Tanker truck

Abstract

To provide a tank lorry capable of subdividing and filling a receiving tank with a low-temperature liquefied fuel gas.SOLUTION: A tank lorry includes: a vehicle body 1; and a tank 10 mounted on the vehicle body 1 and loaded with low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, where the tank 10 has a cylindrical shape having a longitudinal direction in a traveling direction of the vehicle body 1, and a low-temperature pump 20 for unloading the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas is disposed on the vehicle body 1, on a rear side from a rear end part of the tank 10. A receiving tank can be filled with the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas by driving the low-temperature pump 20 mounted on the vehicle. It is suitable for the tank lorry to circulate a plurality of small-capacity receiving tanks to subdivide and fill them with the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, thus making it possible to promote the spread of the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas among small- or medium-scale shops. Further, when the receiving tank is filled with the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, the low-temperature pump 20 is positioned near the receiving tank, therefore, the pressure loss is low, and pipes from the low-temperature pump 20 to the receiving tank can be easily arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank lorry for transporting low-temperature liquefied fuel gas such as liquefied natural gas, for example.

Background Art

[0002] Natural gas, which is a naturally occurring fossil fuel, is a hydrocarbon gas mainly composed of methane. In recent years, replacing heavy oil and kerosene whose remaining reserves are uncertain, demand for said natural gas has been increasing as an industrial gas fuel for industry and power generation, as well as a raw material for city gas. Said natural gas is transported and stored as low-temperature liquefied fuel gas (liquefied natural gas = LNG) cooled to about -162°C.

[0003] Said LNG is transported by ship via tankers, unloaded into storage containers at ports, then transported overland to each user by transport tank lorries, and unloaded into user-side storage tanks installed at each user's site. User-side storage tanks for LNG as described above are generally installed with a capacity of 50 to 80 kL or more. On the other hand, the load capacity of conventional tank lorries for LNG is 15.7 t (37 kL) or less.

[0004] Therefore, from the viewpoints of loading, transportation and unloading efficiency, as well as costs for equipment and transportation, it is common practice to load as much LNG as possible onto a large tank lorry, transport it to the user's side, and unload the entire volume into the user-side storage tank.

[0005] As a prior art document related to tank lorries for transporting low-temperature liquefied fuel gas as described above, the present applicant is aware of Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 relates to a tank truck and contains the following description.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a tank truck that can easily avoid contact between the pressurized evaporator and the ground while ensuring the pressurizing capacity of the pressurized evaporator.

[0007] According to the tank truck described in claim 1, the pressurized evaporator includes a meandering pipe formed by connecting a plurality of straight pipes extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and a plurality of U-shaped pipes connecting the ends of the plurality of straight pipes. The plurality of straight pipes also include an inlet short pipe located at one end of the meandering pipe, an outlet short pipe located at the other end of the meandering pipe, and a plurality of long pipes located between the inlet short pipe and the outlet short pipe and having a longer length than the inlet short pipe and the outlet short pipe, with the plurality of long pipes extending further to the rear of the vehicle body than the inlet short pipe and the outlet short pipe. As a result, the plurality of long pipes are located between the inlet short pipe and the outlet short pipe in the height direction of the vehicle body, and the portion of the long pipes that extends further to the rear of the vehicle body than the inlet short pipe and the outlet short pipe is located above the vehicle body than the inlet short pipe.

[0011] In this way, by ensuring a wide clearance between the rear portion of the pressurized evaporator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and the ground, it is easier to avoid the pressurized evaporator coming into contact with the ground. At the front portion of the pressurized evaporator in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, by positioning the meandering pipe lower and ensuring the overall length of the meandering pipe, it is possible to ensure the pressurizing capacity of the pressurized evaporator. [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] As mentioned above, traditionally, the main users of LNG were large-scale facilities that used user-side storage tanks with a capacity equivalent to or greater than one tank truck. On the other hand, small and medium-sized facilities have a smaller capacity of user-side storage tanks that they can install. As a result, there has been no system in place to meet the needs of small and medium-sized facilities that want to use LNG on a small scale.

[0009] User-side storage tanks intended for small and medium-sized businesses will have a smaller capacity than those used in conventional large-scale businesses. For example, while user-side storage tanks in conventional large-scale businesses are typically 50-80 kL, smaller businesses may envision smaller capacities such as 11 tons (26 kL), 5.9 tons (11.9 kL), or 2.9 tons (7 kL).

[0010] Therefore, when considering transporting LNG by tank truck to small-capacity user-side storage tanks at small and medium-sized businesses, one tank truck must visit multiple users and unload a small amount at each user-side storage tank. In this case, if the user-side storage tank is under high pressure or located at a high altitude, an LNG pump will be required as an ancillary facility for the user-side storage tank. In this case, the equipment burden on the user-side storage tank is significant, which is a hurdle for small and medium-sized businesses to adopt LNG.

[0011] Furthermore, conventional filling methods do not assume small-scale delivery, so the weight of the tanker truck before and after filling is measured, and the difference is used as the amount filled. Therefore, in order for multiple users to unload LNG loaded onto tanker trucks in small amounts, it is necessary to establish a method for measuring the transaction volume in such cases.

[0012] Herein, Patent Document 1 mentioned above concerns a structure for balancing a vehicle and a technology for preventing the pressurized evaporator, which is located on the bottom of the rear of the vehicle body, from touching the ground on slopes, etc. It does not concern a technology that enables small-scale filling from a tank truck into a user-side storage tank.

[0013] 〔the purpose〕 This invention was made with the following objectives in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. This invention provides a tank truck that enables the small-scale and high-pressure filling of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas into user-side storage tanks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The tank lorry according to claim 1 adopts the following configuration to achieve the above object. comprising a vehicle body and a tank mounted on the vehicle body for loading low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, wherein the tank has a cylindrical shape with a longitudinal direction aligned with the traveling direction of the vehicle body, a low-temperature pump for unloading the low-temperature liquefied fuel gas is arranged on the vehicle body at a position rearward of the rear end portion of the tank Furthermore, an explosion-proof area is installed behind the rear end of the tank mentioned above. The cryogenic pump is located in the explosion-proof area mentioned above. The above-mentioned low-temperature pump is a vertical type in which the upper motor unit and the lower pump unit are connected. The cryogenic pump is positioned such that the motor unit is located within the explosion-proof area and the pump unit is located outside the explosion-proof area. .

[0017] Claim 2 the tank lorry according to claim 1 adopts the following configuration in addition to the configuration according to claim. between the motor portion located in the explosion-proof area inside and a member constituting the explosion-proof area, a heat insulating material that suppresses heat transfer is interposed.

[0018] Claim 3 the tank lorry according to claim 1 adopts the following configuration in addition to the configuration according to claim. a pump operation box for controlling the low-temperature pump is arranged in the explosion-proof area, electric power is supplied to the low-temperature pump and the pump operation box from an operation monitoring panel arranged at the front of the vehicle body.

[0019] Claim 4 the tank lorry according to claim 1 adopts the following configuration in addition to the configuration according to claim 1. further comprising a pressurizing evaporator for pressurizing the inside of the tank, wherein the pressurizing evaporators are respectively installed on the left and right sides between the front and rear wheels.

[0020] Claim 5 The tank truck described is, 4 In addition to the structure described, the following structure was adopted. The above pressurized evaporator is further provided with a supply pipe for supplying the above low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, The above-mentioned supply pipe is configured such that the branching points to the introduction paths for introducing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas into the pressurized evaporators installed on the left and right are located between the left and right pressurized evaporators.

[0021] Claim 6 The tank truck described is as described in Claims 1 to 5 In addition to the configuration described in any one of the above sections, the following configuration was adopted. The above-mentioned cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is liquefied natural gas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The tank truck according to claim 1 comprises a vehicle body and a tank mounted on the vehicle body for loading cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. The tank is cylindrical with the vehicle body's longitudinal direction being the direction of travel. A cryogenic pump for unloading the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is positioned on the vehicle body behind the rear end of the tank. Because a cryogenic pump for unloading the above-mentioned cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is provided, for example, the receiving tank can be filled with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas by driving the on-board cryogenic pump. Therefore, it is possible to fill receiving tanks that do not have a cryogenic pump with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. In this case, since the filling is performed by increasing the pressure with the cryogenic pump, the pressurization time during filling is shortened compared to, for example, pressurized filling. Furthermore, it becomes possible to fill receiving tanks in various environments, such as high-pressure receiving tanks or receiving tanks located at high altitudes. Therefore, it is suitable for, for example, circulating and filling multiple small-capacity receiving tanks in small increments, and can promote the spread of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas in small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, the cryogenic pump is located behind the rear end of the cylindrical tank, which has the direction of travel of the vehicle as its longitudinal direction. Therefore, when filling a receiving tank with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, it is possible to connect directly to the receiving tank using a flexible hose or the like without going through the user's receiving equipment, which reduces pressure loss and simplifies the connection. When mounting a long tank in the direction of travel onto a vehicle, the height of the rear of the tank is set low. Therefore, by positioning the cryogenic pump behind the rear end of the tank, the flow of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas from the tank to the cryogenic pump is good, allowing for smooth unloading.

[0023] Claim 1 The tank truck described above has an explosion-proof area mounted on the vehicle body behind the rear end of the tank, and the cryogenic pump is located in the explosion-proof area. Valves and piping for extracting the cryogenic liquefied gas are located at the rear end of the tank, and the cryogenic pump is positioned nearby. Therefore, by installing the explosion-proof area to cover the rear end and placing the cryogenic pump within that area, the effects of any explosion can be contained within the explosion-proof area, minimizing the impact on the surrounding area. In addition, explosion-proof equipment and explosion-proof wiring can be concentrated within the explosion-proof area, improving equipment efficiency.

[0024] Claim 1The tank truck described above has a vertically oriented cryogenic pump in which the upper motor unit and the lower pump unit are connected. The cryogenic pump is positioned such that the motor unit is located within the explosion-proof area and the pump unit is located outside the explosion-proof area. By placing the motor unit, which is an electrical device, within the explosion-proof area, the effects of any potential explosion can be contained within the explosion-proof area, as described above, thereby improving equipment efficiency. On the other hand, the pump section that pumps the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is the part through which the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas taken from the tank flows, so it is placed outside the explosion-proof area where it is less susceptible to the effects of the explosion to ensure safety. Furthermore, in the above structure, the pump section of the cryogenic pump is located lower in height than the tank. This allows for good liquid flow from the tank to the pump section, enabling smooth unloading. Smooth liquid flow also reduces the pre-cooling time required for unloading the cryogenic pump. In addition, widening the piping system reduces pressure loss, making it easier for liquid to enter the pump section and further shortening the pre-cooling time.

[0025] Claim 2 The tank truck described above has an insulating material interposed between the motor section, which is located within the explosion-proof area, and the components that make up the explosion-proof area, to suppress heat transfer. The pump section is cooled to a low temperature by pressurizing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, and this coldness cools the underside of the motor section located above the pump section to a low temperature. Therefore, the insulation material blocks the coldness on the underside of the motor section, preventing the components constituting the explosion-proof area from being cooled to a low temperature. This prevents the components constituting the explosion-proof area from deteriorating due to low-temperature brittleness or the like.

[0026] Claim 3 In the tank truck described above, the pump control box for the cryogenic pump is located in the explosion-proof area. Power is supplied to the cryogenic pump and the pump control box from the operation monitoring panel located at the front of the vehicle. The control panel for the electrical system is positioned at the front of the vehicle, outside the explosion-proof area, while the pump control box, which only operates the cryogenic pump, is positioned within the explosion-proof area. Since the control panel houses many electrical components and has a large enclosure, its explosion-proof treatment can be omitted to reduce equipment costs. The pump control box houses fewer electrical components and has a small enclosure, so it is explosion-proofed and placed within the explosion-proof area. This ensures both operability by positioning the pump control box near the cryogenic pump and safety.

[0027] Claim 4 The tank truck described is further equipped with a pressurized evaporator for pressurizing the tank. Therefore, in locations where a power source for operating the cryogenic pump cannot be secured, the tank can be pressurized using the pressurized evaporator for unloading. Furthermore, by installing the pressurized evaporators on both the left and right sides between the front and rear wheels, they can be mounted using the limited space remaining on the vehicle body. In addition, by having two pressurized evaporators on the left and right sides, a sufficient amount of pressurization can be ensured. Moreover, by installing the pressurized evaporators on both sides of the vehicle body, the center of gravity of the tank truck itself is lowered and balance is maintained, ensuring driving stability.

[0028] Claim 5 The tank truck described further includes a supply pipe for supplying the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the pressurized evaporator. The supply pipe is configured such that branching points to inlet passages for introducing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the pressurized evaporators installed on the left and right are located between the left and right pressurized evaporators. The branching points to the left and right intake paths are located directly in front of the left and right pressurized evaporators, and the distance from the branching points to the left and right pressurized evaporators is shortened, thus ensuring an equal supply of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the left and right pressurized evaporators.

[0029] Claim 6 The tank truck described above uses liquefied natural gas as its cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. This technology can promote the use of liquefied natural gas as an energy source not only in large-scale facilities but also in small and medium-sized facilities with limited receiving tank capacity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the main structure of a tank truck according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the mounting structure of the cryogenic pump in the tank truck described above. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the piping structure of the pressurized evaporator in the tank truck described above. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the structure of the electrical system in the tank truck described above. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Next, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described.

[0032] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate one embodiment of a tank truck to which the present invention is applied.

[0033] [Overall structure] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the main structure of the tank truck described above. The tank truck of this embodiment comprises a vehicle body 1 and a tank 10.

[0034] The vehicle body 1 has a driver's cab 6 positioned at the front, and a cargo bed 7 extending in the front-to-rear direction positioned behind the driver's cab 6. The front wheels 2 are positioned on the left and right below the driver's cab 6, and the rear wheels 3 are positioned on the left and right below the cargo bed 7.

[0035] The tank 10 is a cryogenic tank mounted on the cargo bed 7 of the vehicle body 1 and loaded with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. The tank 10 is cylindrical with its longitudinal direction oriented in the direction of travel of the vehicle body 1 (the front-to-rear direction of the cargo bed 7). Since the tank 10 is filled with the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, a tank with a vacuum insulation structure is used.

[0036] The cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to be filled into and stored in the tank 10 above includes various types of fuel gases that can be liquefied and stored at low temperatures. Specifically, examples of cryogenic liquefied fuel gases include liquefied natural gas, liquefied methane, liquefied ethane, and liquefied biomethane. For liquefied natural gas, the temperature is approximately -162°C; for liquefied methane and liquefied biomethane, it is approximately -162°C; and for liquefied ethane, it is approximately -89°C.

[0037] The vehicle body 1 described above has an explosion-proof area 5 mounted behind the rear end of the tank 10. The explosion-proof area 5 is an area that covers the rear end surface 10A of the tank 10 and is surrounded by explosion-proof plates 5A on the left and right sides, rear side, ceiling and floor, and is intended to block explosions and prevent explosions. The explosion-proof plates 5A are plate materials that have explosion-proof performance with fire resistance and rigidity, and specifically, steel plates of a predetermined thickness can be used.

[0038] Valves and piping for extracting the cryogenic liquefied gas are located on the rear end surface 10A of the tank 10. Therefore, as will be described later, the cryogenic pump 20 for unloading and the electrical equipment for operating the cryogenic pump 20 will be located near the rear end surface 10A. Accordingly, the rear end surface 10A is covered with the explosion-proof plate 5A to form an explosion-proof area 5, ensuring safety. The explosion-proof area 5 houses the motor section 21 of the cryogenic pump 20 and the electrical equipment for operating the cryogenic pump 20, which will be described later.

[0039] The vehicle body 1 described above has a cryogenic pump 20 positioned behind the rear end of the tank 10 for unloading the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. The cryogenic pump 20 is located in the explosion-proof area 5. A crash prevention bumper 4 is provided behind the cryogenic pump 20 to protect the pump section 23, which will be described later.

[0040] [Mounting structure of the cryogenic pump] Figure 2 illustrates the mounting structure of the cryogenic pump 20 described above.

[0041] The cryogenic pump 20 described above is a vertical type in which an upper motor unit 21 and a lower pump unit 23 are connected, and in this example a seal-less pump is used. The motor unit 21 and the pump unit 23 are connected by a housing 24 that houses a power transmission shaft (not shown). That is, the upper motor unit 21 provides driving force to an impeller (not shown) inside the lower pump unit 23, causing it to rotate, pressurizing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas and unloading it from the tank 10 to a receiving tank (not shown). Specifically, the receiving tank can be, for example, a storage tank or container.

[0042] The cryogenic pump 20 is arranged such that the motor unit 21 is located inside the explosion-proof area 5, and the pump unit 23 is located outside the explosion-proof area 5. The motor unit 21 is an electrical device for driving the pump unit 23, and is therefore located inside the explosion-proof area 5. The pump unit 23 has an inlet and a discharge section for the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas and is the part that pumps the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. It is preferable to position it apart from the various electrical devices mentioned above, separated by an explosion-proof plate 5A. For this reason, the pump unit 23 is arranged outside the explosion-proof area 5.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heat insulating material 25 is interposed between the motor unit 21 located within the explosion-proof area 5 and the components constituting the explosion-proof area 5 to suppress heat transfer. The heat insulating material 25 can be, for example, a sheet made of FRP. The heat insulating material 25 is not limited to FRP sheets and can be used in any way as long as it possesses a certain degree of strength and heat insulating properties. In this example, the components constituting the explosion-proof area 5 are explosion-proof boards 5A that make up the floor surface of the explosion-proof area 5.

[0044] [Piping structure of a pressurized evaporator] Figure 3 illustrates the piping structure of the pressurized evaporator 30. (A) is a view from above, (B) is a view from the side, and (C) is a view from the rear.

[0045] The tank truck of this embodiment is further equipped with a pressurized evaporator 30 for pressurizing the inside of the tank 10. The pressurized evaporator 30 is used when unloading by a user who cannot secure a power source to drive the cryogenic pump 10. The pressurized evaporator 30 takes out the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas from the tank 10, evaporates it, and introduces the gaseous fuel gas into the upper part of the tank 10. This pressurizes the inside of the pressurized evaporator 30, pushing down the liquid level, and the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is taken out and unloaded using that pressure.

[0046] In the tank truck of this embodiment, the pressurized evaporators 30 are installed on the left and right sides between the front and rear wheels. In other words, the pressurized evaporators 30 are installed in the space behind the front wheel 2 and in front of the rear wheel 3. Since the front wheel 2 and rear wheel 3 are on the left and right sides, the pressurized evaporators 30 are installed on the left and right sides accordingly. The pressurized evaporator 30 is composed of a meandering accumulation of evaporation passages 37 (see Figure 1) that evaporate low-temperature liquefied fuel gas by exchanging heat with the atmosphere. The evaporation passages 37 are formed, for example, by aluminum finned pipes. The left and right pressurized evaporators 30 are each set to have a width that does not exceed the width of the rear wheel 3.

[0047] The tank truck of this embodiment is further equipped with a supply pipe 31 for supplying the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the pressurized evaporator 30. The supply pipe 31 is connected to the rear end surface 10A of the tank 10 and extracts the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas from the tank 10 and supplies it to the pressurized evaporator 30. As described above, the pressurized evaporators 30 are installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 1, and the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is introduced to each of the left and right pressurized evaporators 30. In other words, the supply pipe 31 branches into introduction passages 32 that introduce the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to each of the pressurized evaporators 30 installed on the left and right sides. The branching point 33 to the left and right introduction passages 32 is located between the left and right pressurized evaporators 30.

[0048] A pressurized passage 35 is connected to the pressurized evaporator 30, which introduces the fuel gas vaporized by heat exchange with the atmosphere in the pressurized evaporator 30 into the upper part of the tank 10. The fuel gas, now in gaseous form, is introduced into the upper part of the tank 10 via the pressurized passage 35. The resulting pressure allows the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to be extracted and unloaded.

[0049] [Structure of electrical systems] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the electrical system.

[0050] The explosion-proof area 5 contains a pump control box 40 for starting and stopping the cryogenic pump 20. An operation monitoring panel 50 for controlling the electrical system is located at the front of the vehicle body 1. In this example, the operation monitoring panel 50 is located inside or near the driver's cab 6. Specifically, the operation monitoring panel 50 is located in front of the front end of the tank 10, and the pump control box 40 is located in the explosion-proof area 5 behind the rear end of the tank 10.

[0051] The pump control panel 40 described above has an explosion-proof structure. This protects the internal electrical equipment from explosions and ensures safety.

[0052] In this embodiment, power is supplied to the cryogenic pump 20 and the pump control box 40 from the operation monitoring panel 50 located in front of the vehicle body 1. In other words, power is supplied from the operation monitoring panel 50 located in front of the front end of the tank 10 to the cryogenic pump 20 and the pump control box 40 located behind the rear end of the tank 10.

[0053] An electrical outlet 52 is connected to the operation monitoring panel 50. The outlet is plugged into the user's power socket to receive electricity, and power is supplied to the cryogenic pump 20 and the pump control box 40 via the operation monitoring panel 50.

[0054] The motor unit 21 of the cryogenic pump 20 is connected to the operation monitoring panel 50. Power supplied from the outlet 52 is supplied to the motor unit 21 of the cryogenic pump 20 via the operation monitoring panel 50. As described above, the motor unit 21 is located within the explosion-proof area 5. Therefore, the power lines supplying power from the operation monitoring panel 50 to the motor unit 21 that are located within the explosion-proof area 5 are subjected to explosion-proof treatment. As an example of this explosion-proof treatment, the wires are passed through explosion-proof piping. Steel pipes of a predetermined thickness can be used for this explosion-proof piping. In this way, by applying explosion-proof treatment to the power lines within the explosion-proof area 5, the power lines are protected from explosions and safety is ensured.

[0055] The operation monitoring panel 50 is connected to the first explosion-proof junction box 41A and the second explosion-proof junction box 41B, which are located within the explosion-proof area 5. The first explosion-proof junction box 41A and the second explosion-proof junction box 41B are junction boxes with explosion-proof housings. The power lines supplying power from the operation monitoring panel 50 to the first explosion-proof junction box 41A that are located within the explosion-proof area 5 are subjected to the explosion-proof treatment described above. The same applies to the second explosion-proof junction box 41B. This protects the electrical equipment and power lines inside the boxes from explosions and ensures safety.

[0056] Within the explosion-proof area 5 described above, the first explosion-proof junction box 41A, the second explosion-proof junction box 41B, the pump operation box 40, and the motor unit 21 are located. Furthermore, within the explosion-proof area 5, the pump temperature sensor 42, the pump rotation sensor 43, and the lighting fixture 47 are located.

[0057] The pump control box 40 and the lighting fixture 47 are connected to the operation monitoring panel 50 via the first explosion-proof junction box 41A. The pump temperature sensor 42 and the pump rotation sensor 43 are connected to the operation monitoring panel 50 via the second explosion-proof junction box 41B. The wires connecting the first explosion-proof junction box 41A and the second explosion-proof junction box 41B to the various devices described above are subjected to the explosion-proof treatment described above within the explosion-proof area 5, and are routed, for example, through explosion-proof piping.

[0058] The pump temperature sensor 42 detects the temperature of the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas in the pump section 23 of the cryogenic pump 20 and transmits the data to the operation monitoring panel 50. By detecting the temperature of the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas in the pump section 23, the pre-cooling temperature at the start of unloading can be confirmed. The temperature of the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas in the pump section 23 detected by the pump temperature sensor 42 can be confirmed even within the explosion-proof area 5.

[0059] The pump rotation sensor 43 detects the rotation speed of the motor unit 21 of the low-temperature pump 20 and transmits the data to the operation monitoring panel 50. The rotation speed of the motor unit 21 detected by the pump rotation sensor 43 can be viewed even within the explosion-proof area 5.

[0060] The above-mentioned lighting fixture 47 illuminates the explosion-proof area 5.

[0061] A wireless LAN router 53 is connected to the operation monitoring panel 50, and transmits the data received from the pump temperature sensor 42 and the pump rotation sensor 43 to the terminal device 54. By displaying the above data on the terminal device 54, the driver or operator can know the status of the low-temperature pump 20 during unloading.

[0062] Furthermore, a digital liquid level gauge (not shown) can be installed and configured to transmit data to the terminal device 54 via the operation monitoring panel 50 and the wireless LAN router 53. This allows for the immediate determination of the transaction volume of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas when filling and unloading in multiple receiving tanks.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible to equip the tank truck with batteries or storage batteries. For example, the power supply for the low-temperature pump 20 can be taken from the aforementioned batteries or storage batteries. In this way, the user does not need to supply power.

[0064] [Effects of the Embodiment] The tank truck of this embodiment comprises a vehicle body 1 and a tank 10 mounted on the vehicle body 1 for loading cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. The tank 10 is cylindrical with the direction of travel of the vehicle body 1 as its longitudinal direction. A cryogenic pump 20 for unloading the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is located on the vehicle body 1 behind the rear end of the tank 10. Since a cryogenic pump 20 for unloading the above-mentioned cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is provided, for example, by driving the on-board cryogenic pump 20, the receiving tank can be filled with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. Therefore, it is possible to fill receiving tanks that do not have a cryogenic pump 20 with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. In this case, since the filling is performed by increasing the pressure with the cryogenic pump, the pressurization time during filling is shortened compared to, for example, pressurized filling. Furthermore, it becomes possible to fill receiving tanks in various environments, such as high-pressure receiving tanks or receiving tanks located at high altitudes. Therefore, it is suitable for, for example, circulating to multiple small-capacity receiving tanks and filling them in small increments, and can promote the spread of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas in small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, the cryogenic pump 20 is located behind the rear end of the cylindrical tank 10, which has the direction of travel of the vehicle body 1 as its longitudinal direction. Therefore, when filling a receiving tank with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, it is possible to connect directly to the receiving tank using a flexible hose or the like without going through the user's receiving equipment, which reduces pressure loss and simplifies the connection. When mounting the long tank 10 in the direction of travel onto the vehicle body 1, the height of the rear of the tank 10 is set low. Therefore, by positioning the cryogenic pump 20 behind the rear end of the tank 10, the flow of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas from the tank to the cryogenic pump is good and smooth during unloading.

[0065] In this embodiment, the tank truck has an explosion-proof area 5 mounted on the vehicle body 1 behind the rear end of the tank 10, and the cryogenic pump 10 is positioned in the explosion-proof area 5. Valves and piping for extracting the cryogenic liquefied gas are arranged on the rear end surface of the tank 10, and the cryogenic pump 10 is positioned nearby. Therefore, by installing the explosion-proof area 5 to cover the rear end surface and positioning the cryogenic pump 10 within the explosion-proof area 5, the effects of any explosion can be contained within the explosion-proof area 5, minimizing the impact on the surrounding area. In addition, explosion-proof equipment and explosion-proof wiring can be concentrated in the explosion-proof area 5, improving equipment efficiency.

[0066] In this embodiment, the low-temperature pump 10 of the tank truck is a vertical type in which the upper motor unit 21 and the lower pump unit 23 are connected. The low-temperature pump 10 is arranged such that the motor unit 21 is located inside the explosion-proof area 5 and the pump unit 23 is located outside the explosion-proof area 5. By placing the motor unit 21, which is an electrical device, within the explosion-proof area 5, the effects of any potential explosion can be contained within the explosion-proof area 5, as described above, thereby improving equipment efficiency. On the other hand, the pump section 21, which pumps the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, is the part through which the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas taken from the tank 10 flows, so it is located outside the explosion-proof area 5, where it is less susceptible to the effects of an explosion, to ensure safety. Furthermore, in the above structure, the pump section 23 of the cryogenic pump 20 is located lower in height than the tank 10. As a result, the liquid flow from the tank 10 to the pump section 23 is improved, allowing for smooth unloading. Also, if the liquid flow is smooth, the pre-cooling time of the cryogenic pump 20 required for unloading can be shortened. Moreover, if the piping system is widened, the pressure loss will be reduced, making it easier for liquid to enter the pump section 23, and further shortening the pre-cooling time.

[0067] In this embodiment, the tank truck has a heat insulating material 25 interposed between the motor unit 21, which is located within the explosion-proof area 5, and the components that make up the explosion-proof area 5, to suppress heat transfer. The pump section 23 is cooled to a low temperature by pressurizing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas, and this coldness cools the lower surface of the motor section 21, which is located above the pump section 23, to a low temperature. Therefore, the insulation material 25 blocks the coldness from the lower surface of the motor section 21, preventing the components constituting the explosion-proof area 5 from being cooled to a low temperature. This prevents the components constituting the explosion-proof area 5 from deteriorating due to low-temperature brittleness or the like.

[0068] In this embodiment, the tank truck has a pump control box 40 for controlling the cryogenic pump 10 located in the explosion-proof area 5. Power is supplied to the cryogenic pump 10 and the pump control box 40 from an operation monitoring panel 50 located in front of the vehicle body 1. An operation monitoring panel 50 that controls the electrical system is placed in front of the vehicle body 1, outside the explosion-proof area 5, while a pump operation box 40 that only operates the cryogenic pump 20 is placed inside the explosion-proof area 5. The operation monitoring panel 50 houses many electrical components and has a large casing, so its explosion-proof treatment can be omitted to reduce equipment costs. The pump operation box 40 houses few electrical components and has a small casing, so it is treated with explosion-proof treatment and placed inside the explosion-proof area 5. This ensures safety while also providing operability by placing the pump operation box 40 close to the cryogenic pump 20.

[0069] The tank truck of this embodiment is further equipped with a pressurized evaporator 30 for pressurizing the tank 10. Therefore, in locations where a power source for operating the low-temperature pump 20 cannot be secured, the tank 10 can be pressurized using the pressurized evaporator 30 for unloading. Furthermore, by installing the pressurized evaporators 30 on the left and right sides between the front and rear wheels, the pressurized evaporators 30 can be mounted using the limited space remaining on the vehicle body 1. In addition, by providing two pressurized evaporators 30 on the left and right sides, a sufficient amount of pressurization can be ensured. Moreover, by installing the pressurized evaporators 30 on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 1, the center of gravity of the tank truck itself can be lowered and balance maintained, ensuring driving stability.

[0070] The tank truck of this embodiment further includes a supply pipe 31 for supplying the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the pressurized evaporator 30. The supply pipe 31 is configured such that branching points 33 to introduction passages 32 for introducing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the pressurized evaporators 30 installed on the left and right sides are located between the left and right pressurized evaporators 30. The branching points 33 to the left and right introduction paths 32 are located directly in front of the left and right pressurized evaporators 30, and the distance from the branching points 33 to the left and right pressurized evaporators 30 is shortened, so that the supply of cryogenic liquefied fuel gas to the left and right pressurized evaporators 30 is made equal.

[0071] In this embodiment, the tank truck uses liquefied natural gas as the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. This technology can promote the use of liquefied natural gas as an energy source not only in large-scale facilities but also in small and medium-sized facilities with limited receiving tank capacity.

[0072] ◆Differentiation Although the above describes particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various forms, and the present invention is intended to encompass various modifications.

[0073] For example, by equipping both the tank truck and the user's equipment with couplers, the process of attaching and detaching them can be simplified. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1: Vehicle body 2: Front wheel 3: Rear wheel 4: Anti-run bumper 5: Explosion-proof area 5A: Explosion-proof plate 6: Driver's cab 7: Cargo bed 10: Tank 10A: Rear end surface 20: Cryogenic pump 21: Motor section 23: Pump section 24: Housing 25: Insulation 30: Pressurized evaporator 31: Supply pipe 32:Introduction path 33: Turning Point 35: Pressurized passage 37: Evaporation path 40: Pump control box 41A: Explosion-proof junction box #1 41B: Second explosion-proof junction box 42: Pump temperature sensor 43: Pump rotation sensor 47: Lighting 50: Operation monitoring panel 52: Electrical outlet 53: Wireless LAN router 54: Terminal device

Claims

1. It comprises a vehicle body and a tank mounted on the vehicle body that is loaded with cryogenic liquefied fuel gas. The above-mentioned tank is cylindrical with the direction of travel of the vehicle body as its longitudinal direction. The above vehicle body is equipped with a cryogenic pump for unloading the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas located behind the rear end of the tank, and an explosion-proof area is mounted behind the rear end of the tank. The cryogenic pump is located in the explosion-proof area mentioned above. The above-mentioned low-temperature pump is a vertical type in which the upper motor unit and the lower pump unit are connected. The cryogenic pump is positioned such that the motor unit is located within the explosion-proof area, and the pump unit is located outside the explosion-proof area. A tank truck characterized by the following features.

2. A heat-insulating material is interposed between the motor unit, which is located within the explosion-proof area, and the components that make up the explosion-proof area, to suppress heat transfer. A tank truck according to claim 1.

3. The pump control box for the cryogenic pump is located in the explosion-proof area mentioned above. Power is supplied to the cryogenic pump and pump control box from the driver monitoring panel located at the front of the vehicle body. A tank truck according to claim 1.

4. The above tank is further equipped with a pressurized evaporator for pressurizing the inside of the tank, The above-mentioned pressurized evaporators are installed on the left and right sides, respectively, between the front and rear wheels. A tank truck according to claim 1.

5. The above pressurized evaporator is further provided with a supply pipe for supplying the above low-temperature liquefied fuel gas, The above-mentioned supply pipe is configured such that the branching points to the introduction paths for introducing the cryogenic liquefied fuel gas into the pressurized evaporators installed on the left and right are located between the left and right pressurized evaporators. The tank truck according to claim 4.

6. The above cryogenic liquefied fuel gas is liquefied natural gas. A tank truck according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images