Cryogenic Vent Pipe Isolation Balloon With UHMWPE Fiber Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vent pipe isolation balloons for liquefied gas storage tanks lack sufficient physical strength and durability when used repeatedly in cryogenic temperatures, as they are either not inflatable or prone to cracking due to stress on fabric substrates, and have low adhesion to the pipe surface.
Innovation Solution
A balloon with a network structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers, sandwiched between inner and outer silicon rubber membranes, providing flexibility and strength even at cryogenic temperatures, allowing for increased internal pressure without cracking and easy insertion into vent pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-strength fabric substrate is used in conventional balloons, then adhesion to the vent pipe is improved, but the balloon lacks sufficient physical strength and durability when used repeatedly in cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon uses a composite structure combining ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber bundles (providing strength and flexibility at cryogenic temperatures) with silicon rubber layers (providing adhesion and sealing). This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials: the fiber bundles maintain flexibility and strength at low temperatures while the silicon rubber provides the necessary adhesion to the vent pipe surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon structure distributes different functional properties to different components: the fiber bundles provide mechanical strength and flexibility where needed, while the silicon rubber layers provide adhesion at the contact surfaces. This local differentiation of material properties allows the balloon to simultaneously achieve high durability and physical strength in the cryogenic environment.
2Reliability
If internal pressure is increased to improve occlusivity of the vent pipe, then adhesion is improved, but the balloon tends to crack due to stress on the fabric and boundary surface between fabric and silicon rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber bundles and silicon rubber creates a more durable interface that can withstand increased internal pressure without cracking. The fiber bundles distribute stress uniformly throughout the balloon structure, preventing stress concentration at the fabric-silicon rubber boundary that would otherwise lead to cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber bundles changes the mechanical parameters of the balloon structure, providing superior flexibility and strength at cryogenic temperatures. This material parameter change allows the balloon to withstand higher internal pressures for improved occlusivity without the risk of cracking that plagues conventional fabric-based balloons.
3Strength
If a thick fabric is used as substrate, then physical strength is improved, but it becomes difficult to insert the balloon into the vent pipe and inflatability is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon uses a flexible structure based on thin fiber bundles rather than thick fabric. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber bundles provide the necessary strength while maintaining flexibility and thin profile, allowing easy insertion into the vent pipe. The flexible nature of this composite structure enables the balloon to be inserted in a collapsed state and then inflated to achieve the required strength and occlusivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon structure transitions dynamically from a flexible, easily insertable state (when deflated) to a rigid, high-strength state (when inflated). The fiber bundle-silicon rubber composite structure enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the balloon to be inserted with minimal resistance and then expanded to provide the necessary physical strength and sealing 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
The balloon achieves stable and safe isolation of vent pipes with enhanced durability and inflatability, maintaining adhesion and preventing damage from increased internal pressure, suitable for various pipe diameters.
Implementation Method 1
a material of the inner membrane and the outer membrane is silicon rubber, the reinforcing substrate is formed of a bundle of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and has a network structure
Implementation Method 2
A silicon rubber layer 207 is formed on the surface of the intermediate portion 203, and an engaging force due to the frictional resistance occludes the vent pipe
Implementation Method 3
an inert gas such as nitrogen gas is injected into the balloon to inflate the balloon and occlude the vent pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An object to provide a vent pipe isolation balloon for a liquefied gas storage tank, which has excellent physical strength, inflatability, and durability at cryogenic temperatures, and a vent pipe isolation device including the balloon. The vent pipe isolation balloon has inner and outer membranes made of silicon rubber, and a reinforcing substrate sandwiched between the inner membrane and the outer membrane. The balloon has an outer shape of a cylindrical shape or a truncated cone shape with both ends opened, and is inflated when an inert gas is injected into the balloon with the openings sealed. The reinforcing substrate is composed of a fiber bundle and has a network structure.