Cryogenic Tank Eccentric Support Rotation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic storage tanks face issues with rotation of the inner tank along the circumferential direction, leading to potential damage of pipelines and compromised heat insulation.
Innovation Solution
The cryogenic storage tank incorporates eccentric support members that are symmetrically arranged with respect to the vertical and horizontal centre axis planes of the inner tank, preventing rotation by applying tensile force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If radial support members are used to support the inner tank, then the weight bearing function is achieved, but the inner tank can rotate along the circumferential direction causing pipeline damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the tank axis, featuring an inner end and an outer end that are offset from the radial direction. This asymmetric configuration creates a mechanical constraint that prevents circumferential rotation while maintaining the weight bearing function, thereby protecting the pipelines from damage due to rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members extend not only radially but also in the axial direction, creating a three-dimensional support structure. This dimensional extension allows the support members to resist both gravitational force (vertical support) and rotational moments (circumferential constraint), simultaneously addressing weight bearing and rotation prevention requirements.
2Reliability
If additional anti-deflection structures are added to prevent rotation, then the pipeline damage risk is reduced, but the heat leakage spots increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they bear the weight of the inner tank, prevent circumferential rotation, and maintain thermal insulation. By integrating rotation prevention into the basic support structure rather than adding separate anti-deflection components, the design avoids creating additional heat leakage paths while ensuring pipeline protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic storage tank includes an inner tank, a shell and two support assemblies supported between the inner tank and the shell. The two support assemblies are provided on two opposite ends of the inner tank along the axis of the inner tank. The support assemblies all include a plurality of support members, and the plurality of support members of each support assembly are symmetrically provided with respect to the vertical centre axis plane of the inner tank, and each of the upper side and the lower side of the horizontal centre axis plane of the inner tank is provided with support members; each support member includes an inner end connected to the outer end of the inner tank and an outer end connected to the inner wall of the shell, and the support member is located in a different plane from the axis of the inner tank.