Titanium Wall Support for Cryogenic Tank Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryogenic fluid storage containers face challenges with fixed internal supports that are prone to breakage under impact or accidental overload due to lack of ductility and difficulty in mastering the bonding process of epoxy/glass composite materials, leading to reliability issues and the need for additional support systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of titanium walls with specific grades such as TA6V ELI, Ti-5Al-2.5Sn ELI, Ti 6Al 2Zn 4Zr 2Mo, and TA6V, along with stainless steel walls, forms a rigid and thermal insulation path to support the internal tank, eliminating the need for tie rods and enhancing mechanical and thermal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If epoxy/glass composite material is used for the fixed support wall, then mechanical strength and thermal insulation are improved, but manufacturing complexity and reliability deteriorate due to bonding control difficulties and lack of ductility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidbonding process control

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from epoxy/glass composite to titanium alloy, fundamentally altering the material properties. This substitution eliminates the bonding process issues while maintaining mechanical strength and improving ductility, allowing the fixed support to absorb overloads through plastic deformation rather than brittle failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses titanium alloy as a monolithic material that combines the benefits of high strength, good thermal insulation properties, and excellent ductility. This single-material approach replaces the composite epoxy/glass structure, eliminating the need for complex bonding processes while maintaining structural integrity under extreme conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If epoxy/glass composite material is used for the fixed support wall, then thermal insulation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of ductility and susceptibility to breakage under impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal lossesVSAvoidresistance to impact and overload

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The titanium wall is designed with sufficient thickness and mechanical properties to beforehand absorb and cushion impact loads and overloads. The material's ductility allows it to deform plastically under extreme conditions, absorbing energy that would otherwise cause catastrophic failure, thus protecting the internal tank and its contents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If the fixed support structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical strength deteriorates without additional support systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport system structureVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The titanium wall performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, absorbs thermal loads, and resists impact and overloads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tie rods and additional support systems, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining or enhancing mechanical strength compared to the epoxy/glass composite solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides improved mechanical strength, reduced thermal losses, and increased reliability by allowing the titanium walls to absorb overloads without breakage, simplifying the design and reducing costs while maintaining effective insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a second external tank arranged around the first tank with a vacuum-insulated spacing between the first and second tanks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the set of walls forming back and forth movements in the longitudinal direction of the fixed and rigid connection comprises at least one wall made of titanium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3894735B1Support device and storage container for liquefied gas

Publication Date: 2024.08.07 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for supporting a first piece of cryogenic equipment (2) in a second piece of equipment (3), the first piece of equipment (2) being intended to be kept at a cryogenic temperature whereas the second piece of equipment (3) is intended to be kept at a temperature higher than the temperature of the first piece of equipment (2), the support device (15) comprising a fixed rigid link extending in a longitudinal direction (A) between one end of the second piece of equipment (3) and an adjacent end of the first piece of equipment (2), the fixed rigid link comprising a set of walls (4, 5, 6, 7) arranged back and forth in the longitudinal direction (A) so as to constitute a thermal insulation path between the second piece of equipment (3) and the first piece of equipment (2), characterised in that the set of walls arranged back and forth in the longitudinal direction (A) of the fixed rigid link comprises at least one wall (6) made from titanium. A vessel comprising such a device is also disclosed.