Cryogenic storage container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container for storing cryogenically-stored materials in a negative pressure state and, more specifically, to a cryogenic storage container that can perform a conventional storage container function while preventing the inflow of contaminants from the surrounding atmospheric pressure environment in a negative pressure state in the container. More specifically, the objective of the present invention is to provide the cryogenic storage container with various structural improvements such as those of forming high pressure with high-pressure gas in an intermediate pipe provided in a communication path section with the outside, so as to effectively prevent the inflow of contaminants from the outside, and using a separate cooling fluid to directly cool a stored fluid, thereby actively reducing the internal pressure of the storage container.

Description

Cryogenic storage containers

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for storing cryogenic storage materials under negative pressure, and more particularly, to a cryogenic storage container capable of performing the functions of a conventional storage container while preventing the inflow of contaminants from the surrounding environment under atmospheric pressure under negative pressure within the container.

[0002] Expensive, cryogenic liquefied gases (such as hydrogen, helium, and neon) are transported in mobile cryogenic high-pressure storage tanks. During transport, liquefied gases are initially shipped at low pressure. However, as external heat continues to infiltrate, the liquefied gas vaporizes, increasing the tank pressure. When the tank pressure reaches near its design pressure, the tank safety valve must be used to vent the cargo and relieve the pressure. This process is well known to result in cargo loss.

[0003] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional cryogenic storage vessel, in which all electric fields and piping details are omitted and only the inflow and outflow paths of the cryogenic storage (liquefied gas) are shown. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a conventional cryogenic storage vessel (100') is provided with a tank portion (110') composed of a tank portion (111') and an insulating portion (112') surrounding the tank portion, a gas communication path (121') to which an external gas connection pipe (201'), which is an external device, is connected, and a liquid communication path (122'), to which an external liquid connection pipe (202'), which is also an external device, is connected. Gas / liquid communication channels (121')(122') are each provided with gas / liquid shut-off valves (121v')(122v'), which serve to block the space inside the tank section (111') from the outside when communication with the gas / liquid connection pipes (121')(122') is not necessary, i.e., in normal times. Meanwhile, a tank safety channel (125') is provided between the gas shut-off valve (121v') and the tank section (111') on the gas communication channel (121'). When the pressure inside the tank section (111') becomes excessive and exceeds the designed pressure range, the tank safety valve (125v') opens to discharge the gas inside the tank section (111'). In this way, a connection section (130') in the form of a non-sealed opening / closing section is provided in the section where devices for connecting between the container section (110') and an external device are provided for the purpose of protecting components, etc. At this time, the conventional connecting part (130') is generally only a device to protect the pipe from external foreign substances, etc., and is not a device for sealing, so it becomes a non-sealed structure in which air can circulate freely.

[0004] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the pressure change over time within a cryogenic storage vessel. As previously explained, the cargo is initially stored in the storage vessel as a liquid or solid at extremely low temperatures and pressures. However, due to the inevitable heat inflow, vaporization occurs over time, resulting in a pressure increase almost proportional to time. Initially, the pressure within the storage vessel is lower than atmospheric pressure, but over time, it reaches the same pressure as atmospheric pressure at some point, and then, with further passage of time, it exceeds atmospheric pressure. When the design pressure is reached, the tank safety valve opens to release the gas within, thereby lowering the pressure. This release of gas causes a loss of stored fluid.

[0005] In this way, various studies have been conducted to prevent the storage fluid from vaporizing and being lost within cryogenic storage containers. For example, Korean Patent Registration No. 2363242 (“Heat Inflow Blocking Device for Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage Container”, February 10, 2022, hereinafter referred to as “Patent Document 1”) discloses a technology that operates a cooler to cool the body of a hydrogen storage container when the pressure rises, thereby lowering the pressure again. However, Patent Document 1 causes energy loss due to the operation of the cooler, and thus has limitations in application in cases where energy use is extremely limited, such as cargo ships and cargo transport vehicles. Considering that Patent Document 1 also states the purpose of “solving the problem of hydrogen being discharged and accumulating in spaces such as parking lots,” it can be inferred that it is not very suitable for application to storage containers such as cargo ships and cargo transport vehicles.

[0006]

[0007] As previously explained, the connection space is a non-sealed structure, so the pressure in this space is atmospheric. Therefore, the environmental conditions do not significantly change during the time from atmospheric pressure to the pressure at which the tank safety valve opens. Meanwhile, the pre-atmospheric pressure section, i.e., from the time the cargo is initially stored in the container to the time atmospheric pressure is reached, is referred to as the "vacuum tank section." It can be inferred that the longer the vacuum tank section, the longer the delay in the actual opening of the tank safety valve.

[0008] In conventional systems, there was a high possibility of outside air entering the vacuum tank through valves or pipes. This inflow of outside air fundamentally causes heat inflow, accelerating the vaporization of the stored fluid within the storage vessel. Furthermore, because it is a foreign substance, it can contaminate the stored fluid within the vessel. Furthermore, if the stored fluid is flammable, it poses a significant risk of fire or explosion.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve the structure of cryogenic storage containers that can effectively block the inflow of external air into the vacuum tank section.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cryogenic storage container having a structure capable of effectively preventing the inflow of contaminants from the surrounding environment of atmospheric pressure under a negative pressure state within the container for storing cryogenic storage fluid. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a cryogenic storage container having various improved structures, such as effectively preventing the inflow of contaminants from the outside by forming a high pressure with a high-pressure gas in an intermediate pipe provided in a section communicating with the outside, and actively reducing the internal pressure of the storage container by directly cooling the storage fluid using a separate cooling fluid.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the cryogenic storage container (100) of the present invention comprises: a container (110) including a tank (111) for storing a stored fluid and an insulating portion (112) provided to surround the tank (111); a gas communication path (121) having one end communicated with the upper space of the tank (111) and the other end open to the outside, and provided with a gas communication inner valve (121v) arranged biasedly toward the tank (111) and a gas communication outer valve (121w) arranged biasedly toward the outside; a liquid communication path (122) having one end communicated with the lower space of the tank (111) and the other end open to the outside, and provided with a liquid communication inner valve (122v) arranged biasedly toward the tank (111) and a liquid communication outer valve (122w) arranged biasedly toward the outside; It may include a gas communication intermediate pipe (123) having one end communicated with the gas communication path (121) at a position between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; a liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) having one end communicated with the liquid communication path (122) at a position between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v)(122w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; and a tank safety path (125) having one end communicated with the gas communication path (121) at a position between the tank section (111) and the gas communication inner valve (121v) and having a tank safety valve (125v) that opens to discharge gas when there is excessive pressure inside the tank section (111).

[0012] According to the present invention, by forming a high pressure with a high pressure gas in the intermediate pipe installed in the external communication section, the inflow of contaminants from the outside can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, according to the present invention, by directly cooling the stored fluid using a separate cooling fluid, the internal pressure of the storage container is actively reduced, thereby directly forming a negative pressure. Furthermore, when applying a sealed connection, by providing a separate structure in the intermediate pipe, the intermediate pipe can be maintained above atmospheric pressure, thereby more effectively preventing the inflow of contaminants.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional cryogenic storage container.

[0014] Figure 2 shows the change in pressure over time within a cryogenic storage vessel.

[0015] Figure 3 is a state of movement of the first embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 shows the state of the first embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention during loading / unloading.

[0017] Figure 5 is a second embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 is a third embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 shows the moving state of the fourth embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 shows the loading / unloading state of the fourth embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 is a fifth embodiment of the cryogenic storage container of the present invention.

[0022] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the cryogenic storage container (100) of the present invention comprises: a container (110) including a tank (111) for storing a stored fluid and an insulating portion (112) provided to surround the tank (111); a gas communication path (121) having one end communicated with the upper space of the tank (111) and the other end open to the outside, and provided with a gas communication inner valve (121v) arranged biasedly toward the tank (111) and a gas communication outer valve (121w) arranged biasedly toward the outside; a liquid communication path (122) having one end communicated with the lower space of the tank (111) and the other end open to the outside, and provided with a liquid communication inner valve (122v) arranged biasedly toward the tank (111) and a liquid communication outer valve (122w) arranged biasedly toward the outside; It may include a gas communication intermediate pipe (123) having one end communicated with the gas communication path (121) at a position between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; a liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) having one end communicated with the liquid communication path (122) at a position between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v)(122w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; and a tank safety path (125) having one end communicated with the gas communication path (121) at a position between the tank section (111) and the gas communication inner valve (121v) and having a tank safety valve (125v) that opens to discharge gas when there is excessive pressure inside the tank section (111).

[0023] At this time, the cryogenic storage container (100) may be formed so that when loading / unloading the stored fluid, the external gas / liquid connection pipes (201)(202) are connected to the gas / liquid communication channels (121)(122), respectively, and then all valves provided in the gas / liquid communication channels (121)(122) are opened to allow the stored fluid to flow, and when moving the storage container, all valves provided in the gas / liquid communication channels (121)(122) are closed to seal the tank section (111), and then the connection of the external gas / liquid connection pipes (201)(202) is released.

[0024] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) can be pressure-regulated through the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) so ​​that the pressure in the passage space between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w) on the gas communication passage (121) and the pressure in the passage space between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v)(122w) on the liquid communication passage (122) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0025] In addition, the cryogenic storage vessel (100) may be provided with a gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe pressure control valve (123v)(124v) on each of the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipes (123)(124) to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by using the degree of opening and closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) is connected.

[0026] In addition, the cryogenic storage vessel (100) is configured as a pair of gas communication intermediate high-pressure pipes (123a) equipped with a gas communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (123av) that opens when the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) is overpressured in the tank section (111) and a gas communication intermediate low-pressure pipe (123b) equipped with a gas communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (123bv) that opens when the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) is under negative pressure in the tank section (111), and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) is configured as a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure pipe (124a) equipped with a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (124av) that opens when the gas communication intermediate pipe (111) is under negative pressure in the tank section (111) and a liquid communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (124bv) that opens when the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) is under negative pressure in the tank section (111). It can be composed of a pair of liquid communication intermediate low pressure pipes (124b).

[0027]

[0028] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) includes a high-pressure tank (140) in which high-pressure gas is accommodated; and the high-pressure tank (140) can be formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

[0029] At this time, the cryogenic storage container (100) can have the other end of the tank safety passage (125) connected to the high-pressure tank (140).

[0030] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may include a discharge tank (145) to which the other end of the tank safety passage (125) is connected to form a buffer space for gas discharged to the tank safety passage (125).

[0031] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may be formed of an inert gas that does not react with the storage fluid contained in the container section (110) or a gas of the same substance as the storage fluid, in which the high-pressure gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140) does not react with the storage fluid contained in the container section (110).

[0032]

[0033] Alternatively, the cryogenic storage container (100) may include a connecting portion (130) that is formed to be openable and closable and accommodates the passages including the gas communication passage (121), the liquid communication passage (122), and the tank safety passage (125) to protect them from the outside.

[0034] At this time, the cryogenic storage container (100) is provided with a sealing wall (135) on the open side of the connection portion (130), and a space surrounded by the sealing wall (135), a portion of the inner surface of the connection portion (130), and a portion of the outer surface of the container portion (110) is formed to be sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135), and the space sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135) can be formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

[0035] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may include an auxiliary safety passage (126) that is connected to a space sealed from the outside by the discharge tank (145) or the sealing wall (135) and has an auxiliary safety valve (126v) that opens when overpressure occurs to discharge gas.

[0036]

[0037] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may include a cooling unit (150) that is accommodated in the tank unit (111) and in which a refrigerant is circulated inside to perform cooling through heat exchange.

[0038] At this time, the cryogenic storage container (100) comprises: a refrigerant inlet path (151) having one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside, and having a refrigerant inlet inner valve (151v) arranged biased toward the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant inlet outer valve (151w) arranged biased toward the outside, so that when the valves are opened, the refrigerant is introduced into the cooling unit (150); a refrigerant discharge path (152) having one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside, and having a refrigerant discharge inner valve (152v) arranged biased toward the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant discharge outer valve (152w) arranged biased toward the outside, so that when the valves are opened, the refrigerant is discharged into the cooling unit (150); It may include a refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) having one end connected to the refrigerant inlet path (151) at a position between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v) (151w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; and a refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) having one end connected to the refrigerant discharge path (152) at a position between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v) (152w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space.

[0039] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may be formed so that when loading / unloading the stored fluid, the external refrigerant inlet / outlet pipes (251)(252) are connected to the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152), respectively, and then all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152) are opened to allow the refrigerant to circulate, and when the storage container is moved, all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152) are closed to seal the cooling unit (150), and then the external refrigerant inlet / outlet pipes (251)(252) are disconnected.

[0040] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) can be pressure-regulated through the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipe (153)(154) so ​​that the pressure in the passage space between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v)(151w) on the refrigerant inlet passage (151) and the pressure in the passage space between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v)(152w) on the refrigerant discharge passage (152) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0041] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) may be provided with refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe pressure control valves (153v)(154v) on the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipes (153)(154) to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by using the degree of opening / closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe (153)(154) is connected.

[0042] In addition, the cryogenic storage container (100) is configured as a pair of a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure pipe (153a) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure operating valve (153av) that opens when the refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) is overpressured in the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure pipe (153b) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure operating valve (153bv) that opens when the refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) is under negative pressure in the cooling unit (150), and the refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) is configured as a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure pipe (154a) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure operating valve (154av) that opens when the refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (154) is under negative pressure in the cooling unit (150). It can be composed of a pair of refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure pipes (154b) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure operating valve (154bv).

[0043] Hereinafter, a cryogenic storage container according to the present invention having the configuration described above will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044]

[0045] First, to elaborate, among the terms used below, “gas / liquid communication~” refers to “gas communication~” and “liquid communication~” combined, “~inside / outside~” refers to “~inside~” and “~outside~” combined, and “refrigerant inflow / outflow~” refers to “refrigerant inflow~” and “refrigerant discharge~” combined. “Gas communication~” parts and “liquid communication~” parts have almost symmetrical structures, and the same goes for the “~inside~” parts and “~outside~” parts, as well as the “refrigerant inflow~” parts and “refrigerant discharge~” parts. Strictly speaking, for example, “gas communication~” components should be explained separately from “liquid communication~” components, but doing so would result in repeated use of nearly identical expressions, making it difficult to clearly understand the invention. Therefore, components with nearly symmetrical structures are grouped together and shown. From now on, the above explanations can be considered to apply to notations such as “gas / liquid communication~”, “~inside / outside~”, and “refrigerant inflow / outflow~”.

[0046]

[0047] The cryogenic storage vessel (100) of the present invention can be considered to have some common configuration with the conventional cryogenic storage vessel (100') illustrated in FIG. 1 in that it basically includes a tank portion (111) for accommodating a stored fluid and a container portion (110) including an insulating portion (112) provided to surround the tank portion (111), and a gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) connected to an external gas / liquid connection pipe (201)(202) when loading / unloading the stored fluid. However, the cryogenic storage vessel (100) of the present invention, unlike the conventional one, has a configuration in which a pair (two) of valves are provided in each of the gas / liquid communication paths (121)(122) to form a separate flow path space between the valves, and by controlling the pressure of this flow path space, ultimately effectively prevents the inflow of external air into the tank portion (111).

[0048] That is, all of the various embodiments to be described below have in common [a configuration in which a pair of valves is provided in the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122), a flow path space is formed between the valve pair, and the pressure in the flow path space is controlled]. Here, various additional or modified configurations are introduced to more effectively control the pressure in the flow path space, and these are briefly classified by type as follows.

[0049]

[0050] ■ A: Type of configuration related to the shape of the pressure control pipe

[0051] └A1: One pressure regulating pipe is provided per euro space.

[0052] └A2: Two pressure regulating pipes are provided per euro space.

[0053]

[0054] ■ B: Type of configuration related to the shape of the high-pressure space

[0055] └B1: Equipped with a separate high-pressure tank

[0056] └B2: A sealing wall is provided at the connection, forming a high-pressure space.

[0057]

[0058] ■ C: Type of configuration related to the shape of the safety channel

[0059] └C1: Safety oil line is connected to the high-pressure tank (connected with B1)

[0060] └C2: The safety line is connected to the high-pressure space with a sealed wall (connected with B2)

[0061] └C3: Safety oil is connected to a separate tank.

[0062]

[0063] ■ D: Configuration type related to presence or absence of cooling unit

[0064] └D1: No cooling unit

[0065] └D2: Equipped with cooling unit

[0066]

[0067] Hereinafter, each part of the cryogenic storage container (100) of the present invention will be specifically described in detail through the first to fifth embodiments. At this time, the first embodiment has an [A1+B1+C1+D1] configuration, the second embodiment has an [A1+B1+C3+D1] configuration, the third embodiment has an [A1+B1+C1+D2] configuration, the fourth embodiment has an [A1+B2+C2+D2] configuration, and the fifth embodiment has an [A2+B2+C2+D2] configuration. However, the present invention is not limited to the first to fifth embodiments, and may be configured with other combinations of detailed configurations in each type of A to D described above, such as, for example, an [A1+B1+C3+D2] configuration, an [A2+B1+C1+D1] configuration, etc.

[0068]

[0069] [1] First embodiment of cryogenic storage container of the present invention: A1+B1+C1+D1

[0070]

[0071] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are a first embodiment of a cryogenic storage container of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the state of the cryogenic storage container (100) when moving, and FIG. 4 shows the state when loading / unloading a stored fluid.

[0072] The above gas communication path (121) has one end connected to the upper space of the tank section (111) and the other end open to the outside. The upper space of the tank section (111) collects gaseous storage fluid generated by vaporization of the storage fluid, and the gaseous storage fluid can be circulated through the gas communication path (121) connected to this space. When loading / unloading the storage fluid, as illustrated in FIG. 4, after the external gas connection pipe (201) is connected to the gas communication path (121), all valves provided in the gas communication path (121) are opened to circulate the storage fluid. When moving the storage container, as illustrated in FIG. 3, all valves provided in the gas communication path (121) are closed to seal the tank section (111), and then the connection of the external gas connection pipe (201) is released.

[0073] As previously explained, unlike conventional valves, the gas communication passage (121) is provided with a pair of valves, namely, a gas communication inner valve (121v) arranged biased toward the tank section (111) and a gas communication outer valve (121w) arranged biased toward the outside. Accordingly, when both the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v) (121w) are closed, the passage space between these valves is formed as a separate space, so that the pressure can be adjusted to be different from that of other spaces.

[0074] The above liquid communication channel (122) has one end connected to the lower space of the tank section (111) and the other end open to the outside. In the lower space of the tank section (111), liquid-state storage fluid gathers by gravity, and the liquid-state storage fluid can be circulated through the liquid communication channel (122) connected to this space. When loading / unloading the storage fluid, as illustrated in FIG. 4, after the external liquid connection pipe (202) is connected to the liquid communication channel (122), all valves provided in the liquid communication channel (122) are opened to allow the storage fluid to circulate. When moving the storage container, as illustrated in FIG. 3, all valves provided in the liquid communication channel (122) are closed, the tank section (111) is sealed, and then the external liquid connection pipe (202) is disconnected.

[0075] As with the above gas communication path (121), the above liquid communication path (122) is also provided with a pair of valves, which are different from the conventional ones, namely, a liquid communication inner valve (122v) arranged biasedly toward the tank section (111) and a liquid communication outer valve (122w) arranged biasedly toward the outside. Accordingly, when both the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v) (122w) are closed, the passage space between these valves is formed as a separate space, so that the pressure can be adjusted to be different from that of other spaces.

[0076]

[0077] In order to control the pressure in the passage between the valves, first, the gas communication passage (121) is provided with a gas communication intermediate pipe (123) whose one end is connected to the gas communication passage (121) at a position between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w) and whose other end is connected to a high-pressure space. In addition, the liquid communication passage (122) is provided with a liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) whose one end is connected to the liquid communication passage (122) at a position between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v)(122w) and whose other end is connected to a high-pressure space. At this time, in the present invention, the pressure is regulated through the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) so ​​that the pressure in the passage space between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w) on the gas communication passage (121) and the pressure in the passage space between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v)(122w) on the liquid communication passage (122) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0078] Here, the “high-pressure space” refers to a space where a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is formed. That is, in the present invention, the pressure for each space in the gas / liquid communication passage (121)(122) is formed in the order of [outside: atmospheric pressure] - [flow passage space between valves: high pressure] - [space within the tank: low pressure]. Conventionally, only one valve was provided on the gas / liquid communication passage (121)(122), and therefore, the [flow passage space between valves] of the present invention did not exist, so [outside: atmospheric pressure] and [space within the tank: low pressure] were directly connected. Therefore, external air inevitably infiltrates from the outside into the space within the tank due to the pressure difference through the minute gap between the valve structures. However, in the present invention, [flow passage space between valves: high pressure] having a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure is formed between [outside: atmospheric pressure] and [space within the tank: low pressure]. Therefore, even if there is a minute gap between the valve structures, the air in the passage space between the valves will leak out because the pressure in the passage space between the valves is higher than the outside pressure. In other words, the present invention completely solves the problem of external air infiltration through the valves by securing the passage space between the valves and creating a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure therein.

[0079]

[0080] Let us explain in more detail what was briefly explained in the description of Figure 2 above, as follows.

[0081] Cryogenic liquefied gases (e.g., hydrogen, helium, neon, etc.) that exist in a gaseous state at very low temperatures have a relatively low density even at their atmospheric boiling point. Lowering the temperature can increase the density of cryogenic liquefied gases. As the temperature continues to decrease, the liquefied hydrogen solidifies and becomes a solid, further increasing its density. From a pressure perspective, lowering the temperature also lowers the pressure, and if the temperature is lowered below the atmospheric boiling point, the pressure becomes a vacuum, or negative pressure. In other words, storing cryogenic liquefied gases under a negative pressure lower than atmospheric pressure (hereinafter, negative pressure storage) can increase their storage density.

[0082] Negative pressure storage extends the storage period compared to cryogenic liquefied gases. Consider a cryogenic liquefied gas container initially at atmospheric pressure. When heat is introduced into the container due to a temperature difference with the surrounding environment, the cryogenic liquefied gas vaporizes, increasing its internal volume and resulting in a rise in pressure. This pressure begins at atmospheric pressure and continues to increase over time, releasing the cryogenic liquefied gas when it reaches the safety valve setting pressure. The storage period is the time it takes from the initial storage pressure to reach the safety valve setting pressure. Negative pressure storage, with its low initial storage pressure, takes longer to reach the safety valve setting pressure, extending its storage period. In other words, the storage period increases by the amount of time it takes to go from negative pressure to atmospheric pressure.

[0083] Sub-pressure storage, like cryogenic liquefied gases, is stored in well-insulated containers and designed for a high maximum allowable operating pressure. However, in terms of operating pressure, containers storing sub-pressure storage differ significantly from typical cryogenic liquefied gas containers. Sub-pressure containers operate at a sub-pressure pressure, lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Because the pressure is lower than the surrounding environment, substances from the surrounding environment can enter the sub-pressure container. These substances, including air, are different from those in the sub-pressure container. The inflow of contaminants into a sub-pressure container reduces the purity of the sub-pressure container and, depending on the substance, poses a risk of accidents such as overpressure, fire, and physical / chemical explosions. For example, atmospheric oxygen can react with flammable loads (e.g., hydrogen) and cause fires and explosions. One of the challenges of sub-pressure containers is preventing the inflow of external contaminants due to the pressure difference with the surrounding environment. To prevent the inflow of contaminants from the surrounding environment, a negative pressure vessel must be completely sealed from the surrounding high pressure environment. Nevertheless, the negative pressure vessel must be able to perform its functions as a cryogenic liquefied gas container (e.g., transferring / exporting stored materials and relieving overpressure).

[0084] As described above, the cryogenic storage vessel (100) of the present invention can significantly increase the period during which the cryogenic storage vessel (100) operates as a negative pressure vessel by securing a passage space between the valves and forming a high pressure to effectively prevent air infiltration from the outside. Of course, as time passes, overpressure will inevitably occur due to heat inflow and vaporization, which will inevitably lead to gas discharge through the opening of the tank safety valve and resulting cargo loss. However, according to the present invention, the “vacuum tank section” shown in the graph of FIG. 2 can be made much longer than in the past. In other words, the longer the “vacuum tank section,” the more the point in time at which cargo loss occurs can be delayed, which consequently allows for a much longer overall storage period.

[0085]

[0086] The various embodiments are divided according to the method of controlling the pressure in the passage space between these valves. In the first embodiment, one pressure-regulating pipe is provided for each passage space (A1). Accordingly, by connecting this pressure-regulating pipe (=gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe) to the high-pressure space and appropriately adjusting the valve provided in the pipe, the pressure in the passage space between the valves can be smoothly controlled. To explain more specifically, in order to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by utilizing the degree of opening and closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) is connected, the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe pressure control valve (123v)(124v) is respectively provided on the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124), and by controlling whether or not the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe pressure control valve (123v)(124v) is opened and closed or the degree of opening and closing, the pressure in the passage space between the valves can be appropriately controlled as desired.

[0087]

[0088] Meanwhile, in the first embodiment, a high-pressure tank (140) for receiving high-pressure gas is provided as a high-pressure space connected to the flow path space between the valves (B1). That is, the high-pressure tank (140) is formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

[0089] The gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140) fills the passage space between the valves and leaks out to the outside and the tank section (111) through the minute gaps in the valve structure. Therefore, air infiltration from the outside into the tank section (111) is naturally prevented, but there remains a problem that the gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140) infiltrates the tank section (111). However, this problem can be easily solved by appropriately selecting the type of gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140). That is, the high-pressure gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140) can be an inert gas that does not react with the storage fluid contained in the container section (110), or a gas of the same substance as the storage fluid. By doing so, even if infiltration into the tank section (111) occurs from the passage space between the valves, contamination of the storage fluid stored in the tank section (111) does not occur.

[0090]

[0091] Meanwhile, as previously explained, initially, since the ultra-low temperature and low pressure storage fluid is stored in the tank (111), the space within the tank (111) forms a negative pressure. However, as time passes and vaporization due to inevitable heat inflow occurs, the space within the tank (111) forms an overpressure, as shown in the graph of FIG. 2. In this case, it is necessary to discharge the gas to relieve the overpressure in the space within the tank (111). Accordingly, the gas communication passage (121) is provided with a tank safety passage (125), one end of which is connected to the gas communication passage (121) at a position between the tank (111) and the gas communication inner valve (121v), and which is provided with a tank safety valve (125v) that opens when the tank (111) is overpressured to discharge the gas.

[0092] In the first embodiment, a separate high-pressure tank (140) is provided to form a high pressure in the passage space between the valves. When the high-pressure tank (140) is provided in this way, the other end of the tank safety passage (125) can be connected to the high-pressure tank (140). By doing so, the gas discharged due to overpressure in the tank section (111) is collected in the high-pressure tank (140). In other words, the gas discharged due to overpressure is not completely lost. In particular, since the gas in the high-pressure tank (140) is used to form a high pressure in the passage space between the valves, it can eventually return to the tank section (111), thereby reducing the amount of loss due to leakage compared to the prior art.

[0093]

[0094] [2] Second embodiment of cryogenic storage container of the present invention: A1+B1+C3+D1

[0095]

[0096] Fig. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a cryogenic storage vessel of the present invention. The second embodiment is almost identical to the first embodiment, except that the device to which the tank safety passage (125) is connected is formed differently. That is, in the second embodiment, the cryogenic storage vessel (100) includes a discharge tank (145) to which the other end of the tank safety passage (125) is connected to form a buffer space for gas discharged through the tank safety passage (125).

[0097] As described above, the gas discharged from the tank safety passage (125) is a gas generated by vaporization of the storage fluid stored in the tank section (111). At this time, if an inert gas is stored in the high-pressure tank (140), and the gaseous storage fluid discharged to the tank safety passage (125) is allowed to enter the high-pressure tank (140) as in the first embodiment, a mixture of the inert gas and the storage fluid will be filled in the high-pressure tank (140). At this time, if the high-pressure tank (140) is designed under the premise that it is filled only with the inert gas, the storage gas may act as a 'contaminant' to the high-pressure tank (140), so to speak, and thus smooth operation may not be achieved.

[0098] At this time, if the discharge tank (145) for separately storing the gas discharged from the tank safety passage (125) is provided separately, as in the second embodiment, this problem can be completely solved. In addition, in such a configuration, only the gaseous storage fluid is collected in the discharge tank (145), so the storage fluid can be collected separately through a separate operation such as cooling the discharge tank (145). In this way, by providing the discharge tank (145), the possibility of reducing the amount of stored fluid loss can be further increased.

[0099] If an excessive amount of stored fluid enters the discharge tank (145) itself, overpressure may be formed, and then gas discharge through the tank safety passage (125) may not be smoothly performed. In order to solve this problem, it is preferable that the discharge tank (145) be provided with an auxiliary safety passage (126) that is connected to the discharge tank (145) similarly to the tank safety passage (125) and has an auxiliary safety valve (126v) that opens when overpressure occurs to discharge gas.

[0100]

[0101] [3] Third embodiment of cryogenic storage container of the present invention: A1+B1+C1+D2

[0102]

[0103] Fig. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a cryogenic storage container of the present invention. In addition to the same configuration as the first embodiment, the third embodiment further includes a cooling unit (150) (D2). The cooling unit (150) is housed within the tank unit (111) and functions to perform cooling by heat exchange through refrigerant circulation within the tank unit. In other words, the cooling effect is achieved by heat exchange using a separate heat exchange medium, so that the cooling unit (150) becomes a type of heat exchanger. Accordingly, separate pipes are required to circulate the heat exchange medium, i.e., the refrigerant, to the cooling unit (150). These pipes also have a configuration similar to the gas / liquid communication channels (121) (122) so as to prevent outside air from penetrating through these pipes.

[0104] To be more specific, it is as follows. Similar to the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) connected to the tank section (111), the cooling section (150) is also provided with a refrigerant inlet / outlet path (151)(152). In addition, similar to the fact that the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) is provided with a pair of valves, that is, the gas / liquid communication inner / outer valves (121v)(121w)(122v)(122w), the refrigerant inlet / outlet path (151)(152) is also provided with a pair of valves, that is, the refrigerant inlet / outlet inner / outer valves (151v)(151w)(152v)(152w). In addition, similarly to the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) being provided in the gas / liquid communication passage (121)(122) for pressure control in the passage space between the valves, the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe (153)(154) is also provided in the refrigerant inlet / discharge passage (151)(152). Each part is described in more detail below.

[0105]

[0106] The above refrigerant inlet passage (151) has one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside. When loading / unloading the stored fluid, as shown in Fig. 6, after the external refrigerant inlet pipe (251) is connected to the refrigerant inlet passage (151), all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet passage (151) are opened to allow the refrigerant to circulate. When moving the storage container, all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet passage (151) are closed, the cooling unit (150) is sealed, and then the external refrigerant inlet pipe (251) is disconnected.

[0107] As previously explained, the refrigerant inlet passage (151) is provided with a pair of valves, similar to the gas / liquid communication passages (121)(122), namely, a refrigerant inlet inner valve (151v) arranged to be biased toward the cooling unit (150) side and a refrigerant inlet outer valve (151w) arranged to be biased toward the outside. Accordingly, when both the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v)(151w) are closed, the passage space between these valves is formed as a separate space, so that the pressure can be adjusted to be different from that of other spaces.

[0108] The above refrigerant discharge path (152) has one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside. When loading / unloading the stored fluid, as illustrated in FIG. 6, an external refrigerant discharge pipe (252) is connected to the refrigerant discharge path (152), and then all valves provided in the refrigerant discharge path (152) are opened to allow the refrigerant to circulate. When moving the storage container, as illustrated in FIG. 3, all valves provided in the refrigerant discharge path (152) are closed, sealing the cooling unit (150), and then the connection of the external refrigerant discharge pipe (252) is released.

[0109] As with the refrigerant inlet passage (151), the refrigerant discharge passage (152) is also provided with a pair of valves, i.e., a refrigerant discharge inner valve (152v) that is arranged biased toward the cooling unit (150) side and a refrigerant discharge outer valve (152w) that is arranged biased toward the outside, similar to the gas / liquid communication passage (121)(122). Accordingly, when both the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v)(152w) are closed, the passage space between these valves is formed as a separate space, so that the pressure can be adjusted to be different from that of other spaces.

[0110]

[0111] Likewise, in order to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves, as in the gas / liquid communication passages (121)(122), first, the refrigerant inlet passage (151) is provided with a refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) whose end is connected to the refrigerant inlet passage (151) at a position between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v)(151w) and whose other end is connected to a high-pressure space. In addition, the refrigerant discharge passage (152) is provided with a refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) whose end is connected to the refrigerant discharge passage (152) at a position between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v)(152w) and whose other end is connected to a high-pressure space. Also in this case, as in the gas / liquid flow path (121)(122) described above, in the present invention, the pressure is regulated through the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe (153)(154) so ​​that the pressure in the flow path space between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v)(151w) on the refrigerant inlet flow path (151) and the pressure in the flow path space between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v)(152w) on the refrigerant discharge flow path (152) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0112] When moving while storing the storage fluid in the above cryogenic storage container (100), all valves are locked and the tank section (111) is sealed and moved. At this time, there was a problem in the past that outside air would infiltrate through the small gaps between the valve structures and contaminate the stored fluid. In the present invention, as described above with respect to the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122), the pressure in each space in the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) is formed in the order of [outside: atmospheric pressure] - [space between valves: high pressure] - [space inside the tank section: low pressure], thereby fundamentally preventing outside air from naturally infiltrating due to the pressure difference. The above refrigerant inlet / outlet passage (151)(152) also has the same structure as the above gas / liquid communication passage (121)(122), so that the infiltration of outside air through the valve on the above refrigerant inlet / outlet passage (151)(152) can also be effectively prevented.

[0113]

[0114] Similar to the gas / liquid communication paths (121)(122) of the first embodiment, the refrigerant inlet / outlet paths (151)(152) may also have different embodiments depending on the connection type with the high-pressure space. In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, one pressure control pipe is provided per path space in the path space between the valves formed in the refrigerant inlet / outlet paths (151)(152). To explain more specifically, the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe (153)(154) is provided with a refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe pressure control valve (153v)(154v) so as to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by utilizing the degree of opening / closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe (153)(154) is connected, and by controlling whether or not the refrigerant inlet / discharge intermediate pipe pressure control valve (153v)(154v) is opened / closed or the degree of opening / closing, the pressure in the passage space between the valves can be appropriately controlled as desired.

[0115] In addition, in the third embodiment, the high-pressure space to which the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipe (153)(154) is connected can also be formed as the high-pressure tank (140), similar to the high-pressure space to which the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) is connected in the first embodiment.

[0116]

[0117] [4] Fourth embodiment of cryogenic storage container of the present invention: A1+B2+C2+D2

[0118]

[0119] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a cryogenic storage vessel of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a state of the cryogenic storage vessel (100) when in motion, and FIG. 8 illustrates a state of loading / unloading the stored fluid. In particular, the valves indicated in bold in FIG. 8 indicate a closed state. In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, a separate high-pressure tank (140) was used as a high-pressure space for applying high pressure to the passage space between the valves. The fourth embodiment presents another form of such a high-pressure space.

[0120] The cryogenic storage vessel (100) is originally provided with a connecting portion (130) that is formed to be openable and closable and accommodates the passages including the gas communication passage (121), the liquid communication passage (122), and the tank safety passage (125) to protect them from the outside. As described in the prior art of FIG. 2, the connecting portion (130) does not have a function such as forming a sealed space, but is simply provided to protect the pipes from external impacts, etc., and the space within the connecting portion (130) freely communicates with the outside, and therefore the pressure of this space is formed as atmospheric pressure.

[0121] In the fourth embodiment, the connection part (130) provided in the cryogenic storage container (100) is utilized as a high-pressure space forming structure. That is, a sealing wall (135) is provided on the open side of the connection part (130), and a space surrounded by the sealing wall (135), a portion of the inner surface of the connection part (130), and a portion of the outer surface of the container part (110) is formed to be sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135). In the fourth embodiment, the space sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135) is formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

[0122] Therefore, as well illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipes (123)(124) and the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipes (153)(154) both exist only within the internal space of the sealing wall (135). Through this configuration, the number of pipes that penetrate the wall surface of the connection part (130) can be significantly reduced. In reality, in all sealing devices, efforts are made to seal the penetration connections of the penetrating components as much as possible, but it is a self-evident fact that minute gaps are inevitably formed in these parts, and these gaps become the cause of leakage or infiltration. Therefore, the most effective way to minimize leakage or infiltration through these gaps is to reduce the number of penetrating components themselves. In the fourth embodiment, the intermediate pipes that were the components that were positioned through the through-holes in the first, second, and third embodiments are simply positioned within the connection portion (130) rather than being connected to a separate device (i.e., a high-pressure tank, etc.), thereby virtually eliminating the through-hole arrangement structure. Accordingly, by eliminating the gap itself caused by the through-hole arrangement structure as described above, problems of leakage or infiltration through such gaps can be fundamentally eliminated.

[0123]

[0124] Meanwhile, in the first and second embodiments, when the pressure inside the tank section (111) is excessive, the gas discharged through the tank safety passage (125) is transferred to a separate tank (i.e., a high-pressure tank (140) or a discharge tank (145)). In the fourth embodiment, there is no need to provide another external tank, and the tank safety passage (125) and the tank safety valve (125v) only need to exist within the internal space of the sealing wall (135). Of course, by doing so, the penetrating arrangement structure is also deleted in the tank safety passage (125), so that the leakage / infiltration reduction effect described above can be further improved.

[0125] The pressure inside the sealing wall (135) should be formed to be slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure, similar to the pressure of the high-pressure tank (140). However, if the internal pressure increases excessively due to the gas discharged through the tank safety passage (125), the designed operation may not be performed. In order to solve a similar problem to that of the first embodiment, a configuration was proposed in the second embodiment in which the discharge tank (145) was provided instead of the high-pressure tank (140) and the auxiliary safety passage (126) was provided in the discharge tank (145). In the fourth embodiment, the same problem-solving effect can be obtained by forming the auxiliary safety passage (126) to be connected to the space sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135).

[0126]

[0127] [5] Fifth embodiment of cryogenic storage container of the present invention: A2+B2+C2+D2

[0128]

[0129] Figure 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a cryogenic storage vessel of the present invention. The fifth embodiment has a similar form to the fourth embodiment, but adopts a more improved configuration in which two pressure regulating pipes are provided per each flow passage.

[0130] In the schematic diagrams illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipes (123)(124) and the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipes (153)(154) are illustrated as extending only to the inner space of the sealing wall (135), so that the through-hole arrangement structure described above is completely eliminated. Of course, this is only in terms of the piping, but in reality, in order to control and operate the valves provided in each pipe as desired, the valve stem must be connected to the outside, and this forms another through-hole arrangement structure. In the fifth embodiment, in order to realize self-maintenance without a separate active control operation by being operated naturally according to environmental conditions, a configuration is proposed in which two pressure control pipes are provided per passage space and each is operated when there is overpressure / negative pressure. A more specific description is as follows.

[0131] First, the above-mentioned gas communication intermediate pipe (123) is configured as a pair of a gas communication intermediate high-pressure pipe (123a) equipped with a gas communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (123av) that opens when there is overpressure in the tank section (111), and a gas communication intermediate low-pressure pipe (123b) equipped with a gas communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (123bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the tank section (111). In addition, the above liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) is configured as a pair of a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure pipe (124a) equipped with a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (124av) that opens when there is overpressure in the tank section (111) and a liquid communication intermediate low-pressure pipe (124bb) equipped with a liquid communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (124bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the tank section (111).

[0132] Likewise, the refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) is configured as a pair of a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure pipe (153a) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure operating valve (153av) that opens when there is overpressure in the cooling unit (150), and a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure pipe (153b) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure operating valve (153bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the cooling unit (150). In addition, the above refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) is configured as a pair of a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure pipe (154a) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure operating valve (154av) that opens when there is overpressure in the cooling unit (150), and a refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure pipe (154bb) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure operating valve (154bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the cooling unit (150).

[0133] Each operating valve can be formed in the form of a safety valve whose opening and closing are determined by a spring. Then, when the pressure inside the sealing wall (135) becomes too high or low compared to the set pressure, each high / low pressure operating valve opens or closes according to the pressure difference, thereby automatically allowing gas to flow in or out to return to the set pressure. In other words, if each valve is operated simply due to the pressure difference between the two spaces connected by the valve, no separate control operation from the outside is required, and thus, the through-hole arrangement structure can be practically eliminated.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of application is diverse. It goes without saying that anyone with ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims.

[0135] The cryogenic storage container of the present invention has a structure that can effectively prevent the inflow of contaminants from the surrounding environment of atmospheric pressure under a negative pressure state within the container, thereby effectively preventing the inflow of contaminants from the outside by forming high pressure with high pressure gas in an intermediate pipe provided in a section of a communication path with the outside, and has various improved structures such as actively reducing the internal pressure of the storage container by directly cooling the storage fluid using a separate cooling fluid.

Claims

1. A container part (110) including a tank part (111) for accommodating a storage fluid and an insulating part (112) provided to surround the tank part (111); A gas communication path (121) having one end connected to the upper space of the tank section (111) and the other end open to the outside, and having a gas communication inner valve (121v) arranged biased toward the tank section (111) and a gas communication outer valve (121w) arranged biased toward the outside; A liquid communication path (122) having one end connected to the lower space of the tank section (111) and the other end open to the outside, and having a liquid communication inner valve (122v) arranged biased toward the tank section (111) and a liquid communication outer valve (122w) arranged biased toward the outside; A gas communication intermediate pipe (123) having one end connected to the gas communication path (121) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space at a position between the gas communication inner / outer valves (121v) (121w); A liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) having one end connected to the liquid communication path (122) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space at a position between the liquid communication inner / outer valves (122v) (122w); A tank safety passage (125) having one end connected to the gas communication passage (121) at a position between the tank section (111) and the gas communication inner valve (121v) and having a tank safety valve (125v) that opens when the tank section (111) is overpressured to discharge gas; A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

2. In the first paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) When loading / unloading the stored fluid, the external gas / liquid connection pipe (201)(202) is connected to the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122), respectively, and then all valves provided in the gas / liquid communication path (121)(122) are opened to allow the stored fluid to flow. A cryogenic storage container characterized in that when the storage container is moved, all valves provided in the gas / liquid communication paths (121)(122) are closed, the tank section (111) is sealed, and then the connection of the external gas / liquid connection pipe (201)(202) is released.

3. In the first paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) So that the pressure in the passage space between the gas communication inner / outer valve (121v)(121w) on the gas communication passage (121) and the pressure in the passage space between the liquid communication inner / outer valve (122v)(122w) on the liquid communication passage (122) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure, A cryogenic storage container characterized in that the pressure is controlled through the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124).

4. In the third paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A cryogenic storage container characterized in that a gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe pressure control valve (123v)(124v) is provided on each of the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipes (123)(124) to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by using the degree of opening and closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the gas / liquid communication intermediate pipe (123)(124) is connected.

5. In the third paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) The above gas communication intermediate pipe (123) is composed of a pair of gas communication intermediate high-pressure pipes (123a) equipped with a gas communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (123av) that opens when there is overpressure in the tank section (111) and a gas communication intermediate low-pressure pipe (123b) equipped with a gas communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (123bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the tank section (111). A cryogenic storage vessel characterized in that the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) is composed of a pair of a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure pipe (124a) equipped with a liquid communication intermediate high-pressure operating valve (124av) that opens when there is overpressure in the tank section (111) and a liquid communication intermediate low-pressure pipe (124bb) equipped with a liquid communication intermediate low-pressure operating valve (124bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the tank section (111).

6. In the first paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A high-pressure tank (140) that holds high-pressure gas; Includes, A cryogenic storage container characterized in that the high-pressure tank (140) is formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

7. In paragraph 6, the cryogenic storage container (100) A cryogenic storage container characterized in that the other end of the tank safety passage (125) is connected to the high-pressure tank (140).

8. In paragraph 6, the cryogenic storage container (100) A discharge tank (145) connected to the other end of the above tank safety passage (125) to form a buffer space for gas discharged through the above tank safety passage (125); A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

9. In paragraph 6, the cryogenic storage container (100) A cryogenic storage container characterized in that the high-pressure gas contained in the high-pressure tank (140) is formed of an inert gas that does not react with the storage fluid contained in the container section (110) or a gas of the same substance as the storage fluid.

10. In the first paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A connecting portion (130) formed to be openable and closable and to protect the passages including the gas communication passage (121), the liquid communication passage (122), and the tank safety passage (125) from the outside; A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

11. In the 10th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A sealing wall (135) is provided on the open side of the above connection part (130), and a space surrounded by the sealing wall (135), a part of the inner surface of the connection part (130), and a part of the outer surface of the container part (110) is formed to be sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135). A cryogenic storage container characterized in that a space sealed from the outside by the sealing wall (135) is formed to function as a high-pressure space to which the gas communication intermediate pipe (123) and the liquid communication intermediate pipe (124) are connected.

12. In the 8th or 11th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) An auxiliary safety passage (126) that is connected to a space sealed from the outside by the above discharge tank (145) or the above sealing wall (135) and is equipped with an auxiliary safety valve (126v) that opens when overpressure occurs to discharge gas; A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

13. In the first paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A cooling unit (150) accommodated in the tank (111) and in which refrigerant circulates inside to perform cooling through heat exchange; A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

14. In the 13th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A refrigerant inlet path (151) having one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside, and having a refrigerant inlet inner valve (151v) arranged biased toward the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant inlet outer valve (151w) arranged biased toward the outside, which introduces refrigerant into the cooling unit (150) when the valves are opened; A refrigerant discharge path (152) having one end connected to one end of the cooling unit (150) and the other end open to the outside, and having a refrigerant discharge inner valve (152v) arranged biased toward the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant discharge outer valve (152w) arranged biased toward the outside, which discharges refrigerant to the cooling unit (150) when the valves are opened; A refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) having one end connected to the refrigerant inlet path (151) at a position between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valves (151v) (151w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; A refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) having one end connected to the refrigerant discharge path (152) at a position between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valves (152v) (152w) and the other end connected to a high-pressure space; A cryogenic storage container characterized by including:

15. In the 14th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) When loading / unloading the stored fluid, the external refrigerant inlet / outlet pipes (251)(252) are connected to the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152), respectively, and then all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152) are opened to allow the refrigerant to circulate. A cryogenic storage container characterized in that when the storage container is moved, all valves provided in the refrigerant inlet / outlet passages (151)(152) are closed, the cooling unit (150) is sealed, and then the connection of the external refrigerant inlet / outlet pipe (251)(252) is disconnected.

16. In the 14th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) So that the pressure in the passage space between the refrigerant inlet inner / outer valve (151v)(151w) on the refrigerant inlet passage (151) and the pressure in the passage space between the refrigerant discharge inner / outer valve (152v)(152w) on the refrigerant discharge passage (152) are formed higher than the atmospheric pressure. A cryogenic storage container characterized in that the pressure is controlled through the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipe (153)(154).

17. In the 16th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) A cryogenic storage container characterized in that a refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipe pressure control valve (153v)(154v) is provided on each of the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipes (153)(154) to control the pressure in the passage space between the valves by using the degree of opening / closing with respect to the high pressure space to which the other end of the refrigerant inlet / outlet intermediate pipe (153)(154) is connected.

18. In the 16th paragraph, the cryogenic storage container (100) The above refrigerant inlet intermediate pipe (153) is composed of a pair of a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure pipe (153a) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate high-pressure operating valve (153av) that opens when there is overpressure in the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure pipe (153b) equipped with a refrigerant inlet intermediate low-pressure operating valve (153bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the cooling unit (150). A cryogenic storage vessel characterized in that the above refrigerant discharge intermediate pipe (154) is composed of a pair of a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure pipe (154a) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate high-pressure operating valve (154av) that opens when there is overpressure in the cooling unit (150) and a refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure pipe (154bb) equipped with a refrigerant discharge intermediate low-pressure operating valve (154bv) that opens when there is negative pressure in the cooling unit (150).

Images