GB2555773B - LNG Tank insulation system comprising polyurethane foam and impervious coating - Google Patents
LNG Tank insulation system comprising polyurethane foam and impervious coating Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2555773B GB2555773B GB1613693.9A GB201613693A GB2555773B GB 2555773 B GB2555773 B GB 2555773B GB 201613693 A GB201613693 A GB 201613693A GB 2555773 B GB2555773 B GB 2555773B
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- foam
- tank
- layers
- impervious
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 title description 34
- 229920005830 Polyurethane Foam Polymers 0.000 title description 6
- 239000011496 polyurethane foam Substances 0.000 title description 5
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 63
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000005253 cladding Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims description 16
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000003063 flame retardant Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000011490 mineral wool Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000005030 aluminium foil Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920005862 polyol Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 150000003077 polyols Chemical class 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920005549 butyl rubber Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012948 isocyanate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 150000002513 isocyanates Chemical class 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000001398 aluminium Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011491 glass wool Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 115
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 description 22
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 14
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000004604 Blowing Agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- 210000004027 cell Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 7
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 239000011493 spray foam Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 210000000497 foam cell Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- LDTMPQQAWUMPKS-OWOJBTEDSA-N (e)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene Chemical compound FC(F)(F)\C=C\Cl LDTMPQQAWUMPKS-OWOJBTEDSA-N 0.000 description 1
- YFMFNYKEUDLDTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C(F)C(F)(F)F YFMFNYKEUDLDTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- WZLFPVPRZGTCKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane Chemical compound CC(F)(F)CC(F)(F)F WZLFPVPRZGTCKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000409898 Empodisma minus Species 0.000 description 1
- VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethene Chemical compound C=C VGGSQFUCUMXWEO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005977 Ethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 240000008415 Lactuca sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052500 inorganic mineral Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- MSSNHSVIGIHOJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N pentafluoropropane Chemical compound FC(F)CC(F)(F)F MSSNHSVIGIHOJA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000013047 polymeric layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012045 salad Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002356 single layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F17C3/025—Bulk storage in barges or on 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
- 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
- F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
- F17C1/12—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge 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
- F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
- F17C1/16—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of plastics materials
-
- 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
- F17C3/04—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by insulating layers
-
- 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
- F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
- F17C2203/0329—Foam
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
- F17C2203/0329—Foam
- F17C2203/0333—Polyurethane
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
- F17C2203/0345—Fibres
- F17C2203/035—Glass wool
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
- F17C2203/0358—Thermal insulations by solid means in form of panels
-
- 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
- F17C2203/0607—Coatings
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- 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
- F17C2203/0614—Single wall
- F17C2203/0619—Single wall with two layers
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- 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
- F17C2203/0614—Single wall
- F17C2203/0621—Single wall with three layers
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- 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
- F17C2203/0614—Single wall
- F17C2203/0624—Single wall with four or more layers
-
- 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
- F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
- F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
- F17C2209/225—Spraying
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- F17C2270/0107—Wall panels
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)
Description
LNG Tank Insulation System Comprising Polyurethane Foam And Impervious Coating
Technical Field
The present invention is concerned with the transportation of liquefied gases and particularly (but not exclusively) liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically the invention is concerned with a novel insulation arrangement for a particular type of LNG tank, known in the industry as an IMO type-C LNG tank. Such tanks can be used to transport LNG as a cargo but can additionally be used as a fuel tank for ocean going vessels thus allowing LNG to be used to fuel a ship with consequential environmental benefits.
The invention may also be applied to other tanks for transporting cryogenic liquids such as liquefied propane gas (LPG) or liquefied ethylene gas (LEG).
Background
International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Rules stipulate the types of tanks that can be used to convey LNG on ships. A common tank that is used for LNG is a type C tank which is in the form of a sphere or cylinder acting as a pressure vessel to contain the LNG. The rules stipulate a range of technical characteristics a tank must have in order for a tank to be certified as safe to use.
Cryogenic liquids such as LNG are transported I stored at extremely low temperatures i.e. minus 163 degrees C and these temperatures must be maintained to keep the gas in a liquid form.
One technique to insulate such a tank is to apply a sprayed on foam insulation to the outside of the tank. Typically, polyurethane is applied or sprayed onto the exterior of the LNG tank. Such spray foam materials are convenient to apply and cost effective and are very popular with ship constructors owing to the cost effective nature of the insulation that can be applied. It is also very easy to apply.
The combination of LNG type C tanks and spray foam insulation allows LNG to be safely transported either in large volumes as a cargo or as a fuel for a ship. The present invention, as described herein, provides an effective way to insulate a ship LNG fuel tank.
However, although existing insulation systems are widely accepted in the industry as being fit for purpose the present inventor has established an improved insulation system and method using a new spray foam technique.
Specifically, the new system and method further enhances the advantages of spray foam insulation and prolongs the insulation efficiency. It can also advantageously provide an added fire barrier to an LNG tank.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention described herein, there is provided A method of insulating a tank for containing liquefied gas, said method comprising the steps of sequentially applying a plurality of layers to the outer surface of the tank, said sequential layers comprising: (A) a first foam layer applied to the tank; (B) a second impervious coating applied to the first layer; wherein each of said layers surrounds a preceding layer; wherein the first layer is a sprayed foam polyurethane layer comprising a plurality of individual polyurethane sub-layers; further wherein a polyurethane primer is applied to the outer surface of the tank prior to the first foam layer being applied.
Optionally, after step (B), an additional layer may be applied of: (C) an outer cladding layer applied to the second layer.
The present invention advantageously provides a multi-layered insulation system in which a foam layer is encapsulated or sealed between the tank itself and a further impervious layer. Specifically a gas tight metallic vapour barrier may be provided to the first layer. This forms a vapour tight barrier around the foam and the tank which has not previously been conceived.
Advantageously, the barrier is a metallic barrier providing the impervious property of the insulation system. The metallic barrier may include a self-adhesive layer to connect it to the foam or may be applied with a separate adhesive.
The combination of a tank, foam insulating layer and impervious vapour barrier has not previously been considering and thus, viewed from another aspect, there is also preferably provided a liquefied natural gas tank comprising a first foam layer surrounding the tank and a second impervious barrier surrounding the first foam layer.
Thus, an LNG fuel tank may be provided with a foam insulation and a barrier surrounding the foam which is impervious to vapour and liquids as will be discussed further herein.
Advantageously, the impervious barrier provides multiple advantages.
For example, it prevents damage to the foam layer during use. More importantly the impervious barrier prevents humidity from entering into the open cavities or cells within the foam layer itself which can damage and degrade the foam.
Furthermore, the inventor has established that such an impervious layer prevents the emission of CO2 (also known as the blowing agent) and the ingress of air into the foam cells which advantageously prevents ageing or degradation of the foam layer. The blowing agent is used to expand the foam and remains in the cells after expansion. This might emigrate from the cells over time and reduce the thermal properties of the insulation.
Presently, Polyurethane (PU) foams are blown with a combination of CO2, obtained through the chemical reaction between precisely dosed quantities of water in the polyol blend and the isocyanate component, and with high molecular weight blowing agents such as hydrofluorocarbons (namely HFC-365mfc, HFC-227ea and/or HFC-245fa) and/or other fluorinated- or chlorofluorinated- olefins (namely HCFO-1233zd, HFO-1336mzz). Other suitable blowing agents may also be used either at the present time or in the future. While the CO2 may readily diffuse out of the foam cells, the high molecular blowing agents will substantially stay inside the foam cells for periods well in excess of those required for a reasonable economic life. These blowing agents are therefore called ‘permanent’, while CO2 is called ‘non-permanent’ blowing agent. Ageing of the thermal properties of such PU products is therefore predominantly caused by the inward diffusion of air into the product cells and outward diffusion of CO2, if diffusion tight facings do not prevent both.
Thus, using a new combination of a foam layer with an impervious encapsulating layer significantly minimizes the ageing of the thermal properties of the insulation layer by both preventing the ingress of ambient air (oxygen) into the cells within the foam and the egress of CO2 from inside the cells of the foam.
The present insulating layer significantly reduces polyurethane foam ageing thus substantially improving the operating life of insulation layers.
The term impervious is intended herein to refer to a layer that prevents gas and liquid from passing through the layer in either direction.
The first foam layer maybe applied to the tank surface using various techniques. The foam layer may for example be applied using a spray-on technique using a spray gun. This allows the foam to be easily and quickly applied to large tank surfaces.
An expanded polyurethane foam is particularly convenient to apply in this manner. Specifically the foam layer may be a premix of polyol and isocyanate.
The foam layer may be a single layer of foam in some applications. However, to maximise the insulating properties the foam layer according to the invention is formed of a plurality of individual polyurethane sub-layers, each applied over a preceding layer.
The sub-layers may be any suitable thickness. For an LNG application the foam layer may be formed of a plurality of sub-layers, each layer being between 5mm and 35mm in thickness. In such an application, in order to meet the insulating needs for ocean travel the total thickness may be 300mm measured from the tank outer wall
Furthermore the individual layers may be applied with dissimilar (different) densities.
Specifically, in an LNG application a sub-layer closer to the tank may have a density greater than 50kg/m3 and a subsequent layer may have a density greater than 40 kg/m3. It has been established by the inventor that such a combination of layers and differing densities optimised the insulation properties and mechanical strength of the insulating layer. Both are of importance in an LNG application.
In another arrangement the densities of the foam layers may be substantially the same. This simplifies the application process and provides a uniform density of foam.
It has further been established that thermal performance can be further enhanced if the first 50mm of foam layer measured from the tank surface has a density of greater than 50kg/m3 and the remaining depth of the foam layer has a density greater than 40kg/m3.
In order to further enhance the structure integrity of the foam layer the layer (or sub-layers) may be provided with glass fibres within the foam. This may be incorporated into the sprayed polyurethane mix or may be applied as one or more mesh layers. This advantageously acts as a crack preventer. A polyurethane primer is applied to the tank before the foam is applied. This improves the bonding strength between the foam and the tank surface.
As described above the impervious layer is impervious to gas and liquid but specifically prevents air from penetrating into and CO2 from diffusing out of the cells of the foam.
The impervious layer may advantageously be an aluminium foil with a polymeric backing layer and an optional self-adhesive coating. Such a combination of aluminium foil and polymeric backing provides the desired impervious quality in combination with flexibility and ease of application to the outer surface of the foam layer. Thus a vapour tight barrier is formed.
Furthermore, the polymeric layer advantageously self-seals if punctured because of the elastic nature of the material. Thus, the integrity of the impervious seal is not compromised if the layer is accidentally punctured.
The impervious layer may use a polymeric backing layer such as butyl rubber.
The impervious layer may further be provided with a self-adhesive layer facing the foam side of the impervious layer to provide a bonding surface to hold the layer in position against the foam.
The insulating layer may further be enhanced with the inclusion of an optional fire retardant layer or coating. For example, a third fire retardant layer may be provided between the impervious layer and the outer cladding layer. This fire retardant layer may be a mineral wool layer such as a stone wool I mineral wool fire retardant layer. Other similar A60 fire retardant or insulating layers may also be used.
The outer layer of the insulating system may advantageously be in the form of an aluminium, galvanised steel or stainless steel layer surrounding the preceding layer. This may for example be installed as a plurality of panels or rings which tessellate to encapsulate the preceding layers. The cladding layer provides structural strength to the insulating system and protects the inner layers. In effect the outer cladding layer and tank wall create a cavity in which the insulating foam, impervious layer and fire retardant are securely contained and protected.
Advantageously the method described herein may be applied to any type of cryogenic transport tank including, for example, an IMO type-C tank.
The term coating is used herein to refer to a layer including, but not limited to, an aluminium foil with a butyl rubber layer attached thereto.
Also provided herein is an ocean going vessel (such as a cryogenic transport ship) comprising a tank and insulation system as described herein, each with a metallic impervious layer or coating surrounding the foam.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures.
In accordance with one (or more) embodiments of the present invention the Figures show the following:
Figure 1 shows a tank insulated according to the invention with the plurality of layers cutaway.
Figure 2 shows the insulation layer according to the invention and each of the sub-layers.
Any reference to prior art documents in this specification is not to be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.
As used in this specification, the words “comprises”, “comprising”, and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean “including, but not limited to”.
The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows an LNG tank 1 incorporating an insulation system as described herein.
Such a tank 1 comprises an inner tank body 2 which in figure 1 is generally cylindrical but other shapes may equally benefit from the insulation system described herein. The tank body comprises supports 3 (only 1 being shown) which are the means of supporting the tank on the ship’s deck/structure.
The insulation layer comprises 4 main layers each with different properties and thickness: - The first layer is a spray foam polyurethane layer 5. - The second layer 6 is an impervious layer of aluminium foil with a polymeric backing - The third (optional) layer 7 is a fire retardant layer of mineral/ glass wool; and - The outer layer 8 is a metal cladding which may (as shown in figure 1) be in the form of a plurality of panels each abutting one another to encapsulate the insulation system.
As shown in figure 1 each layer surrounds the preceding layer with the tank 2 housed within the insulation system.
In an arrangement with no layer 7 the outer layer 8 may be applied directly onto layer 6.
Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the insulation system shown in figure 1.
Like reference numerals refer to the same layers. As shown the main thickness of the insulation system is the polyurethane layer. A polyurethane primer is applied to the outer surface of the tank 2 to assist in bonding the polyurethane foam layer 5 to the tank 2.
Application of the insulation layer will now be described.
The invention is not limited to the specific embodiment described below which provides an IMO type-C tank with an average thermal conductivity K-Value of approx. 0.085W/m2 K and has an overall insulation thickness 300mm of PU foam and 50mm of Rockwool (RTM) fire retardant wool. This represents just one example of the application of the invention.
Stage 1 - Foam Application
The foam applied is a premix of polyol and isocyanate manufactured by Tagos Sri These components are brought together and sprayed to the tank surface through a conventional spray gun. A polyurethane primer is applied to the tank surface prior to the foam application to improve the bonding strength between the foam and the tank surface.
The foam is sprayed to the tank surface in several layers to build up the total specified insulation thickness of approximately 300mm. The thickness for each layer is 5 to 35 mm.
The first 50mm of the foam has a density of 60 kg/m3 and the remaining 250 mm a density of 40 kg/m3. The foam density variation will be obtained by utilizing different polyol formulations having the correct specification of free-rise and installed applied foam density. Alternatively, to simplify installation a single density could be used for all foam layers.
Stage 2 - Application of the impervious layer
After application of spray foam, a aluminium foil with a butyl rubber backing is applied all over the foam’s outer surface to form a vapor tight barrier. This may be using a self-adhesive layer on the metal or using a separate adhesive. The vapor barrier will self-close or seal in the event of an accidental puncture by virtue of the elasticity of the backing.
Stage 3 and 4 - Optional fire retardant layer and cladding
The metal cladding may be selected from a range of materials and thicknesses. In this specific embodiment the cladding is 0.6mm thick stainless steel (SS 316L).
Metal strapping band to be applied in a sufficient pattern circumferential and longitudinal around the tank to make a fixation arrangement for the metal cladding. The metal cladding is fixed with overlapping joints to the strapping band by use of pop rivets or screws. Each joint between cladding sheets are salad with sealant.
Before the cladding is applied an insulation layer similar to an A60 fire insulation layer may be applied all over the impervious layer surface and fastened by conventional steel strapping bands. A suitable material is manufactured by Rockwool (RTM). The thickness may be between 3- to 80mm.
The 0.6mm SS 316L cladding is then applied outside the Rockwool (RTM) insulation fixed to the strapping band outside the Rockwool (RTM). The metal cladding and the fire blankets provide integrated fire and mechanical protection.
Optionally a Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) to be applied on the outer surface of the stainless steel cladding. The thickness of the GRP may be >2mm and this protects the stainless steel from the effects of seawater in cases where the tank is located on the deck of a ship.
Each of the layers is applied so as to surround the preceding layer. The insulation system maintains the LNG at the required low temperature, inside the tank 2.
Advantageously a fuel or cargo tank on an ocean going vessel incorporating this system exhibits improved operational life and reliability owing to the fact that the insulating foam layer does not degrade as is the case with conventional insulation systems.
Although the invention has been described by way of example, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if specifically referred in this specification.
Claims (15)
1. A method of insulating a tank for containing liquefied gas, said method comprising the steps of sequentially applying a plurality of layers to the outer surface of the tank, said sequential layers comprising: (A) a first foam layer applied to the tank; (B) a second impervious coating applied to the first layer; wherein each of said layers surrounds a preceding layer; wherein the first layer is a sprayed foam polyurethane layer comprising a plurality of individual polyurethane sub-layers; further wherein a polyurethane primer is applied to the outer surface of the tank prior to the first foam layer being applied.
2. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the foam layer is a premix of polyol and isocyanate.
3. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the foam layer is formed of a plurality of sub-layers, each layer being between 5mm and 35mm in thickness.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sub-layers have different densities.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein a sub-layer closer to the tank has a density greater than 50kg/m3 and a subsequent layer has a density greater than 40 kg/m3.
6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first 50mm of foam layer measured from the tank surface has a density of greater than 50kg/m3 and the remaining depth of the foam layer has a density greater than 40kg/m3.
7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the foam layer further comprises glass fibres within the foam.
8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second impervious layer is impervious to gas/liquid and is in the form of an aluminium foil with a polymeric backing layer.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second impervious layer comprises self-adhesive coating.
10. A method as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the polymeric backing layer is butyl rubber.
11. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a third fire retardant layer is provided between the impervious layer and a cladding layer and wherein the fire retardant layer is a mineral wool layer.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the mineral wool layer is a stone wool or a glass wool
13. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a cladding layer is in the form of an aluminium, galvanised steel or stainless steel layer surrounding the preceding layer.
14. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the method includes an additional step (C) of applying a cladding layer, which is an outer cladding layer, and which is applied to the second layer.
15. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tank is an IMO type-C tank.
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1613693.9A GB2555773B (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | LNG Tank insulation system comprising polyurethane foam and impervious coating |
PCT/IB2017/054863 WO2018029613A1 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-08-09 | Insulation system |
EP17754204.0A EP3497362B1 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-08-09 | Insulation system |
PL17754204.0T PL3497362T3 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-08-09 | Insulation system |
ES17754204T ES2973509T3 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-08-09 | insulation system |
HRP20240287TT HRP20240287T1 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2017-08-09 | Insulation system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1613693.9A GB2555773B (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | LNG Tank insulation system comprising polyurethane foam and impervious coating |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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GB2555773A GB2555773A (en) | 2018-05-16 |
GB2555773B true GB2555773B (en) | 2019-06-12 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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GB1613693.9A Active GB2555773B (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2016-08-09 | LNG Tank insulation system comprising polyurethane foam and impervious coating |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3497362B1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2973509T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2555773B (en) |
HR (1) | HRP20240287T1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3497362T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018029613A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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NO346027B1 (en) * | 2020-07-09 | 2022-01-10 | Lnt Marine Pte Ltd | Method for applying insulation to a combined cylindrical tank, a combined cylindrical tank and use thereof |
CN112660630A (en) * | 2020-12-11 | 2021-04-16 | 酷泰克保温科技江苏有限公司 | Processing technology of ultra-large low-temperature liquid-filled insulating layer |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3655086A (en) * | 1970-10-09 | 1972-04-11 | Cryotan Inc | Receptacles for the storage of liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures |
CN201228850Y (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2009-04-29 | 上海海事大学 | LNG thermal insulation device |
US8297468B1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2012-10-30 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Fuel tank for liquefied natural gas |
JP2017075636A (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2017-04-20 | 株式会社フォームテック | Heat insulation panel for membrane-type liquefied gas tank heat insulation wall |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5828235B2 (en) * | 1974-09-20 | 1983-06-14 | ニホンソフランカコウ カブシキガイシヤ | How can I make a difference? |
US4106424A (en) * | 1977-05-26 | 1978-08-15 | General Dynamics Corporation | Insulated marine container for liquefied gas |
JPH0726718B2 (en) * | 1986-05-06 | 1995-03-29 | 三菱重工業株式会社 | Rocket tank lightweight insulation structure |
KR20130053727A (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2013-05-24 | 현대중공업 주식회사 | Cargo tank building method for lpgc |
-
2016
- 2016-08-09 GB GB1613693.9A patent/GB2555773B/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-08-09 WO PCT/IB2017/054863 patent/WO2018029613A1/en unknown
- 2017-08-09 EP EP17754204.0A patent/EP3497362B1/en active Active
- 2017-08-09 HR HRP20240287TT patent/HRP20240287T1/en unknown
- 2017-08-09 PL PL17754204.0T patent/PL3497362T3/en unknown
- 2017-08-09 ES ES17754204T patent/ES2973509T3/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3655086A (en) * | 1970-10-09 | 1972-04-11 | Cryotan Inc | Receptacles for the storage of liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures |
US8297468B1 (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2012-10-30 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Fuel tank for liquefied natural gas |
CN201228850Y (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2009-04-29 | 上海海事大学 | LNG thermal insulation device |
JP2017075636A (en) * | 2015-10-14 | 2017-04-20 | 株式会社フォームテック | Heat insulation panel for membrane-type liquefied gas tank heat insulation wall |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL3497362T3 (en) | 2024-07-01 |
WO2018029613A1 (en) | 2018-02-15 |
GB2555773A (en) | 2018-05-16 |
EP3497362B1 (en) | 2024-02-14 |
ES2973509T3 (en) | 2024-06-20 |
HRP20240287T1 (en) | 2024-05-24 |
EP3497362A1 (en) | 2019-06-19 |
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