Multiple-Shell Tank Insulation Supply Through External Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-shell tanks face difficulties in efficiently supplying heat insulation material to the heat insulating spaces between the inner and intermediate tanks, especially when the tank is already assembled.
Innovation Solution
A communication part is introduced to allow external space to communicate with the first heat insulating space, comprising an outer tank supply unit and an intermediate tank supply unit, enabling heat insulation material to be supplied from outside the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a triple-shell tank structure is used to store cryogenic liquefied gas, then the liquefied gas can be stably stored, but it becomes difficult to supply heat insulation material to the first heat insulating space between the inner tank and intermediate tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat insulation material supply function into separate supply units for the first and second heat insulating spaces. The first heat insulation material supply unit is specifically designed to supply material to the first heat insulating space between the inner tank and intermediate tank, while the second supply unit handles the second heat insulating space. This segmentation allows independent access and supply to each heat insulating space without interfering with the triple-shell structure's integrity or the liquefied gas storage function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication part that enables communication between the external space and the first heat insulating space. This communication part acts as an intermediary channel, allowing heat insulation material to be supplied from outside the tank to the first heat insulating space without compromising the sealed triple-shell structure. The communication part facilitates the supply operation while maintaining the structural integrity needed for stable liquefied gas storage.
2Ease of operation
If heat insulation material is supplied to the first heat insulating space through the second heat insulating space, then material can reach the first space, but the supply operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates separate supply pathways for the first and second heat insulating spaces. The first heat insulation material supply unit provides direct access to the first heat insulating space, while the second supply unit serves the second heat insulating space. This segmentation eliminates the need to supply material through the second space to reach the first space, allowing parallel or independent supply operations that reduce total supply time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication part is pre-configured to enable direct communication between the external space and the first heat insulating space. This preliminary arrangement allows heat insulation material to be supplied directly to the first heat insulating space when needed, without requiring complex sequential operations through the second heat insulating space, thereby reducing supply time and operational steps.
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
Facilitates easy and efficient supply of heat insulation material to the insulating spaces, preventing damage from thermal shrinkage and allowing parallel operation for different insulating spaces, thus enhancing the tank's thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
a communication part enabling an external space and the first heat insulating space to communicate with each other
Implementation Method 2
the heat insulating space is filled with heat insulation material such as perlite and nitrogen gas
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-shell tank includes: an inner tank that stores a liquefied gas; an intermediate tank that covers the inner tank and forms a first heat insulating space between the intermediate tank and the inner tank; an outer tank that covers the intermediate tank and forms a second heat insulating space between the outer tank and the intermediate tank; and a communication part enabling an external space that is a space outside the multiple-shell tank and the first heat insulating space to communicate with each other.