Triple-Shell Cryogenic Tank Structure for Reduced Site Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triple shell tanks for cryogenic liquefied gas storage require a large site area due to their multi-layer construction, which is inefficient and impractical for compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic liquefied gas storage tank with a flat bottom cylindrical triple shell structure, utilizing an inner tank, an intermediate tank with an inner insulation layer, and an outer tank with an outer insulation layer, where the intermediate tank is made from steel for low temperature use, reducing the need for a larger construction site area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a triple shell tank is constructed with three layers to achieve excellent heat-insulating properties, then heat insulation performance is improved, but the tank size and site area required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the intermediate tank from conventional materials to steel for low temperature use, which has superior low-temperature toughness. This material parameter change allows reduction of the inner insulation layer width while maintaining heat insulation performance, thereby reducing the overall tank size and site area requirement without compromising thermal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategy by using steel for low temperature use in the intermediate tank, combining this specialized material with conventional outer tank and inner insulation layer materials. This composite approach optimizes the balance between heat insulation performance and compact dimensions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and area
2Area of stationary object
If the inner insulation layer width is reduced to minimize tank size, then site area is reduced, but low-temperature embrittlement resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the intermediate tank to steel for low temperature use, which has superior low-temperature toughness. This parameter change enables the use of narrower inner insulation layer width while maintaining adequate protection against low-temperature embrittlement, thus reducing site area without compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses steel for low temperature use as a specialized material copy or variant of conventional steel, specifically designed to maintain toughness at cryogenic temperatures. This material copy allows the intermediate tank to provide sufficient embrittlement resistance even with reduced insulation layer width
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 provides excellent resistance to low-temperature embrittlement, allows for a compact tank design, and reduces the land area required for construction by minimizing the width of the inner insulation layer, while maintaining effective heat insulation and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate tank is formed using steel for low temperature use
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate tank that encloses the inner tank with an inner insulation layer therebetween; and an outer tank that encloses the intermediate tank with an outer insulation layer therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic liquefied gas storage tank is a tank having a flat bottom cylindrical triple shell structure, and includes: an inner tank that stores cryogenic liquefied gas; an intermediate tank that encloses the inner tank with an inner insulation layer therebetween; and an outer tank that encloses the intermediate tank with an outer insulation layer therebetween. The intermediate tank is formed using steel for low temperature use.