Cryogenic Trench Joint Sealing for Precast LNG Spill Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for constructing cryogenic trenches are inadequate for effectively containing spills of liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to insufficient insulation and structural integrity, particularly under cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
The method involves constructing precast concrete sections with polymeric concrete panels that are connected using specialized connections and sealed with epoxy grout and non-sag sealing materials, including a bellow structure and butyl rubber elastomer, to create a continuous cryogenic protection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If precast concrete sections are used for constructing cryogenic trenches, then construction speed and structural integrity are improved, but the complexity of assembling and sealing connections between sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trench is divided into multiple precast concrete sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. Each section includes integrated connection elements (such as protrusions and recesses) that enable modular assembly, reducing on-site construction complexity while maintaining structural integrity through factory-prepared connection details.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection elements, sealing surfaces, and insulation layers are pre-installed on the precast sections during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when sections are assembled on-site, the connection processes are simplified and standardized, reducing the complexity of field assembly while guaranteeing structural and sealing performance.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing materials are used at connection joints, then application is simple, but the seal cannot withstand thermal expansion and contraction under cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses materials with specific thermal properties (such as low-temperature flexibility and appropriate thermal expansion coefficients) that match the cryogenic environment. The sealing compound is formulated to remain elastic and seal-effective at extremely low temperatures while accommodating thermal movement between concrete sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system employs a composite approach combining multiple materials: a flexible sealant base material, reinforcing fibers or mesh for structural support, and potentially a protective outer layer. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for thermal movement and the strength required for reliable sealing under cryogenic conditions.
3Temperature
If thick insulation layers are added to precast sections, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but the weight and complexity of handling and installing sections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation system uses composite material structures such as foam concrete (aerated concrete) or traditional concrete with embedded insulation layers. These composite materials provide high thermal resistance per unit weight, improving insulation performance without proportionally increasing the overall section weight and handling complexity.
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 solution provides a reliable and durable containment system for cryogenic spills, capable of withstanding thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring a liquid-tight seal and maintaining structural integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of the panels can be adhered to the bottom wall and side walls of each concrete section preferably using an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
An epoxy grout can be added to the connections at the second location
Implementation Method 3
capable of withstanding thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring a liquid-tight seal
Implementation Method 4
insufficient insulation and structural integrity, particularly under cryogenic temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A method of installing a trench for containing a cryogenic spill, including the step of constructing multiple precast concrete sections at a first location, each section preferably having a bottom wall and spaced apart side walls connected to and extending up from the bottom wall. Each section preferably has end portions that enable connection to another said concrete section. The method includes (at the first location) preparing multiple panels of polymeric concrete material by filling one or more molds with a slurry or liquid polymeric concrete material and after time allowing the material to cure and harden. The mold can have a cavity that is lined with a release material. At the first location, one or more of the panels can be adhered to the bottom wall and side walls of each concrete section preferably using an adhesive. After adhering of the panels to the concrete sections, the concrete sections can be transported from the first location to a second location that is remote from the first location. At the second location, the concrete sections are connected together using connections that preferably join one end portion of a concrete section to and end portion of another concrete section. An epoxy grout is preferably field applied to the connections at the second location.