EP4202284A1 - Tower for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank - Google Patents

Tower for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4202284A1
EP4202284A1 EP22214626.8A EP22214626A EP4202284A1 EP 4202284 A1 EP4202284 A1 EP 4202284A1 EP 22214626 A EP22214626 A EP 22214626A EP 4202284 A1 EP4202284 A1 EP 4202284A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unloading
loading
tank
tower
conduit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22214626.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Erwan CORBINEAU
Florian BARDIN
Ahmed SRIDI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Original Assignee
Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gaztransport et Technigaz SA filed Critical Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
Publication of EP4202284A1 publication Critical patent/EP4202284A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/24—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of pipe-lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/004—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for large storage vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/08—Mounting arrangements for vessels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63B25/02—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods
    • B63B25/08—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid
    • B63B25/12—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid closed
    • B63B25/16—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid closed heat-insulated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/30—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures
    • B63B27/34—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for transfer at sea between ships or between ships and off-shore structures using pipe-lines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0147—Shape complex
    • F17C2201/0157—Polygonal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/052—Size large (>1000 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/018—Supporting feet
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0367—Arrangements in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F17C2223/047—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/04—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid after transfer
    • F17C2225/042—Localisation of the filling point
    • F17C2225/046—Localisation of the filling point in the liquid
    • F17C2225/047—Localisation of the filling point in the liquid with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0171—Arrangement
    • F17C2227/0178—Arrangement in the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/011—Improving strength
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F17C2270/0107—Wall panels

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport of a cargo of liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas, liquid ammonia or even liquefied petroleum gas. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank.
  • a cargo of liquefied gas such as liquefied natural gas, liquid ammonia or even liquefied petroleum gas. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank.
  • Liquefied natural gas commonly known by the acronym “LNG”, or also by the acronym “LNG” for "Liquefied Natural Gas”
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • the LNG is stored in the liquid state in a thermally insulated tank at a temperature close to -160°C, the LNG then occupying 1/600 of the volume that it would occupy in the gaseous state, thus making it possible to facilitate transporting it from one site to another.
  • the tank comprises a loading and unloading tower suspended from a cover allowing the closure of the tank.
  • the loading and unloading tower may comprise a structure of the tripod type, that is to say comprising three vertical masts connected to each other by crosspieces forming a lattice structure, said tower being guided by a support of the tank emerging from a back wall.
  • the loading and unloading tower then comprises at least one unloading pipe and a suction element whose function is to unload the cargo from the tank, said suction element being connected to a drive device arranged outside of the tank.
  • the suction element is arranged at least partly in a sump formed in the bottom wall of the tank which makes it possible to increase the quantity of the cargo extracted. through the unloading conduit while ensuring the immersion of the suction element in said cargo, thus preserving its integrity
  • the invention therefore relates to an assembly for loading and unloading a storage tank for a liquefied gas
  • the loading and unloading assembly comprising at least one loading tower, an unloading device and at least one cover intended to close a storage volume of the tank and crossed at least in part by the loading tower and by the unloading device
  • the loading tower comprising a structure comprising at least three masts and a loading duct
  • the unloading device comprising at least one unloading duct, a suction element arranged at a first end of the unloading duct and a drive assembly arranged at a second end of the unloading duct, the cover being arranged between the suction element and the drive assembly
  • the loading and unloading assembly being characterized in that the unloading conduit of the unloading device is separate from the masts of the structure of the loading tower and is arranged outside a delimited perimeter by said loading tower structure.
  • the storage tank can be arranged on a floating structure and comprises at least a ceiling wall and a bottom wall interconnected by side walls.
  • the walls of the tank include in particular at least one layer of thermal insulation covered by a corrugated waterproof membrane, capable of deforming according to the thermal variations of the tank.
  • An opening is then formed in the ceiling wall so as to accommodate the loading and unloading assembly. It is understood in particular that the cover of the loading and unloading assembly closes the opening of the ceiling wall of waterproof way.
  • the loading tower is guided by a support, at least a part of which passes through the bottom wall in order to anchor said loading tower in the tank.
  • the perimeter delimited by the structure of the loading tower corresponds to an axial projection of the structure of the loading tower on the bottom wall of the vessel.
  • the perimeter is delimited by the outer edges of each of the masts, that is to say by circular portions of the masts positioned furthest outside of the structure.
  • the unloading duct which extends between the suction element and the drive assembly is separate from the mast of the structure, between these two components.
  • the unloading conduit from one of its ends to the other is outside the mast.
  • two of the masts of the structure of the loading tower form two rear masts and a third mast of the structure forms a front mast, the unloading duct extending opposite any of the two rear masts in relation to the front mast of the structure. It is understood here that the unloading duct is in front of the front mast of the structure.
  • At least one holding device extends between the unloading duct and one of the masts of the structure.
  • the structure delimits a substantially triangular perimeter comprising at least one base defined by a straight line joining the two rear masts and a front top defined by the front mast, the holding device extending between the unloading and the front mast of the structure forming the front peak of the perimeter of said structure.
  • the substantially triangular perimeter delimited by the structure of the loading tower comprises three vertices each corresponding to one of the masts of said structure, the two vertices corresponding to the two rear masts then participating in defining the base while the corresponding vertex to the foremast participating in defining the fore peak.
  • the top of the perimeter of the structure and the unloading duct are aligned along a height of the substantially triangular perimeter of the structure.
  • a height is a straight line perpendicular to the base and passing through the front vertex.
  • the invention also relates to a tank for storing and/or transporting a liquefied gas comprising at least one loading and unloading assembly according to any one of the preceding characteristics, said tank comprising a bottom wall, a ceiling and side walls connecting the bottom wall to the ceiling wall, said walls delimiting the storage volume of the liquefied gas.
  • the loading duct extends between one of the side walls of the tank and the unloading duct.
  • the drive assembly of the unloading device is arranged outside the storage volume of said tank and the suction element of the unloading device is arranged in the storage volume of the tank. .
  • a drive shaft connects the suction element to the drive assembly. It is understood in particular that the drive assembly allows the actuation of the suction element by means of the drive shaft.
  • the unloading duct is arranged opposite the side wall closest to the structure, with respect to said structure.
  • the closest wall can for example be a front side wall and a rear side wall of the tank.
  • a front and a rear of the floating structure carrying the tank are defined, the front and the rear being defined with respect to a standard direction of advancement of said floating structure.
  • the unloading duct corresponds to the duct furthest forward with respect to the structure and the loading duct.
  • At least one front side wall and one rear side wall of the tank are defined, following the standard direction of advancement of the floating structure, the unloading conduit being arranged opposite the rear side wall of the tank. , with respect to the structure. This is particularly the case when the structure is closer to the rear wall.
  • the unloading duct is arranged opposite the front side wall of the tank, with respect to the structure. This is particularly the case when the structure is closer to the front wall.
  • the tank comprises at least one sump formed in the bottom wall of the tank, the suction element extending at least partly into the sump.
  • the sump corresponds in particular to a recess formed in the volume of the bottom wall of the tank, delimited by a sump wall and making it possible to optimize the unloading of the liquid cargo. More particularly, the sump makes it possible to facilitate the suction of the liquid cargo by the suction element by collecting and concentrating the liquid cargo in a reduced volume compared to the storage volume of the tank.
  • the tank comprises a support for the loading tower which passes through the bottom wall, the sump being formed such that a center of the latter is at a distance at least greater than 2.04 m from a center of said loading tower support.
  • the distance is taken along a straight line perpendicular to a direction of main elongation of the loading tower, which connects the center of the support of the loading tower and the center of the sump.
  • a center of the unloading duct is positioned at any point of a semicircle centered on the center of the support.
  • center of the support corresponds to a point disposed substantially equidistant from a center of the three masts of the structure of the loading duct.
  • the ceiling wall comprises an opening in which the lid is arranged so as to close the storage volume of the tank.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a floating structure 1 corresponding here to a ship 1 for transporting a liquefied gas.
  • the ship 1 comprises at least one tank 2 for storing and/or transporting the liquefied gas comprising at least one bottom wall and one ceiling wall, here not visible and opposite one another. another in a vertical direction of the tank 2, said walls being connected to one another by side walls 4.
  • the bottom wall, the ceiling wall and the side walls 4 participate among other things in delimiting a storage volume 6 liquefied gas.
  • the walls 4 of the latter comprise at least one thermal insulation layer, not visible, covered by a corrugated waterproof membrane 8, visible to figure 3 And 4 , and intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas.
  • the corrugated waterproof membrane 8 notably comprises a plurality of corrugations 8a allowing it to resist the deformations generated by thermal variations of the tank 2, for example during its refrigeration of the tank 2 prior to its filling with the liquefied gas.
  • the storage and/or transport tank 2 comprises at least one loading and unloading assembly 10 according to the invention making it possible to introduce or withdraw the liquefied gas into or outside the tank 2.
  • the loading and unloading assembly unloading 10 visible to figure 1 And 2 , comprises at least one loading tower 12, an unloading device 14 and at least one lid 16 intended to close the storage volume 6. More particularly, the ceiling wall comprises an opening in which the lid 16 is arranged so as to close the storage volume 6 of the tank 2 tightly. As seen at picture 2 , the cover 16 is at least partly crossed by the loading tower 12 and by the unloading device 14.
  • the loading tower 12 particularly visible at the figure 2 , comprises a structure 18 which extends along a main direction of elongation P vertical V, comprising at least three masts 20, or otherwise called a tripod, and a loading duct 22. More specifically, the structure 18 of the tower loading 12 comprises the at least three masts 20 secured to each other by means of a lattice structure 24, each of the three masts 20 passing through the cover 16 of the tank 2. A front mast 20a of the structure 18 is then defined and two aft masts 20b of the structure 18, defined according to a direction of advancement A of the ship 1, visible at the figure 1 , under normal sailing conditions, the foremast 20a being the mast 20 of the structure 18 furthest forward in tank 2.
  • the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 is supported by a support 26 which crosses at least partly the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2. More specifically, the support 26 comprises at least one platform 30 secured to each of the masts 20 of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 and a foot 32 which extends from an external structure of the tank 2, not visible, and up to the platform 30, crossing the bottom wall 28 of said tank 2.
  • the loading duct 22 of the loading tower 12, visible to figures 1 to 4 is separate from the masts 20 of the structure 18 and extends through the cover 16 to the vicinity of the bottom wall 28, such that a free end 34 of said loading conduit 22, shown in dotted lines figure 4 because behind the front mast 20a in this view, i.e. at a non-zero distance from said bottom wall 28 in the vertical direction V of the tank 2. It is understood that such a distance between the free end 34 of the loading duct 22 which extends into the storage volume 6 and the bottom wall 28, allows the liquefied gas to flow through said free end 34.
  • the unloading device 14 comprises at least one unloading duct 36, a suction element 38 disposed at a first end 40 of the unloading duct 36, visible to the figure 3 And 4 , and a drive assembly 42 disposed at a second end 44 of the unloading duct 36, visible at the figure 2 .
  • the cover 16 is arranged between the suction element 38 and the drive assembly 42. More specifically, the suction element 38 is arranged in the storage volume 6 of the tank 2 while the drive assembly 42 is arranged outside the storage volume 6 of the tank 2.
  • At least one drive shaft 46 partly visible at the figure 4 , connects the suction element 38 to the drive assembly 42. More particularly, the drive shaft 46 extends in an internal volume of the discharge conduit 36 and allows the suction element 38 to be actuated under the effect of the drive element 42.
  • the unloading conduit 36 of the unloading device 14 is distinct from the masts 20 of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12. More particularly, and visible at the picture 3 , a perimeter S is defined, represented schematically, delimited by the structure 18 of the loading tower 12, and corresponding to an axial projection, where vertical V, of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 on the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2. More particularly, the perimeter S of the structure 18 is delimited by each of the masts 20 of the structure 18. The perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 passes in particular through the outer edges of each of the masts 20 of the structure 18, that is to say by circular portions of the masts 20 positioned furthest outside of said structure 18. Thus according to the invention, the unloading conduit 36 extends outside the perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 of the loading tower 12.
  • the perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 has a shape substantially triangular, each of the masts 20 of which forms one of the vertices of the perimeter S of the structure 18.
  • the perimeter S comprises at least one base 48 defined by a straight line passing through the two rear masts 20b of the structure 18 defined above and a vertex 50 defined by the front mast 20a of said structure 18, otherwise called the front top.
  • a front side wall 4a and a rear side wall 4b of the tank 2 are defined, defined according to the direction of advancement A of the vessel 1, visible at the figure 1 , under normal navigation conditions, the front side wall 4a being the forwardmost side wall 4 in the tank 2 while the rear side wall 4b being the rearmost side wall 4 in the tank 2.
  • the base 48 of the perimeter S projected onto the bottom wall 28 and delimited by the structure 18, is substantially parallel to one of the side walls of the tank 2 which extends closest to said structure 18, here the rear side wall 4b.
  • the unloading duct 36 extends opposite the rear side wall 4b with respect to the structure 18.
  • a center C of the unloading duct 36 is positioned at any point of a semicircle 52, visible at the figure 1 , centered on a center F of the support 26 of the structure 18. More specifically, the center F of the support 26 corresponds to a point located equidistant, or substantially equidistant, from a center of each of the masts 20 of said structure 18.
  • the front top 50 of the perimeter S that is to say the front mast 20a, and the unloading duct 36 are aligned along a height I of the substantially triangular perimeter S.
  • height I a straight line passing through the top 50 defined by the front mast 20a and perpendicularly intersecting the base 48 of the said perimeter S.
  • At least one holding device 54 extends between the unloading conduit 36 and one of the masts 20 of the structure 18.
  • the holding device 54 makes it possible to hold the unloading conduit 36 in the vertical direction V and ensures its holding in particular during the loading of the tank 2 or even during the transport of the liquefied gas.
  • a plurality of holding devices 54 extend between one of the masts 20 of the structure 18 and the unloading conduit 36, along the latter that is to say between its first end 40 and the lid.
  • the at least one holding device 54 extends between the unloading duct 36 and the front mast 20a of the structure 18, that is to say the mast 20 forming the front top 50 of the perimeter S of structure 18.
  • the latter comprises at least one sump 56 formed in its bottom wall 28 and particularly visible to figure 3 And 4 .
  • the sump 56 corresponds to a volume which extends in the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2 and which is delimited by a sump wall 56a, here cylindrical around an axis of revolution X.
  • the sump 56 makes it possible in particular to form a reduced volume to facilitate the collection of the liquefied gas by the suction element 38 by concentrating said liquefied gas in this reduced volume with respect to the storage volume 6 of the tank 2. It is then understood that the suction element 38 of the unloading device 14 extends at least partly into the volume of the sump 56.
  • the sump 56 is formed in the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2 such that a center X of the latter, here positioned on its axis of revolution X, is at a distance D, at least greater than 2.04 m from the center F of said support 26 of the loading tower 12. It is understood that the distance is taken along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of revolution X, between said axis of revolution X and the center F of the support 26 of the loading tower 12, taken on a central axis F of the latter. It is understood that such a distance D between the sump 56 and the support 26 makes it possible to maintain flexibility in the corrugated waterproof membrane 8 which extends nearby, said corrugated waterproof membrane 8 thus retaining its deformation properties limiting at least the risks premature wear of the latter.
  • center C of the unloading duct mentioned above is positioned at any point of the semi-circle 52, visible at the figure 1 , centered on the center F of the support 26 of the structure 18, and such that the semicircle 52 has a radius corresponding to the distance D, visible at the picture 3 , this distance being equal to or greater than 2.04m.
  • the unloading duct 36 is the element of said loading and unloading assembly 10 furthest forward in the tank 2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) d'une cuve (2) de stockage d'un gaz liquéfié, l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) comprenant au moins une tour de chargement (12), un dispositif de déchargement (14) et au moins un couvercle (16), la tour de chargement (12) comprenant une structure (18) comprenant au moins trois mâts (20) et un conduit de chargement, le dispositif de déchargement (14) comprenant au moins un conduit de déchargement (36), un élément d'aspiration (38) et un ensemble d'entraînement (42), le couvercle (16) étant disposé entre l'élément d'aspiration (38) et l'ensemble d'entraînement (42), le conduit de déchargement (36) du dispositif de déchargement (14) étant distinct des mâts (20) de la structure (18) de la tour de chargement (12) et étant disposé en dehors d'un périmètre délimité par ladite structure (18) de la tour de chargement (12).The invention relates to a loading and unloading assembly (10) of a tank (2) for storing a liquefied gas, the loading and unloading assembly (10) comprising at least one loading tower (12 ), an unloading device (14) and at least one cover (16), the loading tower (12) comprising a structure (18) comprising at least three masts (20) and a loading conduit, the unloading device ( 14) comprising at least one discharge conduit (36), a suction element (38) and a drive assembly (42), the cover (16) being disposed between the suction element (38) and the drive assembly (42), the unloading conduit (36) of the unloading device (14) being separate from the masts (20) of the structure (18) of the loading tower (12) and being disposed outside a perimeter delimited by said structure (18) of the loading tower (12).

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine du stockage et/ou de transport d'une cargaison de gaz liquéfié, tels que du gaz naturel liquéfié, de l'ammoniac liquide ou encore du gaz de pétrole liquéfié. Plus particulièrement, l'invention se rapporte à un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement d'une cuve de stockage de gaz liquéfié.The present invention relates to the field of storage and/or transport of a cargo of liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas, liquid ammonia or even liquefied petroleum gas. More particularly, the invention relates to an assembly for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank.

Le gaz naturel liquéfié, communément connu sous l'acronyme « GNL », ou encore sous l'acronyme « LNG » pour « Liquefied Naturel Gas », est une source d'énergie importante, composée d'environ 95% de méthane. Plus particulièrement, le GNL est stocké à l'état liquide dans une cuve isolée thermiquement à une température proche de -160°C, le GNL occupant alors 1/600 du volume qu'il occuperait à l'état gazeux, permettant ainsi de faciliter son transport d'un site à un autre.Liquefied natural gas, commonly known by the acronym "LNG", or also by the acronym "LNG" for "Liquefied Natural Gas", is an important source of energy, composed of approximately 95% methane. More specifically, the LNG is stored in the liquid state in a thermally insulated tank at a temperature close to -160°C, the LNG then occupying 1/600 of the volume that it would occupy in the gaseous state, thus making it possible to facilitate transporting it from one site to another.

Classiquement, la cuve comprend une tour de chargement et de déchargement suspendue à un couvercle permettant l'obturation de la cuve. La tour de chargement et de déchargement peut comporter une structure de type tripode, c'est-à-dire comportant trois mât verticaux reliés les uns aux autres par des traverses formant une structure en treillis, ladite tour étant guidée par un support de la cuve émergeant d'une paroi de fond. La tour de chargement et de déchargement comprend alors au moins un conduit de déchargement et un élément d'aspiration dont la fonction est de décharger la cargaison hors de la cuve, ledit élément d'aspiration étant relié à un dispositif d'entrainement disposé en dehors de la cuve. Par ailleurs, afin de permettre une aspiration optimale de la cargaison, habituellement, l'élément d'aspiration est disposé au moins en partie dans un puisard formé dans la paroi de fond de la cuve qui permet d'augmenter la quantité de la cargaison extraite par le conduit de déchargement tout en assurant l'immersion de l'élément d'aspiration dans ladite cargaison, préservant ainsi son intégritéConventionally, the tank comprises a loading and unloading tower suspended from a cover allowing the closure of the tank. The loading and unloading tower may comprise a structure of the tripod type, that is to say comprising three vertical masts connected to each other by crosspieces forming a lattice structure, said tower being guided by a support of the tank emerging from a back wall. The loading and unloading tower then comprises at least one unloading pipe and a suction element whose function is to unload the cargo from the tank, said suction element being connected to a drive device arranged outside of the tank. Furthermore, in order to allow optimum suction of the cargo, usually the suction element is arranged at least partly in a sump formed in the bottom wall of the tank which makes it possible to increase the quantity of the cargo extracted. through the unloading conduit while ensuring the immersion of the suction element in said cargo, thus preserving its integrity

Il est alors connu de disposer le conduit de déchargement dans un des mâts de la structure de la tour de chargement et de déchargement. Un des inconvénients d'un tel arrangement de la tour de chargement et de déchargement réside alors dans la proximité entre le support guidant la structure de la tour et le puisard formé en regard du conduit de déchargement. Une telle proximité limite en effet la propriété de déformation de la paroi de cuve lors du stockage de la cargaison et lors de la mise à froid de la cuve préalablement à son remplissage par le gaz liquéfié, cette propriété de déformation étant nécessaire pour limiter la détérioration de la cuve. Par ailleurs, une telle disposition du conduit de déchargement dans un des mâts de la structure de la tour complexifie son accessibilité pour un opérateur. On comprend ainsi, qu'une telle configuration de la cuve et plus particulièrement de la tour de chargement et de déchargement, réduit la résistance de ladite cuve, nécessaire au stockage de gaz liquéfié, tout en limitant l'accessibilité du conduit de déchargement.It is then known to arrange the unloading duct in one of the masts of the structure of the loading and unloading tower. One of the drawbacks of such an arrangement of the loading and unloading tower then lies in the proximity between the guiding support the structure of the tower and the sump formed opposite the unloading pipe. Such proximity in fact limits the deformation property of the vessel wall during storage of the cargo and during cooling of the vessel prior to its filling with the liquefied gas, this deformation property being necessary to limit the deterioration of the tank. Furthermore, such an arrangement of the unloading duct in one of the masts of the structure of the tower complicates its accessibility for an operator. It is thus understood that such a configuration of the tank and more particularly of the loading and unloading tower, reduces the resistance of said tank, necessary for the storage of liquefied gas, while limiting the accessibility of the unloading pipe.

L'invention porte donc sur un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement d'une cuve de stockage d'un gaz liquéfié, l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement comprenant au moins une tour de chargement, un dispositif de déchargement et au moins un couvercle destiné à fermer un volume de stockage de la cuve et traversé au moins en partie par la tour de chargement et par le dispositif de déchargement, la tour de chargement comprenant une structure comprenant au moins trois mâts et un conduit de chargement, le dispositif de déchargement comprenant au moins un conduit de déchargement, un élément d'aspiration disposé à une première extrémité du conduit de déchargement et un ensemble d'entrainement disposé à une deuxième extrémité du conduit de déchargement, le couvercle étant disposé entre l'élément d'aspiration et l'ensemble d'entrainement, l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement étant caractérisé en ce que le conduit de déchargement du dispositif de déchargement est distinct des mâts de la structure de la tour de chargement et est disposé en dehors d'un périmètre délimité par ladite structure de la tour de chargement.The invention therefore relates to an assembly for loading and unloading a storage tank for a liquefied gas, the loading and unloading assembly comprising at least one loading tower, an unloading device and at least one cover intended to close a storage volume of the tank and crossed at least in part by the loading tower and by the unloading device, the loading tower comprising a structure comprising at least three masts and a loading duct, the unloading device comprising at least one unloading duct, a suction element arranged at a first end of the unloading duct and a drive assembly arranged at a second end of the unloading duct, the cover being arranged between the suction element and the drive assembly, the loading and unloading assembly being characterized in that the unloading conduit of the unloading device is separate from the masts of the structure of the loading tower and is arranged outside a delimited perimeter by said loading tower structure.

La cuve de stockage peut être disposée sur un ouvrage flottant et comprend au moins une paroi de plafond et une paroi de fond reliées entre elles par des parois latérales. Les parois de la cuve comprennent notamment au moins une couche d'isolation thermique recouverte par une membrane étanche ondulée, apte à se déformer en fonction des variations thermiques de la cuve. Une ouverture est alors formée dans la paroi de plafond de telle sorte à accueillir l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement. On comprend notamment que le couvercle de l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement ferme l'ouverture de la paroi de plafond de manière étanche. Par ailleurs, la tour de chargement est guidée par un support dont au moins une partie traverse la paroi de fond afin d'ancrer ladite tour de chargement dans la cuve.The storage tank can be arranged on a floating structure and comprises at least a ceiling wall and a bottom wall interconnected by side walls. The walls of the tank include in particular at least one layer of thermal insulation covered by a corrugated waterproof membrane, capable of deforming according to the thermal variations of the tank. An opening is then formed in the ceiling wall so as to accommodate the loading and unloading assembly. It is understood in particular that the cover of the loading and unloading assembly closes the opening of the ceiling wall of waterproof way. Furthermore, the loading tower is guided by a support, at least a part of which passes through the bottom wall in order to anchor said loading tower in the tank.

Le périmètre délimité par la structure de la tour de chargement correspond à une projection axiale de la structure de la tour de chargement sur la paroi de fond de la cuve. De plus, le périmètre est délimité par les bords extérieurs de chacun des mâts, c'est-à-dire par des portions circulaires des mâts positionnées le plus à l'extérieur de la structure.The perimeter delimited by the structure of the loading tower corresponds to an axial projection of the structure of the loading tower on the bottom wall of the vessel. In addition, the perimeter is delimited by the outer edges of each of the masts, that is to say by circular portions of the masts positioned furthest outside of the structure.

Ainsi, on tire avantage de la disposition du conduit de déchargement en dehors du périmètre délimité par la structure en ce qu'elle permet d'éloigner le conduit de déchargement et donc un puisard associé à ce conduit de déchargement, du support de la tour de chargement. On permet ainsi à la membrane étanche ondulée disposée au niveau de l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement de conserver sa propriété de déformation.Thus, advantage is taken of the arrangement of the unloading duct outside the perimeter delimited by the structure in that it makes it possible to distance the unloading duct and therefore a sump associated with this unloading duct, from the support of the tower of loading. This allows the corrugated waterproof membrane arranged at the level of the loading and unloading assembly to retain its deformation property.

Selon un aspect de l'invention, le conduit de déchargement qui s'étend entre l'élément d'aspiration et l'ensemble d'entraînement est distinct du mât de la structure, entre ces deux composants. Dit autrement, le conduit de déchargement de l'une de ses extrémités à l'autre est en dehors du mât.According to one aspect of the invention, the unloading duct which extends between the suction element and the drive assembly is separate from the mast of the structure, between these two components. In other words, the unloading conduit from one of its ends to the other is outside the mast.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, deux des mâts de la structure de la tour de chargement forment deux mâts arrière et un troisième mât de la structure forme un mât avant, le conduit de déchargement s'étendant à l'opposé d'un quelconque des deux mâts arrière par rapport au mât avant de la structure. On comprend ici que le conduit de déchargement est en avant du mât avant de la structure.According to one characteristic of the invention, two of the masts of the structure of the loading tower form two rear masts and a third mast of the structure forms a front mast, the unloading duct extending opposite any of the two rear masts in relation to the front mast of the structure. It is understood here that the unloading duct is in front of the front mast of the structure.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, au moins un dispositif de maintien s'étend entre le conduit de déchargement et un des mâts de la structure.According to one characteristic of the invention, at least one holding device extends between the unloading duct and one of the masts of the structure.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la structure délimite un périmètre sensiblement triangulaire comprenant au moins une base définit par une droite rejoignant les deux mâts arrière et un sommet avant définit par le mât avant, le dispositif de maintien s'étendant entre le conduit de déchargement et le mât avant de la structure formant le sommet avant du périmètre de ladite structure.According to one characteristic of the invention, the structure delimits a substantially triangular perimeter comprising at least one base defined by a straight line joining the two rear masts and a front top defined by the front mast, the holding device extending between the unloading and the front mast of the structure forming the front peak of the perimeter of said structure.

De manière plus précise, le périmètre sensiblement triangulaire délimité par la structure de la tour de chargement comprend trois sommets correspondants chacun à un des mâts de ladite structure, les deux sommets correspondant aux deux mâts arrière participant alors à définir la base tandis que le sommet correspondant au mât avant participant à définir le sommet avant.More specifically, the substantially triangular perimeter delimited by the structure of the loading tower comprises three vertices each corresponding to one of the masts of said structure, the two vertices corresponding to the two rear masts then participating in defining the base while the corresponding vertex to the foremast participating in defining the fore peak.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le sommet du périmètre de la structure et le conduit de déchargement sont alignés le long d'une hauteur du périmètre sensiblement triangulaire de la structure. Une telle hauteur est une droite perpendiculaire à la base et qui passe par le sommet avant.According to one characteristic of the invention, the top of the perimeter of the structure and the unloading duct are aligned along a height of the substantially triangular perimeter of the structure. Such a height is a straight line perpendicular to the base and passing through the front vertex.

L'invention porte également sur une cuve de stockage et/ou de transport d'un gaz liquéfié comprenant au moins un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement selon l'une quelconque des caractéristiques précédentes, ladite cuve comprenant une paroi de fond, une paroi de plafond et des parois latérales reliant la paroi de fond à la paroi de plafond, lesdites parois délimitant le volume de stockage du gaz liquéfié.The invention also relates to a tank for storing and/or transporting a liquefied gas comprising at least one loading and unloading assembly according to any one of the preceding characteristics, said tank comprising a bottom wall, a ceiling and side walls connecting the bottom wall to the ceiling wall, said walls delimiting the storage volume of the liquefied gas.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le conduit de chargement s'étend entre une des parois latérales de la cuve et le conduit de déchargement.According to one characteristic of the invention, the loading duct extends between one of the side walls of the tank and the unloading duct.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, l'ensemble d'entrainement du dispositif de déchargement est disposé en dehors du volume de stockage de ladite cuve et l'élément d'aspiration du dispositif de déchargement est disposé dans le volume de stockage de la cuve.According to one characteristic of the invention, the drive assembly of the unloading device is arranged outside the storage volume of said tank and the suction element of the unloading device is arranged in the storage volume of the tank. .

De manière plus précise, un arbre d'entrainement relie l'élément d'aspiration à l'ensemble d'entrainement. On comprend notamment que l'ensemble d'entrainement permet la mise en action de l'élément d'aspiration par le biais de l'arbre d'entrainement.More specifically, a drive shaft connects the suction element to the drive assembly. It is understood in particular that the drive assembly allows the actuation of the suction element by means of the drive shaft.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le conduit de déchargement est disposé à l'opposé de la paroi latérale la plus proche de la structure, par rapport à ladite structure. La paroi la plus proche peut par exemple être une paroi latérale avant et une paroi latérale arrière de la cuve.According to one characteristic of the invention, the unloading duct is arranged opposite the side wall closest to the structure, with respect to said structure. The closest wall can for example be a front side wall and a rear side wall of the tank.

Plus particulièrement on définit un avant et un arrière de la structure flottante porteuse de la cuve, l'avant et l'arrière étant défini par rapport à un sens d'avancement standard de ladite structure flottante. Ainsi, dans la cuve, le conduit de déchargement correspond au conduit le plus en avant par rapport à la structure et le conduit de chargement.More particularly, a front and a rear of the floating structure carrying the tank are defined, the front and the rear being defined with respect to a standard direction of advancement of said floating structure. Thus, in the tank, the unloading duct corresponds to the duct furthest forward with respect to the structure and the loading duct.

De même, on définit au moins une paroi latérale avant et une paroi latérale arrière de la cuve, suivant le sens d'avancement standard de la structure flottante, le conduit de déchargement étant disposé à l'opposé de la paroi latérale arrière de la cuve, par rapport à la structure. C'est notamment le cas lorsque la structure est plus proche de la paroi arrière.Similarly, at least one front side wall and one rear side wall of the tank are defined, following the standard direction of advancement of the floating structure, the unloading conduit being arranged opposite the rear side wall of the tank. , with respect to the structure. This is particularly the case when the structure is closer to the rear wall.

De manière alternative, le conduit de déchargement est disposé à l'opposé de la paroi latérale avant de la cuve, par rapport à la structure. C'est notamment le cas lorsque la structure est plus proche de la paroi avant.Alternatively, the unloading duct is arranged opposite the front side wall of the tank, with respect to the structure. This is particularly the case when the structure is closer to the front wall.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la cuve comprend au moins un puisard formé dans la paroi de fond de la cuve, l'élément d'aspiration s'étendant au moins en partie dans le puisard.According to one characteristic of the invention, the tank comprises at least one sump formed in the bottom wall of the tank, the suction element extending at least partly into the sump.

Le puisard correspond notamment à un évidement formé dans le volume de la paroi de fond de la cuve, délimité par une paroi de puisard et permettant d'optimiser le déchargement de la cargaison liquide. Plus particulièrement, le puisard permet de faciliter l'aspiration de la cargaison liquide par l'élément d'aspiration en collectant et concentrant la cargaison liquide dans un volume réduit par rapport au volume de stockage de la cuve.The sump corresponds in particular to a recess formed in the volume of the bottom wall of the tank, delimited by a sump wall and making it possible to optimize the unloading of the liquid cargo. More particularly, the sump makes it possible to facilitate the suction of the liquid cargo by the suction element by collecting and concentrating the liquid cargo in a reduced volume compared to the storage volume of the tank.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la cuve comprend un support de la tour de chargement qui traverse la paroi de fond, le puisard étant formé de telle sorte qu'un centre de ce dernier soit à une distance au moins supérieure à 2,04m d'un centre dudit support de la tour de chargement.According to a characteristic of the invention, the tank comprises a support for the loading tower which passes through the bottom wall, the sump being formed such that a center of the latter is at a distance at least greater than 2.04 m from a center of said loading tower support.

La distance est prise le long d'une droite perpendiculaire à une direction d'allongement principal de la tour de chargement, qui relie le centre du support de la tour de chargement et le centre du puisard.The distance is taken along a straight line perpendicular to a direction of main elongation of the loading tower, which connects the center of the support of the loading tower and the center of the sump.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, un centre du conduit de déchargement est positionné sur un point quelconque d'un demi-cercle centré sur le centre du support.According to a characteristic of the invention, a center of the unloading duct is positioned at any point of a semicircle centered on the center of the support.

On comprend que le centre du support correspond à un point disposé sensiblement à équidistance d'un centre des trois mâts de la structure du conduit de chargement.It is understood that the center of the support corresponds to a point disposed substantially equidistant from a center of the three masts of the structure of the loading duct.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la paroi de plafond comprend une ouverture dans laquelle est disposé le couvercle de manière à fermer le volume de stockage de la cuve.According to one characteristic of the invention, the ceiling wall comprises an opening in which the lid is arranged so as to close the storage volume of the tank.

D'autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l'invention ressortiront plus clairement à la lecture de la description donnée ci-après à titre indicatif en relation avec des dessins dans lesquels :

  • [Fig 1] est une vue générale schématique d'un ouvrage flottant comprenant une cuve intégrant un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement selon l'invention ;
  • [Fig 2] est une vue générale en perspective de l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement de la figure 1 ;
  • [Fig 3] est une vue rapprochée de dessus d'une partie de l'ensemble de chargement et déchargement de la figure 1 ;
  • [Fig 4] est une vue rapprochée de côté d'une partie de l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement de la figure 1.
Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:
  • [ Fig 1 ] is a schematic general view of a floating structure comprising a tank integrating a loading and unloading assembly according to the invention;
  • [ Fig 2 ] is a general perspective view of the loading and unloading assembly of the figure 1 ;
  • [ Fig.3 ] is a close-up top view of part of the loading and unloading assembly of the figure 1 ;
  • [ Fig 4 ] is a close-up side view of part of the loading and unloading assembly of the figure 1 .

Il faut tout d'abord noter que si les figures exposent l'invention de manière détaillée pour sa mise en oeuvre, ces figures peuvent bien entendu servir à mieux définir l'invention le cas échéant. Il est également à noter que ces figures n'exposent que quelques exemples de réalisation de l'invention.It should first be noted that if the figures expose the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention if necessary. It should also be noted that these figures show only a few embodiments of the invention.

La figure 1 illustre un ouvrage flottant 1 correspondant ici à un navire 1 de transport d'un gaz liquéfié. Afin de transporter le gaz liquéfié, le navire 1 comprend au moins une cuve 2 de stockage et/ou de transport du gaz liquéfié comprenant au moins une paroi de fond et une paroi de plafond, ici non visibles et opposées l'une à l'autre suivant une direction verticale de la cuve 2, lesdites parois étant reliées l'une à l'autre par des parois latérales 4. La paroi de fond, la paroi de plafond et les parois latérales 4 participent entre autres à délimiter un volume de stockage 6 du gaz liquéfié.There figure 1 illustrates a floating structure 1 corresponding here to a ship 1 for transporting a liquefied gas. In order to transport the liquefied gas, the ship 1 comprises at least one tank 2 for storing and/or transporting the liquefied gas comprising at least one bottom wall and one ceiling wall, here not visible and opposite one another. another in a vertical direction of the tank 2, said walls being connected to one another by side walls 4. The bottom wall, the ceiling wall and the side walls 4 participate among other things in delimiting a storage volume 6 liquefied gas.

Afin de garantir un transport et une conservation optimale du gaz liquéfié dans la cuve 2, les parois 4 de cette dernière comprennent au moins une couche d'isolation thermique, non visible, recouverte par une membrane étanche ondulée 8, visible aux figures 3 et 4, et destinée à être au contact du gaz liquéfié. La membrane étanche ondulée 8 comprend notamment une pluralité d'ondulations 8a lui permettant de résister aux déformations générées par des variations thermiques de la cuve 2, par exemple lors de sa mise au froid de la cuve 2 préalablement à son remplissage avec le gaz liquéfié.In order to guarantee transport and optimal conservation of the liquefied gas in the tank 2, the walls 4 of the latter comprise at least one thermal insulation layer, not visible, covered by a corrugated waterproof membrane 8, visible to figure 3 And 4 , and intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas. The corrugated waterproof membrane 8 notably comprises a plurality of corrugations 8a allowing it to resist the deformations generated by thermal variations of the tank 2, for example during its refrigeration of the tank 2 prior to its filling with the liquefied gas.

La cuve 2 de stockage et/ou de transport comprend au moins un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement 10 selon l'invention permettant d'introduire ou retirer le gaz liquéfié dans ou en dehors de la cuve 2. L'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement 10, visible aux figures 1 et 2, comprend au moins une tour de chargement 12, un dispositif de déchargement 14 et au moins un couvercle 16 destiné à fermer le volume de stockage 6. Plus particulièrement, la paroi de plafond comprend une ouverture dans laquelle est disposé le couvercle 16 de manière à fermer le volume de stockage 6 de la cuve 2 de manière étanche. Tel que visible à la figure 2, le couvercle 16 est au moins en partie traversé par la tour de chargement 12 et par le dispositif de déchargement 14.The storage and/or transport tank 2 comprises at least one loading and unloading assembly 10 according to the invention making it possible to introduce or withdraw the liquefied gas into or outside the tank 2. The loading and unloading assembly unloading 10, visible to figure 1 And 2 , comprises at least one loading tower 12, an unloading device 14 and at least one lid 16 intended to close the storage volume 6. More particularly, the ceiling wall comprises an opening in which the lid 16 is arranged so as to close the storage volume 6 of the tank 2 tightly. As seen at picture 2 , the cover 16 is at least partly crossed by the loading tower 12 and by the unloading device 14.

La tour de chargement 12 particulièrement visible à la figure 2, comprend une structure 18 qui s'étend suivant une direction d'allongement principal P verticale V, comprenant au moins trois mâts 20, ou autrement appelé tripode, et un conduit de chargement 22. De manière plus précise, la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12 comprend les au moins trois mâts 20 solidaires les uns des autres au moyen d'une structure en treillis 24, chacun des trois mâts 20 traversant le couvercle 16 de la cuve 2. On définit alors un mât avant 20a de la structure 18 et deux mâts arrière 20b de la structure 18, définis selon un sens d'avancement A du navire 1, visible à la figure 1, dans des conditions normales de navigation, le mât avant 20a étant le mât 20 de la structure 18 le plus en avant dans la cuve 2.The loading tower 12 particularly visible at the figure 2 , comprises a structure 18 which extends along a main direction of elongation P vertical V, comprising at least three masts 20, or otherwise called a tripod, and a loading duct 22. More specifically, the structure 18 of the tower loading 12 comprises the at least three masts 20 secured to each other by means of a lattice structure 24, each of the three masts 20 passing through the cover 16 of the tank 2. A front mast 20a of the structure 18 is then defined and two aft masts 20b of the structure 18, defined according to a direction of advancement A of the ship 1, visible at the figure 1 , under normal sailing conditions, the foremast 20a being the mast 20 of the structure 18 furthest forward in tank 2.

Par ailleurs, et tel que cela est particulièrement visible aux figures 3 et 4, la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12 est soutenue par un support 26 qui traverse au moins en partie la paroi de fond 28 de la cuve 2. De manière plus précise, le support 26 comprend au moins une plateforme 30 solidaire de chacun des mâts 20 de la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12 et un pied 32 qui s'étend depuis une structure externe de la cuve 2, non visible, et jusqu'à la plateforme 30, en traversant la paroi de fond 28 de ladite cuve 2.Furthermore, and as is particularly visible to figure 3 And 4 , the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 is supported by a support 26 which crosses at least partly the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2. More specifically, the support 26 comprises at least one platform 30 secured to each of the masts 20 of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 and a foot 32 which extends from an external structure of the tank 2, not visible, and up to the platform 30, crossing the bottom wall 28 of said tank 2.

Le conduit de chargement 22 de la tour de chargement 12, visible aux figures 1 à 4, est distinct des mâts 20 de la structure 18 et s'étend au travers du couvercle 16 jusqu'à proximité de la paroi de fond 28, de telle sorte qu'une extrémité libre 34 dudit conduit de chargement 22, représentée en pointillé à la figure 4 car derrière le mât avant 20a dans cette vue, soit à une distance non nulle de ladite paroi de fond 28 suivant la direction verticale V de la cuve 2. On comprend qu'une telle distance entre l'extrémité libre 34 du conduit de chargement 22 qui s'étend dans le volume de stockage 6 et la paroi de fond 28, permet au gaz liquéfié de s'écouler par ladite extrémité libre 34.The loading duct 22 of the loading tower 12, visible to figures 1 to 4 , is separate from the masts 20 of the structure 18 and extends through the cover 16 to the vicinity of the bottom wall 28, such that a free end 34 of said loading conduit 22, shown in dotted lines figure 4 because behind the front mast 20a in this view, i.e. at a non-zero distance from said bottom wall 28 in the vertical direction V of the tank 2. It is understood that such a distance between the free end 34 of the loading duct 22 which extends into the storage volume 6 and the bottom wall 28, allows the liquefied gas to flow through said free end 34.

Le dispositif de déchargement 14 selon l'invention comprend au moins un conduit de déchargement 36, un élément d'aspiration 38 disposé à une première extrémité 40 du conduit de déchargement 36, visible aux figures 3 et 4, et un ensemble d'entrainement 42 disposé à une deuxième extrémité 44 du conduit de déchargement 36, visible à la figure 2. Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le couvercle 16 est disposé entre l'élément d'aspiration 38 et l'ensemble d'entrainement 42. De manière plus précise, l'élément d'aspiration 38 est disposé dans le volume de stockage 6 de la cuve 2 tandis que l'ensemble d'entrainement 42 est disposé en dehors du volume de stockage 6 de la cuve 2. Au moins un arbre d'entrainement 46, en partie visible à la figure 4, relie l'élément d'aspiration 38 à l'ensemble d'entrainement 42. Plus particulièrement, l'arbre d'entrainement 46 s'étend dans un volume interne du conduit de déchargement 36 et permet à l'élément d'aspiration 38 d'être actionné sous l'effet de l'élément d'entrainement 42.The unloading device 14 according to the invention comprises at least one unloading duct 36, a suction element 38 disposed at a first end 40 of the unloading duct 36, visible to the figure 3 And 4 , and a drive assembly 42 disposed at a second end 44 of the unloading duct 36, visible at the figure 2 . According to one characteristic of the invention, the cover 16 is arranged between the suction element 38 and the drive assembly 42. More specifically, the suction element 38 is arranged in the storage volume 6 of the tank 2 while the drive assembly 42 is arranged outside the storage volume 6 of the tank 2. At least one drive shaft 46, partly visible at the figure 4 , connects the suction element 38 to the drive assembly 42. More particularly, the drive shaft 46 extends in an internal volume of the discharge conduit 36 and allows the suction element 38 to be actuated under the effect of the drive element 42.

Selon l'invention et tel que particulièrement visible aux figures 2 à 4, le conduit de déchargement 36 du dispositif de déchargement 14 est distinct des mâts 20 de la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12. Plus particulièrement, et visible à la figure 3, on définit un périmètre S, représenté schématiquement, délimité par la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12, et correspondant à une projection axiale, où verticale V, de la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12 sur la paroi de fond 28 de la cuve 2. Plus particulièrement, le périmètre S de la structure 18 est délimité par chacun des mâts 20 de la structure 18. Le périmètre S délimité par la structure 18 passe notamment par des bords extérieurs de chacun des mâts 20 de la structure 18, c'est-à-dire par des portions circulaires des mâts 20 positionnées le plus à l'extérieur de ladite structure 18. Ainsi selon l'invention, le conduit de déchargement 36 s'étend en dehors du périmètre S délimité par la structure 18 de la tour de chargement 12.According to the invention and as particularly visible in figures 2 to 4 , the unloading conduit 36 of the unloading device 14 is distinct from the masts 20 of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12. More particularly, and visible at the picture 3 , a perimeter S is defined, represented schematically, delimited by the structure 18 of the loading tower 12, and corresponding to an axial projection, where vertical V, of the structure 18 of the loading tower 12 on the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2. More particularly, the perimeter S of the structure 18 is delimited by each of the masts 20 of the structure 18. The perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 passes in particular through the outer edges of each of the masts 20 of the structure 18, that is to say by circular portions of the masts 20 positioned furthest outside of said structure 18. Thus according to the invention, the unloading conduit 36 extends outside the perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 of the loading tower 12.

Tel que visible à la figure 3, le périmètre S délimité par la structure 18 présente une forme sensiblement triangulaire dont chacun des mâts 20 forme un des sommets du périmètre S de la structure 18. Ainsi, le périmètre S comprend au moins une base 48 définit par une droite passant par les deux mâts arrière 20b de la structure 18 définis précédemment et un sommet 50 définit par le mât avant 20a de ladite structure 18, autrement appelé sommet avant.As seen at picture 3 , the perimeter S delimited by the structure 18 has a shape substantially triangular, each of the masts 20 of which forms one of the vertices of the perimeter S of the structure 18. Thus, the perimeter S comprises at least one base 48 defined by a straight line passing through the two rear masts 20b of the structure 18 defined above and a vertex 50 defined by the front mast 20a of said structure 18, otherwise called the front top.

On définit une paroi latérale avant 4a et une paroi latérale arrière 4b de la cuve 2, définis selon le sens d'avancement A du navire 1, visible à la figure 1, dans des conditions normales de navigation, la paroi latérale avant 4a étant la paroi latérale 4 la plus en avant dans la cuve 2 tandis que la paroi latérale arrière 4b étant la paroi latérale 4 la plus en arrière dans la cuve 2. Ainsi, selon l'exemple de l'invention, la base 48 du périmètre S projeté sur la paroi de fond 28 et délimité par la structure 18, est sensiblement parallèle à l'une des parois latérales de la cuve 2 qui s'étend le plus proche de ladite structure 18, ici la paroi latérale arrière 4b. Ainsi, et tel que visible à la figure 1, le conduit de déchargement 36 s'étend à l'opposé de la paroi latérale arrière 4b par rapport à la structure 18.A front side wall 4a and a rear side wall 4b of the tank 2 are defined, defined according to the direction of advancement A of the vessel 1, visible at the figure 1 , under normal navigation conditions, the front side wall 4a being the forwardmost side wall 4 in the tank 2 while the rear side wall 4b being the rearmost side wall 4 in the tank 2. Thus, according to the example of the invention, the base 48 of the perimeter S projected onto the bottom wall 28 and delimited by the structure 18, is substantially parallel to one of the side walls of the tank 2 which extends closest to said structure 18, here the rear side wall 4b. Thus, and as visible at the figure 1 , the unloading duct 36 extends opposite the rear side wall 4b with respect to the structure 18.

Par ailleurs selon un exemple de l'invention, un centre C du conduit de déchargement 36 est positionné sur un point quelconque d'un demi-cercle 52, visible à la figure 1, centré sur un centre F du support 26 de la structure 18. De manière plus précise, le centre F du support 26 correspond à un point situé à équidistance, ou sensiblement à équidistance, d'un centre de chacun des mâts 20 de ladite structure 18.Furthermore, according to an example of the invention, a center C of the unloading duct 36 is positioned at any point of a semicircle 52, visible at the figure 1 , centered on a center F of the support 26 of the structure 18. More specifically, the center F of the support 26 corresponds to a point located equidistant, or substantially equidistant, from a center of each of the masts 20 of said structure 18.

Selon une alternative de l'invention visible à la figure 1, le sommet avant 50 du périmètre S, c'est-à-dire le mât avant 20a, et le conduit de déchargement 36 sont alignés le long d'une hauteur I du périmètre S sensiblement triangulaire. On comprend par hauteur I, une droite passant par le sommet 50 définit par le mât avant 20a et coupant perpendiculairement la base 48 dudit périmètre S.According to an alternative of the invention visible in figure 1 , the front top 50 of the perimeter S, that is to say the front mast 20a, and the unloading duct 36 are aligned along a height I of the substantially triangular perimeter S. We understand by height I, a straight line passing through the top 50 defined by the front mast 20a and perpendicularly intersecting the base 48 of the said perimeter S.

Selon l'invention et visible à la figure 3, au moins un dispositif de maintien 54 s'étend entre le conduit de déchargement 36 et un des mâts 20 de la structure 18. Le dispositif de maintien 54 permet de maintenir le conduit de déchargement 36 dans la direction verticale V et assure son maintien notamment lors du chargement de la cuve 2 ou encore lors du transport du gaz liquéfié. Selon l'exemple de l'invention, une pluralité de dispositifs de maintien 54 s'étend entre un des mâts 20 de la structure 18 et le conduit de déchargement 36, le long de ce dernier c'est-à-dire entre sa première extrémité 40 et le couvercle. Selon l'exemple illustré, l'au moins un dispositif de maintien 54 s'étend entre le conduit de déchargement 36 et le mât avant 20a de la structure 18, c'est-à-dire le mât 20 formant le sommet avant 50 du périmètre S de la structure 18.According to the invention and visible at picture 3 , at least one holding device 54 extends between the unloading conduit 36 and one of the masts 20 of the structure 18. The holding device 54 makes it possible to hold the unloading conduit 36 in the vertical direction V and ensures its holding in particular during the loading of the tank 2 or even during the transport of the liquefied gas. According to the example of the invention, a plurality of holding devices 54 extend between one of the masts 20 of the structure 18 and the unloading conduit 36, along the latter that is to say between its first end 40 and the lid. According to the example illustrated, the at least one holding device 54 extends between the unloading duct 36 and the front mast 20a of the structure 18, that is to say the mast 20 forming the front top 50 of the perimeter S of structure 18.

Afin d'améliorer l'aspiration du gaz liquéfié lors de son déchargement hors de la cuve 2, cette dernière comprend au moins un puisard 56 formé dans sa paroi de fond 28 et particulièrement visible aux figures 3 et 4. Le puisard 56 correspond à un volume qui s'étend dans la paroi de fond 28 de la cuve 2 et qui est délimité par une paroi de puisard 56a, ici cylindrique autour d'un axe de révolution X. Le puisard 56 permet notamment de former un volume réduit pour faciliter la collecte du gaz liquéfié par l'élément d'aspiration 38 en concentrant ledit gaz liquéfié dans ce volume réduit par rapport au volume de stockage 6 de la cuve 2. On comprend alors que l'élément d'aspiration 38 du dispositif de déchargement 14 s'étend au moins en partie dans le volume du puisard 56.In order to improve the suction of the liquefied gas during its unloading from the tank 2, the latter comprises at least one sump 56 formed in its bottom wall 28 and particularly visible to figure 3 And 4 . The sump 56 corresponds to a volume which extends in the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2 and which is delimited by a sump wall 56a, here cylindrical around an axis of revolution X. The sump 56 makes it possible in particular to form a reduced volume to facilitate the collection of the liquefied gas by the suction element 38 by concentrating said liquefied gas in this reduced volume with respect to the storage volume 6 of the tank 2. It is then understood that the suction element 38 of the unloading device 14 extends at least partly into the volume of the sump 56.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, particulièrement visible à la figure 4, le puisard 56 est formé dans la paroi de fond 28 de la cuve 2 de telle sorte qu'un centre X de ce dernier, ici positionné sur son axe de révolution X, soit à une distance D, au moins supérieure à 2,04m du centre F dudit support 26 de la tour de chargement 12. On comprend que la distance est prise le long d'une droite perpendiculaire à l'axe de révolution X, entre ledit axe de révolution X et le centre F du support 26 de la tour de chargement 12, pris sur un axe central F de ce dernier. On comprend qu'une telle distance D entre le puisard 56 et le support 26 permet de conserver une flexibilité à la membrane étanche ondulée 8 qui s'étend à proximité, ladite membrane étanche ondulée 8 conservant ainsi ses propriétés de déformations limitant au moins les risques d'usure prématurée de cette dernière.According to a characteristic of the invention, particularly visible at the figure 4 , the sump 56 is formed in the bottom wall 28 of the tank 2 such that a center X of the latter, here positioned on its axis of revolution X, is at a distance D, at least greater than 2.04 m from the center F of said support 26 of the loading tower 12. It is understood that the distance is taken along a straight line perpendicular to the axis of revolution X, between said axis of revolution X and the center F of the support 26 of the loading tower 12, taken on a central axis F of the latter. It is understood that such a distance D between the sump 56 and the support 26 makes it possible to maintain flexibility in the corrugated waterproof membrane 8 which extends nearby, said corrugated waterproof membrane 8 thus retaining its deformation properties limiting at least the risks premature wear of the latter.

On comprend également que le centre C du conduit de déchargement évoqué précédemment, est positionné sur un point quelconque du demi-cercle 52, visible à la figure 1, centré sur le centre F du support 26 de la structure 18, et de telle sorte que le demi-cercle 52 présente un rayon correspondant à la distance D, visible à la figure 3, cette distance étant égale ou supérieure à 2.04m.It is also understood that the center C of the unloading duct mentioned above is positioned at any point of the semi-circle 52, visible at the figure 1 , centered on the center F of the support 26 of the structure 18, and such that the semicircle 52 has a radius corresponding to the distance D, visible at the picture 3 , this distance being equal to or greater than 2.04m.

On comprend par ailleurs de la description qui a été faite de l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement 10, que selon un sens d'avancement A du navire 1, visible à la figure 1, dans des conditions normales de navigation, le conduit de déchargement 36 est l'élément dudit ensemble de chargement et de déchargement 10 le plus en avant dans la cuve 2.We also understand from the description that has been made of the loading assembly and unloading 10, only according to a direction of advancement A of the ship 1, visible at the figure 1 , under normal navigation conditions, the unloading duct 36 is the element of said loading and unloading assembly 10 furthest forward in the tank 2.

L'invention telle qu'elle vient d'être décrite ne saurait toutefois se limiter aux moyens et configurations exclusivement décrits et illustrés, et s'applique également à tous moyens ou configurations, équivalents et à toute combinaison de tels moyens ou configurations.The invention as it has just been described cannot however be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to all means or configurations, equivalents and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims (12)

Ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) d'une cuve (2) de stockage d'un gaz liquéfié, l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) comprenant au moins une tour de chargement (12), un dispositif de déchargement (14) et au moins un couvercle (16) destiné à fermer un volume de stockage (6) de la cuve (2) et traversé au moins en partie par la tour de chargement (12) et par le dispositif de déchargement (14), la tour de chargement (12) comprenant une structure (18) comprenant au moins trois mâts (20) et un conduit de chargement (22), le dispositif de déchargement (14) comprenant au moins un conduit de déchargement (36), un élément d'aspiration (38) disposé à une première extrémité (40) du conduit de déchargement (36) et un ensemble d'entrainement (42) disposé à une deuxième extrémité (44) du conduit de déchargement (36), le couvercle (16) étant disposé entre l'élément d'aspiration (38) et l'ensemble d'entrainement (42), l'ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) étant caractérisé en ce que le conduit de déchargement (36) du dispositif de déchargement (14) est distinct des mâts (20) de la structure (18) de la tour de chargement (12) et est disposé en dehors d'un périmètre (S) délimité par ladite structure (18) de la tour de chargement (12).Loading and unloading assembly (10) of a liquefied gas storage tank (2), the loading and unloading assembly (10) comprising at least one loading tower (12), an unloading device (14) and at least one cover (16) intended to close a storage volume (6) of the tank (2) and crossed at least in part by the loading tower (12) and by the unloading device (14) , the loading tower (12) comprising a structure (18) comprising at least three masts (20) and a loading conduit (22), the unloading device (14) comprising at least one unloading conduit (36), a suction element (38) disposed at a first end (40) of the discharge conduit (36) and a drive assembly (42) disposed at a second end (44) of the discharge conduit (36), the cover ( 16) being disposed between the suction element (38) and the drive assembly (42), the loading and unloading assembly (10) being characterized in that the unloading conduit (36) of the device unloading (14) is separate from the masts (20) of the structure (18) of the loading tower (12) and is arranged outside a perimeter (S) delimited by said structure (18) of the loading tower (12). Ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel deux des mâts (20) de la structure (18) de la tour de chargement (22) forment deux mâts arrière (20b) et un troisième mât (20) de la structure (18) forme un mât avant (20a), le conduit de déchargement (36) s'étendant à l'opposé d'un quelconque des deux mâts arrière (20b) par rapport au mât avant (20a) de la structure (18).Loading and unloading assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, in which two of the masts (20) of the structure (18) of the loading tower (22) form two rear masts (20b) and a third mast (20) of the structure (18) forms a front mast (20a), the unloading conduit (36) extending opposite any of the two rear masts (20b) with respect to the front mast (20a) of the structure (18). Ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins un dispositif de maintien (54) s'étend entre le conduit de déchargement (36) et un des mâts (20) de la structure (18).Loading and unloading assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one holding device (54) extends between the unloading conduit (36) and one of the masts (20) of the structure (18). Ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) selon une combinaison des revendications 2 et 3, dans lequel la structure (18) délimite un périmètre (S) sensiblement triangulaire comprenant au moins une base (48) définit par une droite rejoignant les deux mâts arrières (20b) et un sommet avant (50) définit pas le mât avant (20a), le dispositif de maintien (54) s'étendant entre le conduit de déchargement (36) et le mât avant (20a) de la structure (18) formant le sommet avant(50) du périmètre (S) de ladite structure (18).Loading and unloading assembly (10) according to a combination of claims 2 and 3, in which the structure (18) delimits a substantially triangular perimeter (S) comprising at least one base (48) defined by a straight line joining the two rear masts (20b) and a front apex (50) defines the front mast (20a), the holding device (54) extending between the unloading conduit (36) and the front mast (20a) of the structure (18) forming the front apex (50) of the perimeter (S) of said structure (18). Ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) selon la revendication précédente, dans lequel le sommet avant (50) du périmètre (S) de la structure (18) et le conduit de déchargement (36) sont alignés le long d'une hauteur (I) du périmètre (S) sensiblement triangulaire de la structure (18).Loading and unloading assembly (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the front vertex (50) of the perimeter (S) of the structure (18) and the unloading conduit (36) are aligned along a height ( I) of the substantially triangular perimeter (S) of the structure (18). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport d'un gaz liquéfié comprenant au moins un ensemble de chargement et de déchargement (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ladite cuve (2) comprenant une paroi de fond (28), une paroi de plafond et des parois latérales (4) reliant la paroi de fond (28) à la paroi de plafond, lesdites parois (4, 28) délimitant le volume de stockage (6) du gaz liquéfié.Tank (2) for storing and/or transporting a liquefied gas comprising at least one loading and unloading assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, said tank (2) comprising a bottom wall (28 ), a ceiling wall and side walls (4) connecting the bottom wall (28) to the ceiling wall, said walls (4, 28) delimiting the storage volume (6) of the liquefied gas. Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle l'ensemble d'entrainement (42) du dispositif de déchargement (14) est disposé en dehors du volume de stockage (6) de ladite cuve (2) et l'élément d'aspiration (38) du dispositif de déchargement (14) est disposé dans le volume de stockage (6) de la cuve (2).Storage and/or transport tank (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the drive assembly (42) of the unloading device (14) is arranged outside the storage volume (6) of the said tank (2 ) and the suction element (38) of the unloading device (14) is arranged in the storage volume (6) of the tank (2). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 ou 7, dans laquelle le conduit de déchargement (36) est disposé à l'opposé de la paroi latérale (4) la plus proche de la structure (18), par rapport à ladite structure (18).Storage and/or transport tank (2) according to any one of Claims 6 or 7, in which the unloading conduit (36) is arranged opposite the side wall (4) closest to the structure. (18), relative to said structure (18). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, comprenant au moins un puisard (56) formé dans la paroi de fond (28) de la cuve (2), l'élément d'aspiration (38) s'étendant au moins en partie dans le puisard (56).Storage and/or transport tank (2) according to any one of Claims 6 to 8, comprising at least one sump (56) formed in the bottom wall (28) of the tank (2), the element of suction (38) extending at least partially into the sump (56). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon la revendication précédente, comprenant un support (26) de la tour de chargement (12) qui traverse la paroi de fond (28), le puisard (56) étant formé de telle sorte qu'un centre (X) de ce dernier soit à une distance (D) au moins supérieure à 2,04m d'un centre (F) dudit support (26) de la tour de chargement (12).Storage and/or transport tank (2) according to the preceding claim, comprising a support (26) of the loading tower (12) which passes through the bottom wall (28), the sump (56) being formed in such a way that a center (X) of the latter is at a distance (D) at least greater than 2.04m from a center (F) of said support (26) of the loading tower (12). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon la revendication 10, dans lequel un centre (C) du conduit de déchargement (36) est positionné sur un point quelconque d'un demi-cercle (52) centré sur le centre (F) du support (26).Storage and/or transport vessel (2) according to Claim 10, in which a center (C) of the discharge conduit (36) is positioned at any point of a semicircle (52) centered on the center ( F) of the support (26). Cuve (2) de stockage et/ou de transport selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 11, dans laquelle la paroi de plafond comprend une ouverture dans laquelle est disposé le couvercle (16) de manière à fermer le volume de stockage (6) de la cuve (2).Storage and/or transport tank (2) according to any one of Claims 6 to 11, in which the ceiling wall comprises an opening in which the lid (16) is arranged so as to close the storage volume (6 ) of the tank (2).
EP22214626.8A 2021-12-22 2022-12-19 Tower for loading and unloading a liquefied gas storage tank Pending EP4202284A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2114275A FR3130930A1 (en) 2021-12-22 2021-12-22 Loading and unloading tower of a liquefied gas storage tank

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EP4202284A1 true EP4202284A1 (en) 2023-06-28

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JP (1) JP2023093407A (en)
KR (1) KR20230095852A (en)
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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018203005A2 (en) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-08 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Method for the handling of liquefied gas cargo and a storage facility
WO2019211550A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Sealed and thermally insulating tank provided with a loading/unloading tower
WO2019211551A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Sealed and thermally insulating tank provided with a loading/unloading tower
FR3089489A1 (en) * 2018-12-11 2020-06-12 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Loading and / or unloading tower of a vessel of a vessel and vessel comprising such a tower.
FR3097616A1 (en) * 2019-06-21 2020-12-25 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Method of installing a drive assembly for a pump of an unloading tower of a tank of a floating structure implementing an adjustment device

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3023257B1 (en) * 2014-07-04 2017-12-29 Gaztransport Et Technigaz SEALED AND INSULATED TANK DISPOSED IN A FLOATING DOUBLE SHELL
KR20160119343A (en) * 2015-04-03 2016-10-13 삼성중공업 주식회사 Storage tank for liquefied gas, and method for discharging liquefied gas from the same

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018203005A2 (en) * 2017-05-05 2018-11-08 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Method for the handling of liquefied gas cargo and a storage facility
WO2019211550A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Sealed and thermally insulating tank provided with a loading/unloading tower
WO2019211551A1 (en) * 2018-05-02 2019-11-07 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Sealed and thermally insulating tank provided with a loading/unloading tower
FR3089489A1 (en) * 2018-12-11 2020-06-12 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Loading and / or unloading tower of a vessel of a vessel and vessel comprising such a tower.
FR3097616A1 (en) * 2019-06-21 2020-12-25 Gaztransport Et Technigaz Method of installing a drive assembly for a pump of an unloading tower of a tank of a floating structure implementing an adjustment device

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CN116412352A (en) 2023-07-11
KR20230095852A (en) 2023-06-29
JP2023093407A (en) 2023-07-04
FR3130930A1 (en) 2023-06-23
FR3130740A1 (en) 2023-06-23

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