EP2697554A1 - Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids - Google Patents

Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids

Info

Publication number
EP2697554A1
EP2697554A1 EP11720028.7A EP11720028A EP2697554A1 EP 2697554 A1 EP2697554 A1 EP 2697554A1 EP 11720028 A EP11720028 A EP 11720028A EP 2697554 A1 EP2697554 A1 EP 2697554A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank
gas
space
pipe
barrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP11720028.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2697554B1 (en
Inventor
Reinhard Schollenberg
Mathias UNGAR
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Nordic Yards Wismar GmbH
Original Assignee
Nordic Yards Wismar GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nordic Yards Wismar GmbH filed Critical Nordic Yards Wismar GmbH
Publication of EP2697554A1 publication Critical patent/EP2697554A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2697554B1 publication Critical patent/EP2697554B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/12—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures
    • F17C13/126—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures for large storage containers for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/052—Size large (>1000 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0375—Thermal insulations by gas
    • F17C2203/0379—Inert
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F17C2205/0111—Boxes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0176—Details of mounting arrangements with ventilation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F17C2227/0341—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid
    • F17C2227/0355—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid in a closed loop
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0376—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact
    • F17C2227/0381—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact integrated in the wall
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0447—Composition; Humidity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/042—Reducing risk of explosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0118—Offshore
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tank for cold or cryogenic liquids.
  • the tank according to the invention is preferably used for the transport and / or storage of cold or cryogenic liquids on board ships or other floating units or on offshore structures or on land.
  • Cryogenic liquids are characterized by low boiling points. They are therefore transported or stored at very low temperatures. These are in particular liquefied natural gas, methane, propane, butane or other cryogenic liquids.
  • liquefied methane LNG
  • Transportg. Storage temperature about minus 164 ° C.
  • liquid gas tankers with membrane tanks, in which the membranes of the tank are held as not self-supporting structures in the hull. Furthermore, liquefied gas tankers are known with self-supporting tanks. It is also known to produce the tanks for weight saving of aluminum.
  • WO 2006/00171 1 A2 describes a tank for storing liquids, in particular at very low temperatures, which has outer plates which form at least part of the roof, the side walls and the bottom.
  • the tank has an internal cell structure with fluid connections between the cells of the cell structures.
  • At least part of the outer panels have a layered sandwich structure. This has an inner barrier and an outer barrier between which stiffening structures can be arranged.
  • the outer plates may also be provided with stiffening elements that protrude into the tank. Due to the sandwich structure, the outer plates are structural elements of the self-supporting tank, make the tank gas and
  • CONFIRMATION COPY liquid-tight and can serve for thermal insulation of the tank.
  • Another advantage of the sandwich structure is that the possibility of arranging a gas detection between the two layers of the sandwich structure is given.
  • WO 2008/103053 A1 describes a self-supporting double-shell tank with inner and outer walls and inner horizontal supports.
  • the tank walls consist of horizontal profile beam sections with two parallel flanges, which are connected by a web.
  • the profile carrier sections are mounted one above the other and welded together on the adjacent longitudinal sides of their flanges. At the ends they are connected by connecting pieces.
  • the profile carrier sections carry ribs projecting from the inner wall. On the ribs are welded plate plates, on which supports are fixed, which extend inside the tank.
  • This tank also has an inner and an outer liquid barrier. Means for detecting leaks of the inner and outer barriers are not described.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a tank for cold or cryogenic liquids which facilitates the detection of leaks, reduces heat losses and makes it possible to eliminate leaks.
  • the object is achieved by a tank having the features of claim 1.
  • Advantageous embodiments of the tank are specified in subclaims.
  • the tank according to the invention for cold or cryogenic liquids has
  • a light-metal double-walled casing which encloses a tank space with a tank bottom wall, tank side walls and a tank top wall,
  • the tank double shell has an inner barrier, an outer barrier located at a distance from the inner barrier, and the inner structures interconnecting with the outer barrier,
  • At least one inert gas feed pipe located outside the tank double shell, communicating with the distribution pipe through the outer barrier,
  • a source of inert gas connected to the feed pipe outside the tank shell,
  • the tank according to the invention is a double-shell tank.
  • the tank double shell of the tank forms a tank bottom wall, tank side walls (also called “tank bulkheads") and a tank top wall.
  • the tank bottom wall, the tank side walls and the tank top wall define a tank space, which serves to accommodate cold or cryogenic liquids. preferably of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy.
  • the tank double shell has an inner barrier and an outer barrier. Both barriers are liquid and gas tight.
  • the inner and outer barriers are spaced apart such that there is a gap between the barriers.
  • the inner and outer barriers are interconnected by structures. These structures are preferably webs or ribs or other suitable components. These may in particular be profile webs of profile carriers, from which the inner and / or the outer barrier are formed.
  • Embodiments of self-supporting tanks with tank double sheaths which can be configured as a tank according to the invention, are described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 (exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 8), WO 2008/103053 A1 (all exemplary embodiments) and in the international patent application PCT / EP 2010/006954 (exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16).
  • the relevant embodiments of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference into the present application.
  • the tank according to the invention has a distribution pipe in the tank bottom wall with gas throughflow holes for distributing an inert gas. Furthermore, at least one inert gas feed pipe is arranged outside the tank double shell and communicates with the distribution pipe through the outer barrier. The feed pipe is communicatively connected to the distribution pipe either via a connecting pipe or over a short area of the space.
  • the Gas josströmlöcher may be circular, oval or oblong or slit-shaped.
  • the tank includes a source of inert gas.
  • the inert gas is preferably nitrogen. This can also be carbon dioxide, argon or another noble gas or other suitable inert gases.
  • a source of nitrogen may in particular be a nitrogen production plant or a nitrogen storage. Nitrogen production plants or a sufficient nitrogen storage are anyway required on board liquid tankers for the inerting of the cargo space etc.
  • the distribution tube distributes the inert gas evenly across the gap of the tank bottom wall of the tank. From the edges of the tank bottom wall, the inert gas rises evenly in the tank side walls and is distributed evenly in the tank top wall from the upper fins of the tank side walls.
  • the gas outlet is preferably arranged at the highest point of the tank top wall or the tank dome.
  • the gas outlet is a gas sampling nozzle, which is connected through the outer barrier of the tank top wall or the tank dome through with the space between the tank double shell.
  • gas flowed into the intermediate space can be removed from the intermediate space. If the inner barrier of the tank shell is leaking, liquid or gas escapes from the tank space into the space and partially evaporates immediately.
  • the rising or through the gas flow entrained gaseous natural gas, preferably methane can be detected even in very small concentrations by the permanent or cyclic control at the gas outlet or in the subsequent pipe system.
  • the means for gas detection are arranged, for example in the Inertgasniklauf between gas sampling nozzle and possible compression or cooling of the inert gas until re-injection into the bottom of the tank, but preferably in the immediate vicinity of the gas outlet or at the gas sampling.
  • the means for gas detection may in particular be a gas sensor for detection act gaseous substances.
  • the gas sensor may in particular be a gas sensor for detecting methane or other combustible gases.
  • Gases released from the tank space generally have a lower density than the inert gas.
  • methane has a density of 0.72 kg / m 3 and nitrogen has a density of 1.25 kg / m 3 .
  • gas accumulates from the tank space under the tank top wall or the gas outlet.
  • the increased concentration of the escaped gas under the tank top wall facilitates its detection at the gas outlet or behind the gas outlet from the intermediate space. It does not matter where the leak is located, as the released gas always accumulates below the tank top wall.
  • a further advantage of the tank is in the event of danger that liquid can be removed from the intermediate space in the tank bottom area via the feed pipe, which has reached the intermediate space of the tank double shell through a leak occurring in the inner barrier.
  • the liquid can pass through the gas flow holes in the distribution pipe and from there into the feed pipe when the distribution pipe is connected to the feed pipe.
  • the liquid can pass through a gap between the distribution pipe and the feed pipe or between the distribution pipe and a connecting pipe to the feed pipe in the feed pipe. For example, if by means of the means for gas detection, the escape of a gas from the Tank space is detected, leaked in this way liquid can be pumped out of the tank space from the intermediate space.
  • the tank double shell can be preferably designed so that it meets the minimum strength requirements and the claims from the determined loads, without the required dimensions of an emergency pump for pumping to have to react by liquid from the gap.
  • the feed pipe can be designed so that a pump can be connected with little effort or it can accommodate at least one pump as a pump sump.
  • the feed pipe is connected to a source which supplies a stream of an inert gas.
  • This may be a continuous or a temporarily interrupted stream of an inert gas.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that gases released from the tank space can be detected in particularly low concentrations and thus leakage can be detected very quickly.
  • Another advantage is that the double-walled tank is cooled by the flow of an inert gas.
  • cold or cryogenic inert gas is fed into the intermediate space. By feeding the cold or cryogenic inert gas, the tank double shell is cooled from the inside and the heat flowing in from outside is removed from the gas extraction connection with the inert gas flow.
  • the temperature of the inert gas is preferably adapted to the boiling point of the liquids stored in the tank space. Best for reducing a heat input into the tank room is when the temperature of the inert gas is lower than the boiling point of the liquid. This is possible, for example, when nitrogen is used as an inert gas in a liquefied natural gas tank. So that the escape of gas from the tank space can be better detected, the temperature of the inert gas can also be selected slightly higher than the boiling point of the liquid.
  • the tank according to the invention may be designed such that only the inner barrier forms a permanent tank shell which permanently withstands the stresses caused by cryogenic liquids.
  • the outer barrier then serves only to limit the gap to the outside. If necessary.
  • the outer barrier may serve to retain the liquid leaked from the tank space for a limited time and to protect the environment from the cold or cryogenic liquids for a predetermined period of time in accordance with the regulations.
  • An embodiment of such a self-supporting tank is described in the international patent application PCT / EP 2010/006954 with reference to FIG. 16. The description thereof is incorporated by reference into the present patent application.
  • the inner and outer barriers are permanent tank envelopes.
  • the leaked from the tank space liquid is permanently retained in the tank double shell.
  • double-hulled tanks are relatively expensive. Exemplary embodiments of such tanks are described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 and in WO 2008/103053 A1. The related statements in the two patent publications are incorporated by reference into the present application.
  • At least one distribution pipe extends in the main expansion direction of the tank. This will result in a uniform distribution of the inert gas in the main expansion direction of the tank.
  • the distribution tube is rectilinear.
  • the distribution pipe is arranged on a central axis of the tank. As a result, a uniform distribution of the inert gas over the tank width is achieved.
  • the distribution pipe extends from a tank side wall of the tank to an opposite tank side wall of the tank and may be connected at its two ends to further distribution pipes each extending below the lower edges of the respective tank side walls and provided with further gas flow holes for inert gas to feed into the space between the inner and outer barriers of the respective tank side walls.
  • This improves the distribution of the inert gas over the tank sidewalls.
  • aligned distribution pipes with corresponding openings, without firm connection with each other perform the same purpose and have the advantage of free shrinkage.
  • the structures interconnecting the inner and outer barriers have holes that allow distribution of the inert gas through the structures.
  • the structures are preferably webs or ribs which would otherwise inhibit flow of the inert gas between different regions of the tank double shell.
  • the feed pipe is communicatively connected to the distribution pipe through the outer barrier of a tank side wall.
  • the feed pipe is in the vicinity of the tank bottom through the outer barrier of the side wall passed to make a short connection to the distribution pipe.
  • a pipe opening of the distribution pipe is arranged at a short distance in front of a feed opening of the outer barrier, into which the feed pipe opens.
  • the inert gas can flow from the feed opening into the pipe opening of the distribution pipe arranged just in front of it. Partly, the inert gas can pass directly through a gap between the Einspeiseöffhung and the pipe opening in the space between the tank bottom. As a result, the distribution of the inert gas in the tank bottom wall is further uniformed. Furthermore, this improves the possibility of extracting liquid from the tank bottom wall through the feed pipe, since the feed pipe is connected directly to the intermediate space in the tank bottom via the feed opening.
  • the distance between the feed opening and the pipe opening compensates for different thermal expansions of distribution pipe and tank bottom wall. A strong connection between feed pipe and feed pipe and distribution pipe could be damaged due to thermal expansion.
  • the pipe opening is arranged on an end region of the distribution pipe which widens toward the pipe end. As a result, the inflow of inert gas is conveyed into the pipe opening.
  • both ends of the distribution pipe are associated with feed pipes.
  • the gas sampling nozzle is arranged at the highest point of the tank top wall or the tank domes. Gases escaping from the tank space preferably collect at this point, so that the detection of leaked gases is improved by this measure.
  • At least one feed pipe is formed as a pump sump for the insertion of a pump for pumping liquid in the space between the tank shell.
  • the pump is according to another embodiment, a Restlenzpumpe or an emergency pump.
  • the residual oil pump / emergency pump is inserted into the feed pipe and sealed at the periphery in the feed pipe.
  • the feed tube has a vertical orientation.
  • the tank has means for detecting the pressure in the intermediate space of the tank envelope and / or means for detecting the ambient pressure around the tank and / or means for detecting the pressure in the tank space and means for evaluating the detected pressures in the intermediate space and / or in around the tank and / or in the tank room.
  • the tank In the space between the tank double hull there is a slight overpressure compared to the ambient pressure around the tank (eg in the hold of a ship), when the outer barrier is tight.
  • the permanent or repeated monitoring of the pressure in the space between the tank double shell can be determined whether gas escapes from the gap to the outside, so that the outer barrier has a leak; If the environment of the tank is not under atmospheric pressure, for example because the pressure is placed in a closed hold of a ship in which an inert gas is fed in at a slight overpressure, it is also preferable to determine the pressure in the environment and with the pressure in the atmosphere Gap compared. With the means for pressure monitoring for the tank space and for the tank room itself can also be determined whether the two pressures differ or match. When the inner barrier is tight, the pressure in the tank space is greater than the pressure in the gap. If the inner barrier is damaged, such as with larger cracks, the pressures in the tank space and in the gap match.
  • the means for evaluating may output the result, for example by outputting an audible and / or visual signal, so that the operating personnel can take appropriate security measures.
  • the tank is arranged on a floating unit.
  • the tank is arranged on a ship.
  • the tank can also be arranged on an offshore structure or on land.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first tank according to the invention in longitudinal section
  • Fig. 2 the same tank in cross section
  • Fig. 3 distribution tubes for inert gas in the space of a tank bottom at the same tank;
  • FIG. 6 shows the lower region of a second tank according to the invention in an enlarged detail view
  • 7 shows the lower region of the same tank with inserted Restlenzpumpe or emergency pump in an enlarged detail view.
  • Fig. 8 freely cut web plates of the tank double shell of the same tank in an enlarged detail view
  • FIG. 9 shows the tank bottom of both exemplary embodiments in a section along the lines A-A of FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG.
  • Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 1 inert gas guide on one of the aforementioned tanks in a rough-schematic longitudinal section;
  • Fig. 12 the use of an emergency pump or Restlenzpumpe when pumping liquid from the space in an enlarged
  • the invention will be explained with reference to two different embodiments of a tank 1, which differ by the structure of the tank double shell.
  • the tank of the first embodiment basically has a structure as described in the embodiments of International Patent Application PCT / EP 2010/006954.
  • the tank of the second embodiment basically has a structure as described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 or WO 2008/103053 AI.
  • the consistent or substantially coincident features of the various tanks will be discussed in part below with reference to drawings relating to various embodiments. They are designated by the same reference numerals.
  • a tank 1 according to the invention has a tank bottom wall 1.1, tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 and a tank top wall 1.6.
  • the tank bottom wall 1.1 and the tank top wall 1.6 are aligned horizontally and the tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 basically vertical.
  • the longitudinal tank side walls 1.2 and 1.3 have at the top and bottom of each obliquely extending portion 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and 1.3.1, 1.3.2.
  • the tank cross-section is adapted to the fuselage cross section of a liquefied gas tanker.
  • the tank bottom wall 1.1, tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 and tank top wall 1.6 enclose a tank space 1.7.
  • a tank dome 5.1 At the top of the tank top wall 1.6 sits a tank dome 5.1, through which liquid can be fed into the tank space 1.7 and removed therefrom.
  • the tank dome 5.1 is closed at the top by a dome plate 5.
  • the tank 1 is formed from panels which consist of parallel, butt-welded profile carriers or tank shell profiles.
  • the panels are connected together in the horizontal and vertical tank walls by connecting profiles 30 and at the corners to the inclined portions of the tank by Eckpro file 31st
  • the gap 1 1 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier is not filled with insulating material and not divided into individual closed plots.
  • both barriers 2, 3 are connected by webs or ribs 33 or other components, so that a uniform distance between the two barriers 2, 3 is ensured without hindering the gas passage.
  • Webs or ribs 33 are not welded together, so that an unobstructed gas flow is ensured in the tank double shell.
  • the webs 33 are preferably profile webs of the profile carrier from which the panels are formed.
  • Transverse or longitudinally extending components 30, 31, which could hinder the flow of inert gas from the tank bottom wall 1.1 to the tank top wall 1.6 are cut free in ribs or webs 33 with holes 33, so that a continuous gas flow is ensured.
  • an inert gas distribution pipe 8 provided with a plurality of gas flow holes 10 (see Fig. 3, 9, 10).
  • the distribution pipe 8 extends in the longitudinal direction of the tank 1 on its longitudinal central axis. At the one end of the distribution pipe 8, a feed pipe 6 for inert gas and at the other end of a pump sump formed with a larger cross section feed pipe 7 (see Fig. 1, 6, 7, 9, 10). Preferably, the tank 1 and the feed pipes 6, 7, 8 are surrounded by insulation.
  • the distribution pipe 8 is widened at the ends to a cone, wherein the respective pipe opening 8.1, 8.2 is arranged at a short distance in front of the feed opening 9.
  • a residual oil pump 18 can be inserted into the feed pipe 7.
  • the pressure tube 19 can be connected to a permanently installed on deck line network for liquid cargo.
  • the distribution pipe 8 near its pipe openings 8.1, 8.2 is in each case connected to a further distribution pipe 8.3, 8.4.
  • the further distribution pipes 8.3, 8.4 extend below the lower edges of the tank side walls 1.4, 1.5. They have further Gas josströmlöcher 20.1.
  • reference numerals 10 denote holes in the lands 33 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3, which allow passage of gas.
  • the holes 10 are shown in FIG.
  • the path of the inert gas in the intermediate space of the tank bottom wall 1.1 is indicated by arrows 21.
  • the gas flows rise perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • the gap 1 1 of the double tank shell are located on both sides of the tank dome 5.1 gas sampling 4 for the inert gas.
  • Fig. 1 1 shows the path of the inert gas from a cooling device through the gap 1 1 of the tank double shell 2 to the gas sampling nozzle 4.
  • a gas sampling nozzle 4 In the flow direction behind the gas sampling nozzle 4 means for detecting a gas 22 are arranged.
  • the escaping inert gas is removed by a cold generator 17 in a technical process - e.g. By means of high-pressure compression - cooled to the specified operating temperature.
  • the tanks explained above have in particular the following advantages: By inerting the atmosphere in the intermediate space 1 1 of the tank double shell with an inert gas small leaks in the tank double shell 2 can be determined by evidence from the tank space 1.7 liberated gas in the inert gas even in a standing inert gas atmosphere in a relatively short time.
  • nitrogen is inertized, methane can be detected when natural gas is transported in the event of a leak. Due to the significantly lower density of methane compared to nitrogen, methane accumulates after leakage at the gas sampling port 4 at the highest points of the tank double shell and can be detected.
  • the control of any leaks in the tank double shell 2 can be accelerated by a continuous flow of inert gas.
  • the tightness of the outer barrier 3 or the closed leak trough 3 is tested by a slight overpressure relative to the pressure 15 surrounding the tank.
  • a permanent or repeated monitoring of the pressure in the region between the tank double shell of the leak tank 3 and the outer barrier 3 is signaled at a pressure drop that gas escapes from the intermediate region 1 1 in a tank 1 surrounding the cargo area 12 of the ship and the outer barrier 3 leaks (Fig. 5).
  • the pressure 16 in the cargo space 12 is namely smaller than the pressure 15 in the space 1 1 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3.
  • the pressure in the space 1 1 is again lower than the pressure 14 in the tank space 12. If the pressure in the gap 15 corresponds to the pressure in the tank space 1.7, the inner barrier 2 has a leakage.
  • a liquid accumulating in the tank bottom can stop the flow of inert gas (Fig. 5).
  • the distance between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3 is kept as low as possible.
  • no desidual pump 18 can be connected, which is able to pump off liquids from the intermediate layer 11. Possibly. can be ensured by trimming the ship that the space 1 1 is almost completely emptied.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a tank for cold or cryogenic liquids having a double casing made of light metal, a base, lateral walls and a cover which defines the tank chamber. The double casing comprises an inner barrier, an outer barrier which is arranged at a distance from the inner barrier and structures which join the inner barrier to the outer barrier, at least one distribution pipe having holes through which the gas can flow for distributing inert gas in the intermediate chamber, said distribution pipe being arranged in the intermediate chamber between the inner barrier and the outer barrier of the tank base, at least one feed pipe for inert gas which is arranged outside of the double casing, which is connected in a communicating manner to the distribution pipe through the outer barrier, an inert gas source connecting to the feed pipe outside of the tank casing, a gas outlet from the intermediate chamber in the outer barrier of the tank cover and means for detecting gas in the region of the gas outlet.

Description

Tank für kalte oder kryogene Flüssigkeiten  Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen Tank für kalte oder kryogene Flüssigkeiten. The invention relates to a tank for cold or cryogenic liquids.
Der erfindungsgemäße Tank dient vorzugsweise dem Transport und/oder der Lagerung von kalten oder kryogenen Flüssigkeiten an Bord von Schiffen oder anderen schwimmenden Einheiten oder auf Offshore-Bauwerken oder an Land. The tank according to the invention is preferably used for the transport and / or storage of cold or cryogenic liquids on board ships or other floating units or on offshore structures or on land.
Kryogene Flüssigkeiten zeichnen sich durch niedrige Siedepunkte aus. Sie werden deshalb bei sehr tiefen Temperaturen transportiert bzw. gelagert. Hierbei handelt es sich insbesondere um verflüssigtes Erdgas, Methan, Propan, Butan oder andere kryogene Flüssigkeiten. Bei verflüssigtem Methan (LNG) beträgt die Transportbzw. Lagerungstemperatur etwa minus 164°C. Cryogenic liquids are characterized by low boiling points. They are therefore transported or stored at very low temperatures. These are in particular liquefied natural gas, methane, propane, butane or other cryogenic liquids. For liquefied methane (LNG) is the Transportbzw. Storage temperature about minus 164 ° C.
Bekannt sind Flüssigkeitsgastankschiffe mit Membrantanks, bei denen die Membranen des Tanks als nicht selbstständig tragende Strukturen im Schiffsrumpf gehalten sind. Ferner sind Flüssiggastankschiffe mit selbsttragenden Tanks bekannt. Auch ist bekannt, die Tanks zur Gewichtseinsparung aus Aluminium herzustellen. Are known liquid gas tankers with membrane tanks, in which the membranes of the tank are held as not self-supporting structures in the hull. Furthermore, liquefied gas tankers are known with self-supporting tanks. It is also known to produce the tanks for weight saving of aluminum.
Die WO 2006/00171 1 A2 beschreibt einen Tank zum Lagern von Flüssigkeiten insbesondere bei sehr niedrigen Temperaturen, der äußere Platten aufweist, die zumindest einen Teil des Dachs, der Seitenwände und des Bodens bilden. Der Tank weist eine innere Zellstruktur auf, wobei Flüssigkeitsverbindüngen zwischen den Zellen der Zellstrukturen bestehen. Zumindest ein Teil der äußeren Platten weist eine geschichtete Sandwich-Struktur auf. Diese hat eine innere Barriere und eine äußere Barriere, zwischen denen Versteifungsstrukturen angeordnet sein können. Die äußeren Platten können auch mit Versteifungselementen versehen sein, die in den Tank hineinragen. Aufgrund der Sandwich-Struktur sind die äußeren Platten Strukturelemente des selbsttragenden Tanks, machen den Tank gas- und WO 2006/00171 1 A2 describes a tank for storing liquids, in particular at very low temperatures, which has outer plates which form at least part of the roof, the side walls and the bottom. The tank has an internal cell structure with fluid connections between the cells of the cell structures. At least part of the outer panels have a layered sandwich structure. This has an inner barrier and an outer barrier between which stiffening structures can be arranged. The outer plates may also be provided with stiffening elements that protrude into the tank. Due to the sandwich structure, the outer plates are structural elements of the self-supporting tank, make the tank gas and
BESTÄTIGUNGSKOPIE flüssigkeitsdicht und können zur thermischen Isolierung des Tanks dienen. Als weiterer Vorteil der Sandwich-Struktur ist angegeben, dass die Möglichkeit der Anordnung einer Gasdetektion zwischen den beiden Schichten der Sandwich- Struktur gegeben ist. CONFIRMATION COPY liquid-tight and can serve for thermal insulation of the tank. Another advantage of the sandwich structure is that the possibility of arranging a gas detection between the two layers of the sandwich structure is given.
Bei Anordnung eines Gassensors an einem Ort zwischen den Schichten der äußeren Platten können Leckagen unentdeckt bleiben, die sich in einem weiten Abstand von dem Gassensor einstellen. Infolgedessen kann es zu Leckagen des Tanks kommen, die die Schiffsstruktur beschädigen. By placing a gas sensor at a location between the layers of the outer plates, leaks may be undetected that are set at a long distance from the gas sensor. As a result, there may be leaks in the tank that damage the ship's structure.
Die WO 2008/103053 AI beschreibt einen selbsttragenden Doppelhüllentank mit inneren und äußeren Wänden und inneren horizontalen Stützen. Die Tankwände bestehen aus horizontalen Profilträgerabschnitten mit zwei parallelen Flanschen, die durch einen Steg miteinander verbunden sind. Die Profilträgerabschnitte sind übereinander gelagert und an den benachbarten Längsseiten ihrer Flansche miteinander verschweißt. An den Enden sind sie durch Verbindungsstücke miteinander verbunden. Die Profilträgerabschnitte tragen von der Innenwand vorstehende Rippen. Auf die Rippen sind Kniebleche geschweißt, an denen Stützen befestigt sind, die sich im Inneren des Tanks erstrecken. Dieser Tank weist ebenfalls eine innere und eine äußere Flüssigkeitsbarriere auf. Mittel zur Feststellung von Leckagen der inneren und äußeren Barrieren sind nicht beschrieben. WO 2008/103053 A1 describes a self-supporting double-shell tank with inner and outer walls and inner horizontal supports. The tank walls consist of horizontal profile beam sections with two parallel flanges, which are connected by a web. The profile carrier sections are mounted one above the other and welded together on the adjacent longitudinal sides of their flanges. At the ends they are connected by connecting pieces. The profile carrier sections carry ribs projecting from the inner wall. On the ribs are welded plate plates, on which supports are fixed, which extend inside the tank. This tank also has an inner and an outer liquid barrier. Means for detecting leaks of the inner and outer barriers are not described.
Davon ausgehend liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Tank für kalte oder kryogene Flüssigkeiten zur Verfügung zu stellen, der die Feststellung von Undichtigkeiten erleichtert, Wärmeverluste reduziert und eine Beseitigung von Leckagen ermöglicht. Die Aufgabe wird durch einen Tank mit den Merkmalen von Anspruch 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen des Tanks sind in Unteransprüchen angegeben. Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a tank for cold or cryogenic liquids which facilitates the detection of leaks, reduces heat losses and makes it possible to eliminate leaks. The object is achieved by a tank having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the tank are specified in subclaims.
Der erfindungsgemäße Tank für kalte oder kryogene Flüssigkeiten hat The tank according to the invention for cold or cryogenic liquids has
• eine Tankdoppelhülle aus Leichtmetall, die mit einer Tankbodenwand, Tankseitenwänden und einer Tankdeckwand einen Tankraum umgrenzt,A light-metal double-walled casing, which encloses a tank space with a tank bottom wall, tank side walls and a tank top wall,
• wobei die Tankdoppelhülle eine innere Barriere, eine in einem Abstand von der inneren Barriere angeordnete äußere Barriere und die innere mit der äußeren Barriere miteinander verbindende Strukturen aufweist, Wherein the tank double shell has an inner barrier, an outer barrier located at a distance from the inner barrier, and the inner structures interconnecting with the outer barrier,
• mindestens ein im Zwischenraum zwischen der inneren Barriere und der äußeren Barriere des Tankbodens angeordnetes Verteilungsrohr mit Gasdurchströmlöchem zum Verteilen von Inertgas im Zwischenraum, At least one distribution tube with gas flow holes arranged in the intermediate space between the inner barrier and the outer barrier of the tank bottom for distributing inert gas in the intermediate space,
• mindestens ein außerhalb der Tankdoppelhülle angeordnetes Einspeiserohr für inertgas, das durch die äußere Barriere hindurch kommunizierend mit dem Verteilungsrohr verbunden ist, At least one inert gas feed pipe located outside the tank double shell, communicating with the distribution pipe through the outer barrier,
• eine mit dem Einspeiserohr außerhalb der Tankhülle verbundene Quelle für ein Inertgas,  A source of inert gas connected to the feed pipe outside the tank shell,
• einen Gasaustritt aus dem Zwischenraum in der äußeren Barriere der Tankdeckwand und  • a gas outlet from the space in the outer barrier of the tank top wall and
• Mittel zur Gasdetektion im Bereich des Gasaustritts.  • means for gas detection in the area of the gas outlet.
Der erfindungsgemäße Tank ist ein Doppelhüllentank. Die Tankdoppelhülle des Tanks bildet eine Tankbodenwand, Tankseitenwände (auch: „Tankendschotte" genannt) und eine Tankdeckwand. Die Tankbodenwand, die Tankseitenwände und die Tankdeckwand umgrenzen einen Tankraum, der der Aufnahme von kalten oder kryogenen Flüssigkeiten dient. Die Tankdoppelhülle ist aus Leichtmetall hergestellt, vorzugsweise aus Aluminium oder aus einer Aluminiumlegierung. Die Tankdoppelhülle weist eine innere Barriere und eine äußere Barriere auf. Beide Barrieren sind flüssigkeits- und gasdicht. Die innere und äußere Barriere weisen einen Abstand voneinander auf, sodass zwischen den Barrieren ein Zwischenraum vorhanden ist. In dem Zwischenraum sind die innere und die äußere Barriere durch Strukturen miteinander verbunden. Diese Strukturen sind vorzugsweise Stege oder Rippen oder andere geeignete Bauteile. Hierbei kann es sich insbesondere um Profilstege von Profilträgern handeln, aus denen die innere und/oder die äußere Barriere gebildet sind. Ausgestaltungen von selbsttragenden Tanks mit Tankdoppelhüllen, die als erfindungsgemäßer Tank ausgestaltet werden können, sind in der WO 2006/00171 1 A2 (Ausfuhrungsbeispiele von Fig. 5 und 8), WO 2008/103053 AI (sämtliche Ausführungsbeispiele) und in der internationalen Patentanmeldung PCT/EP 2010/006954 (Ausfuhrungsbeispiel von Fig. 16) beschrieben. Die diesbezüglichen Ausführungen der vorgenannten Patentanmeldungen werden durch Bezugnahme in die vorliegende Anmeldung einbezogen. The tank according to the invention is a double-shell tank. The tank double shell of the tank forms a tank bottom wall, tank side walls (also called "tank bulkheads") and a tank top wall.The tank bottom wall, the tank side walls and the tank top wall define a tank space, which serves to accommodate cold or cryogenic liquids. preferably of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy. The tank double shell has an inner barrier and an outer barrier. Both barriers are liquid and gas tight. The inner and outer barriers are spaced apart such that there is a gap between the barriers. In the space, the inner and outer barriers are interconnected by structures. These structures are preferably webs or ribs or other suitable components. These may in particular be profile webs of profile carriers, from which the inner and / or the outer barrier are formed. Embodiments of self-supporting tanks with tank double sheaths, which can be configured as a tank according to the invention, are described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 (exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 8), WO 2008/103053 A1 (all exemplary embodiments) and in the international patent application PCT / EP 2010/006954 (exemplary embodiment of FIG. 16). The relevant embodiments of the aforementioned patent applications are incorporated by reference into the present application.
Der erfindungsgemäße Tank weist in der Tankbodenwand ein Verteilungsrohr mit Gasdurchströmlöchern zum Verteilen eines Inertgases auf. Ferner ist außerhalb der Tankdoppelhülle mindestens ein Einspeiserohr für Inertgas angeordnet, das durch die äußere Barriere hindurch kommunizierend mit dem Verteilungsrohr verbunden ist. Das Einspeiserohr ist entweder über ein Verbindungsrohr oder über einen kurzen Bereich des Zwischenraumes kommunizierend mit dem Verteilungsrohr verbunden. Die Gasdurchströmlöcher können kreisrund, oval oder länglich oder schlitzförmig sein. The tank according to the invention has a distribution pipe in the tank bottom wall with gas throughflow holes for distributing an inert gas. Furthermore, at least one inert gas feed pipe is arranged outside the tank double shell and communicates with the distribution pipe through the outer barrier. The feed pipe is communicatively connected to the distribution pipe either via a connecting pipe or over a short area of the space. The Gasdurchströmlöcher may be circular, oval or oblong or slit-shaped.
Des Weiteren umfasst der Tank eine Quelle für ein Inertgas. Das Inertgas ist vorzugsweise Stickstoff. Hierbei kann es sich aber auch um Kohlendioxid, Argon oder ein anderes Edelgas oder um andere geeignete Inertgase handeln. Eine Quelle für Stickstoff kann insbesondere eine Stickstofferzeugungsanlage oder ein Stickstofflager sein. Stickstofferzeugungsanlagen oder ein ausreichendes Stickstofflager werden ohnehin an Bord von Flüssigkeitstankern für die Inertisierung des Laderaumes etc. benötigt. Furthermore, the tank includes a source of inert gas. The inert gas is preferably nitrogen. This can also be carbon dioxide, argon or another noble gas or other suitable inert gases. A source of nitrogen may in particular be a nitrogen production plant or a nitrogen storage. Nitrogen production plants or a sufficient nitrogen storage are anyway required on board liquid tankers for the inerting of the cargo space etc.
Das Verteilungsrohr verteilt das Inertgas gleichmäßig über den Zwischenraum der Tankbodenwand des Tanks. Von den Rändern der Tankbodenwand aus steigt das Inertgas gleichmäßig in den Tankseitenwänden auf und verteilt sich von den oberen Rümpfen der Tankseitenwände aus gleichmäßig in der Tankdeckwand. Der Gasaustritt ist bevorzugt am höchsten Punkt der Tankdeckwand bzw. des Tankdomes angeordnet. Vorzugsweise ist der Gasaustritt ein Gasentnahmestutzen, der durch die äußere Barriere der Tankdeckwand bzw. des Tankdomes hindurch mit dem Zwischenraum der Tankdoppelhülle verbunden ist. The distribution tube distributes the inert gas evenly across the gap of the tank bottom wall of the tank. From the edges of the tank bottom wall, the inert gas rises evenly in the tank side walls and is distributed evenly in the tank top wall from the upper fins of the tank side walls. The gas outlet is preferably arranged at the highest point of the tank top wall or the tank dome. Preferably, the gas outlet is a gas sampling nozzle, which is connected through the outer barrier of the tank top wall or the tank dome through with the space between the tank double shell.
Durch den Gasentnahmestutzen kann in den Zwischenraum eingeströmtes Gas aus dem Zwischenraum abgeführt werden. Wenn die innere Barriere der Tankhülle undicht ist, entweicht Flüssigkeit oder Gas aus dem Tankraum in den Zwischenraum und verdampft zum Teil sofort. Das aufsteigende bzw. durch den Gasstrom mitgerissene gasförmige Erdgas, vorzugsweise Methan, kann auch in kleinsten Konzentrationen durch die permanente oder zyklische Kontrolle am Gasaustritt oder im anschließenden Rohrsystem detektiert werden. Die Mittel zur Gasdetektion sind z.B. in den Inertgaskreislauf zwischen Gasentnahmestutzen und möglicher Komprimierung oder Kühlung des Inertgases bis zur Wiedereinspeisung in den Bodenbereich des Tanks angeordnet, vorzugshalber jedoch in unmittelbarer Umgebung des Gasaustritts bzw. am Gasentnahmestutzen. Bei den Mitteln zur Gasdetektion kann es sich insbesondere um einen Gassensor zur Detektion gasförmiger Substanzen handeln. Der Gassensor kann insbesondere ein Gassensor zur Detektion von Methan oder anderen brennbaren Gasen sein. Through the gas sampling nozzle, gas flowed into the intermediate space can be removed from the intermediate space. If the inner barrier of the tank shell is leaking, liquid or gas escapes from the tank space into the space and partially evaporates immediately. The rising or through the gas flow entrained gaseous natural gas, preferably methane, can be detected even in very small concentrations by the permanent or cyclic control at the gas outlet or in the subsequent pipe system. The means for gas detection are arranged, for example in the Inertgaskreislauf between gas sampling nozzle and possible compression or cooling of the inert gas until re-injection into the bottom of the tank, but preferably in the immediate vicinity of the gas outlet or at the gas sampling. The means for gas detection may in particular be a gas sensor for detection act gaseous substances. The gas sensor may in particular be a gas sensor for detecting methane or other combustible gases.
Durch die Inertisierung der Atmosphäre in dem Zwischenraum der Tankdoppelhülle mittels Inertgas können nach kurzer Zeit selbst kleine Undichtigkeiten der inneren Barriere nachgewiesen werden. Aus dem Tankraum freigesetzte Gase haben in der Regel eine geringere Dichte als das Inertgas. Beispielsweise hat Methan eine Dichte von 0,72 kg/m3 und Stickstoff eine Dichte von 1 ,25 kg/m3. Infolgedessen sammelt sich Gas aus dem Tankraum unter der Tankdeckwand bzw. dem Gasaustritt an. Die erhöhte Konzentration des entwichenen Gases unter der Tankdeckwand erleichtert seine Detektion am Gasaustritt bzw. hinter dem Gasaustritt aus dem Zwischenraum. Dabei ist es unerheblich, wo sich das Leck befindet, da sich das freigesetzte Gas stets unterhalb der Tankdeckwand ansammelt. Dieser Effekt stellt sich bereits ein, wenn die Inertgasatmosphäre im Zwischenraum ruht, also kein, von außen angeregter Gasstrom vorhanden, ist. Die Ansammlung des aus dem Tankraum entwichenen Gases unter der Tankdeckwand kann durch Einspeisung eines Stromes eines Inertgases in den Zwischenraum beschleunigt werden. By inerting the atmosphere in the gap of the tank double shell by inert gas even small leaks of the inner barrier can be detected after a short time. Gases released from the tank space generally have a lower density than the inert gas. For example, methane has a density of 0.72 kg / m 3 and nitrogen has a density of 1.25 kg / m 3 . As a result, gas accumulates from the tank space under the tank top wall or the gas outlet. The increased concentration of the escaped gas under the tank top wall facilitates its detection at the gas outlet or behind the gas outlet from the intermediate space. It does not matter where the leak is located, as the released gas always accumulates below the tank top wall. This effect is already established when the inert gas atmosphere rests in the intermediate space, that is, there is no externally excited gas flow. The accumulation of the gas escaped from the tank space under the tank top wall can be accelerated by feeding a stream of an inert gas into the gap.
Ein weiterer Vorteil des Tanks ist im Gefahrenfall, dass über das Einspeiserohr Flüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenraum im Tankbodenbereich entnommen werden kann, die durch ein auftretendes Leck in der inneren Barriere in den Zwischenraum der Tankdoppelhülle gelangt ist. Die Flüssigkeit kann durch die Gasdurchströmlöcher in das Verteilungsrohr und von dort in das Einspeiserohr gelangen, wenn das Verteilungsrohr mit dem Einspeiserohr verbunden ist. Bei einer unten erläuterten Ausgestaltung kann die Flüssigkeit durch einen Spalt zwischen dem Verteilungsrohr und dem Einspeiserohr oder zwischen dem Verteilungsrohr und einem Verbindungsrohr zum Einspeiserohr in das Einspeiserohr gelangen. Beispielsweise wenn mittels der Mittel zur Gasdetektion das Entweichen eines Gases aus dem Tankraum festgestellt wird, kann auf diese Weise ausgetretene Flüssigkeit aus dem Tankraum aus dem Zwischenraum abgepumpt werden. Durch den Einsatz des Einspeiserohres in Kombination mit dem Abpumpmöglichkeiten für den Gefahrenfall von Flüssigkeiten aus dem Zwischenraum kann die Tankdoppelhülle bevorzugt so ausgebildet werden, dass sie den minimalen Festigkeitsansprüchen und den Ansprüchen aus den ermittelten Belastungen gerecht wird, ohne auf die benötigten Abmessungen einer Notfallpumpe zum Abpumpen von Flüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenraum reagieren zu müssen. Das Einspeiserohr kann jedoch so ausgebildet sein, dass eine Pumpe mit geringem Aufwand anschließbar ist oder es als Pumpensumpf mindestens eine Pumpe aufnehmen kann. A further advantage of the tank is in the event of danger that liquid can be removed from the intermediate space in the tank bottom area via the feed pipe, which has reached the intermediate space of the tank double shell through a leak occurring in the inner barrier. The liquid can pass through the gas flow holes in the distribution pipe and from there into the feed pipe when the distribution pipe is connected to the feed pipe. In an embodiment explained below, the liquid can pass through a gap between the distribution pipe and the feed pipe or between the distribution pipe and a connecting pipe to the feed pipe in the feed pipe. For example, if by means of the means for gas detection, the escape of a gas from the Tank space is detected, leaked in this way liquid can be pumped out of the tank space from the intermediate space. Through the use of the feed pipe in combination with the Abpumpmöglichkeiten for the danger of liquids from the gap, the tank double shell can be preferably designed so that it meets the minimum strength requirements and the claims from the determined loads, without the required dimensions of an emergency pump for pumping to have to react by liquid from the gap. However, the feed pipe can be designed so that a pump can be connected with little effort or it can accommodate at least one pump as a pump sump.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist das Einspeiserohr mit einer Quelle verbunden, die einen Strom eines Inertgases liefert. Hierbei kann es sich um einen kontinuierlichen oder um einen zeitweilig unterbrochenen Strom eines Inertgases handeln. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass aus dem Tankraum freigesetzte Gase in besonders geringen Konzentrationen detektiert werden können und damit eine Leckage sehr schnell festgestellt werden kann. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht darin, dass durch den Strom eines Inertgases die Tankdoppelhülle gekühlt wird. Hierzu wird gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausgestaltung kaltes oder kryogenes Inertgas in den Zwischenraum eingespeist. Durch das Einspeisen des kalten oder kryogenen Inertgases wird die Tankdoppelhülle von innen gekühlt und die von außen einströmende Wärme mit dem Inertgasstrom aus dem Gasentnahmestutzen abgeführt. Somit kann ein Wärmeeintrag aus der Umgebung des Tanks auf die im Tankraum enthaltene Flüssigkeit reduziert oder ganz ausgeschlossen werden. Ein Verdampfen der Flüssigkeit im Tankraum wird hierdurch besser kontrolliert, minimiert oder verhindert. Hierfür ist bevorzugt die Temperatur des Inertgases an den Siedepunkt der im Tankraum gelagerten Flüssigkeiten angepasst. Am besten für die Reduzierung eines Wärmeeintrages in den Tankraum ist, wenn die Temperatur des Inertgases tiefer als der Siedepunkt der Flüssigkeit ist. Dies ist beispielsweise möglich, wenn Stickstoff als Inertgas in einem Tank für Flüssigerdgas eingesetzt wird. Damit das Entweichen von Gas aus dem Tankraum besser detektiert werden kann, kann die Temperatur des Inertgases auch etwas höher als der Siedepunkt der Flüssigkeit gewählt werden. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed pipe is connected to a source which supplies a stream of an inert gas. This may be a continuous or a temporarily interrupted stream of an inert gas. This embodiment has the advantage that gases released from the tank space can be detected in particularly low concentrations and thus leakage can be detected very quickly. Another advantage is that the double-walled tank is cooled by the flow of an inert gas. For this purpose, according to a further preferred embodiment, cold or cryogenic inert gas is fed into the intermediate space. By feeding the cold or cryogenic inert gas, the tank double shell is cooled from the inside and the heat flowing in from outside is removed from the gas extraction connection with the inert gas flow. Thus, a heat input from the environment of the tank can be reduced to the liquid contained in the tank space or completely excluded. Evaporation of the liquid in the tank space is thereby better controlled, minimized or prevented. For this purpose, the temperature of the inert gas is preferably adapted to the boiling point of the liquids stored in the tank space. Best for reducing a heat input into the tank room is when the temperature of the inert gas is lower than the boiling point of the liquid. This is possible, for example, when nitrogen is used as an inert gas in a liquefied natural gas tank. So that the escape of gas from the tank space can be better detected, the temperature of the inert gas can also be selected slightly higher than the boiling point of the liquid.
Der erfindungsgemäße Tank kann so ausgebildet sein, dass nur die innere Barriere eine dauerhafte Tankhülle bildet, die den Belastungen durch kryogene Flüssigkeiten dauerhaft standhält. Die äußere Barriere dient dann nur dazu, den Zwischenraum nach außen zu begrenzen. Ggfs. kann die äußere Barriere dazu dienen, die aus dem Tankraum ausgetretene Flüssigkeit über eine begrenzte Zeit zurückzuhalten und die Umgebung entsprechend den Regelwerken für einen vorgegebenen Zeitraum vor den kalten oder kryogenen Flüssigkeiten zu schützen. Ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines derartigen selbsttragenden Tanks ist in der internationalen Patentanmeldung PCT/EP 2010/006954 anhand von Fig. 16 beschrieben. Die diesbezügliche Beschreibung wird durch Bezugnahme in die vorliegende Patentanmeldung aufgenommen. The tank according to the invention may be designed such that only the inner barrier forms a permanent tank shell which permanently withstands the stresses caused by cryogenic liquids. The outer barrier then serves only to limit the gap to the outside. If necessary. For example, the outer barrier may serve to retain the liquid leaked from the tank space for a limited time and to protect the environment from the cold or cryogenic liquids for a predetermined period of time in accordance with the regulations. An embodiment of such a self-supporting tank is described in the international patent application PCT / EP 2010/006954 with reference to FIG. 16. The description thereof is incorporated by reference into the present patent application.
Gemäß einer anderen Ausgestaltung sind die innere und die äußere Barriere dauerhafte Tankhüllen. Bei dieser Ausgestaltung wird die aus dem Tankraum ausgetretene Flüssigkeit dauerhaft in der Tankdoppelhülle zurückgehalten. Derartige Doppelhüllentanks sind jedoch verhältnismäßig kostspielig. Ausführungsbeispiele für solche Tanks sind in der WO 2006/00171 1 A2 und in der WO 2008/103053 AI beschrieben. Die diesbezüglichen Ausführungen in den beiden Patentveröffentlichungen werden durch Bezugnahme in die vorliegende Anmeldung einbezogen. According to another embodiment, the inner and outer barriers are permanent tank envelopes. In this embodiment, the leaked from the tank space liquid is permanently retained in the tank double shell. However, such double-hulled tanks are relatively expensive. Exemplary embodiments of such tanks are described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 and in WO 2008/103053 A1. The related statements in the two patent publications are incorporated by reference into the present application.
Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung erstreckt sich mindestens ein Verteilungsrohr in Hauptausdehnungsrichtung des Tanks. Hierdurch wird eine gleichmäßige Verteilung des Inertgases in Hauptausdehnungsrichtung des Tanks erreicht. Gemäß einer fertigungstechnisch vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung ist das Verteilungsrohr geradlinig. Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist das Verteilungsrohr auf einer Mittelachse des Tanks angeordnet. Hierdurch wird eine gleichmäßige Verteilung des Inertgases über die Tankbreite erzielt. According to one embodiment, at least one distribution pipe extends in the main expansion direction of the tank. This will result in a uniform distribution of the inert gas in the main expansion direction of the tank. According to a production-technically advantageous embodiment, the distribution tube is rectilinear. According to a further embodiment, the distribution pipe is arranged on a central axis of the tank. As a result, a uniform distribution of the inert gas over the tank width is achieved.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung erstreckt sich das Verteilungsrohr von einer Tankseitenwand des Tanks zu einer gegenüberliegenden Tankseitenwand des Tanks und kann an seinen beiden Enden mit weiteren Verteilungsrohren verbunden sein, die jeweils unterhalb der unteren Ränder der betreffenden Tankseitenwände verlaufen und mit weiteren Gasdurchströmlöchern versehen sind, um Inertgas in den Zwischenraum zwischen den inneren und äußeren Barrieren der betreffenden Tankseitenwände einzuspeisen. Hierdurch wird die Verteilung des Inertgases über die Tankseitenwände verbessert. Es muss keine feste Verbindung geben, zueinander ausgerichtete Verteilungsrohre mit entsprechenden Öffnungen, ohne feste Verbindung untereinander erfüllen den gleichen Zweck und haben den Vorteil des freien Schrumpfens. According to a further embodiment, the distribution pipe extends from a tank side wall of the tank to an opposite tank side wall of the tank and may be connected at its two ends to further distribution pipes each extending below the lower edges of the respective tank side walls and provided with further gas flow holes for inert gas to feed into the space between the inner and outer barriers of the respective tank side walls. This improves the distribution of the inert gas over the tank sidewalls. There must be no firm connection, aligned distribution pipes with corresponding openings, without firm connection with each other perform the same purpose and have the advantage of free shrinkage.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung weisen die Strukturen, die die innere und die äußere Barriere miteinander verbinden, Löcher auf, die eine Verteilung des Inertgases durch die Strukturen hindurch ermöglichen. Die Strukturen sind bevorzugt Stege oder Rippen, die ansonsten einen Fluss des Inertgases zwischen verschiedenen Bereichen der Tankdoppelhülle unterbinden würden. According to another embodiment, the structures interconnecting the inner and outer barriers have holes that allow distribution of the inert gas through the structures. The structures are preferably webs or ribs which would otherwise inhibit flow of the inert gas between different regions of the tank double shell.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist das Einspeiserohr durch die äußere Barriere einer Tankseitenwand hindurch mit dem Verteilungsrohr kommunizierend verbunden. Bevorzugt ist das Einspeiserohr in der Nähe des Tankbodens durch die äußere Barriere der Seitenwand hindurchgeführt, um eine kurze Verbindung zu dem Verteilungsrohr herzustellen. According to a further embodiment, the feed pipe is communicatively connected to the distribution pipe through the outer barrier of a tank side wall. Preferably, the feed pipe is in the vicinity of the tank bottom through the outer barrier of the side wall passed to make a short connection to the distribution pipe.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist in einem kurzen Abstand innen vor einer Einspeiseöffhung der äußeren Barriere, in die das Einspeiserohr mündet, eine Rohröffhung des Verteilungsrohres angeordnet. Das Inertgas kann aus der Einspeiseöffhung in die kurz davor angeordnete Rohröffnung des Verteilungsrohrs einströmen. Teilweise kann das Inertgas durch einen Spalt zwischen der Einspeiseöffhung und der Rohröffhung direkt in den Zwischenraum des Tankbodens gelangen. Hierdurch wird die Verteilung des Inertgases in der Tankbodenwand weiter vergleichmäßigt. Ferner wird hierdurch die Möglichkeit verbessert, durch das Einspeiserohr Flüssigkeit aus der Tankbodenwand abzuziehen, da das Einspeiserohr über die Einspeiseöffhung direkt mit dem Zwischenraum im Tankboden verbunden ist. According to a further embodiment, a pipe opening of the distribution pipe is arranged at a short distance in front of a feed opening of the outer barrier, into which the feed pipe opens. The inert gas can flow from the feed opening into the pipe opening of the distribution pipe arranged just in front of it. Partly, the inert gas can pass directly through a gap between the Einspeiseöffhung and the pipe opening in the space between the tank bottom. As a result, the distribution of the inert gas in the tank bottom wall is further uniformed. Furthermore, this improves the possibility of extracting liquid from the tank bottom wall through the feed pipe, since the feed pipe is connected directly to the intermediate space in the tank bottom via the feed opening.
Durch den Abstand zwischen der Einspeiseöffhung und der Rohröffhung werden unterschiedliche thermische Ausdehnungen von Verteilungsrohr und Tankbodenwand kompensiert. Eine feste Verbindung zwischen Einspeiserohr bzw. Einspeiseöffhung und Verteilungsrohr könnte aufgrund thermischer Ausdehnungen beschädigt werden. The distance between the feed opening and the pipe opening compensates for different thermal expansions of distribution pipe and tank bottom wall. A strong connection between feed pipe and feed pipe and distribution pipe could be damaged due to thermal expansion.
Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung ist die Rohröffhung an einem sich zum Rohrende hin erweiternden Endbereich des Verteilungsrohres angeordnet. Hierdurch wird das Einströmen von Inertgas in die Rohröffhung gefördert. According to one embodiment, the pipe opening is arranged on an end region of the distribution pipe which widens toward the pipe end. As a result, the inflow of inert gas is conveyed into the pipe opening.
Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung sind beiden Enden des Verteilungsrohres Einspeiserohre zugeordnet. Hierdurch wird eine gleichmäßige Verteilung des Inertgases über den Tankboden weiter gefördert. Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist der Gasentnahmestutzen an der höchsten Stelle der Tankdeckwand bzw. der Tankdome angeordnet. Aus dem Tankraum ausgetretene Gase sammeln sich bevorzugt an dieser Stelle, sodass durch diese Maßnahme die Detektion ausgetretener Gase verbessert wird. According to a preferred embodiment, both ends of the distribution pipe are associated with feed pipes. As a result, a uniform distribution of the inert gas over the tank bottom is further promoted. According to a further embodiment, the gas sampling nozzle is arranged at the highest point of the tank top wall or the tank domes. Gases escaping from the tank space preferably collect at this point, so that the detection of leaked gases is improved by this measure.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist mindestens ein Einspeiserohr als Pumpensumpf für das Einsetzen einer Pumpe zum Abpumpen von Flüssigkeit in dem Zwischenraum der Tankhülle ausgebildet. Die Pumpe ist gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung eine Restlenzpumpe oder eine Notfallpumpe. Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist die Restlenzpumpe/Notfallpumpe in das Einspeiserohr eingesetzt und am Umfang im Einspeiserohr abgedichtet. Bevorzugt hat das Einspeiserohr eine vertikale Ausrichtung. According to a further embodiment, at least one feed pipe is formed as a pump sump for the insertion of a pump for pumping liquid in the space between the tank shell. The pump is according to another embodiment, a Restlenzpumpe or an emergency pump. According to another embodiment, the residual oil pump / emergency pump is inserted into the feed pipe and sealed at the periphery in the feed pipe. Preferably, the feed tube has a vertical orientation.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung weist der Tank Mittel zum Erfassen des Druckes im Zwischenraum der Tankhülle und/oder Mittel zum Erfassen des Umgebungsdruckes um den Tank und/oder Mittel zum Erfassen des Druckes im Tankraum und Mittel zum Auswerten der erfassten Drücke im Zwischenraum und/oder in der Umgebung um den Tank und/oder im Tankraum auf. Im Zwischenraum der Tankdoppelhülle herrscht leichter Überdruck gegenüber dem Umgebungsdruck um den Tank (z.B. im Laderaum eines Schiffes), wenn die äußere Barriere dicht ist. Durch die permanente oder wiederholte Überwachung des Drucks im Zwischenraum der Tankdoppelhülle kann festgestellt werden, ob Gas aus dem Zwischenraum nach außen entweicht, sodass die äußere Barriere eine Undichtigkeit aufweist; Wenn die Umgebung des Tanks nicht unter atmosphärischem Druck steht, beispielsweise weil der Druck in einem geschlossenen Laderaum eines Schiffes angeordnet ist, in dem ein Inertgas unter geringem Überdruck eingespeist wird, wird bevorzugt auch der Druck in der Umgebung ermittelt und mit dem Druck im Zwischenraum verglichen. Mit den Mitteln zur Drucküberwachung für den Tankzwischenraum sowie für den Tankraum selbst kann ferner festgestellt werden, ob die beiden Drücke voneinander abweichen oder übereinstimmen. Wenn die innere Barriere dicht ist, ist der Druck im Tankraum größer als der Druck im Zwischenraum. Wenn die innere Barriere beschädigt ist, wie zum Beispiel bei größeren Rissen, stimmen die Drücke im Tankraum und im Zwischenraum überein. Die Mittel zum Auswerten können das Ergebnis ausgeben, beispielsweise durch Ausgabe eines akustischen und/oder optischen Signals, sodass das Betriebspersonal geeignete Maßnahmen zur Gefahrenabwehr ergreifen kann. According to a further embodiment, the tank has means for detecting the pressure in the intermediate space of the tank envelope and / or means for detecting the ambient pressure around the tank and / or means for detecting the pressure in the tank space and means for evaluating the detected pressures in the intermediate space and / or in around the tank and / or in the tank room. In the space between the tank double hull there is a slight overpressure compared to the ambient pressure around the tank (eg in the hold of a ship), when the outer barrier is tight. By the permanent or repeated monitoring of the pressure in the space between the tank double shell can be determined whether gas escapes from the gap to the outside, so that the outer barrier has a leak; If the environment of the tank is not under atmospheric pressure, for example because the pressure is placed in a closed hold of a ship in which an inert gas is fed in at a slight overpressure, it is also preferable to determine the pressure in the environment and with the pressure in the atmosphere Gap compared. With the means for pressure monitoring for the tank space and for the tank room itself can also be determined whether the two pressures differ or match. When the inner barrier is tight, the pressure in the tank space is greater than the pressure in the gap. If the inner barrier is damaged, such as with larger cracks, the pressures in the tank space and in the gap match. The means for evaluating may output the result, for example by outputting an audible and / or visual signal, so that the operating personnel can take appropriate security measures.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung ist der Tank auf einer schwimmenden Einheit angeordnet. Bevorzugt ist der Tank auf einem Schiff angeordnet. Grundsätzlich kann der Tank aber auch auf einem Offshore-Bauwerk oder an Land angeordnet sein. According to a further embodiment, the tank is arranged on a floating unit. Preferably, the tank is arranged on a ship. In principle, however, the tank can also be arranged on an offshore structure or on land.
Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der anliegenden Zeichnungen und Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert. In den Zeichnungen zeigen: The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. In the drawings show:
Fig. 1 einen ersten erfindungsgemäßen Tank im Längsschnitt; 1 shows a first tank according to the invention in longitudinal section;
Fig. 2 denselben Tank im Querschnitt;  Fig. 2 the same tank in cross section;
Fig. 3 Verteilungsrohre für Inertgas im Zwischenraum eines Tankbodens bei demselben Tank;  Fig. 3 distribution tubes for inert gas in the space of a tank bottom at the same tank;
Fig. 4 derselbe Tank in einer weiteren Detailansicht; 4 shows the same tank in a further detail view;
Fig. 5 der untere Bereich desselben Tanks mit Messpunkten für den Druck in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht;  5 shows the lower area of the same tank with measuring points for the pressure in an enlarged detail view;
Fig. 6 der untere Bereich eines zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Tanks in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht; Fig. 7 der untere Bereich desselben Tanks mit eingesetzter Restlenzpumpe oder Notfallpumpe in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht; 6 shows the lower region of a second tank according to the invention in an enlarged detail view; 7 shows the lower region of the same tank with inserted Restlenzpumpe or emergency pump in an enlarged detail view.
Fig. 8 frei geschnittene Stegbleche der Tankdoppelhülle desselben Tanks in einer vergrößerten Detailansicht;  Fig. 8 freely cut web plates of the tank double shell of the same tank in an enlarged detail view;
Fig. 9 der Tankboden beider Ausführungsbeispiele in einem Schnitt entlang der Linien A-A von Fig. 5 und 6;  FIG. 9 shows the tank bottom of both exemplary embodiments in a section along the lines A-A of FIGS. 5 and 6; FIG.
Fig. 10 ein vergrößertes Detail von Fig. 8;  Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 8;
Fig. 1 1 Inertgasführung an einem der vorbezeichneten Tanks in einem grobschematischen Längsschnitt;  Fig. 1 1 inert gas guide on one of the aforementioned tanks in a rough-schematic longitudinal section;
Fig. 12 den Einsatz einer Notfallpumpe oder Restlenzpumpe beim Abpumpen von Flüssigkeit aus dem Zwischenraum in einer vergrößertenFig. 12 the use of an emergency pump or Restlenzpumpe when pumping liquid from the space in an enlarged
Detailansicht. Detailed view.
Die Erfindung wird anhand von zwei verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispielen eines Tanks 1 erläutert, die sich durch den Aufbau der Tankdoppelhülle unterscheiden. Der Tank des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels hat grundsätzlich einen Aufbau, wie in den Ausführungsbeispielen der internationalen Patentanmeldung PCT/EP 2010/006954 beschrieben. Der Tank des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels hat grundsätzlich einen Aufbau, wie in der WO 2006/00171 1 A2 oder der WO 2008/103053 AI beschrieben. Die übereinstimmenden oder im Wesentlichen übereinstimmenden Merkmale der verschiedenen Tanks werden nachstehend zum Teil anhand von Zeichnungen erörtert, die sich auf verschiedene Ausführungsbeispiele beziehen. Sie sind mit denselben Bezugsziffern bezeichnet. The invention will be explained with reference to two different embodiments of a tank 1, which differ by the structure of the tank double shell. The tank of the first embodiment basically has a structure as described in the embodiments of International Patent Application PCT / EP 2010/006954. The tank of the second embodiment basically has a structure as described in WO 2006/00171 1 A2 or WO 2008/103053 AI. The consistent or substantially coincident features of the various tanks will be discussed in part below with reference to drawings relating to various embodiments. They are designated by the same reference numerals.
Die Angaben„oben" und„unten" beziehen sich auf die Ausrichtung des Tanks, bei der die Tankdeckwand vertikal über der Tankbodenwand angeordnet ist. Gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 weist ein erfindungsgemäßer Tank 1 eine Tankbodenwand 1.1 , Tankseitenwände 1.2 bis 1.5 und eine Tankdeckwand 1.6 auf. Die Tankbodenwand 1.1 und die Tankdeckwand 1.6 sind horizontal ausgerichtet und die Tankseitenwände 1.2 bis 1.5 grundsätzlich vertikal. Die längsseitigen Tankseitenwände 1.2 und 1.3 haben am oberen und unteren Rand jeweils einen schräg verlaufenden Abschnitt 1.2.1, 1.2.2 und 1.3.1 , 1.3.2. Dadurch ist der Tankquerschnitt an den Rumpfquerschnitt eines Flüssiggastankschiffes angepasst. Die Tankbodenwand 1.1 , Tankseitenwände 1.2 bis 1.5 und Tankdeckwand 1.6 umschließen einen Tankraum 1.7. The indications "top" and "bottom" refer to the orientation of the tank with the tank top wall vertically above the tank bottom wall. According to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tank 1 according to the invention has a tank bottom wall 1.1, tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 and a tank top wall 1.6. The tank bottom wall 1.1 and the tank top wall 1.6 are aligned horizontally and the tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 basically vertical. The longitudinal tank side walls 1.2 and 1.3 have at the top and bottom of each obliquely extending portion 1.2.1, 1.2.2 and 1.3.1, 1.3.2. As a result, the tank cross-section is adapted to the fuselage cross section of a liquefied gas tanker. The tank bottom wall 1.1, tank side walls 1.2 to 1.5 and tank top wall 1.6 enclose a tank space 1.7.
Oben auf der Tankdeckwand 1.6 sitzt ein Tankdom 5.1 , durch den Flüssigkeit in den Tankraum 1.7 eingespeist und aus diesem entnommen werden kann. Der Tankdom 5.1 ist oben durch eine Domplatte 5 verschlossen. At the top of the tank top wall 1.6 sits a tank dome 5.1, through which liquid can be fed into the tank space 1.7 and removed therefrom. The tank dome 5.1 is closed at the top by a dome plate 5.
Der Tank 1 ist aus Paneelen gebildet, die aus parallelen, stumpf miteinander verschweißten Profilträgern bzw. Tankhüllenprofilen bestehen. Die Paneele sind in den horizontalen und vertikalen Tankwänden durch Verbindungsprofile 30 miteinander verbunden und an den Ecken zu den schräg verlaufenden Abschnitten des Tanks durch Eckpro file 31. The tank 1 is formed from panels which consist of parallel, butt-welded profile carriers or tank shell profiles. The panels are connected together in the horizontal and vertical tank walls by connecting profiles 30 and at the corners to the inclined portions of the tank by Eckpro file 31st
Der Zwischenraum 1 1 zwischen der inneren Barriere 2 und der äußeren Barriere ist nicht mit Isoliermaterial gefüllt und auch nicht in einzelne geschlossene Parzellen unterteilt. In der Regel sind beide Barrieren 2, 3 durch Stege oder Rippen 33 oder andere Bauteile verbunden, sodass ein gleichmäßiger Abstand zwischen den beiden Barrieren 2, 3 gewährleistet wird, ohne den Gasdurchgang zu behindern. Stege oder Rippen 33 sind nicht untereinander verschweißt, sodass ein ungehinderter Gasfluss in der Tankdoppelhülle gewährleistet ist. Die Stege 33 sind vorzugsweise Profilstege der Profilträger, aus denen die Paneele gebildet sind. In dem Tankraum 1.7 stehen Verstärkungsprofile 32 der Tankhüll enprofile vor. Hierbei handelt es sich vorzugsweise um weitere Profilstege der Profilträger. The gap 1 1 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier is not filled with insulating material and not divided into individual closed plots. In general, both barriers 2, 3 are connected by webs or ribs 33 or other components, so that a uniform distance between the two barriers 2, 3 is ensured without hindering the gas passage. Webs or ribs 33 are not welded together, so that an unobstructed gas flow is ensured in the tank double shell. The webs 33 are preferably profile webs of the profile carrier from which the panels are formed. In the tank space 1.7 are reinforcing profiles 32 of the Envelope tank envelope before. These are preferably further profile webs of the profile carrier.
Quer- oder Längsverlaufende Bauteile 30, 31 , die den Strom des Inertgases von der Tankbodenwand 1.1 zur Tankdeckwand 1.6 behindern könnten, sind in Rippen oder Stegen 33 mit Löchern 33 freigeschnitten, sodass ein kontinuierlicher Gasstrom gewährleistet ist. Transverse or longitudinally extending components 30, 31, which could hinder the flow of inert gas from the tank bottom wall 1.1 to the tank top wall 1.6 are cut free in ribs or webs 33 with holes 33, so that a continuous gas flow is ensured.
Im Tankboden 1.1 ist ein Verteilungsrohr 8 für ein Inertgas angeordnet, das mit einer Vielzahl von Gasdurchströmlöchern 10 versehen ist (vgl. Fig. 3, 9, 10). In the tank bottom 1.1, there is disposed an inert gas distribution pipe 8 provided with a plurality of gas flow holes 10 (see Fig. 3, 9, 10).
Das Verteilungsrohr 8 erstreckt sich in Längsrichtung des Tanks 1 auf seiner Längsmittelachse. An dem einen Ende ist dem Verteilungsrohr 8 ein Einspeiserohr 6 für Inertgas und an dem anderen Ende ein als Pumpensumpf mit einem größeren Querschnitt ausgebildetes Einspeiserohr 7 zugeordnet (vgl. Fig. 1 , 6, 7, 9, 10). Vorzugsweise sind der Tank 1 und die Einspeiserohre 6, 7, 8 von einer Isolierung umgeben. The distribution pipe 8 extends in the longitudinal direction of the tank 1 on its longitudinal central axis. At the one end of the distribution pipe 8, a feed pipe 6 for inert gas and at the other end of a pump sump formed with a larger cross section feed pipe 7 (see Fig. 1, 6, 7, 9, 10). Preferably, the tank 1 and the feed pipes 6, 7, 8 are surrounded by insulation.
Gemäß Fig. 6, 9, 10 münden das .Einspeiserohr 6 und das als Pumpensumpf ausgebildete Einspeiserohr 7 in Einspeiseöffnungen 9 in der äußeren Barriere 3 der Tankseitenwände 1.4, 1.5. Das Verteilungsrohr 8 ist an den Enden zu einem Konus aufgeweitet, wobei die jeweilige Rohröffnung 8.1 , 8.2 in einem kurzen Abstand vor der Einspeiseöffnung 9 angeordnet ist. According to FIGS. 6, 9, 10, the feed pipe 6 and the feed pipe 7 designed as a pump sump open into feed openings 9 in the outer barrier 3 of the tank side walls 1.4, 1.5. The distribution pipe 8 is widened at the ends to a cone, wherein the respective pipe opening 8.1, 8.2 is arranged at a short distance in front of the feed opening 9.
Gemäß Fig. 7 und 12 ist in das Einspeiserohr 7 eine Restlenzpumpe 18 einsetzbar. Ein Druckrohr 19, durch das die Restlenzpumpe 18 Flüssigkeit abpumpt, ist durch das Einspeiserohr 7 nach oben weggeführt. Das Druckrohr 19 ist mit einem fest an Deck installierten Leitungsnetz für flüssige Ladung verbindbar. According to FIGS. 7 and 12, a residual oil pump 18 can be inserted into the feed pipe 7. A pressure pipe 19, through which the Restlenzpumpe 18 pumping fluid is through the feed tube 7 led away upwards. The pressure tube 19 can be connected to a permanently installed on deck line network for liquid cargo.
Gemäß Fig. 6, 9 und 10 ist das Verteilungsrohr 8 nahe seiner Rohröffhungen 8.1 , 8.2 jeweils mit einem weiteren Verteilungsrohr 8.3, 8.4 verbunden. Die weiteren Verteilungsrohre 8.3, 8.4 verlaufen unterhalb der unteren Ränder der Tankseitenwände 1.4, 1.5. Sie weisen weitere Gasdurchströmlöcher 20.1 auf. According to FIGS. 6, 9 and 10, the distribution pipe 8 near its pipe openings 8.1, 8.2 is in each case connected to a further distribution pipe 8.3, 8.4. The further distribution pipes 8.3, 8.4 extend below the lower edges of the tank side walls 1.4, 1.5. They have further Gasdurchströmlöcher 20.1.
In Fig. 9 und 10 bezeichnen die Bezugsziffem 10 Löcher in den Stegen 33 zwischen der inneren Barriere 2 und der äußeren Barriere 3, die einen Gasdurchtritt ermöglichen. Die Löcher 10 sind in Fig. 8 gezeigt. In Figs. 9 and 10, reference numerals 10 denote holes in the lands 33 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3, which allow passage of gas. The holes 10 are shown in FIG.
In den Fig. 9 und 10 ist der Weg des Inertgases im Zwischenraum der Tankbodenwand 1.1 mit Pfeilen 21 gekennzeichnet. In den Tankseitenwänden 1.4, 1.5 steigen die Gasströme senkrecht zur Zeichenebene auf. An den oberen Rändern der Tankseitenwände 1.4, 1.5 tritt das Inertgas in die Tankdeckwand 1.6 über. Von dort verteilt es sich gleichmäßig über die Tankdeckwand 1.6. An der höchsten Steile des Zwischenraums 1 1 der Tankdoppelhülle befinden sich auf den beiden Seiten des Tankdoms 5.1 Gasentnahmestutzen 4 für das Inert gas. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the path of the inert gas in the intermediate space of the tank bottom wall 1.1 is indicated by arrows 21. In the tank side walls 1.4, 1.5, the gas flows rise perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. At the upper edges of the tank side walls 1.4, 1.5, the inert gas enters the tank top wall 1.6. From there it is evenly distributed over the tank top wall 1.6. At the highest point of the gap 1 1 of the double tank shell are located on both sides of the tank dome 5.1 gas sampling 4 for the inert gas.
Fig. 1 1 zeigt den Weg des Inertgases von einer Kühleinrichtung durch den Zwischenraum 1 1 der Tankdoppelhülle 2 zum Gasentnahmestutzen 4. In Strömungsrichtung hinter dem Gasentnahmestutzen 4 sind Mittel zum Detektieren 22 eines Gases angeordnet. Das austretende Inertgas wird von einem Kälteerzeuger 17 in einem technischen Prozess - z.B. mittels Hochdruck-Kompression - auf die vorgegebene Betriebstemperatur gekühlt. Fig. 1 1 shows the path of the inert gas from a cooling device through the gap 1 1 of the tank double shell 2 to the gas sampling nozzle 4. In the flow direction behind the gas sampling nozzle 4 means for detecting a gas 22 are arranged. The escaping inert gas is removed by a cold generator 17 in a technical process - e.g. By means of high-pressure compression - cooled to the specified operating temperature.
Die vorstehend erläuterten Tanks weisen insbesondere folgende Vorteile auf: Durch die Inertisierung der Atmosphäre im Zwischenraum 1 1 der Tankdoppelhülle mit einem Inertgas können auch bei stehender Inertgasatmosphäre in relativ kurzer Zeit kleine Undichtigkeiten in der Tankdoppelhülle 2 durch Nachweise aus dem Tankraum 1.7 freigesetzten Gases in der Inertgasatmosphäre ermittelt werden. Bei Inertisierung mit Stickstoff kann beim Transport von Erdgas im Falle einer Leckage Methan nachgewiesen werden. Aufgrund der wesentlich geringeren Dichte von Methan im Vergleich zu Stickstoff sammelt sich Methan nach einer Leckage an den Gasentnahmestutzen 4 an den höchsten Punkten der Tankdoppelhülle an und kann detektiert werden. The tanks explained above have in particular the following advantages: By inerting the atmosphere in the intermediate space 1 1 of the tank double shell with an inert gas small leaks in the tank double shell 2 can be determined by evidence from the tank space 1.7 liberated gas in the inert gas even in a standing inert gas atmosphere in a relatively short time. When nitrogen is inertized, methane can be detected when natural gas is transported in the event of a leak. Due to the significantly lower density of methane compared to nitrogen, methane accumulates after leakage at the gas sampling port 4 at the highest points of the tank double shell and can be detected.
Die Kontrolle von eventuellen Undichtigkeiten der Tankdoppelhülle 2 kann durch einen kontinuierlichen Inertgasstrom beschleunigt werden. The control of any leaks in the tank double shell 2 can be accelerated by a continuous flow of inert gas.
Ferner erfolgt eine Kühlung der Tankdoppelhülle 2, 3. Durch die Anordnung der Einspeiserohr 6 und 7 im unteren Bereich des Tanks 1 sowie die Verbindung der Einspeiserohre 6, 7 mit der äußeren Barriere 3 entsprechend den Regeln der Klassifikationsgesellschaften für eigenständige Typ A- und Typ B-Tanksysteme, kann kaltes Inertgas, vorzugsweise Stickstoff, mit einer den kryogenen Flüssigkeiten oder Flüssigkeiten mit niedrigen Siedepunkten im Tankraum 1.7 angepassten maximalen Tieftemperaturen in den Zwischenraum 1 1 in der Tankbodenwand 1.1 eingeblasen werden. Das System aus Verteilungsrohren 8, 8.1 , 8.2 verteilt den kalten Stickstoff gleichmäßig über den Zwischenraum 1 1 der Tankbodenwand 1.1. Durch das Einblasen des kalten Inertgases wird die Tankdoppelhülle gekühlt und von außen auf die Struktur einströmende Wärme vom Inertgasstrom durch die Entnahmestutzen 4 abtransportiert. Somit kann der Wärmeeintrag aus der Tankumgebung auf die zu transportierende bzw. zu lagernde kryogene Flüssigkeit und Flüssigkeiten mit niedrigen Siedepunkten mittels des gekühlten Inertgasstromes minimiert oder ganz ausgeschlossen und ein Verdampfen der kryogenen Flüssigkeiten besser kontrolliert, minimiert oder verhindert werden. By the arrangement of the feed pipe 6 and 7 in the lower region of the tank 1 and the connection of the feed pipes 6, 7 with the outer barrier 3 according to the rules of the classification societies for independent type A and type B. Tank systems, cold inert gas, preferably nitrogen, with a cryogenic liquids or liquids with low boiling points in the tank space 1.7 adapted maximum cryogenic temperatures in the space 1 1 in the tank bottom wall 1.1 are blown. The system of distribution pipes 8, 8.1, 8.2 distributes the cold nitrogen evenly across the gap 1 1 of the tank bottom wall 1.1. By blowing in the cold inert gas, the double-walled casing is cooled and heat flowing from outside onto the structure is transported away from the inert gas flow through the withdrawal nozzles 4. Thus, the heat input from the tank environment to the transported or to be stored cryogenic liquid and liquids with low boiling points by means of the cooled inert gas stream minimized or eliminated and vaporizing the cryogenic liquids can be better controlled, minimized or prevented.
Die Dichtigkeit der äußeren Barriere 3 bzw. der geschlossenen Leckwanne 3 wird durch einen leichten Überdruck gegenüber dem den Tank umgebenden Druck 15 getestet. Durch eine permanente oder wiederholte Überwachung des Drucks im Bereich zwischen der Tankdoppelhülle der Leckwanne 3 bzw. der äußeren Barriere 3 wird bei einem Druckabfall signalisiert, dass Gas aus dem Zwischenbereich 1 1 in einen den Tank 1 umgebenden Laderaumbereich 12 des Schiffes entweicht und die äußere Barriere 3 Undichtigkeiten aufweist (Fig. 5). The tightness of the outer barrier 3 or the closed leak trough 3 is tested by a slight overpressure relative to the pressure 15 surrounding the tank. By a permanent or repeated monitoring of the pressure in the region between the tank double shell of the leak tank 3 and the outer barrier 3 is signaled at a pressure drop that gas escapes from the intermediate region 1 1 in a tank 1 surrounding the cargo area 12 of the ship and the outer barrier 3 leaks (Fig. 5).
Der Druck 16 im Laderaum 12 ist nämlich kleiner als der Druck 15 in dem Zwischenraum 1 1 zwischen der inneren Barriere 2 und der äußeren Barriere 3. Der Druck im Zwischenraum 1 1 ist wiederum geringer als der Druck 14 im Tankraum 12. Wenn der Druck in dem Zwischenraum 15 dem Druck im Tankraum 1.7 entspricht, hat die innere Barriere 2 eine Leckage. Eine sich im Tankboden ansammelnde Flüssigkeit kann den Zustrom von Inertgas stoppen (Fig. 5). The pressure 16 in the cargo space 12 is namely smaller than the pressure 15 in the space 1 1 between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3. The pressure in the space 1 1 is again lower than the pressure 14 in the tank space 12. If the pressure in the gap 15 corresponds to the pressure in the tank space 1.7, the inner barrier 2 has a leakage. A liquid accumulating in the tank bottom can stop the flow of inert gas (Fig. 5).
Zur bestmöglichen Ausnutzung des Laderaums 12 wird der Abstand zwischen der inneren Barriere 2 und der äußeren Barriere 3 möglichst gering gehalten. Infolgedessen kann beim Versagen der inneren Barriere und dem Volllaufen des Zwischenraums 1 1 Flüssigkeit aus dem Tank keine Gefahrgutpumpe oder andere Pumpen für kryogene oder kalte Flüssigkeiten in den Zwischenraum 1 1 eingeführt werden. Aufgrund des als Pumpensumpf ausgeführten Einspeiserohrs 7 kann eine (Restlenz-)Pumpe 18 angeschlossen werden, die in der Lage ist, Flüssigkeiten aus der Zwischenschicht 1 1 abzupumpen. Ggfs. kann durch Trimmen des Schiffes dafür gesorgt werden, dass der Zwischenraum 1 1 praktisch vollständig entleert wird. Bezugszei chenl iste For the best possible utilization of the cargo space 12, the distance between the inner barrier 2 and the outer barrier 3 is kept as low as possible. As a result, in the failure of the inner barrier and the running of the gap 1 1 liquid from the tank no Gefahrgutpumpe or other pumps for cryogenic or cold liquids in the space 1 1 can be introduced. Due to the feed pipe 7 designed as a pump sump, a (residual) pump 18 can be connected, which is able to pump off liquids from the intermediate layer 11. Possibly. can be ensured by trimming the ship that the space 1 1 is almost completely emptied. Reference numeral
1. Tank 1st tank
1 .1 . Tankbodenwand  1 .1. Tank bottom wall
1.2 bis 1.5 Tankseitenwände  1.2 to 1.5 tank sidewalls
1.2.1 , 1.2.2, 1.3.1 , 1.3.2 Abschnitte von Tankseitenwänden 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.3.1, 1.3.2 sections of tank sidewalls
1.6 Tankdeckwand 1.6 tank top wall
1.7 Tankraum  1.7 tank room
2 Innere Barriere  2 inner barrier
3 Äußere Barriere  3 outer barrier
4 Gasentnahmestutzen (= Gasaustritt)  4 gas sampling connection (= gas outlet)
5 Domplatte  5 dome plate
5.1 Dom 5.1 Dom
6 Einspeiserohr  6 feed pipe
7 Einspeiserohr  7 feed pipe
8 Verteilungsrohr  8 distribution pipe
8.1 , 8.2 Rohröffnung 8.1, 8.2 Pipe opening
9 Einspei seöffhung  9 feed-in opening
10 Loch  10 holes
1 1 Zwischenraum  1 1 gap
12 Laderaum  12 cargo space
13 (LNG)-Tank  13 (LNG) tank
14 Druck im Tankraum  14 pressure in the tank room
15 Druck im Zwischenraum  15 pressure in the gap
16 Druck im Laderaum  16 pressure in the cargo compartment
17 Kälteerzeuger  17 cold generator
18 Restlenzpumpe  18 Restlenzpumpe
19 Druckrohr Gasdurchströmloch Gasdruckströmloch Gasströmung 19 pressure tube Gas flow hole Gas pressure flow hole Gas flow
Mittel zum Detektieren Verbindungspro fil Eckprofil Means for detecting connecting profile corner profile
Verstärkungsprofil Steg Reinforcement profile bridge

Claims

Ansprüche: Claims:
1. Tank für kalte oder kryogene Flüssigkeiten mit 1. Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids with
• einer Tankdoppelhülle aus Leichtmetall, die mit einer Tankbodenwand, Tankseitenwänden und einer Tankdeckwand einen Tankraum umgrenzt,A double-walled light-metal shell, which encloses a tank space with a tank bottom wall, tank side walls and a tank top wall,
• wobei die Tankdoppelhülle eine innere Barriere, eine in einem Abstand von der inneren Barriere angeordnete äußere Barriere und die innere mit der äußeren Barriere miteinander verbindende Strukturen aufweist,Wherein the tank double shell has an inner barrier, an outer barrier located at a distance from the inner barrier, and the inner structures interconnecting with the outer barrier,
• mindestens einem im Zwischenraum zwischen der inneren Barriere und der äußeren Barriere des Tankbodens angeordneten Verteilungsrohr mit Gasdurchströmlöchern zum Verteilen von Inertgas im Zwischenraum,At least one distribution tube with gas throughflow holes arranged in the intermediate space between the inner barrier and the outer barrier of the tank bottom for distributing inert gas in the intermediate space,
• mindestens einem außerhalb der Tankdoppelhülle angeordneten Einspeiserohr für Inertgas, das durch die äußere Barriere hindurch kommunizierend mit dem Verteilungsrohr verbunden ist, At least one inert gas feed pipe arranged outside the tank double shell and communicating with the distribution pipe through the outer barrier,
• einer mit dem Einspeiserohr außerhalb der Tankhülle verbundenen Quelle für ein Inertgas,  A source of inert gas connected to the feed pipe outside the tank shell,
• einem Gasaustritt aus dem Zwischenraum in der äußeren Barriere der Tankdeckwand und  • a gas outlet from the gap in the outer barrier of the tank top wall and
• Mitteln zur Gasdetektion im Bereich des Gasaustritts.  • means for gas detection in the area of the gas outlet.
2. Tank nach Anspruch 1 , bei dem das Einspeiserohr mit einer Quelle für einen Strom eines Inertgases verbunden ist. 2. Tank according to claim 1, wherein the feed pipe is connected to a source of a stream of inert gas.
3. Tank nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem nur die innere Barriere eine dauerhafte Tankhülle ist. 3. Tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein only the inner barrier is a permanent tank shell.
4. Tank nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem die innere und die äußere Barriere dauerhafte Tankhüllen sind. 4. Tank according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner and the outer barrier are permanent tank covers.
5. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, bei dem sich mindestens ein Verteilungsrohr in Hauptausdehnungsrichtung des Tanks erstreckt. 5. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein extending at least one distribution pipe in the main expansion direction of the tank.
6. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei dem das Verteilungsrohr geradlinig ist. 6. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distribution pipe is rectilinear.
7. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, bei dem das Verteilungsrohr auf einer Mittelachse des Tanks angeordnet ist. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distribution pipe is arranged on a central axis of the tank.
8. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, bei dem das Verteilungsrohr sich von einer Seitenwand des Tanks zu einer gegenüberliegenden Tankseitenwand erstreckt und an seinen beiden Enden mit weiteren Verteilungsrohren verbunden ist, die jeweils unterhalb der unteren Ränder der betreffenden Tankseitenwände verlaufen und mit weiteren Gasdurchströmlöchern versehen sind, um Inertgas in den Zwischenraum zwischen die inneren und äußeren Barrieren der betreffenden Tankseitenwände einzuspeisen. 8. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distribution pipe extends from a side wall of the tank to an opposite tank side wall and is connected at its two ends with further distribution pipes, each extending below the lower edges of the respective tank side walls and with others Gas Durchströmlöchern are provided to feed inert gas in the space between the inner and outer barriers of the respective tank side walls.
9. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, bei dem die Strukturen, welche die innere und die äußere Barriere miteinander verbinden, Stege von Profilträgern sind, aus denen die innere und/oder die äußere Barriere gebildet sind. 9. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the structures interconnecting the inner and outer barriers are webs of profiled beams forming the inner and / or outer barriers.
10. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, bei dem die Strukturen, welche die innere und die äußere Barriere der Tankdoppelhülle miteinander verbinden, Löcher aufweisen, die eine Verteilung des Inertgases durch die Strukturen hindurch ermöglichen. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the structures interconnecting the inner and outer barriers of the tank double shell have holes permitting distribution of the inert gas through the structures.
1 1 . Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10, bei dem das Einspeiserohr durch die äußere Barriere einer Seitenwand hindurchgeführt ist. 1 1. A tank according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the feed tube is passed through the outer barrier of a side wall.
12. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 1 1 , bei dem das Einspeiserohr in einer Einspei seöffhung der äußeren Barriere mündet und in einem kurzen Abstand vor der Einspeiseöffhung eine Rohröffnung des Verteilungsrohres angeordnet ist. 12. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, wherein the feed pipe opens in a Einspei seöffhung the outer barrier and a pipe opening of the distribution pipe is arranged at a short distance in front of the Einspeiseöffhung.
13. Tank nach Anspruch 12, bei der die Rohröffhung an einem sich zum Rohrende hin erweiternden Endbereich des Verteilungsrohres angeordnet ist. 13. Tank according to claim 12, wherein the pipe opening is arranged at an end region of the distribution pipe which widens toward the pipe end.
14. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, bei dem beiden Enden des Verteilungsrohres Einspeiserohre zugeordnet sind. 14. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the two ends of the distribution pipe feed pipes are assigned.
15. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, bei dem der Gasentnahmestutzen an der höchsten Stelle der Tankdeckwand angeordnet ist. 15. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the gas sampling nozzle is arranged at the highest point of the tank top wall.
16. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 15, bei dem mindestens ein Einspeiserohr als Pumpenrumpf für das Einsetzen einer Pumpe zum Abpumpen von Flüssigkeit in dem Zwischenraum der Tankhülle ausgebildet ist. 16. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one feed pipe is formed as a pump body for the insertion of a pump for pumping liquid in the space of the tank shell.
17. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 16, bei dem die Pumpe eine Restlenzpumpe ist, die in ein senkrechtes Einspeiserohr eingesetzt ist und/oder am Umfang im Einspeiserohr abdichtet. 17. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pump is a Restlenzpumpe, which is inserted into a vertical feed pipe and / or seals on the circumference in the feed pipe.
18. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 17, der Mittel zum Erfassen des Druckes im Zwischenraum der Tankhülle und Mittel zum Erfassen des Druckes im Tankraum und/oder Mittel zum Auswerten der erfassten Drücke im Zwischenraum und/oder im Tankraum aufweist. 18. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 17, the means for detecting the pressure in the space of the tank shell and means for detecting the pressure in Tank space and / or means for evaluating the detected pressures in the space and / or in the tank space.
19. Tank nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 18, der auf einem Schiff oder einer anderen schwimmenden Einheit angeordnet ist. 19. Tank according to one of claims 1 to 18, which is arranged on a ship or other floating unit.
EP11720028.7A 2011-04-14 2011-04-14 Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids Not-in-force EP2697554B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2011/001902 WO2012139600A1 (en) 2011-04-14 2011-04-14 Tank for cold or cryogenic liquids

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EP2697554A1 true EP2697554A1 (en) 2014-02-19
EP2697554B1 EP2697554B1 (en) 2015-07-01

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RU (1) RU2564484C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012139600A1 (en)

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FR3016413B1 (en) * 2014-01-15 2018-06-15 Arianegroup Sas THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM FOR A CRYOGENIC RESERVOIR OF SPACE ENGINE
FR3041061B1 (en) * 2015-09-15 2019-05-10 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude LIQUEFIED FLUID STORAGE TANK
FR3077115B1 (en) * 2018-01-23 2021-02-12 Gaztransport Et Technigaz WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATED TANK.
RU188011U1 (en) * 2018-08-29 2019-03-26 Публичное акционерное общество криогенного машиностроения (ПАО "Криогенмаш") Cryogenic air separation unit casing
CN115452268B (en) * 2022-08-31 2024-07-16 沪东中华造船(集团)有限公司 Isolation valve box of LNG ship combustible gas detection system and air tightness detection method of isolation valve box

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JPH0440334A (en) * 1990-06-05 1992-02-10 Nkk Corp Defect detecting method for lng tank
DE4342210C2 (en) * 1993-12-10 1996-08-14 Daimler Benz Aerospace Ag Storage of cryogenic liquids without stratification
JP2000039098A (en) * 1998-07-22 2000-02-08 Ito Koki Kk Evaporating device for bulk container
NO20042702D0 (en) 2004-06-25 2004-06-25 Det Norske Veritas As Cellular tanks for storage of fluids at tow temperatures, and cell structure for use in a tank
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2564484C2 (en) 2015-10-10
EP2697554B1 (en) 2015-07-01
RU2013149349A (en) 2015-05-20
WO2012139600A1 (en) 2012-10-18

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