Tank Wall Through-Element Sealing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterproof and thermally insulated tanks used for storing or transporting liquefied gases face challenges in supporting structural elements like support feet or pipes without compromising the integrity of their multi-layered walls, which are prone to stress and pressure variations due to thermal and mechanical forces.
Innovation Solution
A sealed and thermally insulated tank design featuring a through element with secondary insulating blocks and waterproof layers, including a circular plate and annular waterproof sheet, to manage stress concentrations and ensure reliable sealing around crossing elements like pipes or support feet, using flexible waterproof strips and compressible insulation to absorb thermal and mechanical stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a through element (support foot or pipe) is arranged through the tank wall, then structural support or fluid routing functionality is provided, but stress concentrations occur around the through element that can compromise the integrity of the waterproof and thermal insulation barriers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced sealing and insulation structures specifically at the location of the through element, rather than uniformly across the entire tank wall. The sealing assembly includes localized components such as sealing rings, gaskets, and reinforced barrier layers positioned precisely where the through element penetrates the wall, concentrating protective measures at the critical stress concentration point while leaving the rest of the tank wall structure simpler and more efficient.
2Reliability
If the tank wall uses a multi-layer structure with waterproof and thermal insulation barriers, then thermal insulation and waterproofing performance are improved, but the wall becomes more fragile and cannot support heavy structural elements like support feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components at the through element location. The sealing assembly combines structural support elements, waterproof sealing layers, and thermal insulation materials into a unified construction that simultaneously provides mechanical strength to support heavy elements while maintaining the integrity of the waterproof and thermal insulation barriers. This integrated approach eliminates the need to choose between barrier integrity and load-bearing capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a through element crosses the tank wall, then necessary structural or functional requirements are met, but the complexity of maintaining sealing integrity across all layers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing structure into distinct, modular components positioned at different locations around the through element. The sealing assembly is divided into separate elements such as sealing rings at the outer perimeter, gaskets at intermediate layers, and sealing membranes at inner layers. Each segment can be independently installed, inspected, and maintained, reducing the overall complexity of the sealing system while ensuring comprehensive protection across all barriers.
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 enhances the tank's resistance to thermomechanical stresses, maintains sealing integrity, and simplifies assembly and repairs by distributing stress evenly, reducing the risk of membrane failure under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
compressible insulation to absorb thermal and mechanical stresses
Implementation Method 2
flexible waterproof strips and compressible insulation to absorb thermal and mechanical stresses
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealed and thermally-insulated tank arranged in a carrier structure (1) to contain a fluid, said tank comprising walls fixed to said carrier structure, a tank wall having, a primary sealing barrier, a primary insulating barrier, a secondary sealing barrier, and a secondary insulating barrier, the tank comprising a through-element disposed through the tank wall, in which the tank wall around the through-element comprises: secondary insulating blocks disposed on the wall of the carrier structure around the through-element, being covered with a first sealed layer forming the secondary sealing barrier, a circular plate disposed parallel to the tank wall at the same level as the first sealed layer forming the secondary sealing barrier, a second sealed layer (723a-d) sealingly fixed so as to overlap the first sealed layer and the circular plate all around the circular plate.