Corner Structure for Insulated Tank Using Compressed Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal insulation performance of existing corner structures for leaktight and thermally insulating tanks is not satisfactory, particularly in the context of storing and transporting liquefied gases like LNG and LPG.
Innovation Solution
A corner structure design that incorporates a first and second angle bracket with insulating panels and lateral packing elements, where the insulating panels are made of polymer foam with optional fiber reinforcement, and the packing elements are designed to compensate for thermal contraction, ensuring continuity of thermal insulation and reducing convection phenomena.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If insulating panels are used in the corner structure, then thermal insulation is provided, but thermal contraction creates gaps that reduce insulation continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses packing elements that change their physical state from compressed to expanded as they compensate for thermal contraction. The packing elements are initially compressed during assembly to fill gaps, then gradually expand as temperature decreases, maintaining continuous thermal insulation without creating gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing elements act as intermediary materials between the insulating panels and the structural components. These elements fill the gaps created by thermal contraction and maintain contact between components, ensuring thermal insulation continuity while accommodating dimensional changes.
2Strength
If tabs are made movable to limit stress concentrations, then structural flexibility is improved, but thermal insulation continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The packing elements serve as intermediary materials that fill the gaps created by movable tabs. These elements maintain thermal insulation continuity while allowing the tabs to move and accommodate stress, bridging the gap between structural flexibility requirements and thermal insulation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the corner structure. The tabs are designed to be movable for stress relief, while the packing elements provide localized thermal insulation in the gaps. This local differentiation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall system performance.
3Strength
If triangular spaces are left unoccupied to increase tab freedom of movement, then stress concentrations are reduced, but convection phenomena increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful convection in triangular spaces into a beneficial function. Instead of leaving the spaces empty which would allow convection, the spaces are filled with packing elements that eliminate convection while still allowing tab movement. The harmful convection is transformed into a controlled environment where the packing elements can perform their insulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing elements act as intermediaries that fill the triangular spaces, preventing convection currents while allowing the tabs to maintain their freedom of movement. These elements mediate between the need for tab mobility and the need to eliminate harmful convection, filling the spaces with a material that provides both thermal insulation and convection prevention.
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
Enhances thermal insulation performance by effectively compensating for thermal contraction and minimizing convection within the corner structure, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the tank's insulation.
Implementation Method 1
the first lateral insulating packing element being compressed, it is capable of expanding in order to compensate for the thermal contraction of the first insulating panel
Implementation Method 2
The first lateral insulating packing element therefore makes it possible to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation and to limit the phenomena of conviction inside the corner structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a corner structure (16) for a leaktight and thermally insulating tank for storing a fluid, comprising a plurality of walls (1, 101, 201); the said corner structure (16) being intended to be arranged in a corner between a first wall (101) and a second wall (201) and comprising:a first angle bracket (32) anchored to an anchoring device (16) intended to be fastened to the supporting structure (3) of the first and second walls (101, 201);the anchoring device (16) comprising a first tab (18) and a second tab (19) intersecting one another, each of the first and second tabs (18, 19) comprising an external portion (24, 25) and an internal portion (22, 23) which are arranged on either side of an intersection between the first tab (18) and the second tab (19);the corner structure (16) furthermore comprising a first insulating panel (42) which is arranged in a first space delimited by the internal portion (22) of the first tab (18) and the external portion (25) of the second tab (19), and a first lateral insulating packing element (48) which is compressed between the first insulating panel (42) and the external portion (25) of the second tab (19).