Stackable Conveyance Module for Plant Construction

Solution Overview

Problem

Petroleum refinery processing plants face challenges in conveying module structures due to varying conditions, such as river transport requiring limited module height to avoid bridge contact, and land transport needing to pass under cables, which also increases manufacturing costs due to the need for numerous steel frames.

Innovation Solution

A module for separate conveyance is designed with column portions and a horizontal structural portion that directly separates tier spaces when stacked, reducing total height and weight, and omitting unnecessary steel frames, allowing for easy and cost-effective conveyance via any route.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a box-type module structure with one tier space is employed, then the module can be constructed with standard steel frames, but the total height and weight increase, making conveyance difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidweight of module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into multiple tier spaces (first tier space and second tier space) separated by a horizontal structural portion. This segmentation allows the module to achieve greater functional capacity while controlling overall height and weight, as each tier can be independently optimized and the structure can be stacked efficiently during conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-tier box-type structure to a multi-tier stacked structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension through stacking multiple tiers separated by horizontal structural portions, the module achieves increased capacity without proportionally increasing overall height constraints, as tiers can be arranged and stacked to optimize conveyance dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a box-type module structure with one tier space is employed, then the module can be constructed with standard steel frames, but the total height and weight increase, making conveyance difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidheight of module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into multiple tier spaces (first tier space and second tier space) separated by a horizontal structural portion. This segmentation allows the module to achieve greater functional capacity while controlling overall height and weight, as each tier can be independently optimized and the structure can be stacked efficiently during conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-tier box-type structure to a multi-tier stacked structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension through stacking multiple tiers separated by horizontal structural portions, the module achieves increased capacity without proportionally increasing overall height constraints, as tiers can be arranged and stacked to optimize conveyance dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If numerous steel frames are used to construct the module structure, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal structural portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates the first and second tier spaces, provides structural support, and acts as a platform for mounting devices. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate steel frames needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal structural portion is designed as a multi-functional element that performs structural support, spatial separation, and device mounting functions. This universal component reduces the overall number of structural elements required, decreasing material costs and simplifying construction while maintaining the necessary structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12312799B2Module for separate conveyance, structure for plant, and method of constructing structure for plant

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 JGC CORP

AI summary

Provided are a module for separate conveyance, which is inexpensive and can easily be conveyed via any route, a structure for a plant, which uses the modules for separate conveyance, and a method of constructing the structure for a plant. A module for separate conveyance, to be conveyed in a separate manner and stacked at a construction site includes: column portions to be provided upright in a vertical direction; and a horizontal structural portion to be provided in a horizontal direction between the column portions. The horizontal structural portion directly separates tier spaces adjacent to each other in an up-and-down direction when the modules for separate conveyance are stacked.