Vertical Gas Tank Support Structure for Easier Well Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressurized gas storage systems face challenges with difficult assembly and maintenance due to tanks being suspended within a recess, which puts support elements under significant load and complicates access for work on the tanks.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized gas storage system with vertically arranged tanks supported by upper and lower fixing devices, anchored to the well's side wall and/or bottom, allowing for easy assembly and simplified maintenance, with features like annular support pieces, flanges, and forced ventilation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If tanks are suspended within the recess, then the storage system is compact, but the support elements are under significant load and access for maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent support elements (first support element, second support element, etc.) that can be individually accessed. Each support element can be independently removed or maintained without affecting the entire storage system, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific components while other tanks remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
Assembly elements serve as intermediaries between the support elements and the tanks. These assembly elements facilitate the connection and disconnection of tanks from support elements, making it easier to remove tanks for maintenance without directly manipulating the support elements themselves.
2Volume of moving object
If tanks are suspended within the recess, then the storage system is compact, but support elements are under significant load
Solution Approach 1:
The total load is segmented and distributed across multiple independent support elements rather than concentrating weight on single points. This distribution reduces the force burden on each individual support element while maintaining the compact suspended configuration of the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support elements work together as a unified support system, sharing the total load of all suspended tanks. The combined strength of multiple support elements collectively bears the weight, reducing the stress on any single element compared to a single-point suspension system.
3Volume of moving object
If tanks are suspended within the recess, then the storage system is compact, but any work on a tank typically requires removing it from the recess
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate components: support elements, assembly elements, and tank interfaces. This segmentation allows tanks to be disconnected from support elements through the assembly elements without requiring complete removal from the recess structure, enabling in-place maintenance while preserving system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support and connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing tanks to be easily attached and detached from support elements. This dynamic connection system enables maintenance operations without permanent structural changes or complete system disassembly, maintaining compactness while improving repairability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressurized gas storage system comprising: - a well (2) extending vertically from a ground (4), said well (2) having a side wall (6) and a bottom (8), - at least one tank (10), each tank (10) being elongated in shape defining a longitudinal axis, arranged vertically in the well (2) with a lower end and an upper end, each tank (10) being supported by an upper fixing device (12, 20) and a lower fixing device (12, 20), said upper and lower fixing devices being themselves supported by the side wall (6) and/or by the bottom (8) of the well (2).