Insulated Tank Pipe Guide Structure for Thermal Expansion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally-insulating tanks for liquefied gas face challenges in managing thermal contraction and expansion of loading and offloading pipes, which can lead to horizontal movements and potential damage due to sloshing phenomena, especially in marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A guide device is integrated into the tank structure, featuring collars and connecting arms that guide each pipe individually, allowing for independent movement in the heightwise direction, with anti-friction pads and stiffeners to manage thermal expansion and sloshing forces, while preventing horizontal movement and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If pipes are rigidly fixed to the tank structure, then structural stability is improved, but thermal contraction and expansion cause horizontal movements and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device allows pipes to move dynamically in the vertical direction to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, while the support foot and connecting arms constrain horizontal movements. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to temperature changes without rigid fixation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device is divided into separate functional components: collars that slide on pipes, connecting arms that transfer forces, and a support foot that anchors to the tank bottom. This segmentation allows independent management of vertical movement and horizontal constraint functions.
2Manufacturing precision
If a guide device is added to manage thermal expansion, then pipe alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device performs multiple functions simultaneously: collars guide vertical movement, connecting arms transfer lateral forces, and the support foot provides anchorage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device merges the functions of alignment, support, and force transfer into a single integrated structure. The collars, connecting arms, and support foot work together as one system rather than separate devices, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If collars and connecting arms are used to guide pipes individually, then thermal expansion management is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each collar is fitted individually to each pipe, allowing customized fit and movement characteristics for specific pipes. The connecting arms are configured with specific geometries to match the tank structure and pipe positions, enabling localized optimization without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
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 guide device effectively manages thermal expansion and sloshing forces, maintaining pipe alignment and reducing the risk of damage, enhancing the structural integrity and operational safety of the tank.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for independent movement in the heightwise direction... while preventing horizontal movement and bending
Implementation Method 2
manage thermal expansion and sloshing forces, maintaining pipe alignment
Implementation Method 3
anti-friction pads and stiffeners to manage thermal expansion and sloshing forces
Implementation Method 4
preventing horizontal movement and bending... effectively manages thermal expansion and sloshing forces
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed and thermally insulating tank has a bottom wall and a ceiling wall where at least a first pipe and a second pipe pass through the ceiling wall. The tank is equipped with a support foot that passes through the bottom wall that is fastened to the load-bearing structure with a guide device that is fastened to the support foot. The guide device is configured to guide the first pipe and second pipe in translation in the vertical direction where the guide device has a first collar disposed around the entirety of the first pipe and a second collar is disposed around the entirety of the second pipe. A support plate is fastened to the support foot. A first linking arm links the first collar to the support plate. A second linking arm links the second collar to the support plate.