EP0366559A1 - Process and device for the modular construction of industrial buildings - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a parallelepipedal prefabricated construction module (11) intended to group together and to contain an assembly of machines (3, 5) and to form, by the assembling of identical modules (11), a portion of an industrial building. The module (11) comprises: - a framework (10) formed from tubular elements (12, 13, 14, 18), - machines (3, 5) located inside, - at least two solid faces, one forming the floor (23), the other forming the roof (25) and possibly one or more solid lateral walls (91), - one or more totally free lateral faces (31, 33), - one or more industrial fluid networks (35, 37, 39), having at an outer end (E) free connections (45, 47, 49) located opposite and substantially in the plane (P1, P3) of the lateral faces (31, 33). The invention is particularly advantageously applied to turnkey manufacture and production for the export of complex industrial units. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a rectangular module of prefabricated construction, intended to bring together and contain a set of machines and to constitute, by assembling identical modules, a part of an industrial building located in a place distant both from the place of manufacture of said module and of the place of manufacture of the machines, to implement inside the final building an industrial process and to serve as a transport container for the machines during their transportation to the place of erection of the building industrial end.

The invention relates in particular to a new approach to the construction of factories by Western companies, intended to be installed on final sites located in distant countries.

Factory sophistication is changing rapidly. The industrial world is increasingly shifting from heavy manufacturing (steel mills, factories processing plants, etc.) to production units for capital goods and consumption (microcomputers, etc.) . This leads, on the one hand to a change in size of the factories and, on the other hand, to use increasingly sophisticated production machines, very different, and coming from many countries.

Whether large or small, simple or complex, the approach to building a factory has traditionally remained the same. We operate very frequently by supplying "turnkey". This has the advantage for the manufacturer of forcing the supplier (s) to comply with a technical and financial objective determined in advance and thus guaranteeing the manufacturer (end user customer) of the results.

Consequently, the "turnkey" production of a factory is organized as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 attached.

We first begin to build production machines in various Western factories (UF).

These various machines (3) are shipped to the final site by land (19) or by sea (21).

These machines are installed in a traditional building (BT) or prefabricated previously built on the final site: customer or construction company of the buying country.

The machines (fluids, electricity, piping, etc.) are assembled and interconnected inside the building on the final site.

The machines are tested on the final site before starting up.

This classic method of turnkey production of distant industrial units presents many risks. It suffices that the material ordered arrives when the construction of the building on the final site has fallen behind schedule, and this material risks remaining several months, even several years, in boxes. This results in machine corrosion and the need for costly reconditioning.

Problems also frequently arise if the machines are not all delivered within the agreed time. A missing element in the middle of the chain can block the start-up of a plant or part of a plant.

According to this classic scheme, several partners take part in the project at various stages and in very distant places. The process equipment manufacturing plant (UF) which delegates (arrow A) personnel specialists in equipment for supervision of assembly, start-up and final acceptance; design and production engineering (SI), which delegates specialized personnel (arrow B), engineers for detailed design, assembly and test plans; and the plant (206) for the production of construction material and general equipment. This results in many communication problems. This is particularly the case when the manufacturer or a local company takes charge of the construction of the building and the installation of the equipment.

Equipment vendors must be paid when the machines are shipped, without waiting for the plant to start up. If this equipment is faulty, the buyer will be notified too late to act effectively on the sellers.

Likewise, the manufacturer will generally have to pay, before the plant is started up, almost the entire price of the transfer of the related technological know-how.

The difficulty of communication between the equipment sellers, the builders of the building, the engineering company and the industrialist during the realization and during the start-up of the factory can also disrupt the project. It often happens that the building is unsuitable for machines due to misunderstandings between machine suppliers, engineering company, industrial. Often, modifications to the end site are very costly, if not practically impossible.

Finally, sometimes the machines installed on the final site do not work, either individually or once grouped. This comes either from reasons of origin (interface problems with auxiliary fluids, temperature, pressure, voltage, quality of fluids, ...), or from a lack of tests before shipment. At the installation stage on the final site, the exchange of equipment is extremely long and expensive. The consequence is a factory malfunctioning or not at all.

The main object of the invention is to provide the technical means for implementing a turnkey construction process for distant factories which better meets the various requirements of relationships between machine manufacturers, building manufacturers, engineering company. and industrial end user.

The process recommended by the invention for the construction of an industrial building to a distant final site is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. It consists in conditioning the project in separate prefabricated modules (101) which will be assembled, shipped and reassembled according to the following steps :
- study by the engineering company (SI) of the industrial process chain to cut it into sub-assemblies that can be installed in separate prefabricated modules (101),
- prefabrication of the modules (1) in a prefabrication factory (UM) close to the location of the engineering company (SI) in charge of the project, which is in charge of the detailed design, plans, assembly, tests and provisional acceptance (arrow C),
- deposit of the modules (1) in grouped form, in a place known as temporary assembly (SP) close to the location of the engineering company and the company with the know-how to implement the industrial process,
- purchase of machines (3)
- production of machines and processes (3) in an equipment manufacturing plant (UF),
- mounting, tests inside their respective modules (11), on said temporary mounting location (SP),
- provisional assembly of the modules (101, 102) to constitute the provisional factory (UP) pre-assembled and tested on said temporary assembly location (SP) in the country of origin, this assembly being able to take place before or after assembly of the machines (3 , 5) inside the modules (11),
- start-up and pre-acceptance of the provisional factory (UP) thus set up on said provisional assembly location (UP), and generally training the staff of the end user buyer on the provisional site (SP),
- after pre-acceptance of the operation of the provisional factory (UP), disassembly, transport by land (19) or by sea (21) and reassembly of the modules (101, 102) on the final site (SF) of the factory final (UD) and coupling of machines to each other using the various networks of fluids connecting and restarting them, with supervision of assembly and final acceptance by engineering (SI) (arrow D).

The construction of buildings and factories "turnkey" for export, using prefabricated parallelepiped modules, is known. It is practiced according to the conventional method described above.

To allow the implementation of the recommended construction method described above, the invention consists in using prefabricated parallelepiped modules (1) of the type:
- comprising a framework constituting the edges of the module parallelepiped,
- the dimensions of which are approximately 12 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3 meters high, to be able to contain machines and to provide a space of about one meter around the machines or at least on one side of the machines, this in order to allow operators to move to the final site and to be able to be transported to the final site with usual means.
- And having at least two rectangular face walls called solid, one interior forming the ground, the other upper forming the roof, these said solid faces being rigidly and definitively fixed by their edges to said frame.

A parallelepiped module intended to implement the recommended construction method described above is characterized by the fact that:
on the one hand, it comprises at least one completely free lateral face,
- on the other hand, it comprises at least one fixed network of industrial fluids for supplying a process intended to be implemented by a machine indoor (raw water, chilled water, electricity, strong current, automation, alarms, etc.),
- in addition, its industrial fluid supply network has, at one of its external ends, a supply line provided with a free connector for quick external connection,
- Finally, the supply pipe opens out substantially horizontally and the connection fitting of said industrial fluid supply network is located opposite and substantially in the plane of said free lateral face.

The construction module according to the invention exhibits this characteristic after its stage of construction inside the prefabrication plant and before its stage of pre-assembly at the place of temporary assembly.

When the machines intended to be contained in the module must be connected to a tubular network for discharging fluids from an industrial process (such as in particular rejection of liquid effluents, vents), the module according to the invention is further characterized by the fact :
- that its said fluid evacuation network has, at one of its outer ends, an evacuation pipe provided with a free connection for quick external connection,
- that said discharge pipe opens substantially horizontally,
- And that the external connection fitting of the fluid evacuation network is located opposite and substantially in the plane of said free lateral face.

Preferably, one or less of the fluid networks (supply or discharge) is located inside the module. In this case, it is recommended by the invention that the external connection fitting of said fluid network opens internally to the module on and facing the free lateral face of the module.

Advantageously, one or less of these so-called fluid networks (supply or discharge) is provided with a free internal connection connection to subsequently allow easy connection to the machines intended to be installed in the module.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, of a certain number of other arrangements which will be more explicitly discussed below in connection with a particular embodiment described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This provision is in no way limiting.

• - La figure 1 est une représentation schématique du principe classique de réalisation traditionnelle d'une usine "clé en main" à l'exportation.
• - La figure 2 est une représentation schématique des étapes de réalisation d'une unité modulaire de production industrielle selon le procédé de l'invention.
• - La figure 3 constitue une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'un module parallélépipédique de construction selon l'invention, avant mise en place intérieure des machines.
• - La figure 4 constitue une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'un module parallélépipédique de construction selon l'invention, après mise en place intérieure des machines.
• - La figure 5 constitue une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'un détail de cloison d'un module parallélépipédique de construction selon l'invention.
• - La figure 6 représente schématiquement, en perspective, un groupe de deux modules parallélépipédiques de construction selon l'invention en cours de préassemblage.
• - La figure 7 est une coupe partielle inférieure d'un module parallélépipédique de construction selon l'invention.
• - La figure 8 est une coupe partielle supérieure d'un module parallélépipédique de construction selon l'invention.
• - La figure 9 est une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'une première variante d'édifice construite selon le procédé de l'invention.
• - La figure 10 est une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'une deuxième variante d'édifice construite selon le procédé de l'invention.
• - La figure 11 est une représentation schématique, en perspective, d'une troisième variante d'édifice construite selon le procédé de l'invention.
• - La figure 12 est une représentation schématique, en coupe, d'une quatrième variante d'édifice construite selon le procédé le l'invention.

In these drawings:

• - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the classic principle of traditional production of a "turnkey" factory for export.
• - Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the steps for producing a modular industrial production unit according to the method of the invention.
• - Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a parallelepipedal construction module according to the invention, before internal positioning of the machines.
• - Figure 4 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a parallelepipedal construction module according to the invention, after internal positioning of the machines.
• - Figure 5 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a partition wall of a parallelepipedal construction module according to the invention.
• - Figure 6 shows schematically, in perspective, a group of two parallelepipedal construction modules according to the invention during pre-assembly.
• - Figure 7 is a lower partial section of a rectangular building module according to the invention.
• - Figure 8 is a partial upper section of a parallelepipedal construction module according to the invention.
• - Figure 9 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a first variant of a building constructed according to the method of the invention.
• - Figure 10 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a second variant of a building constructed according to the method of the invention.
• - Figure 11 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a third variant of a building constructed according to the method of the invention.
• - Figure 12 is a schematic representation, in section, of a fourth variant of a building constructed according to the method of the invention.

Referring to Figure 3, we can see a prefabricated parallelepidedic construction module (1) according to the invention, as it leaves its prefabrication plant (UP). This module (1) is intended to assemble and subsequently contain a set of machines (3, 5, ...) as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

It can be seen that the module (1) comprises a framework (10) formed of tubular metallic elements (12, 13, 14, 18) each constituting the edges of the parallelepiped. The metal elements (12, 13, 14, 18) are welded together at their ends (12a, 13a, ...). The dimensions of the parallelepiped module (1) are about 12 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3 meters high.

Figure 4 shows under the reference (11) the module (1) equipped with machines (3, 5) as it appears on the temporary mounting location (SP). It is noted that the type of dimensions recommended by the invention allows the module (11) to contain machines (3, 5, ...) and to provide, around these machines, a surrounding space (15) of one meter around the machines (3, 5) to free on each side of the machines (3, 5, ...) a corridor (16) allowing the movement of operators on the final site (SF). Furthermore, the recommended dimensions allow the modules (11, 11 ′, 11˝, ...) to be handled and transported to the final site of use (SF) with usual means such as: crane (17), trailer truck (19), boat (21).

The modules (1) according to the invention, as they leave the prefabrication plant (UP), have at least two rectangular face-walls called full, one full interior (23) forming the ground, the other solid upper (25) forming a roof. These solid walls (23, 25) will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the walls (23, 25) are rigidly and definitively fixed by their edges (27, 29, .. .) to the tubular metal elements (13, 14, ..) of the framework (10).

The prefabricated module (1) of Figure 3 comprises in combination various characteristics unusual for a conventional prefabricated module.
- On the one hand, it has two completely free side faces (31, 33 ...).
- On the other hand, it comprises several fixed networks of industrial supply fluids: a first electrical supply (35), a second water supply (37), a third compressed air supply ( 39). These three free supply networks in the module (1) are intended to be used later by the internal machines (3, 5, ...) in the pre-assembled module (11).

Depending on the machines installed, these supply networks (35, 37, 39 ...) can convey different types of industrial fluids (raw water, chilled water, electricity, strong current, automation, alarms, gas, ...).

It can be seen that each of the industrial fluid supply networks (35, 37, 39) is rigidly fixed to the upper ceiling wall (25) of the module (1). In addition, each supply network (35, 37, 39) has a supply line (35a, 37a, 39a) at a so-called external (E) end, provided with a free connection for quick external connection. (45, 47, 49).

Depending on the fluids transported by the networks (35, 37, 39), the free fittings (45, 47, 49) can use different techniques such as: splint (51), sleeve (53), flange (55).

The supply lines (35a, 37a, 39a) open substantially horizontally and the connection fittings (45, 47, 49) of the industrial fluid supply networks are located opposite and substantially in the plane (P1, P3) d 'one of the free side faces (31, 33).

FIG. 3 represents a preferred variant of the invention of the parallelepipedic construction module (1), as it leaves the prefabrication plant (UP). It further comprises at least one tubular network for discharging fluids (57) from an industrial process (such as in particular rejection of liquid effluents, vents) intended to be implemented by machines (3, 5, ...) subsequently placed inside the module (1, 10, ...). According to this variant, the network (57) for evacuating fluids has, at one known as the exterior of its ends (E ′), a discharge tubular (61) provided with a free connector for quick external connection (61a ). Said discharge pipe (61) opens substantially horizontally. The connection (61a) for external connection of the fluid evacuation network (57) is located opposite and substantially in the plane (P1) of the corresponding free lateral face (31).

According to the construction method of the invention, the supply pipes (35a) and the evacuation pipe (61) can open at any point on the plane of the free face (31, 33). However, according to a recommended variant described in FIG. 3, the supply fluid (35, 37, 39) and discharge (57) networks are located inside the module (1). According to this variant, the external connection fittings (35a, 37a, 39a, 61a) of the networks (35, 37, 39, 57) of fluids open internally to the module (1, 11) on and facing the lateral face (31 , 33) free from the module (1, 11).

Preferably, the construction module (1) according to the invention, as it leaves the prefabrication plant (UP), has networks of supply fluids (35, 37, 39) and evacuation (57 ) also provided at their inner end (I) with a free connection (45b, 47b, 49b, 61b) of internal connection to subsequently allow the machines (3, 5) to be connected thereto.

Advantageously, the module (1) also includes securing means (63, 65, ...) of future machines (3, 5, ...). These securing means (63, 65, ...) are fixed to the inner face (23) forming the ground of said module (1, 11).

FIG. 4 represents the parallelepipedic construction module (1) according to the invention as it appears after mounting inside the various machines (3, 5, ...) on said temporary mounting location (SP). To distinguish the module during its evolution, we gave it the reference (11). The module (11) of Figure 4 differs from the module (1) of Figure 3 by the only fact that it internally comprises machines (3, 5, ...) fixed on the inner face (23) forming the ground said module (11) using the securing means (63, 65). The machines (3, 5, ...) are further connected by the interior connection fittings (35b, 37b, 39b, 61b) to the interior end (I) of said networks of industrial supply fluids (35, 37 , 39) and evacuation (57).

It is noted that the module (11) delimits an interior volume (V) much greater than the volume of the machines (3, 5, ...) that it contains. It spares, around the machines (3, 5, ...) a surrounding space (15) of about one meter to free on each side of the machines (3, 5, ...) a corridor (16) allowing movement operators on the final site (SF). We recognize a set of attachment points (67, 69) located inside, integral with the module (11), and distant from the center. A set of temporary mooring stays (71, 73) located inside the module (10) are connected by their lower end to the attachment points (67, 69) and by their upper end to the upper part of the machines. (3, 5).

After pre-acceptance of the operation of the pre-assembled factory (UP) on the provisional site (SP), the various modules (11) are dismantled and prepared before being transported to the final assembly site (SF).

These arrangements are described in Figures 4 and 5. A set of mobile lightweight temporary panels (75) called protection is used. These consist of one or more plates (77) of a material (in particular wooden panel) of smaller thickness and of lighter weight than that of the solid faces (23, 25, 91). The temporary protection panels (75) are placed on each of the free faces (31, 33) of the module (10) which is thus sealed off. The movable panels (75) are provisionally fixed by their sides (79) to the four corresponding edges (12) of the frame (10) surrounding the free face (33).

According to a recommended variant shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a series of elongated profiles is used forming temporary transport reinforcements (81, 83, 85). These temporary reinforcements (81, 83, 85) have longitudinal dimensions substantially equal to one of the dimensions of the module (in particular the height). These reinforcements are placed in the plane of the free faces (31, 33) in a direction (in particular vertical) perpendicular to two sides (in particular upper and lower) of the free face (33) and they are provisionally fixed by their ends (81a, 81b) to the metallic elements (14, 18, ...) of the framework (10) adjoining the free face (33).

An additional arrangement consists in using temporary stiffening stays (87, 89) situated in the plane of one of the free faces (33), stretched and fixed by their two ends to two sides (12, 13, 14, 18,. ..) opposite the frame (10) adjoining said free face (31, 33).

These provisions allow the modules (11) to serve as a transport container for said machines (3, 5, ...) during their transportation to the final site (SF) of erection of the final industrial building (UF).

To also facilitate handling, the upper face of the module (11) comprises a set of four shoes (90) fixed to the four upper corners (92) of the frame (10). Each of the shoes (90) having both a hooking point (94) for a handling hook and a support zone (96) to allow the superimposition of a second module fitted between the four shoes (90) of the face upper (25) of the first.

According to the method of the invention, the modules (11) are intended to constitute, by assembling identical modules, part of an industrial building (UF), located in a place remote both from the place of manufacture of said module (UF) and from the place of manufacturing of machines (UM), to implement an industrial process inside the final building (UF).

At least one full and closed side wall face (91) of the module (1, 11) is provided with mobile access elements such as a door or window (93), intended to serve subsequently as an external wall to said final industrial building. (UF). Lighting systems (97) and electric convectors (99) are placed on the fixed walls of the module (11) for use on the final site.

Securing means (95, 98) are linked to the metal elements (14, 18) of the edges of the frame (10) adjoining the free faces (31, 33) to allow end-to-end assembly of the ends of the modules (corresponding with free faces) at an equivalent homologous end of another module.

In FIG. 6, we see a group of two rectangular modules of prefabricated construction (101, 102), of the type described in FIG. 5. It can be seen that the modules (101, 102) have the same dimensions and are disassembled on the provisional site (SP). They are in the process of provisional assembly before provisional start-up and pre-acceptance of the provisional factory (UP).

The modules (101) and (102) constitute a homologous pair intended to be coupled by their longitudinal homologous faces (33, 33 ′) of the same dimension. Each module (101, 102) of the group internally comprises a machine (103, 103 ′) fixed on the inner face (27, 27 ′) forming the floor of the corresponding module (101, 102). The machines (103, 103 ′) contained by each of the two modules (101, 102) have complementary functions of the same industrial process.

Each of the machines (103, 103 ′) of the peer modules (101, 102) of the group is connected by a set of connection sockets (45b, 47b, 49b) and (45b ′, 47b ′, 49b ′) at an inner end (I, I ′) fixed networks of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39, 57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) (supply or discharge).

Each of the two groups (35, 37, 39, 57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) of fixed networks of industrial fluids of each said pair of homologous modules (101, 102) present at one said exterior of its ends (E, E ′) a pipe (35a, 37a, 39a, 61) provided with a free connection (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′ ) quick external connection, located opposite and substantially in the plane of the free homologous lateral face (33, 33 ′) of each of the modules (101, 102) of the pair.

The free connection fittings (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′) of the two free homologous faces (33, 33 ′) are located in mirror positions one of the 'other with respect to the plane of the corresponding face (33, 33 ′), so that, when the two said free homologous faces (33, 33 ′) are coupled, the fittings can be assembled together.

The modules (101) and (102) have, on their free counterparts, fastening means (95, 95 ′) linked to the metal elements (14, 18) of the edges of the frame (10) adjoining the free faces (33, 33 ′) and facing each other to allow for end-to-end assembly end of the homologous ends of the modules (101, 102) corresponding to the free faces (33, 33 ′).

When the modules (101, 102) are coupled to constitute either the pre-assembled factory (UP) on the provisional site (SP), or the final factory (UD) on the final site (SF), the constructed building stands out by the fact that it is formed by assembling pairs of homologous modules (101, 102) along two free homologous faces of the same dimension. Each module (101) internally comprises at least one machine (103) fixed on the internal face (27) forming the floor of the modules (101). The machines (103, 103 ′, ...) contained by each of the modules of a homologous pair (101, 102) implement complementary functions of the same industrial process. The machines (103, 103 ′) of the modules (101, 102) of a group are connected by a connection socket (45a, 47a, 49a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′) at an inner end (I , I ′) of a said fixed network of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39, 57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) (supply or discharge). Each of the two fixed networks of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39, 57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) of each pair of homologous modules (101, 102) present on one exterior of its ends (E, E ′) a pipe (35a, 37a, 39a, 61) provided with a free connection (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′) of external connection rapid, the junction of which is located opposite and substantially in the plane of the free homologous lateral faces (33, 33 ′) of each of the modules (101, 102) of the pair.

A variant, recommended by the invention, of assembly of the modules on the final site is described in FIG. 12 A group of parallelepipedic modules (101, 102) of the type described in FIGS. 5 and 6, of the same dimension is assembled within a final industrial building (UF). The modules (101, 102) of the group are assembled to each other and aligned in the same so-called main direction. The modules (101, 102) rest on a set of parallel sills (112, 113) leveled in the same direction perpendicular or perpendicular to said main direction. The parallel beams (112, 113) are spaced apart by a distance equal to a whole fraction of the measurement of the modules (101, 102) perpendicular to the axis of the beams.

An advantageous variant not described in the figures is used in regions with large temperature differences. It consists of covering the final plant (UF) with an independent superstructure.

An interesting variant of use, represented in FIG. 9, consists of attach the final plant (UF) made from modules (101, 102) of the same dimension to a conventional building (BC1).

Another variant represented in FIG. 10 consists in surrounding a conventional building (BC2) using a factory (UF) constituted according to the process of the invention by assembling modules (101, 102).

A variant shown in Figure 11 is to assemble the modules (101) on the periphery to provide a free interior space (120).

Finally, a variant of the previous one shown in FIG. 12 consists in covering the free interior space (120) using a roof (121) bearing on the modules (101, 102) adjoining the interior space ( 120), on a concrete slab (122).

Figures 7 and 8 describe in section a variant recommended by the invention for constructing the framework (10) of the modules.

The base (120) forming a body with the framework (10) is produced with welded profiles (132) forming beams and connected together by cross members in profiles (not shown).

The chassis frame is reinforced by an omega folding (134) riveted to the upper part of the base (130) receiving the exterior cladding

The structure of the frame (10) consists of metal uprights (12) in laminated sections welded by their ends ensuring the connection between the base frame (120) and the roof frame (136).

The roof frame (136) is formed of reconstituted galvanized profiles meeting the double requirement of rigidity and flow of water towards the gable.

We recognize a sand break (138) fixed to the frame (10) to which are fixed the gutter (140), the junction strip (142) and the reinforcement (144).

A variant construction of the walls of the modules is also described in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The floor wall (23) is supported by the base sections (132). The floor (23) is thermally insulated by a layer of polystyrene (150) covered on each side by a sheet (152, 154) of galvanized steel. The floor (23) can also be made of wood particle boards, assembled by grooves and tabs.

The solid side walls (91) consist of:
- cladding in galvanized steel tanks (158), ribbed,
- thermal insulation (160),
- wood particle boards (162) assembled by grooves and tabs.

The roofing complex is supported by the transverse profiles (18). It breaks down into a monocoque aluminum cover (133) glued on:
- a layer of panels (165) of water-repellent wood agglomerate, assembled by grooves and tabs,
- thermal insulation (167).

The applicants had the opportunity to study and evaluate in the particular case of export design of a turnkey factory of printed circuits, as described in Figure 9, the features and advantages of this construction method of the invention vis-à-vis conventional methods.

The results are summarized in the table below, applied to the sale of a turnkey factory from Europe. TRADITIONAL TURNKEY PROCEDURE DIAGRAM PROBLEMS RAISED BY TRADITIONAL ADVANTAGES OF THE PROCESS OF THE INVENTION EUROPE Construction of machines in different factories. Separate or semi-group tests No real tests of complete lines. No performance test. Complete installation tests. The factory can be received before export. TRANSPORT Maritime or terrestrial By separate boxes - Very limited losses (possible walls of the module) - Purchase of expensive cases, lost later. - Significant risk of breakage, theft, loss - Very solid, airtight, bulky. By container Expensive rental, risk of prolonged immobilization for customs clearance or unloading. - No rental, the container serves as a building. PRODUCTION - Construction of the building (traditional or prefabricated. - Long (several months) and difficult supervision. - From 1 day to 3 weeks depending on the size (no or few foundations), installation almost instantaneous (positioning time of a crane). - Planning difficult to respect (strikes, lack of cement, labor, etc ... - Installation of machines - Delicate (lack of handling equipment, unskilled labor). - Already made in Europe. - Assembly, installation of fluids - Long (almost everything is to be done) - Very short (reassembly between modules). - Many foreign technicians (high cost). - Few foreigners. - Important ancillary materials (welding station, tools, etc ... - The simplest tool. - Individual tests. - Difficult adjustments. - Very fast adjustments. - Group tests - Missing pieces. - No missing parts. - Getting started - Simple restart - Production

The applications of the construction method according to the invention are extremely varied.

It can be suitable for both an industrial dairy and a factory. pharmaceutical products, a workshop for manufacturing printed circuit boards, research laboratories and virtually any unit whose production constraints can be satisfied by a modular approach.

Any factory not using equipment more than 3 meters high can be built according to the concept of the invention.

The factory surface can be extremely variable and can range from 12 to 36 m2 (1 module only) up to several thousand square meters if hundreds of modules are used simultaneously.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described. On the contrary, it is susceptible to variants and modifications which will appear to those skilled in the art.

The invention having now been described, and its interest justified in detailed examples, the applicants reserve exclusivity for the entire duration of the patent, without limitation other than that of the terms of the claims below.

Claims (21)

1.Prefabricated parallelepipedal construction module (11), intended:
- to assemble and contain a set of machines (3, 5),
- to constitute by assembling identical modules (101, 102) a part of an industrial building, located in a place remote both from the place of manufacture of said module and from the place of manufacture of machines, to implement the interior of the final building an industrial process,
- And to serve as a transport container for said machines (3, 5) during their transportation to the place of erection of the final industrial building (SF).
This construction module (11) being of the type:
- comprising a frame (10) constituting the edges of the parallelepiped,
- whose dimensions are approximately 12 meters long, by 3 meters wide and 3 meters high, to be able to contain machines (3, 5), to provide a surrounding space (15) of at least one meter on one side machines (3, 5) to allow the movement of operators on the final site (SF) and to be able to be transported to the final building with usual means (17, 19, 21),
- Having at least two rectangular so-called solid wall faces, one inside (23) forming the ground, the other upper (25) forming the roof, these said solid faces being rigidly and definitively fixed by their edges (27, 29) to said frame (10).
Said construction module (11) being characterized in that:
on the one hand, it has at least one completely free side face (31, 33),
- on the other hand, it comprises at least one fixed network of industrial supply fluids (35, 37, 39) of a process intended to be used subsequently by an interior machine (3, 5) (raw water, chilled water , electricity, strong current, automatisms, alarms, ...),
- in addition, its said industrial fluid supply network has, at one known as the external of its ends, a supply pipe provided with a free connector for quick external connection,
- Finally, the supply pipe opens out substantially horizontally and the connection fitting of said industrial fluid supply network is located opposite and substantially in the plane of said free lateral face. 2. parallelepipedic construction module (11) according to claim 1, of the type comprising a tubular evacuation network (57) of fluids from an industrial process (such as in particular rejection of liquid effluents, vents) intended to be implemented by a machine (3, 5) subsequently placed inside the module (11), said module being further characterized by the fact:
- that its said evacuation network (57) of fluids has, at one known as the exterior of its ends (E ′), an evacuation tube (61) provided with a free connection (61a) for rapid external connection ,
- that said discharge pipe (61) opens substantially horizontally,
- And that the connector (61a) for external connection of the discharge network (57) of fluids is located opposite and substantially in the plane of said free lateral face (31). 3. Parallelepipedic module (11) of construction according to one of claims 1 and 2 above of the type including at least one of its so-called fluid networks (35, 37, 39, 57) (supply or discharge ) is located inside the module (11), said module being further characterized by the fact:
- that the connection fitting (35a, 37a, 39a, 61a) outside said fluid network (35, 37, 39, 57) opens internally to the module on and facing the free lateral face (31) of the module (11) . 4. Construction parallelepiped module (11) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, further characterized in that at least one of its so-called fluid networks (35, 37, 39, 57) (d ' supply or discharge) is provided with a free connection (35a, 37a, 39a, 61a) of internal connection to subsequently allow connection to a machine (3, 5). 5. Parallelepipedic construction module (11) according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- that it includes securing means (63, 65) of machines (3, 5),
- That these securing means (63, 65) are fixed to the inner face (23) forming the ground of said module (11). 6. Parallelepipedic construction module (11) according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- that it internally comprises at least one machine (3, 5) fixed on the internal face (23) forming the ground of said module (11),
- And that said machine (3, 5) is connected by a connection fitting (35b, 37b, 39b, 61b) to an interior end (I) of a said network of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39, 57) (supply or discharge). 7. parallelepiped module (11) of construction according to claim 6 characterized in that in addition in combination:
- it delimits an interior volume (V) much greater than the volume of the machines (3, 5) which it contains and thus spares a space (15) of around one meter around the machines (3, 5) to allow movement operators on the final site (SF),
- it comprises a set of attachment points (67, 69) located inside, integral with the module (11), and distant from the center,
- it includes a set of temporary mooring stays (71, 73) located inside the module (11) and connected by their lower end to the said attachment points (67, 69),
- Said mooring stays (71, 73) are fixed by their upper end to the upper part of the machines (3, 5). 8. Parallelepipedic construction module (11) according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- that it comprises at least one mobile light provisional panel (75), called a protection panel,
- that said protective panel (75) is made of a material (in particular wooden panel) of smaller thickness and lighter in weight than that of the so-called solid faces (23, 25, 91),
- said temporary protection panel (75) hermetically closing one of said free faces of the module (31, 33),
- By being provisionally fixed by its sides (79) to the four corresponding edges (12) of the frame (10) surrounding this free face (33). 9. Parallelepipedic construction module (11) according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- It comprises a series of elongated sections forming temporary transport reinforcements (81, 83, 85), these so-called temporary reinforcements (81, 83, 85) being of longitudinal dimension substantially equal to one of the dimensions of the module (11 ) (including height),
- said reinforcements are located in the plane of one of said free faces (31, 33),
- These reinforcements are placed in a direction (in particular vertical) perpendicular to two sides (in particular upper and lower) of the free face (33) and provisionally fixed by their ends (81a, 81b) to the sides of the framing (10) adjoining said free face (33). 10. parallelepipedic module (11) of construction according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- that it comprises at least one stiffening shroud (87, 89) located in the plane of one of said free faces (31, 33),
- stretched and fixed by its two ends to two opposite sides (14, 18) of the frame (10) adjoining said free face (31, 33). 11. parallelepipedic module (11) of construction according to claim 1, further characterized by the fact that it comprises both:
- at least one full and closed side wall face (91), provided with mobile access elements (such as door or window) (93), and intended to later serve as an external wall to said final industrial building (UF) ,
- at least one completely free side face (31, 33), provided with fluid connection fittings opening onto this face (91) and,
- fastening means (95, 98) linked to the edges of the frame (10) adjoining said free face (31, 33), to allow end-to-end assembly of this end of the module to an equivalent homologous end of a other module. 12. parallelepipedic module (11) of construction according to claim 1, further characterized by:
- that it comprises at least one completely free lateral face (31, 33),
- that at least one machine (3, 5) is fixed on the inner face (27, 27 ′) forming the floor of said module, the floor area of this machine being much less than the surface of the floor face of the module,
- And that it comprises, on its upper face (25), a set of four shoes (90) fixed to the four upper corners (12) of the frame (10), each of said shoes (90) having both a attachment point (94) for a handling hook and a support zone (96) to allow the superimposition of a second module fitted between the four shoes (90) of the upper face (25) of the first. 13. Group of parallelepipedic modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 1, of the same dimension, disassembled and intended to be joined within the final building (SF), said group of modules (101, 102) being characterized by the fact:
- that the modules (101, 102) constitute two by two of the homologous pairs intended to be coupled by a homologous face (33, 33 ′) and each having two by two a free homologous lateral face of the same dimension,
- that each module (101, 102) of the group internally comprises at least one machine (103, 103 ′) fixed on the inner face (27, 27 ′) forming the floor of said module (101, 102),
- that the machines (103, 103 ′) contained by each of the two modules (101, 102) of a said homologous pair have complementary functions of the same industrial process,
- that at least one machine (103, 103 ′) of each of the modules (101, 102) of the group is connected by a connection socket (45b, 47b, 49b, 61b) to an interior end of a said fixed network (35, 37, 39, 57) of industrial fluids (supply or discharge),
- that each of the two fixed networks of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39, 57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) of each said pair of homologous modules (101, 102) present, at the a so-called outer end (E, E ′), a pipe (35a, 37a, 39a, 61) provided with a free connection (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′) of fast external connection, located opposite and substantially in the plane of the homologous lateral face (33, 33 ′) free from each of the modules (101, 102) of the pair,
- that said free connections (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′) for connection of two homologous faces (33, 33 ′) are located in mirror positions from each other relative to the plane of the corresponding face, so that when the two said free homologous faces (33, 33 ′) are coupled, the two fittings can be assembled. 14. Group of parallelepiped modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 1, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building.
Said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized by the fact:
-that the modules (101, 102) constitute two by two of the homologous pairs coupled by a free homologous face (33, 33 ′) of the same dimension,
- that each module (101, 102) of the group internally comprises at least one machine (103, 103 ′) fixed on the inner face (27) forming the ground of said module (101),
- that the machines (103, 103 ′) contained by each of the two modules (101, 102) of a said homologous pair implement complementary functions of the same industrial process,
- that at least one machine (103, 103 ′) of each of the modules (101, 102) of the group is connected by a connection socket (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′ , 61a ′) at an inner end (I, I ′) of a said fixed network of industrial fluids (35, 37, 39.57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) (supply or evacuation),
- that each of the two fixed networks (35, 37, 39.57) and (35 ′, 37 ′, 39 ′, 57 ′) of industrial fluids from each said pair of homologous modules (101, 102) present at one said exterior of its ends (E, E ′) a pipe (35a, 37a, 39a, 61) provided with a free connection (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′ ) of fast external connection, located opposite and substantially in the plane of the free homologous lateral face (33, 33 ′) of each of the modules of the pair (101, 102),
- that said free connections (45a, 47a, 49a, 61a) and (45a ′, 47a ′, 49a ′, 61a ′) for connection of the two homologous faces (33, 33 ′) are located in mirror positions, one of the other relative to the plane of the corresponding face and are coupled. 15. Group of parallelepiped modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized by the fact:
- that at least two homologous modules (101, 102) of the group each comprise at least one machine (103, 103 ′) implementing part of the same industrial process online,
- the machines (103, 103 ′) of each of the two said homologous modules (101, 102) are assembled in line and connected to each other at the level of the two said homologous faces (33, 33 ′) of the two modules counterparts (101, 102). 16. Group of parallelepipedic building modules (101, 102) prefabricated, of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized by the fact:
- that the modules (101, 102) of the group are assembled to one another and aligned in the same so-called main direction,
- that the modules (101, 102) rest on a set of parallel sills (112, 113) leveled in the same direction perpendicular to said main direction,
- that the parallel beams (112, 113) are spaced by a distance equal to a whole fraction of the measurement of the length of the modules (101, 102). 17. Group of parallelepipedic modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules being characterized in that it is covered by an independent superstructure. 18. Group of parallelepiped modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of modules (101, 102) assembled being characterized in that it is attached to a conventional building (BC1). 19. Group of parallelepipedal modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized in that it surrounds a conventional building (BC2). 20. Group of parallelepipedal modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 14, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized in that they are assembled on the periphery of the building so as to provide a free interior space (120). 21. Group of parallelepipedal modules (101, 102) of prefabricated construction of the type described in claim 20, of the same dimension, assembled within an industrial building,
said group of assembled modules (101, 102) being characterized by the fact that the free interior space (120) which it provides is covered by a roof (121) bearing on the modules (101, 102) adjoining the interior space (120).

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