Liquefied gas fuel tank storage space traffic control equipment

Abstract

To provide a fuel tank storage space transportation device that facilitates visual inspection of fuel tanks arranged below the upper deck of a liquefied gas fuel ship such as LNG, and that ensures a transportation route within the fuel tank compartment below the upper deck that allows easy access and transportation to the fuel tank.SOLUTION: A fuel tank storage space transportation device includes a suspended stage, a perimeter stage, and a bridge stage, connected by stairs and common landings that allow access between the stages.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a traffic device for a fuel tank storage space that uses liquefied gas such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) as fuel, such as an automobile carrier ship.

Background Art

[0002] The applicant of the present application has already proposed the disclosure of Japanese Patent No. 6554126 (invention name: "Installation structure of gas fuel independent tank for LNG etc. of automobile carrier ship") regarding the installation of fuel tanks such as this type of LNG as fuel in an automobile carrier ship etc. However, regarding the gas fuel independent tank for LNG etc. of an automobile carrier ship, for the installed fuel tank, visual inspection of the appearance of the fuel tank after installation and predetermined maintenance work are required, and for this purpose, access and traffic to the fuel tank are essential. Regarding maintenance work such as visual inspection of the appearance of this type of fuel tank for LNG etc., for example, it is described in the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-518629. The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-518629 relates to the invention name "Dual fuel bulk carrier", and is for "resolving the drawback that the LNG fuel supply system is complex and the layout is difficult, and it is difficult to rationally arrange the LNG fuel tank on the main deck" (see paragraph number 0006 of the specification of the same publication). As one means for resolving this drawback, the dual fuel bulk carrier has a configuration in which "a maintenance work platform is arranged above the air dome above the LNG fuel tank" (see the description of claim 5 etc. of the claims of the same publication, paragraph number 0015 of the specification of the same publication).

[0003] However, the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-518629 has a structure in which the LNG fuel tank is arranged on the main deck (upper deck), and is not one in which the LNG fuel tank is arranged inside the ship's hull. Also, the maintenance work platform is also used for "arranging a crane for lifting the LNG transport pump installed in the LNG fuel tank" (see paragraph number 0016 of the specification of the same publication).

[0004] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the left side structure of a dual fuel bulk carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention, attached as Figure 2 in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-518629. In Figure 8, 101a and 101b are LNG fuel tanks, 102a and 102b are air domes, 112 is LNG fuel tank protective steel, 131 is a support structure, and 301 is an extended region. (Note that the reference numerals have been changed to three digits by the applicant to indicate prior art. Reference numeral 301 is listed as it appeared in the original specification.)

[0005] Regarding the visual inspection of fuel tanks such as LNG tanks, the applicant company has conventionally used the hull structure itself inside the car carrier as a substitute for the inspection stage (corresponding to the "maintenance work platform" mentioned above), which resulted in inconvenience in accessing and navigating the LNG fuel tanks. Furthermore, using the hull structure as a substitute necessitates securing a workspace when the LNG fuel tanks are installed, which requires expanding the fuel storage space on the cargo loading side, resulting in a reduction in cargo capacity. Therefore, the present invention has devised a traffic device within the fuel tank compartment that facilitates external inspection of the fuel tank and allows for easy access to and movement to the LNG fuel tank for prescribed maintenance work. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6554126 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2023-518629 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a fuel tank storage space access device that facilitates the visual inspection of fuel tanks located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel, and secures access routes within the fuel tank compartment below the upper deck that facilitate access to and movement to the fuel tanks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 of this application provides a fuel tank storage space traffic device, wherein a suspension structure is provided on the ceiling of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas fuel ship. of The suspension stage is characterized by a parallel suspension structure with a gap in the central lateral direction of the hull, allowing access to and passage of the tank connection space, which surrounds each tank connection point and tank valve located above the fuel tanks arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the hull. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 2 of this application is characterized in that, in the fuel tank storage space traffic device described in claim 1, it has an outer peripheral stage that is welded and fixed in a cantilevered manner to the front, rear, left and right side walls of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas fuel ship. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 of this application is characterized in that, in the fuel tank storage space traffic device described in claim 2, the outer peripheral stage has its bottom portion at the upper height of the fuel tank. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 of this application is characterized in that, in the fuel tank storage space traffic device described in claim 1, it has a bridging stage that spans the front and rear of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas fuel ship and bridges between the adjacent fuel tanks. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 of this application is characterized in that, in the fuel tank storage space traffic device described in claim 4, the bridging stage connects each of the hull structures consisting of the spaces between the first to third pillars with a single bridging bridge. Furthermore, the invention according to claim 6 of this application relates to the fuel tank storage space traffic device described in claim 5, wherein the first bridging stage to the third bridging stage between the hull structure consisting of the first to third pillars This structure, designed to be mounted on top of the hull structure, features a bolted fixed connection at the stern and a sliding, non-fixed structure at the bow with a resin liner as a sliding material. It is characterized by the following: Furthermore, the invention according to claim 7 of this application is a fuel tank storage space traffic device as described in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank storage space traffic device is a suspension stage, It is welded in a cantilevered manner to the front, rear, left, and right side walls of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled ship. Outer stage 、 and , spanning the front and rear of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel, and bridging between the adjacent fuel tanks. It is characterized by having bridging stages, and these stages being connected by stairs and common landings that allow passage between them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] With the above configuration, the fuel tank storage space traffic device according to the present invention provides the following effects. (1) Since the outer perimeter stage can be installed within the fuel tank storage space after the fuel tank is installed, it is no longer necessary to reserve space for the outer perimeter stage within the fuel tank storage space in advance, and this makes it possible to maximize the size of the adjacent cargo loading area. (2) Furthermore, the installation of the outer perimeter stage can be carried out using the scaffolding that was used when the hull blocks were installed, which also improves the work efficiency. Additionally, by installing the bridging stage within the fuel tank storage space after the fuel tanks are installed, and by providing a suspension stage on the later-installed blocks, it contributes to easing the work process after the tanks are installed. (3) By fixing one side of the bridge and making the other side a non-fixed structure that slides, the structure can follow the deformation of the ship's hull. (4) Gas fuel tank storage space traffic As a device hand This avoids the need to secure workspace when installing fuel tanks by substituting the hull structure, and also avoids a reduction in cargo capacity by expanding the fuel storage space on the cargo loading side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overall schematic of Embodiment 1 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing the suspension stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view showing an overview of the suspension stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space transportation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement configuration of the outer peripheral stage 6 and the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space transportation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a left side view showing an overview of the outer peripheral stage 6 on the left side of the hull of the fuel tank storage space transportation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a right side view showing an overview of the outer peripheral stage 6 on the left side of the hull of the fuel tank storage space transportation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space transportation device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the left side structure of a dual - fuel bulk carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention attached as Figure 2 in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023 - 518629.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] One embodiment for implementing the fuel tank storage space transportation device according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

Embodiment

[0012] Figure 1 is a view showing an overall overview of the first embodiment of the fuel tank storage space transportation device according to the present invention. In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 is the fuel tank storage space transportation device according to the first embodiment, reference numeral 2 is a fuel tank storage space composed of an enclosed compartment arranged under the upper deck of the hull, 3 is the hull beside independent fuel tanks juxtaposed in the direction, 4 is a (Tank Connection Space) surrounding the tank connection part and the tank - attached valve attached to the fuel tank in which pumps and instruments for filling LNG and using it as fuel are housed. It is arranged at the upper part of the tank and is a place where access and traffic are particularly required for maintenance, etc. Tank connection space (Tank Connection Space)

[0013] To give an overview of the fuel tank storage space access device 1 according to this embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 1, it is a fuel tank storage space access device consisting of a suspended stage 5, an outer perimeter stage 6, and a bridging stage 7. These suspended stage 5, outer perimeter stage 6, and bridging stage 7 are configured to allow workers to pass through via various stairs or ladders provided on the bow and stern sides of the fuel tank storage space 2, as well as landings provided at various height positions. The following details the layout and configuration of each stage.

[0014] (Suspended stage) Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the suspension stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, and Figure 3 is a side view thereof. In Figures 2 and 3, reference numeral 6 denotes the ceiling of the fuel tank storage space 2, 7 denotes the passageway, and 8 denotes the stairs for access. As is clear from Figures 2 and 3, the suspended stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 is a suspended structure located above the fuel tank and suspended from the ceiling 6 of the fuel tank storage space 2. It is a suspension bridge structure in which several general structural steel materials (SS material), which are general-purpose materials, are welded to the ceiling 6 of the fuel tank storage space 2 at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Multiple base plates (not shown) of a predetermined width are laid out on the upper surface of the bottom perpendicular to the extension direction of the suspended stage 5 to secure a passageway for workers.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the tank connection part and the area surrounding the tanks are located above the juxtaposed fuel tanks 3, 3 described above. Tank connection space In order to facilitate access to and traffic to (Tank Connection Space) 4, the suspension stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 surrounds each tank connection part and tank valve Tank connection space(Tank Connection Space) 4, 4 is positioned close enough for workers to enter, and the central part in the extension direction is a parallel suspended structure with a slight gap. This is for observation between the LNG tanks 3, 3, and also for the hull beside This is a suspended stage 5 with a shape and structure that extends to the vicinity of the vertical center of the fuel tanks which are arranged side by side in the direction. Furthermore, the SS material suspended and welded vertically from the ceiling 6 does not preclude the installation of handrails (not shown) or the like to ensure safety during passage.

[0016] In order for workers to reach the suspended stage 5 of the fuel tank storage space access device 1 according to this embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, a staircase 8 consisting of multiple small staircases or ladders and a common landing that allows passage to other stages 6 and 7 is installed from the bottom of the fuel tank storage space 2, and workers use these staircases 8 to reach the maintenance area they wish to access (the arrows in Figure 2 indicate the worker's movement).

[0017] (Outer Stage 6) Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of the outer perimeter stage 6 and bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, Figure 5 is a schematic right side view showing the outer perimeter stage 6 on the left side of the hull of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, and Figure 6 is a left side view thereof. In Figures 4 to 6, reference numeral 7a denotes the first bridging stage on the bow side that constitutes the bridging stage 7, 7b denotes the second bridging stage that follows it, 7c denotes the third bridging stage on the stern side, 9 denotes the pipe space arranged laterally across the hull above the tanks 3, 3 of the fuel tank storage space 2, 10a denotes the first pillar on the bow side, 10b denotes the second pillar, 10c denotes the third pillar, 11a to 11c denotes the avoidance bridges that avoid each pillar, and the remaining reference numerals indicate the same members or locations as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0018] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the outer perimeter stage 6 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 is an outer perimeter stage 6 that is fixed to the outer wall of the fuel tank storage space 2 in a cantilevered state by attaching cantilevered connecting pieces (not shown) to general structural steel (SS material) that protrudes from the left and right sides and the front and rear side walls of the fuel tank storage space 2, and after the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3 are installed, fastening a plurality of base plates (not shown) between each connecting piece with bolts. Similar to the suspension stage 5 described above, the outer perimeter stage 6 has a shape and structure in which a plurality of base plates (not shown) of a predetermined width are laid horizontally on the left and right and front and rear sides of the fuel tank storage space 2 to secure a passage for workers.

[0019] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bottom of the tank is positioned at approximately the same height as the top of each fuel tank 3. Furthermore, access to the outer perimeter stage 6 is provided by the aforementioned access stairs 8, allowing maintenance workers to ascend and descend and patrol the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1, which serves as a passageway.

[0020] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the right side of the hull of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 is configured with a lower shape or structure, with both ends connected by steps, in order to avoid the pipe space 9 which is located laterally from the center of the fuel tank storage space 2.

[0021] (Bridging Stage 7) In the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, as shown in the schematic plan view of Figure 4, a bridge stage 7 consisting of three stages, a first bridge stage 7a, a second bridge stage 7b, and a third bridge stage 7c, is arranged between the fuel tanks 3, 3. The reason for dividing it into three parts is to avoid adding unnecessary parts since the pillars are connected by bridges. Furthermore, the reason why the first bridge stage 7a to the third bridge stage 7c are at different heights is that the heights are different on the stern side to avoid contact with the heads of workers passing under the suspended stage. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1.

[0022] In Figure 7, reference numeral 12 denotes the stairs leading to the bottom of the fuel tank storage space 2, and the remaining reference numerals indicate the same members or locations as shown in Figures 1 to 6. As shown in Figure 7, the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 is a structure supported by the hull structure at the front and rear ends of the fuel tank storage space 2. It consists of the first to third bridging stages 7a, 7b, and 7c extending from the bow side between the first to third pillars 10a, 10b, and 10c that bridge the fuel tanks 3, 3 which are arranged side by side between these pillars. A maintenance stage (passage) is also provided in areas away from the hull structure, such as the surrounding walls of the fuel tank storage space 2, enabling maintenance in areas away from the hull structure. The bridging stages consisting of the first to third bridging stages are structured to connect the hull structures with a single bridge, as shown in Figure 7 (this is the "support for claim 6"). The reason why the structure of the first bridging stage 7a and the second and third bridging stages 7b and 7c are different is that the first bridging stage 7a also needs to serve as a structure for fixing the fuel tanks 3, 3 to the hull.

[0023] As shown in Figure 7, the bridging stages 7 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 are positioned such that the first bridging stage 7a on the bow side is at a height near the uppermost edge of the LNG fuel tanks 3,3, while the second bridging stage 7b and the third bridging stage 7c are positioned at a height slightly lower than the first bridging stage 7a, approximately three-quarters of the way up from the uppermost height of the fuel tanks 3,3. This is to ensure clearance and avoid contact with the heads of workers, but the heights are not limited to these positions.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space 1 in this embodiment 1 is provided with bypass bridges 11a to 11c to avoid the first pillar 10a, the second pillar 10b, and the third pillar 10c, so that workers can pass through even if each of the pillars 10a to 10c is present. Furthermore, the bridging stage 7 of the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1 is structured to rest on the hull structure at both ends, but the stern side is fixed to the hull structure by bolt connections, and the bow side has a resin liner (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) interposed between it and the hull structure as a sliding material to take into account sliding due to hull oscillation.

[0025] (Improvement of construction efficiency) With the above configuration, the fuel tank storage space access device 1 according to this embodiment 1 has a structure consisting of three components: a suspension stage 5, an outer perimeter stage 6, and a bridging stage 7, for the purpose of daily inspection of the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3 installed below the upper deck, thereby increasing the efficiency of construction work in shipbuilding.

[0026] In other words, since the suspension stage 5 is installed on top of the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3, it was necessary to either install the suspension stage 5 after the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3 were loaded onto the ship, or to pre-install the suspension stage 5 on the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3 before loading. However, by suspending it from the ceiling of the fuel tank storage space 2, it can be installed during the ceiling block construction process, which has a significant advantage in that it shortens the construction time.

[0027] Regarding the outer perimeter stage 6, in order to maximize the cargo compartments located on the bow and sides of the fuel tank storage space 2, it is necessary to minimize the size of the space 2 inside the ship. For this reason, in the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, by arranging maintenance passages (traffic devices) around the fuel tanks 3, 3, it is possible to avoid expanding the fuel tank storage space 2 itself, i.e., reducing the cargo compartments. Furthermore, normally, this type of outer perimeter stage cannot be installed until the LNG fuel tanks 3, 3 have been installed, but in the fuel tank storage space traffic device 1 according to this embodiment 1, since the corridor-type outer perimeter stage 6 is provided on the surrounding wall of the fuel tank storage space 2 as described above, it can also be used as scaffolding when installing hull blocks, thus improving workability.

[0028] Furthermore, even when installing the fuel tanks 3,3 after they have been mounted, the connecting pieces that secure the passage width are welded to the periphery of the fuel tank storage space 2 before the fuel tanks 3,3 are mounted, and after the tanks are mounted, base plates of a predetermined width are bolted to the mounting pieces. This structure also allows for the efficient installation of the outer periphery stage 6.

[0029] Furthermore, regarding the bridging stage 7, by bridging multiple bridging stages 7a to 7c between multiple pillars 10a to 10c positioned between the juxtaposed fuel tanks 3, 3, a maintenance stage (passageway) can be provided even in areas where the hull structure is separated. Moreover, since the bridging is a structure that sits on top of the hull structure, the stern side is fixed with bolts, and the bow side has a sliding, non-fixed structure with a resin liner (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) interposed as a sliding material, it can follow hull deformation and hull motion. Since it is broadly composed of three structures, it can be said that each of them has a shape or design that takes construction ease into consideration. [Industrial applicability]

[0030] The present invention is intended for use in a fuel tank storage space for a vehicle transport vehicle that uses liquefied gas (LNG (liquefied natural gas, etc.)) as fuel, such as in car carriers. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 1. Fuel tank storage space traffic device according to Example 1 2 Fuel tank storage space 3.3 LNG fuel tanks 4.4 Surrounding the tank connection and tank valve Tank connection space 5. Suspended Stage 6. Outer Stage 7. Bridge-building stage 7a, 7b, 7c 1st to 3rd crosslinking stage 8. Stairs 9 Pipe space 10a, 10b, 10c: 1st to 3rd pillars 11a, 11b, 11c 1st to 3rd avoidance bridge 12. Stairs 101a, 101b LNG fuel tanks 102a, 102b Air Dome 112 LNG Fuel Tank Protective Steel 131 Support structure 301 Extended area

Claims

1. A fuel tank storage space access device characterized by a suspended stage structure suspended from the ceiling of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel, with a gap in the center of the lateral direction of the hull, allowing access to and traffic to the tank connection space, which surrounds the tank connection parts and tank valves on top of the fuel tanks arranged side by side in the lateral direction of the hull.

2. The fuel tank storage space traffic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an outer perimeter stage that is welded and fixed in a cantilevered manner to the front, rear, left, and right side walls of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas fuel vessel.

3. The fuel tank storage space traffic device according to claim 2, characterized in that the bottom of the outer perimeter stage is at the upper height of the fuel tank.

4. The fuel tank storage space traffic device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a bridging stage that spans the front and rear of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel and bridges between the juxtaposed fuel tanks.

5. The fuel tank storage space traffic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the bridging stage connects each of the hull structures consisting of the first to third pillars with a single bridge.

6. The fuel tank storage space traffic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first to third bridging stages between the hull structure consisting of the first to third pillars are structures placed on top of the hull structure, with the stern side being fixed with bolts and the bow side being a sliding, non-fixed structure with a resin liner as a sliding material.

7. The fuel tank storage space access device according to claim 1 is characterized in that it comprises a suspended stage, an outer perimeter stage welded in a cantilevered manner to the front, rear, left, and right side walls of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel, and a bridging stage that spans the front and rear of the fuel tank storage space located below the upper deck of a liquefied gas-fueled vessel and bridges between the adjacent fuel tanks, and is connected by stairs and common landings that allow passage between each of these stages.

Images