Multilobe LNG Tank With Integrated Partition Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LNG tank designs require double-wall pipes for safety, which complicates the structure and increases complexity, especially in compact spaces like ships, where a more integrated and efficient solution is needed for storing liquefied natural gas.
Innovation Solution
A multilobe tank arrangement with a gas-tight and heat-insulated partition wall integrated within the tank shell, eliminating the need for double-wall pipes between the tank connection and gas storage spaces, using cold-resistant materials like stainless steel and incorporating a heat insulation layer for efficient gas storage and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-wall pipes are used to connect the tank connection space to the gas storage space, then gas leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank connection space is merged with the gas storage space by removing the partition wall, creating a single integrated space. This eliminates the need for double-wall pipes while maintaining safety, as the connection space becomes part of the gas storage volume rather than a separate enclosed space requiring complex piping.
2Device complexity
If a partition wall is removed to integrate the tank connection space with the gas storage space, then device complexity is reduced, but gas tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tank connection space and gas storage space are merged into a single integrated volume. By eliminating the partition wall, the system achieves simpler construction while maintaining gas containment integrity through the external tank shell rather than through internal partitioning.
3Volume of moving object
If the tank connection space is integrated within the tank shell, then compactness is improved, but the space available for tank connections is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tank connection space utilizes the vertical dimension by extending from the top surface of the gas storage space upward. This allows the connection space to be integrated within the overall tank footprint while providing sufficient volume for connection equipment by exploiting the height dimension rather than competing for horizontal space.
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 provides a compact, safe, and efficient storage structure for liquefied natural gas, reducing complexity and enhancing mechanical strength while maintaining gas tightness and thermal insulation, suitable for use in ships.
Implementation Method 1
a heat insulation layer arranged on the outer surface of the shell
Implementation Method 2
a shell made of a cold resistant material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The tank arrangement for storing liquefied natural gas comprises a multilobe tank (1) having a gas-tight shell (6), wherein the arrangement comprises a gas-tight and heat-insulated partition wall (9a), which is arranged within the shell (6) for dividing the tank (1) into a gas storage space (10), which is configured to hold liquefied natural gas and a tank connection space (8a), which is configured to enclose tank connections and valves associated with them.