EP2986884A1 - Storage tank for liquefied flammable gases - Google Patents

Storage tank for liquefied flammable gases

Info

Publication number
EP2986884A1
EP2986884A1 EP14724004.8A EP14724004A EP2986884A1 EP 2986884 A1 EP2986884 A1 EP 2986884A1 EP 14724004 A EP14724004 A EP 14724004A EP 2986884 A1 EP2986884 A1 EP 2986884A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
storage tank
tank
tank according
integrity
full integrity
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14724004.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Josef IRL
Marian Krol
Matthias BRUENTRUP
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.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde 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 Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Publication of EP2986884A1 publication Critical patent/EP2986884A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/14—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of aluminium; constructed of non-magnetic steel
    • 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
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/022—Land-based bulk storage containers
    • 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
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal 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
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/08—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by vacuum spaces, e.g. Dewar flask
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0128—Shape spherical or elliptical
    • 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
    • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>1 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
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • 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
    • F17C2205/018—Supporting feet
    • 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
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0311—Closure means
    • F17C2205/0314—Closure means breakable, e.g. with burst discs
    • 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
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • 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
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0391—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters inside the pressure 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0134—Applications for fluid transport or storage placed above the ground
    • F17C2270/0139—Fuel stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to storage tanks for liquefied flammable gases, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • a single level integrity is the lowest classification wherein catastrophic failure of the inner container will cause an uncontrolled spill of natural gas and release of vapour to the atmosphere.
  • failure of the inner container will not cause a liquid release, but such will result in uncontrolled release of natural gas vapour to the atmosphere.
  • the highest level is labelled as full integrity and provides for retention of any liquid spill and allows only controlled release of vapour to the atmosphere.
  • FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 For example, various configurations of flat bottom tanks are shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show configurations of spherical tanks.
  • FIG. 1 shows a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 10, having a concrete base 1 1 , an inner tank 12 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 13 of non-cryogenic steel and an additional tank cup 14 of cryogenic steel. Also shown is an outlet pipe 15.
  • FIG. 2 shows another configuration of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 20, having a concrete base 21 , and earthen bund 22, an inner tank 23 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 24 of non- cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 25.
  • FIG. 3 shows a third configuration of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 30, having a concrete base and liquid containment structure 31 , an inner tank 32 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 33 of non- cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 34.
  • FIG. 4 shows a full level of integrity flat bottom tank 40, having a concrete base 41 , an inner tank 42 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 43 of cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 44.
  • FIG. 5 shows a second configuration of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank 50, having an inner tank 52 of cryogenic steel, a non-self standing outer tank 53 of non-cryogenic steel supported on a concrete base and full containment structure 51 and outlet pipe 54.
  • FIG. 6 shows a single level of integrity spherical tank 60, having steel feet on concrete supports 61 , an inner tank and support structure 62 of cryogenic steel, an insulation layer 63 and outlet pipe 64.
  • FIG. 7 shows a double level of integrity spherical tank 70, having a concrete base and liquid containment structure 71 , an inner tank and support structure 72 of cryogenic steel, an insulation layer 73 and outlet pipe 74.
  • the full level of integrity is generally required for storage of liquefied flammable gas in populated areas. This is because single or double integrity tanks do not provide enough of a safeguard against the consequences of a failure of the inner storage container. In particular, those designs do not provide for containment of the vapour release that will occur rapidly in the event of a liquefied gas leak into the area surrounding the tank or the tank secondary containment.
  • catastrophic failure of the primary container may result in a large, cold gas cloud that represents a major hazard to the surrounding population because of a heightened risk of fire or explosion.
  • a full integrity storage tank may release vapour to the atmosphere through pressure release valves, such a release is carried out in a controlled manner and is significantly smaller in quantity.
  • an object of the present invention is to improve storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases. This object is accomplished by a storage tank comprising the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and expedient improvements of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
  • the present invention provides new configurations of full integrity spherical storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases.
  • the present invention provides a full integrity spherical type tank for storage of liquefied flammable gases, such as for storage of liquefied natural gases (LNG).
  • LNG liquefied natural gases
  • the full integrity spherical type tank of the present invention is achieved by having both the inner tank as well as the outer tank made of cryogenic steel.
  • the full integrity spherical tank of the present invention comprises feet, in particular made of steel, for example made of cryogenic steel, on a support structure, in particular made of steel, for example made of cryogenic steel, and an outlet pipe communicating with the interior of the inner tank.
  • the outer tank Even if there is a leak from the inner tank, the outer tank will not fail from brittle fracture. In other words, by having the outer tank made of cryogenic steel, the design of the spherical tank of the present invention will survive even a catastrophic inner tank leak.
  • a burst disc can be provided in the outer tank to allow for controlled release of vapour to a safe location in the event of an inner tank leak. No containment pit, dike or bund is required.
  • ESD Emergency Shut Down
  • spherical tanks meet the requirements for classification as full integrity storage tanks, and therefore could be used instead of full containment flat bottom tanks currently used in the industry.
  • spherical tanks are easier, quicker and less costly to construct and install and therefore provide advantages with respect to capital expenditure and construction costs over flat bottom tanks.
  • the required footprint for the spherical tanks of the present invention is smaller than that of a flat bottom tank or a standard spherical tank within a dike. This is especially advantageous for LNG storage at fuel stations, for example servicing trucks, because the highest level of safety is achieved in the smallest possible area, often surrounded by high population density.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic layout for a first example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic layout for a second example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic layout for a third example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic layout for a first example of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic layout for a second example of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic layout for an example of a single level of integrity spherical tank according to the prior art
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic layout for an example of a double level of integrity spherical tank according to the prior art.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic layout for an example of a full level of integrity spherical tank according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a full level of integrity spherical type storage tank 80, having steel feet for supporting the storage tank 80 on concrete supports 81 , an inner tank 82 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank and support structure 83 of cryogenic steel, and an outlet pipe 84 communicating with the interior of the inner tank 82; in particular, the support structure 81 may be integrally formed with the outer tank 83.
  • ESD Emergency Shut Down
  • a burst disc is provided in the outer tank 83, said burst disc allowing for controlled release of vapour to a safe location in the event of a leak of the inner tank 82.
  • the storage tank 80 of FIG. 8 is provided for the storage of cryogenic liquid gases, in particular for the storage of liquefied flammable gases, for example for the storage of liquefied natural gases (LNG), such as for the LNG storage at fuel stations for servicing trucks.
  • LNG liquefied natural gases

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

In order to improve storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases, a full integrity spherical storage tank(80) is proposed, said tank(80) comprising: -an inner tank(82) of cryogenic steel; -an outer tank(83) of cryogenic steel; -a support structure(81); and -an outlet pipe(84) communicating with the interior of the inner tank(82).

Description

S T O R A G E T A N K F O R L I Q U E F I E D F L A M M A B L E G A S E S Technical field of the present invention
The present invention relates to storage tanks for liquefied flammable gases, such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Background of the present invention
In order to protect against the catastrophic release of flammable gas from a liquefied flammable gas storage tank, such as an LNG storage tank, safety regulations have been established. Current LNG safety standards provide safety classification of flat bottom LNG storage tanks as single, double and full containment.
This classification does not extend to spherical type LNG tanks. To make the safety designations of all types of tanks comparable, different storage tanks have now been classified according to their level of integrity:
A single level integrity is the lowest classification wherein catastrophic failure of the inner container will cause an uncontrolled spill of natural gas and release of vapour to the atmosphere. At the double level of integrity, failure of the inner container will not cause a liquid release, but such will result in uncontrolled release of natural gas vapour to the atmosphere.
The highest level is labelled as full integrity and provides for retention of any liquid spill and allows only controlled release of vapour to the atmosphere.
For example, various configurations of flat bottom tanks are shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5. FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show configurations of spherical tanks.
FIG. 1 shows a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 10, having a concrete base 1 1 , an inner tank 12 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 13 of non-cryogenic steel and an additional tank cup 14 of cryogenic steel. Also shown is an outlet pipe 15.
FIG. 2 shows another configuration of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 20, having a concrete base 21 , and earthen bund 22, an inner tank 23 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 24 of non- cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 25.
FIG. 3 shows a third configuration of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank 30, having a concrete base and liquid containment structure 31 , an inner tank 32 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 33 of non- cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 34.
FIG. 4 shows a full level of integrity flat bottom tank 40, having a concrete base 41 , an inner tank 42 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank 43 of cryogenic steel and outlet pipe 44.
FIG. 5 shows a second configuration of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank 50, having an inner tank 52 of cryogenic steel, a non-self standing outer tank 53 of non-cryogenic steel supported on a concrete base and full containment structure 51 and outlet pipe 54. FIG. 6 shows a single level of integrity spherical tank 60, having steel feet on concrete supports 61 , an inner tank and support structure 62 of cryogenic steel, an insulation layer 63 and outlet pipe 64.
FIG. 7 shows a double level of integrity spherical tank 70, having a concrete base and liquid containment structure 71 , an inner tank and support structure 72 of cryogenic steel, an insulation layer 73 and outlet pipe 74.
Currently there are no available configurations of spherical tanks that can be classified as full level of integrity tanks; i.e. that offer a safety level comparable to a full-containment flat bottom tank.
The full level of integrity is generally required for storage of liquefied flammable gas in populated areas. This is because single or double integrity tanks do not provide enough of a safeguard against the consequences of a failure of the inner storage container. In particular, those designs do not provide for containment of the vapour release that will occur rapidly in the event of a liquefied gas leak into the area surrounding the tank or the tank secondary containment.
In addition, catastrophic failure of the primary container may result in a large, cold gas cloud that represents a major hazard to the surrounding population because of a heightened risk of fire or explosion. While a full integrity storage tank may release vapour to the atmosphere through pressure release valves, such a release is carried out in a controlled manner and is significantly smaller in quantity.
For all of the above reasons, there remains a need in the art for improvements to storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases.
Disclosure of the present invention: object, solution, advantages
Starting from the disadvantages and shortcomings as described above and taking the prior art as discussed into account, an object of the present invention is to improve storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases. This object is accomplished by a storage tank comprising the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and expedient improvements of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.
The present invention provides new configurations of full integrity spherical storage tanks for cryogenic liquid gases. In particular, the present invention provides a full integrity spherical type tank for storage of liquefied flammable gases, such as for storage of liquefied natural gases (LNG).
The full integrity spherical type tank of the present invention is achieved by having both the inner tank as well as the outer tank made of cryogenic steel. The full integrity spherical tank of the present invention comprises feet, in particular made of steel, for example made of cryogenic steel, on a support structure, in particular made of steel, for example made of cryogenic steel, and an outlet pipe communicating with the interior of the inner tank.
The advantages of the spherical tank of the present invention include the following:
Even if there is a leak from the inner tank, the outer tank will not fail from brittle fracture. In other words, by having the outer tank made of cryogenic steel, the design of the spherical tank of the present invention will survive even a catastrophic inner tank leak.
In addition, a burst disc can be provided in the outer tank to allow for controlled release of vapour to a safe location in the event of an inner tank leak. No containment pit, dike or bund is required.
In addition, by including an Emergency Shut Down (ESD) valve within the inner tank, it is possible to shut down the system in the event of an adjacent piping leak or rupture. This is different from conventional designs of storage tanks where the ESD valve is located externally to the tank.
Such a location for the ESD valve is not a safeguard against a total loss of tank inventory in the event of a pipe rupture or leak upstream of the ESD valve. As noted, by locating the ESD valve internally to the tank according to the present invention, the disadvantages of prior art tank designs are overcome.
Other advantages of the present invention are that the spherical tanks meet the requirements for classification as full integrity storage tanks, and therefore could be used instead of full containment flat bottom tanks currently used in the industry. For many storage capacities, particularly lower capacity storage, spherical tanks are easier, quicker and less costly to construct and install and therefore provide advantages with respect to capital expenditure and construction costs over flat bottom tanks.
In addition, the required footprint for the spherical tanks of the present invention is smaller than that of a flat bottom tank or a standard spherical tank within a dike. This is especially advantageous for LNG storage at fuel stations, for example servicing trucks, because the highest level of safety is achieved in the smallest possible area, often surrounded by high population density.
Brief description of the drawings
For a more complete understanding of the present inventive embodiment disclosures and as already discussed above, there are several options to embody as well as to improve the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. To this aim, the present invention is described in more detail below; in particular, reference may be made to the claims dependent on claim 1 ; further improvements, features and advantages of the present invention are explained below in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment by way of non-limiting example and to the accompanying drawings taken at least partly in connection with the following description of the embodiments, of which: FIG. 1 is a schematic layout for a first example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art;
FIG. 2 is a schematic layout for a second example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art;
FIG. 3 is a schematic layout for a third example of a double level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art;
FIG. 4 is a schematic layout for a first example of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art;
FIG. 5 is a schematic layout for a second example of a full level of integrity flat bottom tank according to the prior art; FIG. 6 is a schematic layout for an example of a single level of integrity spherical tank according to the prior art;
FIG. 7 is a schematic layout for an example of a double level of integrity spherical tank according to the prior art; and
FIG. 8 is a schematic layout for an example of a full level of integrity spherical tank according to the present invention.
Detailed description of the drawings;
best way of embodying the present invention FIG. 8 shows a full level of integrity spherical type storage tank 80, having steel feet for supporting the storage tank 80 on concrete supports 81 , an inner tank 82 of cryogenic steel, an outer tank and support structure 83 of cryogenic steel, and an outlet pipe 84 communicating with the interior of the inner tank 82; in particular, the support structure 81 may be integrally formed with the outer tank 83.
In addition, the spherical tank 80 includes an in tank (= located internal to the inner tank 82) Emergency Shut Down (ESD) valve 85, which is connected to the outlet pipe 84. This ESD valve 85 enables a shut down in the event of an adjacent piping leak or rupture.
A burst disc is provided in the outer tank 83, said burst disc allowing for controlled release of vapour to a safe location in the event of a leak of the inner tank 82.
The storage tank 80 of FIG. 8 is provided for the storage of cryogenic liquid gases, in particular for the storage of liquefied flammable gases, for example for the storage of liquefied natural gases (LNG), such as for the LNG storage at fuel stations for servicing trucks.
It is anticipated that other embodiments and variations of the present invention will become readily apparent to the skilled artisan in the light of the foregoing description, and it is intended that such embodiments and variations likewise be included within the scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.
List of reference numerals
80 full integrity spherical storage tank
81 support structure
82 inner tank
83 outer tank
84 outlet pipe
85 emergency shut down (ESD) valve

Claims

Claims
1. A full integrity spherical storage tank (80) comprising:
an inner tank (82) of cryogenic steel;
an outer tank (83) of cryogenic steel;
a support structure (81 ); and
- an outlet pipe (84) communicating with the interior of the inner tank (82).
2. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 1 , further including an emergency shut down valve (85).
3. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 2, wherein the emergency shut down valve (85) is connected to the outlet pipe (84).
4. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the emergency shut down valve (85) is located inside the inner tank (82).
5. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the emergency shut down valve (85) enables a shut down in the event of an adjacent piping leak or rupture.
6. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, further including a burst disc in the outer tank (83).
7. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 6, wherein the burst disc allows for controlled release of vapour.
8. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 7, wherein the vapour is released to a safe location in the event of a leak of the inner tank (82).
9. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support structure (81 ) is made of cryogenic steel.
10. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the support structure (81 ) is integrally formed with the outer tank (83).
1 1. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, being provided for the storage of cryogenic liquid gases.
12. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 1 1 , being provided for the storage of liquefied flammable gases.
13. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 12, being provided for the storage of liquefied natural gases (LNG).
14. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 13, being provided for the LNG storage at fuel stations.
15. The full integrity spherical storage tank according to claim 14, being provided at fuel stations for servicing trucks.
EP14724004.8A 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Storage tank for liquefied flammable gases Withdrawn EP2986884A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361812844P 2013-04-17 2013-04-17
PCT/EP2014/057843 WO2014170416A1 (en) 2013-04-17 2014-04-17 Storage tank for liquefied flammable gases

Publications (1)

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EP2986884A1 true EP2986884A1 (en) 2016-02-24

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EP (1) EP2986884A1 (en)
CN (1) CN105358895B (en)
AU (1) AU2014255683B2 (en)
RU (1) RU2678159C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2014170416A1 (en)

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Also Published As

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CN105358895A (en) 2016-02-24
RU2015149215A (en) 2017-05-22
AU2014255683B2 (en) 2018-03-22
CN105358895B (en) 2017-07-04
AU2014255683A1 (en) 2015-10-15
RU2678159C2 (en) 2019-01-23
WO2014170416A1 (en) 2014-10-23

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