Cryogenic Tank Central Cone Support for Thermal Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryogenic liquid transport tanks face challenges in supporting the inner tank due to thermal expansion, heat conduction, and mass distribution, leading to unreliable retention and potential wear or breakage, especially when using double-walled designs with traditional insulation and support systems.

Innovation Solution

A double-walled tank design featuring a single central cone support system that connects the inner tank to the outer casing, minimizing thermal expansion stresses and heat transfer while ensuring reliable load distribution and balance, with a fixed point of support and pierced cone to reduce conduction and overhang.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple movable support pads are used to allow thermal expansion, then the inner tank can move freely during thermal contraction, but the support system becomes complex and wear control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidsupport system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into a fixed conical support at the bottom and movable support elements at the sides, allowing differential movement while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making all supports movable to accommodate expansion, the invention fixes the central conical support and allows only the side supports to move, inverting the conventional approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If movable support pads with play are used to accommodate thermal contraction, then the inner tank can shrink freely, but excessive play causes unwanted shocks and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal contraction accommodationVSAvoidsupport system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conical geometry of the fixed support changes the contact parameters during thermal contraction, allowing smooth accommodation of dimensional changes without sudden impacts or shocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the inner tank is suspended by chains or placed on blocks, then the support system is simple, but the internal reservoir is not adequately maintained and wear occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport system simplicityVSAvoidinternal reservoir maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conical support acts as an intermediary element between the inner tank and outer casing, providing a controlled contact interface that prevents direct rubbing and wear while maintaining proper positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system combines different material properties - the conical support made of low-conductivity material to minimize heat transfer while providing structural support, and movable side supports with friction characteristics that prevent excessive movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Loss of energy

If supports with large cross-sections are used to minimize conduction, then heat loss by conduction is reduced, but the mass of the support structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss by conductionVSAvoidsupport structure mass

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system uses locally optimized properties - the conical support has a geometry that minimizes conductive heat transfer pathways while the movable side supports use low-conductivity materials only where contact is necessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 central cone support system provides durable and reliable retention of the inner tank, managing thermal expansion and heat flow effectively, reducing wear and enhancing the structural integrity and efficiency of cryogenic liquid transport.

Implementation Method 1

Minimizing heat loss by conduction (using low-conductivity materials, small cross-sections and long lengths)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Resisting thermal expansion: the outer casing remains at ambient temperature while the inner tank can shrink by up to about 7 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP3875832A1Device for holding an inside tank of a cryogenic liquid transport tank

Publication Date: 2021.09.08 ETAB MAGYAR

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6

AI summary

The cryogenic liquid transport tank (1) according to the invention comprises an inner reservoir (2), substantially cylindrical in shape, disposed within an outer casing (3). The inner reservoir (2) and the outer casing (3) are coaxial along axis X. The inner reservoir (2) is connected to the outer casing (3) by a support device. The support device is characterized in that it consists of a single cone (4) with axis X located at the center (12) of the tank (1) and connecting the inner reservoir (2) to the outer casing (3). There is only one fixed, strong, and reliable point and no movable support. The latter is more complex to design, and it is impossible to control its potential wear over time. Furthermore, its central position reduces the overhang and balances the loads on each side, thus reducing the stresses generated.