Self-Supporting Thermal Insulation Wall for Cryogenic Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic gas storage tanks face challenges in designing an inner container with minimal mechanical stress and risk of collapse due to the transfer of loads from thermal insulation layers to the inner container.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting thermal insulation wall is introduced between the inner and outer containers, which is not supported by either container, allowing for a thinner inner container design and preventing mechanical stress, while also incorporating a vapor-tight and gas-tight barrier to prevent boil-off gas escape and using a foamed plastic material for insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal insulation layer is supported by the inner container, then the insulation layer is stable and supported, but the inner container experiences mechanical stress and risk of collapse
Solution Approach 1:
A self-supporting thermal insulation wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the inner and outer containers. This wall carries the thermal insulation material and supports itself through its own structural design, preventing direct contact between the insulation layer and the inner container, thereby eliminating mechanical stress on the inner container while maintaining insulation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation system is segmented into a separate self-supporting wall structure rather than being directly attached to the inner container. This segmentation allows the insulation layer to be structurally independent, bearing its own weight and loads without transferring them to the inner container.
2Strength
If the inner container wall thickness is increased to prevent collapse, then the structural integrity is improved, but the material consumption and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The self-supporting thermal insulation wall acts as a mediator that assumes the mechanical loading function, allowing the inner container to be designed with minimal wall thickness (5-50 mm) for its primary function of containing cryogenic gas, without needing to be over-engineered for structural support.
3Quantity of substance
If the thermal insulation wall is made self-supporting, then the inner container wall thickness can be reduced, but the complexity of the thermal insulation structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-supporting thermal insulation wall utilizes composite material construction, combining structural elements with thermal insulation material in an integrated design. This allows the wall to achieve both structural support and thermal insulation functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity despite the innovative configuration.
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 design reduces the risk of inner container collapse, minimizes mechanical stress, and enhances thermal insulation efficiency, allowing for the storage of cryogenic gases with reduced material thickness and improved structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulation wall (16) arranged between the inner container (9) and the outer container (4)
Implementation Method 2
using a foamed plastic material for insulation
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a vapor-tight and gas-tight barrier to prevent boil-off gas escape
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tank (1) for storing cryogenic gases (2), comprising an inner container (9), an outer container (4) and a heat insulating wall (16) arranged between the inner container (9) and the outer container (4), said heat insulating wall (16) being designed in a self-supporting manner.