Cold Box Secondary Containment for Fire and Cryogenic Leak Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold boxes used in cryogenic operations lack protection from external fires and secondary leakage, particularly in limited spaces such as marine environments, where they are also exposed to corrosive conditions.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a primary enclosure made from a low-temperature alloy with a vapor venting system and a fire retardant agent applied to its exterior, optionally surrounded by a secondary enclosure with additional insulation and structural support to prevent heat leakage and protect against external fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a cold box is designed with minimum insulation thickness to prevent excessive heat leakage, then heat leakage is reduced, but protection from external fires and secondary leakage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cold box is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner containment structure for cryogenic operations, an intermediate fire-retardant layer, and an outer insulation layer. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cold box employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: low-temperature alloys for the inner containment, fire-retardant materials for the intermediate layer, and thermal insulation materials for the outer layer. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple material functions into a single structure.
2Volume of moving object
If the cold box is placed in a marine environment with limited space, then space utilization is improved, but protection from external fires and corrosive conditions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the inner containment provides cryogenic protection, the intermediate layer provides fire protection and corrosion resistance, and the outer layer provides thermal insulation. This multi-functionality allows the cold box to withstand marine environmental hazards while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-retardant intermediate layer and corrosion-resistant materials are applied in advance to protect the cryogenic equipment from potential external fires and corrosive marine conditions before these hazards can affect the sensitive equipment inside.
3Ease of manufacture
If carbon steel material is used for the container, then manufacturing is simplified, but the material is unsuitable for exposure to cryogenic temperatures due to brittle failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into an inner cryogenic containment structure made from low-temperature alloys and an outer structural shell. This segmentation allows the inner structure to use specialized materials for cryogenic service while the outer structure can use more readily fabricated materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material qualities are applied to different parts of the container: low-temperature alloys with superior cryogenic properties are used for the inner containment where they are most needed, while outer structural elements can use materials optimized for fabrication and structural support.
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
The solution provides enhanced safety by containing and safely disposing of flammable materials in case of leaks and protecting the equipment from external fires, while maintaining integrity at cryogenic temperatures and preventing heat leakage.
Implementation Method 1
Bulk fill insulation, ordinarily in particulate form, is introduced into the container to provide insulation. Such bulk fill insulation, for example perlite, inhibits both convective and radiative heat transfer and constrains the heat transfer occurring through conduction.
Implementation Method 2
Such bulk fill insulation, for example perlite, inhibits both convective and radiative heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
Such bulk fill insulation, for example perlite, inhibits both convective and radiative heat transfer
Implementation Method 4
a fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure
Implementation Method 5
the primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to cryogenic fluids. In another aspect, the present invention relates to additional protection of an apparatus containing equipment capable of operating at cryogenic temperatures and containing cryogenic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus includes a primary enclosure defining an internal volume. The primary enclosure includes primary walls, a primary ceiling, a primary floor, and a vapor venting system. The primary enclosure is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. At least of a portion of the primary floor forms a slope to a hydrocarbon outlet. A perforated plate is located on top of the hydrocarbon outlet. The perforated plate is fabricated from a low temperature alloy. A fire retardant agent applied to the exterior surface of the primary enclosure.