Insulating Tank Bottom Panel Venting for Confined Gas Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermally insulating tanks for low-temperature liquefied gases, the confined spaces formed by sealant beads can become isolated from the inert gas circulation, leading to potential safety issues due to pressure differentials and accumulation of flammable or explosive chemical species.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a thermally insulating tank with insulating box-sections featuring a gas-permeable heatproof lining and through passages in the bottom panel to allow gas circulation between the internal space and the confined spaces, ensuring continuous inert gas flow and preventing the formation of closed outlines that could trap gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If sealant beads are disposed over the entire or almost the entire length and/or width of the bottom panel to provide sufficient support, then the support strength is improved, but confined spaces are formed that isolate gas circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom panel is segmented into multiple regions by introducing gaps between sealant bead outlines. These gaps create passage channels that allow inert gas to circulate through the confined spaces while the sealant beads maintain structural support. The segmentation breaks the continuous sealant bead configuration into discrete segments that provide both support and gas flow pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
Gaps between sealant bead outlines act as intermediary channels that mediate between the support function of sealant beads and the gas circulation requirement. These gaps allow inert gas to pass through the confined spaces formed by sealant beads, preventing gas isolation while maintaining the support structure integrity.
2Reliability
If sealant beads form closed outlines to compensate for gaps in support wall, then the sealing effect is improved, but confined spaces are created that trap gases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous closed outline of sealant beads is segmented by introducing gaps at regular intervals. These gaps prevent the formation of completely enclosed confined spaces while maintaining the sealing effect of sealant beads against the support wall. The segmented configuration allows inert gas to circulate through what would otherwise be trapped spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaps introduced into sealant bead configurations, which might seem to reduce sealing effectiveness, actually convert the potential harm of gas trapping into a benefit by enabling gas circulation. The gaps transform confined dead spaces into flow pathways, eliminating gas accumulation risks while sealant beads continue to provide sealing and support functions.
3Reliability
If through passages are added to allow gas circulation, then gas circulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas circulation function is merged with the existing sealant bead support structure by utilizing gaps between sealant bead outlines as passage channels. This integration eliminates the need for separate, dedicated passage structures, as the circulation pathways are formed within the existing sealant bead configuration itself, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant bead structure itself provides the gas circulation function through its segmented configuration with gaps. The structure serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support/sealing and enabling gas flow. The gaps in the sealant bead outlines automatically create circulation pathways without requiring additional components or complex passage systems.
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 solution maintains continuous inert gas circulation within the tank, preventing pressure differentials and the accumulation of hazardous species, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in storing and transporting low-temperature liquefied gases.
Implementation Method 1
the internal space being filled with a gas-permeable heatproof lining, with through holes being provided in the side panels to allow gas to circulate between the internal space of the insulating box-section and an environment of the insulating box-section
Implementation Method 2
the bottom panel and the cover panel being established parallel to each other and parallel to the support wall, the side panels connecting the bottom panel to the cover panel so as to delimit an internal space of the insulating box-section
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a low-temperature liquefied gas, having an insulating box-section with a bottom panel coming into abutment on a support wall, by means of sealant beads disposed between the support wall and the bottom panel, the sealant beads being disposed in the form of at least one closed outline delimiting at least one confined space between the support wall and the bottom panel, the bottom panel having at least one through passage leading into the confined space to allow gas to circulate between the confined space and an internal space of the insulating box-section.