Bimetallic Cryogenic Membrane Storage Compartment for LNG
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LNG storage tank technologies face high membrane production costs, limited supply, large on-site workload, excessive glue usage, poor safety performance, and lengthy construction periods due to strict environmental requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bimetallic cryogenic membrane storage compartment design featuring metal membrane plates, pre-insulated panels, and automatic welding, reducing reliance on proprietary equipment and glue, enabling modular supply and faster construction with improved safety and flexibility through corrugated metal barriers and polyurethane foam insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the original storage tank membrane form is used, then the storage compartment can be constructed, but the membrane production cost is high and supply is extremely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The original single-layer membrane structure is segmented into a bimetallic composite structure with inner and outer metallic shielding membranes, allowing each layer to have specialized functions and enabling standardized mass production of modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a bimetallic structure with an inner metallic shielding membrane and an outer metallic shielding membrane, combining different metal properties to achieve both cryogenic resistance and structural strength, replacing the proprietary single membrane material
2Productivity
If the original storage tank membrane form is used, then the storage compartment can be constructed, but the workload on-site is large
Solution Approach 1:
The bimetallic cryogenic membrane storage compartment is designed with pre-assembled modular components including pre-installed insulation panels, pre-welded support structures, and pre-positioned corner connections, allowing significant portion of construction to be completed off-site before delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment is divided into standardized modular sections that can be independently fabricated and then quickly assembled on-site, reducing the complexity and duration of on-site construction work
3Reliability
If glue bonding is used for the second insulation layer, then the insulation structure can be assembled, but the safety performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding method (glue) with a mechanical connection system using metal support boards, corner structures, and welding connections, providing superior structural integrity and safety performance for the insulation layer assembly
4Productivity
If the docking and welding of the main metallic shielding membrane is performed manually, then the membrane can be assembled, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bimetallic cryogenic membrane storage compartment incorporates self-aligning features and pre-positioned connection elements in the metallic shielding membranes, enabling automated welding processes to achieve precise joins without requiring extensive manual intervention for alignment and positioning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design lowers construction costs, reduces on-site workload, enhances safety, and accelerates project completion by utilizing prefabricated components and common welding techniques, while maintaining effective thermal insulation and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first insulating panel, a second insulating panel
Implementation Method 2
an epoxy resin with hardener adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a bimetallic cryogenic membrane storage compartment for liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage. The invention is based on the design of bimetallic membrane panels and two insulating panels to achieve two completely independent insulation spaces, fully meeting the relevant requirements of the amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Natural Gas in Bulk (“IGC CODE”) adopted on May 22, 2014. The invention improves the safety of the cryogenic membrane storage compartment, reduces the limitation of free liquid level loading of liquid cargo in the cargo compartment, reduces the application and time consuming of low-temperature resistant glue in the construction process, and adopts the more mature and safe design method of welding bimetallic membrane panels and the environmental protection method of prefabricated foam insulation panels, thus reducing the construction workload, shortening the construction cycle and improving the safety of the equipment.