Claims:We Claim:

[CLAIM 1] A method for suspending inner vessel 01 of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid comprises:

a) sliding support 300 consisting of:
i. solid support member 17 is fixed with outer vessel 09;
ii. hollow support member 08 is rigidly attached with inner vessel 01;
iii. more than one support rings 06 are installed to separate inner vessel suspension system 400 and outer vessel suspension system 500 and provide relative motion between hollow support member 08 and solid support member 17;

b) fixed support 200 consisting of:
i. solid support member 17 is fixed with outer vessel 09;
ii. hollow support member 08 is rigidly attached with inner vessel 01;
iii. lock ring 13 prevents relative sliding motion between hollow support member 08 and solid support member 17.

[CLAIM 2] A method for suspending inner vessel 01 of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein high thermal insulated material is provided between hollow support member 08 of inner vessel suspension system 400 and solid support member 17 of the outer vessel suspension system 500 for preventing heat transfer.

[CLAIM 3] A method for suspending inner vessel 01 of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein sliding side 300 of suspension system 100 provides smooth relative motion between hollow support member 08 of inner vessel suspension system 400 and solid support member 17 of outer vessel suspension system 500 at the time of inner vessel is subjected to contraction or expansion due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid.

[CLAIM 4] A method for suspending inner vessel 01 of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein fixed side 200 of suspension system 100 provides support to inner vessel 01.

[CLAIM 5] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein sliding side 300 and fixed side 200 are located opposite to each other.

[CLAIM 6] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein direct contact between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09 is prevented by means of introducing high thermal insulated material between hollow support member 08 of inner vessel suspension system 400 and solid support member 17 of the outer vessel suspension system 500 without effecting functionality.

[CLAIM 7] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, high thermal insulated material having very low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength.

[CLAIM 8] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein support ring is made up from any solid high thermal insulating material for preventing direct contact between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09.

[CLAIM 9] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein suspension system 100 having fixed support 200 and sliding support 300 wherein sliding support 300 slides on outer vessel suspension pipe 12 in such manner that the distance between outer vessel 09 and inner vessel 01 varies when inner vessel is subjected to contraction or expansion due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid.

[CLAIM 10] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein a composite type suspension system of dewar type container is fitted on automobile vehicles to propel engine.

[CLAIM 11] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, hollow support member 08 rigidly fixed with inner vessel 01 and solid support member 17 rigidly attached with outer vessel 09.

[CLAIM 12] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein inner vessel suspension system 400 is located on exterior surface of the inner vessel 01.

[CLAIM 13] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer vessel suspension system 500 is located on surface of the outer vessel 09.

[CLAIM 14] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein gusset 16 is attached with outer vessel 09 to support solid support member 17 as per requirement.

[CLAIM 15] A method for suspending inner vessel of dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid as claimed in claim 1, wherein suspension system 100 can be located at any place between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09 as per requirement.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates to suspension system of transportable thermally insulated container and more particularly to composite type suspension system between inner vessel and outer vessel of vacuum flask container that hold cryogenic fluid into it and mounted horizontally on vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
At the present time, it is necessary to transport cryogenic fluids in quantity over land and by sea for relatively long distances while maintained within prescribed temperature limits. Such transport involves exposure of the exterior surfaces of the storage vessel to solar energy and ambient temperatures which tend to establish a high heat input to the interior of the vessel. Land transport vehicles also have to comply with highway user limits on load carried and maximum height of vehicle surfaces.

Double wall vacuum jacketed vessels of various sizes and shapes are used for storing and transporting liquids at low temperature, such as liquid oxygen, liquid natural gas. In a typical installation an elongated cylindrical vessel containing the liquid natural gas is enclosed within an outer cylindrical jacket providing an annular insulating space between the inner vessel and the outer jacket. This insulating space may be evacuated and filled with powdered insulating material so as to provide a suitably insulated container for the low temperature liquid.

For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,826 to Rogers describes a transportation tank which is comprised of a cylindrical tank portion with hemispherical heads. The cylindrical portion is surrounded by a corrugated shell and a vacuum/insulation space there between, while the heads, which have a vacuum/insulation space on its interior, are exposed to the environment. The cylindrical portion between the inner and outer vacuum/insulation zone provides the thermal path between the tank contents and the environment. No discussion is made in regard to sustaining shock loads in excess of those experienced in normal transport, nor is mention made of resonance frequencies.

It is apparent that a longitudinal support tube which passes through the storage tank centre consumes valuable storage space, particularly if the longitudinal support tube is of large diameter. To minimize the consumption of space resulting from the use of such a full-length centre support tube, cryogenic vessels have been proposed which utilize support devices mounted at the longitudinal ends of the storage tank.

Kirgisetal show, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,971, a cryogenic tank system with an inner vessel enclosed by a heat shield, both of which are encased by an outer vessel. The vessels and shields are separated by resilient elements that provide the only path of conductive heat transfer to the inner vessel.

Moreover, U.S. Pat. No. 3,698,200 discloses A Dewar for transporting cryogenic fluid with minimum loss by evaporation of the fluid comprising in combination: an inner tank for receiving and holding the cryogenic fluid; an outer shell spaced apart from and surrounding said inner tank in vacuum tight relationship thereto; low conductivity means for supporting said inner tank in spaced relationship from said outer shell; means for preventing heat influx into said inner tank, said means comprising a massive self-supporting radiation shield spaced apart from and surrounding said inner vessel with venting means disposed around a major portion of the surface of said shield, said venting means for venting said inner vessel outwardly of the Dewar so that said radiation shield can be precooled during filling of the inner vessel to about 4* K, thereby acting as a large heatsink to prevent heat influx into the inner vessel; a second radiation shield spaced apart from and between said first shield and said shell; means for filling said inner vessel; and means for holding a second volume of cryogenic fluid against a portion of the surface of said second shield.

It is noted that due to use of two or more shield; the vacuum type container become heavier and bulky; the present invention provides suspension system for vacuum flask container that holds cryogenic liquid into it wherein the suspension system separates inner vessel and outer vessel by means of providing highly thermal insulating material into said suspension system as well as the present invention does not claim about more than one shields to prevent heat losses.

A common problem encountered with storage of cryogenic systems or specifically saturated LNG fluid storage system is that during prolonged non-usage or idle phase external heat will be added / transferred to LNG stored inside inner tank. This causes the LNG to vaporize which results in increased pressure; which eventually reaches the maximum permissible value of the storage tank. Safety valve provided to release the gas to the atmosphere.

Many complicated systems having been devised to minimize these heat leaks from the surroundings, and they include evacuating a space surrounding the area to be cooled and using various insulations, some being evacuated. The necessity of evacuating an annular space about the enclosed area introduces complications in manufacture 'and of course is not practical for large enclosed spaces such as refrigerators and cold storage units.

The present invention provides simple, durable and economical transport or storage containers for cryogenic fluids which have adequate structural strength and highly efficient heat-insulation properties combined in an assembly which is less bulky than presently available equipment and has a much higher load storing capacity and efficient mobile container for cryogenic fluids which is readily adaptable to both highway and non-highway uses.

Also, the present invention relates to saturated LNG fluid storage in saturated cryogenic form on board a vehicle and delivery of gaseous CNG fluid to engine on demand. While not limited too; the present invention is particularly useful for buses & trucks which operate using natural Gas as fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention solves above problem by providing simple, durable and economical transport or storage containers for cryogenic fluids which have adequate structural strength and highly efficient heat-insulation properties combined in an assembly which is less bulky than presently available equipment and has a much higher load storing capacity and efficient mobile container for cryogenic fluids which is readily adaptable to both highway and non-highway uses.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system for vacuum flask container that holds cryogenic fluid into it wherein the suspension system separates inner vessel and outer vessel by means of providing highly thermal insulating material into said suspension system.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system which comprises fixed side and sliding side wherein fixed side rigidly supports to the inner vessel and sliding side allows smooth relative motion between hollow support member of inner vessel suspension system and solid support member of outer vessel suspension system when inner vessel is subjected to contraction or expansion due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein inner vessel and outer vessel are separated by means of said suspension system to minimise heat transfer and prevent evaporation of cryogenic fluid.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system Wherein high thermal insulated material is provided between hollow support member of inner suspension system and solid support member of the outer vessel suspension system to prevent heat transfer.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein inner vessel consisting of hollow cylindrical support member assembled through pipe, pipe cap and pad plate located on the exterior of inner vessel.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein outer vessel consisting of a hub, ring, and outer vessel suspension pipe are located on the surface of outer vessel.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide no direct contact between inner vessel and outer vessel that minimise heat transfer from inner vessel without effecting functionality.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein solid insulating material having very low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a composite type suspension system having fixed support and sliding support wherein sliding support slides on outer vessel suspension pipe in such manner that the distance between outer vessel and inner vessel varies when inner vessel is subjected to contraction or expansion due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a composite type suspension system for cryogenic tank wherein cryogenic tank can be easily used to propel engine of automobile applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The objects, features and advantages of the invention will best be understood from the following description of various embodiments thereof, selected for purposes of illustration, and shown in the accompanying figures.
Figure 1. Illustrate suspension system of vacuum flask container with fixed side and sliding slide.
Figure 2. discloses hollow support member and inner vessel suspension system.
Figure 3. discloses solid support member and outer vessel suspension system.
Figure 4. Discloses sliding side suspension system of inner vessel.
Figure 5. Discloses exploded view of sliding side suspension system of inner vessel.
Figure 6. Discloses fixed side suspension system of inner vessel.
Figure 7. Discloses exploded view of fixed side suspension system of inner vessel.
Figure 8. Discloses exploded view of sliding side of outer vessel suspension system.
Figure 9. Discloses exploded view of fixed side of outer vessel suspension system.
Figure 10. Discloses example of suspension system which can located at any place on surface of inner and outer vessel.
Figure 11A. Discloses exploded view of top/bottom inner vessel suspension system.
Figure 11B. Discloses exploded view of top/bottom outer vessel suspension system.
Figure 12. Discloses perspective and exploded view of suspension system wherein gusset may use to support rigid suspension pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The word “Composite type suspension system” refer as a suspension system made up from different composite materials.

The word “vacuum flask container” means a double wall jacket container of any shape in which vacuum is introduced between inner jacket and outer jacket for preventing heat transfer form inner vessel to outer vessel.

The word “Inner vessel suspension system” is a part of suspension system which is rigidly attached with inner vessel of vacuum flask container. Same way the word “Outer vessel suspension system” is a part of suspension system which is rigidly attached with outer vessel of vacuum flask container.

The word “hollow support member of inner vessel” refer as a support member which is rigidly attached with the inner vessel located on surface of inner vessel. Same way the word “solid support of the outer vessel” refer as a support member provides support to the inner vessel and fixed with the surface of the outer vessel. The present invention does not limit its scope by providing hollow support member attached with inner vessel and solid support member attached with outer vessel; it may vice-versa. Further, hollow support member and solid support member having different shapes and size such as cylindrical, rectangular, triangle, hexagonal, etc.

The principal embodiment of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system for vacuum flask container that hold cryogenic liquid into it wherein the suspension system separates inner vessel and outer vessel by means of providing highly thermal insulating material into said system.

One of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein inner vessel and outer vessel is separated by means of to minimise heat transfer and prevent evaporation of cryogenic fluid wherein the inner vessel consisting of hollow cylindrical support member and outer vessel consisting of rigid suspension pipe with hub and lock ring by means of to give firmly support to the vacuum flask container. Due to arrangement of hollow cylindrical support member and rigid suspension pipe; the inner vessel and outer vessel cannot be in direct contact which prevents heat losses.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system which comprises fixed side and sliding side wherein fixed side rigidly supports to the inner vessel and sliding side allows smooth relative motion between hollow support member of inner vessel suspension system and solid support member of outer vessel suspension system when inner vessel is subjected to contraction or expansion due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system Wherein high thermal insulated material is provided between hollow support member of inner suspension system and solid support member of the outer vessel suspension system to prevent heat transfer. Solid support member is a pipe provides support to the inner vessel and it may solid or hollow in shape.

One of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein inner vessel consisting of hollow cylindrical support member comprises a pipe, pipe cap and pad plate located on the exterior of inner vessel and outer vessel consisting of a hub, ring, and rigid suspension pipe are located on the interior surface of the outer vessel.

One of the embodiment of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein highly insulating material is located between outer vessel and inner vessel to prevent direct contact wherein a space is created between rigid suspension pipe and hollow cylindrical support member in which highly insulating material is filled throughout said space which prevent direct metal to metal contact of the inner vessel and outer vessel as no conduction takes place between said vessel; in result suspension system minimise heat loses from conduction. The word “conduction” is used herein refer as the process by which heat is directly transmitted through the material of a substance when there is a difference of temperature between adjoining regions, without movement of the material. Insulating material comprises any insulating material which are highly prevent transmission of heat such as fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, polyurethane form, polystyrene, etc.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system wherein solid insulating material having very low thermal conductivity and high compressive strength.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide composite type suspension system having fixed support and sliding support wherein sliding support slides smoothly on outer vessel rigid suspension pipe in such manner that the distance between outer vessel and inner vessel increases when inner vessel is subjected to contraction due to low temperature of cryogenic fluid. Materials expand or contract when subjected to changes in temperature. Most materials expand when they are heated, and contract when they are cooled. When free to deform, metal will expand or contract due to fluctuations in temperature. The expansion and contraction with changes in temperature occur regardless of the structure’s cross-sectional area. When the inner vessel is fed with cryogenic liquid as inner vessel is subjected to contraction means reduction in size of inner vessel. During contraction of the inner vessel, the rigid suspension pipe provide smoothly motion to the inner vessel. In result of this no any damages or cracks are found on exterior of the inner tank.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide no direct contact between inner vessel and outer vessel that prevent minimise heat transfer from inner vessel without effecting functionality. Insulating material is located between outer vessel and inner vessel to prevent direct contact wherein a space is provided between rigid suspension pipe and hollow cylindrical support member in which highly insulating material is filled throughout said space which prevent direct metal to metal contact of the inner vessel and outer vessel as no conduction takes place between said vessel; in result suspension system minimise heat transfer by means of conduction without effecting functionality.

One of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a composite type suspension system for cryogenic tank wherein cryogenic tank can be easily used to propel engine of automobile applications. The present invention comprises a cryogenic tank which has suspended with novel suspension system and it can be installed in any vehicles such as car, truck, loco engine, two-wheelers, etc.

Figure 1 of the present invention Illustrate suspension system of vacuum flask container with fixed side 200 and sliding side 300 wherein inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09 are separated from each other with help of suspension system 100. The fixed side 200 of the suspension system is located at any end or any place of the surface of the inner vessel 01 of the vacuum flask container and the sliding side 300 of the suspension system which allow suitable slide movement to the inner vessel 01 for normal expansion or contraction and is located at opposite end or any place of the fixed side 200. Inner vessel 01 of the vacuum flask container consisting of hollow cylindrical support member 08 which is assembled from pipe 04 and pipe cap 03 at any end or any place of the surface of said vessel. Outer vessel 09 consisting of a rigid suspension pipe 12 which is connected with hub 10 by any conventional methods such as welding, riveting, nut-bolt mechanism, etc. support ring 06 is mounted on the rigid suspension pipe 12 to allow space 15 between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09. The space 15 is provided with highly thermal insulating materials which prevent direct contact between hollow support member 08 of inner vessel suspension system 400 and solid support member 17 of outer vessel suspension system 500 and due to this space 15 prevents minimum heat transfer and evaporisation of cryogenic fluid.

Figure 2 disclose hollow support member 08 rigidly fixed with inner vessel 01. Inner vessel suspension system 400 of the present invention is a part of the suspension system 100 which is attached only with inner vessel of the dewar type container to store cryogenic fluid. Figure 3 illustrate solid support member 17 rigidly attached with outer vessel 09. Outer vessel suspension system 500 of the present invention is a part of the suspension system 100 which is attached only with outer vessel of the dewar type container.

Figure 4 discloses sliding side 300 suspension system of inner vessel 01 wherein hollow cylindrical support member 08 is assembled from pipe 04 and pipe cap 03 at any end or any place of the surface of said vessel. The whole mechanism of sliding slide 300 of the suspension system consisting of pipe cap 03, pipe 04, rings 05, support ring 06, suspension pipe 07, rigid suspension pipe 12, ring 11, pad plate 02, and hub 10. In another end, outer vessel 09 comprises rigid suspension pipe 12 which is welded with hub 10. Ring 11 mounted on the rigid suspension pipe 12 to give support. Figures [A] and [B] of figure 5 explain arrangements of the components through the exploded view. Inner vessel comprises a hole wherein pipe 04 is installed through said provided hole having same diameter. Pipe cap 03 is fitted at end of the pipe 04 to seal said pipe 04. Rings 05, support ring 06 and suspension pipe 07 are mounted on rigid suspension pipe 12 as shown in figure 4. Rings 05, support ring 06 and suspension pipe 07 are arranged in any manner as per requirement on rigid suspension pipe 12. At the last pad plate 02 is mounted on inner vessel 01 and welded with pipe 04 as well as said inner vessel to seal whole sliding side suspension system 300. Further, a hub 10 is installed and welded with provided hole on the outer vessel 09. Rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently attached with said hub 10 and said rigid suspension pipe 12 of outer vessel is installed in hollow cylindrical support member 08 with rings 05, support ring 06 and suspension pipe 12. The insulating material is provided in space 15. Support ring 06 is made up of highly insulating material; outer surface of support ring 06 is contact with hollow cylindrical support member 08 of inner vessel 01 and inner surface of support ring 06 is contact with rigid suspension pipe 12 of outer vessel 09.

Figure 6 discloses fixed side 200 suspension system of inner vessel 01 wherein hollow cylindrical support member 08 is assembled from pipe 04 and pipe cap 03 at any end or any place of the surface of said vessel. The whole mechanism of fixed side 200 of the suspension system consisting of pipe cap 03, pipe 04, rings 05, support rings 06, suspension pipe 07, rigid suspension pipe 12, ring 11, pad plate 02, hub 10 and most important component is lock ring 13. Further, outer vessel 09 comprises rigid suspension pipe 12 which is welded with hub 10. Ring 11 mounted on the rigid suspension pipe 12 to give support. Figures [A] and [B] of figure 7 explain arrangements of the components through the exploded view. Inner vessel 01 comprises a hole wherein pipe 04 is installed through said provided hole having same diameter. Pipe cap 03 is fitted at end of the pipe 04 to seal said pipe 04. Rings 05, support ring 06 and suspension pipe 07 are mounted on rigid suspension pipe 12 as shown in figure 6. Rings 05, support ring 06, suspension pipe 07 and lock ring 13 are arranged in any manner as per requirement on rigid suspension pipe 12. Pad plate 02 is mounted on inner vessel 01 and welded with pipe 04 as well as said inner vessel to seal whole fixed side suspension system 200. The difference between fixed side 200 and sliding side 300 is locking ring 13 is installed in the fixed side 200 suspension system in such manner that it prevents movement of inner vessel 01 with respect to the outer vessel 09 and provide rigid support to the said system. Further, a hub 10 is installed and welded with provided hole on the outer vessel 09. Rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently attached with said hub 10 and said rigid suspension pipe 12 of outer vessel 09 is installed in hollow cylindrical support member 08. The insulating material is provided in space 15. Support ring 06 is made up of highly insulating material; outer surface of support ring 06 is contact with hollow cylindrical support member 08 of inner vessel 01 and inner surface of support ring 06 is contact with rigid suspension pipe 12 of outer vessel 09.

Figure 8 of the present invention discloses exploded view of sliding side 300 suspension system of outer vessel 09. The hub 10 is welded with a hole having same diameter as hub 10 provided at any place of outer vessel 09. The rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently fix with that hub 10. Ring 11 is mounted on said rigid suspension pipe 12 in such manner that ring 11 provide support to the rigid suspension pipe 12. The locking plate 14 is fitted on rigid suspension pipe 12 to lock the outer vessel 09 with inner vessel 01.

Figure 9 elaborate exploded view of fixed side 200 suspension system of outer vessel 09. The hub 10 is welded with a hole having same diameter as hub 10 provided at any place of outer vessel 09. The rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently fix with that hub 10. Ring 11 is mounted on said rigid suspension pipe 12 in such manner that ring 11 provide support to the rigid suspension pipe 12. The locking ring 13 is installed in the fixed side 200 suspension system in such manner that it prevents movement of inner vessel 01 with respect to the outer vessel 09 and provide rigid support to the said system.

Figure 10 of the present invention illustrate the suspension system can be located at any place between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09. Vacuum flask container is majorly used to store cryogenic liquid into it. The present invention provides suspension system with different size of vacuum flask container. Vacuum flask container having long length is used to transport cryogenic liquid; during this the suspension system 100 can be located at any place between inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09.

Figure 11A discloses exploded view of top/bottom inner vessel suspension system wherein pipe cap 03 is welded with a hole provided on the surface of the inner vessel 01. Further, rings 05 and support rings 06 are located at any sequential manner in the pipe cap 03. Pad plate 02 provide firmly support to the pipe cap 03 and welded on the surface of the inner vessel 01. Figures [II & III] of the figure 11A explain sequential manner of the components. Figure 11B discloses exploded view of top/bottom outer vessel suspension system wherein pad plate 02 is welded on the surface of the outer vessel 09. The rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently fixed with pad plate 02 and support ring 06 is mounted on said pipe 12 to separate inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09.

Figure 12 discloses perspective and exploded view of suspension system wherein gusset 16 may use to support rigid suspension pipe 12. A pad plate 02 is installed and welded with provided hole on the outer vessel 09. The rigid suspension pipe 12 is permanently fixed with pad plate 02 and support ring 06 is mounted on said pipe 12 to separate inner vessel 01 and outer vessel 09. The word “gusset” used in the present invention discloses a bracket fastened in the angle of structure to give strength or stiffness to the component; and it has any shape.