Pipe-Type Secondary Barrier for LNG Tank Leak Vaporization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquefied gas storage tanks face challenges with typical drip trays that require excessive space and are not designed to vaporize leaked gas efficiently, leading to spatial constraints and inefficiencies in managing leaked cryogenic fluids.

Innovation Solution

An insulation system with a pipe-type partial secondary barrier that vaporizes leaked liquefied gas within a pipe structure, eliminating the need for drip trays and optimizing space usage by allowing complete vaporization of leaked gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a drip tray-type partial secondary barrier is used to contain leaked liquefied gas, then liquid tightness and temporary protection are achieved, but excessive space is required and spatial constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid tightnessVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the functional parameter of the partial secondary barrier from liquid containment to vaporization. By transforming the barrier's purpose from holding liquid (drip tray) to facilitating phase change (vaporization pipe), the space requirement is dramatically reduced while maintaining safety through complete vaporization of leaked gas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition (vaporization) as the core mechanism. The pipe-type partial secondary barrier is designed to enable complete vaporization of leaked liquefied gas, converting the harmful liquid phase into gas phase that can be safely dispersed, thereby eliminating the need for large containment spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If multiple drip trays are installed on a flat bottom surface to collect leaked fluid, then leakage coverage is improved, but device complexity and spatial arrangement become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage coverageVSAvoidspatial arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the vaporization function from the traditional drip tray structure. Instead of using multiple drip trays distributed across the bottom surface, a single pipe-type partial secondary barrier is introduced that provides both vaporization and discharge functions, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining effective leakage management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe-type partial secondary barrier serves multiple functions: it acts as a vaporization chamber, provides a discharge path for vaporized gas, and replaces the need for multiple drip trays. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive leakage coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a pipe-type partial secondary barrier is used to vaporize leaked gas, then space requirements are reduced and vaporization efficiency is improved, but design and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention establishes a systematic design method that transforms complex vaporization design into a standardized parameter selection process. By defining key parameters (pipe diameter, length, material) and providing selection criteria based on leaked gas volume and type, the design complexity is managed while achieving efficient vaporization in reduced space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively vaporizes leaked liquefied gas, reducing spatial requirements and ensuring compliance with leakage standards without the need for additional space, while accommodating various forms and conditions based on gas type and procedural changes.

Implementation Method 1

the leaked liquefied gas is completely vaporized while passing through the partial secondary barrier configured in the form of a pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

completely vaporizing leaked liquefied gas from a storage tank within a pipe-type partial secondary barrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4644227A1Insulation system for stand-alone type b liquefied gas storage tank, design method thereof, and ship including same
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HANWHA OCEAN CO LTD (KR)
  • EP4644227A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4644227A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(f)
  • EP4644227A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method of designing an insulation system for type B independent liquefied gas storage tanks. The design method includes: a liquefied gas selection step in which the type of liquefied gas is selected; a leakage standard setting step in which a leakage standard for the liquefied gas is set; a shape adoption step in which a shape of a partial secondary barrier is adopted; a setting and assessment step in which a target evaporation rate of the liquefied gas is set and a leakage amount of the liquefied gas is assessed; a comparison step in which the target evaporation rate of the liquefied gas is compared with the leakage amount of the liquefied gas; a shape design step in which the shape of the partial secondary barrier is designed; and an installation step in which the partial secondary barrier is installed.