Cryogenic Storage Tank Pipe Layout for Lower Heat Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic fluid storage tanks face challenges with increased volume and weight due to long fluid injection and discharge pipes passing through a vacuum layer, which complicates heat intrusion prevention and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The tank design incorporates double-pipe structures for injection and discharge pipes with vacuum insulation, and a baffle system to minimize heat intrusion and optimize space, using a vacuum layer between inner and outer cylinders to reduce pipe lengths and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If long fluid injection and discharge pipes are used to minimize heat intrusion, then heat insulation performance is improved, but tank volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pipe structure where the discharge pipe is positioned inside the injection pipe, forming a concentric double-pipe configuration. This nesting allows both pipes to pass through the vacuum layer simultaneously without increasing the external dimensions of the tank, thereby maintaining long effective pipe lengths for heat insulation while minimizing the overall tank volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-pipe configuration to a double-pipe concentric arrangement, utilizing the radial dimension within the vacuum layer. By arranging pipes in concentric circles rather than requiring separate linear paths, the design achieves longer effective insulation lengths without proportionally increasing tank volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pipes pass through the vacuum layer, then fluid injection and discharge functions are improved, but outer cylinder volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the injection and discharge pipe functions into a single integrated double-pipe structure. The concentric arrangement combines what would traditionally be separate pipe runs into one unified assembly, reducing the number of separate components and support structures needed, thereby decreasing overall tank weight while maintaining both fluid injection and discharge capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-pipe structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the inner pipe handles discharge while the annular space between pipes provides both insulation and a pathway for the injection fluid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate insulation structures and support systems, reducing total weight.
3Loss of energy
If pipe lengths are increased to minimize heat intrusion, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe system into distinct functional zones: the inner discharge pipe, the annular vacuum insulation layer, and the outer injection pipe. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that minimizes heat intrusion.
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 design allows for longer pipe lengths with minimized heat intrusion, reduces tank volume, and maintains efficient cryogenic fluid storage by using double-pipe vacuum insulation and baffles to enhance space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum layer between an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder of the tank
Implementation Method 2
minimize heat intrusion through a pipe through which a cryogenic material is injected
Implementation Method 3
double-pipe structures for injection and discharge pipes with vacuum insulation
Implementation Method 4
injection pipe insulation part surrounding an outer surface of the injection pipe body part
Implementation Method 5
a baffle part which is mounted on an inner surface of the tank body part and forms turbulence of the cryogenic fluid injected into the tank body part
Data Source
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AI summary
A cryogenic fluid storage tank according to the present invention comprises: a tank body part; an injection pipe part through which a cryogenic fluid is injected into the tank body part and which is formed by a double-walled pipe; a discharge pipe part through which the cryogenic fluid in the tank body part is discharged to the outside and which is formed by a double-walled pipe; and a baffle part which is mounted to the inner surface of the tank body part and disperses the cryogenic fluid injected into the tank body part.