Universal Support Assembly for Semi-Membrane Tank Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-membrane tanks for liquefied gases face challenges with thermal expansion and contraction, leading to unacceptable stresses on surrounding structures due to rigid attachment, and existing support assemblies are complex, costly to maintain, and increase heat loss.
Innovation Solution
A universal support assembly with a ball and socket configuration allows for unrestricted in-plane movement of semi-membrane tank walls relative to the surrounding structure, using low thermal conductivity materials and a link member with spherical ends that rotate within support blocks, eliminating the need for insulation gaps and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid attachment is used to connect semi-membrane tank to surrounding structure, then structural support is improved, but thermal stress increases due to thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that transforms the rigid static connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The support block can slide along the beam within a groove, allowing the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction dynamically while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is divided into separate functional components: a support block, a beam with groove, and a retaining mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to resolve the contradiction between support and stress reduction.
2Stress or pressure
If linear sliding support assemblies are used to allow thermal movement, then thermal stress is reduced, but device complexity increases due to grooves and brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The support block serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables thermal movement through sliding, and is retained by the groove mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining stress reduction capabilities.
3Loss of energy
If support assemblies are embedded in insulation with flexible boots, then thermal isolation is improved, but maintenance cost increases due to inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is extracted from the insulation material and positioned externally. This separation eliminates the need for flexible boots and embedded installations, allowing the support structure to be accessed, inspected, and maintained independently without compromising thermal insulation integrity.
4Force
If support blocks are made large to transfer thermal and dynamic loads, then load transfer capability is improved, but handling and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support block utilizes a sliding mechanism along the beam groove, which allows for dynamic adjustment and reduces the need for large, heavy blocks. The sliding action distributes forces more efficiently, enabling smaller, more manageable components that are easier to handle and install while maintaining adequate load transfer capability.
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 configuration reduces thermal stresses, minimizes heat loss, and simplifies maintenance by allowing 360-degree movement without the need for complex radial installation paths, thereby extending tank life and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
Depending on the coefficient of thermal expansion ('CTE') of the semi-membrane tank material, this temperature fluctuation results in thermal contractions when the semi-membrane tank cools
Implementation Method 2
this temperature fluctuation results in thermal contractions when the semi-membrane tank cools
Implementation Method 3
Due to the low temperatures required to transport or store liquefied gases, insulating material or support blocks with low thermal conductivity are typically used to thermally isolate the semi-membrane tank from the surrounding structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to support arrangements for semi-membrane tank walls and, more particularly, to a universal support assembly for tanks that experience thermal expansion and contraction. One embodiment of the invention may include a tank assembly having at least one tank wall, a support structure at least partially adjacent to the wall, and a link member coupling the tank to the support structure. The link member may be configured to accommodate relative movement between the tank and the support structure through rotation. The link member may be coupled to the tank wall by a ball and socket joint and coupled to the support structure with another ball and socket joint, allowing substantially unlimited in-plane movement of the tank wall relative to the support structure.