Storage tank, ship comprising storage tank, and method for filling insulation material in storage tank

Abstract

A storage tank, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: a first container; a second container spaced apart from the first container with an insulation space therebetween and surrounding the first container; an inlet pipe having one end provided in the insulation space and the other end provided outside the second container; and a leakage detection unit connected to the inlet pipe and the second container to form a sealed space, wherein the leakage detection unit may detect whether leakage occurs on the basis of a pressure change in the sealed space.

Description

Storage tanks, vessels including storage tanks, and methods for filling storage tanks with insulation

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage tank, a vessel including a storage tank, and a method for filling a storage tank with insulation.

[0002]

[0003] Fossil fuels are depleting, and solutions to environmental problems caused by global warming and the need for alternative energy sources are urgently needed. Hydrogen energy has recently been gaining attention as a global alternative energy source.

[0004] Hydrogen is the energy source with the highest energy density per unit mass, and is the most abundant element on Earth after carbon and nitrogen. It is found in large quantities in water, so there is no risk of depletion, and it is an environmentally friendly alternative energy source that does not produce harmful substances when burned.

[0005] Therefore, hydrogen is receiving a lot of attention as the most ideal energy source in terms of environmental pollution, especially in recent times when reducing carbon dioxide emissions due to global warming is emerging as a major issue.

[0006] The most crucial factor in utilizing this hydrogen energy is how to store and transport it. Hydrogen has the highest energy density per unit mass, but its density per unit volume is extremely low, making liquefaction the most efficient and economical way to store it.

[0007] Meanwhile, liquefied hydrogen has a problem in that heat intrusion from the outside occurs due to the extremely low temperature, and a large amount of evaporated gas is generated as a result. To prevent this, a high vacuum state must be maintained on the outside of the tank, and an insulating layer must be placed.

[0008] Generally, a vacuum insulation structure with multi-layer insulation (MLI) is used, and in addition, panels, membranes, perlite, and glass bubbles are also used.

[0009] In general, large-capacity tanks placed on ships and land terminals are equipped with a vacuum insulation structure filled with insulation material to maintain a vacuum state of tens of torr or less between the inner and outer containers.

[0010]

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank capable of removing insulation and foreign substances that accumulate in a filter and deteriorate its performance during the process of drawing gas out to the outside using a pipe, in order to solve at least some of the above problems.

[0012] In addition, the purpose is to provide a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank capable of detecting a leak due to a very small defect that may occur between the storage tank and the inlet pipe.

[0013] In addition, the purpose is to provide a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank that can prevent the insulation space from being exposed to the outside air even when a leak occurs between the storage tank and the inlet pipe.

[0014] In addition, the purpose is to provide a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank, which includes a structure capable of minimizing deformation due to heat shrinkage when the inlet pipe is installed inside an insulated space filled with powdered insulation, especially when the inlet pipe is connected to a container containing ultra-low temperature liquefied gas.

[0015] In addition, the purpose is to provide a storage tank and a method of filling the storage tank with insulation that can shorten the filling time of the powdered insulation.

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0017]

[0018] A storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first container, a second container spaced apart from the first container with an insulating space and surrounding the first container, an inlet pipe having one end provided in the insulating space and the other end provided outside the second container, and a leak detection unit connected to the inlet pipe and the second container to form a sealed space, wherein the leak detection unit can detect a leak based on a change in the state of the sealed space.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the leak detection unit may include a body part having one end connected to the second container and the other end connected to the inlet pipe to form the sealed space, and a pressure detection unit connected to the body part to check the pressure of the sealed space.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the inlet pipe includes a main inlet pipe and an auxiliary inlet pipe, and the main inlet pipe and the auxiliary inlet pipe each pass through the second container, one end of which is provided in the insulating space, and the other end of which is connected to a vacuum pump, and the main inlet pipe and the auxiliary inlet pipe may have a shut-off valve between the second container and the vacuum pump.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a portion of the inlet pipe may have at least one bend and may be arranged to extend away from the centerline of the pipe.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the inlet pipe may further include a filter section comprising a plurality of filter holes provided in a portion of the inlet pipe.

[0023] A storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first container, a second container that surrounds the first container and is spaced apart from the first container by an insulating space, an inlet pipe having at least one filter part provided in the insulating space at one end and connected to a vacuum pump provided outside the second container at the other end, and a filter cleaning part that cleans the filter part, wherein the filter cleaning part can be connected to the inlet pipe between the second container and the vacuum pump.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the filter cleaning unit may include a cleaning gas storage unit that stores cleaning gas, a cleaning gas supply pipe that connects the cleaning gas storage unit and an inlet pipe, a branch unit that connects the cleaning gas supply pipe and the inlet pipe, a first shut-off valve provided between the branch unit and the cleaning gas storage unit, and a second shut-off valve provided between the branch unit and the vacuum pump.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the device may further include a controller electrically connected to at least one of the first shut-off valve, the second shut-off valve, and the pressure regulating valve.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the filter unit may further include a detection unit capable of checking the degree of contamination of the filter unit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the inlet pipe may include two valves connected in series between the second container and the vacuum pump, and a check pipe connecting the two valves.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the backflow prevention pipe may further include a backflow detection unit capable of detecting a pressure change.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second container may further include at least one filling port provided in the insulating space, and an insulating material filling portion that fills the insulating material into the insulating space using the filling port, and is connected to the second container.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the insulation filling unit may further include an insulation storage unit storing insulation, an insulation supply unit connected to the insulation storage unit and the filling port and delivering the insulation to the insulation space through the filling port, and a filling amount detection unit detecting the filling amount of the insulation filled in the insulation space.

[0031] A vessel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a storage tank according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

[0032] A method for filling an insulation material into a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a method for filling an insulation material into a storage tank of any one of claims 1 to 10 having n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) filling ports, the method comprising: (a) preparing the storage tank in a filling preparation state; (b) filling the storage tank with an n-th filling port; (c) comparing an n-th target filling amount with an actual filling amount; and (d) filling the storage tank with an n-1-th filling port when the actual filling amount is greater than or equal to the n-th target filling amount; and repeatedly performing steps (b) to (c), wherein the storage tank may include at least n inlet pipes having different heights from a bottom of the storage tank, each of which is provided with an exhaust valve and a vacuum valve.

[0033]

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank can remove insulation material and foreign substances accumulated in the filter unit during a vacuum formation process using a cleaning gas without having to replace a filter unit installed inside an insulated space.

[0035] Additionally, the storage tank and the vessel including the storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention can detect a leak due to a very small defect that may occur between the storage tank and the inlet pipe.

[0036] In addition, the storage tank and the vessel including the storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the insulation space from being exposed to the outside air even when a leak occurs between the storage tank and the inlet pipe.

[0037] In addition, a storage tank and a vessel including the storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a structure capable of minimizing deformation due to heat shrinkage when an inlet pipe is provided inside an insulated space filled with powdered insulation, particularly, when the inlet pipe is connected to a container containing ultra-low temperature liquefied gas.

[0038] In addition, the storage tank and the vessel including the storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention can install the inlet pipe before the installation of the outer container after the installation of the inner container, thereby securing sufficient working space for the inlet pipe and facilitating the installation of the inlet pipe, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0039] In addition, the storage tank and the method of filling the storage tank with insulation according to one embodiment of the present invention can shorten the filling time of the powdered insulation and improve the filling efficiency.

[0040] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly recognized by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0041]

[0042] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view II' of Figure 1.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a leak detection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a leak detection unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including a leak detection unit according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 12 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Fig. 13 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 14 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 15 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Fig. 16 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram of a filter cleaning unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 18 is a diagram showing the state of use of a filter cleaning unit when the filter cleaning unit is not in operation, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the state of use of a filter cleaning unit when the filter cleaning unit is in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 20 is a drawing exemplarily showing a filling system of a storage tank including an insulation filling port according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 21 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank including an insulation filling port according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 22 is a flow chart of a method for filling insulation into a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 23 is a flow chart of a method for filling insulation into a storage tank according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating a storage tank including a backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Fig. 25 is a drawing illustrating a backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 26 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a vacuum in an insulating space of a storage tank according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 27 is a flowchart detailing the nitrogen supply step in the vacuum forming method of the insulating space illustrated in Fig. 26.

[0069] Fig. 28 is a graph showing the pressure change in the insulating space according to the vacuum forming method of the insulating space illustrated in Fig. 26.

[0070] Figure 29 is a graph showing vacuum operation performance according to the dew point of the insulated space.

[0071] Figures 30a and 30b are graphs showing the vacuum creation performance of a method for forming a vacuum in an insulating space according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072]

[0073] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0074] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component could be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component could also be referred to as a "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items described herein or any one of multiple related items described herein.

[0075] The terms "~bu, ~part, ~section, etc." may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms may refer not only to components that are physically / visibly distinct, but also to terms that describe the function or composition of a part even if the distinction / division is not clearly defined.

[0076] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0078] In the description below, the terms "front", "rear", "side", "front", "back", "upper", "upper", "lower", "lower", "lower", "left and right", etc. used in relation to direction are defined with respect to the ship or hull. In addition, the terms first and second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited in order, size, location, or importance by the terms first and second, etc., and are named only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0079] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0080]

[0081] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a liquefied hydrogen storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] A liquid hydrogen storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first container (100), a second container (200) provided to surround the first container (100) with an insulating space (300), and an inlet pipe (400) provided in the insulating space (300) through the second container (200).

[0083] A space for storing liquid hydrogen may be formed inside the first container (100). However, the substance stored inside the first container (100) is not limited to liquid hydrogen, and various low-temperature substances such as liquid nitrogen may be stored.

[0084] The first container (100) may be made of a material capable of withstanding the low temperature state of liquefied hydrogen and preventing hydrogen embrittlement. For example, the first container (100) may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0085] The second container (200) provides an insulating space (300) that can form insulation between the first container (100) and the second container (200), surrounds the first container (100), and can support the pressure transmitted from the first container (100).

[0086] The second container (200) may be made of a material that can withstand the low temperature of liquid hydrogen and prevent hydrogen embrittlement, similar to the first container (100), in case of contact with liquid hydrogen leaked due to a crack in the first container (100). For example, the first container (100) may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0087] The structure of the first container (100) and the second container (200) may be configured such that the internal pressure of the liquefied hydrogen stored inside the first container (100) can be evenly distributed. As exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 1, the first container (100) and the second container (200) may be spherical.

[0088] However, it is not limited to this, and can be manufactured in various forms that can implement the first container (100) and the second container (200) that form an insulating space (300) such as a cylindrical shape.

[0089] The insulating space (300) may be a space filled with insulating material and forming a vacuum.

[0090] Here, the insulating material filled in the insulating space (300) may be a glass bubble, but is not limited thereto.

[0091] The inlet pipe (400) may be a pipe that penetrates the second container (200) and is provided in the insulating space (300) from the outside of the second container (200).

[0092] For example, the inlet pipe (400) may be a pipe that is provided in the insulating space (300) by penetrating the second container (200) to form a vacuum in the insulating space (300), and may be a pipe that is provided in the insulating space (300) by penetrating the second container (200) to fill the insulating space (300) with an insulating material.

[0093] The storage tank (20) includes an insulating space (300), which can block heat inflow from the outside of the second container (200).

[0094]

[0095] Leak detection unit (500)

[0096] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a drawing exemplarily showing a leak detection unit (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a drawing exemplarily showing a leak detection unit (500) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 2, a storage tank (20) including an inlet pipe (400) may leak gas, air, etc. from the inside and outside of the second container (200) due to welding or the like at the penetration portion of the inlet pipe (400).

[0098] For example, in a case where a vacuum is formed after filling an insulating material in an insulating space (300), if a welding joint or the like occurs at the penetration portion of an inlet pipe (400), external air may flow into the insulating space (300).

[0099] In addition, in the storage tank (20) storing liquefied hydrogen, if a very small leak occurs between the inlet pipe (400) and the second container (200), the oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) flowing in through the leak area also freeze and the concentration decreases, making it difficult to detect the amount of accumulated oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2), making it very difficult to confirm whether there is a leak.

[0100] In particular, when the storage tank (20) is installed in a cargo hold filled with nitrogen (N2), leak detection of the second container (200) may be more difficult.

[0101] A storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a leak detection unit (500) capable of detecting a leak between the second container (200) and the inlet pipe (400).

[0102] Here, the welding area between the inlet pipe (400) and the second container (200) can be referred to as a leak risk area (L), and the leak detection unit (500) can detect whether there is a leak in the leak risk area (L).

[0103] The leak detection unit (500) forms a sealed space including a leak risk area (L), and after creating a vacuum or pressure in the sealed space, detects a change in the state of the sealed space to determine whether there is a leak.

[0104] For example, in the case where a sealed space is formed into a vacuum, if a leak occurs in the leak risk area (L), the pressure change rate can be very fast and it can be easy to detect the pressure change because the space is smaller than the insulation space (300).

[0105] In addition, since the leak detection unit (500) itself forms a sealed space, it can act as a secondary shield to block external oxygen or other gases from entering the insulation space (300) when a leak occurs in the leak risk area (L), and maintain the sealing of the insulation space (300) to maintain vacuum insulation performance.

[0106] A leak detection unit (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a body unit (510), a pressure control unit (520), and a pressure detection unit (530).

[0107] The body part (510) may be connected on one side to the outside of the second container (200) so as to include a leak risk area (L) on the inside, and the other side may be connected on the outside of the inlet pipe (400), and may be provided to form a sealed space including the leak risk area (L).

[0108] Here, the leak risk area (L) may be a joint area between the second container (200) and the inlet pipe (400) penetrating the second container (200).

[0109] The pressure control unit (520) may be a device that controls the pressure of the sealed area formed by the body unit (510).

[0110] For example, the pressure control unit (520) can create a vacuum in the sealed area where the body unit (510) is formed, or pressurize it to have a predetermined pressure.

[0111] The pressure sensing unit (530) can detect pressure changes in the sealed space formed by the pressure regulating unit (520). For example, the pressure sensing unit (530) may be a pressure sensor.

[0112] In a sealed space, the space that forms a vacuum or pressure is narrower than an insulated space (300), so even a small leak can cause a large change in pressure.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 3, the body (510) may be provided in a cylindrical shape, one side may be sealed by a second container (200), and the other side may be sealed by an inlet pipe (400).

[0114] Additionally, a pressure sensing unit (530) and a pressure regulating unit (520) capable of forming a vacuum or a predetermined pressure may be connected to a part of the body (510).

[0115] A first valve (521) may be included between the pressure control unit (520) and the body unit (510), and after the pressure of the sealed space is controlled through the pressure control unit (520), the first valve (521) may be blocked to maintain the pressure of the sealed space.

[0116] For example, the pressure control unit (520) may include a vacuum pump (540), and the vacuum pump (540) may be connected to the body unit (510) through a first valve. The pressure control unit (520) may form a vacuum in a sealed space through the vacuum pump (540), and when a vacuum is formed, the first valve (521) may be blocked to maintain the vacuum in the sealed space.

[0117] Here, if a pressure change is detected from the pressure sensing unit (530) after the first valve (521) is blocked, it can be seen that a defect has occurred in the leak risk area (L).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 4, the body (510) can be provided in a square box shape and can include at least two inlet pipes (400) to form a sealed space.

[0119] For example, one side of the body part (510) may be connected to the second container (200), and the other side may be connected to the first inlet pipe (401) and the second inlet pipe (402) to form a sealed space. Here, the sealed space may be pressurized using a pressure control part (520) to form a higher pressure than the insulating space (300).

[0120] At this time, if a bond occurs in the leak risk area (L), the pressurized gas in the sealed space leaks into the insulated space (300), and the pressure sensing unit (530) can detect that the pressure in the sealed space changes to a pressure similar to that of the insulated space (300).

[0121]

[0122] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 11, the second to seventh embodiments of a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) can be described.

[0123] A storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the second to seventh embodiments of the present invention may utilize the first container (100), the second container (200), and the leak detection unit (500) illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0124] Therefore, in describing the second to seventh embodiments of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 4, and any redundant description will be omitted.

[0125]

[0126] Referring to FIG. 5, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to a second embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of inlet pipes (400) penetrating the second container (200).

[0127] In this case, since a plurality of inlet pipes (400) penetrate the second container (200), a plurality of leak risk areas (L) may exist, and a leak detection unit (500) may be provided for each leak risk area (L).

[0128]

[0129] Referring to FIG. 6, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of first inlet pipes (401) and a second inlet pipe (402) that is connected to the plurality of first inlet pipes (401) in an insulating space (300) and passes through a second container (200).

[0130] Here, there may also be a plurality of second inlet pipes (402). For example, in the case where there are five first inlet pipes (401) in the insulation space (300) as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1, it may include two (2) second inlet pipes (402) connected to two (2) first inlet pipes (401) and three (3) inlet pipes (400), respectively.

[0131] In this case, the number of inlet pipes (400) penetrating the second container (200) is reduced, so that the leak risk area (L) can be reduced, and the number of leak detection units (500) can be reduced compared to the case where a leak detection unit (500) is provided for each of a plurality of first inlet pipes (401).

[0132]

[0133] Referring to FIG. 7, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a first inlet pipe (401), a second inlet pipe (402) connected to the first inlet pipes (401), and a leak detection unit (500) surrounding the second inlet pipe (402) and a leak risk area (L) of the second container (200).

[0134] Here, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the third embodiment can be provided on a ship (1), and the leak detection unit (500) can be arranged to be placed on the deck (11) of the hull (10).

[0135] In this case, since the leak detection unit (500) is installed on the deck (11) of the hull (10), it is easy for workers to access, which can be advantageous in terms of management and maintenance.

[0136]

[0137] Referring to FIG. 8, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the fourth embodiment may include a dome (210), and the leak detection unit (500) may be provided on a part of the dome (210).

[0138] Typically, a platform for maintenance of the storage tank (20) is provided in the dome (210). Accordingly, by providing a leak detection unit (500) in a part of the dome (210), the leak detection unit (500) can be easily accessed using the platform of the dome (210), facilitating maintenance and management.

[0139]

[0140] Referring to FIG. 9, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the fifth embodiment can be arranged so that the joint portion of the body portion (510) and the second container (200) includes both a leak risk area (L) and a dome (210).

[0141] As in the fourth embodiment, there is an advantage in that the platform of the dome (210) can be used to easily access the leak detection unit (500), facilitate maintenance and management, and detect defects in the joint portion of the dome (210) and the second container (200).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 10 together with FIG. 9, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention may further include a dome (210), and the leak detection unit (500) according to the sixth embodiment may include at least two body parts (510).

[0143] The first body part (511) can detect defects in the second container (200) and the leak risk area (L) of the inlet and outlet pipe, and the second body part (512) can detect the leak risk area (L) of the dome (210) and the second container (200).

[0144] More specifically, the second body part (512) may be provided such that one side is joined to the second container (200) so as to include a joint portion of the dome (210) and the second container (200), and the other side is closed, so as to include the dome (210) in the internal space formed by the second container (200) and the second body part (512).

[0145] Additionally, the first body part (511) and the second body part (512) can be connected to a vacuum pump (540).

[0146] Through this, even if a leak occurs between the inlet pipe (400) and the second container (200), or between the dome (210) and the second container, the leak can be prevented by the body part (510), and a vacuum forming operation can be continuously performed using the vacuum pump (540).

[0147]

[0148] Referring to FIG. 11, a storage tank (20) including a leak detection unit (500) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may include a main inlet pipe (541) and an auxiliary inlet pipe (543), and the main inlet pipe (541) and the auxiliary inlet pipe (543) may include a first shut-off valve (542) and a second shut-off valve (544), respectively, and may be connected to a vacuum pump (540).

[0149] In addition, the leak detection unit (500) according to the seventh embodiment can be provided in each of the main inlet pipe (541) and the auxiliary inlet pipe (543).

[0150] However, it is not limited thereto, and one side of the body part (510) of the leak detection unit (500) according to the seventh embodiment may be combined with the second container (200), and the other side may be provided as one including both the main inlet pipe (541) and the auxiliary inlet pipe (543).

[0151] The storage tank (20) including the leak detection unit (500) according to the seventh embodiment includes a main inlet pipe (541) and an auxiliary inlet pipe (543), so that when the main inlet pipe (541) or the filter is damaged, the main inlet pipe (541) is blocked, and by using the auxiliary inlet pipe (543), the powdered insulation material can be prevented from being sucked into the vacuum pump (540) and damaging the vacuum pump (540).

[0152] More specifically, the storage tank (20) including the leak detection unit (500) according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention can perform a vacuum operation using the main inlet pipe (541) by closing the second shut-off valve (544) and opening the first shut-off valve (542).

[0153] Here, if the main inlet pipe (541) or filter is damaged, powdered insulation may flow into the vacuum pump (540), damaging the vacuum pump (540).

[0154] In case of damage to the main inlet pipe (541) or filter, the second shut-off valve (544) is opened and the first shut-off valve (542) is closed to form a vacuum using the auxiliary inlet pipe (543), thereby enabling the vacuum pump (540) to continue to operate without damage or interruption of operation.

[0155]

[0156] An inlet pipe (400) and a filter unit (600) provided within an insulated space (300)

[0157] FIG. 12 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing exemplarily showing an inlet pipe including a filter unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 12, the storage tank (20) of the present invention may include an inlet pipe (400) provided with a filter unit (600) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is provided in an insulating space (300), and the filter unit (600) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be formed in the entire inlet pipe (400) provided in the insulating space (300).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 13, the storage tank (20) of the present invention may include an inlet pipe (400) provided with a filter unit (600) according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which is provided in an insulating space (300), and the filter unit (600) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include at least one filter unit (600) in a part of the inlet pipe (400) provided in the insulating space (300).

[0160] More specifically, the inlet pipe (400) in which the filter section (600) according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided may be provided with a filter section (600) formed to a predetermined length (S1) and an inlet pipe (400) in which the filter section is not provided, and may be provided with a predetermined length (S2), and the inlet pipe (400) in which the filter section (600) is provided and the inlet pipe (400) in which the filter section (600) is not provided may be repeatedly arranged.

[0161] Here, the diameter of the inlet pipe (400) can be determined based on the width of the insulation space (300). For example, when the width of the insulation space (300) is 1.2 meters (m), the diameter of the inlet pipe (400) can be determined in the range of 3 to 20% of the width of the insulation space (300), i.e., 36 to 240 millimeters (mm).

[0162] In addition, the length (S1) of the filter section (600) may be provided as the entire length of the inlet pipe (400), or a filter section (600) of 1 meter (m, S1), an inlet pipe (400) of 1 meter (m, S2), and a filter section (600) of 1 meter (m, S1) may be provided repeatedly.

[0163] The figures given above are only exemplary figures and may vary depending on the structure.

[0164] The filter section (600) may be a collection of fine filter holes (610) formed by penetrating the inlet pipe (400).

[0165] Here, the filter unit (600) may be in the form of a pipe that surrounds a hole provided in the pipe, or may be a pipe that includes separate microscopic holes.

[0166] Here, in the case of a form including a separate fine filter hole (610), it can be formed by welding, threading, etc. with the inlet pipe (400).

[0167] Here, the fine filter holes (610) may be provided to be smaller than the size of the powdered insulation filling the insulation space (300).

[0168] Here, the powdered insulation may be silica aerogel, glass bubbles, perlite, microspheres, etc.

[0169] For example, the insulating space (300) may be filled with glass bubbles and then a vacuum may be formed using an inlet pipe (400). Here, the size of the glass bubbles may generally be 10 to 100 micrometers (μm), and the filter hole (610) may be provided with a size smaller than 10 micrometers (μm).

[0170] Accordingly, the inlet pipe (400) can maintain the vacuum of the insulation space (300) by sucking in the remaining air through the filter unit (600), while preventing the insulation material of the insulation space (300) from being sucked into the inlet pipe (400).

[0171] Additionally, the filter unit (600) can be made of the same material as the inlet pipe (400).

[0172] When heat shrinkage occurs due to low-temperature material stored in the internal container, the heat shrinkage of the inlet pipe (400) and the filter unit (600) is similar, which can prevent damage.

[0173] The inlet pipe (400) and filter unit (600) can be arranged in various ways according to the user's intention.

[0174] For example, a plurality of filter sections (600) can be arranged in the inlet pipe (400), and the length of the filter sections (600) and the length of the inlet pipe (400) between the filter sections (600) can be arranged differently.

[0175] Here, if the length of the inlet pipe (400) and the length of the filter unit (600) are set to be approximately the same, the efficiency of vacuum operation using the inlet pipe (400) can be improved, and if the length of the inlet pipe (400) is set to be longer than the length of the filter unit (600), the cost of installing the filter unit (600) can be reduced.

[0176]

[0177] Referring to FIG. 14, the filter unit (600) according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be provided by branching off the inlet and outlet pipes, and the area of ​​the filter unit (600) can be increased and can access deeper between the insulation materials.

[0178] The inlet pipes (400) including the filter parts (600) according to the embodiment of the present invention can be arranged so that the filter parts (600) of adjacent inlet pipes (400) intersect each other, thereby improving the vacuum efficiency.

[0179]

[0180] Referring to FIG. 15, the filter unit (600) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may be provided to have an outer diameter larger than that of the inlet pipe (400).

[0181] The filter unit (600) according to the third embodiment of the present invention has an increased area of ​​the filter unit (600) compared to the first embodiment, so that the vacuum operation time can be shortened.

[0182]

[0183] Referring to FIG. 16, a filter unit (600) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be provided in an inlet pipe (400) connected to an internal container.

[0184] Here, the inlet pipe (400) is provided in the insulating space (300) between the first container (100) and the second container (200), so when work is performed while both the first container (100) and the second container (200) are assembled, it is very difficult to install the inlet pipe (400) due to the narrow installation space.

[0185] In addition, when the inlet pipe (400) is provided in the first container (100), the inlet pipe (400) may contract due to the heat of the liquefied material transferred from the first container (100).

[0186] Here, the inlet pipe (400) can be made of a material (e.g., SUS 304, 304L, 316, 316L, aluminum, nickel, copper, etc.) that can maintain mechanical properties and durability even at the extremely low temperature of liquefied hydrogen (-253 ℃), has high resistance to low-temperature brittleness, and can maintain ductility and toughness even at low temperatures.

[0187] An inlet pipe (400) including a filter unit (600) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be provided connected to the first container (100).

[0188] By manufacturing the second container (200) after installing the inlet pipe (400) in the first container (100), the manufacturing of the inlet pipe (400) and the second container (200) is performed in a wide space, thereby shortening the work time and facilitating the overall process.

[0189] In addition, the inlet pipe (400) including the filter unit (600) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may include a bending portion (620) to prepare for shrinkage of the inlet pipe (400).

[0190] Referring to FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c), the bend portion (620) may be formed of at least three bends, but is not limited thereto as long as it has a structure capable of accommodating a change in the length of the inlet pipe (400) and has bends.

[0191] Referring to Fig. 16(a), the bending portion (620) includes a first bending portion (621) to a third bending portion (623), and includes a portion that deviates from the center line of the pipe from the first bending portion (621) to the third bending portion (623), thereby playing a role in buffering the shrinkage and relaxation of the pipe.

[0192] In addition, referring to FIG. 16(b) and FIG. 16(c), the bend portion (620) includes a first bend portion (621) to a fourth bend portion (624), and the pipe includes a portion that deviates from the center line of the pipe from the first bend portion (621) to the fourth bend portion (624), thereby cushioning the contraction or relaxation of the pipe.

[0193] However, it is not limited thereto, and may include a portion that is somewhat off from the center line of the pipe, including a bend portion (620) of various shapes, and various shapes that can cushion the contraction and relaxation of the pipe, including at least one bend portion (620), may be applied.

[0194] Additionally, a filter section (600) may be provided in a portion of the bending section (620), and by placing the filter deep within the insulation material, the efficiency of vacuum operation may be increased.

[0195]

[0196] Filter cleaner (700)

[0197] Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram of a filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] A filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a vacuum pump (540) and can remove foreign substances including powdered insulating material that blocks the filter hole (610) of the filter unit (600) that sucks gas in the insulating space (300).

[0199] Referring to FIG. 17, a filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaning gas storage unit (710) and a cleaning gas supply pipe (720).

[0200] The cleaning gas supply pipe (720) can be connected to the inlet pipe (400) between the second container (200) and the vacuum pump (540).

[0201] Here, the cleaning gas may be an inert gas including nitrogen.

[0202] The cleaning gas storage tank can store high-purity inert gas as a cleaning gas so that it can be applied to a cryogenic storage tank (20), and the cleaning gas in the cleaning gas storage tank can have a predetermined pressure.

[0203] By using a high-purity inert gas, it is possible to prevent freezing of oxygen or carbon dioxide inside the insulation space (300) due to the use of a low-purity inert gas containing oxygen or carbon dioxide.

[0204] In addition, in a cleaning gas storage tank pressurized to a predetermined pressure, filter cleaning can be performed without a separate pressurizing device by supplying an inert gas to the filter unit (600) using a valve.

[0205] The cleaning gas supply pipe (720) includes a pressure regulating valve (721) and can be connected to a part of the inlet pipe (400) through a branch (740) provided between the second container (200) and the vacuum pump (540).

[0206] In addition, the filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a third shut-off valve (722) provided between the branch unit (740) and the pressure regulating valve (721), and may include a fourth shut-off valve (723) between the branch unit (740) and the vacuum pump (540).

[0207] The filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a detection unit (750).

[0208] The detection unit (750) can detect whether a foreign substance including a powder-type insulating material is blocking the filter unit (600).

[0209] For example, the detection unit (750) may be a pressure sensor, and the pressure sensor may detect a change in pressure at the inlet of the inlet pipe (400) including the filter unit (600) to check the contamination level of the pipe.

[0210] A filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a controller (800) that controls a third shut-off valve (722), a fourth shut-off valve (723), and a pressure regulating valve (721).

[0211] The third shut-off valve (722), the fourth shut-off valve (723), and the pressure regulating valve (721) are electrically connected to the controller (800), and the controller (800) can control to apply power (electricity) to the third shut-off valve (722), the fourth shut-off valve (723), and the pressure regulating valve (721) or to release the applied power (electricity).

[0212] The controller (800) may be implemented through a non-volatile memory (not shown) configured to store data regarding an algorithm configured to control the operation of various components of the filter cleaning unit (700) or software instructions for reproducing the algorithm, and a processor (not shown) configured to perform the operations described below using the data stored in the memory.

[0213] Here, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single, integrated chip. The processor may take the form of one or more processors.

[0214] That is, the filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a controller (800) that supplies power to a third shut-off valve (722), a fourth shut-off valve (723), and a pressure regulating valve (721), and power is supplied to the third shut-off valve (722), the fourth shut-off valve (723), and the pressure regulating valve (721) under the control of the controller (800), so that when cleaning is required for the filter unit (600), an inert gas can be blown into the filter unit (600) to clean it.

[0215] Here, the filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention can separate the process of forming a vacuum in the insulation space (300) and the process of cleaning the filter by controlling the third shut-off valve (722) and the fourth shut-off valve (723) of the controller (800).

[0216]

[0217] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the usage status of the filter cleaning unit (700) when the filter cleaning unit (700) is not in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the usage status of the filter cleaning unit (700) when the filter cleaning unit (700) is in operation according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0218] Here, in order to form a vacuum in the insulating space (300), a state in which the insulating space (300) and the vacuum pump (540) are connected may be referred to as a first state, and a state in which the insulating space (300) and the cleaning gas storage unit (710) are connected to clean the filter unit (600) may be referred to as a second state.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 18, it may be a vacuum-forming state of an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0220] In the first state, the vacuum pump (540) is connected to an inlet pipe (400) including a filter unit (600) provided in an insulating space (300), so as to discharge the fluid inside the insulating space (300) to the outside and form a vacuum.

[0221] Here, in the first state, the fourth shut-off valve (723) provided between the branch section (740) and the vacuum pump (540) is maintained in an open state, and the third shut-off valve (722) is maintained in a closed state, so that the insulating space (300) can be connected to the vacuum pump (540) through the inlet pipe (400) including the filter section (600) and can be blocked from the cleaning gas storage section (710).

[0222] Here, the detection unit (750) can detect the degree of contamination of the filter unit (600), and if the degree of contamination is not great, the controller (800) can maintain the first state by keeping the fourth blocking valve (723) in an open state and the third blocking valve (722) in a closed state.

[0223]

[0224] Referring to FIG. 19, the filter of the filter cleaning unit (700) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in a state of being cleaned.

[0225] In the second state, the cleaning gas can be injected from the cleaning gas storage unit (710) that is forming a predetermined pressure through the filter unit (600) into the insulating space (300). In this process, contaminants that have been sucked in the direction of the vacuum pump (540) from the insulating space (300) during the vacuum forming process and have contaminated the filter unit (600) can be removed.

[0226] Here, the pressure of the cleaning gas stored in the cleaning gas storage unit (710) may be excessively high for cleaning the filter unit (600). Therefore, by using the pressure regulating valve (721), the pressure of the cleaning gas supplied to the filter unit (600) can be regulated.

[0227] Here, in the second state, the fourth shut-off valve (723) provided between the branch section (740) and the cleaning gas storage section (710) is maintained in an open state, and the fourth shut-off valve (723) provided between the branch section (740) and the vacuum pump (540) is maintained in a closed state, so that the cleaning gas can be supplied to the filter section (600) without leaking toward the vacuum pump (540).

[0228] If the controller (800) determines that the contamination level of the filter received from the detection unit (750) requires cleaning, it can control the valve from the first state to the second state.

[0229] For example, the detection unit (750) may be a pressure sensor and may check the differential pressure of the filter unit (600). The controller (800) may preset the critical differential pressure of the filter unit (600), and when the differential pressure of the filter unit (600) rises above the critical differential pressure, the fourth shut-off valve (723) between the vacuum pump (540) and the branch unit (740) may be closed, and the third shut-off valve (722) provided between the branch unit (740) and the cleaning gas storage unit (710) may be opened to clean the filter unit (600).

[0230] Here, the controller (800) reduces the pressure of the cleaning gas supplied to the filter unit (600) using the pressure regulating valve (721) and supplies it to the filter unit (600), thereby preventing damage to the filter unit (600) and damage to the insulation space (300) due to excessive cleaning gas pressure.

[0231] Meanwhile, the cleaning gas can utilize an inert gas produced on a ship (1).

[0232] For example, the vessel (1) may be equipped with a nitrogen generator capable of separating nitrogen in the air. In this case, the cleaning gas storage unit (710) may be omitted, and the vessel (1) may be equipped with a nitrogen generator and a filter cleaning unit (700) connected to supply nitrogen as a cleaning gas.

[0233] Alternatively, the cleaning gas storage unit (710) may be supplied with nitrogen from a nitrogen generator, and may be supplied with nitrogen from a nitrogen jetter to maintain the pressure of the cleaning gas storage unit (710) at a constant level.

[0234] However, when using nitrogen supplied from a nitrogen generator, some gases other than nitrogen may be mixed in, and when storing extremely low-temperature substances such as liquid hydrogen, gases other than nitrogen may freeze in the insulated space, causing freezing.

[0235] Therefore, it may be more advantageous to use the high-purity inert gas stored in the cleaning gas storage unit (710) for cleaning, but if the nitrogen generator can sufficiently extract high-purity nitrogen, nitrogen extracted from the nitrogen generator may also be used.

[0236]

[0237] Insulation filling

[0238] FIG. 20 is a drawing exemplarily showing a filling system of a storage tank (20) including an insulation filling port (910) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 21 is a drawing exemplarily showing a storage tank (20) including an insulation filling port (910) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0239] A storage tank (20) including a filling port (910) according to one embodiment of the present invention may utilize the first container (100), the second container (200), the insulating space (300), the leak detection unit, and the filter unit illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0240] Therefore, in describing a storage tank (20) including a filling port (910) according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 20 to 21, reference is made to FIGS. 1 to 16, and any redundant description will be omitted below.

[0241] A storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first container (100), a second container (200), an insulating space (300), an inlet pipe (400), a filling port (910), and an insulating material filling portion (900).

[0242] Here, the lowest point of the storage tank (20) can be referred to as the lower part of the storage tank.

[0243] The filling port (910) may be a pipe that penetrates the second container (200), one end of which is provided on the outside of the second container (200), and the other end of which is provided in the insulating space (300).

[0244] However, it is not limited thereto, and various types of connecting parts that can connect the outside of the second container (200) and the insulated space (300) and provide a passage through which an insulating material can be injected into the insulated space (300) can be applied.

[0245] A storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of filling ports (910) provided in a second container (200).

[0246] For example, as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, it may include five filling ports (910), and the filling port (910) closer to the lower part (B) of the storage tank (20) may be referred to as the fifth filling port (915), and the filling ports in order of distance from the lower part (B) of the storage tank (20) may be referred to as the fourth filling port (914), the third filling port (913), the second filling port (912), and the first filling port (911).

[0247] However, the order of the filling ports (910) is not limited to this and may be numbered in various orders to more easily explain the present invention.

[0248] Additionally, a plurality of inlet pipes (400) may be provided, and each inlet pipe (400) may include at least one exhaust valve and vacuum valve.

[0249] As exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, it may include ten inlet pipes (400) having different heights from the bottom of the storage tank (20), and the inlet pipe (400) closer to the bottom (B) of the storage tank (20) is called a tenth-stage inlet pipe (419), and the numbers may be sequentially numbered as a ninth-stage inlet pipe (418), an eighth-stage inlet pipe (417), a seventh-stage inlet pipe (416), a sixth-stage inlet pipe (415), a fifth-stage inlet pipe (414), a fourth-stage inlet pipe (413), a third-stage inlet pipe (412), a second-stage inlet pipe (411), and a first-stage inlet pipe (410) in that order of distance from the bottom (B) of the storage tank (20).

[0250] Additionally, the exhaust valve and vacuum valve of each stage's inlet pipe (400) can be numbered in the same manner as the inlet pipe (400).

[0251] For example, the exhaust valve and vacuum valve provided in the 10th stage inlet pipe (419) near the lower part (B) of the storage tank (20) can be numbered as the 10th stage exhaust valve (439) and the 10th stage vacuum valve (429), respectively.

[0252] In the same way, the exhaust valves and vacuum valves provided in the 9th stage inlet pipe (418) to the 1st stage inlet pipe (410) can be numbered from the 9th stage exhaust valve (438) and the 9th stage vacuum valve (428) to the 1st stage exhaust valve (430) and the 1st stage vacuum valve (420) so as to correspond to the numbering of the inlet pipe (400).

[0253] However, the numbering of the inlet pipe (400), exhaust valve, and vacuum valve is for the purpose of more easily explaining the present invention, and is not limited thereto, and may be numbered in various orders.

[0254] Here, an exhaust valve may be provided between an inlet pipe (400) arranged in an insulated space (300) and an inlet pipe (400) connected to the atmosphere. When the exhaust valve is opened, the insulated space (300) may be connected to the atmosphere through the filter section of the inlet pipe.

[0255] Here, a vacuum valve may be provided between the inlet pipe (400) placed in the insulating space (300) and the inlet pipe (400) connected to the vacuum pump (540). When the vacuum valve is opened, the fluid in the insulating space (300) is sucked to the outside through the filter section (600) of the inlet pipe, thereby lowering the pressure in the insulating space (300).

[0256] An insulation filling unit (900) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an insulation storage unit (920) and an insulation supply unit (930).

[0257] The insulation storage unit (920) may include a space capable of storing insulation.

[0258] For example, the insulation storage unit (920) may be a silo, a tank, a vessel, a tank lorry, etc. that stores insulation.

[0259] The insulation supply unit (930) can transfer the insulation stored in the insulation storage unit (920) and fill it into the insulation space (300) of the storage tank (20).

[0260] For example, the insulation supply unit (930) may have one end connected to the filling port (910) and the other end connected to the insulation storage unit (920), and may include an insulation pressurizing unit provided between the insulation storage unit (920) and the filling port (910).

[0261] Here, the insulation may be a powdered insulation, and the insulation pressurizing unit may pressurize the powdered insulation using an inert gas to fill the powdered insulation into the insulation space (300).

[0262] For example, the powdered insulation may be glass bubbles, and the inert gas may be nitrogen.

[0263] Since glass bubbles are small in size and have low density, it is very difficult to directly fill the insulating space (300) with the glass bubbles themselves. Therefore, the glass bubbles can be pressurized with nitrogen to force them into the insulating space (300).

[0264] At this time, nitrogen can be injected into the insulating space (300) together with the glass bubble.

[0265] Here, the vacuum valve of the inlet pipe (400) is closed and the exhaust valve is opened, so that the injected nitrogen can pass through the filter section of the inlet pipe (400) and be discharged into the atmosphere.

[0266] A method of filling a storage tank (20) with insulation according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the effect of removing moisture from the insulation space (300) and the powdered insulation by filling the powdered insulation using a dry inert gas, and can have the effect of shortening the work time for managing the dew point of the insulation space (300) during the filling process.

[0267] In addition, exhaust is performed using an inlet pipe (400), and filling efficiency can be improved by filling powder-type insulation.

[0268] The insulation filling part (900) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a filling amount detection part (940).

[0269] Since the powdered insulation is filled in the insulation space (300) together with an inert gas, it may be difficult to determine the exact amount of powdered insulation filled by the flow rate of the fluid passing through the filling port (910) or the insulation supply unit (930).

[0270] Meanwhile, when the filling amount detection unit (940) is provided in the second container (200), the filling amount of the powdered insulation can be confirmed, but there may be a problem in that the size of the filling amount detection unit (940) increases or an additional part penetrating the second container (200) is installed, thereby increasing the risk of leakage and the possibility of defects.

[0271] Accordingly, the filling amount detection unit (940) detects the weight of the insulation storage unit (920), so that the actual insulation filling amount injected into the insulation space (300) can be more easily confirmed.

[0272] A controller (800) included in a storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the first stage exhaust valve (430) to the tenth stage exhaust valve (439), the first stage vacuum valve (420) to the tenth stage vacuum valve (429), and the insulation supply unit (930).

[0273] A controller (800) included in a storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can compare the amount of insulation actually filled in an insulation space (300) with a target amount of insulation filled, and can change the filling port (910) and fill the insulation according to the comparison result.

[0274] In addition, the controller (800) can perform a vacuum operation and an exhaust operation for filling the insulation material by controlling some of the first stage exhaust valve (430) to the tenth stage exhaust valve (439) and the first stage vacuum valve (420) to the tenth stage vacuum valve (429) as the filling port (910) for filling the insulation material is changed.

[0275] The controller (800) may be implemented through a non-volatile memory (not shown) configured to store data regarding an algorithm configured to control the operation of various components of the filter cleaning unit (700) as well as the insulation filling unit (900) or software commands for reproducing the algorithm, and a processor (not shown) configured to perform the operations described below using the data stored in the memory.

[0276] Here, the memory and processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor may be implemented as a single, integrated chip. The processor may take the form of one or more processors.

[0277] Here, the target filling amount may refer to the amount of insulation that can be filled to the height of each filling port (910). More specifically, the target filling amount may be calculated by multiplying the density of the insulation by the volume of the insulation space (300) up to the position of the fifth-stage filling port (910).

[0278] Accordingly, each filling port (910) having a different height may have a different target filling amount. In addition, when the actual filling amount reaches the target filling amount, it can be assumed that the filled insulation material has been filled to the height of the filling port (910).

[0279]

[0280] FIG. 22 is a flow chart regarding a method for filling insulation into a storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 23 is a flow chart regarding a method for filling insulation into a storage tank (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0281] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a method of filling insulation into a storage tank (20) is described in more detail.

[0282] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, a method for filling a storage tank (20) with insulation according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a step of preparing to fill the insulation, a step of filling the insulation, and a step of terminating the filling of the insulation.

[0283] The insulation filling preparation step may be a step in which all exhaust valves provided in the storage tank (20) are opened and the vacuum valve is closed.

[0284] The step of filling the insulation material can be performed by connecting the insulation material storage unit (920) and the fifth filling port (915) provided at a height close to the lower part (B) of the storage tank (20) to the insulation material supply unit (930), thereby filling the insulation material into the insulation space (300).

[0285] Here, using the filling amount detection unit (940), the amount of insulation material filled in the actual insulation space (300) can be confirmed.

[0286] In the case where the actual insulation filling amount exceeds the target filling amount of the charging port connected to the insulation supply unit (930), the insulation supply unit (930) can change to the filling port (910) located higher than the current charging port to fill the insulation.

[0287] For example, in the case where insulation is being filled using the fifth filling port (915), if the actual filling amount is equal to or greater than the fifth target filling amount, the actually filled insulation may have been stacked beyond the fifth filling port (915).

[0288] In this case, when continuously using the fifth filling port (915), the filling efficiency cannot be reduced because the stacked insulation material must be pushed out and filled, so the insulation material can be filled into the insulation space (300) using the fourth filling port (914).

[0289] Meanwhile, the higher the filling port (910), the more energy must be applied to the insulation supply unit (930) to transport the insulation to a higher location. Therefore, filling the insulation using a lower filling port (910) allows for filling the insulation by applying less energy to the insulation supply unit (930).

[0290] Accordingly, in a case where the insulation material stacked inside the insulation space (300) is connected to the insulation material supply unit (930) and stacked higher than the height of the filling port (910) through which the insulation material is moving, the upper filling port (910) is used to improve the filling efficiency of the insulation material and minimize the energy input in the process of filling the insulation material.

[0291] Here, in the case of changing the filling port (910), the controller (800) can control the exhaust valve provided at a height equal to or lower than the filling port (910) before the change to be closed and the vacuum valve to be opened.

[0292] For example, in the case where insulation is being filled using the fifth filling port (915), if the actual filling amount is equal to or greater than the fifth target filling amount, insulation can be filled into the insulation space (300) using the fourth filling port (914).

[0293] At this time, the 10th stage exhaust valve (439) and the 9th stage exhaust valve (438), which are located at the same height as or lower than the 5th filling port (915), are closed, and the 10th stage vacuum valve (429) and the 9th stage vacuum valve (428) are opened to perform vacuum operation.

[0294] That is, by closing the exhaust valves (438, 439) of the inlet pipes (418, 419) where the exhaust effect is minimal because the insulation material is already stacked, and opening the vacuum valves (428, 429) to perform a vacuum operation in the space where the insulation material is stacked, there can be a compaction effect in which the stacked insulation material is stacked more firmly according to the flow of the fluid sucked into the inlet pipe (400).

[0295] In addition, the filling time of the insulation can be reduced by helping the powder-type insulation that is inevitably scattered during filling to settle more quickly according to the flow of fluid sucked into the inlet pipe (400).

[0296] In addition, the insulation is filled using the filling port (910) located at the top, and when the target filling amount of the top filling port (910) is exceeded, the insulation filling can be terminated.

[0297] Here, it is preferable to set the target filling amount of the uppermost filling port (910) by considering the height of the filling port (910) and the amount of insulation that can be filled to the uppermost part of the insulation space (300), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0298]

[0299] Vacuum formation and backflow prevention part (970) of insulation space (300)

[0300] FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating a storage tank including a backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a backflow prevention unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0301] Figure 24 is a schematic drawing of a storage tank (20) and components connected to the storage tank (20) (e.g., piping, sensors, nitrogen supply unit, backflow prevention unit, and vacuum pump).

[0302] The storage tank (20) of Fig. 24 may be a tank installed on a ship and storing liquefied gas. For example, the storage tank (20) of Fig. 24 may be installed on a liquefied hydrogen carrier and store liquefied hydrogen therein. However, the type of ship equipped with the storage tank (20) and the type of liquefied gas stored in the storage tank (20) are not particularly limited.

[0303] Referring to Fig. 24, a storage tank (20) according to one embodiment may include a first container (100), a second container (200), an insulating space (300), and an inlet pipe (400). The storage tank (20) may have a spherical or cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0304] The first container (100) can store or accommodate liquefied gas within it. A storage space for storing liquefied gas may be provided within the first container (100). For example, the first container (100) may be referred to as an inner tank.

[0305] Since the first container (100) comes into direct contact with the liquefied gas, it may be manufactured from a metal with excellent low-temperature properties that can withstand the extremely low temperatures of the liquefied gas. Preferably, the first container (100) may be manufactured from aluminum (Al), an aluminum alloy, or stainless steel, but is not limited thereto.

[0306] The second container (200) may be placed outside the first container (100). The second container (200) may form the exterior of the storage tank (20). A predetermined space may be provided inside the second container (200) so that the first container (100) may be accommodated therein. The second container (200) may be placed so as to surround the first container (100) while being spaced apart from the first container (100) by a predetermined distance. For example, the second container (200) may be referred to as an outer tank.

[0307] The second container (200) can withstand impact transmitted from the outside of the storage tank (20) and share the pressure generated by the liquefied gas stored in the first container (100) with the first container (100). The second container (200) is preferably made of steel to withstand stress or load transmitted from the inside and the outside, but is not limited thereto.

[0308] An insulating space (300) may be formed between the first container (100) and the second container (200). For example, the insulating space (300) may be defined as a space between the outer surface (or outer circumference) of the first container (100) and the inner surface (or inner circumference) of the second container (200), which is formed when the first container (100) is placed inside the second container (200) while being spaced apart from the second container (200).

[0309] The insulating space (300) can be configured to block heat transfer between the first container (100) and the second container (200), and the inside of the insulating space (300) can be filled with an insulating material (IS).

[0310] Here, the insulation (IS) may be a powdered insulation composed of powder or beads. For example, the insulation (IS) may include one or more of foamed plastic beads, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyisocyanurate, aerogel blanket, fumed silica, calcium silicate, mineral wool, glass wool, glass microfiber, perlite, and hollow glass microspheres. Hollow glass microspheres may include the trademarked glass bubble manufactured by 3M.

[0311] The insulating space (300) can be filled with an insulating material (IS) and subjected to nitrogen purging and / or vacuum forming operations. Inside the insulating space (300), one or more inlet pipes (400) may be provided to supply nitrogen to the insulating space (300) or to create a vacuum within the insulating space (300).

[0312] The inlet pipe (400) may be placed inside the insulating space (300) and surround the outer surface of the first container (100). Although the inlet pipe (400) is depicted as a straight line in FIG. 24, this is only a schematic cross-sectional view, and the inlet pipe (400) may have a ring shape that surrounds the outer surface of the first container (100). The inlet pipe (400) may be buried in the insulating material (IS) inside the insulating space (300).

[0313] The inlet pipe (400) can be fixed to at least one of the first container (100) and the second container (200). For example, the inlet pipe (400) can be fixed to the outer surface of the first container (100) or the inner surface of the second container (200) through a connecting portion (not shown).

[0314] The inlet pipe (400) may be provided in one or more pieces. According to the illustrated embodiment, the inlet pipe (400) may include first to fifth inlet pipes (410, 411, 412, 413, 414) that are spaced apart from each other, but this is exemplary, and the number of inlet pipes (400) is not limited to five. The inlet pipe (400) may be provided in one, two, three, four, or five or more pieces.

[0315] Although not shown, the inlet pipe (400) may include a filter section (not shown) having fine filter holes, and when nitrogen is supplied or a vacuum is formed through the filter section, a path through which gas can flow may be provided, and the filter section may block the insulating material (IS) inside the insulating space (300) from flowing into the inlet pipe (400) when gas flows.

[0316] The filter section may have a porous structure, such as a mesh, that allows gas to pass through but prevents the insulation (IS) from passing through. According to various embodiments, the filter section may be arranged in multiple layers to enhance the insulation (IS) filtering effect.

[0317] For example, the filter unit may be formed by multiply stacking filters made of metal mesh or pulp material. The holes formed in the filter unit itself or the fine filter holes formed by multiply stacking the filter units may have a diameter smaller than the particle diameter of the insulating material (IS) to prevent the insulating material (IS) from flowing into the inlet pipe (400).

[0318] The inlet pipe (400) can be connected to a vacuum pump (540) and a nitrogen supply unit (950) provided on the outside of the storage tank (20).

[0319] For example, the inlet pipe (400) may extend from the outside of the storage tank (20) through the second container (200) and into the insulated space (300), one end of the inlet pipe (400) may be provided inside the insulated space (300), and the other end of the inlet pipe (400) may be provided to be connected to a vacuum pump (540) and a nitrogen supply unit (950).

[0320] A vacuum can be formed by supplying nitrogen into the insulated space (300) through the inlet pipe (400) or by exhausting gas inside the insulated space (300) to the outside.

[0321] For example, nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen supply unit (950) can move into the insulation space (300) through the filter hole formed in the inlet pipe (400). In addition, for example, when the vacuum pump (540) is in operation, gas inside the insulation space (300) can be sucked into the inlet pipe (400) through the opening and discharged to the outside, and in this process, a vacuum can be formed in the insulation space (300).

[0322] The inlet pipe (400) can be connected to an exhaust valve (430, 431, 432, 433, 434) to enable venting to the outside of the storage tank (20).

[0323] For example, when at least one of the exhaust valves (430, 431, 432, 433, 434) is opened, gas inside the insulating space (300) can move into the inlet pipe (400) through the opening and be vented to the outside of the storage tank (20) through the exhaust valve (430, 431, 432, 433, 434).

[0324] Meanwhile, the connection structure of the inlet pipe (400) illustrated in FIG. 24 is exemplary and is not limited to the illustrated form, and may be changed into various forms within the range in which nitrogen supply, vacuum formation, and venting are possible through the inlet pipe (400).

[0325] For example, unlike FIG. 24 where multiple inlet pipes (400) share a nitrogen supply unit (950) and a vacuum pump (540), a nitrogen supply unit (950) and a vacuum pump (540) may be provided separately for each of the multiple inlet pipes (400).

[0326] Additionally, unlike FIG. 24, where separate exhaust valves are connected to multiple inlet pipes (400), multiple inlet pipes (400) may be connected to share a single exhaust valve.

[0327] The storage tank (20) may further include a pressure sensing unit (530) for measuring the pressure inside the insulated space (300) and a dew point sensing unit (960) for measuring the dew point inside the insulated space (300). The positions of the pressure sensing unit (530) and the dew point sensing unit (960) are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and may be positioned at various positions within a range capable of measuring the pressure inside the insulated space (300) and measuring the dew point.

[0328] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insulation space (300) of the storage tank (20) may be subjected to a pretreatment operation of performing nitrogen purging and vacuum operation (preliminary vacuum operation) at least once before forming a vacuum after the insulation material (IS) is filled to improve vacuum operation performance.

[0329] A vacuum forming method of an insulating space (300) including a pretreatment operation is described below with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.

[0330]

[0331] Backflow prevention unit (970)

[0332] Referring to FIG. 25, the backflow prevention unit (970) may include a first backflow prevention valve (971), a second backflow prevention valve (972), and a backflow prevention pipe (973) provided in the inlet pipe (400) between the second container (200) and the vacuum pump (540).

[0333] The backflow prevention unit (970) may include a first backflow prevention valve (971) and a second backflow prevention valve (972) in the inlet pipe (400) between the second container (200) and the vacuum pump (540). The backflow prevention valve located close to the second container (200) may be referred to as the first backflow prevention valve (971), and the backflow prevention valve located close to the vacuum pump (540) may be referred to as the second backflow prevention valve (972).

[0334] The pipe connecting the first check valve (971) and the second check valve (972) can be called a check pipe (973).

[0335] The pressure of the backflow prevention pipe (973) may be set lower than the pressure of the insulation space (300).

[0336] For example, if the pressure of the insulation space (300) is set to 300 milliTorr (mtorr), the pressure of the backflow prevention pipe (973) can be set to 100 milliTorr (mtorr) or less.

[0337] The backflow prevention unit (970) includes a backflow prevention pipe (973) designed to have a lower pressure than the insulation space (300), and a first backflow prevention valve (971) or a second backflow prevention valve (972) designed to maintain a vacuum in the insulation space (300), so that outside air can be prevented from flowing into the insulation space (300).

[0338] For example, when the vacuum work in the insulation space (300) is completed, the first backflow prevention valve (971) can be closed to maintain the vacuum in the insulation space (300).

[0339] Here, in the case where only the first backflow prevention valve (971) is provided, if a problem occurs in the first backflow prevention valve (971), backflow may occur in which outside air is quickly introduced through the first backflow prevention valve (971) due to the low pressure of the insulation space (300).

[0340] Meanwhile, in the case where a backflow prevention unit (970) is included, if a problem occurs in the first backflow prevention valve (971), the pressure of the backflow prevention pipe (973) is lower than the pressure of the insulation space, so outside air does not enter the insulation space (300) and the vacuum of the insulation space (300) is not broken.

[0341] In addition, even if a problem occurs in the second check valve (972), the outside air can be prevented from flowing back into the insulation space (300) by the first check valve (971).

[0342] Here, if a problem occurs in the second check valve (972), the first check valve (971) blocks the inflow of outside air into the insulation space (300), so there is an advantage in that maintenance or replacement of the second check valve (972) can be performed with the first check valve (971) closed.

[0343] The backflow prevention unit (970) may further include a backflow detection unit (974) connected to the backflow prevention pipe (973).

[0344] For example, the backflow detection unit (974) can detect the pressure of the backflow prevention pipe (973) and, based on the pressure change, can determine whether a problem has occurred in the first backflow prevention valve or the second backflow prevention valve (972).

[0345] For example, when the pressure detected by the backflow detection unit (974) increases, it can be confirmed that a problem has occurred in the first backflow prevention valve (971) or the second backflow prevention valve (972).

[0346] When the pressure detected by the backflow detection unit (974) changes to a value equal to or less than the pressure of the insulation space, it can be determined that a problem has occurred in the first backflow prevention valve (971).

[0347] In addition, in the case where the pressure detected by the backflow detection unit (974) is greater than the pressure of the insulated space or changes to a value equal to the outside air, it can be determined that a problem has occurred in the second backflow prevention valve (972) or in both the second backflow prevention valve (972) and the first backflow prevention valve (971), and measures can be taken by inspecting the second backflow prevention valve (972) first.

[0348] A storage tank (20) including a backflow prevention unit (970) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to more stably maintain the vacuum in the insulation space (300) after the vacuum operation is completed.

[0349]

[0350] FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming a vacuum in an insulating space (300) of a storage tank (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0351] The vacuum forming method (S1300) of the insulation space (300) illustrated in Fig. 26 is a method of forming a vacuum in the insulation space (300) of the storage tank (20) illustrated in Fig. 24. Hereinafter, when describing Fig. 26, reference will be made to Fig. 24 as well.

[0352] A method (S1300) for forming a vacuum in an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment may include a pre-treatment operation performed before the vacuum operation to improve and enhance the vacuum operation performance for the insulating space (300) filled with an insulating material (IS).

[0353] Referring to FIG. 26, a vacuum forming method (S1300) of an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment may include an insulating material filling step (S1310), a primary nitrogen supply step (S1320), a preliminary vacuum operation step (S1330), a secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340), a dew point measurement step (S1350), a step of determining whether the dew point reference temperature is satisfied (S1360), and a main vacuum operation step (S1380).

[0354] Here, the first nitrogen supply step (S1320), the pre-vacuum operation step (S1330), the second nitrogen supply step (S1340), the dew point measurement step (S1350), and the step of determining whether the dew point meets the reference temperature (S1360) may constitute a pre-processing operation step (S1370), and the pre-processing operation step (S1370) may be a step in which 'nitrogen supply and vacuum operation' are repeatedly performed until the dew point reaches the reference temperature.

[0355] In the insulation filling step (S1310), an insulation material (IS) can be filled inside the insulation space (300). Here, the insulation material (IS) may be a powdered insulation material (e.g., glass bubble) as described above.

[0356] In the first nitrogen supply step (S1320), high-temperature nitrogen can be supplied to the insulating space (300) under predetermined conditions. For example, nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen supply unit (950) can move to the insulating space (300) through the inlet pipe (400) (e.g., an opening provided in the inlet pipe (400)). The temperature of the supplied nitrogen may be about 100°C or higher, but is not limited thereto. The step of supplying nitrogen may be referred to as nitrogen purging.

[0357] Here, the predetermined conditions for supplying nitrogen may include the pressure conditions of the insulating space (300), the nitrogen supply amount conditions, and the vent conditions of the insulating space (300). The nitrogen supply step (S1320) is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 27.

[0358] In the preliminary vacuum operation step (S1330), the pressure of the insulating space (300) can be lowered to the first reference pressure. For example, the vacuum pump (540) is operated to suck the gas inside the insulating space (300) into the inlet pipe (400) (e.g., suck through an opening provided in the inlet pipe (400)) and discharge it to the outside of the storage tank (20), thereby lowering the pressure of the insulating space (300) to the first reference pressure. Here, the first reference pressure may be about 1 Torr, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0359] In the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340), after the pressure in the insulation space (300) is lowered to the first reference pressure, high-temperature nitrogen can be supplied to the insulation space (300) under predetermined conditions, similar to the primary nitrogen supply step (S1320). The secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340) can be performed under substantially the same conditions as the primary nitrogen supply step (S1320).

[0360] In the dew point measurement step (S1350), the dew point inside the insulated space (300) can be measured. For example, the dew point inside the insulated space (300) can be measured through the dew point detection unit (960) provided in the storage tank (20).

[0361] In the step of determining whether the dew point standard temperature is satisfied (S1360), it is possible to determine whether the dew point has reached the standard temperature.

[0362] Here, the dew point may be approximately -40°C, but is not limited thereto. For example, the dew point serves as a standard for determining the degree of moisture removal within the insulation space (300). The less moisture within the insulation space (300), the faster the vacuum attainment speed, and the greater the maximum vacuum attainable and the longer the vacuum retention time.

[0363] In the step (S1360) of determining whether the dew point meets the reference temperature, if the dew point has reached the reference temperature, the pretreatment work step (S1370) may be completed and the main vacuum work step (S1380) may be performed. Conversely, if the dew point has not yet reached the reference temperature, the preliminary vacuum work step (S1330) and the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340) may be repeated and performed again until the reference temperature is reached.

[0364] In this vacuum operation step (S1380), the pressure in the insulation space (300) can be lowered to the second reference pressure.

[0365] For example, the pressure of the insulating space (300) can be lowered to the second reference pressure by operating the vacuum pump (540) to suck the gas inside the insulating space (300) into the inlet pipe (400) and discharge it to the outside.

[0366] Here, the second reference pressure may be lower than the first reference pressure in the pre-vacuum operation step (S1330). For example, the second reference pressure may be about 70 milliTorr (mTorr) to 700 milliTorr (mTorr), but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0367] In the above, a method for forming a vacuum in an insulating space (300) in a storage tank (20) having an inlet pipe (400) to which a vacuum valve and an exhaust valve are connected as illustrated in FIG. 24 has been described, but the storage tank (20) to which the vacuum forming method (S1300) of FIG. 26 is applied is not necessarily limited to the structure illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0368] According to various embodiments, the vacuum forming method (S1300) of FIG. 26 may also be applied to a storage tank (20) in which an insulating space (300) is filled with an insulating material (IS) but an inlet pipe (400) is not provided.

[0369] For example, nitrogen supply, vacuum treatment and / or venting may be performed directly in the insulated space (300) rather than through the inlet piping (400).

[0370]

[0371] Fig. 27 is a flowchart detailing the nitrogen supply step in the vacuum forming method of the insulating space (300) illustrated in Fig. 26.

[0372] The nitrogen supply step (S1400) illustrated in FIG. 27 may be referred to as the first nitrogen supply step (S1320) and the second nitrogen supply step (S1340) in the flowchart of FIG. 26. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 27, predetermined conditions for supplying nitrogen in the first nitrogen supply step (S1320) and the second nitrogen supply step (S1340) will be described, and when describing FIG. 27, FIG. 26 will also be referred to.

[0373] Referring to FIG. 27, in a vacuum forming method of an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment, a nitrogen supply step (S1400) may include a step (S1410) of supplying nitrogen using an inlet pipe without a vent, a step (S1420) of supplying nitrogen while performing a vent when the pressure of the insulating space (300) reaches a third reference pressure, and a step (S1430) of determining whether the amount of supplied nitrogen has reached n times that of the insulating space (300).

[0374] In the step (S1410) of supplying nitrogen using an inlet pipe without a vent, high-temperature nitrogen is supplied from a nitrogen supply unit (950) to an inlet pipe (400) and moved to an insulated space (300), but the nitrogen that has flowed into the insulated space (300) can be prevented from escaping to the outside by blocking the vent path of the inlet pipe (400).

[0375] For example, when the valve of the exhaust valve connected to the inlet pipe (400) is closed, high-temperature nitrogen is supplied to the inlet pipe (400), and the nitrogen introduced into the inlet pipe (400) can be filled into the insulation space (300) through an opening (not shown) of the inlet pipe (400).

[0376] In the step (S1420) of supplying nitrogen while performing venting when the pressure of the insulation space (300) reaches the third reference pressure, when the pressure of the insulation space (300) reaches the third reference pressure due to the supply of nitrogen, the vent path of the inlet pipe (400) can be opened to perform venting while continuously supplying nitrogen.

[0377] Here, the third reference pressure may be about 0.5 barG, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0378] The pressure of the insulation space (300) can be measured through a pressure sensor (530) provided in the storage tank (20).

[0379] For example, when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (530) reaches the third reference pressure, the valve of the exhaust valve connected to the inlet pipe (400) is opened to perform venting while maintaining the supply of high-temperature nitrogen to the inlet pipe (400).

[0380] In the step (S1430) of determining whether the amount of supplied nitrogen has reached n times the volume of the insulating space (300), it can be determined whether the amount of nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen supply unit (950) has reached n times the volume of the insulating space (300).

[0381] Here, the amount of nitrogen supplied is the sum of the amounts of nitrogen supplied from S1410 and S1420. For example, n may be greater than 1, and preferably 2, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0382] If the amount of supplied nitrogen reaches n times the volume of the insulation space (300), the nitrogen supply may be stopped, and the pre-vacuum operation step (S1330) or the dew point measurement step (S1350) in FIG. 26 may be performed. If the amount of supplied nitrogen does not reach n times the volume of the insulation space (300), the step (S1420) of supplying nitrogen while performing venting may be performed until the corresponding condition is satisfied.

[0383] For example, if n is 2, when the amount of supplied nitrogen reaches twice the volume of the insulation space (300), the nitrogen supply is terminated (S1440), and if it is less than twice, nitrogen is supplied while performing venting until it reaches twice (S1420).

[0384]

[0385] Fig. 28 is a graph showing the pressure change in the insulating space (300) according to the vacuum forming method of the insulating space (300) illustrated in Fig. 26.

[0386] Hereinafter, when explaining Fig. 28, reference will be made to Fig. 26 as well.

[0387] Referring to Fig. 28, the pressure inside the insulation space (300) may increase or decrease depending on the nitrogen supply, preliminary vacuum operation, and main vacuum operation, and the increase or decrease may be repeated several times.

[0388] Section a is the section where the first nitrogen supply step (S1320) is performed. As high-temperature nitrogen is supplied, the pressure inside the insulation space (300) may increase.

[0389] Section b is a section where a preliminary vacuum operation step (S1330) is performed after the first nitrogen supply step (S1320). As the preliminary vacuum operation is performed, the pressure inside the insulation space (300) may be lowered to a first reference pressure (e.g., approximately 1000 milliTorr (mTorr)).

[0390] Section c is the section where the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340) is performed after the preliminary vacuum operation step (S1330). As high-temperature nitrogen is supplied, the pressure in the insulation space (300), which had been lowered, may increase again.

[0391] Section d is a section where the pre-vacuum operation step (S1330) is performed again in response to the case where the dew point has not reached the reference temperature after the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340). The pressure inside the insulation space (300) can be lowered again to the first reference pressure (e.g., approximately 1000 milliTorr (mTorr)).

[0392] Section e is the section where the preliminary vacuum operation step (S1330) is performed again and then the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340) is performed again. For example, this corresponds to a case where the preliminary vacuum operation is repeated twice and the nitrogen supply is repeated three times.

[0393] Section f is the section where the vacuum operation step (S1380) is performed in response to the dew point reaching the reference temperature after repeated performance of the secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340). By performing this vacuum operation, the pressure inside the insulation space (300) can be lowered to a second reference pressure (e.g., about 70 milliTorr (mTorr)) lower than the first reference pressure.

[0394] Meanwhile, the graph of FIG. 28 is an exemplary graph for a case where the dew point satisfies the reference temperature as the preliminary vacuum operation and nitrogen supply are performed one more time after the first secondary nitrogen supply step (S1340), and the number of times the preliminary vacuum operation and nitrogen supply are repeated is not particularly limited and may vary depending on various situations.

[0395] In addition, the pressure of the insulation space (300) after the preliminary vacuum operation is performed and the pressure of the insulation space (300) after the main vacuum operation is performed in the graph of Fig. 28 are examples.

[0396]

[0397] Figure 29 is a graph showing vacuum operation performance according to the dew point of the insulation space (300).

[0398] Referring to Fig. 29, it can be confirmed that there is a difference in the vacuum reaching speed (e.g., vacuuming time) and the maximum vacuum that can be reached when the vacuuming operation is performed for each case where the dew point inside the insulation space (300) is about -17 degrees (℃) and about -40 degrees (℃).

[0399] When the dew point is about -17 degrees (℃), the maximum achievable vacuum is about 600 milliTorr (mTorr), and when the dew point is about -40 degrees (℃), the maximum achievable vacuum is about 100 milliTorr (mTorr). That is, the lower the dew point of the insulated space (300), the higher the maximum achievable vacuum (the pressure decreases).

[0400] In addition, when the dew point is about -17°C, the time required to lower the pressure in the insulated space (300) to about 1000 milliTorr (mTorr) is about 0.125 hours (hr), and when the dew point is about -40°C, the time required to lower the pressure in the insulated space (300) to about 1000 milliTorr (mTorr) is about 0.06 hr. In other words, the lower the dew point of the insulated space (300), the shorter the vacuum operation time.

[0401] Additionally, the time taken to form the maximum vibration level is shorter when the dew point is about -40 degrees Celsius than when the dew point is about -17 degrees Celsius.

[0402] A vacuum forming method (S1300) of an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve vacuum operation performance by performing a pretreatment operation step (e.g., S1370 of FIG. 26) before the current vacuum operation step (e.g., S1380 of FIG. 26) to lower the dew point inside the insulating space (300) to a predetermined reference temperature.

[0403]

[0404] Figures 30a and 30b are graphs showing the vacuum creation performance of a vacuum forming method for an insulating space (300) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0405] Fig. 30a is a graph showing the degree to which the pressure inside the insulating space (300) increases over time when the vacuum operation (S1380) is performed after the pretreatment operation (S1370) is performed using the vacuum forming method (S1300) of the insulating space (300) of Fig. 26.

[0406] Fig. 30b is a graph showing the degree to which the pressure inside the insulation space (300) increases over time when the vacuum operation (S1380) is performed directly without performing a preprocessing operation. For example, Fig. 30b corresponds to the case where step S1380 is performed directly after step S1310 in the flowchart of Fig. 26 to form a vacuum.

[0407] Referring to Fig. 30a, when the pressure inside the insulation space (300) is lowered to about 36 milliTorr (mTorr) through the vacuum operation (S1380) after performing the pretreatment operation (S1370), it can be confirmed that the pressure rises to about 49 mTorr after about 92 hours. That is, when the pretreatment operation (S1370) is performed, the degree to which the pressure inside the insulation space (300) rises is about 0.14 milliTorr (mTorr) / hour (hr).

[0408] Referring to Fig. 30b, when the pressure inside the insulating space (300) is lowered to about 34 milliTorr (mTorr) through the vacuum operation (S1380) without performing the pretreatment operation (S1370), it can be confirmed that the pressure rises to about 126 milliTorr (mTorr) after about 92 hours. That is, when the pretreatment operation (S1370) is not performed, the degree to which the pressure inside the insulating space (300) rises is about 1 milliTorr (mTorr) / hour (hr).

[0409] Comparing Fig. 30a and Fig. 30b, if the pretreatment operation (S1370) is performed to lower the dew point inside the insulation space (300) to a predetermined temperature and then the vacuum operation (S1380) is performed, the vibration maintenance time can be increased by reducing the degree to which the vacuum is not maintained and the pressure increases due to the phenomenon of moisture coming out (outgassing) after the vacuum operation.

[0410]

[0411] The methods according to the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either singly or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable medium may be those specifically designed and constructed for the present invention, or may be known and available to those skilled in the computer software art.

[0412]

[0413] Examples of computer-readable media include hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as at least one software module to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0414]

[0415] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0416]

[0417] (Aspect 1) A storage tank includes a first container, a second container that surrounds the first container and is spaced apart from the first container by an insulating space, an inlet pipe having at least one filter part provided in the insulating space at one end and connected to a vacuum pump provided outside the second container at the other end, and a filter cleaning part that cleans the filter part, wherein the filter cleaning part can be connected to the inlet pipe between the second container and the vacuum pump.

[0418] (Side 2) In the first side, the insulating space can be filled with a powdered insulating material.

[0419] (Side 3) In one of the first side and the second side, the filter portion may include a plurality of fine filter holes.

[0420] (Aspect 4) In one of the first to third aspects, the filter cleaning unit may include a cleaning gas storage unit storing cleaning gas, a cleaning gas supply pipe connecting the cleaning gas storage unit and an inlet pipe, a branch unit connecting the cleaning gas supply pipe and the inlet pipe, a first shut-off valve provided between the branch unit and the cleaning gas storage unit, and a second shut-off valve provided between the branch unit and the vacuum pump.

[0421] (Aspect 5) In one of the first to fourth aspects, the cleaning gas may be provided as an inert gas.

[0422] (Side 6) In one of the first to fourth sides, a pressure regulating valve may be further included between the first shut-off valve and the cleaning gas storage unit to regulate the pressure of the cleaning gas supplied through the cleaning gas supply pipe.

[0423] (Aspect 7) In the fourth or sixth aspect,

[0424] It may further include a controller electrically connected to at least one of the first shut-off valve, the second shut-off valve, and the pressure regulating valve.

[0425] (Aspect 8) In the seventh aspect, the controller can control at least one of the first shut-off valve, the second shut-off valve, and the pressure regulating valve to cause the vacuum pump to suck gas from the insulating space.

[0426] (Aspect 9) In the seventh aspect, the controller can control at least one of the first blocking valve, the second blocking valve, and the pressure regulating valve to supply the cleaning gas to the insulating space.

[0427] (Side 10) In one of the first to fourth sides, a detection unit capable of checking the degree of contamination of the filter unit may be further included.

[0428] (Aspect 11) In the 10th aspect, a controller electrically connected to at least the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve is further included, and the controller can control the first shut-off valve and the second shut-off valve based on the degree of contamination transmitted from the detection unit.

[0429] (Side 12) The vessel may include storage tanks on the first side to the eleventh side.

[0430] (Side 13) The storage tank includes a first container, a second container that is separated from the first container by an insulating space and surrounds the first container, an inlet pipe having one end provided in the insulating space and the other end provided outside the second container, and a leak detection unit that is connected to the inlet pipe and the second container to form a sealed space, and the leak detection unit can detect a leak based on a pressure change in the sealed space.

[0431] (Aspect 14) In the 13th aspect, the leak detection unit may include a body part having one end connected to the second container and the other end connected to the inlet pipe to form the sealed space, and a pressure detection unit connected to the body part to check the pressure of the sealed space.

[0432] (Side 15) In the 13th side or the 14th side, a pressure regulating unit connected to the body part may be further included to inject gas into the sealed space to regulate the pressure of the sealed space.

[0433] (Aspect 16) In one of the 13th to 15th aspects, the pressure regulating unit can form a pressure in the sealed space lower than that in the insulating space.

[0434] (Aspect 17) In one of the 13th to 15th aspects, the pressure regulating unit can form a pressure in the sealed space higher than that in the insulating space.

[0435] (Aspect 18) In one of the 13th to 15th aspects, the gas may be an inert gas.

[0436] (Aspect 19) In the 13th aspect, the leak detection unit may be provided on the upper deck of the ship.

[0437] (Aspect 20) In the 13th aspect, the second container further includes a dome, and the leak detection unit may be provided on a part of the dome.

[0438] (Aspect 21) In the 20th aspect, the leak detection unit can be coupled to the second container so as to surround the dome.

[0439] (Aspect 22) In one of the 13th to 15th aspects, the second container further includes a dome, and the leak detection unit includes at least two first body parts and a second body part, wherein one end of the first body part is provided to be coupled with the second container and the other end is provided to be closed by surrounding the dome, and the second body part is provided to be connected with the second container at one end and connected to the inlet pipe at the other end to form the sealed space.

[0440] (Side 23) In the 22nd side, the first body part and the second body part can each be connected to the pressure regulating part.

[0441] (Aspect 24) In the 13th aspect, the inlet pipe includes a first inlet pipe and a second inlet pipe, and a plurality of the first inlet pipes are provided in the insulating space, and the second inlet pipe is connected to at least two of the first inlet pipes inside the insulating space so that the outside of the second container and the first inlet pipe can be connected.

[0442] (Aspect 25) In the 13th aspect, the inlet pipe includes a main inlet pipe and an auxiliary inlet pipe, and the main inlet pipe and the auxiliary inlet pipe each pass through the second container, one end of which is provided in the insulating space, and the other end of which is connected to a vacuum pump, and the main inlet pipe and the auxiliary inlet pipe may have a shut-off valve between the second container and the vacuum pump.

[0443] (Aspect 26) In the 25th aspect, the leak detection unit may be provided such that one side is connected to the second container, and the other side is combined with the main inlet pipe and the auxiliary inlet pipe to form a sealed space.

[0444] (Side 27) The vessel may include a storage tank on any one of the 13th to 26th sides.

[0445] (Side 28) The storage tank includes a first container, a second container spaced apart from the first container with an insulating space and surrounding the first container, and an inlet pipe provided at one end with at least one filter portion in the insulating space, and a part of the inlet pipe may be provided with at least one bent portion and may be provided to be away from the center line of the pipe.

[0446] (Side 29) In the 28th side, a filter part composed of a plurality of filter holes provided in a part of the inlet pipe may be further included.

[0447] (Side 30) In the 28th side or the 29th side, the filter part may be made of the same material as the inlet pipe.

[0448] (Side 31) In the 28th side or the 29th side, the filter section may be connected to the inlet pipe at a predetermined angle and may be provided to protrude from the inlet pipe into the insulation space.

[0449] (Side 32) In the 28th side or the 29th side, the filter unit may be provided in a part of the inlet pipe in the longitudinal direction of the inlet pipe.

[0450] (Side 33) In the 32nd side, the diameter of the filter part may be provided to be larger than the diameter of the inlet pipe.

[0451] (Side 34) In the 32nd side, the filter unit may be provided on a part of the inlet pipe that is arranged to be away from the center line of the pipe.

[0452] (Side 35) In the 32nd side, the inlet pipe includes at least a first filter portion and a second filter portion, and the length of the first filter portion and the second filter portion may be equal to or smaller than the length of the inlet pipe provided between the first filter portion and the second filter portion.

[0453] (Side 36) In the 28th side, the inlet pipe may be arranged to be supported on the first container.

[0454] (Side 37) In one of the 28th to 36th sides, the first container and the inlet pipe may be started before the second container.

[0455] (Side 38) A first container, a second container spaced apart from the first container by an insulating space and surrounding the first container, and an inlet pipe having one end provided in the insulating space and the other end connected to a vacuum pump provided outside the second container, wherein the inlet pipe may include two valves connected in series between the second container and the vacuum pump, and a backflow prevention pipe connecting the two valves.

[0456] (Side 39) In the 38th side, when the two valves are closed, the backflow prevention pipe can be formed so that the pressure is lower than that of the insulation space.

[0457] (Side 40) In the 38th side, a backflow detection unit capable of detecting a pressure change in the backflow prevention pipe may be further included.

[0458] (Side 41) The vessel may include a storage tank on one of the 28th to 40th sides.

[0459] (Side 42) It may include a first container, a second container that surrounds the first container and is spaced apart from the first container with an insulating space, an inlet pipe that has at least one filter part provided in the insulating space at one end and is connected to a vacuum pump provided on the outside of the second container at the other end, at least one filling port that is connected to the second container and has one end provided in the insulating space, and an insulating material filling part that fills the insulating material in the insulating space using the filling port.

[0460] (Aspect 43) In the 42nd aspect, the insulation filling unit may further include an insulation storage unit storing insulation, and an insulation supply unit connected to the insulation storage unit and the filling port, and delivering the insulation to the insulation space through the filling port.

[0461] (Side 44) In the 42nd side or the 43rd side, the insulation filling part may further include a filling amount detection part that detects the filling amount of the insulation material filled in the insulation space.

[0462] (Side 45) In the 42nd to 44th sides, the filling amount detection unit can detect the filling amount based on a change in the weight of the insulation storage unit.

[0463] (Side 46) In the 42nd to 45th sides, the inlet pipe may include a vacuum valve connected to a vacuum pump at one part, and an exhaust valve connected to the atmosphere at another part.

[0464] (Side 47) In the 42nd to 46th sides, the filling port may be provided at the same height as the inlet pipe.

[0465] (Side 48) In the 42nd to 47th sides, a plurality of filling ports are provided and can be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the storage tank.

[0466] (Side 49) In the 42nd to 48th sides, a plurality of inlet pipes are provided and can be arranged at different heights from the bottom of the storage tank.

[0467] (Side 50) In the 42nd to 49th sides, the insulating material may be a powder-type insulating material.

[0468] (Aspect 51) In the 50th aspect, the insulating material can be pressurized with an inert gas and filled into the insulating space.

[0469] (Aspect 52) ​​A method of filling insulation into a storage tank is provided, wherein the storage tank is provided with n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) filling ports, wherein the method comprises the steps of (a) preparing the storage tank in a filling preparation state, (b) filling with an n-th filling port, (c) comparing an n-th target filling amount with an actual filling amount, and (d) filling with an n-1-th filling port when the actual filling amount is greater than or equal to the n-th target filling amount, and repeatedly performing steps (b) to (c), wherein the storage tank may include at least n inlet pipes having different heights from a bottom of the storage tank, each of which is provided with an exhaust valve and a vacuum valve.

[0470] (Aspect 53) In the 52nd aspect, the step (a) of preparing the storage tank in a state ready for filling may be prepared with the exhaust valve opened and the vacuum valve closed.

[0471] (Side 54) In one of the 52nd to 53rd sides, at least one end of the exhaust valve is connected to an inlet pipe provided in the insulating space, and the other end can be connected to the atmosphere.

[0472] (Aspect 55) In one of the 52nd to 54th aspects, one end of the vacuum valve may be connected to an inlet pipe at least partially provided in the insulating space, and the other end may be connected to a vacuum pump.

[0473] (Aspect 56) In one of the 52nd to 55th aspects, (d) may further include a vacuum operation step, and the vacuum operation step may be a step of performing a vacuum operation by providing the exhaust valve between the nth filling port and the lower part of the storage tank in a closed state and opening the vacuum valve between the nth filling port and the lower part of the storage tank.

[0474] (Aspect 57) In one of the 52nd to 56th aspects, the nth filling port is the filling port closest to the bottom of the storage tank among the n filling ports, and the nth filling port may have a smaller value as it gets farther from the bottom of the storage tank.

[0475] (Aspect 58) In one of aspects 52 to 57, the insulating material may be pressurized with an inert gas and filled into the insulating space together with the inert gas.

[0476] (Aspect 59) In one of the 52nd to 58th aspects, the insulating material is stored and the actual filling amount can be confirmed based on the change in weight of the insulating material storage portion.

[0477]

[0478] (Explanation of symbols)

[0479] 1...ship 10...hull

[0480] 11...Deck 20...Storage tank

[0481] 100...1st container 200...2nd container

[0482] 210...Dome 300...Insulated space

[0483] 400...inlet pipe 401...first inlet pipe

[0484] 402...Second stage inlet pipe 411...First stage inlet pipe

[0485] 411...Second stage inlet pipe 412...Third stage inlet pipe

[0486] 413...4th stage inlet pipe 414...5th stage inlet pipe

[0487] 415...6th stage inlet pipe 416...7th stage inlet pipe

[0488] 417...8th stage inlet pipe 418...9th stage inlet pipe

[0489] 419...10th stage inlet pipe 420...1st stage vacuum valve

[0490] 421...Second stage vacuum valve 422...Third stage vacuum valve

[0491] 423...4th stage vacuum valve 424...5th stage vacuum valve

[0492] 425...6th stage vacuum valve 426...7th stage vacuum valve

[0493] 427...8th stage vacuum valve 428...9th stage vacuum valve

[0494] 429...10th stage valve 430...1st stage exhaust valve

[0495] 431...2nd stage exhaust valve 432...3rd stage exhaust valve

[0496] 433...4th stage exhaust valve 434...5th stage exhaust valve

[0497] 435...6th stage exhaust valve 436...7th stage exhaust valve

[0498] 437...8th stage exhaust valve 438...9th stage exhaust valve

[0499] 439...10th stage exhaust valve 500...leakage detection unit

[0500] 510...body part 511...first body part

[0501] 512...Second body part 520...Pressure control part

[0502] 521...1st valve 530...pressure sensing unit

[0503] 540... vacuum pump 541... main inlet pipe

[0504] 542...1st shut-off valve 543...Auxiliary inlet pipe

[0505] 544...Second shut-off valve 600...Filter section

[0506] 610...filter hole 620...bend

[0507] 621...First bend 622...Second bend

[0508] 623...3rd bend 624...4th bend

[0509] 700...Filter cleaner 710...Cleaning gas storage unit

[0510] 720...Cleaning gas supply pipe 721...Pressure regulating valve

[0511] 722...3rd shutoff valve 723...4th shutoff valve

[0512] 740...branching section 750...sensing section

[0513] 800...controller 900...insulation filling

[0514] 910...Filling port 911...First filling port

[0515] 912...Second filling port 913...Third filling port

[0516] 914...4th filling port 915...5th filling port

[0517] 920...Insulation storage section 930...Insulation supply section

[0518] 940...Filling amount detection unit 950...Nitrogen supply unit

[0519] 960...Dew point detection unit 970...Backflow prevention unit

[0520] 971...1st check valve 972...2nd check valve

[0521] 973...Backflow prevention pipe 974...Backflow detection unit

[0522] C...pipe centerline

[0523] B...bottom of storage tank D1...outer diameter of pipe

[0524] D2...Filter outer diameter IS...Insulation

[0525] L... Leakage risk area S1... Filter section length

[0526] S2...Length between filter sections

Claims

1. First container; A second container surrounding the first container and spaced apart from the first container by an insulating space; An inlet pipe, one end of which is provided in the above-mentioned insulating space and the other end is provided outside the second container; and A leak detection unit connected to the above-mentioned inlet pipe and the second container to form a sealed space; Including, The above leak detection unit detects whether there is a leak based on a change in the state of the sealed space. Storage tank.

2. In paragraph 1, The above leak detection unit, A body part having one end connected to the second container and the other end connected to the inlet pipe to form the sealed space; and A pressure sensing unit connected to the above body part and configured to check the pressure of the sealed space; including, Storage tank.

3. In paragraph 1, The above inlet pipe includes a main inlet pipe and an auxiliary inlet pipe, The above main inlet pipe and the above auxiliary inlet pipe each pass through the second container, one end of which is provided in the insulated space, and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump. The above main inlet pipe and the above auxiliary inlet pipe have a shut-off valve between the second container and the vacuum pump. Storage tank.

4. In paragraph 1, A portion of the above inlet pipe has at least one bend and is arranged to be away from the center line of the pipe. Storage tank.

5. In paragraph 4, A filter section comprising a plurality of filter holes provided in a portion of the above inlet pipe; including more, Storage tank.

6. First container; A second container surrounding the first container and spaced apart from the first container by an insulating space; First, an inlet pipe is provided with at least one filter section in the above-mentioned insulating space, and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump provided outside the second container; and A filter cleaning unit for cleaning the above filter unit; Including, The above filter cleaning unit is connected to the inlet pipe between the second container and the vacuum pump. Storage tank.

7. In paragraph 6, The above filter cleaning unit, A cleaning gas storage unit that stores cleaning gas; A cleaning gas supply pipe connecting the cleaning gas storage unit and the inlet pipe; A branch section where the cleaning gas supply pipe and the inlet pipe are connected; and A first shut-off valve provided between the branch section and the cleaning gas storage section, and a second shut-off valve provided between the branch section and the vacuum pump; including, Storage tank.

8. In paragraph 7, A controller electrically connected to at least one of the first shut-off valve, the second shut-off valve, and the pressure regulating valve; including more, Storage tank.

9. In paragraph 7, A detection unit capable of checking the level of contamination of the above filter unit; including more, Storage tank.

10. In paragraph 6, The above inlet pipe includes two valves connected in series between the second container and the vacuum pump and a check pipe connecting the two valves. Storage tank.

11. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a backflow detection unit capable of detecting pressure changes in the backflow prevention pipe. Storage tank.

12. In paragraph 6, At least one filling port connected to the second container and provided in the insulating space; and An insulation filling unit that fills the insulation space with insulation using the above filling port; including more, Storage tank.

13. In paragraph 12, The above insulation filling part is, Insulation storage compartment storing insulation; An insulation supply unit connected to the insulation storage unit and the filling port, and delivering the insulation to the insulation space through the filling port; and A filling amount detection unit that detects the filling amount of the insulating material filled in the above insulating space; including more, Storage tank.

14. A vessel including a storage tank as defined in paragraphs 1 to 14. A method for filling insulation into a storage tank of any one of claims 1 to 10 having 15.n (n is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) charging ports, Step (a) of preparing the storage tank for filling; Step (b) filling with the n-th filling port; (c) step of comparing the target filling amount and the actual filling amount; and (d) step of filling into the n-1 filling port when the actual filling amount is greater than or equal to the n-th target filling amount; Including, A step of repeatedly performing steps (b) to (c) above; Includes, The above storage tank has at least n inlet pipes having different heights from the bottom of the storage tank and each having an exhaust valve and a vacuum valve. How to fill a storage tank with insulation.

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