EP4244523A1 - Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank

Info

Publication number
EP4244523A1
EP4244523A1 EP21798634.8A EP21798634A EP4244523A1 EP 4244523 A1 EP4244523 A1 EP 4244523A1 EP 21798634 A EP21798634 A EP 21798634A EP 4244523 A1 EP4244523 A1 EP 4244523A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
insulating
rigid plate
internal
layer
housing
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
EP21798634.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mohamed Sassi
Sébastien COROT
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 EP4244523A1 publication Critical patent/EP4244523A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/025—Bulk storage in barges or on ships
    • F17C3/027—Wallpanels for so-called membrane tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B73/00—Building or assembling vessels or marine structures, e.g. hulls or offshore platforms
    • B63B73/20—Building or assembling prefabricated vessel modules or parts other than hull blocks, e.g. engine rooms, rudders, propellers, superstructures, berths, holds or tanks
    • 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 
    • B63B73/00—Building or assembling vessels or marine structures, e.g. hulls or offshore platforms
    • B63B73/40—Building or assembling vessels or marine structures, e.g. hulls or offshore platforms characterised by joining methods
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2231/00—Material used for some parts or elements, or for particular purposes
    • B63B2231/32—Vegetable materials or material comprising predominately vegetable material
    • B63B2231/34—Wood or wood products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B2231/00—Material used for some parts or elements, or for particular purposes
    • B63B2231/40—Synthetic materials
    • B63B2231/50—Foamed synthetic materials
    • 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
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0329—Foam
    • F17C2203/0333—Polyurethane
    • 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
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0358—Thermal insulations by solid means in form of panels
    • 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
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/227—Assembling processes by adhesive means
    • 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
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/228—Assembling processes by screws, bolts or rivets
    • 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
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/23—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations
    • F17C2209/232—Manufacturing of particular parts or at special locations of walls
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/013—Reducing manufacturing time or effort
    • 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
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/031—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer
    • F17C2260/033—Dealing with losses due to heat transfer by enhancing insulation
    • 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 invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage and/or transport of a liquefied gas, such as tanks for the transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (also called LPG) having for example a temperature between between -50°C and 0°C, or for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure.
  • LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
  • LNG Liquefied Natural Gas
  • tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure.
  • the tank may be intended for the transport of liquefied gas or to receive liquefied gas used as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.
  • Document WO19092384 discloses a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank.
  • the wall of the tank comprises a multilayer structure successively presenting, in the direction of the thickness, from the outside towards the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier comprising insulating panels retained on a load-bearing structure, a membrane of secondary sealing resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier comprising insulating panels resting against the secondary sealing membrane and a primary sealing membrane resting against the primary thermally insulating barrier and intended to be in contact with the gas natural liquid contained in the tank.
  • Each insulating panel of the primary thermally insulating barrier has cutouts along its edges and at its corners. These cutouts define recesses forming housings in which are housed anchoring devices ensuring the fixing of the insulating panels of the primary thermally insulating barrier to the insulating panels of the secondary thermally insulating barrier.
  • Insulating plugs comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam are housed in the housings formed in the primary thermally insulating barrier in order to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation.
  • this document provides for inserting each insulating plug inside a respective housing and pushing it in the direction of the supporting structure until the insulating plug is irreversibly damaged at the level of a support of said plug. insulation against a support member housed inside the housing. Each insulating plug is pushed until the inner end of the insulating plug reaches a predetermined position inside said housing.
  • An idea underlying the invention is to propose a method of manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier, intended to define an internal support surface of a sealing membrane and having housings as well as insulating plugs housed in said dwellings, which is simple to implement and which limits the presence of unevenness in the internal support surface of the waterproofing membrane at the level of the dwellings.
  • the invention proposes a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank fixed to a supporting structure, said method comprising the following steps: - anchoring a plurality of insulating panels directly or indirectly to the load-bearing structure by means of at least one anchoring device, said plurality of insulating panels defining an internal surface intended to support a sealing membrane and comprising a housing emerging at the level of the inner surface and in which the anchoring device is housed; - providing an insulating plug intended to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation at the level of said housing, said insulating plug comprising an internal end and an external end and having a dimension d1 between the internal end and the external end, the insulating plug comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam and an internal rigid plate fixed to the layer of insulating polymer foam and forming the internal end of the insulating plug; - insert the insulating plug inside the housing and push it in the direction of the supporting structure until the outer
  • such a method may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.
  • the internal rigid plate is made of plywood.
  • the internal rigid plate is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or an epoxy glue.
  • the internal rigid plate is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • the anchoring device housed inside said housing comprises a pin fixed directly or indirectly to the supporting structure.
  • a retaining member is mounted on the stud so that it cooperates with a retaining zone of at least one of the insulating panels so as to retain said insulating panel towards the supporting structure and a nut is screwed onto the stud so as to secure the retaining member to the stud.
  • the retaining member forms the bearing surface against which the outer end of the insulating plug is pushed.
  • the insulating plug comprises an outer rigid plate having an outer face forming the outer end of said insulating plug and an inner face in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam of the insulating plug, the outer rigid plate having a recess formed in the outer face of the outer rigid plate and in which is housed the nut of the anchoring device. This allows the layer of insulating polymer foam to provide better absorption of compression forces.
  • the inner face of the outer rigid plate at least partially covers the recess.
  • the outer rigid plate has a hole which opens into the recess and in which is housed one end of the stud, the hole having a diameter smaller than that of the recess.
  • the hole is blind.
  • the outer rigid plate is fixed to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • the outer rigid plate is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or an epoxy glue.
  • the outer rigid plate is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • the outer rigid plate is free with respect to the layer of insulating polymer foam, the insertion of the insulating plug inside the housing comprising a phase of inserting the outer rigid plate into said housing then a phase of inserting the layer of insulating polymer foam into said housing.
  • the layer of insulating polymer foam has a density of between 100 and 260 kg/m 3 .
  • the outer rigid plate is stapled to one of the insulating panels.
  • the invention also proposes a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank fixed to a supporting structure, said thermally insulating barrier comprising: - a plurality of insulating panels anchored directly or indirectly to the load-bearing structure by means of at least one anchoring device, said plurality of insulating panels defining an internal surface intended to support a sealing membrane and comprising a housing emerging at the level of the inner surface and in which the anchoring device is housed, - the anchoring device housed inside said housing comprising a pin fixed directly or indirectly to the supporting structure, a retaining member mounted on the pin so that it cooperates with a retaining zone of at least one of the insulating panels and a nut screwed onto the stud so as to secure the retaining member to the stud; - an insulating plug housed inside the housing so as to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation at the level of said housing, the insulating plug comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam,
  • the support zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam that is to say the zone through which the compression forces pass, under the effect of the dynamic and hydrostatic pressures exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, is greater.
  • This allows the layer of insulating polymer foam to ensure better absorption of compressive forces without the layer of insulating polymer foam having a higher density.
  • the invention relates to a vessel wall comprising a thermally insulating barrier mentioned above and a sealing membrane which rests against the thermally insulating barrier and is intended to be in contact with the fluid stored in the vessel.
  • the invention relates to a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising an aforementioned wall.
  • a tank according to one of the aforementioned embodiments can be part of an onshore storage installation, for example for storing LNG or be installed in a floating, coastal or deep-water structure, in particular an ethane or LNG carrier, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), floating production and remote storage unit (FPSO) and others.
  • the tank may be intended to receive liquefied natural gas serving as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.
  • the aforementioned thermally insulating barrier is a primary thermally insulating barrier, the vessel wall further comprising a secondary thermally insulating barrier and a secondary sealing membrane placed between the primary thermally insulating barrier and the secondary thermally insulating barrier .
  • a vessel for transporting a fluid comprises a hull, such as a double hull, and a aforementioned tank disposed in the hull.
  • the invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a ship, in which a fluid is routed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship.
  • the invention also provides a transfer system for a fluid, the system comprising the aforementioned vessel, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the tank installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or terrestrial storage installation and a pump for driving a flow of fluid through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or onshore storage facility to or from the vessel's tank.
  • The is a representation in cutaway perspective of a wall of a watertight and thermally insulating tank.
  • each wall 1 of the tank comprises successively, in the direction of the thickness, from the outside towards the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 retained on the supporting structure 2, a secondary sealing membrane 4 resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3, a primary thermally insulating barrier 5 resting against the secondary sealing membrane 4 and a primary sealing membrane 6 intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.
  • a fluid such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
  • LNG liquefied natural gas
  • the load-bearing structure 2 may in particular comprise self-supporting metal sheets or, more generally, any type of rigid partitions having appropriate mechanical properties.
  • the load-bearing structure 2 can in particular be formed by the hull or the double hull of a ship.
  • the support structure 2 comprises a plurality of walls defining the general shape of the tank, usually a polyhedral shape.
  • the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 comprises a plurality of secondary insulating panels 7 anchored to the supporting structure 2 by means of resin beads and studs welded to the supporting structure 2.
  • the secondary insulating panels 7 have substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and are juxtaposed in parallel rows and separated from each other by interstices guaranteeing a functional mounting clearance. The gaps are filled with a heat-insulating filling such as glass wool, rock wool or open-cell flexible synthetic foam, for example.
  • the secondary insulating panels 7 each comprise a layer of polymer foam 8 sandwiched between an internal plate 9 and an external plate 10.
  • the internal 9 and external 10 plates are, for example, plywood plates glued to said layer of foam polymer 8.
  • the polymer foam 8 may in particular be a polyurethane-based foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers for example.
  • the secondary sealing membrane 4 comprises a continuous layer of strakes, metallic, with raised edges.
  • the strakes are welded by their raised edges to parallel welding supports which are fixed in the grooves provided on the internal plates 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the strakes are, for example, made of Invar ®: that is to say say an alloy of iron and nickel whose coefficient of expansion is typically between 1.2.10 -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 .
  • the secondary sealing membrane 4 comprises a plurality of corrugated metal sheets each having a substantially rectangular shape which are welded to each other overlapping.
  • the corrugated metal sheets are welded to metal plates which are fixed to the internal plate 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the corrugations project, for example, towards the outside of the tank and are housed in grooves provided in the internal plate 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprises a plurality of primary insulating panels 11 of substantially rectangular parallelepipedic shape.
  • the primary insulating panels 11 are offset here with respect to the secondary insulating panels 7 of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 so that each primary insulating panel 11 is staggered on four secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the primary insulating panels 11 are fixed on the secondary insulating panels 7 by means of anchoring devices 12 which will be described later.
  • each primary insulating panel 11 has a layer of polymer foam 13 sandwiched between two rigid plates, namely an outer plate 15 and an inner plate 14.
  • the outer 15 and inner 14 plates are for example made of plywood.
  • the layer of polymer foam 13 is, for example, polyurethane foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers.
  • the primary waterproofing membrane 6 is obtained by assembling a plurality of corrugated metal sheets.
  • the corrugated metal sheets each have a substantially rectangular shape.
  • the corrugations protrude inward from the tank.
  • the corrugated metal sheets of the primary waterproofing membrane 6 are arranged offset from the primary insulating panels 11 such that each of said corrugated metal sheets extends jointly over four adjacent primary insulating panels 11.
  • the corrugated metal sheets are overlap welded together and are further welded along their edges to metal plates which are fixed to the primary insulating panels 11 and more particularly to their internal plate 14.
  • the internal plates 14 of the primary insulating panels 11 define the internal support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • each primary insulating panel 11 has a recess 16 at each of its corners.
  • Each recess 16 passes through the inner plate 14 and extends over the entire thickness of the polymer foam layer 13.
  • each of the recesses 16 projects beyond the polymer foam layer 13 and the inner plate 14 so as to form a support zone 17 cooperating with an anchoring device 12.
  • Each recess 16 formed in the corner of one of the primary insulating panels 11 is arranged opposite the recesses 16 formed in the corner of the three adjacent primary insulating panels 11 so that the four recesses 16 together define a housing 18 in the thermal barrier primary insulating 5.
  • a single anchoring device 12 disposed in said housing 18 can cooperate with four bearing areas 17 respectively belonging to four primary insulating panels 11 adjacent.
  • a cleat 19, for example made of plywood, is fixed to the support zone 17 of each primary insulating panel 11 so as to reinforce it.
  • each housing 18 is formed by several recesses 16 made at the corners of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • each housing 18 is not made either at the level of an edge of a primary insulating panel 11, nor at one of its corners, but is provided through the polymer foam layer 13 of a single primary insulating panel 11.
  • each anchoring device 12 comprises a stud 20 which protrudes from a metal plate, not shown, which is fixed to the internal plate 9 of one of the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the studs 20 each pass through an orifice formed in the secondary sealing membrane 4.
  • the secondary sealing membrane 4 is welded in a leaktight manner to the metal plate all around the orifice so as to ensure sealing the passage of the studs 20 through the secondary sealing membrane 4.
  • each anchoring device 12 comprises a retaining member 21 which is fixed to each of the studs 20 and which bears against the support zones 17 of each of the four adjacent primary insulating panels 11, here via the cleats 19.
  • a fixing member such as a nut 22 cooperates with a thread of the stud 20 and bears against the internal face of the retaining member 21 so that the retaining member 21 is fixed on stud 20 and thus exerts a retaining force against bearing zones 17.
  • nut 22 is a split nut and has the advantage of not loosening in operation.
  • the retainer 21 is an annular plate which has an orifice threaded onto the pin 20.
  • one or more elastic washers such as Belleville washers, are threaded onto the stud 20, between the nut 22 and the retaining member 21, which makes it possible to ensure a elastic anchoring of the primary insulating panels 11 on the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • the primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprises an insulating plug 25 which is intended to be inserted into the housing 18 so as to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation.
  • the insulating plug 25 comprises a layer of insulating polymer foam 23.
  • the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 is, for example, a polyurethane foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers.
  • the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 has a density of between 100 and 260 kg/m 3 and advantageously between 110 and 150 kg/m 3 , for example of the order of 130 kg/m 3 .
  • the insulating plug 25 further comprises an internal rigid plate 24, for example made of plywood, forming the internal end of the insulating plug 25.
  • the internal rigid plate 24 is advantageously glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23, for example by means of polyurethane glue or epoxy glue.
  • the internal rigid plate 24 is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23.
  • the staples are advantageously positioned at a distance from the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, for example by being arranged in cavities made in the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, so as not to prejudice the subsequent sanding operations described below.
  • the insulating plug 25 has an outer end which bears in the direction of the carrier structure 2 against a bearing surface housed in the housing 18.
  • the bearing surface is formed by the retainer 21.
  • the support surface is positioned at a distance d2 from the internal support surface of the primary waterproofing membrane 6.
  • the insulating plug 25 has a recess 26 which opens at the outer end of said insulating plug 25 and in which is formed the nut 22 of the anchoring device 12.
  • the insulating plug 25 also comprises a blind hole 27 which opens in said recess 26 and in which the end of stud 20 is housed. the outer end of said insulating plug 25.
  • the dimension d1 is less than d2.
  • the insulating plug 25 is inserted inside the housing 18 then pushed in the direction of the load-bearing structure 2 until the outer end of the insulating plug 25 comes to bear against the support surface, that is to say against the retaining member 21.
  • This operation thus makes it possible to level the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24 of the insulating plug 25 with the internal surface of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • This leveling operation is for example carried out by means of a plane.
  • a plane is typically provided with one or more handles, with a sole intended to cooperate with the surface to be planed, here the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, and with a tool flush with the sole and making it possible to machine the surface to be planed.
  • the tool is a roller fitted with blades or a cutter and is driven in rotation by a motor.
  • the internal rigid plate 24 is fixed to the primary thermally insulating barrier 5.
  • the internal rigid plate 24 is, for example, fixed to one of the four insulating panels primary 11 bordering the housing 18 by means of one or more staples arranged astride between the internal rigid plate and one of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • Such a method is advantageous in that it makes it possible to prevent the insulating plugs 25 locally causing unevenness which affects the flatness of the support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • the insulating plug 25 comprises an internal rigid plate 24 which is leveled in order to bring its internal face level with the internal support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • the insulating plug 25 of the embodiment of the differs from the embodiment described above in connection with the in that it further comprises an outer rigid plate 28, for example made of plywood.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 has an outer face which forms the outer end of the insulating plug 25 and which is, therefore, intended to bear in the direction of the carrier structure 2 against the bearing surface, that is to say say against the retainer 21 in the embodiment shown.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 has an inner face which is in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam 23.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or epoxy glue.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23.
  • the insulating plug 25 is made in two parts free relative to each other and respectively comprising the outer rigid plate 28, on the one hand, and the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 and the internal rigid plate 24, on the other hand.
  • the insertion of the insulating plug 25 inside the housing is carried out in two stages.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 is inserted into the housing 18 and pushed in the direction of the support structure 2 until it comes to rest against the retaining member 21.
  • the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 and the internal rigid plate 24 are inserted into the housing 18 then pushed in the direction of the supporting structure 2 until the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 comes to bear against the external rigid plate 28.
  • the outer rigid plate 28 has a recess 29 which is formed in the outer face of the outer rigid plate 28 and in which is housed the nut 22 of the anchoring device 12.
  • the plate external rigid 28 also includes a hole 30 which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the recess 29 and in which the end of the stud 20 is housed.
  • the hole 30 can either pass through and thus pass through the internal face of the external rigid plate 29, either blind, that is to say that it does not cross the internal face of the external rigid plate 28. Be that as it may, the internal face of the external rigid plate 28 at least partially covers the recess 29.
  • the support zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam 23, that is to say the zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam 2 through which the compressive forces pass, under the effect dynamic and hydrostatic pressures exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, is greater than in the embodiment of the .
  • the outer rigid plate 28 When the outer rigid plate 28 has been chosen, it is then, according to one embodiment, fixed, by gluing, by stapling or by means of one or more screws, to the layer of insulating polymer foam 22.
  • This embodiment differs from that described above in relation to the in that each of the primary insulating panels 11 is positioned in line with one of the secondary insulating panels 7, in alignment with the latter in the thickness direction of the wall 1.
  • the anchoring devices are preferably positioned at the level of the four corners of the secondary insulating panels 7 and primary insulating panels 11.
  • Each stack of a secondary insulating panel 7 and of a primary insulating panel 11 is therefore anchored to the supporting structure 2 by means of four anchoring devices.
  • each anchoring device cooperates with the corners of four adjacent secondary insulating panels 7 and with the corners of four adjacent primary insulating panels 11.
  • the primary sealing membrane 6 comprises a continuous sheet of metal strakes with raised edges.
  • the metal strakes are welded by their raised edges to parallel welding supports which are fixed in grooves provided on the internal plates of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • a cutaway view of an LNG carrier 70 shows a sealed and insulated tank 71 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship.
  • the wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary membrane intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary membrane arranged between the primary membrane and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two thermally insulating barriers arranged respectively between the primary membrane and the secondary membrane and between the secondary membrane and the double shell 72.
  • loading/unloading pipes 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 71.
  • The also shows an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76 and an installation on land 77.
  • the loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 which supports the movable arm 74.
  • the movable arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 which can be connected to the loading/unloading pipes 73.
  • the adjustable movable arm 74 adapts to all LNG tanker gauges.
  • a connecting pipe, not shown, extends inside the tower 78.
  • the loading and unloading station 75 allows the loading and unloading of the LNG carrier 70 from or to the shore installation 77.
  • This comprises liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected by the underwater pipe 76 to the loading or unloading station 75.
  • the underwater pipe 76 allows the transfer of the liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the shore installation 77 over a great distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the LNG carrier 70 at a great distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.
  • pumps on board the ship 70 and/or pumps fitted to the shore installation 77 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier (5) for a wall (1) of a fluid-tight and thermally insulating tank which is attached to a supporting structure (2), the method comprising the following steps: anchoring a plurality of insulating panels (11) by means of at least one anchoring device (12), the plurality of insulating panels (11) comprising a housing (18) in which the anchoring device (12) is received; inserting an insulating stopper (25) inside the housing (18) and pushing it in the direction of the supporting structure (2) until the insulating stopper (25) bears in the direction of the supporting structure (2) against a bearing surface; levelling the insulating stopper (25) so that the internal end of the insulating stopper (25) is flush with the internal surface of the plurality of insulating panels (11).

Description

    Procédé de fabrication d’une barrière thermiquement isolante pour une cuveProcess for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank
  • L’invention concerne le domaine des cuves, étanches et thermiquement isolantes pour le stockage et/ou le transport d’un gaz liquéfié, telles que des cuves pour le transport de Gaz de Pétrole Liquéfié (aussi appelé GPL) présentant par exemple une température comprise entre -50°C et 0°C, ou pour le transport de Gaz Naturel Liquéfié (GNL) à environ -162°C à pression atmosphérique.The invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage and/or transport of a liquefied gas, such as tanks for the transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (also called LPG) having for example a temperature between between -50°C and 0°C, or for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure.
  • Ces cuves peuvent être installées à terre ou sur un ouvrage flottant. Dans le cas d’un ouvrage flottant, la cuve peut être destinée au transport de gaz liquéfié ou à recevoir du gaz liquéfié servant de carburant pour la propulsion de l’ouvrage flottant.These tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the tank may be intended for the transport of liquefied gas or to receive liquefied gas used as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.
    • Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background
  • Le document WO19092384 divulgue un procédé de fabrication d’une barrière thermiquement isolante pour une paroi d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante. La paroi de la cuve comporte une structure multicouche présentant successivement, dans le sens de l’épaisseur, depuis l’extérieur vers l’intérieur de la cuve, une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire comprenant des panneaux isolants retenus à une structure porteuse, une membrane d’étanchéité secondaire reposant contre la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire, une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire comprenant des panneaux isolants reposant contre la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire et une membrane d’étanchéité primaire reposant contre la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire et destinée à être en contact avec le gaz naturel liquéfié contenu dans la cuve. Chaque panneau isolant de la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire présente des découpes le long de ses bords et au niveau de ses coins. Ces découpes définissent des évidements formant des logements dans lesquels sont logés des dispositifs d’ancrage assurant la fixation des panneaux isolants de la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire sur les panneaux isolants de la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire. Des bouchons isolants comportant une couche de mousse polymère isolante sont logés dans les logements ménagés dans la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire afin d’assurer une continuité de l’isolation thermique. Pour ce faire, ce document prévoit d’insérer chaque bouchon isolant à l’intérieur d’un logement respectif et de le pousser en direction de la structure porteuse jusqu’à endommager de manière irréversible le bouchon isolant au niveau d’un appui dudit bouchon isolant contre un organe d’appui logé à l’intérieur du logement. Chaque bouchon isolant est poussé jusqu’à ce que l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant atteigne une position prédéterminée à l’intérieur dudit logement.Document WO19092384 discloses a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank. The wall of the tank comprises a multilayer structure successively presenting, in the direction of the thickness, from the outside towards the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier comprising insulating panels retained on a load-bearing structure, a membrane of secondary sealing resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier comprising insulating panels resting against the secondary sealing membrane and a primary sealing membrane resting against the primary thermally insulating barrier and intended to be in contact with the gas natural liquid contained in the tank. Each insulating panel of the primary thermally insulating barrier has cutouts along its edges and at its corners. These cutouts define recesses forming housings in which are housed anchoring devices ensuring the fixing of the insulating panels of the primary thermally insulating barrier to the insulating panels of the secondary thermally insulating barrier. Insulating plugs comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam are housed in the housings formed in the primary thermally insulating barrier in order to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation. To do this, this document provides for inserting each insulating plug inside a respective housing and pushing it in the direction of the supporting structure until the insulating plug is irreversibly damaged at the level of a support of said plug. insulation against a support member housed inside the housing. Each insulating plug is pushed until the inner end of the insulating plug reaches a predetermined position inside said housing.
  • Ceci permet d’éviter que les bouchons isolants n’occasionnent localement des dénivelés qui affectent la planéité de la surface de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire et cela même lorsque les tolérances dimensionnelles de fabrication des bouchons isolants sont importantes.This prevents the insulating plugs from locally causing unevenness which affects the flatness of the support surface of the primary waterproofing membrane, even when the dimensional tolerances for manufacturing the insulating plugs are high.
  • Toutefois, ce procédé n’est pas totalement satisfaisant. En particulier, la poussée des bouchons isolants jusqu’à ce qu’ils se déforment de manière irréversible nécessite des efforts importants de la part des opérateurs, ce qui allonge la durée de fabrication de la barrière thermiquement isolante et dégrade les conditions de travail des opérateurs, et cela d’autant plus lorsque la mousse polymère des bouchons isolants présente une densité importante.However, this process is not entirely satisfactory. In particular, the pushing of the insulating plugs until they deform irreversibly requires significant efforts on the part of the operators, which lengthens the manufacturing time of the thermally insulating barrier and degrades the working conditions of the operators. , and all the more so when the polymer foam of the insulating plugs has a high density.
    • RésuméSummary
  • Une idée à la base de l’invention est de proposer un procédé de fabrication d’une barrière thermiquement isolante, destinée à définir une surface interne de support d’une membrane d’étanchéité et présentant des logements ainsi que des bouchons isolants logés dans lesdits logements, qui soit simple à mettre en œuvre et qui limite la présence de dénivelés dans la surface interne de support de la membrane d’étanchéité au droit des logements.An idea underlying the invention is to propose a method of manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier, intended to define an internal support surface of a sealing membrane and having housings as well as insulating plugs housed in said dwellings, which is simple to implement and which limits the presence of unevenness in the internal support surface of the waterproofing membrane at the level of the dwellings.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention propose un procédé de fabrication d’une barrière thermiquement isolante pour une paroi d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante fixée à une structure porteuse, ledit procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :
    - ancrer une pluralité de panneaux isolants directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse au moyen d’au moins un dispositif d’ancrage, ladite pluralité de panneaux isolants définissant une surface interne destinée à supporter une membrane d’étanchéité et comportant un logement débouchant au niveau de la surface interne et dans lequel est logé le dispositif d’ancrage ;
    - fournir un bouchon isolant destiné à assurer une continuité de l’isolation thermique au niveau dudit logement, ledit bouchon isolant comportant une extrémité interne et une extrémité externe et présentant une dimension d1 entre l’extrémité interne et l’extrémité externe, le bouchon isolant comportant une couche de mousse polymère isolante et une plaque rigide interne fixée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante et formant l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant ;
    - insérer le bouchon isolant à l’intérieur du logement et le pousser en direction de la structure porteuse jusqu’à ce que l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant vienne en appui en direction de la structure porteuse contre une surface d’appui qui est distante de la surface interne de la pluralité de panneaux isolants d’une distance d2 inférieure à d1 ;
    - araser la plaque rigide interne du bouchon isolant de sorte que l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant affleure la surface interne de la pluralité de panneaux isolants.    According to one embodiment, the invention proposes a method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank fixed to a supporting structure, said method comprising the following steps:
    - anchoring a plurality of insulating panels directly or indirectly to the load-bearing structure by means of at least one anchoring device, said plurality of insulating panels defining an internal surface intended to support a sealing membrane and comprising a housing emerging at the level of the inner surface and in which the anchoring device is housed;
    - providing an insulating plug intended to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation at the level of said housing, said insulating plug comprising an internal end and an external end and having a dimension d1 between the internal end and the external end, the insulating plug comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam and an internal rigid plate fixed to the layer of insulating polymer foam and forming the internal end of the insulating plug;
    - insert the insulating plug inside the housing and push it in the direction of the supporting structure until the outer end of the insulating plug comes to rest in the direction of the supporting structure against a support surface which is distant from the inner surface of the plurality of insulating panels by a distance d2 less than d1;
    - Level the internal rigid plate of the insulating cap so that the internal end of the insulating cap is flush with the internal surface of the plurality of insulating panels.
  • Ainsi, un tel procédé est particulièrement simple puisqu’il ne nécessite pas d’appliquer des efforts de poussée importants pour déformer les bouchons isolants et autorise une augmentation des tolérances dimensionnelles du bouchon puisque celles-ci ne sont pas critiques dans le procédé proposé. En outre, ce procédé permet d’éviter que les bouchons isolants n’occasionnent localement des dénivelés au niveau de la surface de support de la membrane d’étanchéité.Thus, such a method is particularly simple since it does not require the application of significant thrust forces to deform the insulating plugs and allows an increase in the dimensional tolerances of the plug since these are not critical in the proposed method. In addition, this process makes it possible to prevent the insulating caps from locally causing unevenness at the level of the support surface of the waterproofing membrane.
  • Selon des modes de réalisation, un tel procédé peut comporter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes.According to embodiments, such a method may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide interne est réalisée en bois contreplaqué.According to one embodiment, the internal rigid plate is made of plywood.
  • Selon une variante de réalisation, la plaque rigide interne est collée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante, par exemple au moyen d’une colle polyuréthane ou d’une colle époxy.According to a variant embodiment, the internal rigid plate is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or an epoxy glue.
  • Selon une autre variante de réalisation, la plaque rigide interne est agrafée sur la couche de mousse polymère isolante.According to another alternative embodiment, the internal rigid plate is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, le dispositif d’ancrage logé à l’intérieur dudit logement comporte un goujon fixé directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse. Lors de l’ancrage de la pluralité de panneaux isolants, l’on monte sur le goujon un organe de retenue de manière à ce qu’il coopère avec une zone de retenue d’au moins l’un des panneaux isolants de sorte à retenir ledit panneau isolant vers la structure porteuse et l’on visse un écrou sur le goujon de sorte à assurer la fixation de l’organe de retenue sur le goujon.According to one embodiment, the anchoring device housed inside said housing comprises a pin fixed directly or indirectly to the supporting structure. When anchoring the plurality of insulating panels, a retaining member is mounted on the stud so that it cooperates with a retaining zone of at least one of the insulating panels so as to retain said insulating panel towards the supporting structure and a nut is screwed onto the stud so as to secure the retaining member to the stud.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’organe de retenue forme la surface d’appui contre laquelle l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant est poussée.According to one embodiment, the retaining member forms the bearing surface against which the outer end of the insulating plug is pushed.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, le bouchon isolant comporte une plaque rigide externe présentant une face externe formant l’extrémité externe dudit bouchon isolant et une face interne en contact contre la couche de mousse polymère isolante du bouchon isolant, la plaque rigide externe présentant un renfoncement ménagé dans la face externe de la plaque rigide externe et dans lequel est logé l’écrou du dispositif d’ancrage. Ceci permet à la couche de mousse polymère isolante d’assurer une meilleure reprise des efforts de compression.According to one embodiment, the insulating plug comprises an outer rigid plate having an outer face forming the outer end of said insulating plug and an inner face in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam of the insulating plug, the outer rigid plate having a recess formed in the outer face of the outer rigid plate and in which is housed the nut of the anchoring device. This allows the layer of insulating polymer foam to provide better absorption of compression forces.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la face interne de la plaque rigide externe recouvre au moins partiellement le renfoncement.According to one embodiment, the inner face of the outer rigid plate at least partially covers the recess.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe présente un trou qui débouche dans le renfoncement et dans lequel est logée une extrémité du goujon, le trou présentant un diamètre inférieur à celui du renfoncement.According to one embodiment, the outer rigid plate has a hole which opens into the recess and in which is housed one end of the stud, the hole having a diameter smaller than that of the recess.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, le trou est borgne.According to one embodiment, the hole is blind.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe est fixée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante.According to one embodiment, the outer rigid plate is fixed to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • Selon une variante de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe est collée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante, par exemple au moyen d’une colle polyuréthane ou d’une colle époxy.According to a variant embodiment, the outer rigid plate is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or an epoxy glue.
  • Selon une autre variante de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe est agrafée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante.According to another alternative embodiment, the outer rigid plate is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam.
  • Selon un autre mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe est libre par rapport à la couche de mousse polymère isolante, l’insertion du bouchon isolant à l’intérieur du logement comportant une phase d’insertion de la plaque rigide externe dans ledit logement puis une phase d’insertion de la couche de mousse polymère isolante dans ledit logement.According to another embodiment, the outer rigid plate is free with respect to the layer of insulating polymer foam, the insertion of the insulating plug inside the housing comprising a phase of inserting the outer rigid plate into said housing then a phase of inserting the layer of insulating polymer foam into said housing.
  • Selon un autre mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe est choisie parmi plusieurs plaques rigides externes présentant des épaisseurs différentes de manière à limiter l’épaisseur ∆ = d1-d2 de la plaque rigide interne à araser. According to another embodiment, the external rigid plate is chosen from among several external rigid plates having different thicknesses so as to limit the thickness Δ=d1-d2 of the internal rigid plate to be leveled.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la couche de mousse polymère isolante présente une densité comprise entre 100 et 260 kg/m3.According to one embodiment, the layer of insulating polymer foam has a density of between 100 and 260 kg/m 3 .
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’on agrafe la plaque rigide externe à l’un des panneaux isolants.According to one embodiment, the outer rigid plate is stapled to one of the insulating panels.
  • Selon un autre aspect, l’invention propose également une barrière thermiquement isolante pour une paroi d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante fixée à une structure porteuse, ladite barrière thermiquement isolante comportant :
    - une pluralité de panneaux isolants ancrés directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse au moyen d’au moins un dispositif d’ancrage, ladite pluralité de panneaux isolants définissant une surface interne destinée à supporter une membrane d’étanchéité et comportant un logement débouchant au niveau de la surface interne et dans lequel est logé le dispositif d’ancrage,
    - le dispositif d’ancrage logé à l’intérieur dudit logement comportant un goujon fixé directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse, un organe de retenue monté sur le goujon de manière à ce qu’il coopère avec une zone de retenue d’au moins l’un des panneaux isolants et un écrou vissé sur le goujon de sorte à assurer la fixation de l’organe de retenue sur le goujon ;
    - un bouchon isolant logé à l’intérieur du logement de manière à assurer une continuité de l’isolation thermique au niveau dudit logement, le bouchon isolant comportant une couche de mousse polymère isolante, une plaque rigide interne fixée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante et formant l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant et une plaque rigide externe, ladite plaque rigide externe présentant une face interne en contact contre la couche de mousse polymère isolante du bouchon isolant et une face externe formant l’extrémité externe dudit bouchon isolant et en appui en direction de la structure porteuse contre l’organe de retenue, la plaque rigide externe présentant un renfoncement ménagé dans la face externe de la plaque rigide externe et dans lequel est logé l’écrou du dispositif d’ancrage, la face interne de la plaque rigide externe recouvrant au moins partiellement le renfoncement.    According to another aspect, the invention also proposes a thermally insulating barrier for a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank fixed to a supporting structure, said thermally insulating barrier comprising:
    - a plurality of insulating panels anchored directly or indirectly to the load-bearing structure by means of at least one anchoring device, said plurality of insulating panels defining an internal surface intended to support a sealing membrane and comprising a housing emerging at the level of the inner surface and in which the anchoring device is housed,
    - the anchoring device housed inside said housing comprising a pin fixed directly or indirectly to the supporting structure, a retaining member mounted on the pin so that it cooperates with a retaining zone of at least one of the insulating panels and a nut screwed onto the stud so as to secure the retaining member to the stud;
    - an insulating plug housed inside the housing so as to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation at the level of said housing, the insulating plug comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam, an internal rigid plate fixed to the layer of insulating polymer foam and forming the inner end of the insulating plug and an outer rigid plate, said outer rigid plate having an inner face in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam of the insulating plug and an outer face forming the outer end of said insulating plug and resting in the direction of the load-bearing structure against the retaining member, the outer rigid plate having a recess made in the outer face of the outer rigid plate and in which the nut of the anchoring device is housed, the inner face of the plate external rigid covering at least partially the recess.
  • Ainsi, grâce à un tel agencement, la zone de support de la couche de mousse polymère isolante, c’est-à-dire la zone par laquelle transite les efforts de compression, sous l’effet des pressions dynamiques et hydrostatiques exercées par le liquide contenu dans la cuve, est plus importante. Ceci permet à la couche de mousse polymère isolante d’assurer une meilleure reprise des efforts de compression sans pour autant que le couche de mousse polymère isolante présente une densité plus importante.Thus, thanks to such an arrangement, the support zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam, that is to say the zone through which the compression forces pass, under the effect of the dynamic and hydrostatic pressures exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, is greater. This allows the layer of insulating polymer foam to ensure better absorption of compressive forces without the layer of insulating polymer foam having a higher density.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention vise une paroi de cuve comportant une barrière thermiquement isolante précitée et une membrane d’étanchéité qui repose contre la barrière thermiquement isolante et est destinée à être en contact avec le fluide stocké dans la cuve.According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a vessel wall comprising a thermally insulating barrier mentioned above and a sealing membrane which rests against the thermally insulating barrier and is intended to be in contact with the fluid stored in the vessel.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention vise une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante comportant une paroi précitée.According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising an aforementioned wall.
  • Une cuve selon l’un des modes de réalisation précités peut faire partie d’une installation de stockage terrestre, par exemple pour stocker du GNL ou être installée dans une structure flottante, côtière ou en eau profonde, notamment un navire éthanier ou méthanier, une unité flottante de stockage et de regazéification (FSRU), une unité flottante de production et de stockage déporté (FPSO) et autres. Dans le cas d’une structure flottante, la cuve peut être destinée à recevoir du gaz naturel liquéfié servant de carburant pour la propulsion de la structure flottante.A tank according to one of the aforementioned embodiments can be part of an onshore storage installation, for example for storing LNG or be installed in a floating, coastal or deep-water structure, in particular an ethane or LNG carrier, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), floating production and remote storage unit (FPSO) and others. In the case of a floating structure, the tank may be intended to receive liquefied natural gas serving as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, la barrière thermiquement isolante précitée est une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire, la paroi de cuve comportant en outre une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire et une membrane d’étanchéité secondaire disposée entre la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire et la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire.According to one embodiment, the aforementioned thermally insulating barrier is a primary thermally insulating barrier, the vessel wall further comprising a secondary thermally insulating barrier and a secondary sealing membrane placed between the primary thermally insulating barrier and the secondary thermally insulating barrier .
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, un navire pour le transport d’un fluide comporte une coque, telle qu‘une double coque, et une cuve précitée disposée dans la coque.According to one embodiment, a vessel for transporting a fluid comprises a hull, such as a double hull, and a aforementioned tank disposed in the hull.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention fournit aussi un procédé de chargement ou déchargement d’un tel navire, dans lequel on achemine un fluide à travers des canalisations isolées depuis ou vers une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve du navire.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a ship, in which a fluid is routed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship.
  • Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention fournit aussi un système de transfert pour un fluide, le système comportant le navire précité, des canalisations isolées agencées de manière à relier la cuve installée dans la coque du navire à une installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre et une pompe pour entrainer un flux de fluide à travers les canalisations isolées depuis ou vers l’installation de stockage flottante ou terrestre vers ou depuis la cuve du navire.According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for a fluid, the system comprising the aforementioned vessel, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the tank installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or terrestrial storage installation and a pump for driving a flow of fluid through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or onshore storage facility to or from the vessel's tank.
    • Breve description des figuresBrief description of figures
  • L’invention sera mieux comprise, et d'autres buts, détails, caractéristiques et avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement au cours de la description suivante de plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers de l’invention, donnés uniquement à titre illustratif et non limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés.The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation. , with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • La est une représentation en perspective écorchée d’une paroi d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante. The is a representation in cutaway perspective of a wall of a watertight and thermally insulating tank.
  • La est une vue en coupe d’une barrière thermiquement isolante passant par un bouchon isolant selon un premier mode de réalisation. The is a sectional view of a thermally insulating barrier passing through an insulating cap according to a first embodiment.
  • La est une vue en coupe d’une barrière thermiquement isolante passant par un bouchon isolant selon un deuxième mode de réalisation. The is a sectional view of a thermally insulating barrier passing through an insulating cap according to a second embodiment.
  • La est une représentation schématique écorchée d’un navire comportant une cuve de stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié et d’un terminal de chargement/déchargement de cette cuve. The is a cutaway schematic representation of a ship comprising a liquefied natural gas storage tank and a loading/unloading terminal for this tank.
  • La est une représentation en perspective écorchée d’une paroi d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante selon un autre mode de réalisation. The is a representation in cutaway perspective of a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank according to another embodiment.
  • Par convention, les termes «externe » et « interne » sont utilisés pour définir la position relative d'un élément par rapport à un autre, par référence à l'extérieur et à l’intérieur de la cuve.By convention, the terms "external" and "internal" are used to define the relative position of one element to another, with reference to the outside and inside of the tank.
  • Sur la , on a représenté la structure multicouche d’une paroi 1 d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante de stockage d’un fluide, tel que du gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL). Chaque paroi 1 de la cuve comporte successivement, dans le sens de l’épaisseur, depuis l’extérieur vers l’intérieur de la cuve, une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3 retenue à la structure porteuse 2, une membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 reposant contre la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3, une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5 reposant contre la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 et une membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6 destinée à être en contact avec le gaz naturel liquéfié contenu dans la cuve.On the , there is shown the multilayer structure of a wall 1 of a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Each wall 1 of the tank comprises successively, in the direction of the thickness, from the outside towards the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 retained on the supporting structure 2, a secondary sealing membrane 4 resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3, a primary thermally insulating barrier 5 resting against the secondary sealing membrane 4 and a primary sealing membrane 6 intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.
  • La structure porteuse 2 peut notamment comprendre des tôles métalliques autoporteuses ou, plus généralement, tout type de cloisons rigides présentant des propriétés mécaniques appropriées. La structure porteuse 2 peut notamment être formée par la coque ou la double coque d’un navire. La structure porteuse 2 comporte une pluralité de parois définissant la forme générale de la cuve, habituellement une forme polyédrique.The load-bearing structure 2 may in particular comprise self-supporting metal sheets or, more generally, any type of rigid partitions having appropriate mechanical properties. The load-bearing structure 2 can in particular be formed by the hull or the double hull of a ship. The support structure 2 comprises a plurality of walls defining the general shape of the tank, usually a polyhedral shape.
  • La barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3 comporte une pluralité de panneaux isolants secondaires 7 ancrés à la structure porteuse 2 au moyen de cordons de résine et de goujons soudés sur la structure porteuse 2. Les panneaux isolants secondaires 7 présentent sensiblement une forme de parallélépipède rectangle et sont juxtaposés selon des rangées parallèles et séparées les uns des autres par des interstices garantissant un jeu fonctionnel de montage. Les interstices sont comblés avec une garniture calorifuge telle que de la laine de verre, de la laine de roche ou de la mousse synthétique souple à cellules ouvertes, par exemple. Les panneaux isolants secondaires 7 comportent chacun une couche de mousse polymère 8 prise en sandwich entre une plaque interne 9 et une plaque externe 10. Les plaques interne 9 et externe 10 sont, par exemple, des plaques de bois contreplaqué collées sur ladite couche de mousse polymère 8. La mousse polymère 8 peut notamment être une mousse à base de polyuréthane, optionnellement renforcée de fibres, telles que des fibres de verre par exemple.The secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 comprises a plurality of secondary insulating panels 7 anchored to the supporting structure 2 by means of resin beads and studs welded to the supporting structure 2. The secondary insulating panels 7 have substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and are juxtaposed in parallel rows and separated from each other by interstices guaranteeing a functional mounting clearance. The gaps are filled with a heat-insulating filling such as glass wool, rock wool or open-cell flexible synthetic foam, for example. The secondary insulating panels 7 each comprise a layer of polymer foam 8 sandwiched between an internal plate 9 and an external plate 10. The internal 9 and external 10 plates are, for example, plywood plates glued to said layer of foam polymer 8. The polymer foam 8 may in particular be a polyurethane-based foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers for example.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 comporte une nappe continue de virures, métalliques, à bords relevés. Les virures sont soudées par leurs bords relevés sur des supports de soudure parallèles qui sont fixés dans les rainures ménagées sur les plaques internes 9 des panneaux isolants secondaires 7. Les virures sont, par exemple, réalisées en Invar ® : c’est-à-dire un alliage de fer et de nickel dont le coefficient de dilatation est typiquement compris entre 1,2.10-6 et 2.10-6 K-1.In the embodiment shown, the secondary sealing membrane 4 comprises a continuous layer of strakes, metallic, with raised edges. The strakes are welded by their raised edges to parallel welding supports which are fixed in the grooves provided on the internal plates 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7. The strakes are, for example, made of Invar ®: that is to say say an alloy of iron and nickel whose coefficient of expansion is typically between 1.2.10 -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 .
  • Selon un autre mode de réalisation, non représenté, la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 comporte une pluralité de tôles métalliques ondulées ayant chacune une forme sensiblement rectangulaire qui sont soudées les unes aux autres à recouvrement. En outre, les tôles métalliques ondulées sont soudées sur des platines métalliques qui sont fixées sur la plaque interne 9 des panneaux isolants secondaires 7. Les ondulations font, par exemple, saillie vers l’extérieur de la cuve et sont logées dans des rainures ménagées dans la plaque interne 9 des panneaux isolants secondaires 7.According to another embodiment, not shown, the secondary sealing membrane 4 comprises a plurality of corrugated metal sheets each having a substantially rectangular shape which are welded to each other overlapping. In addition, the corrugated metal sheets are welded to metal plates which are fixed to the internal plate 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7. The corrugations project, for example, towards the outside of the tank and are housed in grooves provided in the internal plate 9 of the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • Par ailleurs, la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5 comporte une pluralité de panneaux isolants primaires 11 de forme sensiblement parallélépipédique rectangle. Les panneaux isolants primaires 11 sont ici décalés par rapport aux panneaux isolants secondaires 7 de la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3 de telle sorte que chaque panneau isolant primaire 11 est disposé en quinconce sur quatre panneaux isolants secondaires 7. Les panneaux isolants primaires 11 sont fixés sur les panneaux isolants secondaires 7 au moyen de dispositifs d’ancrage 12 qui seront décrits par la suite.Furthermore, the primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprises a plurality of primary insulating panels 11 of substantially rectangular parallelepipedic shape. The primary insulating panels 11 are offset here with respect to the secondary insulating panels 7 of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 so that each primary insulating panel 11 is staggered on four secondary insulating panels 7. The primary insulating panels 11 are fixed on the secondary insulating panels 7 by means of anchoring devices 12 which will be described later.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation illustré, chaque panneau isolant primaire 11 présente une couche de mousse polymère 13 prise en sandwich entre deux plaques rigides, à savoir une plaque externe 15 et une plaque interne 14. Les plaques externe 15 et interne 14 sont par exemple en bois contreplaqué. La couche de mousse polymère 13 est, par exemple, de la mousse de polyuréthane, optionnellement renforcée par des fibres, tels que des fibres de verre. In the illustrated embodiment, each primary insulating panel 11 has a layer of polymer foam 13 sandwiched between two rigid plates, namely an outer plate 15 and an inner plate 14. The outer 15 and inner 14 plates are for example made of plywood. The layer of polymer foam 13 is, for example, polyurethane foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers.
  • La membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6 est obtenue par l’assemblage d’une pluralité de tôles métalliques ondulées. Les tôles métalliques ondulées présentent chacune une forme sensiblement rectangulaire. Les ondulations font saillie vers l’intérieur de la cuve. Les tôles métalliques ondulées de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6 sont disposées de manière décalée par rapport aux panneaux isolants primaires 11 de telle sorte que chacune desdites tôles métalliques ondulées s’étende conjointement sur quatre panneaux isolants primaires 11 adjacents. Les tôles métalliques ondulées sont soudées entre elles à recouvrement et sont en outre soudées le long de leurs bords sur des platines métalliques qui sont fixées sur les panneaux isolants primaires 11 et plus particulièrement sur leur plaque interne 14. Les plaques internes 14 des panneaux isolants primaires 11 définissent la surface interne de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6.The primary waterproofing membrane 6 is obtained by assembling a plurality of corrugated metal sheets. The corrugated metal sheets each have a substantially rectangular shape. The corrugations protrude inward from the tank. The corrugated metal sheets of the primary waterproofing membrane 6 are arranged offset from the primary insulating panels 11 such that each of said corrugated metal sheets extends jointly over four adjacent primary insulating panels 11. The corrugated metal sheets are overlap welded together and are further welded along their edges to metal plates which are fixed to the primary insulating panels 11 and more particularly to their internal plate 14. The internal plates 14 of the primary insulating panels 11 define the internal support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • Comme représenté sur la , chaque panneau isolant primaire 11 comporte un évidement 16 à chacun de ses coins. Chaque évidement 16 traverse la plaque interne 14 et s’étend sur toute l’épaisseur de la couche de mousse polymère 13. As shown on the , each primary insulating panel 11 has a recess 16 at each of its corners. Each recess 16 passes through the inner plate 14 and extends over the entire thickness of the polymer foam layer 13.
  • Ainsi, comme illustré sur la , au niveau de chacun des évidements 16, la plaque externe 15 déborde par rapport à la couche de mousse polymère 13 et à la plaque interne 14 de manière à former une zone d’appui 17 coopérant avec un dispositif d’ancrage 12. Chaque évidement 16 formé dans le coin de l’un des panneaux isolants primaires 11 est disposé en regard des évidements 16 formés dans le coin des trois panneaux isolants primaires 11 adjacents de manière à ce que les quatre évidements 16 définissent ensemble un logement 18 dans la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5. Ainsi, un unique dispositif d’ancrage 12 disposé dans ledit logement 18 peut coopérer avec quatre zones d’appui 17 appartenant respectivement à quatre panneaux isolants primaires 11 adjacents.Thus, as illustrated in the , at each of the recesses 16, the outer plate 15 projects beyond the polymer foam layer 13 and the inner plate 14 so as to form a support zone 17 cooperating with an anchoring device 12. Each recess 16 formed in the corner of one of the primary insulating panels 11 is arranged opposite the recesses 16 formed in the corner of the three adjacent primary insulating panels 11 so that the four recesses 16 together define a housing 18 in the thermal barrier primary insulating 5. Thus, a single anchoring device 12 disposed in said housing 18 can cooperate with four bearing areas 17 respectively belonging to four primary insulating panels 11 adjacent.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, un tasseau 19, par exemple en bois contreplaqué, est fixé sur la zone d’appui 17 de chaque panneau isolant primaire 11 de manière à le renforcer.In the embodiment shown, a cleat 19, for example made of plywood, is fixed to the support zone 17 of each primary insulating panel 11 so as to reinforce it.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, chaque logement 18 est formé par plusieurs évidements 16 ménagés au niveau des coins des panneaux isolants primaires 11. Toutefois, dans d’autres modes de réalisation non représentés, chaque logement 18 n’est ménagé ni au niveau d’un bord d’un panneau isolant primaire 11, ni au niveau d’un de ses coins, mais est ménagé au travers de la couche de mousse polymère 13 d’un seul panneau isolant primaire 11.In the embodiment shown, each housing 18 is formed by several recesses 16 made at the corners of the primary insulating panels 11. However, in other embodiments not shown, each housing 18 is not made either at the level of an edge of a primary insulating panel 11, nor at one of its corners, but is provided through the polymer foam layer 13 of a single primary insulating panel 11.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, chaque dispositif d’ancrage 12 comporte un goujon 20 qui fait saillie d’une platine métallique, non illustrée, qui est fixée sur la plaque interne 9 de l’un des panneaux isolants secondaires 7. Les goujons 20 passent chacun au travers d’un orifice ménagé dans la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4. En outre, la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 est soudée de manière étanche à la platine métallique tout autour de l’orifice de manière à assurer l’étanchéité du passage des goujons 20 au travers de la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4.In the embodiment shown, each anchoring device 12 comprises a stud 20 which protrudes from a metal plate, not shown, which is fixed to the internal plate 9 of one of the secondary insulating panels 7. The studs 20 each pass through an orifice formed in the secondary sealing membrane 4. In addition, the secondary sealing membrane 4 is welded in a leaktight manner to the metal plate all around the orifice so as to ensure sealing the passage of the studs 20 through the secondary sealing membrane 4.
  • Comme représenté sur la , chaque dispositif d’ancrage 12 comporte un organe de retenue 21 qui est fixé sur chacun des goujons 20 et qui vient en appui contre les zones d’appui 17 de chacun des quatre panneaux isolants primaires 11 adjacents, ici par l’intermédiaire des tasseaux 19. Par ailleurs, un organe de fixation, tel qu’un écrou 22, coopère avec un filetage du goujon 20 et vient en appui contre la face interne de l’organe de retenue 21 de manière que l’organe de retenue 21 soit fixé sur le goujon 20 et exerce ainsi un effort de retenue contre les zones d’appui 17. A titre d’exemple, l’écrou 22 est un écrou fendu et présente l’avantage de ne pas se desserrer en fonctionnement.As shown on the , each anchoring device 12 comprises a retaining member 21 which is fixed to each of the studs 20 and which bears against the support zones 17 of each of the four adjacent primary insulating panels 11, here via the cleats 19. Furthermore, a fixing member, such as a nut 22, cooperates with a thread of the stud 20 and bears against the internal face of the retaining member 21 so that the retaining member 21 is fixed on stud 20 and thus exerts a retaining force against bearing zones 17. For example, nut 22 is a split nut and has the advantage of not loosening in operation.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation de la , l’organe de retenue 21 est une platine annulaire qui présente un orifice enfilé sur le goujon 20.In the embodiment of the , the retainer 21 is an annular plate which has an orifice threaded onto the pin 20.
  • En outre, dans des modes de réalisation non illustrés, une ou plusieurs rondelles élastiques, telle que des rondelles de Belleville sont enfilées sur le goujon 20, entre l’écrou 22 et l’organe de retenue 21, ce qui permet d’assurer un ancrage élastique des panneaux isolants primaires 11 sur les panneaux isolants secondaires 7.In addition, in embodiments not shown, one or more elastic washers, such as Belleville washers, are threaded onto the stud 20, between the nut 22 and the retaining member 21, which makes it possible to ensure a elastic anchoring of the primary insulating panels 11 on the secondary insulating panels 7.
  • La barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5 comporte un bouchon isolant 25 qui est destiné à être inséré dans le logement 18 de manière assurer une continuité de l’isolation thermique. Le bouchon isolant 25 comporte une couche de mousse polymère isolante 23. La couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 est, par exemple, une mousse de polyuréthane, optionnellement renforcée par des fibres, tels que des fibres de verre. La couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 présente une densité comprise entre 100 et 260 kg/m3 et avantageusement entre 110 et 150 kg/m3, par exemple de l’ordre de 130 kg/m3.The primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprises an insulating plug 25 which is intended to be inserted into the housing 18 so as to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation. The insulating plug 25 comprises a layer of insulating polymer foam 23. The layer of insulating polymer foam 23 is, for example, a polyurethane foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers. The layer of insulating polymer foam 23 has a density of between 100 and 260 kg/m 3 and advantageously between 110 and 150 kg/m 3 , for example of the order of 130 kg/m 3 .
  • Le bouchon isolant 25 comporte en outre une plaque rigide interne 24, par exemple en bois contreplaqué, formant l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant 25. La plaque rigide interne 24 est avantageusement collée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23, par exemple au moyen d’une colle polyuréthane ou d’une colle époxy. Selon une autre variante de réalisation, la plaque rigide interne 24 est agrafée sur la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23. Dans un tel cas, les agrafes sont avantageusement positionnées à distance de la face interne de la plaque rigide interne 24, par exemple en étant disposés dans des cavités ménagées dans la face interne de la plaque rigide interne 24, afin de ne pas porter préjudice aux opérations ultérieures de ponçage décrites par la suite. The insulating plug 25 further comprises an internal rigid plate 24, for example made of plywood, forming the internal end of the insulating plug 25. The internal rigid plate 24 is advantageously glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23, for example by means of polyurethane glue or epoxy glue. According to another variant embodiment, the internal rigid plate 24 is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23. In such a case, the staples are advantageously positioned at a distance from the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, for example by being arranged in cavities made in the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, so as not to prejudice the subsequent sanding operations described below.
  • Le bouchon isolant 25 présente une extrémité externe qui est en appui en direction de la structure porteuse 2 contre une surface d’appui logée dans le logement 18. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la surface d’appui est formée par l’organe de retenue 21. La surface d’appui est positionnée à une distance d2 de la surface interne de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6. The insulating plug 25 has an outer end which bears in the direction of the carrier structure 2 against a bearing surface housed in the housing 18. In the embodiment shown, the bearing surface is formed by the retainer 21. The support surface is positioned at a distance d2 from the internal support surface of the primary waterproofing membrane 6.
  • Dans le mode de réalisation représenté sur la , le bouchon isolant 25 présente un renfoncement 26 qui débouche au niveau de l’extrémité externe dudit bouchon isolant 25 et dans lequel est ménagé l’écrou 22 du dispositif d’ancrage 12. Le bouchon isolant 25 comporte également un trou borgne 27 qui débouche dans ledit renfoncement 26 et dans lequel est logé l’extrémité du goujon 20.Le bouchon isolant 25 présente, à l’état initial, une dimension d1, mesurée selon la direction d’épaisseur de la paroi 1, entre l’extrémité interne et l’extrémité externe dudit bouchon isolant 25. La dimension d1 est inférieure à d2.In the embodiment shown in the , the insulating plug 25 has a recess 26 which opens at the outer end of said insulating plug 25 and in which is formed the nut 22 of the anchoring device 12. The insulating plug 25 also comprises a blind hole 27 which opens in said recess 26 and in which the end of stud 20 is housed. the outer end of said insulating plug 25. The dimension d1 is less than d2.
  • Lors de la fabrication de la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5, le bouchon isolant 25 est inséré à l’intérieur du logement 18 puis poussé en direction de la structure porteuse 2 jusqu’à ce que l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant 25 vienne en appui contre la surface d’appui, c’est-à-dire contre l’organe de retenue 21.During manufacture of the primary thermally insulating barrier 5, the insulating plug 25 is inserted inside the housing 18 then pushed in the direction of the load-bearing structure 2 until the outer end of the insulating plug 25 comes to bear against the support surface, that is to say against the retaining member 21.
  • Par la suite, la plaque rigide interne 24 est arasée d’une épaisseur e = d1-d2 de manière à ce que la face interne de la plaque rigide interne 24 ainsi arasée affleure la surface interne de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6. Cette opération permet ainsi de mettre à niveau la face interne de la plaque rigide interne 24 du bouchon isolant 25 avec la surface interne des panneaux isolants primaires 11. Cette opération d’arasage est par exemple réalisée au moyen d’un rabot. Un rabot est typiquement muni d’une ou de plusieurs poignées, d’une semelle destinée à coopérer avec la surface à raboter, ici la face interne de la plaque rigide interne 24, et d’un outil affleurant la semelle et permettant d’usiner la surface à raboter. Selon un mode de réalisation, l’outil est un rouleau muni de lames ou d’une fraise et est entraîné en rotation par un moteur.Subsequently, the internal rigid plate 24 is leveled with a thickness e=d1-d2 so that the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24 thus leveled is flush with the internal support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6 This operation thus makes it possible to level the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24 of the insulating plug 25 with the internal surface of the primary insulating panels 11. This leveling operation is for example carried out by means of a plane. A plane is typically provided with one or more handles, with a sole intended to cooperate with the surface to be planed, here the internal face of the internal rigid plate 24, and with a tool flush with the sole and making it possible to machine the surface to be planed. According to one embodiment, the tool is a roller fitted with blades or a cutter and is driven in rotation by a motor.
  • Enfin, afin de maintenir en position le bouchon isolant 25, la plaque rigide interne 24 est fixée à la barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5. Pour ce faire, la plaque rigide interne 24 est, par exemple, fixée à l’un des quatre panneaux isolants primaires 11 bordant le logement 18 au moyen d’une ou plusieurs agrafes disposées à cheval entre la plaque rigide interne et l’un des panneaux isolants primaires 11.Finally, in order to hold the insulating plug 25 in position, the internal rigid plate 24 is fixed to the primary thermally insulating barrier 5. To do this, the internal rigid plate 24 is, for example, fixed to one of the four insulating panels primary 11 bordering the housing 18 by means of one or more staples arranged astride between the internal rigid plate and one of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • Un tel procédé est avantageux en ce qu’il permet d’éviter que les bouchons isolants 25 n’occasionnent localement des dénivelés qui affectent la planéité de la surface de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6.Such a method is advantageous in that it makes it possible to prevent the insulating plugs 25 locally causing unevenness which affects the flatness of the support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • La illustre un bouchon isolant 25 selon un autre mode de réalisation. Comme dans le mode de réalisation précédent, le bouchon isolant 25 comporte une plaque rigide interne 24 qui est arasée afin de mettre sa face interne à niveau avec la surface interne de support de la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6.The illustrates an insulating plug 25 according to another embodiment. As in the previous embodiment, the insulating plug 25 comprises an internal rigid plate 24 which is leveled in order to bring its internal face level with the internal support surface of the primary sealing membrane 6.
  • Toutefois, le bouchon isolant 25 du mode de réalisation de la diffère du mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus en relation avec la en ce qu’il comporte en outre une plaque rigide externe 28, par exemple en bois contreplaqué. La plaque rigide externe 28 présente une face externe qui forme l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant 25 et qui est, par conséquent, destinée à venir en appui en direction de la structure porteuse 2 contre la surface d’appui, c’est-à-dire contre l’organe de retenue 21 dans le mode de réalisation représenté. La plaque rigide externe 28 présente une face interne qui est en contact contre la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23. Selon un mode de réalisation, la plaque rigide externe 28 est collée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante, par exemple au moyen d’une colle polyuréthane ou d’une colle époxy. De manière alternative, la plaque rigide externe 28 est agrafée sur la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23.However, the insulating plug 25 of the embodiment of the differs from the embodiment described above in connection with the in that it further comprises an outer rigid plate 28, for example made of plywood. The outer rigid plate 28 has an outer face which forms the outer end of the insulating plug 25 and which is, therefore, intended to bear in the direction of the carrier structure 2 against the bearing surface, that is to say say against the retainer 21 in the embodiment shown. The outer rigid plate 28 has an inner face which is in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam 23. According to one embodiment, the outer rigid plate 28 is glued to the layer of insulating polymer foam, for example by means of a polyurethane glue or epoxy glue. Alternatively, the outer rigid plate 28 is stapled to the layer of insulating polymer foam 23.
  • Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le bouchon isolant 25 est réalisée en deux parties libres l’une par rapport à l’autre et comportant respectivement, la plaque rigide externe 28, d’une part, et la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 et la plaque rigide interne 24, d’autre part. Dans ce cas, l’insertion du bouchon isolant 25 à l’intérieur du logement est réalisée en deux temps. Dans un premier temps, la plaque rigide externe 28 est insérée dans le logement 18 et poussée en direction de la structure porteuse 2 jusqu’à ce qu’elle vienne en appui contre l’organe de retenue 21. Dans un second temps, la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 et la plaque rigide interne 24 sont insérées dans le logement 18 puis poussées en direction de la structure porteuse 2 jusqu’à ce que la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 vienne en appui contre la plaque rigide externe 28.According to another embodiment, the insulating plug 25 is made in two parts free relative to each other and respectively comprising the outer rigid plate 28, on the one hand, and the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 and the internal rigid plate 24, on the other hand. In this case, the insertion of the insulating plug 25 inside the housing is carried out in two stages. In a first step, the outer rigid plate 28 is inserted into the housing 18 and pushed in the direction of the support structure 2 until it comes to rest against the retaining member 21. In a second step, the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 and the internal rigid plate 24 are inserted into the housing 18 then pushed in the direction of the supporting structure 2 until the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 comes to bear against the external rigid plate 28.
  • Par ailleurs, la plaque rigide externe 28 présente un renfoncement 29 qui est ménagé dans la face externe de la plaque rigide externe 28 et dans lequel est logé l’écrou 22 du dispositif d’ancrage 12. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, la plaque rigide externe 28 comporte également un trou 30 qui présente un diamètre inférieur au diamètre du renfoncement 29 et dans lequel est logé l’extrémité du goujon 20. Le trou 30 peut être soit traversant et traversé ainsi la face interne de la plaque rigide externe 29, soit borgne, c’est -à-dire qu’il ne traverse pas la face interne de la plaque rigide externe 28. Quoi qu’il en soit, la face interne de la plaque rigide externe 28 recouvre au moins partiellement le renfoncement 29.Furthermore, the outer rigid plate 28 has a recess 29 which is formed in the outer face of the outer rigid plate 28 and in which is housed the nut 22 of the anchoring device 12. In the embodiment shown, the plate external rigid 28 also includes a hole 30 which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the recess 29 and in which the end of the stud 20 is housed. The hole 30 can either pass through and thus pass through the internal face of the external rigid plate 29, either blind, that is to say that it does not cross the internal face of the external rigid plate 28. Be that as it may, the internal face of the external rigid plate 28 at least partially covers the recess 29.
  • Ainsi, grâce à un tel agencement, la zone de support de la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23, c’est-à-dire la zone de la couche de mousse polymère isolante 2 par laquelle transite les efforts de compression, sous l’effet des pressions dynamiques et hydrostatiques exercées par le liquide contenu dans la cuve, est plus importante que dans le mode de réalisation de la . Ceci permet à la couche de mousse polymère isolante 23 de ne pas s’écraser ou plus faiblement et d’assurer une meilleure reprise des efforts de compression sans pour autant que le couche de mousse polymère isolante 22 présente une densité plus importante.Thus, thanks to such an arrangement, the support zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam 23, that is to say the zone of the layer of insulating polymer foam 2 through which the compressive forces pass, under the effect dynamic and hydrostatic pressures exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, is greater than in the embodiment of the . This allows the layer of insulating polymer foam 23 not to be crushed or more weakly and to ensure better recovery of compression forces without the layer of insulating polymer foam 22 having a greater density.
  • Selon une variante du mode de réalisation de la , l’opérateur dispose d’un jeu de plusieurs plaque rigide externe 28 présentant des épaisseurs différentes et choisit la plaque rigide externe 28 dont l’épaisseur permet de limiter l’épaisseur ∆ = d1-d2 de la plaque rigide interne 24 à poncer.According to a variant of the embodiment of the , the operator has a set of several external rigid plate 28 having different thicknesses and chooses the external rigid plate 28 whose thickness makes it possible to limit the thickness Δ=d1-d2 of the internal rigid plate 24 to be sanded.
  • Lorsque la plaque rigide externe 28 a été choisie, elle est alors, selon un mode de réalisation, fixée, par collage, par agrafage ou au moyen d’un ou plusieurs vis, à la couche de mousse polymère isolante 22.When the outer rigid plate 28 has been chosen, it is then, according to one embodiment, fixed, by gluing, by stapling or by means of one or more screws, to the layer of insulating polymer foam 22.
  • La représente une paroi de cuve selon un autre mode de réalisation. Ce mode de réalisation diffère de celui décrit ci-dessus en relation avec la en ce que chacun des panneaux isolants primaires 11 est positionné au droit de l’un des panneaux isolants secondaires 7, dans l’alignement de celui-ci selon la direction d’épaisseur de la paroi 1.The represents a vessel wall according to another embodiment. This embodiment differs from that described above in relation to the in that each of the primary insulating panels 11 is positioned in line with one of the secondary insulating panels 7, in alignment with the latter in the thickness direction of the wall 1.
  • Ainsi, les dispositifs d’ancrage sont positionnés, de préférence, au niveau des quatre coins des panneaux isolants secondaires 7 et panneaux isolants primaires 11. Chaque empilement d’un panneau isolant secondaire 7 et d’un panneau isolant primaire 11 est donc ancré à la structure porteuse 2 au moyen de quatre dispositifs d’ancrage. En outre, chaque dispositif d’ancrage coopère avec les coins de quatre panneaux isolants secondaires 7 adjacents et avec les coins de quatre panneaux isolants primaires 11 adjacents.Thus, the anchoring devices are preferably positioned at the level of the four corners of the secondary insulating panels 7 and primary insulating panels 11. Each stack of a secondary insulating panel 7 and of a primary insulating panel 11 is therefore anchored to the supporting structure 2 by means of four anchoring devices. In addition, each anchoring device cooperates with the corners of four adjacent secondary insulating panels 7 and with the corners of four adjacent primary insulating panels 11.
  • En outre, dans ce mode de réalisation, la membrane d’étanchéité primaire 6 comporte une nappe continue de virures métalliques à bord relevés. Aussi, comme dans la membrane d’étanchéité secondaire 4 du mode de réalisation de la , les virures métalliques sont soudées par leurs bords relevés sur des supports de soudure parallèles qui sont fixés dans des rainures ménagées sur les plaques internes des panneaux isolants primaires 11.In addition, in this embodiment, the primary sealing membrane 6 comprises a continuous sheet of metal strakes with raised edges. Also, as in the secondary sealing membrane 4 of the embodiment of the , the metal strakes are welded by their raised edges to parallel welding supports which are fixed in grooves provided on the internal plates of the primary insulating panels 11.
  • En référence à la , une vue écorchée d’un navire méthanier 70 montre une cuve étanche et isolée 71 de forme générale prismatique montée dans la double coque 72 du navire. La paroi de la cuve 71 comporte une membrane primaire destinée à être en contact avec le GNL contenu dans la cuve, une membrane secondaire agencée entre la membrane primaire et la double coque 72 du navire, et deux barrières thermiquement isolantes agencées respectivement entre la membrane primaire et la membrane secondaire et entre la membrane secondaire et la double coque 72.With reference to the , a cutaway view of an LNG carrier 70 shows a sealed and insulated tank 71 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship. The wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary membrane intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary membrane arranged between the primary membrane and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two thermally insulating barriers arranged respectively between the primary membrane and the secondary membrane and between the secondary membrane and the double shell 72.
  • De manière connue en soi, des canalisations de chargement/déchargement 73 disposées sur le pont supérieur du navire peuvent être raccordées, au moyen de connecteurs appropriées, à un terminal maritime ou portuaire pour transférer une cargaison de GNL depuis ou vers la cuve 71. In a manner known per se, loading/unloading pipes 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 71.
  • La représente également un exemple de terminal maritime comportant un poste de chargement et de déchargement 75, une conduite sous-marine 76 et une installation à terre 77. Le poste de chargement et de déchargement 75 est une installation fixe off-shore comportant un bras mobile 74 et une tour 78 qui supporte le bras mobile 74. Le bras mobile 74 porte un faisceau de tuyaux flexibles isolés 79 pouvant se connecter aux canalisations de chargement/déchargement 73. Le bras mobile 74 orientable s'adapte à tous les gabarits de méthaniers. Une conduite de liaison non représentée s'étend à l'intérieur de la tour 78. Le poste de chargement et de déchargement 75 permet le chargement et le déchargement du méthanier 70 depuis ou vers l'installation à terre 77. Celle-ci comporte des cuves de stockage de gaz liquéfié 80 et des conduites de liaison 81 reliées par la conduite sous-marine 76 au poste de chargement ou de déchargement 75. La conduite sous-marine 76 permet le transfert du gaz liquéfié entre le poste de chargement ou de déchargement 75 et l'installation à terre 77 sur une grande distance, par exemple 5 km, ce qui permet de garder le navire méthanier 70 à grande distance de la côte pendant les opérations de chargement et de déchargement. The also shows an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76 and an installation on land 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 which supports the movable arm 74. The movable arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 which can be connected to the loading/unloading pipes 73. The adjustable movable arm 74 adapts to all LNG tanker gauges. A connecting pipe, not shown, extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows the loading and unloading of the LNG carrier 70 from or to the shore installation 77. This comprises liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected by the underwater pipe 76 to the loading or unloading station 75. The underwater pipe 76 allows the transfer of the liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the shore installation 77 over a great distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the LNG carrier 70 at a great distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.
  • Pour engendrer la pression nécessaire au transfert du gaz liquéfié, on met en œuvre des pompes embarquées dans le navire 70 et/ou des pompes équipant l'installation à terre 77 et/ou des pompes équipant le poste de chargement et de déchargement 75.To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 70 and/or pumps fitted to the shore installation 77 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 75 are used.
  • Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention.Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.
  • Dans les revendications, tout signe de référence entre parenthèses ne saurait être interprété comme une limitation de la revendication.In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.
  • Bien que l'invention ait été décrite en liaison avec plusieurs modes de réalisation particuliers, il est bien évident qu'elle n'y est nullement limitée et qu'elle comprend tous les équivalents techniques des moyens décrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci entrent dans le cadre de l'invention, telle que définie par les revendications.Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
  • L’usage du verbe « comporter », « comprendre » ou « inclure » et de ses formes conjuguées n’exclut pas la présence d’autres éléments ou d’autres étapes que ceux énoncés dans une revendication. The use of the verb "to comprise", "to understand" or "to include" and of its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.
  • Dans les revendications, tout signe de référence entre parenthèses ne saurait être interprété comme une limitation de la revendication.In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims (14)

  1. Procédé de fabrication d’une barrière thermiquement isolante (5) pour une paroi (1) d’une cuve étanche et thermiquement isolante fixée à une structure porteuse (2), ledit procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :
    - ancrer une pluralité de panneaux isolants (11) directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse (2) au moyen d’au moins un dispositif d’ancrage (12), ladite pluralité de panneaux isolants (11) définissant une surface interne destinée à supporter une membrane d’étanchéité (6) et comportant un logement (18) débouchant au niveau de la surface interne et dans lequel est logé le dispositif d’ancrage (12) ;
    - fournir un bouchon isolant (25) destiné à assurer une continuité de l’isolation thermique au niveau dudit logement (18), ledit bouchon isolant (25) comportant une extrémité interne et une extrémité externe et présentant une dimension d1 entre l’extrémité interne et l’extrémité externe, le bouchon isolant (25) comportant une couche de mousse polymère isolante (23) et une plaque rigide interne (24) fixée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23) et formant l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant (25) ;
    - insérer le bouchon isolant (25) à l’intérieur du logement (18) et le pousser en direction de la structure porteuse (2) jusqu’à ce que l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant (25) vienne en appui en direction de la structure porteuse (2) contre une surface d’appui qui est distante de la surface interne de la pluralité de panneaux isolants (11) d’une distance d2 inférieure à d1 ;
    - araser la plaque rigide interne (24) du bouchon isolant (25) de sorte que l’extrémité interne du bouchon isolant (25) affleure la surface interne de la pluralité de panneaux isolants (11).    Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier (5) for a wall (1) of a sealed and thermally insulating tank fixed to a supporting structure (2), said method comprising the following steps:
    - anchoring a plurality of insulating panels (11) directly or indirectly to the supporting structure (2) by means of at least one anchoring device (12), said plurality of insulating panels (11) defining an internal surface intended to support a sealing membrane (6) and comprising a housing (18) emerging at the level of the internal surface and in which the anchoring device (12) is housed;
    - providing an insulating plug (25) intended to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation at the level of said housing (18), said insulating plug (25) comprising an internal end and an external end and having a dimension d1 between the internal end and the outer end, the insulating plug (25) comprising a layer of insulating polymer foam (23) and an internal rigid plate (24) attached to the layer of insulating polymer foam (23) and forming the inner end of the insulating plug (25);
    - insert the insulating plug (25) inside the housing (18) and push it in the direction of the support structure (2) until the outer end of the insulating plug (25) comes to bear in the direction of the support structure (2) against a bearing surface which is distant from the internal surface of the plurality of insulating panels (11) by a distance d2 less than d1;
    - level the internal rigid plate (24) of the insulating cap (25) so that the internal end of the insulating cap (25) is flush with the internal surface of the plurality of insulating panels (11).
  2. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la plaque rigide interne (24) est réalisée en bois contreplaqué.Manufacturing process according to claim 1, in which the internal rigid plate (24) is made of plywood.
  3. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la plaque rigide interne (24) est collée ou agrafée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23).Manufacturing process according to claim 1 or 2, in which the internal rigid plate (24) is glued or stapled to the layer of insulating polymeric foam (23).
  4. Procédé de fabrication selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel le dispositif d’ancrage (12) logé à l’intérieur dudit logement (18) comporte un goujon (20) fixé directement ou indirectement à la structure porteuse (2), dans lequel lors de l’ancrage de la pluralité de panneaux isolants (11) l’on monte sur le goujon (20) un organe de retenue (21) de manière à ce qu’il coopère avec une zone de retenue d’au moins l’un des panneaux isolants (11) de sorte à retenir ledit panneau isolant vers la structure porteuse (2) et dans lequel l’on visse un écrou (22) sur le goujon (20) de sorte à assurer la fixation de l’organe de retenue (21) sur le goujon (20).Manufacturing process according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the anchoring device (12) housed inside the said housing (18) comprises a stud (20) fixed directly or indirectly to the load-bearing structure (2 ), in which during the anchoring of the plurality of insulating panels (11) a retaining member (21) is mounted on the pin (20) so that it cooperates with a retaining zone of at least one of the insulating panels (11) so as to retain said insulating panel towards the load-bearing structure (2) and in which a nut (22) is screwed onto the stud (20) so as to ensure the fixing of the retainer (21) on the pin (20).
  5. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 4, dans lequel l’organe de retenue (21) forme la surface d’appui contre laquelle l’extrémité externe du bouchon isolant (25) est poussée.Method of manufacture according to claim 4, in which the retaining member (21) forms the bearing surface against which the outer end of the insulating plug (25) is pushed.
  6. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 4 ou 5, dans lequel le bouchon isolant (25) comporte une plaque rigide externe (28) présentant une face externe formant l’extrémité externe dudit bouchon isolant (25) et une face interne en contact contre la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23) du bouchon isolant (25), la plaque rigide externe (28) présentant un renfoncement (29) ménagé dans la face externe de la plaque rigide externe (28) et dans lequel est logé l’écrou (22) du dispositif d’ancrage (12).Manufacturing process according to claim 4 or 5, in which the insulating plug (25) comprises an external rigid plate (28) having an external face forming the external end of the said insulating plug (25) and an internal face in contact against the layer of insulating polymer foam (23) of the insulating cap (25), the outer rigid plate (28) having a recess (29) formed in the outer face of the outer rigid plate (28) and in which the nut (22 ) of the anchoring device (12).
  7. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la face interne de la plaque rigide externe (28) recouvre au moins partiellement le renfoncement (29).Manufacturing process according to claim 6, in which the internal face of the external rigid plate (28) at least partially covers the recess (29).
  8. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel la plaque rigide externe (28) présente un trou (30) qui débouche dans le renfoncement (29) et dans lequel est logée une extrémité du goujon (20), le trou (30) présentant un diamètre inférieur à celui du renfoncement (29).Manufacturing process according to claim 6 or 7, in which the outer rigid plate (28) has a hole (30) which opens into the recess (29) and in which one end of the stud (20) is housed, the hole (30 ) having a diameter smaller than that of the recess (29).
  9. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le trou (30) est borgne.Manufacturing process according to claim 8, in which the hole (30) is blind.
  10. Procédé de fabrication selon l’une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9, dans lequel la plaque rigide externe (28) est fixée à la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23).A method of manufacture according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the outer rigid plate (28) is fixed to the layer of insulating polymeric foam (23).
  11. Procédé de fabrication selon l’une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9, dans lequel la plaque rigide externe (28) est libre par rapport à la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23), l’insertion du bouchon isolant (25) à l’intérieur du logement (18) comportant une phase d’insertion de la plaque rigide externe (28) dans ledit logement (18) puis une phase d’insertion de la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23) dans ledit logement (18).Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, in which the outer rigid plate (28) is free with respect to the layer of insulating polymer foam (23), the insertion of the insulating plug (25) at the interior of the housing (18) comprising a phase of inserting the outer rigid plate (28) into said housing (18) then a phase of inserting the layer of insulating polymer foam (23) into said housing (18).
  12. Procédé de fabrication selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la plaque rigide externe (28) est choisie parmi plusieurs plaques rigides externes présentant des épaisseurs différentes de manière à limiter l’épaisseur ∆ = d1-d2 de la plaque rigide interne (24) à araser. Manufacturing process according to claim 11, in which the outer rigid plate (28) is chosen from among several outer rigid plates having different thicknesses so as to limit the thickness ∆ = d1-d2 of the inner rigid plate (24) to be leveled .
  13. Procédé de fabrication selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 12, dans lequel la couche de mousse polymère isolante (23) présente une densité comprise entre 100 et 260 kg/m3.Manufacturing process according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the layer of insulating polymer foam (23) has a density of between 100 and 260 kg/m 3 .
  14. Procédé de fabrication selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 13, dans lequel l’on agrafe la plaque rigide interne (24) à l’un des panneaux isolants (11).Manufacturing process according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the internal rigid plate (24) is stapled to one of the insulating panels (11).
EP21798634.8A 2020-11-10 2021-10-21 Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank Pending EP4244523A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2011553A FR3116100B1 (en) 2020-11-10 2020-11-10 Process for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank
PCT/EP2021/079170 WO2022100975A1 (en) 2020-11-10 2021-10-21 Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4244523A1 true EP4244523A1 (en) 2023-09-20

Family

ID=74125478

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21798634.8A Pending EP4244523A1 (en) 2020-11-10 2021-10-21 Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4244523A1 (en)
JP (1) JP2023547708A (en)
KR (1) KR20220068215A (en)
CN (1) CN115066578A (en)
FR (1) FR3116100B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2022100975A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN117662969B (en) * 2024-01-31 2024-04-02 中太(苏州)氢能源科技有限公司 Protection system, installation method thereof and storage tank
CN117818844B (en) * 2024-03-06 2024-06-11 沪东中华造船(集团)有限公司 Method for installing thin film type enclosure system for low-temperature liquid cargo storage and transportation

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2504882B1 (en) * 1981-04-30 1985-11-08 Gaz Transport WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATING TANK INTEGRATED INTO THE CARRIER STRUCTURE OF A VESSEL
JP3587540B2 (en) * 1993-05-18 2004-11-10 明星工業株式会社 Insulation panel mounting structure
CA2114099A1 (en) * 1994-01-24 1995-07-25 D. Ralph Fehr Mitre joints in wood frames for doors and the like
KR100220095B1 (en) * 1994-04-04 1999-09-01 고이찌로 데라니시 Liquid storage tank and method of creating the tank
JP2002276894A (en) * 2001-03-21 2002-09-25 Kajima Corp Fitting method for cryogenic resistance obtundent of dike-integrated low temperature tank, dike-integrated low temperature tank, and insulating panel
KR101280332B1 (en) * 2011-05-27 2013-07-01 삼성중공업 주식회사 Insulation structure of cargo tank for lng
KR101644350B1 (en) * 2014-09-01 2016-08-08 삼성중공업 주식회사 Cargo barrier structure
KR101751837B1 (en) * 2015-07-21 2017-06-28 대우조선해양 주식회사 Securing device for lng storage tank
FR3073600B1 (en) 2017-11-13 2019-12-06 Gaztransport Et Technigaz METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A THERMAL INSULATION BARRIER OF A WALL OF A TANK AND THERMAL INSULATION BARRIER THUS OBTAINED
FR3074560B1 (en) * 2017-12-04 2021-06-04 Gaztransport Et Technigaz WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATED TANK
CN108124381A (en) * 2017-12-31 2018-06-05 长沙牧泰莱电路技术有限公司 A kind of pcb board and its processing method of special blind hole

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2023547708A (en) 2023-11-13
WO2022100975A1 (en) 2022-05-19
FR3116100B1 (en) 2022-11-04
KR20220068215A (en) 2022-05-25
FR3116100A1 (en) 2022-05-13
CN115066578A (en) 2022-09-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP4158237B1 (en) Anchoring device intended to retain insulating blocks
EP3710742B1 (en) Method for producing a thermal insulation barrier for a wall of a vessel and thermal insulation barrier produced thereby
WO2019110894A1 (en) Thermally insulating sealed tank
EP3365592B1 (en) Vessel including insulating corner blocks provided with stress relief slots
FR3105342A1 (en) Thermally insulating barrier for a tank wall
WO2022100975A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank
WO2018087466A1 (en) Corner structure of a sealed and thermally insulating tank and method for assembling same
WO2022074148A1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank
EP3942219B1 (en) Thermally insulating sealed tank
FR3073270B1 (en) SEALED AND THERMALLY INSULATING TANK WITH DEVICES FOR ANCHORING PRIMARY INSULATION PANELS ON SECONDARY INSULATING PANELS
FR3112588A1 (en) Wall of a liquefied gas storage tank
WO2019239049A1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank
FR3116101A1 (en) Process for manufacturing a thermally insulating barrier for a tank
FR3077116A1 (en) SEALED AND THERMALLY INSULATED TANK
WO2021037483A1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank with insulating anti-convective seals
FR3121730A1 (en) Anchoring device intended to retain insulating blocks
WO2020079342A1 (en) Thermally insulating and leak-tight tank wall
WO2022074226A1 (en) Sealed and thermally insulating tank
WO2023025501A1 (en) Storage facility for liquefied gas
FR3143098A1 (en) Anchoring device intended to retain insulating blocks, and waterproof and thermally insulating tank comprising this anchoring device
FR3143096A1 (en) Anchoring device for a thermally insulating block
FR3118796A1 (en) Storage facility for liquefied gas

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20230505

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240614

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: COROT, SEBASTIEN

Inventor name: SASSI, MOHAMED