Tank Tower Guiding Structure With Insulated Base Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquefied gas storage tanks, particularly those on gravity platforms, face challenges in thermal insulation and mechanical strength of the guiding structure, leading to premature fatigue and structural deformations due to high mechanical and thermal stresses from loading/offloading operations.

Innovation Solution

A tank design featuring a thermally-insulating layer with self-supporting heat-proof panels and a clearance to accommodate the guiding structure, combined with locking devices to immobilize it, enhancing mechanical strength and thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the guiding structure is fixed to the bottom wall of the tank, then the tower for loading/offloading can be supported, but thermal insulation of the guiding structure and thermal continuity of the bottom wall become difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strength of guiding structure attachmentVSAvoidthermal insulation of guiding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The base of the guiding structure is nested within a clearance created by the thermally-insulating layer. The thermally-insulating layer surrounds the base, providing thermal insulation while the base remains structurally supported. This nested arrangement allows the guiding structure to be thermally isolated from the bottom wall while maintaining mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermally-insulating layer acts as an intermediary between the guiding structure base and the bottom wall. This intermediate layer provides thermal insulation to the base while still allowing mechanical support, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation requirements and structural strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the guiding structure is subjected to high mechanical and thermal stresses from loading/offloading operations, then the tower can be positioned accurately, but premature fatigue of the guiding structure and bottom wall occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of loading towerVSAvoidfatigue resistance of guiding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding structure is segmented into a base portion and an upper portion. The base is accommodated within the clearance of the thermally-insulating layer, separating it from the bottom wall. This segmentation allows the base to be isolated from thermal stresses while maintaining mechanical support, reducing fatigue from combined thermal and mechanical loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thermally-insulating layer with the clearance provides a protective cushion around the base of the guiding structure before thermal and mechanical stresses can cause damage. This pre-established insulation layer protects the base from thermal cycling and reduces stress concentration, preventing premature fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Temperature

If the thermally-insulating layer completely surrounds the guiding structure for thermal insulation, then thermal continuity of the bottom wall is maintained, but mechanical strength of the guiding structure attachment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal continuity of bottom wallVSAvoidmechanical strength of guiding structure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thermally-insulating layer is applied with local quality - it surrounds the guiding structure base to provide thermal insulation where needed, but creates a clearance that accommodates the base without completely enclosing it. This localized insulation approach maintains thermal continuity of the bottom wall while preserving mechanical strength of the guiding structure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design improves thermal insulation and mechanical strength, minimizing structural deformations and fatigue of the guiding structure, while maintaining thermal continuity and mechanical integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the thermally-insulating layer including at least one self-supporting heat-proof panel that is at least in part disposed around the guiding structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12546442B2Guiding structure for a tower for loading/unloading a tank intended for storing and/or transporting liquefied gas

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 GAZTRANSPORT & TECHNIGAZ SA

AI summary

A tank for transporting and/or storing a liquefied gas includes: a load-bearing structure, a plurality of walls each including, in a thickness direction of the wall, a thermally insulating layer resting against the load-bearing structure and a sealing membrane resting against the thermally insulating layer. The plurality of walls includes a bottom wall, and a guiding structure configured to receive a tower for loading and/or unloading the liquefied gas contained in the tank. The guiding structure includes a base bearing against the load-bearing structure. The thermally insulating layer includes one self-supporting heatproof panel, and a clearance delimited by a portion of the self-supporting heatproof panel and by the load-bearing structure, the clearance being configured to accommodate part of the base of the guiding structure.