arranged in the radial direction, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it can also extend at a certain angle to the radial direction, such as... Figure 5 As shown.
[0083] Thus, the mass loads of the inner spherical tank 1, the vacuum insulation layer 601, the cryogenic medium, and the accessories of the inner spherical tank 1 are transferred to the outer spherical tank 2 through the horizontal support assembly 3 and the vertical support assembly 4, and then the loads are transferred to the supporting surface by the outer support structure on the outer spherical tank 2. The outer support structure includes multiple pillars 5, and the supporting surface can be the ground or a transport ship.
[0084] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each of the horizontal support components 3 includes a first horizontal fixing part 301, a second horizontal fixing part 302, and a crossbar assembly 303. The first horizontal fixing part 301 is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank 1; the second horizontal fixing part 302 is fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank 2; the first end of the crossbar assembly 303 is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part 301, and the second end of the crossbar assembly 303 is configured to rotate relative to the second horizontal fixing part 302 in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and to extend and retract relative to the second horizontal fixing part 302 in the equatorial plane.
[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, each of the vertical support components 4 includes a vertical rod assembly 401 and a vertical fixing part 402 that is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 respectively; the two ends of the vertical rod assembly 401 are respectively rotatably connected relative to the arc surface of the vertical fixing part 402, and the center of the vertical rod assembly 401 is higher than the equatorial plane.
[0086] In the above scheme, by setting multiple horizontal support components 3 located between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 and on the equatorial plane as a structure that rotates in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and expands and contracts in the equatorial plane, it can adapt to the horizontal displacement of the inner spherical tank 1 on the one hand, and the slight vertical displacement caused by the contraction of the inner spherical tank 1 on the other hand, so that it can adapt to the temperature difference stress formed by the influence of cryogenic liquid on the large spherical tank, and meet the needs of long-term storage of cryogenic media such as large-capacity liquid hydrogen.
[0087] It should be noted that the term "large spherical tank" here refers to a spherical storage tank 100 with an inner spherical tank 1 having a geometric volume of not less than 1000 m³. However, this structure is also applicable to spherical storage tanks 100 with a volume of less than 1000 m³.
[0088] Furthermore, by setting up paired horizontal support components 3 and vertical support components 4, when the inner spherical tank 1 is filled with cryogenic medium, the inner spherical tank 1 contracts radially with the installation point of the outer spherical tank 2 as the fixed point. Since the fixed point of the outer spherical tank 2 of the vertical support component 4 is higher than the center of the spherical tank, the inner spherical tank 1 will have a slight upward displacement. At this time, under the compression reaction force of the damping spring 3032, the horizontal support rod 3031 still acts on the inner spherical tank 1. Moreover, the horizontal support rod 3031 rotates relative to the outer spherical tank support seat 3021 in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane, which helps to make the inner spherical tank 1 tend towards the center and prevents uneven force, support failure, and failure of the insulation layer caused by the eccentricity of the inner spherical tank 1 from affecting the normal operation of the spherical storage tank 100.
[0089] In some embodiments, 14 to 18 sets of each of the horizontal support components 3 may be provided between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2, extending radially or at a predetermined angle to the radial direction on the equatorial plane.
[0090] It should be noted that the horizontal support assembly 3 and the vertical support assembly 4 are evenly arranged along the horizontal cross section of the spherical tank 100, set in pairs, and staggered from each other at a certain angle, and should stagger the welded joints of the shell plates of the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 to the greatest extent possible.
[0091] For example, 14 to 18 sets of internal support structures can be provided between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 according to the capacity of the spherical storage tank 100.
[0092] The following reference Figure 6 A preferred structure is described, taking the horizontal support component 3 extending radially as an example.
[0093] like Figure 6 As shown, the first horizontal fixing part 301 in the horizontal support assembly 3 includes an inner spherical tank support 3011, a variable diameter bushing 3012, and an insulating support 3013. The inner spherical tank support 3011 is configured to be fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank 1 and extends in the radial direction between the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2. One end of the variable diameter bushing 3012 is welded to the inner spherical tank support 3011, and the other end is welded to the transverse support rod 3031. The insulating support 3013 covers the first end of the transverse support rod 3031 and is embedded between the inner spherical tank support 3011 and the variable diameter bushing 3012.
[0094] The second horizontal fixing part 302 includes an outer spherical tank support 3021 and a rotating sleeve 3022. The outer spherical tank support 3021 is configured to be fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank 2. The rotating sleeve 3022 is disposed inside the outer spherical tank support 3021 and rotates relative to the outer spherical tank support 3021 in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane.
[0095] The crossbar assembly 303 includes a transverse support rod 3031 and a damping spring 3032. The first end of the transverse support rod 3031 is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part 301, and the second end of the transverse support rod 3031 has a shoulder and can be axially extended into the rotating sleeve 3022. The damping spring 3032 is sleeved on the second end of the transverse support rod 3031. The first end of the damping spring 3032 abuts against the bottom wall of the rotating sleeve 3022, and the second end of the damping spring 3032 abuts against the shoulder of the transverse support rod 3031.
[0096] As an example, the inner spherical tank support 3011 has a cylindrical structure, and one end of the inner spherical tank support 3011 is welded to the inner spherical tank 1 for fixation. Optionally, a reinforcing plate can also be welded to the outer wall of the inner spherical tank 1, and one end of the inner spherical tank support 3011 is welded to the reinforcing plate. The other end of the inner spherical tank support 3011 is an open end, and the opening faces the outer spherical tank 2 in the radial direction.
[0097] The variable diameter bushing 3012 includes a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section extending axially. The small-diameter section is fitted onto the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031 and abuts against the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031. The end of the small-diameter section is welded to the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031. The large-diameter section is also fitted onto the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031, but a gap is reserved between it and the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031. The large-diameter section extends into the opening of the inner spherical tank support 3011, and the outer wall of the large-diameter section is welded to the opening end of the inner spherical tank support 3011.
[0098] The thermal insulation support 3013 is made of a non-metallic material with low thermal conductivity but certain strength, such as thermally insulating fiberglass. The thermal insulation support 3013 includes an opening, a bottom, and a sidewall located between the opening and the bottom. The first end of the transverse support rod 3031 extends into the opening of the thermal insulation support 3013 and is wrapped by the sidewall of the bottom of the thermal insulation support 3013, preventing direct contact between the transverse support rod 3031 and the inner spherical tank support 3011, thus reducing heat leakage. Furthermore, the sidewall of the thermal insulation support 3013 has a step that extends into the gap between the large-diameter section of the variable-diameter bushing 3012 and the outer wall of the first end of the transverse support rod 3031, further reducing the direct contact area between the transverse support rod 3031 and the variable-diameter bushing 3012, and reducing heat leakage.
[0099] The outer spherical tank support 3021 includes a first wing plate 3023 and a second wing plate 3024 disposed opposite to each other. The ends of the first wing plate 3023 and the second wing plate 3024 are welded together with the outer spherical tank 2 for fixation. Optionally, a reinforcing plate may also be welded to the inner wall of the outer spherical tank 2, and the ends of the first wing plate 3023 and the second wing plate 3024 are welded together with the reinforcing plate.
[0100] Pin holes are provided at corresponding positions on the first wing plate 3023 and the second wing plate 3024. Pin holes are also provided on the rotating sleeve 3022 accordingly. One end of the rotating sleeve 3022 is inserted between the first wing plate 3023 and the second wing plate 3024, and after the pin holes are aligned, the pin shaft 3035 is passed through the pin holes in sequence and then fixed with a nut. The rotating sleeve 3022 can then rotate relative to the first wing plate 3023 and the second wing plate 3024 in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane with the pin shaft 3035 as the pivot.
[0101] After the damping spring 3032 is sleeved on the second end of the transverse support rod 3031, the second end of the transverse support rod 3031, together with the damping spring 3032, is inserted into the hollow cavity of the rotating sleeve 3022, so that the two ends of the damping spring 3032 abut against the bottom wall of the rotating sleeve 3022 and the shoulder of the transverse support rod 3031, respectively.
[0102] Optionally, the lateral support rod 3031 is made of stainless steel.
[0103] In the above scheme, by connecting the outer spherical tank support base 3021 and the rotating sleeve 3022 on the inner wall of the outer spherical tank 2, the second end of the transverse support rod 3031 can be axially extended into the rotating sleeve 3022. Furthermore, by installing a damping spring 3032 on the transverse support rod 3031, the contact area between the transverse support rod 3031 and the rotating sleeve 3022 can be reduced. In addition, the damping spring 3032 can be used to increase the heat conduction length, which helps to reduce heat leakage.
[0104] In some embodiments, the transverse support rod 3031 includes a crossbar 3033 and a T-shaped shaft head 3034 welded to one end of the crossbar 3033, and the damping spring 3032 is sleeved on the T-shaped shaft head 3034 to limit the position of the damping spring 3032.
[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, when the horizontal support assembly 3 extends at a certain angle to the radial direction, except for the first horizontal fixing part 301, the second horizontal fixing part 302 and the crossbar assembly 303, whose extension directions are perpendicular to the radial direction, the horizontal support assembly 303 extends at a certain angle to the radial direction. Figure 6 Apart from the structural differences shown, all other aspects can be referenced. Figure 6 The structure shown is not described in detail here.
[0106] The following reference Figure 8 The preferred structure of the vertical support component 4 is described below.
[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the vertical fixing part 402 includes a vertical support 4021 and an arc-shaped heat-insulating support 4022 disposed within the vertical support 4021; wherein, each of the vertical supports 4021 is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 respectively; the vertical rod assembly 401 includes a vertical support rod 4011 and arc-shaped rotating parts 4012 respectively disposed at both ends of the vertical support rod 4011, wherein the side of the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 near the vertical support rod 4011 is a spherical convex surface; the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 is located within the vertical support 4021 and the spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 rotates freely relative to the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped heat-insulating support 4022.
[0108] Preferably, each of the vertical supports 4021 is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2 via a cantilever plate 403.
[0109] Specifically, a cantilever plate 403 is welded to the outer wall of the inner spherical tank 1 and the inner wall of the outer spherical tank 2 to fix the vertical support 4021. This avoids direct contact between the vertical support 4021 and the inner spherical tank 1 and the outer spherical tank 2, extends the heat conduction length, and reduces heat leakage.
[0110] The vertical support 4021 includes a seat body with an opening and a seat cover connected to the opening of the seat body by a flange. The seat body and the seat cover enclose a receiving space for installing the arc-shaped thermal insulation support 4022 and the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 of the vertical rod assembly 401.
[0111] The curved surface thermal insulation support 4022 is made of non-metallic materials with low thermal conductivity but certain strength, such as thermally insulating fiberglass. For the vertical support 4021 located at the high position, the spherical concave surface of the curved surface thermal insulation support 4022 faces upward, and the spherical convex surface of the curved rotating part 4012 faces downward. For the vertical support 4021 located at the low position, the spherical concave surface of the curved surface thermal insulation support 4022 faces downward, and the spherical convex surface of the curved rotating part 4012 faces upward.
[0112] In some embodiments, the spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 and the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped thermal insulation support 4022 are fitted with a clearance of equal diameter; the side of the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 away from the vertical support rod 4011 is a plane, and the plane of the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 does not contact the vertical support 4021. This reduces the contact area between the arc-shaped rotating part 4012 and the vertical support 4021, thereby reducing heat leakage.
[0113] In some embodiments, the vertical support rod 4011 includes an upper rod, a lower rod, and a rod connector connecting the upper rod and the lower rod. The rod connector is, for example, a tension joint, which allows for adjustment of the installation length of the vertical rod assembly 401.
[0114] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present utility model. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model without departing from the scope of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids, characterized in that, include: An inner spherical tank, an outer spherical tank, and a plurality of horizontal support assemblies disposed between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank on the equatorial plane; Each of the horizontal support components includes: The first horizontal fixing part is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank; The second horizontal fixing part is fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank; and A crossbar assembly, wherein a first end of the crossbar assembly is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part, and a second end of the crossbar assembly is configured to rotate relative to the second horizontal fixing part in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane and to extend and retract relative to the second horizontal fixing part in the equatorial plane.
2. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second horizontal fixing part includes an outer spherical tank support base and a rotating sleeve. The outer spherical tank support base is configured to be fixedly connected to the outer spherical tank. The rotating sleeve is disposed inside the outer spherical tank support base and rotates relative to the outer spherical tank support base in a plane perpendicular to the equatorial plane. The crossbar assembly includes: A transverse support rod, the first end of which is fixedly connected to the first horizontal fixing part, and the second end of which has a shoulder and can axially extend into the rotating sleeve; and A damping spring is sleeved on the second end of the transverse support rod. The first end of the damping spring abuts against the bottom wall of the rotating sleeve, and the second end of the damping spring abuts against the shoulder of the transverse support rod.
3. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transverse support rod includes a crossbar and a T-shaped shaft head welded to one end of the crossbar, and the damping spring is sleeved on the T-shaped shaft head.
4. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first horizontal fixing part includes: An inner spherical tank support is configured to be fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and extends in the radial direction between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank; A variable diameter bushing, one end of which is welded to the inner spherical tank support seat, and the other end of which is welded to the transverse support tie rod; and An insulating support base is provided, which covers the first end of the transverse support rod and is embedded between the inner spherical tank support base and the variable diameter bushing.
5. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Each of the horizontal support components extends radially in the equatorial plane or in a direction at a predetermined angle to the radial direction.
6. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple vertical support components are also provided between the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank along the circumferential direction, and the multiple vertical support components and the multiple horizontal support components are arranged alternately at intervals; Each of the vertical support components includes a vertical rod assembly and a vertical fixing part that is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank respectively; The two ends of the vertical rod assembly are rotatably connected relative to the arc surface of the vertical fixing part, and the center of the vertical rod assembly is higher than the equatorial plane.
7. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vertical fixing part includes a vertical support and an arc-shaped heat-insulating support seat disposed within the vertical support; Each of the vertical supports is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank, respectively; The vertical rod assembly includes a vertical support rod and arc-shaped rotating parts respectively disposed at both ends of the vertical support rod. The side of the arc-shaped rotating part closest to the vertical support rod is a spherical convex surface. The arc-shaped rotating part is located inside the vertical support, and the spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part can rotate freely relative to the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped thermal insulation support.
8. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spherical convex surface of the arc-shaped rotating part and the spherical concave surface of the arc-shaped heat insulation support are fitted with a clearance of equal diameter; The side of the arc-shaped rotating part away from the vertical support rod is a plane, and the plane of the arc-shaped rotating part does not contact the vertical support.
9. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the vertical supports is fixedly connected to the inner spherical tank and the outer spherical tank via a cantilever plate.
10. The spherical storage tank for cryogenic liquids according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vertical support rod includes an upper rod, a lower rod, and a rod connector connecting the upper rod and the lower rod.