Liquefied Gas Storage Through Structure Thermal Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage installations for liquefied gases face challenges in assembly complexity, space requirements, and stress transmission due to thermal contraction/expansion, particularly in through structures used in sealed and thermally insulating tanks.
Innovation Solution
A simplified through structure design featuring a single internal barrel with a fixing device that includes a fixing ring, collar, and external support tube, allowing radial and longitudinal contraction, which reduces stress on the supporting structure and facilitates assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional through structure with outer barrel and inner barrel is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the outer barrel and inner barrel into a single integrated barrel structure. This unified barrel maintains the necessary structural strength while eliminating the complexity of assembling and aligning multiple separate components, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single barrel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a thermal barrier, and serves as the conduit for liquid passage. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining structural integrity, addressing both strength requirements and assembly simplification.
2Strength
If a traditional through structure with multiple barrels is used, then the structural support is improved, but the space required in the storage installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple barrels into a single integrated structure, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by the through structure. The merged barrel eliminates the space that would otherwise be required for multiple separate barrels and the gaps between them, while maintaining adequate structural support through optimized wall thickness and material selection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the through structure is rigidly fixed to the supporting structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the thermal stress transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection between the barrel and supporting structure by introducing a flexible coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain stability while accommodating thermal expansion and contraction, preventing stress transmission to the supporting structure while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by using a flexible coupling with specific elasticity characteristics. This allows the connection to maintain structural stability under normal conditions while adapting to thermal parameter changes, thereby reducing harmful stress transmission.
4Strength
If the internal barrel is constrained during thermal contraction, then the structural integrity is improved, but the stress on the supporting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the connection system through flexible couplings that can adapt during thermal contraction. The coupling allows controlled movement and deformation, maintaining structural integrity of the barrel while dynamically adjusting to thermal changes, thereby reducing stress transmission to the supporting structure.
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
The solution simplifies assembly, reduces the structure's size, and effectively absorbs thermal stresses, minimizing the load on the supporting structure, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of liquefied gas storage and transport systems.
Implementation Method 1
a tank (1) which is sealed and thermally insulating
Implementation Method 2
the through structure of this document transmits these stresses directly to the supporting structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
[The invention relates to a liquefied gas storage installation (71) comprising a load-bearing structure (3) and a tank (1) comprising a ceiling wall (8), wherein the ceiling wall (8) has a thermally insulating barrier and a sealing membrane, wherein the storage installation (71) comprises a through structure (12, 13) passing through an opening made in the ceiling wall (8), wherein the through structure (12, 13) comprises an inner drum (18) welded hermetically to the sealing membrane and being fixed to the load-bearing structure (3) by means of a fixing device (19) comprising: - a fixing ring (20) welded around the inner drum (18), - a fixing collar (21) which extends radially around and at a distance from the inner drum (18) and which is welded to the upper load-bearing wall (9) of the load-bearing structure (3),- an external support tube (22) which extends around the internal barrel (18) and which is welded on one side to the fixing collar (21) and on the other side to the fixing ring (20).