Sealed Tank Wall Insulation Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermosiphon effects in sealed and thermally insulating tanks for low-temperature liquefied gas storage and transport lead to ineffective insulation and potential damage to the external structure due to convective heat transfer, caused by gas circulation between the secondary thermally insulating barrier and the supporting structure.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer tank wall structure with sealed or substantially sealed strips segmenting the space between the thermally insulating barrier and the supporting wall into zones, preventing gas circulation by creating high head loss communication channels and using materials like mastic or closed cell foam to compensate for flatness defects and maintain sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the space between the thermally insulating barrier and the supporting wall is left continuous, then the installation is simpler, but thermosiphon effects occur causing ineffective insulation and potential damage to the external structure
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous space between the thermally insulating barrier and the supporting wall is segmented into multiple sealed zones using sealing strips positioned at regular intervals. This segmentation prevents the formation of continuous convection currents (thermosiphon effects) while maintaining structural simplicity. Each sealed zone acts as an independent compartment, blocking the convective heat transfer path without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Reliability
If sealing strips are introduced to prevent thermosiphon effects, then thermal insulation effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing strips are introduced as intermediary elements between the thermally insulating barrier and the supporting wall. These strips serve multiple functions: they seal the gaps to prevent gas circulation and thermosiphon effects, while also accommodating flatness irregularities of the supporting structure. The intermediary nature of these strips allows them to perform the sealing function without requiring complex structural modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supporting structure has flatness irregularities, then the installation is more adaptable to real-world conditions, but the sealing effectiveness is compromised due to gaps between insulating boxes and the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing strips are designed with local adaptability to accommodate flatness irregularities of the supporting structure. Each sealing strip can deform or compress locally to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness against the uneven supporting surface. This local quality adjustment allows the sealing system to adapt to supporting structure variations without compromising the overall sealing effectiveness or requiring complete structural redesign.
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
Prevents the establishment of thermosiphon effects, ensuring effective thermal insulation and protecting the tank's external structure from extreme temperatures by blocking gas circulation and maintaining pressure balance between zones.
Implementation Method 1
a thermosiphon phenomenon arose in the inclined walls forming an angle to a horizontal direction, for example vertical walls of the tank, with the circulation of a gas (or gas mixture) cooling and therefore descending relative to the vertical direction between the secondary sealed membrane and the secondary thermally insulating barrier and the circulation of a gas warming and therefore ascending relative to the vertical direction between the secondary thermally insulating barrier and the supporting wall
Implementation Method 2
The circulation of the cooling gas and the circulation of the warming gas forms a closed circuit at the ends of the tank wall which favors the convective transfer of heat through the tank wall
Implementation Method 3
a thermally insulating barrier held against the corresponding supporting wall
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed and thermally insulating tank incorporated in a supporting structure (2), the tank including at least one inclined tank wall (1) forming an angle with a horizontal direction and fixed to a supporting wall of the supporting structure (2) is disclosed. The tank wall (1) has a multilayer structure including successively, in the direction of thickness from the outside to the inside of the tank, a thermally insulating barrier (3) held against the corresponding supporting wall and a sealed membrane (4) carried by the thermally insulating barrier (3). The tank includes sealed strips (15) in the space formed between the thermally insulating barrier (3) and the supporting wall.