Anti-sloshing cargo tank

Abstract

A cargo tank for preventing sloshing is disclosed. A cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a tank body provided within a hull and storing a fluid, which is a predetermined liquid cargo; and an anti-sloshing part positioned to float on the surface of the fluid such that its height varies according to the amount of fluid filled within the tank body, and which prevents sloshing of the fluid caused by vibration at that position.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cargo tank for preventing sloshing, and more specifically, to a cargo tank for preventing sloshing that can significantly reduce the sloshing of the fluid filled inside, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall. Background Technology

[0002] Ships of various shapes and structures are being manufactured to transport liquid cargo by sea. In other words, hulls are constructed according to the specific characteristics of each cargo to transport liquids such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), and crude oil.

[0003] Furthermore, the hull constructed in this manner is equipped with special types of cargo tanks designed to seal and store liquid cargo under low temperatures or high pressures. Various types of cargo tanks are also applied depending on the type of cargo being stored, particularly liquid cargo, as well as storage conditions and duration.

[0004] Meanwhile, when transporting liquid cargo in cargo tanks, not only is the transport time long, but the liquid cargo, or fluid, inside the tanks can slosh as the ship moves due to waves or wind. Therefore, it is common practice to transport the cargo tanks after filling them with fluid.

[0005] However, when a vessel operates with the cargo tank not fully filled with fluid, fluid sloshing may occur within the tank; given that this sloshing phenomenon can cause damage to the inner walls of the tank, there is a need for the development of technology to address this issue. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Intellectual Property Office Application No. 10-2018-7015219 The problem to be solved

[0007] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sloshing-prevention cargo tank that can significantly reduce the sloshing of the fluid filled inside, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a sloshing prevention cargo tank may be provided, comprising: a tank body provided within a hull and storing a fluid which is a predetermined liquid cargo; and an anti-sloshing member positioned to float on the surface of the fluid such that its height varies according to the amount of fluid filled within the tank body, and which prevents sloshing of the fluid caused by vibration at that position.

[0009] The above anti-sloshing part may include an anti-sloshing mat that is positioned to float on the surface of the fluid within the tank body and prevents sloshing of the fluid by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid at that location.

[0010] The above anti-sloshing member may further include a plurality of mat guides that guide the free up and down movement of the anti-sloshing mat according to the amount of fluid filled, with one end of each guide fixed to the bottom of the tank body within the tank body.

[0011] The above mat guide is positioned in the corner area of ​​the anti-sloshing mat, and a guide hole through which the mat guide passes may be formed in the anti-sloshing mat. Effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the sloshing of the fluid filled inside can be significantly reduced, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0013] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a ship to which a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied. Figure 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing applied in Figure 1, showing the anti-sloshing mat in an up position. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the anti-sloshing mat in Figure 2 in a down operation. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the anti-sloshing section. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anti-sloshing portion of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an anti-sloshing portion of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a plan view of Figure 7. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0014] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0015] The present invention will be described in detail below by explaining preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical reference numerals in each drawing indicate identical components.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a ship to which a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a first embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the cargo tank for preventing sloshing applied in FIG. 1, in which the anti-sloshing mat is operated up, FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the anti-sloshing mat is operated down in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the anti-sloshing part.

[0017] Referring to these drawings, the sloshing prevention cargo tank (120) according to the present embodiment can significantly reduce the sloshing of the fluid filled inside, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall.

[0018] The anti-sloshing cargo tank according to the present embodiment, which can provide such effects, can be applied to a ship (100) such as FIG. 1.

[0019] For reference, the vessel (100) illustrated in FIG. 1 is in the form of a ship capable of operation, but the vessel (100) referred to herein may include an offshore plant in addition to what is illustrated. Therefore, all such matters should be considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Such a vessel (100) includes a hull (110). A wheel house (111) is provided on one side of the deck of the hull (110).

[0021] At the rear of the hull (110), a propeller (114) is provided to generate thrust to the hull (110). The propeller (114) generates thrust to the hull (110) while rotating. A rudder (115) for directional control is provided around the propeller (114).

[0022] A sloshing prevention cargo tank (120) according to the present embodiment is provided within the hull (110). The sloshing prevention cargo tank (120) according to the present embodiment forms a place for storing liquid cargo, i.e., fluid, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), or crude oil.

[0023] Meanwhile, as briefly mentioned earlier, it is common practice to move after filling the cargo tank (120) with fluid as shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] However, depending on the situation, the vessel may be operated with the cargo tank (120) not fully filled with fluid as in Fig. 3, in which case fluid sloshing may occur within the cargo tank (120).

[0025] Since damage to the inner wall of the cargo tank (120) can occur if the sloshing of such fluid increases or persists for a long period, in this embodiment, a sloshing prevention cargo tank (120) is applied to prevent such a phenomenon.

[0026] The anti-sloshing cargo tank (120) according to the present embodiment includes a tank body (130) and an anti-sloshing part (140) as illustrated in detail in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0027] The tank body (130) is an external structure of the sloshing prevention cargo tank (120) according to the present embodiment. Although the tank body (130) is depicted in the drawing as a simple box shape, various structures may be added inside the tank body (130). Additionally, depending on whether the tank body (130) is independent, supporting structures may be added, but this is omitted for convenience.

[0028] As mentioned earlier, the fluid filled into the tank body (130) is a liquid cargo, and the liquid cargo may be LNG (liquefied natural gas), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), crude oil, etc.

[0029] The anti-sloshing section (140) is positioned to float on the surface of the fluid so that its height varies according to the amount of fluid filled in the tank body (130), and serves to prevent sloshing of the fluid caused by vibration at that position. This anti-sloshing section (140) may include an anti-sloshing mat (150) and a mat guide (160).

[0030] The anti-sloshing mat (150) is positioned to float on the surface of the fluid within the tank body (130) and serves to prevent fluid sloshing by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid at that location.

[0031] Here, the free surface effect of the fluid refers to a series of phenomena in which the fluid level flows and the center of gravity of the hull (110) rises because the fluid is not filled within the tank body (130). Therefore, reducing this free surface effect of the fluid can prevent fluid sloshing, and the anti-sloshing mat (150) performs this role.

[0032] As in this embodiment, when the anti-sloshing mat (150) is positioned to float on the surface of the fluid within the tank body (130), the sloshing of the fluid can be prevented by the action of the anti-sloshing mat (150). Therefore, sufficient effect can be expected even if only the anti-sloshing mat (150) is applied.

[0033] However, considering that the ship (100) is sailing in a turbulent sea, the anti-sloshing mat (150) may sometimes be flipped over or positioned at an angle to one side, which makes it difficult to reduce the free surface effect and may not be sufficient to prevent fluid sloshing.

[0034] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, it is necessary to guide the free up and down movement of the anti-sloshing mat (150) so that the anti-sloshing mat (150) is not flipped over or positioned diagonally to one side, and for this purpose, a mat guide (160) is added to the anti-sloshing section (140).

[0035] The mat guide (160) is provided with one end fixed to the bottom of the tank body (130) within the tank body (130) and serves to guide the free up and down movement of the anti-sloshing mat (150) according to the amount of fluid filled.

[0036] At this time, the mat guide (160) is provided in multiple numbers and is positioned in the corner area of ​​the anti-sloshing mat (150), and guides the free up and down movement of the anti-sloshing mat (150) according to the amount of fluid filled at that location.

[0037] And, a guide hole (151) through which a mat guide (160) passes is formed in the anti-sloshing mat (150). The diameter of the guide hole (151) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mat guide (160).

[0038] Hereinafter, the operation of the sloshing prevention cargo tank (100) according to the present embodiment will be explained.

[0039] When an anti-sloshing section (140) is installed within the tank body (130) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, depending on the amount of fluid filled, the anti-sloshing mat (150) may move up as shown in FIG. 2 when the amount of fluid filled is large, and move down as shown in FIG. 3 when the amount of fluid filled is small. Due to the action of the anti-sloshing mat (150), the free surface effect of the fluid can be reduced, thereby preventing fluid sloshing. Therefore, damage to the inner wall of the tank body (130) can be prevented.

[0040] According to the present embodiment, which operates with a structure as described above, the sloshing of the fluid filled inside can be significantly reduced, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anti-sloshing portion of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to this drawing, the anti-sloshing member (140) applied to the anti-sloshing cargo tank (not shown) according to the present embodiment may also include an anti-sloshing mat (250) that prevents fluid sloshing by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid, and a mat guide (160) that guides the free movement of the anti-sloshing mat (250) up and down. Their functions and roles are the same as those of the previously described embodiment. Therefore, a redundant description is omitted.

[0043] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of through holes (251) are formed in the anti-sloshing mat (250). Although the through holes (251) are depicted in an exaggerated manner in the drawing, the through holes (251) may be fine holes.

[0044] In the case where a plurality of through holes (251) are formed in the anti-sloshing mat (250) as in the present embodiment, another effect can be provided in that even if the anti-sloshing mat (250) is made thin, it can prevent fluid sloshing while floating on the surface of the fluid without sinking.

[0045] Even when this embodiment is applied, the sloshing of the fluid filled inside can be significantly reduced, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to this drawing, the sloshing prevention cargo tank (320) according to the present embodiment also includes a tank body (130) and an anti-sloshing section (340). The anti-sloshing section (340) may include an anti-sloshing mat (150) that prevents fluid sloshing by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid, and a mat guide (160) that guides the free movement of the anti-sloshing mat (150) up and down. Their structure, configuration, and the functions and roles thereof are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, a redundant description is omitted.

[0048] Meanwhile, in the case of the present embodiment, the anti-sloshing unit (340) further includes a plurality of buoys (370). The buoys (370) can be installed at various points on the back surface of the anti-sloshing mat (150).

[0049] When buoys (370) are installed on the back surface of the anti-sloshing mat (150) as in this embodiment, another effect can be provided in that even if the anti-sloshing mat (150) is made thinner, it can prevent fluid sloshing while floating on the surface of the fluid without sinking.

[0050] Even when this embodiment is applied, the sloshing of the fluid filled inside can be significantly reduced, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an anti-sloshing portion of a cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG. 7.

[0052] Referring to these drawings, the anti-sloshing part (440) applied to the anti-sloshing cargo tank (not shown) according to the present embodiment may also include an anti-sloshing mat (450) that prevents fluid sloshing by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid, and a mat guide (460) that guides the free movement of the anti-sloshing mat (450) up and down. The structure of the anti-sloshing part (440) of the present embodiment is different from that of the previously described embodiment.

[0053] The anti-sloshing mat (450) takes the form of a disc-shaped structure of a thin plate. Of course, the anti-sloshing mat (450) is made of a material that floats on fluid. A plurality of arms (451) are formed around the perimeter of the anti-sloshing mat (450), and a hand (452) is provided at the end of the arm (451). At this time, the vertical width of the hand (452) is greater than that of the arm (451).

[0054] Additionally, multiple arms (451) and hands (452) are arranged at equal intervals around the perimeter of the anti-sloshing mat (450). The arms (451) and hands (452) help the anti-sloshing mat (450) to be positioned horizontally while responding to fluid sloshing.

[0055] The mat guide (460) is applied in a rod type, similar to the embodiments described above. However, in this embodiment, one mat guide (460) is applied to the center of the anti-sloshing mat (450). A guide support (480) that supports the mat guide (460) is provided at the lower end of the mat guide (460). The guide support (480) is fixed to the bottom of the tank.

[0056] A guide hole (450a) is formed in the anti-sloshing mat (450) so that the anti-sloshing mat (450) can move freely up and down around the mat guide (460).

[0057] At this time, upper and lower stoppers (471, 472) are provided in the mat guide (460). The upper and lower stoppers (471, 472) are applied as structures larger than the guide hole (450a). These upper and lower stoppers (471, 472) form the vertical movement boundary for the anti-sloshing mat (450). In other words, the anti-sloshing mat (450) can move between the upper and lower stoppers (471, 472). Of course, to control the amount of fluid filled, the upper and lower stoppers (471, 472) are positionally adjustable on the mat guide (460).

[0058] Even if an anti-sloshing part (440) with a structure like that of the present embodiment is applied, the sloshing of the fluid filled inside can be significantly reduced, thereby minimizing damage to the inner wall.

[0059] As such, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, such modifications or variations should be deemed to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0060] 100 : Ship 110 : Hull 120: Anti-sloshing cargo tank 130: Tank body 140: Anti-sloshing section 150: Anti-sloshing mat 151 : Guide hole 160 : Mat guide

Claims

Claim 1 A sloshing prevention cargo tank comprising: a tank body provided within a hull and storing a fluid, which is a predetermined liquid cargo; and an anti-sloshing part positioned to float on the surface of the fluid such that its height varies according to the amount of fluid filled within the tank body, and which prevents sloshing of the fluid caused by vibration at that position. Claim 2 A cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to claim 1, wherein the anti-sloshing part comprises an anti-sloshing mat that is positioned to float on the surface of the fluid within the tank body and prevents sloshing of the fluid by minimizing the free surface effect of the fluid at the corresponding position. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the anti-sloshing member is provided with one end fixed to the bottom of the tank body within the tank body, and further comprises a plurality of mat guides that guide the free up and down movement of the anti-sloshing mat according to the amount of fluid filled, thereby preventing sloshing in the cargo tank. Claim 4 A cargo tank for preventing sloshing according to paragraph 3, wherein the mat guide is positioned in the corner area of ​​the anti-sloshing mat, and a guide hole is formed in the anti-sloshing mat through which the mat guide passes.

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