ES2871030T3 - Multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders and marine vessel for transporting compressed gas provided with such a unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Maritime ship for the transport of compressed gas, comprising a plurality of cylinders (20) to contain compressed gas grouped in individual multiple containment units (1), in which at least some of said units (1) are units (1) of multiple containment of compressed gas cylinders, each comprising: - a support frame (10) comprising in turn a support base (11) and a plurality of lateral containment structures (12) that are structurally connected to the support base (11) and extend vertically therefrom defining an interior containment volume (13); and - a plurality of cylinders (20) to contain compressed gas that are connected to said support frame (10) in order to maintain a stable position therein, said cylinders (20) being arranged vertically along their axis longitudinal extension (X) within the containment volume (13) defined by the support frame (10), wherein the support frame (10) support base (11) has a plurality of feet (14) of support designed to be rigidly anchored to a portion of a means of transport, in which in each of said multiple containment units (1) of compressed gas cylinders the support base (11) of the support frame (10) is connected to each of said support feet (14) by means of an elastic joint (15), the set of elastic joints (15) creating a discontinuity in the transmission of stresses and deformations between the support feet (14) and the support base (11), said elastic joints (1) being 5) dimensioned to allow relative movements between the feet (14) and the support base (11) in a plane parallel to said base, damping displacements orthogonal to said plane, characterized in that each cylinder (20) is connected to the base ( 11) of support by means of a lower connection device (30) comprising: - a support element (31) in which the cylinder (20) is supported by a lower longitudinal end (21), and - a spherical joint (32 ) that constrains said support element (31) to the support base (11), allowing free rotation of said support element (31) and of the cylinder (20) that rests on it with respect to the base (11) of support, but preventing translations of the same with respect to said support base (11), and because the multiple containment unit (1) comprises a vertical support structure (40) of the cylinders (20) that is constrained to the lateral structures (12) of the frame (10) at a predetermined height (H) d e the support base (11) and that defines for each individual cylinder (20) a seat (41) for vertical positioning, each cylinder (20) being free to move axially within its respective seat (41) with respect to said structure (40) of vertical support, which accompanies the cylinders (20) in the movements of the lateral structures (12) of the frame, following the rotations of each cylinder (20) allowed by the respective lower connection device (30) without transmitting them bending and / or torsional moments and keeping the cylinders (20) separated from each other according to a predetermined positioning plan view design.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders and marine vessel for transporting compressed gas provided with such a unit

Scope

This invention relates to a multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders and a marine vessel for transporting compressed gas provided with such a unit.

The multiple containment unit according to the invention is particularly suitable for maritime transport of compressed gas in cylinders. In particular, this multiple containment unit can be installed in the holds of ships or on the decks of barges. This unit can also be installed on submarines or on semi-submersible or floating platforms.

The maritime vessel can be of any type, for example, a ship or barge, an underwater environment, or a semi-submersible or floating platform. The marine vessel can be used to transport compressed or industrially produced natural gas.

State of the art

To date, there are still no ships on the market for the transport of compressed gas, but only feasibility projects for this type of ships.

In general, these projects involve equipping the maritime ship with a plurality of modular multiple containment units, in the jargon called grids. Each modular unit comprises a supporting structure and, within it, a plurality of pressure vessels (cylinders), fluidly connected to each other to form a single pressure vessel.

For reasons of structural stability, the modular multiple containment units (gratings) are rigidly attached to the structure of the marine vessel. For the same reasons, the cylinders within each rack are also rigidly connected to the containment structure of the respective rack.

This means that, in the first place, the structure of the maritime ship is subjected to stresses generated by the expansions of the individual pressure vessels and related grids and in turn participates in the deformation of the cylinders and grids, since it constrains them. with its rigidity. In turn, the gratings, and therefore the individual cylinders, are subjected to loads induced by the structure of the maritime ship and participate in the deformation of the beam of the ship. All of this greatly affects the expected fatigue life of the pressure vessel (cylinder).

Generally, the grid support structures are made by modular and repeating elements, connected to each other to delimit a containment volume in which the cylinders are arranged and constrained. In particular, they are reticular structures made with metal profiles connected to each other by welding or bolted joints. Due to their way of manufacture, that is, rigidly joined by welding or bolted connection, these structures completely absorb the fatigue stresses of the loading and unloading cycles of the compressed gas in the cylinders attached to them and in turn transmit to the cylinders themselves. the stresses induced by means of transport, be it a truck, a railway train or a maritime vessel.

In particular, when these containment structures are placed inside a cargo hold of a ship, the stresses induced by the movement of the waves and absorbed by the ship's own hull are transmitted to the containment unit (grid) of the cylinders. , with the result of unloading these stresses also in the individual cylinders. In fact, as already said, for reasons of structural stability no discontinuities are provided in the chain of transmission of forces. The gratings and related cylinders are forced to work jointly with the means of transport itself.

To prevent the deformations induced by the mentioned cyclical loads from modifying the design geometry of the grid, impairing the functionality of the gas containment system, the grid structure is normally oversized taking into account these cyclical loads, with a higher cost and weight. Furthermore, the influence of ship-induced cycles on the grate greatly modifies the fatigue behavior of the grate and of the cylinders themselves, reducing the expected service life of the individual grates and cylinders.

In document US 2010 / 1866426A1 a maritime vessel for transporting compressed gas according ^{to the preamble of claim} 1 ^{is disclosed.}

Presentation of the invention

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to eliminate or at least mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above by providing a multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders that can be structurally stable connected to a means of transport, in particular to a maritime ship and that, at the same time, can move and deform freely even when the means of transport is subjected to significant deformations (as in the case of a maritime ship in unfavorable sea and wind conditions), without, without However, it is significantly subjected to the stresses and deformations of the means of transport itself.

A further purpose of this invention is to provide a multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders that does not cause deformation of the cylinders in the event that their supporting frame is deformed. Another purpose of this invention is to provide a compressed gas cylinder multiple containment unit that is simple and inexpensive to produce.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the invention, in accordance with the aforementioned purposes, can be clearly understood from the claims listed below and its advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows, made with reference to the attached drawings. , showing one or more purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments in which:

^figure 1 ^{shows a top perspective view of a single multiple containment unit (grid) of} vertically arranged CNG cylinders, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

^figure 2 ^{shows a longitudinal orthogonal side view of two multiple containment units illustrated in} figure 1, according to arrow II indicated therein; the two multiple containment units are represented without cylinders to simplify the representation of the drawing itself;

figure 3 shows a simplified top plan view of a set of four ^{multiple containment units according to the invention, as illustrated in figure} 1 ^{, with some parts not shown to simplify} the reading of the drawing; the four multiple containment units are represented without cylinders to simplify the representation of the drawing itself;

- Figure 4 shows the configuration assumed by the two multiple containment units illustrated in figure 2 due to a translational deformation of the lower part of the hold with respect to the upper part of the hold itself, in a plane m parallel to the rack hold anchor feet;

figure 5 shows an enlarged detail of figure 2 in relation to a support foot of the frame of the containment unit and an associated elastic joint;

^figure 6 ^{shows an enlarged detail of figure} 2 ^{in relation to an elastically deformable spacer} arranged between the lateral structures of two containment units according to the invention placed side by side;

figure 7 shows an orthogonal side view in section of the unit illustrated in figure 1 without support feet, according to the section plane S and the arrow II shown therein;

^figure 8 ^{shows a simplified top plan view of the unit illustrated in figure} 1 ^{, according to} arrow III indicated therein;

Figures 9, 10 and 11 each show a simplified top plan view of three vertically arranged multiple containment units (grids) of CNG cylinders, according to three different embodiments of the invention;

Figures 12, 13 and 14 each show a detailed view of the upper connection means between the grid and ^{the cylinders, respectively, of Figures} 8 ^{, 9 and 19;}

figure 15 shows a detailed view of the lower connection means between the grid and the cylinders, according to a preferred embodiment;

Figures 16a and 16b respectively show a simplified vertical orthogonal view and an ^{orthogonal top plan view of the multiple containment unit (grid) illustrated in Figure} 1 ^{, when the grid is subjected to} a pure translational deformation;

Figures 17a and 17b respectively show a simplified vertical orthogonal view and an ^{orthogonal top plan view of the multiple containment unit (grid) illustrated in Figure} 1 ^{, when the grid is subjected to} a pure bending deformation;

Figures 18a and 18b respectively show a simplified vertical orthogonal view and an ^{orthogonal top plan view of the multiple containment unit (grid) illustrated in Figure} 1 ^{, when the grid is subjected to} a pure torsional deformation;

figure 19 shows a simplified plan view of the configuration of a ship for transporting tablets with segregation in holds, each of which contains a determined number of multiple containment units of cylinders arranged in contiguous rows; and

figure 20 shows an enlarged plan view of a hold of the ship of figure 19.

Detailed description

With reference to the attached drawings, reference number 1 indicates, in its entirety, a ^{multiple containment unit (grid) of compressed gas cylinders according to this invention and} 20 ^{indicates pressure vessels (cylinders) for gas transport tablet installed inside the containment unit. While} 100 indicates, in its entirety, the maritime ship for the transport of compressed gas according to the invention, equipped ^{with such} multiple containment units 1 ^{for cylinders.}

The pressure vessels (cylinders) of unit 1 can be intended to contain any type of compressed gas, in particular compressed natural gas (CNG).

^{Here and in the rest of the description and claims, reference will be made to the multiple containment unit (grid)} 1 of cylinders in use conditions. References to a lower or higher position, or a horizontal or vertical direction, should be understood in this sense.

^{According to a general embodiment of the invention illustrated in the attached figures, the multiple containment} unit 1 (grid) (in particular for maritime transport) comprises:

^{- a} support frame 10 ^{comprising in turn a} support base 11 ^{and a plurality of} lateral containment structures 12 ^{that are structurally connected to the} support base 11 ^{and extend vertically} from the latter, delimiting an interior containment volume 13; and

^{- a plurality of cylinders} 20 ^{for containing compressed gas that are connected to said support} frame 10 in order to maintain a stable position therein.

The support base 11 of the support frame 10 has a plurality of support feet 14 designed to be ^{rigidly anchored to a portion of a means of transport, in particular a marine vessel} 100 ^,

The support base 11 of the support frame 10 is connected to each of the above-mentioned support feet 14 by means of an elastic joint 15.

The set of elastic joints 15 creates a discontinuity in the transmission of stresses and strains between the support feet 14 and the support base 11.

Operationally, the elastic joints 15 mentioned above are dimensioned to allow relative displacements between the feet 14 and the support base 11 in a plane m parallel to the base itself, damping, however, displacements orthogonal to that plane m, as shown schematically in figure 4.

When the transport means, to which the transport unit 1 is connected, is subjected to external stresses, it is deformed and consequently also the anchoring feet 14 of the unit 1, which are rigidly anchored to the transport means, are deformed. Functionally, the elastic joints 15 that connect the support base 11 to the feet 14 allow the frame 10 to maintain its initial geometry without integrally following the movements of its support feet. These elastic joints 15 absorb the stresses transmitted by the feet to the frame, transforming them into translation movements of the support base (and of the entire frame) parallel to the plane of the base itself. Thus keeping the geometry of the frame 10 of the unit 1 unaltered, or almost unchanged, the transmission ^{of mechanical stresses from the structure of the means of transport to the} containment unit 1 ^{and consequently} to the cylinders contained in the unit itself is avoided.

All this is especially significant in the case in which the means of transport is constituted by a maritime ship, which in operational life is subjected to wave loads that cause significant elastic deformations ^{of the ship's structure to which unit} 1 is connected. ^{multiple containment.}

Preferably, the support base 11 has a square or rectangular plan. The support base 11 is provided with four support feet 14, each one arranged in proximity to one of the four vertices of the base 11.

The set of elastic joints allows the support base 11 to perform a relative movement in a plane parallel to the base 11 itself with an extension not exceeding 50 mm with respect to a nominal position of vertical alignment of the base 11 with the feet 14. The nominal alignment position is illustrated in Figure 2.

The elastic joints can be of any type suitable for the purpose, as long as they allow large deformations in the plane of the base and maintain significant stiffness in vertical deformations.

In particular, each elastic joint 15 can be constituted by an elastic structure constituted by at least two ^{elements each having a different stiffness with respect to the other in the plane parallel to the base} 11 ^{and in a} direction orthogonal to the plane itself.

^{More in detail, each of these two elements having a different rigidity is connected to the base} 11 support a first portion 16 'end and is connected to the respective foot 14 support a second portion 16 "end, opposite at first.

Preferably, each of these two elements having a different stiffness is connected to the support base 11 by means of a first rigid plate 17, rigidly connected to the base, and is connected to the respective support foot 14 by means of a second rigid plate 18, rigidly connected to support foot 14.

^{Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 to} 6 ^{, in addition to the elastic joints 15 that connect the} support base 11 to the feet 14, the multiple cylinder containment unit 1 comprises a plurality of ^{elastically deformable spacers 19, anchored to the side structures} 12 ^{of frame} 10 ^.

Advantageously, these elastically deformable spacers 19 are positioned at least at a ^{different height with respect to the support} base 11.

Operationally, these elastically deformable spacers 19 are suitable to avoid, during the ^{movements of said unit} 1 ^{on the plane of its} support base 11 ^{, direct contact of said unit} 1 ^for multiple containment of compressed gas cylinders with other similar units adjacent to it. and / or with ^{structures of the means of transport adjacent to said unit} 1 ^.

Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the ^{aforementioned elastically deformable spacers 19 can mechanically connect the aforementioned multiple compressed gas cylinder containment} unit 1 to one or more similar units 1 ^{adjacent to it, thus creating continuity. between the} units 1. In this way it is possible to distribute the stresses between the units 1 themselves and reduce the amplitude of ^{the movements to which the individual multiple containment} unit 1 is subjected.

In particular, these elastically deformable elements 19 connecting the units 1 to each other can be constituted by elastic joints.

In the preferred case of application in a maritime vessel, it should be taken into account that the structure of the maritime vessel ^{(cargo hold, hull and decks) has an elastic stiffness greater than the individual containment} unit 1 by several orders of magnitude.

^{By connecting a suitable number of units} 1 together ^{as described above using the} aforementioned elastic joints 19 (preferably to form longitudinal rows of units 1, as will be taken up in the rest of the description), it is possible to create an assembly having a stiffness elastic comparable to that of the ship's structure, capable of deforming in a controlled manner.

In particular, the individual containment unit 1 is connected to similar units 1 adjacent to it by means of elastic joints 19 in one or more different positions, of which at least one in a vertical position in ^{the upper part of the frame} 10 ^{to limit the relative displacements between adjacent units.}

The elastic joints 15, which are placed in connection between the feet 14 and the support base 11 of the frame 10, and possibly the elastically deformable spacers 19 (preferably in the form of elastic joints) constitute as a whole a mechanical system that makes it possible to significantly reduce the static and ^{dynamic stresses from the transport vehicle to unit} 1 ^{(in particular, from the ship's structure to unit} 1 ^).

In particular, in the case of a maritime ship, it seems sufficient, within a limited range of values, to allow the grid translations along the two horizontal reference axes X and Y of the ship, possibly connecting several grids to each other. to ensure sufficient inertia to reduce the amplitude of motion and related deformations.

This means realizing a maritime ship for the transport of compressed gas in which the structure of the ship itself is not affected at all by the deformations of the loading system and, as it is not structurally connected to the loading system, does not influence no way in the fatigue life of the pressure vessels and other elements that make up the modular containment unit.

This invention relates to a maritime vessel 100 for transporting compressed gas, comprising a plurality ^{of cylinders} 20 ^{for containing the compressed gas grouped into individual multiple containment units.}

The marine vessel 100 can be of any type. Preferably, the maritime vessel 100 is a ship or a barge, but it can also be a submarine or a semi-submersible or floating platform.

The marine vessel 100 can be used to transport natural or industrially produced compressed gas.

In particular, multiple containment units can be installed in the holds (in the case where the ^{sea vessel is a ship, as illustrated in figures 19 and} 20 ^{) or on a deck (in the case where the sea vessel} be a barge).

At least part of the multiple containment units mentioned above are constituted by ^{multiple containment units 1 according to this invention and, in particular, as described above.}

Preferably, all multiple containment units in which the cylinders 20 are grouped are constituted ^by multiple containment units 1 ^{according to the invention.}

However, embodiments can be provided in which part of the multiple containment units are of the conventional type, that is, with the respective support frames rigidly constrained to the ship structure without the interposition of elastic joints.

Preferably, as schematically illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the multiple containment units 1 are arranged in rows 50. Each row 50 is composed of individual multiple containment units 1 mutually aligned and juxtaposed against each other. This spatial configuration is preferably adopted in the ^{case where the maritime vessel is a ship and the units} 1 ^{are installed in the holds} 101 ^.

Advantageously, the units 1 of each row 50 are connected to the adjacent units 1 belonging to the same row 50 in correspondence of the respective lateral structures 12 by means of the elastically deformable spacers 19 already mentioned, which are positioned at at least two different heights with respect to the support bases 11. In this way, continuity is created between the units 1 of a row 50 helping ^{to reduce the deformations of the individual units} 1 ^{induced by stresses transmitted to said units by the maritime ship} 100 ^.

Preferably, as particularly illustrated in figure 20, each row 50 of multiple containment units 1 is delimited on both sides by a longitudinal corridor 51 parallel to it and terminates at both ends 50 'and 50 "in an orthogonal transverse corridor 52 to the longitudinal corridors 51.

^{As illustrated in the accompanying figures, the cylinders} 20 ^{of the individual multiple containment} units 1 are arranged vertically along an axis X of longitudinal extension within the containment volume 13 defined by the support frame 10. The number of cylinders contained in unit (rack) 1 may vary depending on the configuration selected for the unit itself.

^{As described above, the connection system between the frame} 1 ^{and the transport means, made} through the aforementioned elastic joints 15, and possibly also through the elastically deformable spacers 19, makes it possible to significantly reduce the intensity and amplitude of the deformations of the ^frame 10 ^{, but it does not allow to eliminate them completely.}

The cylinders 20 can be rigidly connected to the frame 10. In this case, the deformations of the frame 10, although attenuated by the aforementioned frame / transport means connection system, can therefore be transferred to the cylinders connected to it and affect the performance. fatigue life of cylinders. This must necessarily be taken into account during the dimensioning phase of the cylinders themselves, with an increase in the production costs of the cylinders. In fact, cylinders must be properly dimensioned to resist the fatigue cycles induced by deformations caused by frame deformations, in addition to the fatigue cycles induced by deformations resulting from the loading and unloading cycles of the cylinders themselves.

This invention makes it possible to combine the already described connection system of the frame 10 to the means of transport (based precisely on the elastic joints 15 and possibly on the elastically deformable spacers 19) with a ^{specific connection system between each cylinder and the frame} 10 ^{that avoids the transmission of} residual deformations from the frame to the cylinders.

Such a connection system between each cylinder and the frame will be described below with the help of Figures 7 to 18.

More in detail, as shown in particular in Figures 7 and 15, each cylinder 20 is connected to the support base 11 through a lower connection device 30 comprising:

- a support element 31 in correspondence of which the cylinder 20 bears with its own ^longitudinal lower end 21 ^{; and}

- a spherical joint 32 that constrains the support element 31 to the support base 11, allowing the free rotation of the support element 31 and the cylinder 20 that rests on it with respect to the support base 11, but ^{avoiding transfers thereof with respect to the support} base 11.

Thanks to the ball joint 32, the support element 31 can rotate in the half space above the support base in all axes. In this rotational movement, the axis of longitudinal extension X of the cylinder describes a cone with an apex in the spherical joint. Taking into account the spatial and dimensional constraints imposed by the positioning of the cylinder on the grid and with respect to the other cylinders, the rotation on the ball joint 32 is limited. Preferably, the rotation is such that the aforementioned cone has an opening angle of no more than 0.1 °. In the case of a cylinder 24 m high, a rotation at the base with an angle of 0.1 ° imposes on the longitudinal axis of extension X of the cylinder a deviation from the vertical, measured at the top of the cylinder at the horizontal component (translation), not more than 50 mm.

The unit 1 also comprises a multiple containment structure 40 vertical support cylinder 20 which: ^{- is attached to the side structures} 12 ^{the frame} 10 ^{to a predetermined height H from the base} support 11; and

- defines for each cylinder 20 a seat 41 for vertical positioning.

Each cylinder 20 is free to translate axially (ie, along its axis of longitudinal extension X) within the respective vertical positioning seat 41 with respect to the vertical support structure 40.

Operationally, the vertical support structure 40 accompanies the cylinders 20 in the movements of the ^{lateral structures} 12 ^{of the frame, assisting the rotations of each cylinder} 20 ^{allowed by the respective} lower connection device 30 without transmitting bending and / or torsion moments and , at the same time, keeping ^{the cylinders} 20 ^{separated from each other according to a predefined positioning plant layout.}

Therefore, this invention allows the connection of each individual cylinder 20 to the support frame 10 by means of a mechanical connection system that is comprised of two separate support systems, one acting on the lower portion of the cylinders (i.e. , the aforementioned lower connection device 30) and one acting on a portion positioned higher with respect to the bottom (ie, the aforementioned vertical support structure 40).

The vertical support structure 40 can act at any height of the cylinder, as long as the connection to the cylinder is ensured in the event of the maximum expected axial slip.

Thanks to the invention, the support frame 10 of the containment unit 1 can be freely deformed even in unfavorable wind and sea conditions, in the case of maritime transport, without this causing significant effects on the cylinders. In fact, thanks to the invention, the cylinders are free to move with ^{respect to the} support frame 10 ^{, while remaining substantially together in accordance with a} predefined positioning plant layout. This is achieved by separating the cylinders 20 from the support frame 10, to ^{avoid (or at least significantly limit) the transmission of static and dynamic stresses from the frame} 10 ^{to the cylinders} 20 ^.

Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to avoid, over time, the overloading of the most rigid element (the cylinder, with gas under pressure), when the most flexible element (the support frame) is deformed due to the stresses of the medium. transport that contains them both.

This advantage becomes evident when the means of transport, over the entire duration of its useful life, undergoes a series of stress cycles so high that it is economically impractical to properly dimension the rigid element (cylinder).

The aforementioned support frame 10 of the containment unit 1 is a structure that has a lower stiffness than the ^cylinders 20 ^{arranged therein and is capable of deforming when subjected to dynamic loads imposed by the} means of transport inside which it is installed.

^{Preferably, the} support frame 10 ^{is a lattice-like structure made of metal sections} connected together by welding or bolted connections.

Advantageously, as particularly illustrated in Fig. 15, the support member 31 may be shaped to define a support seat having a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower end of the cylinder. In particular, the support element 31 is constituted by a cradle.

Preferably, the support element 31 is made of metallic material.

Advantageously, as illustrated in figure 15, the lower connection device 30 may comprise a mattress 33 of elastically deformable material interposed between the support element 31 and the lower end 21 of the cylinder.

This cushion 33 is suitable for damping the vibrations and / or vertical stresses transmitted by the ^{support frame 10 to the cylinder} 20 ^.

Preferably, the elastically deformable material that forms the cushion 33 provides a coefficient of friction with the cylinder 20 sufficient to keep the cylinder 20 supported on the support element 31 in the event of vertical and / or lateral accelerations received by the cylinder itself.

According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 18, the aforementioned vertical support structure 40 of the cylinders comprises:

- a plurality of collars 42, one for each cylinder 20, each of which defines the ^{positioning seat 41 for the respective cylinder} 20 ^{; and}

- a plurality of spacer elements 43 connecting the collars with each other and with the lateral structures 12 ^{of the frame} 10 by ^{positioning the collars between them and with respect to the lateral structures in accordance with a} predetermined positioning plan layout.

Operationally, the aforementioned spacer elements 43 connect the collars 42 with each other and with the ^{lateral structures} 12 ^{of the support frame} 10 ^{, decoupling the collars from each other and from the lateral structures} with regard to the transmission of bending moments and / or or twist.

In particular, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, each spacer element 43 may be constituted by a double ball joint.

As illustrated in Figures 10 and 14, each spacer member 43 may be comprised of a resilient joint equivalent to a double ball joint.

The elastic joints can be arranged at the minimum collar-to-collar and collar-to- ^{frame distance points (as shown in Figure} 8 ^{), or alternatively along a diagonal direction of} maximum collar-to-collar distance and between collar and frame (as shown in figure 9). This last configuration can ^{be used advantageously in the event that the space between the cylinders} 20 ^{is extremely small.}

Advantageously, the collars and the spacer elements can be manufactured in one piece with each other to form a single structure 45 made of elastically deformable material.

In particular, as illustrated in Figure 11, this unique structure made of elastically deformable material may be constituted by a panel 45, comprising a plurality of main through openings 46, each of which defines a vertical positioning seat for a cylinder. The edge portion of each main through aperture 46 defines a collar, while the panel portions 47 disposed between the aforementioned main through apertures 46 constitute the aforementioned spacer elements.

As illustrated in figure 11, the aforementioned panel 45 may comprise a plurality of secondary through openings 48, having in particular a lighting function, made in the portions of the panel arranged between the above mentioned main openings. The spacer elements are defined by the portions of the panel 47 disposed between the primary 46 and secondary 48 openings.

Advantageously, the aforementioned vertical support structure 40 comprises, for each collar 41, an interposing structure 44 made of elastically deformable material interposed between the collar 41 and the cylinder 20 respective. This structure 44 is suitable to allow displacements of the cylinder due to thermal expansion and mechanical deformation of the cylinder itself that occur in the cylinder loading and unloading cycles. Generally, these displacements are of the order of 20-30 mm.

In particular, this interposing structure 44 is a continuous structure, which extends around the entire perimeter of the cylinder in cross-section, or a discontinuous structure, made up of a plurality of elements distributed along the perimeter extension of the cylinder in cross-section. , for example in the form of sliding blocks.

Advantageously, the elastically deformable material that forms the aforementioned interposing structure 44 ^{provides a coefficient of friction with the cylinder} 20 ^{sufficiently low so as not to obstruct the} axial translations of the cylinder with respect to the collar 42.

As already stated above, according to the particularly preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to ^{18, this invention allows the connection of each} individual cylinder 20 ^{to the} support frame 10 ^{by means of a} mechanical connection system that is composed of two systems separate support frames, one acting on the lower portion of the cylinders (i.e., the aforementioned lower connection device 30) and one acting on a portion positioned higher with respect to the bottom (i.e., the vertical support structure 40 mentioned above).

Thanks to the combined action of these two connection systems 30 and 40, in all the possible ^{mechanical deformations to which the frame} 10 ^{may be subjected, the deformation of the frame} 10 ^{does not transmit a bending or torsional moment to the cylinders} 20 ^{, but it only generates a rigid rotational movement of each cylinder} around a point of rotation in the space located at the bottom of the cylinder itself. However, this rigid rotational movement in space does not result in any additional structural stress on the cylinders themselves.

Figures 16 a-b, 17 a-b and 18 a-b schematically illustrate some possible states of deformation of the support frame of the containment unit and the position consequently assumed by the cylinders.

In particular, Figures 16 a-b illustrate the effects of a pure translational deformation of the frame. It causes a rigid rotation of all the cylinders and, in particular, a rotation of the lower portion of each cylinder in the plane of translation and a rotation-translation of the vertical support structure 40.

Figures 17 a-b illustrate the effects of pure bending deformation of the frame. It causes a rigid rotation of all the cylinders and, in particular, a pure rotation of the lower portion of each cylinder in the plane of bending and a rotation or translation of rotation of the vertical support structure 40.

Figures 18 a-b illustrate the effects of pure torsional deformation of the frame. It causes a rigid rotation of all the cylinders, and in particular a pure rotation of the lower portion of each cylinder in the torsion plane and a torsional translation of the vertical support structure 40.

Any other type of deformation of the frame 10 can be defined as a geometric combination of the three types of deformation described above. Consequently, the cylinders 20 will only be subjected to corresponding rigid rotations as a combination of individual frame deformations.

The invention makes it possible to obtain many advantages in part already described.

The multiple containment unit 1 for compressed gas cylinders according to the invention is structured in such a way that it can be connected in a structurally stable way to a means of transport, in particular a maritime ship and that, at the same time, it can be moved and they deform freely even when the means of transport is subjected to significant deformations (as in the case of a maritime ship in unfavorable sea and wind conditions), without, however, being significantly subjected to the stresses and deformations of the means of transport. transport.

As illustrated in Figures 7 to 18, the compressed gas cylinder multiple containment unit 1 is also specifically structured in such a way that the supporting frame can be freely deformed even with unfavorable sea and wind conditions, in the case of maritime transport, without any impact effect in terms of deformations in the cylinders, which can move freely with respect to the frame.

In the case of maritime transport, the cylinders can be dimensioned considering only the gas charge / discharge cycles (of the order of 10A3 in 20 years) and not the wave load cycles (of the order of 10A6 in 20 ^{years) related to the maximum voltage wave supported by the support frame unit} 1 containment.

The multiple containment unit for compressed gas cylinders according to the invention is also simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

The connection systems between the frame and the transport means and between the cylinders and the support frame are in fact constructively simple to make and assemble, and do not include complex components. They are also mechanical systems, which intervene mechanically automatically without the need for a control and actuation system.

Therefore, the invention thus conceived achieves the predefined objectives.

Obviously, it can even assume, in its practical embodiment, shapes and configurations different from those illustrated above without, for this reason, departing from the present scope of protection.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements and the dimensions, shapes and materials used can be any according to the needs.

Claims (15)

1. Maritime vessel for the transport of compressed gas, comprising a plurality of cylinders (20) to ^{contain compressed gas grouped in} individual multiple containment units (1 ^{), in which at least some of said units (} 1 ^{) are units (} 1 ^{) multiple containment of compressed gas cylinders, each} comprising: ^{- a support frame (} 10 ^{) comprising in turn a support base (} 11 ^{) and a plurality of} lateral containment structures (12 ^{) that are structurally connected to the support base (} 11 ^{) and extend} vertically therefrom defining an interior containment volume (13); and ^{- a plurality of cylinders (} 20 ^{) to contain compressed gas that are connected to said support frame (} 10 ^{) in order to maintain a stable position therein, said cylinders (} 20 ^{) being arranged vertically} along their axis of longitudinal extension (X) within the containment volume (13) defined by the support frame (10), wherein the support base (11) of the support frame (10) has a plurality of support feet (14) designed to be rigidly anchored to a portion of a transportation means, ^{wherein in each of said compressed gas cylinder multiple containment} units (1) the support base (11 ^{) of the} support frame (10) is connected to each of said support feet (14) by means of a joint elastic (15), the set of elastic joints (15) creating a discontinuity in the transmission of stresses and deformations between the support feet (14) and the support base (11), said elastic joints (15) being dimensioned to allow relative movements between the feet (14) and the support base (11) in a plane parallel to said base, damping displacements orthogonal to said plane, characterized in that each cylinder (20) is connected to the support base (11) by means of a lower connection device (30) comprising: - a support element (31) on which the cylinder (20) is supported by a lower longitudinal end (21), and - A spherical joint (32) that constrains said support element (31) to the support base (11), allowing free rotation of said support element (31) and of the cylinder (20) that rests on it with respect to the support base (11) ^{, but preventing translations of the same with respect to said support base (} 11 ^), and because the multiple containment unit (1) comprises a vertical support structure (40) of the cylinders (20) that is constrained to the lateral structures (12) of the frame (10) at a predetermined height (H) of the base (11) supporting and defining for each individual cylinder (20) a seat (41) for vertical positioning, each cylinder (20) being free to move axially within its respective seat (41) with respect to said structure (40) vertical support, which accompanies the cylinders (20) in the movements of the lateral structures (12) of the frame, following the rotations of each cylinder (20) allowed by the respective ^{lower connection device (30) without transmitting bending moments and / or twisting and keeping the cylinders (} 20 ^{) spaced from each other} in accordance with a predetermined positioning plan view design. 2. Maritime vessel according to claim 1, in which each elastic joint (15) consists of an elastic structure composed of at least two elements that have a different stiffness from each other in the plane parallel to the ^{base (} 11 ^{) and in a direction orthogonal to said plane, in which preferably each of said two elements having a different stiffness is connected to the support base (} 11 ^{) at a first end portion (16 ') and} is connected to the foot (14) respective support in a second end portion (16 "), opposite the first, in ^{which preferably each of said two elements of different stiffness is connected to the support base (} 11 ⁾ by means of a first rigid plate, rigidly connected to the base, and is connected to the respective support foot (14) by means of a second rigid plate (18), rigidly attached to the support foot. Maritime ship according to one or more of claims 1 to 2, in which the set of elastic joints ^{allows the support base (} 11 ^{) to perform a relative movement in a plane parallel to said base (} 11 ^{) with a} extension not more than 50 mm compared to a nominal vertical alignment position of the base (11) with the feet (14). 4. Maritime vessel according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of elastically deformable spacers (19), anchored to the lateral structures (12) of the frame (10) and ^{positioned at least at a different height from the support base (} 11 ^{), said elastically} deformable spacers (19) being suitable to avoid, during movements of said unit (1) in the plane of its support base (11) ^{, direct contact of said unit (} 1 ^{) of multiple containment of compressed gas cylinders with other similar units adjacent to it and / or with transport means structures adjacent to said unit (} 1 ^), wherein preferably said elastically deformable spacers (19) mechanically connect said unit ⁽ 1 ^{) of multiple containment of compressed gas cylinders to one or more similar units (} 1 ^{) adjacent to it, creating continuity between the units (} 1 ^{) to distribute the tensions between said units (} 1 ^{) thus reducing the extent of movement of said unit (} 1 ^). Maritime vessel according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the support element (31) is shaped to define a support seat having a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower end of the cylinder, preferably said element Support (31) is composed of a cradle, in which said support element (31) is preferably made of metal. 6 ^{. Maritime ship according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the} lower connection device (30) comprises a mattress (33) of elastically deformable material interposed between the support element (31) and the lower end (21) of the cylinder, said mattress (33) being suitable for damping possible ^{vibrations and / or vertical stresses transmitted by the frame (} 10 ^{) to the cylinder. Maritime vessel according to claim} 6 ^{, in which the elastically deformable material that forms the} mattress (33) provides a coefficient of friction with the cylinder (20) sufficient to keep the cylinder (20) supported on the element (31 ) of support in the event of vertical and / or lateral accelerations received by said cylinder. 8 ^{. Maritime vessel according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said} vertical support structure (40) comprises: - a plurality of collars (42), one for each cylinder (20), each of which defines the positioning seat (41) ^{for the respective cylinder (} 20 ^{); and} - a plurality of spacer elements (43) connecting the collars to each other and to the lateral structures (12) ^{of the frame (} 10 ^{) by positioning the collars between them and with respect to the lateral structures according to a} predetermined positioning plant design . ^{Maritime vessel according to claim} 8 ^{, wherein said spacer elements (43) connect the} collars (42) to each other and to the lateral structures (12) decoupling the collars from each other and from the lateral structures with regard to the transmission of bending and / or torsional moments. ^{Maritime vessel according to claim} 8 ^{or 9, in which each spacer element (43) is} constituted by a double ball joint or by an elastic joint equivalent to a double ball joint. ^{Sea vessel according to claim} 8 ^{or 9, in which said collars and said} spacer elements are made in one piece with each other to form a single structure of elastically deformable material, preferably consisting of a panel, comprising a plurality of main through-openings, each of which defines a vertical positioning seat for a cylinder, the edge portion of each main through-opening defines a collar, and the portions of the panel positioned between said openings constitute said spacer elements, in which preferably said panel comprises a plurality of secondary through openings made in the panel portions positioned between said main openings, said spacer elements being defined by panel portions positioned between the main and secondary openings. ^{Marine vessel according to one or more of claims} 8 ^{to 11, in which said} vertical support structure (40) comprises for each collar (41) an interposing structure (44) made of elastically deformable material interposed between the collar (41) and the respective cylinder (20) suitable to allow displacements of the cylinder due to the thermal expansions and mechanical deformations of said cylinder that occur in the loading and unloading cycles of the cylinder, in which preferably said structure (44) The interposer is a continuous structure, which extends for the entire perimeter of the cylinder in cross-section, or a discontinuous structure, made up of a plurality of elements distributed along the perimeter extension of the cylinder in cross-section, in which preferably the elastically deformable material that forms said interposing structure (44) provides a friction coefficient with the cylinder (20) suf Low enough so as not to obstruct the vertical translations of the cylinder with respect to the collar (42). Maritime ship according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said support frame (10) is a lattice structure that has a lower rigidity than the cylinders arranged therein and is capable of deforming when subjected to dynamic loads imposed by the means of transport within which it is installed. Maritime ship according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which said multiple containment units (1) are arranged in rows (50), each row (50) being composed of ^{individual multiple containment units (1) aligned with each other and placed together face to face, one against the other, the units (} 1 ^{) of each} individual row (50) are connected to the adjacent units (1) of the same row (50) in the respective lateral structures (12) by means of elastically deformable spacers (19), which are positioned at least at two different heights of the support bases (11), thus creating continuity between the units (1) of a row (50) helping to ^{reduce the movements of individual units (} 1 ^{) induced by voltages transmitted to said units by} the maritime ship. Maritime vessel according to claim 14, in which each row (50) of multiple containment units (1) is delimited on both sides by a longitudinal corridor (51) parallel to it and ends at both ends (50 ' ; 50 ") in a transversal corridor (52) orthogonal to the longitudinal corridors (51).