Gas Dome Insulating Pad for Cryogenic Seal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas dome structures for thermally insulating tanks, particularly those storing cryogenic fluids like LNG, face reliability issues due to seals being directly exposed to low temperatures, leading to potential leaks over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an insulating pad with a base and gripping members between the sealed conduit and the removable cover, which reduces thermal amplitudes and extends the seal's lifespan by maintaining higher minimum temperatures, thereby enhancing the seal's durability and reducing leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sealing gasket is placed in direct contact with the vapor phase within the inner tank, then the gas dome structure can be simplified and easier to manufacture, but the sealing gasket is subjected to very low temperatures (down to approximately -160°C) and significant temperature range, which damages it and causes leaks over time
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating pad is introduced as an intermediary element between the sealing gasket and the cold vapor phase. This pad comprises an insulating body (such as foam material) that thermally isolates the sealing gasket from the cryogenic environment, allowing the gasket to operate at higher temperatures and maintain its sealing properties while still enabling the overall simple construction
2Temperature
If the sealing gasket is exposed to cryogenic temperatures to maintain thermal insulation, then the thermal insulation performance is improved, but the seal's lifespan is reduced and degradation occurs due to temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating pad acts as a thermal barrier that mediates between the cold tank interior and the sealing gasket. It allows the gasket to remain in position for sealing while being thermally protected, thus extending its service life and preventing degradation from thermal cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating pad is installed beforehand to cushion and protect the sealing gasket from the harmful effects of cryogenic temperatures before the damage can occur. This preventive measure ensures the seal maintains its integrity over the long term by reducing thermal stress exposure
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 effectively reduces thermal stress on seals, extending their lifespan and minimizing leakage risks in cryogenic fluid storage and transport applications, ensuring the reliability of gas dome structures.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating pad (30) which is arranged inside an upper part of the sealed conduit (10) in support against a support plate (29)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas dome structure (1) intended for a sealed and thermally insulated tank and comprising: - a sealed pipe (10) equipped with an assembly flange (18) and a lower longitudinal end (15) intended to pass through a ceiling wall of the tank; - a cover (19) which is fixed to said assembly flange (18); - an annular sealing gasket (20) which is compressed between the cover (19) and the assembly flange (18); - a vapor collection conduit (3, 17) which passes in a sealed manner through a wall of the sealed pipe (10); - the sealed pipe (10) comprising a support plate (29) which supports an insulating pad (30) which seals the upper portion of the sealed pipe (10).