Cryogenic transport
Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp.'s new support system for LNG cargo tanks increases tank-manufacturing flexibility and economy, permits tank construction outside of the ship hull, thermally isolates the ship hull from the cyrogenic tank, reduces the quantity and hence the weight and cost of ancillary supporting structures, and minimizes thermal expansion and contraction of the tank. A honeycomb arrangement of improved composite aluminum-ferrous metal horizontal and vertical stiffener and bracing elements is used to join and integrate the inner cryogenic aluminum cargo tank to the steel hull to ensure thermal isolation of the ship's steel hull. Openings in the longitudinal and horizontal stiffeners as well as the transverse bulkhead sections of the vessel can be used to enable air in the closed air space between the outer hull and the inner tank to set up convection currents; fans may be used to enhance the circulation of the air in this space. This circulated air - along with the overall honeycomb-like metal structure between the outer steel hull and inner aluminum tank - helps provide for a heat-dissipating and temperature-equalizing radiator system. The substantially uniform and balanced temperature maintained throughout the space between the inner tank and adjacent hull still prevents the steel of the hull from being adversely affected by the cold temperature of the liquefied and/or compressed gas cargo.
- Assignee:
- Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3941272
- OSTI ID:
- 5767345
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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