Cryogenic Tank Bi-Material Weld Junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid storage devices, particularly those made of aluminum alloy, face challenges with thermal insulation and reliability of welds, leading to potential defects and condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of an aluminum alloy first wall and a stainless steel second wall, joined by an aluminum-stainless steel alloy junction portion, provides a reliable and thermally insulated structure for the cryogenic fluid storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the valve box is made of aluminum alloy to reduce tank weight, then the tank weight is reduced, but the weld reliability deteriorates due to defective aluminum welds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material structure where the tank body is made of aluminum alloy for weight reduction, while the valve box is made of stainless steel for reliable welding. The aluminum-stainless steel alloy junction portion creates a metallurgical bond between these two different materials, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve both lightweight construction and high weld reliability in critical areas.
2Reliability
If screw connection is used between outer tank casing and valve box casing to avoid welding defects, then weld reliability is improved, but thermal insulation deteriorates due to risk of condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material approach with an aluminum-stainless steel alloy junction portion that creates a metallurgical bond between the aluminum tank and stainless steel valve box. This welded composite structure eliminates the need for screw connections, maintaining the static vacuum thermal insulation integrity while achieving reliable assembly. The vacuum insulation layer remains uninterrupted, preventing condensation issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If equipment is not integrated into housing to avoid welding challenges, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but thermal insulation deteriorates leading to condensation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates equipment into a stainless steel valve box housing that is welded to the aluminum tank via an aluminum-stainless steel alloy junction portion. This composite material construction allows the valve box to be seamlessly integrated with the tank while maintaining the static vacuum thermal insulation. The reliable stainless steel welds prevent insulation breaches that would otherwise lead to condensation, thus resolving both manufacturing and insulation concerns.
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 bi-material junction allows for a stainless steel valve box that integrates cryogenic equipment effectively, ensuring reliable assembly and improved thermal insulation, reducing the risk of condensation and operational issues.
Implementation Method 1
The first wall (3) and the second wall (4) are welded respectively at two ends of the junction portion (5)
Implementation Method 2
Since cryogenic tanks are generally insulated with a static vacuum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cryogenic fluid storage device comprising a first wall (2) made of aluminium alloy forming a tank and a second wall (4) delimiting a volume intended to house a set of tank equipment, for example at least one valve, the second wall (4) being fixed to the first wall by welding, characterized in that the second wall (4) is made of stainless steel and in that the welding of the second wall (4) to the first wall (2) is carried out via a junction portion (5) composed of an alloy based on aluminium alloy and stainless steel and interposed between the two walls (2, 4).