Full Integrity Bullet LNG Tank Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bullet-type LNG storage tanks lack a full integrity classification, failing to provide adequate containment and controlled vapor release in the event of a catastrophic failure, posing a risk to surrounding populations due to uncontrolled gas leaks and potential fires or explosions.
Innovation Solution
A full integrity bullet tank design featuring both inner and outer tanks made of cryogenic steel, with steel feet on a concrete support structure and an internal Emergency Shut Down valve, along with a burst disc for controlled vapor release, ensuring the outer tank's integrity and eliminating the need for a containment pit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bullet-type LNG storage tanks use conventional single or double integrity designs, then construction costs and footprint are reduced, but safety and containment capability deteriorate due to inability to prevent uncontrolled gas leaks and vapor release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested tank structure where an inner tank is placed inside an outer tank, both made of cryogenic steel. The inner tank contains the liquefied gas while the outer tank provides additional containment. This nested configuration achieves full integrity classification by ensuring that even if the inner tank fails, the outer tank prevents uncontrolled release of gas and vapor, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining cryogenic steel for both inner and outer tanks, with the outer tank serving as a secondary containment barrier. This composite structure of nested cryogenic steel tanks provides full integrity classification while maintaining material consistency, addressing the safety requirement without introducing incompatible materials that would complicate the system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bullet-type LNG storage tanks lack full integrity classification, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful effects increase due to uncontrolled vapor release and catastrophic failure risks
Solution Approach 1:
The nested dual-tank configuration with both inner and outer cryogenic steel tanks creates a redundant containment system. The outer tank acts as a protective barrier that prevents catastrophic failure and uncontrolled vapor release even if the inner tank is compromised, thereby reducing harmful effects while managing containment structure complexity through systematic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tank serves as a pre-established protective barrier that cushions against catastrophic failure before it can occur. By having this secondary containment in place beforehand, the system prevents uncontrolled gas leaks and vapor release, addressing the harmful effects proactively rather than reactively.
3Reliability
If full integrity classification is implemented in bullet tanks, then safety standards are improved, but construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nested tank design achieves full integrity classification through a systematic configuration of inner and outer tanks, both made of cryogenic steel. This standardized nested approach simplifies manufacturing compared to custom designs, as it uses repeated modular components (inner tank, outer tank, support structure) that can be produced using established cryogenic steel fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves full integrity classification while simplifying manufacture by using homogeneous material (cryogenic steel) for both inner and outer tanks. This material uniformity eliminates the need for complex material transitions, welding dissimilar metals, or specialized joint designs, thereby reducing construction complexity and cost while maintaining the required safety standard.
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 design achieves full integrity classification, preventing brittle fractures and allowing controlled vapor release, reducing construction costs and footprint, while ensuring the highest safety standards, especially in populated areas.
Implementation Method 1
both the inner tank as well as the outer tank made of cryogenic steel... preventing brittle fractures
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to improve storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases, a full integrity bullet type storage tank(80) is proposed, said tank(80) comprising: -an inner tank(82) of cryogenic steel; -an outer tank(83) of cryogenic steel; -feet for supporting the storage tank(80) on a support structure(81); and -an outlet pipe(84) communicating with the interior of the inner tank(82).