1.There are three support types for liquid argon storage tanks

The supports for liquid argon storage tanks include saddle supports, ring supports, and legs, which bear the weight of the vessel. Saddle supports are the most widely used horizontal support type. From a stress analysis perspective, beams subjected to identical loads with identical cross-sectional geometry and dimensions benefit from multiple supports over dual supports, as multiple supports generate lower stresses within the beam. Therefore, theoretically, horizontal vessels should ideally have as many supports as possible.

2.Practical Application of Liquid Argon Tank Supports

However, in practice, horizontal liquid argon storage tanks should be designed with dual supports whenever possible. This is because when more than two supports are used, factors affecting each support plane—such as the curvature and partial out-of-roundness of the tank shell, the levelness of the supports, uneven settlement of the support foundations, and the relative stiffness of different tank sections against partial deformation—all influence the distribution of support reaction forces. Therefore, using multiple supports not only fails to demonstrate theoretical advantages but may also increase uneven stress distribution within the vessel, adversely affecting the operation of liquid argon storage tanks. Thus, for a horizontal vessel, it is generally advisable not to exceed two supports. Ring supports are typically used for large-diameter, thin-walled vessels. Leg supports, abbreviated as legs, are only suitable for small-scale equipment (DN1600, L≤5m) due to the severe localized stresses they induce at the connection points with the vessel shell. Considering the above factors, two saddle supports should be selected as the supports for the liquid argon storage tank.