Insulated Tank Support Structure for Single-Barrier Cryogenic Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support structures for low-temperature liquid storage tanks lack thermal insulation and cannot be efficiently integrated with tanks having a single thermal barrier, and their construction is location-dependent, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a metallic structure with a pad made of concrete mixed with powdery materials, such as perlite or glass marbles, providing thermal insulation and acting as a thermal barrier, along with a metallic sheet and band forming a formwork for the pad, which is anchored by stainless steel plates and studs, ensuring thermal insulation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional raised foundation support structure is used, then the storage tank is supported, but the structure lacks thermal insulation and cannot be used with tanks having only one thermal barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure merges the support function with thermal insulation function into a single integrated system. The pad foundation combines concrete structural support with powdery insulating materials, while the metallic structure integrates support beams with insulation layers, eliminating the need for separate insulation components and enabling compatibility with single-barrier tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials throughout the support structure. The pad foundation combines concrete with powdery insulating materials (perlite, glass marbles, or clay granules). The metallic structure uses steel beams combined with insulation layers. These composite constructions provide both structural support and thermal insulation simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If a traditional slab is built in situ, then the support structure is constructed, but material acquisition and construction costs increase due to location-dependent building
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct modular components: pad foundations, metallic support structures with integrated insulation, and connection elements. These modules can be manufactured separately in controlled environments and assembled on-site, enabling prefabrication and reducing location-dependent construction constraints.
3Reliability
If the metallic structure is directly exposed to cold cargo temperatures, then structural support is provided, but contraction and negative impacts occur on the metallic structure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure introduces intermediary thermal insulation layers between the metallic structure and the cold cargo. The metallic structure is covered with insulation materials that act as a thermal barrier, preventing direct thermal contact and protecting the metallic components from cold-induced contraction and damage.
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 support structure enhances thermal insulation, mitigates the impact of cold temperatures on the metallic structure, and allows for prefabrication off-site, reducing construction costs and complexity while maintaining optimal thermal performance.
Implementation Method 1
the powdery material comprised in the pad grants to the said pad a thermal insulation property
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure is configured to hold a storage tank by being located at least underneath the storage tank. The support structure includes at least a metallic structure and at least one pad including at least concrete mixed with a powdery material, the pad being superimposed on the metallic structure.