Deck-Mounted Fuel Tank Cover for LNG Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of liquefied fuel gases like LNG in ships requires larger fuel tanks due to their lower density, which reduces cargo accumulation space, and existing solutions do not effectively address the safety concerns of exposing these tanks to air.
Innovation Solution
A floating structure design where a liquefied fuel gas tank is mounted on the deck and covered by a surrounding structure to prevent air exposure, using support members and inert gas to absorb vibrations and detect leaks, ensuring safety and maximizing cargo space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If liquefied fuel gas tanks are mounted on the deck to minimize cargo space reduction, then cargo accumulation space is improved, but safety deteriorates due to air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel tank is nested within a cover structure that forms a protective enclosure. The cover is supported by support members that position it over the fuel tank, creating a nested arrangement where the fuel tank is contained within the cover structure. This nesting approach allows the fuel tank to be mounted on the deck while being protected from air exposure, thus maintaining both cargo space efficiency and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary structure between the fuel tank and the external environment (air). The cover is supported by support members and forms a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between air and the fuel tank. This intermediary structure enables the fuel tank to be positioned on the deck for cargo space efficiency while simultaneously providing the necessary safety protection.
2Reliability
If fuel tanks are covered to prevent air exposure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to support members and cover structures
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is designed to provide protection only where needed - over the fuel tank area. The support members are strategically positioned to provide local support at critical points, and the cover is configured to extend just enough to enclose the fuel tank without unnecessary complexity. This local quality approach maintains safety while minimizing overall structural complexity.
3Reliability
If fuel tanks are sealed to prevent air exposure, then explosion risk is reduced, but leak detection becomes more difficult without proper monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the space between the fuel tank and the cover for leakage. When leakage is detected, the sensors provide feedback to the control system, which can then alert operators or activate safety mechanisms. This feedback mechanism enables leak detection in sealed containers, balancing explosion prevention with monitoring 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
The solution minimizes cargo space reduction by optimizing fuel tank placement and enhances safety by preventing air exposure and potential explosions, while allowing for efficient fuel storage and leak detection.
Implementation Method 1
Inert gas, including nitrogen, may be filled within a space between the fuel tank and the cover
Implementation Method 2
the exterior of the fuel tank is surrounded by a cover
Data Source
AI summary
A floating structure with an on-deck fuel tank that is surrounded by a cover is provided. In the floating structure, since the fuel tank is covered by the cover, the fuel tank is sealed without being exposed to air, thereby enhancing safety. The fuel tank is configured to store liquefied fuel gas to be used as fuel. The fuel tank is installed on a deck of the floating structure, and the exterior of the fuel tank is surrounded by a cover.