Ship Vacuum Space Exhaust Pipe Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In double-shell tanks with a vacuum space between the inner and outer shells, additional evacuation of the vacuum space is necessary when the vacuum degree deteriorates, requiring cumbersome operations with existing systems.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a first exhaust pipe connected to the upper region of the vacuum space and a second exhaust pipe connected to the lower region, both with exhaust ports accessible from the ceiling wall, allowing for easy connection of a vacuum pump and monitoring with strategically placed vacuum gauges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vacuum space is evacuated using conventional methods, then the vacuum degree can be maintained, but the additional evacuating work becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum space is segmented into an upper region and a lower region by a partition member, with separate exhaust pipes for each region. This segmentation allows independent evacuation of each region, simplifying the evacuating operation while maintaining reliable vacuum conditions throughout the entire vacuum space.
Solution Approach 2:
A partition member is introduced as an intermediary component that divides the vacuum space and enables separate access to upper and lower regions through different exhaust pipes. This intermediary structure facilitates easier evacuation operations by providing multiple access points without compromising the overall vacuum integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the exhaust port is located inside the holding space, then the vacuum pump can be connected, but the evacuation process disturbs the inert gas in the holding space
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust port is relocated from the horizontal plane inside the holding space to the vertical dimension above the ceiling wall. This dimensional change allows the vacuum pump to be connected from above without interfering with the inert gas contained in the holding space, eliminating the loss of inert gas during evacuation operations.
3Device complexity
If a single exhaust pipe is used for the vacuum space, then the structure is simpler, but the evacuation of both upper and lower regions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single exhaust pipe is segmented into two separate exhaust pipes, each serving a specific region (upper and lower) of the vacuum space. This segmentation, combined with the partition member, enables efficient evacuation of both regions while keeping each exhaust pipe's structure relatively simple and focused on its specific function.
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 configuration simplifies the additional evacuation process by allowing the vacuum pump to be connected from the ceiling side, facilitating efficient evacuation of both upper and lower vacuum regions without disturbing the inert gas in the holding space.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum space formed therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
A ship includes: a hull; a double-shell tank installed in the hull and including an inner shell and an outer shell with a vacuum space formed therebetween; a ceiling wall covering the double-shell tank from an upper side; and an exhaust pipe including one end connected to the double-shell tank so as to communicate with the vacuum space, and another end that is an exhaust port connectable to a vacuum pump to be placed on the ceiling wall.