Cryogenic Tank Wall Connector for Reduced Cold Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic storage tanks face challenges when adapted for vehicular use, including reduced storage capacity due to valve and pipe placement, limited accessibility, cold tracking leading to temperature increases, and potential overfilling, which can cause pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
A storage tank assembly with a first outer tank and a second inner tank spaced apart to form an insulation space, featuring connectors through the tank walls for improved accessibility and reduced cold tracking, along with an ullage management system and pipework systems to prevent overfilling and manage pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valves and pipes extend from one end of a vertically designed tank when mounted horizontally, then the tank can be adapted for vehicular use, but the valves and pipes take up valuable space reducing storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the valve assembly from the traditional end-position to the cylindrical wall of the tank, effectively changing the spatial dimension where the valve is positioned. This allows the valve to be accessible from the side rather than from the end, eliminating the need for additional space at the tank ends and thereby maximizing storage capacity while maintaining adaptability for vehicular mounting.
2Device complexity
If valves extend from the tank end, then the tank structure is simplified, but access to valves is extremely limited in vehicle wheel well space
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is repositioned from the longitudinal dimension (tank end) to the radial dimension (tank wall), making it accessible from the side of the tank. This dimensional change allows service personnel to access valves from the exterior of the vehicle without needing to reach into the confined wheel well space, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the inner vessel is fixed to the outer vessel at one end, then the tank structure is stable, but cold tracking occurs through the neck leading to ice formation and temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal conduction path by removing the direct contact between the inner and outer vessels at the neck region. Instead of fixing the inner vessel to the outer vessel at the end, the design allows thermal isolation at this critical location, preventing cold tracking from propagating through the neck and causing ice formation, while maintaining overall structural stability through alternative support mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If tanks are mounted horizontally for vehicular use, then space utilization is improved, but manifolds connecting pipework may be submerged by cryogenic liquid increasing cold tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the valve assembly from the longitudinal dimension to the radial dimension, allowing it to be located on the upper portion of the tank wall when mounted horizontally. This ensures that the valve and associated piping remain above the liquid level during normal operation, preventing submersion and the associated cold tracking problems, while still achieving efficient space utilization in the vehicle wheel well.
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
Enhances storage capacity, accessibility, and reduces cold tracking and pressure issues by positioning connectors through the tank walls and using ullage vessels to manage liquid levels and expansion, ensuring efficient and safe storage of cryogenic liquids.
Implementation Method 1
a first outer tank and a second inner tank, the first and second tanks being spaced apart from one another to form an insulation space
Implementation Method 2
the first connector is positioned on, and extends through, the wall of the first tank... the first connector is positioned substantially midway between the first and second ends of the first tank
Data Source
AI summary
A storage tank assembly for storage of cryogenic liquids including a first outer tank and a second, inner tank, the first and second tanks being spaced apart from one another to form an insulation space therebetween. Each of the first and second tanks has a first end, and an opposite second end spaced apart from the first end, and a wall extending from the first end to the second end. The assembly further includes a pipe work system comprising a plurality of pipes and a first connector extending through the wall of the first tank, the pipe work being connectable to the first connector such that the pipe work is spaced apart from the wall of the first tank.