KR102354360B1 - storage tank containment system - Google Patents

Abstract

A large-capacity natural gas storage tank includes a plurality of tubular steel walls having opposite ends and an intermediate segment having a closed cross-section extending along a longitudinal axis. Each wall, at each end, is interconnected with each end of the two other walls such that the interconnected interior forms an internal fluid storage chamber. The outer surfaces of the planarly continuous, interconnected walls form the face of the storage tank. The storage tank further includes an outer support structure, each outer support structure extending between outer surfaces of a wall defining a respective side of the storage tank and storing against a dynamic load from a fluid in the inner fluid storage chamber. reinforce the tank. The storage tank features closure plates, each closure plate extending at least partially across an outer surface of the outer support structure. The inner surface of the closure plate, the inner surface of the outer support structure, and the outer surface of the wall at least partially define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber.

Description

storage tank containment system

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to storage tanks, and more particularly to storage tanks for fluids, including liquids and gases.

Industrial storage tanks used to contain fluids, such as liquids or compressed gases, are common and important to industry. Storage tanks may be used to temporarily or permanently store fluids at an on-site location, or may be used to transport fluids across land or sea. Numerous inventions related to the structural construction of fluid storage tanks have been made over the years. One example of a non-conventional fluid storage tank having a hexahedral configuration is found in US Pat. No. 3,944,106 to Thomas Lamb.

There continues to be a steady demand for efficient storage and long-distance transport of fluids, such as LNC (liquefied natural gas), specifically for overseas transport by large marine transport tankers or transport vessels. In an effort to more economically transport fluids such as LNG, the holding capacity or storage capacity of the aforementioned LNG carriers has increased significantly from about 26,000 cubic meters in 1965 to 200,000 cubic meters in 2005. Naturally, the length, beam, and draft of the aforementioned bulk carriers have also been increased to accommodate more cargo capacity. However, the ability to further increase the size of these large carriers has practical limitations.

There are difficulties in the storage and transportation of fluids, particularly fluids in liquid form, by ocean carriers. The trend for large LNG carriers has been to use large tanks of the side-to-side membrane type and tanks of the insulation box supported type. As the volume of the tank carrying the fluid increases, the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads on the tank containment wall increase significantly. Tanks of the membrane type and insulation type described above present the disadvantage of having to manage the "floating" motion of the liquid in the tank due to the natural movement of the carrier through the sea. As a result, the effective holding capacity of tanks of the aforementioned types is limited to more than 80% of the total capacity or less than 90% of the total capacity in order to avoid damage to the tank lining and insulation. The disadvantages and limitations of these tanks are expected to increase as the size of the transport increases.

The tanks of prior US Pat. No. 3,944,106 have been evaluated for containment of LNG in large capacity cases, for example in large LNG marine carriers for geometrically hexahedral tanks of similar size. According to this, it was determined that the tank of U.S. Patent No. 3,944,106 exhibits more rigidity using 1/3 of the wall thickness of the geometric cube. The tank of US Pat. No. 3,944,106 also significantly reduced the velocity of the fluid, significantly reduced the energy transferred to the tank, and significantly reduced the force transferred by the fluid to the tank, resulting in a geometric hexahedral tank Compared to that, the deformation of the tank was substantially reduced. However, it has also been determined that a tank according to the construction of US Pat. No. 3,944,106 can be improved.

Additional hexahedral tank designs have been developed for LNG and compressed natural gas (CNG). Details regarding such tanks can be found in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2008/0099489 and 2010/0258571.

Thus, it can be advantageous for designing and manufacturing storage tanks for efficiently storing and transporting large volumes of fluids, such as LNG, across land or sea. It may be more desirable to provide a storage tank that can be manufactured in a shipyard for a large LNG carrier. It would also be advantageous to provide a modular tank design that facilitates design, manufacture, and use in the aforementioned fields.

An embodiment of a large capacity natural gas storage tank is disclosed herein.

In one aspect, the high-capacity natural gas storage tank has a plurality of tubular steel walls, each tubular steel wall having opposite ends, and an intermediate segment having a closed tubular cross-section extending along a longitudinal axis, each tubular steel wall at each end interconnected with respective ends of two other tubular steel walls of the plurality of tubular steel walls, such that the interconnected interiors of the plurality of tubular steel walls form an internal fluid storage chamber, planarly continuous interconnected a plurality of tubular steel walls, the outer surface of which forms the face of the storage tank; a plurality of outer support structures, each outer support structure extending between outer surfaces of a tubular steel wall defining each side of the storage tank, each outer support structure resisting a dynamic load from a fluid in the inner fluid storage chamber comprising a plurality of outer support structures to reinforce the storage tank by means of a method comprising: a plurality of closure plates, each closure plate transverse to an outer surface of one of the plurality of outer support structures; At least partially extending, the inner surface of the closure plate, the inner surface of the outer support structure, and the outer surface of the plurality of tubular steel walls at least partially define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber.

These and other aspects will be described in more detail below. Other applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following description of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The description herein refers to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like parts throughout.
1 is a perspective view of a first example of a storage tank containment system having a storage tank and a storage tank support structure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the storage tank containment system of FIG. 1 , as viewed from the direction A of FIG. 1 ;
3a to 3c are perspective views of the storage tank containment system of FIG. 1 , illustrating possible variations in the construction of the support structure;
4 is a rear partial perspective view of an example of a corner portion of the storage tank, as seen from the interior space of the storage tank.
5A is a partial rear perspective view of the exemplary corner portion of FIG. 4 , as viewed from the interior space of the storage tank;
5b and 5c are rear partial perspective views of an alternative example of a corner portion, as viewed from the interior space of the storage tank;
6A and 6B are cross-sectional views taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 5A and line 6B-6B in FIG. 5B, respectively, illustrating an exemplary method for completing the coupling between the constituent parts of the corner portion; .
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the storage tank containment of Fig. 1, the storage tank shown in phantom line, an example of a bulkhead located on a horizontal cylindrical wall of the storage tank and a gusset plate in the interior space of the storage tank; ) is shown as an example.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the storage tank containment of Fig. 1, similar to Fig. 7, but without showing the storage tank and bulkhead;
FIG. 9 is a cutaway perspective view of the storage tank of FIG. 1 taken along line 9-9, showing the interior space formed between cylindrical walls;
10A to 10C are perspective views of an example of a closure plate shown throughout the drawings for blocking the inner space shown in FIG. 9 ;
11 is a perspective view of a second example of a storage tank containment system with a storage tank and an alternative storage tank support structure;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the storage tank containment system of FIG. 11 , as viewed from the direction B of FIG. 11 ;
13 is a cutaway perspective view of the storage tank system in FIG. 5 showing an alternative example of a bulkhead positioned on a horizontal cylindrical wall of the storage tank;
FIG. 14 is an alternative cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system in FIG. 11 showing the bulkhead positioned on the horizontal cylindrical wall of the storage tank;
Fig. 15 is a cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system in Fig. 11, showing an example of a corner reinforcement located at a lower corner of the storage tank;
FIG. 16 is an alternative cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system in FIG. 11 , showing an example of a corner reinforcement located at a lower corner of the storage tank;
17 is an alternative cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system in FIG. 11 ;
FIG. 18 is an alternative, partially cutaway perspective view of the storage tank system in FIG. 11 , showing a further example of a gusset plate positioned within the interior space of the storage tank;
FIG. 19 is an alternative, partially cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system in FIG. 11 , showing an alternative example of corner reinforcements and gusset plates;
20 is a perspective view of a third example of a storage tank containment system, showing the storage tank, an alternative storage tank support, and a plate structure for closure;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the storage tank containment system of FIG. 20 , as viewed from the direction C of FIG. 20 .
22 is a side view of the storage tank containment system in FIG. 20 ;
Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the storage tank containment system of Fig. 20, shown in an installed position within the hold of the transport vessel;

An example of a storage tank containment system 10 is shown in FIGS. A first example of a storage tank containment system 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-10 . 1 to 3 , a first example of a storage tank containment system 10 includes a storage tank 12 exhibiting a generally hexahedral configuration, wherein the six geometrically square faces are substantially perpendicular to each other. is oriented to The storage tank 12 preferably consists of 12 interconnected hollow walls or tubular walls (one exemplary cylindrical wall 14 is shown in FIG. 1 ). In the examples below, the interconnected tubular walls are cylindrically shaped and have a closed, substantially circular cross-section, although other hollow or other tubular shapes are also possible.

The exemplary storage tank 12 includes four vertically oriented cylindrical walls 16 positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from each other and disposed between the ends of the vertical wall 16 at a corner portion 20a. and eight cylindrical walls (18) oriented horizontally and rigidly connected to said vertical walls. As shown, eight horizontal cylindrical walls 18 , four lower cylindrical walls 18a disposed at the bottom of the storage tank 12 and four upper cylindrical walls 18 disposed at the top of the storage tank 12 . (18b). In a preferred example, each of the vertical wall 16 and horizontal wall 18 may exhibit the same length with substantially the same cross-section and curvature.

The interconnected cylindrical hollow walls 14 form an internal fluid storage chamber 22 suitable for the reception of materials, including fluids, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), maintained at or above atmospheric pressure. Other fluids known to those skilled in the art, such as gases, may also be stored or received by the storage tank 12 . Although described and presented as a hexahedron having a total of six faces with the same dimensions, it will be appreciated that the storage tank 12 may take on different geometries, such as a rectangle with long horizontal dimensions and short vertical dimensions. Other shapes and configurations known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary corner portion 20a as viewed from the interior space 295 (best shown in FIG. 9 ) of the storage tank 12 and FIG. 5A is a corner viewed from the outside of the storage tank 12 . A portion 20a is shown. In this example, the corner portions 20a are each of the four vertical cylindrical walls 16 for a total of eight corner portions 20a forming the eight corners of the exemplary hexahedral storage tank 12 . disposed adjacent to opposite ends. In this example, the vertical cylindrical wall 16 is connected to two horizontal lower cylindrical walls 18a. The vertical cylindrical wall 16 extends along a substantially vertical longitudinal axis 24 , and the two horizontal cylindrical walls 18a are, respectively, on axes 26 and 28 substantially perpendicular to the axis 24 . ) are individually extended along the Axes 26 and 28 extend substantially at right angles to one another in a plane perpendicular to axis 24 , such that horizontal cylindrical wall 18a is positioned in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Axes 24 , 26 , and 28 intersect at a point (not shown) within corner portion 20a. As generally shown, a vertical cylindrical wall 16 and two horizontal cylindrical walls 18a extend along the axis of each of these walls, each of these walls at a connection 40 between the respective cylindrical walls. generally connected at the distal ends 30 , 32 , and 34 of the The connection portion 40 closes the space or gap between the respective distal ends 30 , 32 , and 34 of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the two horizontal cylindrical walls 18a , as described below. Although it includes a closure member 60 that is positioned to lock it, other configurations of the connection portion 40 are possible.

In the variant of the corner portion 20b shown in FIG. 5b , the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the two horizontal cylindrical walls 18a are likewise connected at the connection 42 at the distal end 30 of each of the aforementioned walls. , 32, and 34). It can be seen that the connection 42 in this example does not include the closure member 60 . In yet another variant of the corner portion 20c shown in FIG. 5C , the distal ends 30 , 32 , and 34 of each of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the two horizontal cylindrical walls 18a are both connected. Instead of meeting at 42 , an end cap 50 is abutted at each distal end 30 , 32 , and 34 portion at a closure connection 44 , as generally shown. In this example, the end cap 50 is spherical in shape, but other shapes, other configurations, and other connections that close and form fluid tight corners known to those skilled in the art may be used.

In variations not shown, the corners 20 may be rounded or spherical in shape to more closely conform to the appearance of the cylindrical wall for manufacturing and/or assembly purposes.

The basic structure of the storage tank 12 is preferably made of aluminum, although other materials may be used, such as nickel steel, high strength pressure grade steel, and other materials known to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that different components other than those previously described and presented, as well as other shapes and orientations known to those skilled in the art, may be used. In a preferred embodiment, during manufacture, the components of the storage tank 12 are rigidly and permanently joined together using a seam welding process in a predetermined manner such that the fluid-tight internal fluid storage chamber 22 is to form For example, the connections 40 , 42 , and/or 44 may be completed and sealed to form a fluid tight corner between the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the horizontal cylindrical wall 18 . The construction of the completed connection, as well as the process for completing the connection, may vary depending on one or more design considerations, strength considerations, manufacturing considerations, and/or other considerations. Examples of the foregoing and other connections between the constituent parts of the storage tank 12 are described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B .

6A is a cross-sectional view of the connection 40 in FIG. 5A between the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a. According to this example, the storage tank 12 is assembled prior to completing the connection 40 , and thus the respective distal ends of the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a prior to completing the connection 40 . A space or gap exists between (30 and 32). As shown, the closure member 60 is sized and configured to substantially close the gap between the respective distal ends 30 and 32 . A closure member 60 extends along the connection portion 40 , and as can be understood with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A , the closure member 60 is, in the exemplary corner portion 20a , generally annular and has an open end. It has three parts in the shape of a ring. However, the closure member 60 may exhibit other shapes that may differ in alternative parts and/or connections among the different constituent parts of the storage tank 12 depending on its application. The closure member 60 may have advantageous uses, where it is not possible, cost effective, or otherwise not feasible, cost effective, or otherwise, to manufacture and/or assemble the component parts of the storage tank 12 to tolerances allowing for direct welding. may be undesirable in Additionally or alternatively, the closure member 60 may be included to provide a reinforcing function or a reinforcing function at the connection portion 40 .

The respective distal ends 30 and 32 of the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a are chamfered from both the inner side (facing the inner fluid storage chamber 22) and the outer side of the wall, and thus the distal A pointed vertex is formed at each of the ends 30 and 32 , but in the alternative, the vertex may be rounded, for example. The presented closure member 60 is shaped to have a rectangular cross-section and is oriented such that the pointed apex opposes each point of the distal ends 56 and 58 . In this configuration, four grooves tapering inward are formed.

Specifically, two grooves are formed for receiving a weld connecting the vertical wall 16 to the closure member 60, and two grooves are formed for receiving a weld connecting the closure member 60 to the horizontal wall 18a. Dog grooves are formed. The cross-section of the closing member 60 may be differently sized or differently shaped, for example depending on the size of the gap to be closed. It will be appreciated that one or more of the distal ends 30 and 32 and the closure member 60 may be shaped and configured other than as specifically shown. For example, the distal ends 30 and 32 and the opposing portions of the closure member 60 may, for example, alternatively be rounded, the distal ends 30 and 32 and the closure member 60 being only the walls 16 and 18a ) may be formed to be formed so as to be open to one of the outer surface or the inner surface of the groove.

6B is a cross-sectional view of the connection 42 in FIG. 5B between the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a. According to the exemplary connection 42 presented in FIG. 6B , the storage tank 12 is assembled prior to completing the connection 42 , thus the distal end of each of the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a to be connected. 30 and 32 are substantially adjacent and may be continuously seam welded or otherwise mechanically joined together to complete connection 42 . In the example presented, the respective distal ends 30 and 32 of the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a are chamfered from both the inner and outer surfaces of said wall, and thus the distal ends 30 and 32 A pointed vertex is formed at each. An inwardly tapering groove is formed by opposite portions of the distal ends 30 and 32, which groove is sized and shaped to receive a weld joining the vertical wall 16 and the horizontal wall 18a. It will be appreciated that the distal ends 30 and 32 may, for example, alternatively be rounded, and may be formed to form a single groove that opens to only one of the outer or inner surfaces of the walls 16 and 18a.

Other configurations and other orientations of the connection formed by the intersection of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the horizontal cylindrical wall 18a at the corner portions known to those skilled in the art may also be used. Additionally, it will be understood that the presented connections are described with reference to the corner portions by way of example only, and that the described examples are applicable in principle to any other connections or seams between the constituent parts of the storage tank 12 .

The disclosed storage tank containment system 10 efficiently and effectively handles static and dynamic loads from the fluid contained within the storage tank 12 as well as loads from the storage tank 12 , as further described below. additional outer structures and/or inner structures configured to be contemplated and managed.

An exemplary outer support structure 100 connected to the outer surface of a storage tank 12 is shown in a first example with reference to FIGS. 1-3, 7 and 8 . The support structure 100 is positioned generally around the outside of the wall 14 to provide radial support and/or reinforcement for one or more portions of the storage tank 12 , thereby providing fluid within the interior fluid storage chamber 22 . Strengthens the storage tank containment system 10 against stress induced by the movement of The first exemplary support structure 100 includes a plurality of first braces 102 (ie, 102a, 102b, 102c, etc.), a plurality of second braces 104 (ie 104a, 104b, 104c, etc.) , and a plurality of third braces 106 (ie, 106a, 106b, 106c, etc.). A base 150, described further below, is also used. It will be understood that certain components of support structure 100 and base 150 that are described and/or presented as separate connected components may be integrated, for example, and vice versa.

In a first example, each brace 102 , 104 , and 106 is a substantially planar member extending outwardly from the storage tank 12 , sized to proximally confine a selected outer portion of the storage tank 12 . is set and has openings 108 (each opening 108 indicated for brace 102a) to be molded. In a first example, braces 102 and 104 are vertically oriented and horizontally spaced apart and aligned perpendicular to each other parallel to each edge of the face of storage tank 12 . The braces 106 are oriented horizontally and spaced vertically, likewise aligned parallel to each edge of the face of the storage tank 12 . Braces 102 , 104 , and 106 respectively define six faces of storage tank 12 and support radially against selected outer portions of neighboring horizontal cylindrical walls 18 and vertical cylindrical walls 16 , respectively. generally positioned and oriented to provide a

For example, in a first example, braces 102 , 104 , and 106 are interconnected to form a portion 120 of the support structure 100 , the portion 120 being an upright face of the storage tank 12 . Confine the storage tank 12 along the outwardly facing portion of the lower cylindrical wall 18a forming In addition, the components of the portion 120 of the support structure 100 shown will be positioned adjacent to additional portions of the storage tank 12 as well as the closing plates 300b or 300c described in greater detail below. can and can be molded.

Each portion 120 of the support structure 100 is adjacent an outward-facing portion of two parallel lower cylindrical walls 18a to generally confine a portion of the two opposing upright sides of the storage tank 12 and and a brace 102 oriented vertically. In the example presented, the brace 102 further defines a bottom surface of the storage tank 12 . The brace 102 extends perpendicularly to a point approximately in the middle of the two opposing upright faces of the storage tank 12 . The braces 102 are horizontally spaced, such that the outer brace 102c of the brace 102 is connected horizontally as well as upward along the vertical cylindrical wall 16 in a radial direction from the vertical cylindrical wall 16 . It is positioned to extend adjacent the circumferential portion of the directional cylindrical wall 18a.

The portion 120 likewise includes a brace 102 as well as the bottom face of the storage tank 12, including a vertically oriented brace 104 adjacent the outward-facing portions of the remaining two parallel lower cylindrical walls 18a. It generally limits the portion of the two opposing upright surfaces of the storage tank 12 other than that. The brace 104 also extends generally perpendicular to a point in the middle of the two opposing upright faces of the storage tank 12 . The braces 104 are horizontally spaced, such that the outer brace 102c of the brace 104 is connected horizontally as well as upward along the vertical cylindrical wall 16 in a radial direction from the vertical cylindrical wall 16 . It is positioned to extend adjacent the circumferential portion of the directional cylindrical wall 18a.

In this example, the horizontal braces 106 may selectively rigidly interconnect the braces 102 and 104 comprising the portions 120 at each respective upright face of the storage tank 12 . . It will be appreciated that any of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 may be provided in alternative numbers and/or configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , brace 106d may optionally be configured to substantially confine storage tank 12 . The brace 106d is positioned to extend radially from the horizontal cylindrical wall 18a along the four horizontal cylindrical walls 18a as well as adjacent the circumferential portions of the connected vertical cylindrical walls 16 . Additionally, it can be appreciated that brace 102 and certain portions of brace 106 interconnecting brace 104 are not included in this variation.

Additionally, brace 102 and central braces 102a and 104b of brace 104 are configured to substantially confine storage tank 12 . As shown, the central braces 102a and 104b are positioned adjacent to the outward-facing portions of four of the eight parallel extending cylindrical walls 18a and 18b, and thus the bottom face of the storage tank 12 . , two opposing upright surfaces of the storage tank 12 , and generally limit the top surface of the storage tank 12 . Central braces 102a and 104b intersect at the top and bottom faces of the storage tank 12 , and as described above, define the outer portions of the four lower cylindrical walls 18a of four of the support structure 100 . It can be seen that the portions 120 are interconnected.

Concentration of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 towards the lower bottom half of storage tank 12 helps to strengthen the lower portion of storage tank 12 and the storage tank's capacity to hydrostatic and other forces. used In a second example, a T-shaped plate 103 is selectively connected to braces 102 and 104 perpendicular to the brace to form a T-shaped section for enhancing the strength of the brace against buckling and other deformations. . As best shown in FIG. 2 , it is also contemplated that a concentration of braces may optionally be included in the base 150 , for example at the center of the bottom surface of the storage tank 12 .

3B and 3C show alternative variations in the configuration of a support structure 100 , wherein the support structure 100 is a storage area, such as a hold 160 of a marine transport vessel 162 (shown in FIG. 3B ). and is also designed to provide adjusted lateral support and vertical support for the storage tank 12 by accommodating the shape of the storage tank 12 (not shown in FIG. 3c for clarity), within this storage area the storage tank 12 is placed For example, the outer surface or perimeter 110 of the braces 102 , 104 , and 106 opposite each portion of the opening 108 defining the face of the storage tank 12 (representative for the brace 104a ). perimeter 110 shown] may be configured to be adjacent to and/or coupled to an overhead wall 166 and/or upright wall 164 forming a hold 160 .

Additionally or alternatively, a device for securing containment system 10 and storage tank 12 to hold 160 may be positioned between wall 164 of hold 160 and a portion of containment system 10 . Thus, during an event, for example, during a rolling motion or a pitching motion of the transport ship 162 , the movement of the containment system 10 with respect to the hold 160 is suppressed. For example, as shown, a chock 170 is positioned between the upright and the upright wall 164 of the support structure 100 of the containment system 10 . Also in the example presented, a choke 172 is positioned between the upper portion of the support structure 100 and the overhead wall 166 . The choke 172 prevents the containment system 10 from floating, which may prove advantageous in the event of an event, such as when the hold 160 overflows. Although choke 170 and choke 172 are shown and described, other devices known to those skilled in the art may be used.

In the preferred example, the first brace 102 , the second brace 104 , and the third brace 106 are made from aluminum plates, and each opening 108 is a part of the outer part of the storage tank 12 . It is sized to conform to the shape, and a brace is optionally placed on the part. It will be appreciated that other materials described above for wall 14 and other materials known to those skilled in the art may be used.

The storage tank containment system 10 includes a base 150 for supporting the support tank 12 on a rigid support surface, such as the bottom 168 of the hold 160 . In one example, the base 150 is formed by vertical braces 102 and 104 as best shown in FIG. 2 . In this example, the perimeter 110 of the vertical braces 102 and 104 opposite each portion of the opening 108 limiting the bottom of the storage tank 12 is, as shown in FIG. 2 , the base ( A substantially planar platform or surface may be formed to form 150 , providing a flat footprint of storage tank 12 adjacent flat bottom 168 of hold 160 .

Base 150 may be formed partially or wholly with braces 102 and 104 , as described above, or may be formed into alternative structures alone or in combination with braces 102 and 104 . The presented base 150 is reinforced by a reinforcement skirt 152 adjacent to the bottom surface of the storage tank 12 and oriented obliquely. As shown in FIG. 3A , a plurality of rigidly connected reinforcement webs 154 may also be used.

Base 150 , skirt portion 152 , and/or web 154 , as described above with reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C , support structure 100 and support structure 100 to allow for the shape of hold 160 . can be shaped similarly. For example, the perimeter 110 of the vertical braces 102 and 104 forming the base 150 may be approximated by the cross-section of the hold 160 between the upright wall 164 and the floor 168, in FIGS. 3B and It is chamfered in the variant of figure 3c.

A device for supporting the containment system 10 and the storage tank 12 within the hold 160 may also be positioned between the base 150 and the bottom 168 of the cargo hold 160 . For example, as shown, a chock ® is positioned between the base 150 and the floor 168 of the containment system 10 . Although a choke 174 is shown and described, other devices known to those skilled in the art may be used to support the containment system 10 within the hold 160 . The modifications described above are presented as non-limiting examples, and it will be understood that many other modifications are possible in the components of the base 150 and/or the support structure 100 depending on the specific configuration of the hold 160 .

The base 150 is secured to the adjacent support tank 12 structure in the manner described for the walls 14 and braces 102 , 104 , and 106 . The structure forming the base 150 may be made of the same material as the brace described above, or may be made of other materials and different configurations known to those skilled in the art.

7 shows the features of the storage tank containment system 10 in the first example including specific of the external structure, the internal structure, and other structures of the present invention described above for the storage tank 12 . The storage tank containment system 10 of FIG. 7 is a storage tank 12 having the aforementioned corner portions 20a formed in combination with a closing member 60 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 6A. includes The support structure 100 and the base 150 are constructed according to the description with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 , 7 , and 8 . As shown, this example further includes internal structures configured for storing and managing fluid within and elsewhere in the internal fluid storage chamber 22 .

For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the storage tank containment system 10 includes a bulkhead structure 200a, wherein the planar plate 204 forms an ovoid hole 206 for fluid of a membrane inner portion 204b configured to partially block the flow of and a reinforcing outer perimeter 204a. The inner space 295 is defined in part by a closing plate 300b and receives transverse gusset plates 502 , 504 , and 506 that are rigidly connected to and positioned between the walls 14 .

Exemplary storage tank 12 has dimensions of 150 feet or 50 meters (m) per geometrical plane. For LNG storage applications, the thickness of the aluminum plate forming the bottom horizontal cylindrical wall 18 can vary between approximately 2 to 5 inches, and the aluminum plate forming the top horizontal cylindrical wall 18 . The thickness of the aluminum plate forming the vertical cylindrical wall 16 may vary between approximately 2 and 4 inches, and the thickness of the aluminum plate forming the bottom corner portion 20 may vary between approximately 0.5 to 3 inches. The thickness of the plate may vary between approximately 3 to 6 inches, and the thickness of the aluminum plate forming the upper corner portion 20 may vary between approximately 1 to 3 inches. The aluminum forming the closure plate 300b may vary between approximately 2 to 4 inches in thickness. The aluminum forming the closure member 60 may vary in thickness between approximately 4 to 6 inches in the bottom corner portion 20 and between 3 to 4 inches in the top corner portion 20 .

The thickness of the aluminum plates forming the components of the internal structure and reinforcement and support structure 100 described above may vary generally between approximately 1 and 3 inches. Certain portions of the support structure 100 , such as the reinforcing outer perimeter 204a of the T-shaped plate 103 and the planar plate 204 , may be formed of an aluminum plate having a thickness varying between approximately 3 to 6 inches.

The composition and configuration of the components of the exemplary outer support structure 100 may vary according to one or more design criteria, strength criteria, manufacturing criteria, and/or other criteria. For example, the outer support structure 100 described above may include actual static and dynamic loads from fluid contained within support tank 12 , expected static and dynamic loads, and/or simulated static and dynamic loads. It is also contemplated that the storage tank 12 itself may be modified and designed differently depending on the load from it. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made in the number, placement, and orientation of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 . Similar variations in construction and material of the base 150 known to those skilled in the art may be used. One example of a possible modification to the representative outer support structure 100 is used in the second example of the storage tank containment system 10 shown in FIGS. 11-19 .

11 and 12 , the support structure 100 in the second example generally includes a first brace 102 (identified as 102m, 102n, and 102o in the second example), a second brace 104 . (identified as 104m, 104n, and 104o), and a third brace 106 (identified as 106m, 106n, and 106o). Also, a base 150 as outlined above is used. In a second example, each brace 102 , 104 , and 106 is a substantially planar member each defining an interior opening 108 sized to proximally confine a selected outer portion of the storage tank 12 . to be.

In a second example, the braces 102 and 104 are vertically oriented and horizontally spaced apart and aligned at right angles to each other parallel to each edge of the face of the storage tank 12 . The braces 106 are oriented horizontally and spaced vertically, likewise aligned parallel to each edge of the face of the storage tank 12 . As in the first example, braces 102 , 104 , and 106 form six faces of the storage tank 12 , respectively, and are formed on selected of adjacent horizontal cylindrical walls 18 and vertical cylindrical walls 16 . Generally positioned and oriented to provide radial support to the outer portion and to reinforce the outer portion.

In a second example, each brace 102 , 104 , and 106 is configured to substantially confine the storage tank 12 . With respect to the single face of the storage tank 12 , the outer braces 102m and 102o of the two of the braces 102 are respectively radially from the vertical cylindrical wall 16 upward along the vertical cylindrical wall 16 . as well as positioned to extend adjacent the circumferential portions of the connected horizontal cylindrical walls 18a and 18b. Likewise, the outer braces 104m and 104o of the two of the braces 104 are respectively connected upward along the vertical cylindrical wall 16 in a radial direction from the vertical cylindrical wall 16 as well as the connected horizontal cylindrical walls 18a and 18b) to extend adjacent to the circumferential portion. Finally, the two outer braces 106m and 106o of the braces 106 are respectively connected horizontally along the horizontal cylindrical wall 18 radially from the horizontal cylindrical wall 18 as well as the connected vertical cylindrical wall 16 ) is positioned so as to extend adjacent to the circumferential portion of the

Although the outside of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 are described with respect to a single face of the support tank 12 for clarity, from the figure, the outside of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 is the storage tank 12 . It will be understood that may be configured to limit multiple aspects of For example, the outside of braces 102 , 104 , and 106 may confine four sides of storage tank 12 , generally forming a loop around storage tank 12 , with four It can be seen that the constituent parts are each positioned and oriented similarly in principle to that described above with respect to a single face.

The central braces 102n and 104n are positioned adjacent to the outwardly facing portions of four of the eight parallel extending cylindrical walls 18a and 18b, so that the bottom face of the storage tank 12, the storage tank 12 ), and the upper surface of the storage tank 12 . The central brace 160n is positioned adjacent the outward-facing portions of the four vertical cylindrical walls 16 , generally limiting the four upright faces of the storage tank 12 . Central braces 102n , 104n , and 106n may span space 290 on the face of storage tank 12 created between spaced apart cylindrical walls 14 . However, a medial brace can also be molded and positioned adjacent to the closure plate 300c, described in more detail below.

It will be appreciated that braces 102 , 104 , and 106 positioned as described and shown may be rigidly interconnected at their respective intersections to form a reinforcing grid structure around the storage tank 12 . In one variation of the second example of the representative outer support structure 100 , not shown, in one variation of the upper braces 106 , one or more of the upper braces 106 cause a gradual decrease in the hydrostatic force applied to the storage tank 12 by its contents. Consider that the load bearing capacity may be reduced due to this. For example, since the hydrostatic load on the inside of wall 14 is greater near base 150 , the support structure 100 comprising a plurality of horizontally oriented braces 106 may include a first brace 106 . ) may include a relatively stronger first brace 106 than the second brace 106 located further from the base 150 than the. However, it is also contemplated that depending on the application, this gradual decrease in hydrostatic force may be counteracted by the dynamic loading expected in the particular application.

Like the first example, the first brace 102 , the second brace 104 , and the third brace 106 of the second example are made of an aluminum plate, and each opening 108 has a position in which the brace is selectively positioned. It is sized to match the shape of the outer portion of the storage tank 12 to be made. It will be appreciated that other materials described above for wall 14 and other materials known to those skilled in the art may be used.

The disclosed storage tank containment system 10 of the first and second examples is a storage tank 12 as well as for storing and managing fluid within an internal fluid storage chamber 22 or elsewhere as described below. It further includes an internal structure configured to further reinforce the. The various internal structures and other features described below with reference to either or both of the first and second examples of the storage tank containment system 10 can be incorporated into the support structure 100 as well as in any combination of each other. It will be understood that may be used in further combinations with one or more features of the foregoing examples of

In a preferred example of a containment system 10 for storing a liquid, such as LNG, a storage tank 12 includes an internal fluid storage chamber 22 as shown in FIGS. 7, 13, 17, and 18, respectively. and a bulkhead structure 200a , 200b , 200c and/or 200d positioned within and secured to the internal fluid storage chamber. The bulkhead structure 200 is configured with each of the horizontal cylindrical walls 18, as generally shown in the figure, to stop or mitigate the sloshing or dynamic motion of the fluid contained within the internal fluid storage chamber 22 . will be located in

In one example, each bulkhead 200 is located and secured to a neighboring horizontal cylindrical wall 18 at a substantially midstream location. As previously explained, the sloshing motion of the liquid contained within the wall 14 creates a corresponding dynamic load on the interior of the wall 14 . The bulkhead structure 200 provides an internal structure for partially blocking the flow of liquid received within the horizontal cylindrical wall 18 , which is the magnitude of the dynamic load received by the end of the horizontal cylindrical wall 18 . lowers and reduces the degree of sloshing. Additionally, it will be appreciated that all or some of the bulkhead structures 200 may be configured to perform the function of reinforcing the cylindrical cross-section of the wall 14 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the exemplary bulkhead structure 200a is a substantially planar plate, configured to span a cross-section of a horizontal cylindrical wall 18 forming part of an internal fluid storage chamber 22 . (204). In this example, the planar plate 204 defines a plurality of elliptical apertures 206 disposed in an “x” pattern around the plate 204 to allow fluid communication on either side of the plate 204 .

The material of the outer perimeter 204a of the planar plate 204 may be relatively stiffer than the material of the inner portion 204b of the planar plate 204 . In this configuration, the outer perimeter 204a of the planar plate 204 performs a reinforcing function for the cylindrical cross-section of the wall 14, while the inner portion 204b acts as a membrane, for example as shown. Forming the hole 206 partially blocks the flow of liquid received in the horizontal wall 18 . The thickness of the aluminum material forming the plate 204 is approximately at the outer perimeter 204a, although a variety of materials of varying thickness may be used in the application of the tank system 10 in the above-described exemplary sizes for receiving LNG. It may be 4-5 inches, while the inner portion 204b may be approximately 1-2 inches thick. In this example, a plurality of cross members 208 to stiffen the inner portion 204b against dynamic loads that arise from the flow of liquid received in the horizontal wall 18 and are perpendicular to the planar plate 204; cross member) may be further provided.

It is understood that alternative structures may be used for the planar plate 204, more or fewer holes may be used, and that the holes 206 are suitable for a specific content or application, as will be known to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that it may have any suitable polygonal profile or rounded profile. For example, the planar plate 204 may be configured to have a substantially uniform thickness. Additionally, in the exemplary bulkhead structure 200b shown in FIG. 13 , each plate 204 has six rectangular holes 206 arranged in two rows of three holes 206 . to form In another example of the bulkhead structure 200c shown in FIG. 18 , a plurality of polygonal holes 206 are disposed around the perimeter of the planar plate 204 . In the example of the bulkhead structure 200d shown in FIG. 19 , a plurality of polygonal holes 206 are uniformly disposed around the periphery of the planar plate 204 .

15 and 16 show examples of horizontal cutaway cross-sections of containment system 10 , presenting examples of corner reinforcement 250 provided to reinforce the interior of corner portion 20 . Referring to FIG. 15 , the corner reinforcement part 250 positioned at the bottom corner part 20 of the storage tank 12 is a first plate 252 , a second plate 254 , and a third plate 256 . (extending downwardly from the first and second plates and positioned angularly below). First plate 252 , second plate 254 , and third plate 256 span respective portions of corner portion 20 , as shown in FIG. 16 (four bottom corners with corner reinforcement 250 ). All of the portions 20 are shown], each connected to the inner wall of each of the corner portions 20 inside the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . It should be understood that some or all of the corner portions 20 may include corner reinforcements 250 , and that one or more of the corner reinforcements 250 may not be required depending on the application.

In one example, the first edge 258 of the first plate, the first edge 260 of the second plate, and the first edge 262 of the third plate are a vertical cylindrical wall 16 and a horizontal cylindrical wall, respectively. It connects to the corner 20 along an adjacent connection 30 formed by a wall 18 . The first plate 252 , the second plate 254 , and the third plate 256 are connected at the connection part 264 . In one example, the first plate 252 , the second plate 254 , and the third plate 256 are spaced apart from each other by an angle of 120 degrees. It should be understood that corner reinforcement 250 may take on other configurations, other plates, or other web formations to suit a particular application, as will be known to those skilled in the art.

In this exemplary bulkhead structure 250 , the first plate 252 , the second plate 254 , and the third plate 256 each form respective through holes 270 , 272 , and 274 , Allows fluid communication on both sides of the plate, such that portions of the internal fluid storage chamber 22 are not blocked unless otherwise compartmentalized. 15 , a bulkhead structure 250 may be located at each upper corner portion 20 of the storage tank 12 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations and other orientations of the bulkhead structure 250 may be used, and that other reinforcements may be located in the corner portions 20 .

Referring to FIG. 19 , a modified example of the corner reinforcement part 440 is illustrated. In this example, the reinforcement 440 of the tank corner 20 is in the form of a plate 445 (in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Only half of the plate is shown]. In this example, the plate 445 is angled by approximately 45 degrees, on its end or alternatively to the adjacent wall of the corner portion 20 and to the adjacent vertical cylindrical wall 26 and the horizontal cylindrical wall. It is seam welded to the wall 18 all around its perimeter. The apertures 450 serve to reduce weight and provide resistance to sloshing of the stored fluid as previously described.

Other shapes, different configurations, different orientations, and other positions of corner reinforcements may be used to suit specific applications known to those skilled in the art. The materials used to construct the storage tank 12 as described above may be used to construct the bulkheads 200 , 250 , and 440 . In one example, the bulkheads 200 , 250 , and 440 presented are rigidly and continuously seam welded to the storage tank 12 .

It will be appreciated that the corner reinforcements 250 and 440 presented may not be necessary or desirable in certain applications. Certain embodiments disclosed, such as those of FIGS. 1-10 with a first example of external support structure 100 , may not include corner reinforcements, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 7-9 . . In these and other examples, if desired, the reinforcement function of the presented corner reinforcements 250 and 440 may be implemented by the outer support structure 100 and/or other aspects of the storage tank 12 .

In the example of the storage tank 12 described and presented above, the twelve cylindrical walls 16 and 18 are closed and sectioned, thus forming the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . In this example, openings 290 are formed on each of the six sides of the storage tank 12 to define an interior space 295 between the inner facing walls of the cylindrical portion. In the example of the storage tank containment system 10 shown throughout the figures, the opening 290 is hermetically closed and the interior space 295 is disposed within the cylindrical portion in fluid communication with the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . to utilize the interior space 295 for additional storage of fluid as described below.

Referring representatively to FIG. 9 , the inner facing portions of the outer cylindrical walls 16 and 18a (eg, the inner portion 310 of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the inner portion 312 of the horizontal cylindrical wall 18a) is indicated] and the closure plate 300a is an auxiliary formed by the closure plate 300a and inner wall portions 310 and 312 of the cylindrical walls 16 and 18a forming the storage tank 12 . It will be appreciated that it may be used to seal and confine the storage chamber 302 .

A number of configurations of the closure plate 300a are shown throughout the drawings, which will be described with further reference to FIGS. 10A-10C . In the example shown in FIG. 10A , the closure plate 300a is planar and is configured to extend vertically between neighboring walls 14 . In the alternative example shown in FIG. 10B , the closure plate 300b is spherical or rounded, extending generally between the neighboring walls 14 , but connecting the longitudinal axes of the neighboring walls 14 . It is located further outward from the imaginary line. In the alternative example shown in FIG. 10C , the closure plate 300c is also spherical or rounded, but extends between the neighboring walls 14 at the outer portion of the neighboring walls 14, so that the closure plate 300c 300c) extends generally tangentially between neighboring walls 14 .

Through the use of closure plates 300a , 300b , or 300c and corresponding use of interior space 295 for storage, an increase in storage capacity is achieved. In one example of a storage tank 12 having the dimensions described above, compared to a hexahedron of similar dimensions, the capacity storage efficiency of the tank system 10 is increased from about 0.81 to 0.88, which is much higher than the conventional design. it is excellent Further, when using the closing plates 300b and 300c connected to positions further outward from the center of the storage tank 12, heat loss is reduced, ie, a smaller portion of the outer surface of the storage tank 12 is , including bends and corners that have the potential to act as heat sinks.

Storage tank containment system 10 may be configured to include, for example, only one type of closure plate of closure plates 300a, 300b, and 300c, and a mixture of closure plates 300a, 300b, and 300c. In addition, it may be configured to include other closure plates not specifically presented, for example, a triangular closure plate or an I-shaped closure plate. Closure plates 300a, 300b, and 300c may be made of the material used for walls 16, 18a as previously described. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations and other orientations may be used for the closure plates 300a , 300b , and 300c to seal and define the auxiliary storage chamber 302 .

As best shown in Figure 9, in the example described above, in which the cylindrical wall 14 is closed and sectioned and the inner fluid storage chamber 22 serves only as a storage area, the cylindrical walls 16 and 18a has an outer portion 320 and 322 respectively, eg an outer half or perimeter of a circular cross-section facing outwardly of the storage tank and respective inner portions 310 and 312 . As shown in FIG. 9 , each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion may be defined by the position of the closure plate 300a and may be disposed in the vicinity of the position of the closure plate 300a.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9 , the fluid received in the inner fluid storage chamber 22 exerts a radial hydrostatic force F1 against the interior 310 of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 . . The load bearing capacity of the vertical cylindrical walls 310 , 312 must be sufficient considering the force F1 . If the closing plate 300a is not employed and the auxiliary storage chamber 302 (or space 295 ) is not used for storage, the inner wall portion 310 must withstand a similar load as the outer wall portion 320 . However, a substantially similar configuration is required. For the application of the aforementioned exemplary sized tank system 10 to contain LNG, the thickness of the walls 16 and 18 of aluminum is expected to be between 1 and 6 inches thick. For steel, thicknesses of 0.5 to 4 inches can be used. Depending on the material and application used, other thicknesses known to those skilled in the art may be used.

However, if the closure plate 300a (or the closure plates 300b, 300c) is employed and the secondary storage chamber 302 is used, if the secondary storage chamber 302 contains liquid, the secondary storage chamber 302 A radial hydrostatic force F2 is generated on the opposite surface of the vertical cylindrical wall portion 310 that partially defines . Since the hydrostatic force F2 corresponds to and balances the hydrostatic force F1, the load bearing capacity and the corresponding thickness of the vertical cylindrical wall 16 and the horizontal cylindrical wall 18a are different from each other. may be reduced in portions 310 and 312 , which reduces the mass and material cost of the storage tank 12 .

In the example of the storage tank 12 using only the inner fluid storage chamber 22 within the cylindrical wall 14 , one or more ports on the outside of the wall (not shown) in communication with the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . (port) may be used to fill or withdraw fluid from the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . When the auxiliary storage chamber 302 is used with the inner fluid storage chamber 22, to provide fluid communication between the inner fluid storage chamber 22 and the auxiliary storage chamber 302, an appropriate wall 14 includes: One or more ports (not shown) may be provided, for example on wall portions 310 and/or 312 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , an example of a first gusset plate 400 (two are shown) is shown. In this example, each gusset plate 400 is disposed between and rigidly connected to vertically adjacent horizontal tube walls 18 in the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . Each gusset plate 400 has one or more apertures 410 (two shown) for retarding sloshing of fluid in the auxiliary storage chamber 302 as generally mentioned for the bulkhead 200 described above. may allow the flow of fluid through the gusset plate 400 ). In one example, the gusset plate is a rigid planar plate, but may take other shapes and configurations to suit applications as will be known to those skilled in the art.

As can also be seen in FIG. 18 , one or more second gusset plates 420 are disposed between and horizontally cylindrical portion 18 and first gusset plate 400 as generally shown, and these first gusset plates 420 . It is rigidly connected to the plate and the horizontal cylindrical part. In this example, the second gusset plate 420 is preferably provided with a plurality of similar apertures 425 , to enable containment of the flow of fluid to retard sloshing of the fluid within the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . make it The first gusset plate 400 and the second gusset plate 420 both provide structural reinforcement and retard the sloshing of the fluid within the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . Other gussets, reinforcing plates, and sloshing delay structures known to those skilled in the art may be used. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 19 , the second gusset plate 420 is used without the first gusset plate 400 . In this example, the second gusset plate 420 is rigidly connected to four adjacent horizontal cylindrical walls 18 and is positioned in a generally horizontal position between the second generally vertically oriented gusset plates 420 . The illustrated third gusset plate 430 is further included.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 , gusset plates 502 and 504 may be disposed between vertically adjacent and parallel horizontal cylindrical walls 18 within the auxiliary storage chamber 302 , While it can be rigidly connected to the horizontal cylindrical wall, a gusset plate 506 is disposed between and rigidly connected to horizontally adjacent and parallel vertical cylindrical walls 16 . Additionally, gusset plates 502 , 504 , and 506 are connected at their respective intersections. Each gusset plate 502 , 504 , and 506 extends in a plane passing through the center of the storage tank 12 . Gusset plates 502 and 504 extend vertically parallel to each opposing side of storage tank 12 and are cut off at intersections with walls 14 as well as intersections with respective neighboring gusset plates. do. Gusset plates 506 extend in a horizontal direction parallel to opposing top and bottom surfaces of storage tank 12 and also at intersections with walls 14 as well as at intersections with respective neighboring gusset plates. cut off For clarity, only three gusset plates 502, 504, and 506 of a total of eight gusset plates are shown and described. It will be appreciated and understood that other gusset plates are arranged and configured similarly to gusset plates 502 , 504 , and 506 .

As shown, gusset plates 502 , 504 , and 506 may be rigidly interconnected at the intersection of these gusset plates as well as interconnected with the support structure 100 . As shown, vertically disposed gusset plates 502 and 504 are connected to central vertical braces 104a and 102a, respectively, while horizontally disposed gusset plates 506 are connected to horizontal braces 106a. connected The gusset plates 502 , 504 , and 506 may fluidly compartmentalize the auxiliary storage chamber 302 , or, as previously described, have one or more apertures (not shown in this example) to allow the flow of fluid. may include

13 , 14 , and 15 , one example of a device for filling a storage tank 12 with a fluid and extracting a fluid from the storage tank 12 is in the form of a filling tower 350 . In this example, filling tower 350 includes a substantially horizontal hollow tube 352 connected to a substantially vertical hollow tube 354 . The vertical tube 354 includes a suction port 356 disposed near or extending from the top of the storage tank 12 . Suction port 356 is configured to connect to a remote fluid source, such as a delivery pump (not shown) or other device known to those skilled in the art. The vertical tube 354 also includes an outlet port 357 disposed near the bottom of the storage tank 12 . The horizontal hollow tube 352 may be connected to the vertical tube 354 at the location of the outlet port 357 to provide fluid communication between the suction port 356 and the inner fluid storage chamber 22 and shown in FIG. 15 . It may be connected via a horizontal cylindrical wall to one or more of the horizontal cylindrical walls 18 as shown in FIG.

As best shown in FIG. 13 , the vertical hollow tube 354 is supported by a plurality of support brackets or support structures 358 , which preferably allow fluid communication on both sides of the support structures 358 . . A vertical tube 354 and support structure 358 are positioned along a passageway formed in the central portion of the bulkhead structure 200b in the space between the planar plates 204 . The vertical tube 354 may include one or more additional ports (not shown) to provide fluid communication between the suction port 356 and the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . Alternatively, a through port (not shown) through the interior portion of the cylindrical walls 16b and/or 18b may be used to facilitate the flow of fluid into and out of the storage tank 12 .

Fill tower 350 may also be used to extract fluid from inner fluid storage chamber 22 and auxiliary storage chamber 302 . To optimize extraction, when the storage tank 12 is in the installed position, the outlet port 357 may be positioned proximate the inner surface of the bottom closure plate 300b. The closure plate 300b may be shaped to utilize the influence of gravity in extracting fluid from the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the outlet port 357 is disposed at the lowest point of the auxiliary storage chamber 302 just above the point of inflection on the surface of the curved closure plate 300b , such that all fluid in the storage tank 12 is to be extracted from the auxiliary storage chamber 302 , and again from the interconnected inner fluid storage chamber 22 . It should be understood that other tubes, pipes, or ports that allow rapid, high-volume fluid flow into and out of storage tank 12 may be used to facilitate filling and extraction of fluid.

20-23, a third example of a storage tank containment system 10 is shown. 20 is a perspective view showing the storage tank 12 and the pair of outer support structures 100 on two of the faces of the storage tank 12 . An outer support structure 100 extends between the outer surfaces of the cylindrical steel walls 16 , 18 , and reinforces the storage tank 12 against dynamic loads due to the fluid in the inner fluid storage chamber 22 . One of the outer support structures 100 in FIG. 20 is shown including a plurality of interconnected braces 102 , 106 forming a reinforcing grid structure.

Another outer support structure 100 in FIG. 20 is shown covered by a generally planar closure plate 300a that extends at least partially across an outer surface of one of the outer support structures 100 . have. Both of the outer support structures 100 in FIG. 20 may include a lattice structure of interconnected braces 102 , 106 , for closures extending at least partially over the outer surface of each of the outer support structures 100 . It will be appreciated that it may be covered by plate 300b.

The inner surface of the closure plate 300a, the inner surface of the outer support structure 100, and the outer surface of the plurality of cylindrical steel walls 16, 18, as described with reference to Figs. 302) can be used. By positioning the closure plate 300a outward relative to the outer support structure 100 and outwardly relative to the outer surfaces of the cylindrical steel walls 16 , 18 , the volume of the auxiliary storage chamber 302 can be significantly increased. The configuration of the charging tower 350 may also be simplified as described with reference to FIG. 23 .

The outer support structure 100 in FIG. 20 also includes a plurality of blocks 600 . Some of the blocks 600 are disposed within the opening 602 , each hole 602 being formed by the intersection of four of the rigidly interconnected braces 102 , 106 of each of the grating structures. A block 600 disposed within the opening 602 is configured to hold the storage tank 12 in an installed position when proximate to a bracket extending from a hold of a transport vessel as further described with reference to FIG. 23 . Block 600 may be formed of marine grade laminated, densified wood, and may be adhesively bonded to braces 102 , 106 using, for example, epoxy. Also, other high strength materials may be used for block 600 .

Some of the blocks 600 are also disposed on the support surface 604 of the outer support structure 100 , the storage tank 12 , each closing plate 300a covering the respective outer support structure 100 . ), the support surface 604 extends from the outer surface of one of the lowest cylindrical steel walls 18 when in the installed position within the hold of the carrier. The support surface 604 and the associated block 600 are configured adjacent to a ledge extending from a hold in the transport vessel to hold the storage tank in an installed position as further described with reference to FIG. 23 . .

FIG. 21 is a bottom side perspective view of the storage tank containment system 10 of FIG. 20 , as viewed from direction C in FIG. 20 . Here, both of the outer support structures 100 are substantially covered by a closing plate 300a extending across the outer surface of the outer support structure 100 , as illustrated in FIG. 20 . The storage tank 12 also includes a plurality of bulkheads 200 and a closing plate 300a extending between the outer surface of the lowermost cylindrical steel wall 18a, with each bulkhead 200 facing an opposing surface. It extends across the inner fluid chamber 22 through the horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18 and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the opposite horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18 .

Further, each bulkhead 200 extends outwardly from the outer surface of the opposite horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18 between sections of the bottom closure plate 300a to form a base 150 for the storage tank. to form The base 150 of the storage tank 12 is configured to support the storage tank 12 in an installation position within the hold of the transport vessel. In the example of FIG. 21 , the two bulkheads 200 extend centrally through opposing horizontal cylindrical steel walls 18 , intersect at the center of the lowermost face of the storage tank 12 , to support the base 150 . Although forming a cross-sectional shape for the purpose, other shapes, other intersections, and other numbers of bulkheads 200 are also possible. Also, a plurality of blocks 600 may be arranged along the base 150 for positioning the storage tank 12 within the hold of the transport vessel and for insulating the storage tank.

22 is a side view of the storage tank containment system 10 of FIG. 20 . Two support surfaces 604 are shown extending from the outer surface of the opposing bottommost cylindrical steel wall 18 to each closure plate 300a. By including a support surface 604 extending from an opposing cylindrical steel wall 18 , the storage tank 12 can be restrained against the pitch or roll of the transport when in the installed position. The support surface 604 is 15 above a horizontal plane extending through the longitudinal axis of the horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18 , which forms the lowest face of the storage tank 12 when the storage tank 12 is in the installed position. It is shown to extend angularly by degrees to 60 degrees.

In one non-limiting example, the support surface 604 may be angled from 25 degrees to 40 degrees above the horizontal plane to optimize support for the storage tank 12 . For example, the angled support surface 604 may rest on a ledge extending from the hold as shown in FIG. 23 , while simultaneously allowing the hold to expand and contract. By allowing the support surface 604 to be angled, any change in wall position or construction tolerances of both the storage tank 12 and the hold will not adversely affect the ability of the storage tank 12 to remain in the installed position. will be.

FIG. 23 is a cutaway perspective view of the storage tank containment system 10 of FIG. 20 , shown in an installed position within a hold 160 of a marine transport vessel 162 . Block 600 in opening 602 defined by interconnected braces 102 , 106 of lateral outer support structure 100 includes brackets extending from upright walls 164 forming the face of hold hold 160 . 606). Brackets 606 are adjacent openings to restrain movement of storage tank 12 relative to hold 160 , for example in the case of a rolling motion or pitching motion of transport vessel 162 . may be configured to clamp block 600 in 602 .

An additional block 600 is provided below the opposing outer support structure 100 for seating on the bottom surface and a skirt or ledge 608 extending from the upright wall 164 of the hold 160, respectively. It may extend from the support structure 604 on the side and from the base 150 . The ledge 608 may be configured to support the weight of the storage tank 12 in the transport 162 when the storage tank 12 is in the installed position. By tilting the support surface 604 and optionally the block 600 extending from the support surface 604 , any change in the dimensions of the hold 160 may be taken into account in the design of the storage tank 12 . This is important given the temperature difference between the storage tank 12 and the carrier 162 as well as the wide size of the storage tank 12 and the hold 160 .

The single bulkhead 200 also includes a plurality of substantially planar plates 204 configured to span a cross-section of a horizontal wall 18 forming part of the inner fluid storage chamber 22 , shown in FIG. 23 . is shown in Each planar plate 204 defines a plurality of elliptical apertures 206 disposed in an "x" pattern around the plate 204 , allowing fluid communication on both sides of the plate 204 . A passageway 610 is also present in the central portion of the bulkhead 200 in the space between the planar plates 204 . The passageway 610 is sized enough to allow the filling tower 350 to extend through the storage tank 12 .

In the third example of FIG. 23 , the closure plate 300a is shown extending between and below the lowest horizontal cylindrical steel walls 18 . A plurality of vanes 612 extend along the inner surface of the closure plate 300a to mitigate sloshing or dynamic motion of the fluid within the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . Given the location of the closing plate 300a below the lowest horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18, instead of the combination of a vertical hollow tube 354 and a horizontal hollow tube 352, only illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 Only a vertical hollow tube 354 is required for the filling tower 350 because the horizontal cylindrical steel wall 18 can be configured to have holes that allow fluid to enter the auxiliary storage chamber 302 . to be.

The embodiments, features, and examples described above with respect to the features and construction of the storage tank containment system 10 may be implemented in a wide variety of ways depending on one or more design criteria, strength criteria, manufacturing criteria, cost criteria, and/or other criteria. It will be understood that they may be modified and/or combined with These dimensions described are based on several contemplated designs and are presented as non-limiting examples. It will be appreciated that other thicknesses may be used depending on the material and application used.

In some examples, a large capacity natural gas storage tank is disclosed comprising a plurality of tubular steel walls and a plurality of closure plates, each tubular steel wall having an opposing end and an intermediate segment having a closed tubular cross-section, the plurality of tubular steel walls are interconnected with respective ends of two other tubular steel walls of the plurality of tubular steel walls, respectively, at their respective ends, such that the interconnected interior of the plurality of tubular steel walls form an internal fluid storage chamber, each closing plate comprising: Connected between the outer surfaces of the tubular steel walls which are continuously interconnected to form the face of the storage tank, the inner surface of the closure plate and the outer surfaces of the plurality of tubular steel walls at least partially define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber.

Closing plates on opposite sides of the storage tank may be connected with the outside of the continuously interconnected tubular steel walls in a position that maximizes the distance between the opposing closing plates. Each closure plate may extend tangentially on each side of the storage tank between the outer sides of the continuously interconnected tubular steel walls. Each closure plate may extend vertically on each side of the storage tank between the outer sides of the continuously interconnected tubular steel walls. Each closure plate may include one of a spherical outer surface, a rounded outer surface, a triangular outer surface, an I-shaped outer surface, or a planar outer surface.

In some examples, a high-capacity natural gas storage tank includes a filling tower comprising a discharge port disposed proximate to an inner surface of a closure plate forming a lowermost surface of the storage tank. The filling tower may include a substantially vertical hollow tube extending between two opposed faces of the storage tank across the auxiliary fluid storage chamber from an inlet port at a first end to an outlet port at the second end. The vertical hollow tube may define a plurality of ports spaced along the outside of the vertical hollow tube to provide fluid communication with the auxiliary fluid storage chamber. The vertical hollow tube may be supported by a plurality of support structures, each support structure connected between the outer surfaces of the tubular steel wall, on opposite sides of the storage tank. The filling tower comprises a substantially horizontal tube extending across the auxiliary fluid storage chamber between two opposite sides of the storage tank along an inner surface of the closing plate defining the lowermost surface of the storage tank and in fluid communication with the discharge port. may include

While the present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but rather, various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It will be understood that it is intended to be embraced, and the scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation intended to cover all modifications and equivalent structures described above as permitted under patent law.

Claims (13)

A large-capacity natural gas storage tank (12) comprising:
a plurality of tubular steel walls (16, 18);
a plurality of outer support structures 100; and
a plurality of closure plates (300)
includes,
each tubular steel wall 16, 18 has an intermediate segment with opposite ends and a closed tubular cross-section extending along a longitudinal axis;
Each tubular steel wall 16 , 18 is interconnected at its respective end with a respective end of two other tubular steel walls of the plurality of tubular steel walls 16 , 18 , such that the interconnected the interior forming an internal fluid storage chamber 22, the outer surfaces of the planarly continuous interconnected tubular steel walls 16, 18 forming the face of the storage tank 12,
Each outer support structure 100 extends along the outer surfaces of the tubular steel walls 16 , 18 defining each side of the storage tank 12 ,
each outer support structure 100 stiffens the storage tank 12 against dynamic loads from fluid within the inner fluid storage chamber 22;
The inner surface of the closure plate 300 , the inner surface of the outer support structure 100 , and the outer surface of the plurality of tubular steel walls 16 , 18 at least partially define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber 302 ,
When the storage tank 12 is in an installed position within the hold 160 of the transport vessel 162 at least one of the outer support structures 100 has a support surface extending from the outer surface of one of the lowermost tubular steel walls 16 , 18 . 604 , wherein the support surface 604 is configured adjacent a ledge 608 extending from the hold 160 , the support surface 604 is a hold while maintaining the storage tank 12 in the installed position. and a large capacity natural gas storage tank configured to allow for expansion and contraction of (160). The large capacity natural gas storage tank of claim 1, wherein each outer support structure (100) comprises a plurality of lattice structures formed of rigidly interconnected braces (102, 104, 106). 3. The method of claim 2,
a plurality of blocks (600)
wherein each block (600) is disposed within an opening (602) formed by four of the rigidly interconnected braces (102, 104, 106) in one of said lattice structures; A large capacity natural gas storage tank configured to maintain the storage tank (12) in an installation position when adjacent a bracket (606) extending from a hold (160) of 162). 2. The storage tank (12) of claim 1, wherein two of the outer support structures (100) on opposite sides of the storage tank (12) hold the storage tank (12) against one of a pitch and a roll in the installed position. A large capacity natural gas storage tank comprising a support surface (604) configured to restrain. 2 . The support surface ( 604 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the support surface ( 604 ) extends through the longitudinal axis of all tubular steel walls ( 16 , 18 ) forming the lowermost face of the storage tank ( 12 ) when the storage tank ( 12 ) is in the installed position. A large capacity natural gas storage tank that extends at an angle of 15 to 60 degrees above a horizontal plane in which 6. The large capacity natural gas storage tank of claim 5, wherein the support surface (604) is inclined by 25 to 40 degrees. According to claim 1,
A plurality of bulkheads (200; bulkhead)
wherein each bulkhead 200 extends across the inner fluid chamber 22 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one tubular steel wall 16, 18 and 18) extending through at least one of the large capacity natural gas storage tanks. 8. The large capacity natural gas storage tank of claim 7, wherein each bulkhead (200) defines at least one opening (206) to allow restrictive flow of fluid through the bulkhead (200). 8. The tubular steel wall (16, 18) of claim 7, wherein each bulkhead (200) extending through the tubular steel wall (16, 18) on the lowermost surface of the storage tank (12) extends outwardly from the outer surface of the tubular steel wall (16, 18). A large capacity natural gas storage tank that forms a base (150) for the storage tank (12). 10. Large capacity natural gas storage tank according to claim 9, wherein the base (150) of the storage tank (12) is configured to support the storage tank (12) in an installation position within the hold of the transport vessel. 10. The storage tank (12) of claim 9, wherein the base (150) of the storage tank (12) comprises a bulkhead (200) extending outwardly from the outer surface of each tubular steel wall (16, 18) on the lowest face of the storage tank (12). A large-capacity natural gas storage tank. 10. The storage tank (12) according to claim 9, wherein the bulkheads (200) on the base (150) of the storage tank (12) extend centrally through the tubular steel walls (16,18) and intersect at the center of the lowermost face of the storage tank (12). large capacity natural gas storage tank. According to claim 1,
A filling tower 350 that provides fluid communication with an auxiliary fluid storage chamber 302 .
wherein the filling tower (350) includes a discharge port (357) disposed proximate the inner surface of the closing plate (300) forming the lowermost surface of the storage tank (12). Tank.

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