Double-Walled Cryogenic Tank With Bimetallic Withdrawal Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic tanks are heavy and inefficient in reducing heat transfer to the fluid withdrawal pipe, limiting their capacity and safety on refrigerated vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled aluminum tank with a vacuum compartment and a bimetallic tubular joint connection system, utilizing concentric cones to minimize heat exchange, combined with a flanged connection for multiple pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the tank is made of heavy materials to ensure strength and safety, then the structural integrity is improved, but the tank weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank employs a composite structure consisting of an inner container, outer container, and intermediate support structure made of different materials optimized for their specific functions. The inner and outer containers are made of materials suitable for cryogenic service, while the support structure provides mechanical strength. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving required strength while minimizing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank is divided into multiple separate components: an inner container for holding cryogenic fluid, an outer container for structural support and insulation, and an intermediate support structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and enables the use of vacuum insulation between containers, reducing heat transfer without requiring heavy insulation materials.
2Device complexity
If the fluid withdrawal pipe is directly connected to the outer tank to simplify structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but heat transmission to the cryogenic fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate support structure that serves as a thermal barrier between the outer container and the inner container. The fluid withdrawal pipe passes through this intermediate structure, which is thermally insulated or has low thermal conductivity. This intermediary structure breaks the direct thermal path from the outer tank to the cryogenic fluid, reducing heat transmission while maintaining structural connection and pipe routing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple single-walled tank structure is used to reduce complexity, then the manufacturing is simplified, but heat absorption by the cryogenic fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank is divided into multiple separate components: an inner container for holding cryogenic fluid, an outer container for structural support and insulation, and an intermediate support structure. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and enables the use of vacuum insulation between containers, reducing heat transfer without requiring heavy insulation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the inner and outer containers is evacuated to create a vacuum environment. This vacuum acts as an excellent thermal insulator, dramatically reducing heat transfer from the outer container to the inner container and cryogenic fluid. The vacuum barrier is created by sealing the intermediate space and removing air and other gases, providing passive thermal protection.
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
Reduces tank weight and heat absorption during fluid withdrawal, enhancing the efficiency and safety of cryogenic fluid transport on refrigerated vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
between the outer container 10 and the inner container 11 there is a compartment inside which a vacuum can be created
Implementation Method 2
a tubular bimetallic joint 14, which has an aluminum end 15, adapted to be welded to the outer container 10 of the tank 12, and an end 16 made of stainless steel
Data Source
AI summary
A tank (12) for transporting cryogenic fluids, comprising an outer container (10) and an inner container (11), having between them a compartment. The inner container (11) is adapted to contain a cryogenic fluid, which is brought outside the tank (12) through at least one cryogenic fluid withdrawal pipe (13), preferably made of stainless steel. The cryogenic fluid withdrawal pipe (13) is connected to the outer container (10) through a connection system (22) comprising a tubular bimetallic joint (14), which has an outer wall (15), adapted to be welded to the outer container (10) of the tank (12), and a central end or terminal (16), adapted to be welded to the cryogenic fluid withdrawal pipe (13).