HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Seoul National University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on eliminating sloshing.
Under the agreement, HD HHI and Seoul National University’s Marine Elasticity Research Center will work together to develop technology related to ship sloshing. The university’s Marine Oil Elasticity Research Center utilizes model test facilities to simulate complex sloshing phenomena for various cargoes and fuels, including LNG, liquefied ammonia, and liquefied hydrogen.
Various design features are incorporated into LNG carriers to mitigate sloshing effects, including:
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Membrane Tanks: Many modern LNG carriers use membrane-type tanks, where the inner tank structure is supported by insulation layers. This design helps absorb some of the sloshing energy.
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Partial Filling: Keeping the LNG tanks partially filled can reduce the impact of sloshing. Tanks are designed to allow for expansion and contraction of the LNG volume to accommodate sloshing effects.
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Anti-sloshing Devices: Some LNG carriers are equipped with anti-sloshing devices, such as baffles or barriers within the tanks, to dampen the sloshing motion.
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Advanced Design and Simulation: Advanced computer simulations and modeling are employed during the design phase to predict and optimize the behavior of LNG sloshing under various conditions.
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Operational Considerations: Ship operators take into account weather forecasts and sea conditions when planning routes to minimize the impact of sloshing.
Seoul National University’s Marine Elasticity Research Center possesses three types of model testing facilities, capable of handling kinetic loads ranging from 1.5 tons to 14 tons and center spans various ship types, including LNG carriers, LNG-FSRU, FLNG, LNG dual-fuel propulsion ships, and bunkering vessels.
