Cryogenic Tank Support via Flexible Base and Hull Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo tank support systems for vessels, particularly those carrying cold or cryogenic liquids, face challenges in efficiently distributing load and maintaining structural integrity while minimizing thermal stress and leakage risks, especially with high vertical tanks which can result in large local loads and inefficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A cargo tank support system featuring a cylindrical shell with a flexible base and evenly distributed support elements, utilizing insulation layers to transfer pressure without inducing bending moments, and support point pairs with insulation between pressure faces to distribute loads and prevent unwanted stress, ensuring thermal insulation and efficient load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If self supporting big and high vertical tanks are used, then the tank structure is robust, but large local load is generated and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into a membrane shell structure that relies on the hull for support rather than being self-supporting. This segmentation allows the tank to conform to the hull shape, improving space utilization while the hull structure provides the necessary robustness.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane tank is nested within the hull structure, with the tank membrane fitting inside the hull contours. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by allowing the tank to conform to the available hull volume while the hull itself provides the structural strength.
2Temperature
If support forces are transferred via hardwood layers or synthetic materials, then temperature insulation is maintained, but bending moments may be induced in the tank structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the tank structure itself and transferred to the hull structure. The membrane tank bottom is supported by the hull bottom through insulation material, preventing bending moments in the tank while maintaining thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulation material is introduced as an intermediary between the tank bottom and hull bottom. This intermediary layer provides thermal insulation while allowing direct support force transfer to the hull, preventing bending moments in the tank structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tank bottom is firmly fastened to the hull, then structural stability is improved, but thermal stress and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
Insulation material serves as an intermediary between the tank bottom and hull bottom, providing thermal insulation that reduces thermal stress. The membrane structure maintains reliable connection through this intermediary layer while preventing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane tank bottom uses a flexible thin film structure that can accommodate thermal movements without generating excessive stress. This flexible membrane maintains reliable connection to the hull through insulation material while reducing leakage risks.
4Quantity of substance
If high vertical tanks are used to adapt liquid transport amount, then cargo capacity is improved, but vertical and horizontal support becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hull structure serves multiple functions: it provides the outer boundary of the vessel, structural strength, and support for the membrane tank. This multi-functionality simplifies the support system while allowing high vertical tanks that maximize cargo capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane tank structure is designed to work with the hull structure, using the hull's inherent strength and shape to provide support. The tank membrane conforms to the hull contours, allowing the hull to serve its own structural purpose while supporting the cargo containment function.
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 solution effectively supports vertical and horizontal pressures separately, preventing large bending moments and thermal stress, allowing for flexible tank expansion and reducing the risk of leakage, while optimizing space utilization and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
vertical forces from the tank are transferable as pressure evenly distributed from the contents of the tank to the bottom structure of the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the materials in these layers have very good temperature insulating properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention regards a system for support of a vertical cargo tank 4, 40 resting on an insulation layer 15 against the hull of a vessel 41. Vertical forces are supported through the base of the tank. Horizontal forces are supported by support point pairs 8. These pairs are designed to direct applied forces generally through the middle of the shell 23 of the tank in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank. The base of the tank is flexible to generally distributed transferring forces from the tank directly to the bottom 7 of the vessel in order not to apply bending moment to the shell of the tank nor to the bottom of the vessel.