Technology Overview: Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel producing significantly lower carbon emissions than coal or oil as well as lower levels of other pollutants. In recent years the demand for Natural gas has grown rapidly. Due to increased demand there is also an increasing need for larger liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks and more flexible operation conditions which require partially filled tanks LNG sloshing can be a severe problem in damaging the tank (through higher stress and fatigue) and also contributing to instability of the carrier. Recent studies have shown that the coupling effect of liquid cargo sloshing and LNG ship motion is significant at partial filling conditions and this can be of concern to the safety of the operation in the production site as well as during offloading of the LNG carriers. The invention serves to mitigate the sloshing of liquid in partially filled tanks and reduces the fluctuation of internal tank pressure and thus lower stress and fatigue to the tank wall. Technology Features: 1) Mitigation device restricts and reduces sloshing in the partially-filled tank and disperses the sloshing energy via the connectors. 2) Connectors prevents mitigation device from moving sideways in an uncontrolled manner. 3) Adjustable connection allows for varying the height of the mitigation device for different loading. Patent Status: Patent Pending Opportunity: Licensing; Partnership for future development
1) No direct contact between mitigation device and tank interior. The number of thermal leak path is reduced thus improving thermal insulation. 2) The design reduces tank weight operational and maintenance costs compared to existing methods like fixed baffles. 3) Mitigate or suppress liquid sloshing which cause high stress and fatigue damage in partially-filled liquid cargo tanks.
Patent Pending Opportunity: Licensing; Partnership for future development