LNG Tank Bellow Connection for Thermal Expansion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LNG tank systems, particularly single-shell designs, face challenges with cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, leakage prevention, and accommodating temperature-related issues, while also aiming to maximize LNG volume within a given space.

Innovation Solution

A single-shell LNG tank system utilizing bellow connections with insulation to compensate for temperature-induced length changes and movements, allowing for flexible pipe connections between the tank and the tank connection space, which can be located adjacent to each other, thereby optimizing space usage and preventing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single-shell LNG tank is used to reduce cost and simplify installation, then manufacturing cost and installation complexity are reduced, but the risk of leakage and cold-related damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation complexityVSAvoidleakage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a tank connection space adjacent to the LNG tank that serves as a protective barrier. This space is designed to contain any potential LNG leakage before it can cause damage to the ship, thus preventing harmful effects in advance while maintaining the simpler single-shell tank structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a tank connection space as a mediator between the LNG tank and the ship's interior. This intermediate space contains the piping system and acts as a secondary containment barrier, protecting against leakage while allowing the single-shell tank design to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If pipes are rigidly connected to the LNG tank to ensure structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but thermal stress and cracking due to temperature differences worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the pipe connections flexible rather than rigid. The pipes are allowed to move and expand/contract within the tank connection space, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction without creating excessive stress on the tank structure or causing cracks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of pipe flexibility by allowing the pipes to be positioned and oriented differently within the tank connection space. This enables the piping system to adapt to temperature-induced dimensional changes while maintaining proper connection to the tank

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the tank connection space is located far from the LNG tank to simplify piping, then installation ease is improved, but space utilization and insulation efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiping installationVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the tank connection space adjacent to and surrounding part of the LNG tank structure. The piping system is nested within this connection space, which is itself positioned within the available shipboard space, achieving compact integration that maximizes space utilization while simplifying piping connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system enables cost-effective installation, prevents leakage and cold-related issues, and allows for a larger LNG volume within the same space by using flexible bellow connections that absorb thermal expansions, ensuring efficient use of limited shipboard space.

Implementation Method 1

at least one bellow connection surrounding at least part of the length of the at least one pipe for compensating for changes in the length of the at least one pipe caused by temperature differences

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the bellow connection comprises insulation substantially surrounding the at least one pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10571075B2LNG Tank and system for connecting at least one pipe between an LNG tank and a tank connection space thereof

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 WARTSILA FINLAND OY

AI summary

An LNG tank is a single-shell LNG tank having one shell and at least one pipe extending from the LNG tank to a tank connection space of the LNG tank. The shell of the LNG tank is substantially surrounded by insulation. The LNG tank has at least one bellow connection surrounding at least part of the length of the at least one pipe for connecting the at least one pipe extending from the LNG tank to the tank connection space. A system for connecting at least one pipe between an LNG tank and a tank connection space thereof is also provided. At least one pipe extends from the LNG tank to the tank connection space and which LNG tank is a single-shell tank having one shell. The at least one pipe is connected between the LNG tank and the tank connection space by at least one bellow connection.