The behavior of liquefied natural gas in storage tanks

摘要

The authors analyzed a phenomenon called rollover taking place during the storage process of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Based on Navier-Stokes equations and Benard convection model, they theoretically analyzed the stability of the interface between the layers. The critical conditions in a LNG tank system between stability and instability are gotten through mathematical method. The values of the critical Ra under three different conditions are calculated. They are 657.5, 1708, and 1000.6, respectively. In addition, the conclusions are draw that the bigger the critical Ra is, the easier it is for the LNG tank system to stay stable. The sidewall is conducive to improving the stability of fluid system.