LNG Barrier Reinforcing Member Fixing Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
The first barriers in LNG storage tanks face issues with thermal stress-induced deformation and sloshing during transportation, leading to potential safety hazards due to inadequate fixation of reinforcing members under corrugated portions, which compromise both thermal stability and pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device for the first barrier-reinforcing member, featuring a coupling portion with wing-shaped inserts into triangular grooves and a U-shaped elastic clip, securely fastens the reinforcing member to the inner sides of corrugated portions, utilizing an impact-absorbing plate and adhesive for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcing members are installed under the corrugated portions of the first barriers to improve pressure resistance, then the pressure resistance performance is improved, but the installation becomes difficult because the reinforcing members are not fixed to the corrugated portions
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into distinct components: a fixing bracket with coupling portions for engagement, a body for structural support, and fastening members for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall installation process more manageable and effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing bracket acts as an intermediary component between the reinforcing member and the corrugated portion of the first barrier. It provides coupling portions that engage with the corrugated structure, enabling secure fixation without requiring direct attachment between the reinforcing member and the barrier surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the first barriers are made with low in-plane stiffness through corrugated portions to reduce thermal stress, then the thermal stress at welding portions is reduced, but the barriers become vulnerable to permanent deformation under compressive force from sloshing
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated portions are strategically designed with specific geometries (triangular grooves, folded surfaces) that provide different mechanical properties in different locations. The crossing portions have enhanced structural features that locally increase stiffness and strength where needed, while maintaining overall flexibility for thermal accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first barrier system combines the corrugated stainless steel barrier material with the fixing device structure, creating a composite system that leverages the flexibility of the corrugated portions for thermal stress management while incorporating the fixing bracket and fastening members to provide enhanced structural support for pressure resistance.
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
This solution allows for simple and effective fixation of reinforcing members, enhancing the thermal stability and pressure resistance of the first barriers, thereby improving the safety and durability of LNG storage tanks during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling portion fixedly inserted in insertion grooves formed under lateral sides of a crossing portion
Implementation Method 2
a first fastening member for fastening an impact-absorbing plate between the heat-insulating board and the first barrier
Implementation Method 3
an impact-absorbing plate and adhesive for enhanced stability
Implementation Method 4
an impact-absorbing plate and adhesive for enhanced stability
Data Source
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AI summary
A fixing device of a first barrier-reinforcing member is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a fixing device of a first barrier-reinforcing member for supporting first and second corrugated portions that are formed in a first barrier to cross each other in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank including a heat-insulating board and a first barrier positioned thereon and forming an inner wall, including: a fixing bracket including a coupling portion fixedly inserted in insertion grooves formed under lateral sides of a crossing portion where the first and second corrugated portions cross, and a body coupled to one side of the coupling portion; and a first fastening member for fastening an impact-absorbing plate between the heat-insulating board and the first barrier with the other side of the body. The reinforcing member is fixed to inner sides of the first and second corrugated portions by the impact-absorbing plate.