Spherical LNG Tank Insulation Fixing to Prevent Weld Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insulating wall fixing devices for LNG storage tanks face stress concentration on welds due to hull motion and thermal contraction, which can lead to structural instability and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
The insulating wall fixing device features a securing stud with a spherical shape and a base socket with a spherical interior space, allowing for six degrees of freedom movement, reducing stress concentration by accommodating hull motion and thermal expansion through a cross-shaped groove and inclined insertion hole design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid insulating wall fixing device is used to securely mount the primary insulating wall, then the mounting stability is improved, but stress concentration occurs on the welds due to hull motion and thermal contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device incorporates a spherical insertion portion that can rotate and move within a spherical interior space, transforming the rigid fixed structure into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the device to adapt to hull motion and thermal contraction while maintaining mounting stability, preventing stress concentration on the welds between the insulating wall and the fixing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical geometry of the insertion portion and interior space provides six degrees of freedom for movement, changing the positional parameters of the fixing device relative to the insulating wall. This parameter flexibility allows accommodation of dimensional changes due to thermal contraction and hull motion without transmitting excessive stress to the welds.
2Strength
If the insulating wall fixing device is rigidly coupled to the secondary insulating wall, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device cannot accommodate hull motion
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical insertion portion rotating within the spherical interior space creates a dynamic connection between the fixing device and the secondary insulating wall. This dynamic joint maintains structural integrity through the securing stud and base socket connection while simultaneously accommodating hull motion through rotational and translational movement within the spherical space.
3Device complexity
If a conventional fixing device with limited movement freedom is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot cope with thermal contraction and expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical shape of the insertion portion and interior space provides a simple yet effective mechanism for multi-directional movement. This spherical geometry naturally accommodates thermal contraction and expansion in all directions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving adaptability with relatively simple device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an insulating wall fixing device for liquefied natural gas storage tanks. The insulating wall fixing device for liquefied natural gas storage tanks includes: a base socket; and a securing stud inserted into the base socket, wherein the base socket is formed on an upper surface thereof with an insertion hole through which the securing stud is inserted into the base socket and has an interior space in which one end of the securing stud is settled; the securing stud includes an insertion portion inserted into the interior space of the base socket through the insertion hole and a fastening portion protruding from the insertion portion outwardly of the base socket, the insertion portion having a spherical shape and comprising multiple leg members divided by a groove formed from one end of the insertion portion to the other end of the insertion portion; and the multiple leg members of the insertion portion are retracted toward the groove to enter the insertion hole upon inserting the securing stud into the base socket.