GB2578770A - Tank insulation - Google Patents

Tank insulation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2578770A
GB2578770A GB1818178.4A GB201818178A GB2578770A GB 2578770 A GB2578770 A GB 2578770A GB 201818178 A GB201818178 A GB 201818178A GB 2578770 A GB2578770 A GB 2578770A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
ceramic foam
insulation
tank
interspace
foam
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1818178.4A
Other versions
GB201818178D0 (en
Inventor
Knoche Martin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Linde GmbH
Original Assignee
Linde GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Priority to GB1818178.4A priority Critical patent/GB2578770A/en
Publication of GB201818178D0 publication Critical patent/GB201818178D0/en
Publication of GB2578770A publication Critical patent/GB2578770A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/08—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by vacuum spaces, e.g. Dewar flask
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/001—Thermal insulation specially adapted for cryogenic vessels
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0119—Shape cylindrical with flat end-piece
    • 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
    • F17C2201/0138—Shape tubular
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0166—Shape complex divided in several chambers
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • F17C2203/0395—Getter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/012—Hydrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
    • 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
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • 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
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F17C2221/017—Helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
    • Y02E60/32—Hydrogen storage

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A cryogenic tank assembly comprising an outer tank 2, an inner tank 4 defining a storage chamber 6, and an insulation interspace 8, filled with a ceramic foam 10, such as zirconium oxide. Preferably the foam has a thermal conductivity in the range of 2 W/mK to 4 W/mK and the foam may be provided in the form of bricks. Also disclosed is a method of making such a tank, where the insulation interspace is evacuated to form a vacuum containing the foam.

Description

TANK INSULATION
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of cryogenic tank insulation, in particular the invention relates to an insulation for cryogenic tanks and a method of producing the same.
Background of Invention
Cryogenic tanks are used for the storage and/or transport of liquefied gases for a wide range of applications, including metal processing, medical technology, electronics, water treatment, energy generation and the food industry. Cryogenic tanks are used for the storage of cryogenic liquids, such as but not limited to: liquid hydrogen (LH2), liquid helium, Liquid nitrogen (LIN), Liquid argon (LAR), Liquid oxygen (LOX), Liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2), Liquid natural gas (LNG), and Liquid nitrous oxide (LN20).
The term "cryogenic tank" is understood to mean tanks suitable for storing a liquified gas (and gas mixtures) at temperatures below approximately -180 C (93 K; -292°F).
Cryogenic tanks are generally vacuum-insulated and can be delivered as a vertical or horizontal installation. The inner vessels and piping are made of stainless steel to ensure high-grade cleanliness -particularly important for the food and electronics industry.
Various insulation arrangements for cryogenic tanks are known One known solution for insulating doubled-walled cryogenic tanks is to provide bulk-fill powders in the cavity between the inner and outer tanks. An example includes providing an outside shell which is specially coated and a vacuum-perlite system with a molecular sieve adsorbent is applied to ensure outstanding insulation.
Another known solution for insulating cryogenic tanks is to provide glass bubbles in a vacuum provided between an inner tank and an outer tank. In a particularly advantageous solution, the glass bubbles are provided having an average size in the range 10-150 pm. It is considered that glass bubbles are particularly advantageous for applications involving liquid helium and liquid hydrogen.
Within the general energy technology sector and specifically with regard to liquid gases, there are continuing requirements to improve the insulation of cryogenic tanks and meet ever more stringent global standards. Future cryogenic tanks must provide safe and robust solutions, reduce environmental impact and seek to optimize energy efficiency.
Embodiments of the invention seek to provide improved tanks which may overcome some or all of these problems.
Summary of Invention
According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cryogenic tank comprising an outer tank, and an inner tank defining a storage chamber, wherein an insulation interspace is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall provided; the insulation interspace; wherein a ceramic foam is provided in the insulation interspace.
The outer tank may be made from carbon steel. The outer tank may be provided with an anticorrosion primer. The outer tank may be provided with a special environmentally friendly top coat.
The inner tank may be made from a low temperature resistant austenitic steel or a fine grain carbon steel.
The insulation interspace may be substantially a vacuum The ceramic foam may have a thermal conductivity in a range between 2 W/mK and 4 W/mK. The foam may have a thermal conductivity in a range between 2.5 W/mK and 3 W/mK The foam may have a fracture toughness in a range between 5 MPamP2 and 10 MFamP2 The foam may have a fracture toughness in a range between 6.5 MPamP2 and 8 MPam1/2.
The ceramic foam may comprise one or more standard alumosilicates.
The ceramic foam may comprise ceramic foam comprises Zirconium oxide.
The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 20 p.m and 200 pm.
The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 40 p.m and 180 pm. The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 60 p.m and 160 p.m. The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 80 p.m and 140 p.m.
The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles with an average size between 20 p.m and 200 p.m The ceramic foam may fill at least a lower section of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam may fill at least the lower half of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam may fill at least 50% of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam may fill between 50% and 100% of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam may fill between 60% and 90% of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam may fill approximately 75% of the insulation interspace The ceramic foam may substantially fill the insulation interspace.
The ceramic foam may be provided in the form of bricks.
At least two inner tanks may be provided within the outer tank, thereby defining a plurality of storage cavities.
The ceramic foam may be provided between the inner tanks The ceramic foam may substantially surround both/all the inner tanks.
An adsorbent may also be provided in the insulation interspace to maintain the vacuum.
According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a cryogenic tank comprising Providing an outer tank Providing an inner tank within the outer tank, such that an insulation interspace is defined between the inner tank and outer tank; Providing a ceramic foam in the insulationinterspace; and Evacuating the insulation interspace to create substantially a vacuum. The ceramic foam may be produced by the Schwarzwalder process The ceramic foam may be produced by bubbling the ceramic through a slurry.
The step of providing a ceramic foam in the insulation interspace may include cutting ceramic foam bricks, The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between between 20 Rin and 200 Rm.
The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 40 Rm and 180 p.m. The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 60 p.m and 160 Rm. The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles in a range between 80 Rm and 140 Rm.
The ceramic foam may comprise bubbles with an average size between 20 Rm and 200 Rm.
The step of providing a ceramic foam in the insulation interspace may comprise filling at least a lower section of the insulation interspace. The step of providing a ceramic foam in the insulation interspace may comprise filling at least a lower half of the insulation interspace. The step of providing a ceramic foam in the insulation interspace may comprise filling substantially all of the insulation interspace The cryogenic tanks of the current invention provide excellent thermal insulation. The foam-based structure of the insulation in the tanks of the present invention also serves as an effective radiation shield.
The tank of the invention also provides safety benefits. The ceramic foam provided at least in a lower section of the insulation interspace has a high mechanical strength, and therefore acts to reinforce the structure integrity of the tank. Further, the ceramic foam insulation can act as a shock absorber should the tank suffer any impact, which could be particularly advantageous for transportation applications such as rail transport, or marine transport.
Cryogenic foam insulation can easily be formed into any desired shape and configuration. This means that it can be used in any size or configuration of doubled wall cryogenic tank.
The application of foam ceramics in the furnace industry is well known and today reflects the state of the art for high temperature furnces. Ceramic foam acts as an insulator minimizing energy losses. It is expected that mechanisms are similar in a very low temperature segment, such as 4K or 23K. Therefore, the application of ceramic foam in this application is not considered as innovative, but surprisingly it was found, that this ceramic shape with its highly shock absorbent structure enables this material to be used in areas, where cryogenic tanks are exposed to high accelerations, e. g. railroad cars >6 g.
An additional side effect is that such ceramic is acting as a flame retardant and preventing destructive pressure increase, since the pressure developed in the described bubbles, may be completely absorbed by the bubble wall. With its heat capacity any propagation of flames is significantly retarded.
Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of features set out above or in the following description or drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure la is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cryogenic tank according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure lb is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cryogenic tank according to a second embodiment of the invention Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of theinvention; Figure 3a shows an example of a ceramic foam which can be used in embodiments of the invention; and Figure 3b shows another example of a ceramic foam which can he used in embodiments of the invention.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Detailed description
With particular reference to Figure la, a double-walled cryogenic tank assembly 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention comprises an outer tank 2 and an inner tank 4 provided within and surrounded by the outer tank 2. The cryogenic tank assembly 1 includes a storage cavity 6, within the inner tank 4. In use, the storage cavity 6 is used to store and/or transport a liquified gas (or gas mixture). Between the outer tank 2 and the inner tank 4 is provided a cavity which is referred to as an insulation interspace 8. The insulation interspace 8 is essential a vacuum A ceramic foam 10 is provided within the insulation interspace 8. The ceramic foam material will be described in more detail below.
Figure lb shows a double-walled cryogenic tank assembly l' in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The assembly l' comprises an outer tank 2', an inner tank 4', storage cavity 6' and insulation interspace 8'. In this embodiment, it can be seen that a ceramic foam 10' is provided in the lower half of the insulation interspace 8'. The ceramic foam 10' forms a stable bed which reinforces the structure of the tank and supports the inner tank 4'. The remainder of the insulation interspace 9' is essentially a vacuum Figure 2 shows a double-walled cryogenic tank assembly 101 in accordance with a third embodiment. The cryogenic tank assembly 101 comprises an outer tank 102 and three inner tanks 104a, 104b, 104c, all of which are located within the outer tank 102. Each inner tank 104a, 104b, 104c defines a storage cavity 106a, 106b, 106c. The insulation interspace 108 surrounds the inner tanks 104a, 104b, 104c. Ceramic foam insulation 110 is provided in the insulation interspace 108, surrounding all of the tanks. The ceramic foam 110 is provided between adjacent inner tanks 104a, 104b, 104c.
Since the invention relates to the insulation of cryogenic tanks, other components of cryogenic tanks (inlets, outlet, control systems etc) are not shown in the figures or described here. It will be appreciated that the ceramic foam insulation of the invention can be implemented in cryogenic tanks irrespective of the other components. It will be appreciated that the ceramic foam insulation of the invention can be used in any double walled cryogenic container/tank, regardless of size, shape or configuration.
Examples of ceramic foams which can be used in embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The image shown in Figure 3 includes a cm ruler to indicate scale.
The ceramic foam includes one or more aluniniosilicate. Aluminosilicate minerals are minerals composed of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen, plus countercations.
Aluniniosilicate(s) are selected having good thermal insulation/low thermal conductivity.
A preferred aluniniosilicate is zirconium oxide (Zra, -also known as zirconia). Zirconia is used due to its low thermal conductivity and robust structure. Zirconium oxide has excellent thermal insulation/low thermal conductivity (2.5 to 3 W/mK). Zirconium oxide also exhibits very high resistance to crack propagation, high fracture toughness (6.5 to 8 MEam").
The invention provides improved methods of manufacturing cryogenic tank assemblies.
Some know methods of cutting or shaping ceramic foam bricks are not suitable for cutting and shaping the foam during the manufacturing method of the invention because the foam has to be made to fit the round shape of the tanks. Shaping of ceramics, and in particular ceramic foam is not as easy. In order to provide the required shape of ceramic foam, one or more shaping and cutting methods may be used. In principle, there are three methods (outlined below) which are particularly suited to the cutting and shaping of ceramic foams into the geometries required to fill the insulation interspace to provide tank assemblies in accordance with the current invention.
1.) A clay slurry is poured onto a polymer foam, typically polyurethane. The clay will deposit on the surface of the foam. After this mixed element was dried, the polymer foam is removed in the clay calcination process. The foam ceramic obtains the shape of the now lost foam polymer. The process is known as the Schwartzwalder(Schwartzwalder Process.
2.) A clay slurry is mixed with a gas, forming bubbles in the slurry. When being dried, a solid block of ceramic foam needs to be brought into shape by cutting, either in the green state 3.) The fully calcined foam ceramic is cut by diamond tools, water jet or laser beam to the desired shape.
Further comments are given regarding the three above methods: Shapes of the produced goods by the first method have high geometrical tolerances, due to heat deformation and recristallization during the final calcination step. Products made by the Schwartzwalder-Verfahren are generally low-cost and are widely used in foundaries for aluminium, iron and other ores.
With method 2, in order to prepare for a good cutting result, the preparation of the clay may include: the mixing of a polymer into the clay, polymerizing during the drying process. The result is a rubber type green clay structure. The ceramic foam blocks made by this method are easy to cut, without damage to the surface. The result is a ceramic foam body (block), which has a stabilized outer texture During the final calcination process, the polymer will disintegrate and disappear.
Method 3 involves water jet cutting of ceramic foam which may create cracks on the outside of the ceramic structure and destabilize the entire system, and similar results can be expected for e. g. diamond saw cutting. Furthermore, contamination of the plant with fine dust ceramics is to be expected. Laser jet cutting will harden the surface and provide a more stable ceramic foam body. However, up to now, cutting speeds remain too low to enable an economic production.
Other known cutting and shaping methods may also be used.
The ceramic foam can be selected so as to optimise the manufacturing process.
It will be understood that the ceramic foam brick may be formed by using any combination of the cutting and shaping processed outlined above.
The cut bricks are then installed so as to fill the required area of the insulation interspace. The ceramic foam is provided in at least the lower section of the insulation interspace.
All of the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments. It will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
It will be appreciated that the invention covers other foams having good thermal insulation/low thermal conductivity, specifically alunimosilicates having properties similar to those disclosed above for Zirconium oxide.
The ceramic foam can be supplied in the shape of bricks in different geometries and sizes. Alternatively, ceramic foam can be manufactured to specified dimensions corresponding to the size of the insulation interspace Embodiments of the invention are described in which the foam is provided in approximately the lower third or lower half of the insulation interspace and in which the foam substantially fills the insulation interspace. It will be appreciated that foam can be provided in any proportion of the insulation interspace between the described examples.

Claims (15)

  1. Claims 1. A cryogenic tank assembly comprising an outer tank, and an inner tank defining a storage chamber, wherein an insulation interspace is provided between the inner wall and the outer wall provided; the insulation interspace; wherein a ceramic foam is provided in the insulation interspace.
  2. Apparatus according to claim I, wherein the ceramic foam has a thermal conductivity in a range between 2 Wi'mK and 4 W/mK.
  3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ceramic foam comprises one or more standard alumosilicates.
  4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ceramic foam comprises Zirconium oxide.
  5. 5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ceramic foam comprises bubbles in a range between 20pm and 200 p.m.
  6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ceramic foam fills at least a lower section of the insulation interspace.
  7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ceramic foam substantially fills the insulation interspace.
  8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ceramic foam is provided in the form of bricks.
  9. Apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least two inner tanks are provided within the outer tank, thereby defining a plurality of storage cavities.
  10. 10. Apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an adsorbent is also provided in the insulation interspace to maintain the vacuum.
  11. I I. Method for manufacturing a cryogenic tank, comprising: Providing an outer tank Providing an inner tank within the outer tank, such that an insulation interspace is defined between the inner tank and outer tank; Providing a ceramic foam in the insulationinterspace; and Evacuating the insulation interspace to create substantially a vacuum.
  12. 12. Method according to claim I I wherein the ceramic foam is produced by the Schwartzwalder process.
  13. 13. Method according to claim 11 wherein the ceramic foam is produced by bubbling the ceramic through a slurry.
  14. 14. Method according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the step of providing a ceramic foam in the insulation interspaceincludes: cutting ceramic foam bricks,
  15. 15. Method according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the ceramic foam comprises bubbles in a range between 20pm and 200 pm.
GB1818178.4A 2018-11-08 2018-11-08 Tank insulation Withdrawn GB2578770A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1818178.4A GB2578770A (en) 2018-11-08 2018-11-08 Tank insulation

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1818178.4A GB2578770A (en) 2018-11-08 2018-11-08 Tank insulation

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201818178D0 GB201818178D0 (en) 2018-12-26
GB2578770A true GB2578770A (en) 2020-05-27

Family

ID=64739641

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1818178.4A Withdrawn GB2578770A (en) 2018-11-08 2018-11-08 Tank insulation

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2578770A (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2961116A (en) * 1956-01-03 1960-11-22 Applied Radiation Corp Thermally insulated wall structure
US3109206A (en) * 1958-06-25 1963-11-05 Conch Int Methane Ltd Insulated space and elements thereof
WO2005091845A2 (en) * 2004-02-19 2005-10-06 Intelligent Energy, Inc. Safe storage of volatiles

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2961116A (en) * 1956-01-03 1960-11-22 Applied Radiation Corp Thermally insulated wall structure
US3109206A (en) * 1958-06-25 1963-11-05 Conch Int Methane Ltd Insulated space and elements thereof
WO2005091845A2 (en) * 2004-02-19 2005-10-06 Intelligent Energy, Inc. Safe storage of volatiles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201818178D0 (en) 2018-12-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5094899A (en) High r super insulation panel
US5601428A (en) Vertical heat-treating apparatus and heat insulator
US7562534B2 (en) Cryogenic aerogel insulation system
EP0264550B1 (en) An asbestos free hardened monolithic filler mass
US20020114937A1 (en) Insulated barriers and methods for producing same
US3574646A (en) Heat resistant materials
GB726482A (en) Improvements relating to heat insulated containers
GB2578770A (en) Tank insulation
US2961116A (en) Thermally insulated wall structure
Raju et al. Stress-intensity factor influence coefficients for internal and external surface cracks in cylindrical vessels
CN208008687U (en) Hollow ceramic ball and Ceramic Balls dimensional network structure
KR102291818B1 (en) Liquefied natural gas tank adapted heat insulated structure technology, manufacturing method, and transport method of liquefied natural gas
JPH09264490A (en) Ultra-heat insulating panel and manufacture thereof
CN102600767A (en) High-temperature insulation ceramic tube for synthesizing diamond with large cavity and manufacturing method thereof
CN204511322U (en) A kind of insulated tubing of filling inorganic foamed material
KR101147270B1 (en) Expanded perlite for low temperature and cool keeping insulator
CN203880388U (en) Novel low-voltage carbon dioxide storage tank
CN115819109A (en) Totally-closed-pore foam ceramic and low-temperature firing method thereof
US5279779A (en) High alumina insulating refractory product and method for making same
US3339784A (en) Insulated structure for use in transportation of cold liquids
US3232065A (en) Method and apparatus for storing ozone/oxygen mixtures
US3400848A (en) Hull structure with honeycombed interior surface for deep submergence vessels
JP4315402B2 (en) Lightweight cellular concrete insulation with low thermal conductivity
KR100740767B1 (en) Heat insulator of insulated cargo tanks of LNG carrier
KR20150095383A (en) Manufacturing Method Of Insulation Box For Cargo Tank And Structure Of The Same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)