General Dynamics Corporation

Alan L Schuler

David L Post

In a marine vessel for transporting liquefied gas at cryogenic temperatures, an improved support structure is provided for mounting the cargo tank in the hull of the vessel. The support structure includes a two-piece structure with a first upper annular skirt piece attached to and depending from the cargo tank at about the equatorial region. A second skirt piece is attached to and extends upward from the hull of the vessel and is proportioned to be received in a crotch formed between the outer surface of the tank and the upper skirt piece. The skirt pieces are mechanically joined to secure the tank within the hull.

Cargo tank support

In a liquid level sensing apparatus having a stillwell in a liquid-holding tank disposed around the sensing device, a bubble shield is provided to interdict the upward flow of bubbles to the stillwell to protect the sensor from contact with bubbles or foreign matter which could result in a false reading.

Liquid level sensor

A liquefied gas tank having thermal insulation in association with a fluidtight body. A liquid supply line terminates at a location within the upper half of said vessel and discharges into a vertical draft-tube which is in fluid communication with the ullage portion of the vessel. The liquefied gas which is supplied into the draft-tube is conditioned to the pressure and temperature within the vessel as it travels downward to the bottom before it can flow radially outward into the tank.

Liquefied gas tank and method of filling

A marine container for holding liquefied gas wherein a metal tank having the general shape of a surface of revolution is designed to contain a liquefied gas by maintaining a low temperature therewithin via a surrounding thermal insulation barrier. A first layer of foamed polymeric panels, each having a predetermined hole pattern, are supported by studs affixed to said exterior surface and extending into the holes. Fibrous insulation fills the remainder of the holes and the joints between the edges of adjacent panels. Heat-insulating posts extend outward from the studs and support a layer of fibrous insulation and a third layer of foamed polymeric panels having an offset hole pattern. Fasteners secure the third layer panels upon the posts. Insulating material is foamed in situ through apertures in the fasteners to fill the holes around the posts.

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Hingham, MA, United States of America

Alan L Schuler