Extra Form
| Abstract |
The pump tower inside an LNG tank is a critical component of the LNG unloading process but is prone to structural damage caused by dynamic loads and vibrations induced by the stored LNG. Such damage can compromise the stability and long-term reliability of the pump tower, negatively affecting the operational safety of the overall system. To address this, it is vital to ensure a safe and robust design through comprehensive structural and vibration analysis. This study aims to improve the efficiency of the pump tower design process and rapidly identify optimal design solutions among various alternatives. Initially, the study analyzed sloshing, a primary source of dynamic loads generated by the motion of liquid within the LNG tank. An algorithm was then developed to automatically generate envelope curves, a critical component for the structural and vibration analysis of the pump tower. This automated process enables efficient analysis of multiple design alternatives during the early design phase while minimizing repetitive manual tasks. A major challenge in the pump tower design process is the significant computational resources and time required for repeated structural and vibration analysis. To overcome this, a surrogate model was developed based on data from various design alternatives. This model accurately predicts structural and vibration analysis results, significantly enhancing design efficiency. The data-driven surrogate model drastically reduced computation time compared to traditional methods, facilitating prompt decision-making. Finally, a global optimization technique was applied to minimize the pump tower's weight while meeting design requirements for stability, durability, and vibration performance. The integration of automated analysis techniques and surrogate model-based optimization achieved a balance between lightweight design and structural stability, thereby improving overall design quality. |
| Publication Date |
2025-10-23 |
In-Chang Yeo, Myung-Il Roh, , Jin-Hyeok Kim, In-Su Han, Dong-Woo Kim, Young-Moo Son, Sung Gyu Jeon, "A Methodfor Optimizing Pump Tower Design in LNG Tanks Considering Structural Safety", Proceedings of International Symposium on PRADS (Practical Design of Ships and Other Floating Structures) 2025, Ann Arbor, United States, pp. ??, 2025.10.19-23