LNG Pump Tower Mounting Structure for Cryogenic Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pump tower installation structures for LNG storage tanks face complexities in pipe fixation, insulation efficiency, and gas-tight sealing, leading to potential leakage and exposure to external shocks due to the need for additional heat isolation and complicated fixing processes between the inner and outer hulls.
Innovation Solution
A pump tower installation structure that includes an adaptor and cover with insulation boards, an adhesive layer, and adjustment closing portions, which are welded to the inner hull, providing effective pipe fixation and insulation while addressing tolerance issues between the inner and outer hulls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If pipes are fixed to the outer hull with additional heat isolation process, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pipe fixing structure with the insulation structure into an integrated assembly. The fixing structure includes fixing members that extend through the inner hull and are retained by retaining members, while insulation material is positioned around the pipes within the same structural framework. This merging eliminates the need for separate heat isolation processes and simplifies the overall fixing system while maintaining both mechanical support and thermal insulation functions.
2Reliability
If gas-tight seal portion is exposed outside the outer hull, then sealing function is maintained, but efficiency of adjacent space is lowered and exposure to external shocks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate structure consisting of the inner hull and the integrated fixing assembly that protects the gas-tight seal portion. The seal is positioned within the pump tower structure and protected by the inner hull and fixing members, rather than being directly exposed to the external environment. This intermediary protection maintains the sealing function while shielding it from external shocks and improving space utilization.
3Reliability
If pipes are fixed to inner hull with adaptor and cover, then fixation reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pipe fixing system into modular components: an adaptor that attaches to the inner hull, fixing members that extend through the adaptor, a cover that closes the assembly, and retaining members that secure the fixing members. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standardized interfaces, improving assembly precision and reliability while enabling modular manufacturing that can reduce overall production complexity through component standardization.
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 enables effective pipe fixation and insulation within the LNG storage tank, enhancing the gas-tightness and thermal insulation, thereby improving the structural integrity and reducing the risk of leakage and external shock exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer and an adjustment protective plate attached under the second protective plate by the adhesive layer may be provided under the second protective plate
Implementation Method 2
an LNG storage tank of an LNG carrier generally stores LNG cooled to a temperature of approximately -163 °C, and thus is manufactured of a material which may withstand cryogenic temperatures, and has an insulation structure which is strong against thermal stress and thermal contraction and may prevent heat penetration
Implementation Method 3
Contact portions of the adaptor, the inner hull and the cover may be bonded by a welding operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a pump tower installation structure of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank and a manufacturing method thereof. The pump tower installation structure of the LNG storage tank includes an adaptor disposed at a predetermined area of an opening portion formed at an inner hull disposed on an upper side of the LNG storage tank, and a cover having through-holes corresponding to pipes of the pump tower installed at the storage tank, and disposed at a remaining area of the opening portion to be connected with the adaptor.