Cryogenic Vaporizer Pipe Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic liquid vaporizers experience bending deformation of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe due to temperature differences between regions, leading to stress and potential damage from thermal expansion/shrinkage.
Innovation Solution
A heat-transfer suppressing section, such as a heat insulating member with reduced conductivity, is applied to the second region of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe to minimize heat transfer and prevent temperature differences, while also providing stretchability to accommodate thermal expansion/shrinkage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe is used to distribute liquefied natural gas to multiple vaporizing tubes, then the vaporization process is enabled, but temperature differences occur between regions of the distribution pipe leading to bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal insulation properties to different regions of the distribution pipe. Specifically, the first region (where vaporizing tubes are arranged) has normal heat transfer characteristics, while the second region (end portion) has reduced heat transfer capability through thermal insulation or heat dissipation structures. This local differentiation prevents temperature differences that would cause bending deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (thermal insulation layer or heat dissipation structure) between the distribution pipe and the surrounding environment in the second region. This intermediary controls the heat transfer process and prevents excessive temperature rise at the pipe end, thereby preventing bending deformation while maintaining vaporization functionality.
2Productivity
If heat exchange occurs between liquefied natural gas and seawater through vaporizing tubes, then vaporization is achieved, but thermal expansion and shrinkage cause stress in joining areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal insulation specifically to the second region of the distribution pipe where temperature differences and thermal stress are most problematic. This localized approach maintains vaporization efficiency in the first region while protecting the joining areas in the second region from excessive thermal stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preventive measures by providing thermal insulation or heat dissipation structures in advance at the second region of the distribution pipe. This beforehand cushioning prevents temperature differences and thermal stress from occurring, protecting the joining areas before damage can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the distribution pipe extends horizontally to connect multiple vaporizing tubes, then gas distribution is enabled, but temperature differences in longitudinal direction cause bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent differentiates the thermal characteristics along the longitudinal direction of the distribution pipe. The first region (where vaporizing tubes are connected) allows normal heat exchange, while the second region (end portion extending horizontally) has reduced heat transfer capability. This longitudinal differentiation prevents the temperature gradient that would cause bending deformation while maintaining gas distribution capability.
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 configuration effectively prevents bending deformation by maintaining temperature uniformity and ensuring the heat insulating member can expand/contract with the pipe, thus preventing damage from thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulating member having a heat conductivity less than a heat conductivity of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe is provided on a second region of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe
Implementation Method 2
heat exchange is performed between the liquefied natural gas and the seawater, through a tube wall of the vaporizing tube separating an inside and an outside thereof
Implementation Method 3
heat exchange is performed between the liquefied natural gas and the seawater, through a tube wall of the vaporizing tube
Implementation Method 4
the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe 108 is likely to undergo bending deformation, due to a difference in amount of thermal expansion/shrinkage in each of the vaporizing tubes 106 caused by the temperature difference
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a cryogenic liquid vaporizer which allows an inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe to become less likely to undergo bending deformation due to a difference in temperature of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe in a longitudinal direction thereof. The vaporizer is characterized in that it comprises: a vaporizing tube panel (16) including a plurality of vaporizing tubes (21) and an inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe (22) for distributing a cryogenic liquid to the respective vaporizing tubes (21), wherein the plurality of vaporizing tubes (21) are arranged on a vertical plane and side-by-side in a horizontal direction, and the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe (22) is disposed to extend in the horizontal direction and connected to respective lower ends of the vaporizing tubes (21); a liquid supply section (30) for supplying a heat-exchanging liquid from an upper end of the vaporizing tube panel (16) to allow the heat-exchanging liquid to flow down along the plurality of vaporizing tubes (21); and a heat-transfer suppressing section (23) for, with respect to a heat transfer rate from the heat-exchanging liquid to a first region (A1) of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe (22) where the plurality of vaporizing tubes (21) are arranged, suppressing a heat transfer rate from the heat-exchanging liquid to an overall second region (A2) of the inter-vaporizing tube distribution pipe (22) located outside the first region (A1).