Insulating Block Anchoring for LNG Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally insulating tank designs for low-temperature liquids, such as LPG and LNG, face issues with insulating block movement due to gravity and vessel acceleration, leading to damage, thermal bridges, and stress concentrations in the waterproof membrane.
Innovation Solution
A sealed and thermally insulating vessel with non-horizontal walls featuring anchoring and positioning members that include projecting elements, clamping elements, and positioning wedges to securely anchor and position insulating blocks, preventing sliding and compensating for manufacturing deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If insulating blocks are anchored solely by clamping against the non-horizontal support wall, then the anchoring structure is simple, but the insulating blocks can move due to gravity and vessel acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring member is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamping element for securing the insulating block and a positioning wedge for preventing movement. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function effectively - the clamping element provides holding force while the positioning wedge blocks gravitational and acceleration-induced movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning wedge acts as an intermediary element between the insulating block and the support wall. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical stop that prevents the insulating block from sliding down the non-horizontal surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple clamping and stable positioning.
2Device complexity
If insulating blocks are allowed to move on the support wall, then the anchoring system remains simple, but the insulating material can be damaged by rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning wedge is installed in advance to establish the correct position and prevent movement of the insulating block before any operational forces are applied. This preliminary positioning action prevents the insulating material from rubbing against the support wall or anchoring devices, thereby protecting its integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning wedge provides a preventive measure against potential damage to the insulating material. By establishing a mechanical stop beforehand, it cushions against the harmful effect of movement and rubbing, ensuring the insulating material remains intact throughout the vessel's operation.
3Device complexity
If insulating blocks are allowed to move, then the anchoring design is simplified, but thermal bridges can be created by movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on the insulating block's position to be maintained by friction or complex restraint mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using the positioning wedge to actively enforce the correct position. This ensures continuous thermal insulation by preventing gaps or displacements that would create thermal bridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning wedge is a simple, inexpensive component that provides a permanent solution to a potential recurring problem. By using a straightforward mechanical element rather than a complex active control system, the invention maintains thermal insulation efficiency without adding significant device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If insulating blocks are fixed to the support wall, then positioning stability is improved, but additional elongations and stress concentrations occur in the waterproof membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system applies restraint forces locally at the interface between the insulating block and the support wall, rather than transmitting forces throughout the entire membrane structure. The positioning wedge creates a localized mechanical stop that stabilizes the insulating block without inducing significant stress concentrations in the waterproof membrane.
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 ensures precise positioning of insulating blocks, maintains thermal insulation integrity, and reduces stress on the waterproof membrane, enhancing the reliability and simplicity of tank construction while preventing damage and thermal bridging.
Implementation Method 1
it is desirable to prevent gravity, possibly combined with accelerations due to the movements of the vessel at the sea, can cause the insulating blocks to move by sliding on the support wall
Implementation Method 2
it is desirable to prevent gravity, possibly combined with accelerations due to the movements of the vessel at the sea, can cause the insulating blocks to move by sliding on the support wall
Implementation Method 3
a clamping element attached directly or indirectly to the projecting element and extending transversely to the projecting element to cooperate with insulating blocks between which the projecting element is arranged to clamp the insulating blocks against the support wall
Implementation Method 4
a thermally insulating barrier comprising a plurality of juxtaposed insulating blocks according to a repeated pattern on the internal surface of the support and anchored to the support wall
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sealed and thermally insulated tank comprises a plurality of tank walls delimiting an interior space within the tank. An anchoring and positioning device includes: a projecting element (62) disposed between several insulating blocks (8), a clamping element (39) attached to the projecting element for clamping said insulating blocks against the support wall, and a positioning wedge (64) engaged on the projecting element (62) and arranged between the support wall and the clamping element (39), the positioning wedge having a buttress surface (5) facing an upward direction (100) of the support wall. A lateral surface (11) of at least one of the insulating blocks (8) abuts the buttress surface (5) of the positioning wedge (64), such that the positioning wedge maintains the lateral surface of the insulating block at a predetermined distance from the projecting element (62).