Self-Supporting Case for Thermally Insulating Fluid Storage Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assembling load-bearing webs in thermally insulated tanks, such as those used for storing liquefied natural gas, are unreliable and complex, particularly when using composite materials, as they tend to weaken the structural integrity of the panels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of composite material carrier webs with integrated fasteners, where the fasteners are molded into the web structure during manufacturing, allowing for reliable and simple assembly of load-bearing webs onto the tank panels without compromising their structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If load-bearing webs are fixed to panels using staples or embedding, then assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity of the composite material webs is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening members are inserted into the mold during the forming process of the composite carrier webs, before the webs are completed. This preliminary action allows the fastening members to be integrated into the web structure during manufacturing, avoiding subsequent weakening from post-assembly fixing methods like stapling or embedding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the carrier web structure with the fastening members by taking the fastening members directly from the mass of the carrier web during forming. This combination ensures that the fastening members become an integral part of the composite structure, maintaining structural integrity while enabling reliable assembly to panels.
2Ease of operation
If traditional fixing methods are used for composite carrier webs, then assembly can be performed, but the reliability of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By inserting fastening members into the mold during the forming process, the connection reliability is enhanced from the outset. The fastening members are positioned and integrated correctly during manufacturing, ensuring reliable connections to panels without the weaknesses of traditional post-assembly fixing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials (thermoplastic matrix reinforced with fibers) to manufacture the carrier webs, which inherently provide strong, reliable connections. The composite material structure, combined with integrated fastening members, ensures both assembly capability and high connection reliability.
3Reliability
If composite material is formed with integrated fasteners during manufacturing, then assembly reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the formation of carrier webs with the integration of fastening members into a single forming operation. By combining these functions in one process step using a mold, the invention achieves high assembly reliability without proportionally increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The preliminary insertion of fastening members into the mold during web formation streamlines the manufacturing process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to attach fastening members, thereby improving reliability while actually simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow.
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
This approach ensures robust and reliable assembly of load-bearing webs, maintaining the structural integrity of the panels and enhancing the reliability of the thermal insulation system in tanks, suitable for both onshore and floating storage and transport applications.
Implementation Method 1
the forming of the composite material is carried out by thermoforming or thermocompression
Implementation Method 2
the forming of the composite material is carried out by thermoforming or thermocompression
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a self-supporting case (3, 7) intended to provide thermal insulation for a tank, with a fluid tight membrane, for storing a fluid, said method involving: a step of supplying a bottom panel (10) and a cover panel (11); a step of manufacturing a plurality of bearing walls (14), said step of manufacturing involving, for each bearing wall (14): o arranging in a mould a composite material comprising a fibre reinforced thermoplastic matrix; o inserting fixings inside the mould; o forming the composite material (14), during which forming the fixings are set in the mass of said bearing wall (14), interposing the bearing walls (14) between the bottom panel (10) and the cover panel (11) in such a way that the bottom panel (10) and the cover panel (11) are spaced apart in a thickness direction of the case (3, 7) and that the bearing walls (14) extend in the thickness direction, and fixing the bearing walls (14) to the bottom panel (10) and/or to the cover panel (14) using said fixings, lining the plurality of compartments (15) formed between the bearing walls (14) with an insulating lining. The invention also relates to a case thus manufactured and to a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a thermal insulation barrier comprising a plurality of cases as mentioned hereinabove.