FR3135126A1 - Tank wall crossed by a sealed fluid evacuation pipe - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 comprising a tank wall having a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane, a primary thermally insulating barrier and a primary waterproof membrane. The tank 2 also includes a sealed pipe 7, as well as a waterproof sheath 26, a connecting plate 28 and a peripheral connecting element 29. The connecting plate 28 is arranged all around the sealed pipe, and has an interior surface 28a facing the inside of the tank 2. The peripheral connecting element 29 develops parallel to the waterproof sheath 26. The connecting plate 28 is connected in a sealed manner to the peripheral connecting element 29 and has an external portion 48 extending radially outward from the peripheral connecting element 29. Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Tank wall crossed by a sealed fluid evacuation pipe

The invention relates to the field of waterproof and thermally insulating tanks intended to contain cold or hot liquids, and more particularly tanks on board ships or other floating structures for the storage and/or transport of gas by sea. liquefied.

Technology background

Airtight and thermally insulating tanks are used in different industries to store a cold or hot product. For example, in the field of energy, such a product can be liquefied natural gas, abbreviated LNG, stored in land storage tanks or in tanks on board floating structures. Such floating structures are in particular barges, LNG ships for transporting LNG and off-shore installations, known in particular by the acronyms FPSO ( Floating Production Storage and Offloading ) and FSRU ( Floating Storage Regasification Unit ), for storage. , liquefaction or regasification of LNG.

Waterproof and thermally insulating tanks can be made up of one or more waterproof membranes associated with insulating layers. We know, in particular from FR-A-2691520, a waterproof and thermally insulating tank comprising a tank wall fixed on a supporting structure, in which the tank wall has a multilayer structure which successively comprises, in a thickness direction of the tank wall, a primary waterproof membrane intended to be in contact with the product contained in the tank, a primary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane and a secondary thermally insulating barrier.

The LNG is stored in these tanks at atmospheric pressure, at approximately -163°C and is thus in a state of liquid-vapor two-phase equilibrium such that the thermal flow exerted through the walls of the tanks tends to cause its evaporation.

In order to avoid generating excess pressure inside the tanks, in particular on board an LNG ship, each tank is associated with a pipe for evacuating the steam produced by the evaporation of the LNG, called a gas dome. This gas dome is a large structure passing through the ceiling wall of the tank, so as to define a steam passage between the interior space of the tank and a main steam collector of the vessel arranged outside the tank . The steam thus collected can then be transmitted to a re-liquefaction installation with a view to then reintroducing the fluid into the tank, to energy production equipment or to a degassing mast provided on the deck of the ship.

However, in certain damage conditions, when the filling level of the tank is maximum and the ship is in a position in which it has a significant heel inclination and/or trim inclination, there exists a risk that the gas dome opens into the liquid phase and is therefore no longer in contact with the vapor phase stored in the tank. In such circumstances, isolated pockets of gas in the vapor phase are likely to form inside the vessel. However, such pockets of gas are likely to induce overpressures which can damage the tanks and/or lead to expulsion of the liquid phase towards the outside of the tank through the steam evacuation pipe.

To prevent such isolated pockets of gas in the vapor phase from forming inside a tank without being able to be evacuated from it, at least two sealed pipes, of reduced diameter compared to that of the gas dome, pass through the wall of the tank. tank and open out inside the tank at two positions spaced apart from the gas dome. Thus, when the ship is immobilized in an inclined position in which one of the two opposite ends of the ceiling wall is raised relative to the other, at least one of the two pipes opens into a raised area of the wall ceiling and is thus able to evacuate the vapor phase stored in the tank.

Further details as to the number and position of the vapor phase evacuation pipes and as to the vapor collection installation located outside the vessel and to which such pipes may be connected are described in document WO-A-2016120540.

In addition, document WO-A-2019155154 describes an installation for the storage and transport of liquefied gas comprising such sealed pipes, supported by a coaming equipping a supporting structure, to evacuate the vapor phase stored in a sealed tank and thermally insulating.

Summary

In tanks of the aforementioned type, to insulate the sealed pipe from deformations of the secondary waterproof membrane due to deformations of the supporting structure of the ship or to thermal effects of contraction and expansion during filling or emptying of the LNG contained in the tank , the secondary waterproof membrane is connected by waterproof bonding to a connection plate fixed to the periphery of a waterproof sheath welded to the waterproof pipe.

The connecting plate is first attached to the waterproof sheath of the waterproof pipe. The mechanically welded metal structure comprising the waterproof pipe, the waterproof sheath and the connecting plate is then welded to the coaming, on site, so as to position the connecting plate at the level of the secondary waterproof membrane. Finally, the secondary waterproof membrane is connected by gluing to the connecting plate.

However, under the effect of the phenomenon of thermal shrinkage of the welds fixing the mechanically welded structure to the coaming, it is difficult to adjust the position of the connecting plate at the level of the secondary waterproof membrane.

An idea underlying the invention is to propose a structure allowing, by simple assembly, to penetrate a watertight pipe into a watertight and thermally insulating tank, in particular a pipe of reduced diameter, which can be used to collect or inject liquid or steam.

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a waterproof and thermally insulating tank arranged in a supporting structure to contain a fluid, the waterproof and thermally insulating tank comprising
a tank wall anchored against the supporting structure, the tank wall having a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure successively comprising, in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of said sealed and thermally insulating tank, a thermally insulating barrier secondary insulating membrane, a secondary waterproof membrane carried by the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier and a primary waterproof membrane carried by the primary thermally insulating barrier, the primary waterproof membrane being intended to be in contact with the fluid contained in said tank waterproof and thermally insulating, and
a sealed pipe arranged through the tank wall, the primary waterproof membrane being sealed in a sealed manner to the sealed pipe,
and in which said tank wall comprises, around the sealed pipe,
a waterproof sheath arranged all around the waterproof pipe and extending parallel to the waterproof pipe through a thickness of the secondary thermally insulating barrier, the waterproof sheath being connected in a sealed manner to said waterproof pipe so that a space between the waterproof sheath and the waterproof pipe does not communicate with the secondary thermally insulating barrier,
secondary thermally insulating blocks anchored against the supporting structure around the waterproof sheath, the secondary thermally insulating blocks forming the secondary thermally insulating barrier around the waterproof sheath so that said sealed pipe crosses the secondary thermally insulating barrier between said secondary thermally insulating blocks ,
a first waterproof layer covering the secondary thermally insulating blocks,
a connecting plate arranged all around the sealed pipe, the connecting plate having an interior surface facing the inside of the sealed and thermally insulating tank and arranged parallel to the tank wall,
a peripheral connecting element developing parallel to the sealed sheath, the peripheral connecting element being sealed in a sealed manner to the sealed sheath all around the sealed sheath, the connecting plate being linked in a sealed manner to the connecting element peripheral and comprising an external portion extending radially towards the outside of the peripheral connecting element,
a second waterproof sheet covering the interior surface of the connecting plate at least on part of the external portion of the connecting plate, the connecting plate being positioned so that the second waterproof sheet is located at the same level as the first waterproof sheet, And
a third waterproof sheet fixed in a sealed manner straddling the first waterproof sheet and the second waterproof sheet, the first waterproof sheet, the second waterproof sheet and the third waterproof sheet forming the secondary waterproof membrane.

Thanks to these characteristics, a crossing of the tank wall can be made simply and reliably, without jeopardizing the sealing of the tank wall. Indeed, the second waterproof sheet can be fixed to the connection plate in the workshop, in particular by gluing sensitive to temperature and humidity conditions to ensure good quality gluing.

Preferably, the connection between the peripheral connecting element and the waterproof sheath is made at a distance from the connecting plate. Thus, the fixing of the connection plate on the waterproof sheath via the peripheral connection element can be carried out at a distance from the connection plate to prevent the heating generated in the vicinity of the weld from damaging the second layer waterproof.

According to one embodiment, the peripheral connecting element is linked to a radially inner edge of the connecting plate so that the entire connecting plate extends radially outwards from the peripheral connecting element.

According to one embodiment, the peripheral connection element projects from the interior surface of the connection plate towards the interior of the sealed and thermally insulating tank, the connection between the peripheral connection element and the waterproof sheath being made at distance from the interior surface of the connecting plate.

Thus, the weld made between the peripheral connecting element and the waterproof sheath is distant from the gluing of the connecting plate. The connecting plate, previously covered by the second waterproof layer in the workshop, can be installed around the waterproof sheath, directly during assembly of the tank wall on site, so as to be adjusted to the level of the secondary waterproof membrane.

According to one embodiment, the connecting plate further comprises an internal portion extending radially in the direction of the sealed pipe from the peripheral connecting element.

According to one embodiment, the connection plate has an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, and the peripheral connection element projects from the exterior surface towards the supporting structure, the connection between the peripheral connection element and the sheath waterproof being carried out at a distance from the exterior surface of the connecting plate.

According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating blocks are arranged all around the sealed sheath so as to provide an interstitial space between the sealed sheath and the secondary thermally insulating blocks, the interstitial space being lined with an insulating material and the the interstitial space preferably having a thickness equal to a radial extension of the external portion of the connecting plate.

Thus, the weld made between the peripheral connecting element and the waterproof sheath is distant from the gluing of the connecting plate. The connecting plate, previously covered by the second waterproof layer in the workshop, can be installed around the waterproof sheath, directly during assembly of the tank wall on site, so as to be adjusted to the level of the secondary waterproof membrane.

According to embodiments, such a waterproof and thermally insulating tank may include one or more of the following characteristics.

According to one embodiment, the first waterproof sheet and/or the second waterproof sheet is a covering made of a rigid composite laminated material comprising at least one metal sheet sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass bonded by a polymer resin.

According to one embodiment, the third waterproof sheet is a covering made of a flexible composite laminate material comprising at least one metal sheet sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass bonded by a polymer resin.

According to one embodiment, the waterproof sheath has an outer end extending outside the waterproof and thermally insulating tank and connected in a sealed manner to the sealed pipe all around the waterproof pipe.

According to one embodiment, a support ring is fixed to the outer end of the waterproof sheath and extends radially in the direction of the waterproof pipe so as to ensure a watertight connection between the waterproof sheath and the waterproof pipe.

According to one embodiment, primary thermally insulating blocks are arranged on the secondary waterproof membrane, the primary thermally insulating blocks forming the primary thermally insulating barrier around the sealed pipe so that said sealed pipe crosses the primary thermally insulating barrier between said blocks thermally insulating primary.

According to one embodiment, the waterproof sheath is a secondary waterproof sheath and the waterproof and thermally insulating tank also comprises a primary waterproof sheath arranged around the waterproof pipe, between the waterproof pipe and the secondary waterproof sheath, the primary waterproof sheath extending parallel to the sealed pipe at least up to the primary waterproof membrane, the primary waterproof membrane being sealed in a sealed manner to the primary waterproof sheath.

Thus, the transmission of mechanical stresses between the supporting wall and the waterproofing membranes via the waterproof pipe can be very substantially limited by the presence of the secondary waterproof sheath and, where applicable, the primary waterproof sheath.

Such a sealed pipe can serve different functions, for example collecting liquid from the interior space of the sealed and thermally insulating tank or injecting gas into the interior space, in particular fluid in the vapor phase in an upper portion of said tank or fluid in liquid phase in a lower portion of said tank.

According to one embodiment, the tank wall is a ceiling wall.

Such a pipe for collecting the vapor phase in the sealed and thermally insulating tank can be provided in different locations in the upper portion of said tank, in particular near a longitudinal edge and/or a lateral edge of the ceiling wall. of said tank.

According to one embodiment, the sealed pipe comprises a collection end opening into the interior of the sealed and thermally insulating tank at an upper portion of said tank to collect a vapor phase of the fluid contained in said tank.

Such a pipe for collecting the vapor phase in the tank can be provided with a relatively small diameter, for example less than 300 mm, and in particular less than 100 mm.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides an installation for storing a fluid comprising a supporting structure and a sealed and thermally insulating tank, the supporting structure comprising a supporting wall provided with an opening so that the sealed pipe is engaged in the opening of the supporting wall to define a fluid passage between the interior and exterior of the sealed and thermally insulating tank, the supporting structure also comprising a coaming projecting towards the outside of the sealed tank and thermally insulating relative to the supporting wall, the coaming being arranged all around the waterproof pipe and having a top wall so that said waterproof pipe is supported by the top wall of the coaming.

Thus, the transmission of mechanical stresses between the supporting wall and in particular the secondary waterproofing membrane can be very substantially limited by the presence of the coaming.

The fixing of the waterproof sheath – secondary and, where applicable, primary – to the supporting structure can be carried out in different ways, directly or indirectly.

According to one embodiment, the outer end of the waterproof sheath is attached to the top wall of the coaming.

According to one embodiment, the waterproof sheath constitutes a side wall of the coaming, the waterproof sheath being welded to the supporting wall and more particularly to the intermediate bridge around the opening of the supporting wall, the top wall of the coaming being fixed on the outer end of the sheath.

The supporting structure can be produced in different ways, in particular in the form of a land-based construction, in the form of a transportable self-supporting metal carcass, or in the form of a floating, coastal or deep-water structure, in particular a ship. LNG tanker, an LPG transport vessel, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a floating production and offshore storage unit (FPSO) and others.

Thus, according to one embodiment, the invention also provides a ship for transporting a cold liquid product, the ship comprising a double hull and an installation for storing a fluid installed in the double hull, in which the supporting structure is formed by internal walls of the double hull.

According to embodiments, such a vessel may include one or more of the following characteristics.

According to one embodiment, the tank wall is a ceiling wall and the supporting wall is an intermediate deck of the ship, said ship further comprising an upper deck parallel to and spaced from the intermediate deck, the watertight pipe further comprising a portion upper extending above the coaming to the upper deck, a sleeve of insulating material being arranged around said upper portion between the coaming and the upper deck.

According to one embodiment, the ship further comprises an accordion compensator extending along the upper portion of the pipe above the upper deck, the compensator having a lower end linked to the upper deck around the opening of the upper deck and an upper end linked to the sealed pipe all around the sealed pipe, the compensator serving to sealingly close the opening of the upper deck around the sealed pipe by authorizing thermal contraction of the sealed pipe.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides the use of a vessel for loading or unloading a cold liquid product, in which a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a processing installation. floating or land storage to or from the ship's watertight and thermally insulating tank.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for a cold liquid, the system comprising a ship, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the waterproof and thermally insulating tank installed in the double hull of the ship to an installation floating or land-based storage facility and a pump for driving a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipelines from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the sealed and thermally insulating tank of the vessel.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of mounting a tank wall around a watertight pipe in a watertight and thermally insulating tank, the watertight and thermally insulating tank being arranged in a supporting structure to contain a fluid,
the tank wall having a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising successively, in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of said sealed and thermally insulating tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane carried by the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier, and a primary waterproof membrane carried by the primary thermally insulating barrier, the primary waterproof membrane being intended to be in contact with the fluid contained in said waterproof and thermally insulating tank,
the watertight pipe passing through the multilayer structure of the tank wall so as to define a passage between the interior and the exterior of the watertight and thermally insulating tank,
a waterproof sheath being arranged all around the waterproof pipe and extending parallel to the waterproof pipe through a thickness of the secondary thermally insulating barrier,
the assembly process successively comprising the following steps:
– juxtapose and fix prefabricated panels on the supporting structure around the waterproof sheath, each prefabricated panel comprising a lower panel, a first layer of insulating foam carried by the lower panel and forming part with the lower panel of the secondary thermally insulating barrier, the lower panel and the first layer of insulating foam having a cutout on one edge intended to accommodate the waterproof sheath, a first waterproof layer completely covering the first layer of insulating foam, the first waterproof layer forming part of the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a second layer of insulating foam placed on the first waterproof layer and an upper panel covering the second layer of insulating foam and forming part with said second layer of insulating foam of the primary thermally insulating barrier, the second layer of insulating foam and the upper panel not covering not a peripheral edge and a clearance zone of the first waterproof layer, so that the peripheral edge of the first waterproof layer of a first of the prefabricated panels is each time close to the peripheral edge of the first waterproof layer of a second prefabricated panels;
– provide a connecting plate and a peripheral connecting element, the connecting plate having an interior surface and developing from a radially interior edge, the interior surface being covered with a second waterproof layer, the peripheral connecting element being connected said radially inner edge so that the entire connecting plate extends radially outward from the peripheral connecting element, the peripheral connecting element projecting from the inner surface of the connecting plate;
– fix the peripheral connecting element to the waterproof sheath all around the waterproof sheath so that the interior surface is turned towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank and arranged parallel to the tank wall, and so that the second waterproof sheet covering said interior surface is located at the same level as the first waterproof sheet, the peripheral connecting element preferably being fixed to the waterproof sheath at one end of the peripheral connecting element distant from the surface interior of the connecting plate;
– arrange at least one piece of third waterproof layer straddling the clearance zone of the first waterproof layer and the second waterproof layer placed on the interior surface of the connecting plate, and arrange strips of third waterproof layer straddling the edges peripherals adjacent to the first waterproof layers of the prefabricated panels;
– glue the part and the strips of the third waterproof layer to complete the secondary waterproof membrane between the prefabricated panels, and between the prefabricated panels and the connecting plate;
– arrange and fix primary thermally insulating blocks on at least part of the third waterproof layer, each primary thermally insulating block comprising a second layer of insulating foam and an upper panel surmounting the second layer of insulating foam, the second layer of insulating foam and the upper panel having a cutout in one edge, in the thickness direction, to accommodate the waterproof pipe, so as to complete the primary thermally insulating barrier around the waterproof pipe; And
– arrange and fix the primary waterproof membrane on the primary thermally insulating barrier.

In the above process some steps may be performed in another order. For example, the step of fixing the peripheral connecting element and the waterproof sheath to the supporting structure can be carried out before the step of juxtaposing and fixing the prefabricated panels on the supporting structure.

Advantageously, the positioning of the connecting plate so that the second waterproof layer is at the level of the first waterproof layer is carried out relative to a reference plane.

According to one embodiment, the invention provides a method of mounting a tank wall around a sealed pipe in a sealed and thermally insulating tank, the sealed and thermally insulating tank being arranged in a supporting structure to contain a fluid ,
the tank wall having a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising successively, in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of said sealed and thermally insulating tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary waterproof membrane carried by the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier, and a primary waterproof membrane carried by the primary thermally insulating barrier, the primary waterproof membrane being intended to be in contact with the fluid contained in said waterproof and thermally insulating tank,
the watertight pipe passing through the multilayer structure of the tank wall so as to define a passage between the interior and the exterior of the watertight and thermally insulating tank,
a waterproof sheath being arranged all around the waterproof pipe and extending parallel to the waterproof pipe through a thickness of the secondary thermally insulating barrier,
the assembly process comprising the following steps:
– provide a connection plate and a peripheral connection element, the connection plate having an interior surface covered with a second waterproof layer, the peripheral connection element projecting from an exterior surface of the connection plate opposite the interior surface , the connecting plate comprising an external portion extending radially outwards from the peripheral connecting element and an internal portion extending radially from the peripheral connecting element;
– fix the peripheral connecting element to the waterproof sheath all around the waterproof sheath so that the interior surface is turned towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank and arranged parallel to the tank wall, and so that the internal portion of the connection plate extends towards the sealed pipe, the peripheral connection element being preferably fixed to the waterproof sheath at one end of the peripheral connection element distant from the exterior surface of the connection plate connection, the peripheral connection element preferably only projecting from the exterior surface of the connection plate;
– provide an insulating material and fill a secondary space with the insulating material between the external portion of the connecting plate and the supporting structure;
– provide prefabricated panels, each prefabricated panel comprising a lower panel, a first layer of insulating foam carried by the lower panel and constituting with the lower panel a secondary thermally insulating block, a first waterproof layer completely covering the first layer of insulating foam, the first waterproof layer forming part of the secondary waterproof membrane, a second layer of insulating foam placed on the first waterproof layer and an upper panel covering the second layer of insulating foam and forming part with said second layer of insulating foam of the thermally insulating barrier primary, the second layer of insulating foam and the upper panel not covering a peripheral edge and a clearance zone of the first waterproof layer;
– fix the prefabricated panels on the supporting structure, the prefabricated panels resting on beads of mastic having a thickness of mastic, the beads of mastic being interposed between the supporting structure and the lower panels, said prefabricated panels being juxtaposed around the waterproof sheath so that the peripheral edge of the first waterproof layer of a first of the prefabricated panels is each time close to the peripheral edge of the first waterproof layer of a second of the prefabricated panels, the secondary thermally insulating block of each prefabricated panel being dimensioned so as to provide, once the prefabricated panels are fixed, an interstitial space between the waterproof sheath and the secondary thermally insulating blocks, the interstitial space preferably having a thickness equal to a radial extension of the external portion of the connecting plate;
– adjust the positioning of the first waterproof layer so that the first waterproof layer is at the same level as the second waterproof layer;
– arrange at least one piece of third waterproof layer straddling the clearance zone of the first waterproof layer and the second waterproof layer placed on the interior surface of the connecting plate, and arrange strips of third waterproof layer straddling the edges peripherals adjacent to the first waterproof layers of the prefabricated panels;
– glue the part and the strips of the third waterproof layer to complete the secondary waterproof membrane between the prefabricated panels, and between the prefabricated panels and the connecting plate; – arrange and fix primary thermally insulating blocks on at least part of the third waterproof layer, each primary thermally insulating block comprising a second layer of insulating foam and an upper panel surmounting the second layer of insulating foam, and each primary thermally insulating block having a cutout in one edge, in the direction of thickness, to accommodate the sealed pipe, so as to complete the primary thermally insulating barrier around the sealed pipe; And
– arrange and fix the primary waterproof membrane on the primary thermally insulating barrier.

Advantageously, the positioning of the connecting plate so that the second waterproof layer is at the level of the first waterproof layer is carried out relative to a reference plane.

Brief description of the figures

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 attached drawings.

There is a partial sectional view of a watertight and thermally insulating tank, on board an LNG transport vessel and equipped with watertight pipes for steam evacuation passing through the ceiling wall of the tank, and the middle and upper decks of the ship.

There is an enlarged schematic view of zone II of the according to a first embodiment.

There is an enlarged view of zone III of the .

There is a schematic view equivalent to that of the according to a second embodiment.

There is a partial perspective view of an area of the tank wall surrounding the sealed pipe, before closing the secondary sealing membrane.

There is a view analogous to the , showing the secondary waterproofing membrane and the primary thermally insulating barrier.

There is a partial perspective view of an area of the tank wall surrounding the sealed pipe, showing the primary sealing membrane.

There is an enlarged schematic view of zone II of the , according to a third embodiment.

There is an enlarged view of zone IX of the .

There is a schematic view equivalent to that of the , according to a fourth embodiment.

There is a cut-away schematic representation of a ship comprising a watertight and thermally insulating LNG storage tank and a loading/unloading terminal for this tank.

There represents an expansion of zone XII of the , in an exploded view on the left and in an assembled view on the right, the secondary thermally insulating barrier being omitted.

The embodiments below are described in relation to a waterproof and thermally insulating tank intended for the storage and/or transport of LNG by sea. In variants not described, such a waterproof and thermally insulating tank can be a tank used for the land storage of other cold or hot products.

In reference to the , we have partially shown a ship hull 1 inclined by a heel angle, in which is integrated a waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 having a generally polyhedral shape, defined by tank walls, namely a ceiling wall 12 ( only visible), a bottom wall, transverse walls and side walls, the transverse walls and the side walls connecting the bottom wall and the ceiling wall 12 according to the known technique. The waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 is for example intended to contain a cargo of LNG at a pressure close to atmospheric pressure.

By convention, the terms "on", "above", "superior" and "top" generally refer to a position located towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 while the terms "under", " below”, “lower” and “bottom” generally refer to a position located towards the outside of the sealed and thermally insulating tank 2, regardless of the orientation of the tank wall in relation to the earth's gravity field .

The waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 has a longitudinal dimension extending in the longitudinal direction of the ship. The watertight and thermally insulating tank 2 is bordered at each of its longitudinal ends by a transverse partition (not shown), delimiting a watertight intermediate space called “cofferdam”.

The ship hull 1 is a double hull comprising an inner hull and an outer hull spaced by stiffeners 3. In the upper part of the ship, the inner hull is closed by an intermediate deck 4 and the outer hull by an upper deck 5, which are spaced apart by a steerage space 6, better visible on the .

A sealed pipe 7, provided for example for the evacuation of the vapor phase in an inclined situation, connects the interior space of the sealed and thermally insulating tank 2 to a gas dome 8, itself connected to a collector circuit main steam 9 and to a degassing mast 10 via a pressure relief valve 11. For this, the sealed pipe 7 passes through a wall of the tank, here the ceiling wall 12. The function of such sealed pipe 7 for evacuating the vapor phase is described in more detail in publication WO-A-2016120540.

With reference to Figures 2 to 10 and 12, we will now describe in more detail the structure of the tank wall and the supporting structure at the location where they are crossed by the sealed pipe 7. This location is designated by the zone II on the .

We begin by describing a first embodiment with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 5 to 7 and 12.

In reference to the , each wall of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2, here the ceiling wall 12, successively presents, in a direction of thickness, from the outside towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2, a thermally insulating barrier secondary 13, a secondary waterproof membrane 14 carried by the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13, a primary thermally insulating barrier 15 and a primary waterproof membrane 16, carried by the primary thermally insulating barrier 15 and intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2.

The secondary thermally insulating barrier 13 and the primary thermally insulating barrier 15 are essentially made up of juxtaposed panels. The secondary thermally insulating barrier 13 rests on beads of mastic (not shown) placed on the internal surface of the supporting wall, here the intermediate bridge 4. Other details of the tank wall can be found in the document FR- A-2691520.

The sealed pipe 7 is, for example, a stainless steel tube, typically circular with a diameter of less than 100 mm, which extends perpendicular to the ceiling wall 12 through the entire thickness of the ceiling wall 12 and the double hull 1 to connect the interior space of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 to equipment located on the upper deck 5 of the ship. The waterproof pipe 7 has an internal end 17 which is open and opens into the interior space of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 in the immediate vicinity of the primary waterproof membrane 16.

The waterproof pipe 7 extends through an opening of the primary waterproof membrane 16 and through an opening of the secondary waterproof membrane 14, which are closed in a sealed manner all around the waterproof pipe 7, as will be described below.

The sealed pipe 7 also extends through an opening 18 of the intermediate deck 4 with a spacing and through an opening 19 of the upper deck 5 with a spacing.

We know that the supporting structure of a floating structure is likely to deform in the swell, in particular by bending along the longitudinal axis. To isolate the waterproof pipe 7 from the effects of these deformations, the waterproof pipe 7 is supported at the level of the intermediate bridge 4 by a coaming 20, which makes it possible to shift the mechanically welded connection of the waterproof pipe 7 away from the intermediate bridge 4.

The coaming extends into the tween deck space 6. The height of the coaming 20 is significantly lower than the height of the tween deck space 6, and for example between 10 and 20 cm.

In reference to the , the coaming 20 is a mechanically welded metal structure, for example in stainless steel. It comprises a side wall 21 forming a turret projecting outwards, welded to the intermediate bridge 4 around the opening 18, and a top wall 22. A peripheral rim 68 extending parallel to the intermediate bridge 4 is welded to the upper end of the side wall 21, opposite the intermediate bridge 4. The top wall 22 has an opening which is crossed by the sealed pipe 7, for example in the center of the top wall 22, and the edge of which is welded all the way around the waterproof pipe 7. Gussets 67 are welded to the waterproof pipe 7 and to the top wall 22 to brace the waterproof pipe 7 to the coaming 20. The top wall 22 is welded to the peripheral rim 68, so that the coaming 20 supports the weight of the waterproof pipe 7. The interior space of the coaming, delimited by the side wall 21 and the top wall 22, communicates with the secondary thermally insulating barrier via the opening 18. At the sea, the coaming 20 deforms similar to a ball joint in response to the bending of the intermediate bridge 4 and makes it possible to limit the movement of the waterproof pipe 7.

An insulating sleeve 24 is placed around the waterproof pipe 7 in the tween deck space 6, to limit thermal leakage. Likewise, an insulating filling 25 is arranged in the coaming 20, beyond the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13, to limit thermal leakage. Suitable materials for the insulating sleeve 24 and the insulating filling 25 include glass wool, polyurethane foam and the like.

A secondary waterproof sheath 26 of tubular shape, for example made of stainless steel, is arranged around the waterproof pipe 7 and extends partly in the thickness of the tank wall and partly in the between-deck space 6, so as to be interposed between the waterproof pipe 7 and the coaming 20.

More particularly, the secondary waterproof sheath 26 extends from a support ring 27 fixed around the waterproof pipe 7 in the coaming 20 into the primary thermally insulating barrier 15. A gap 59 between the waterproof pipe 7 and the secondary waterproof sheath 26, clearly visible on the , can be left empty or filled with an insulating pad. Preferably, the support ring 27 is arranged in the upper half of the coaming 20.

However, other possibilities exist for assembling the secondary waterproof sheath 26 to the supporting structure.

According to an embodiment shown in , the secondary waterproof sheath 26 can be welded to the top wall 22 of the coaming 20. In this case, the coaming 20 partially participates in the secondary waterproof membrane 14, at least at the level of the top wall 22 extending between the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and the waterproof pipe 7. The coaming 20 must therefore be waterproof at least at the level of the top wall 22.

According to yet another embodiment (not shown), at least part of the secondary waterproof sheath 26 can directly constitute the side wall of the coaming 20. In this case, the coaming 20 participates entirely in the secondary waterproof membrane 14. The coaming 20 must therefore be completely waterproof.

As illustrated on the , during assembly, the mechanically welded assembly consisting of the waterproof pipe 7, the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and the top wall 22 is inserted from the outside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 into the opening 18 of the intermediate bridge 4, then fixed to the coaming 20 by welding the top wall 22 to the peripheral rim 68.

As shown in , above the upper deck 5, the waterproof pipe 7 is surrounded by an accordion compensator 23 which connects the peripheral surface of the waterproof pipe 7 to the exterior surface of the upper deck 5 in a watertight manner, while allowing a variation of length of the sealed pipe 7 under the effect of temperature variations in service.

Alternatively, there are connections, not shown, between the waterproof pipe 7 and the exterior surface of the upper deck 5 devoid of accordion, in particular when the waterproof pipe 7 is bent in shape between the intermediate bridge 4 and the upper deck 5 .

The secondary waterproof membrane 14 is connected by waterproof bonding to the interior surface 28a of a connecting plate 28 fixed to the periphery of the secondary waterproof sheath 26 via a peripheral connecting element 29 of tubular shape. In particular, the connecting plate 28 comprises an external portion 48 which extends radially outside the secondary waterproof sheath 26.

Preferably, the connecting plate 28 and the peripheral connecting element 29 are two separate elements assembled by welding. The assembly of the connecting plate 28 and the peripheral connecting element 29 is carried out before assembly on site.

The primary waterproof membrane 16 is welded in a sealed manner around the waterproof pipe 7 at a distance from the internal end 30 of the secondary waterproof sheath 26.

The structure of the tank wall around the sealed pipe 7 and the secondary sealed sheath 26 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

There illustrates the production of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13, the secondary waterproof membrane 14 and the primary thermally insulating barrier 15 by means of two rectangular prefabricated panels 31. The prefabricated panels 31 are arranged on the interior surface of the intermediate bridge 4, on either side of the waterproof pipe 7, so that the secondary waterproof sheath 26 is housed in a cutout made in one edge, for example in a longitudinal edge, of each of the prefabricated panels 31 at mid-length thereof. There also shows the section plane AA corresponding to the .

Each of the two prefabricated panels 31 around the sealed pipe 7 generally has a stepped shape with a secondary thermally insulating block 32 forming an element of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13. More precisely, each secondary thermally insulating block 32 comprises a lower panel 37 and a layer of insulating foam 38, the lower panel 37 and the layer of insulating foam 38 having a semi-circle shape locally at mid-length thereof to accommodate the secondary waterproof sheath 26.

Advantageously, the layer of insulating foam 38 is made of a cellular plastic material such as polyurethane foam. Preferably, glass fibers are embedded in the polyurethane foam to reinforce it.

Each prefabricated panel 31 also comprises a first waterproof layer 33 completely covering the upper surface of the secondary thermally insulating block 32, and an upper thermally insulating block 34, in the shape of a "U", of smaller dimension and forming an element of the thermally insulating barrier primary insulating block 15. The upper thermally insulating block 34 is positioned relative to the secondary thermally insulating block 32 so as to leave exposed a peripheral rim 35 and a clearance zone 36 of the first waterproof layer 33 around the secondary waterproof sheath 26. connecting plate 28 is covered with a second waterproof layer 40.

Advantageously, the first waterproof sheet 33 and the second waterproof sheet 40 consist of a covering made of a rigid composite laminated material including a stack of metal sheets, for example made of aluminum 0.07 mm thick, sandwiched between two glass fiber fabrics impregnated with a polymer resin, for example a polyamide resin.

The prefabricated panel 31 further comprises a shoulder 47, visible on the , formed by a semicircular cut of the layer of insulating foam 38 of the secondary thermally insulating block 32 to accommodate the part of the peripheral connecting element 29 projecting from the connecting plate 28 towards the intermediate bridge 4.

In reference to the , the peripheral connecting element 29 extends on either side of the connecting plate 28. The peripheral connecting element 29 is linked to a radially inner edge 49 of the connecting plate 28 so that the entire plate connection 28, assimilated here to the external portion 48, extends radially towards the outside of the peripheral connection element 29. Thus, according to a section plane comprising the axis of revolution of the sealed pipe 7, the assembly consisting of the connecting plate 28 and the peripheral connecting element 29 has a “T” shaped section. Such a “T” shape has the advantage of having a robust attachment between the peripheral connecting element 29 and the secondary waterproof sheath 26.

In particular, at the level of the edge 49, a part of the peripheral connection element 29 projects from the interior surface 28a of the connection plate 28 towards the interior of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2, parallel to the secondary waterproof sheath 26. In the embodiment described, the secondary waterproof sheath extends into a part of the primary thermally insulating barrier 15, so as to produce the weld 66 between the peripheral connecting element 29 and the secondary waterproof sheath 26. at a distance from the interior surface 28a of the connecting plate 28.

Another part of the peripheral connection element 29 projects from an exterior surface 28b, opposite the interior surface 28a, of the connection plate 28 towards the intermediate bridge 4. Preferably, the part of the peripheral connection element 29 projecting towards the intermediate bridge 4 is longer than the part of the peripheral connecting element 29 projecting towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2.

In addition, a circular countersink 39 is formed in the layer of insulating foam 38 of the secondary thermally insulating block 32 at the level of the clearance zone 36 visible on the , at a distance from the secondary waterproof sheath 26. To be able to accommodate the connection plate 28, the diameter of the counterbore 39 is greater than the diameter of the connection plate 28. The interstitial space 69 provided between the edge of the counterbore 39 and the end of the connecting plate 28 located opposite the edge 49 can be lined with insulating material.

During the assembly of the tank wall on site, once the prefabricated panels 31 are juxtaposed around the secondary waterproof sheath 26, the connecting plate 28, glued with a second waterproof layer 40, and the peripheral connecting element 29 are respectively positioned in the countersink 39 and the shoulder 47 of the secondary thermally insulating block 32. The part of the peripheral connecting element 29 projecting towards the interior of the sealed and thermally insulating tank 2 from the interior surface 28a of the connecting plate 28, i.e. the part which is not inserted in the shoulder 47, is welded in a sealed manner to the secondary waterproof sheath 26. The assembly is carried out so that the second waterproof layer 40 is located precisely at the level of the first layer waterproof 33.

Then, as visible on the , a piece 42 of third waterproof sheet 41 is glued astride the connecting plate 28 and the secondary thermally insulating blocks 32 all around the secondary waterproof sheath 26 to ensure the continuity of the secondary waterproof membrane 14. Strips 43 of third waterproof layer 41 are also glued at the level of the gaps between two prefabricated panels 31 so as to cover the peripheral edges 35 not covered by the upper thermally insulating blocks 34.

Advantageously, the third waterproof sheet 41 consists of a covering made of a flexible composite laminated material composed of a metal sheet, for example aluminum 0.1 mm thick, sandwiched between two layers of bonded glass fibers. by a polymer resin, for example a polyamide resin.

There also shows, in an exploded perspective view, complementary upper thermally insulating blocks 44, which are glued after termination of the secondary waterproof membrane 14 on the peripheral edges 35 of the prefabricated panels 31 and in the clearance zone 36 to complete the barrier thermally primary insulator 15.

Two primary thermally insulating blocks 45 in the form of half-blocks are used around the sealed pipe 7, placed astride the secondary thermally insulating blocks 32 and on the connecting plate 28. Each of them has a semi-circular cutout 46 in a edge, for example a longitudinal edge, to accommodate the waterproof pipe 7. A shoulder 51, visible on the , is formed in the semicircular cutout 46 and covers the internal end 30 of the secondary waterproof sheath 26.

In reference to the , the upper thermally insulating blocks 34, the complementary upper thermally insulating blocks 44 and the primary thermally insulating blocks 45 each comprise a layer of insulating foam 52, supported on the secondary waterproof membrane 14 and surmounted by an upper panel 53 intended to support the primary waterproof membrane 16.

Advantageously, the layer of insulating foam 52 is made of a cellular plastic material such as polyurethane foam. Preferably, glass fibers are embedded in the polyurethane foam to reinforce it.

The primary thermally insulating blocks 45 may include a rigid bottom plate 54, for example plywood, to stiffen them. Although the upper thermally insulating blocks 34 and the complementary upper thermally insulating blocks 44 have better rigidity, due to their larger dimension and the absence of cutting, a bottom plate (not shown) can also be provided in those -this.

There shows the primary waterproof membrane 16 around the waterproof pipe 7. The primary waterproof membrane 16 is formed of metal plates comprising undulations 55 and 56 projecting towards the inside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2. More particularly, the waterproof membrane primary 16 comprises a first series of so-called transverse undulations 55 and a second series of so-called longitudinal undulations 56 whose respective directions are perpendicular. The second series of longitudinal undulations 56 has a height lower than the first series of transverse undulations 55.

The undulations 55 and 56 form elastic zones to absorb thermal contraction and static and dynamic pressure forces. Such waterproof membranes made of corrugated or embossed sheet metal have in particular been described in FR-A-1379651, FR-A-1376525, FR-A-2781557 and FR-A-2861060.

The spacing between two undulations 56 of the series of longitudinal undulations or between two undulations 55 of the series of transverse undulations is for example between 200 mm and 600 mm, in particular 340 mm.

The end 17 of the waterproof pipe 7 passes through a flat zone 57 of the primary waterproof membrane 16 located between the series of undulations 55 and 56, and provided with a corresponding opening. A collared ring 58 is welded both to the edges of the metal plates forming the primary waterproof membrane 16 around the opening and to the periphery of the waterproof pipe 7 to ensure sealing.

Different possibilities exist for welding the peripheral connecting element 29 to the secondary waterproof sheath 26. We now describe, with reference to the , a second embodiment, the elements identical or similar to those of the first embodiment bear the same reference number as in Figures 2, 3 and 5 to 7, and will only be described again to the extent that they differ of the first embodiment.

In reference to the , the connecting plate 28 comprises, in addition to the external portion 48 which extends radially towards the outside of the peripheral connecting element 29, an internal portion 50 which extends radially in the direction of the sealed pipe 7, from the peripheral connecting element 29. The connecting plate 28 also comprises a circular passage 83 crossed by the sealed pipe 7. The circular passage 83 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the sealed pipe 7 so as to leave a spacing between the internal portion 50 and waterproof pipe 7.

In this embodiment, the secondary waterproof sheath 26 extends parallel to the waterproof pipe into a part of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13, i.e. below the secondary waterproof membrane 14. In addition, the peripheral connecting element 29 only projects from the exterior surface 28b towards the intermediate bridge 4. The waterproof weld 82 between the peripheral connecting element 29 and the secondary waterproof sheath 26 is thus produced at a distance from the interior surface 28a of the connection plate 28.

The internal portion 50 and the peripheral connecting element 29 form an internal space 84 attached to the external wall of the waterproof pipe 7, the internal space 84 being intended to receive the end of the secondary waterproof sheath 26. In this way , the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and the peripheral connecting element 29 can fit together and cooperate to slide when they are not welded. When welding the peripheral connecting element 29 with the secondary waterproof sheath 26, the spacing between the connecting plate 28 and the intermediate bridge 4 can be adjusted to place the second waterproof sheet 40 glued onto the connecting plate 28 precisely at the level of the first waterproof layer 33.

In this embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating blocks 32 are dimensioned so that, once arranged all around the secondary waterproof sheath 26, an interstitial space 60, lined with insulating material 64, is provided between the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13. The interstitial space 60 has a thickness equal to the radial extension of the external portion 48 of the connecting plate 28.

Advantageously, the insulating material 64 may comprise, for example, polyurethane foam or glass wool.

Preferably, an interstitial space 85 is provided between the secondary thermally insulating blocks 32 and the insulating material 64. The interstitial space 85 is lined with insulating material, preferably glass wool.

During assembly of the tank wall on site, the peripheral connecting element 29 is first welded to the secondary waterproof sheath 26. The position of the connecting plate 28 is adjusted relative to a reference plane so that the interior surface 28a which supports the second waterproof layer 40 allows positioning in the same plane of the different elements constituting the secondary waterproof membrane 14, and in particular positioning in the same plane of the first waterproof layer 33 and the second waterproof layer 40. The interstitial space 60, located between the external portion 48 of the connecting plate 28 and the intermediate bridge 4, is then lined with insulating material 64. Then the prefabricated panels 31 are juxtaposed around the secondary waterproof sheath 26. If necessary, the position of the first waterproof sheet 33 is modified to be precisely at the level of the second waterproof sheet 40 carried by the interior surface 28a of the connecting plate 28 by known means.

The welding of the peripheral connecting element 29 to the secondary waterproof sheath 26 is carried out before the installation of the prefabricated panels 31 and also before the filling with the insulating material 64. Otherwise, the secondary thermally insulating barrier 13 would hinder the access to the secondary space around the secondary waterproof sheath 26, i.e. to the place where the welding is carried out.

In addition, the prefabricated panels resting on beads of putty, it is not possible to reproduce the same assembly steps as those of the first embodiment described above. Indeed, the absence of countersinking to accommodate the external portion 48 of the connecting plate 28 and shoulder to accommodate the peripheral connecting element 29 in the insulating material 64 prevents the prefabricated panels 31 from “sliding” on the bridge. intermediate 4 to position them under the connecting plate 28 previously fixed around the secondary waterproof sheath 26. This is why, the prefabricated panels 31 are dimensioned so that the secondary thermally insulating blocks 32 are interrupted at a distance from the secondary waterproof sheath 26 to provide an interstitial space 60 having a thickness equal to the radial extension of the external portion 48 of the connecting plate 28.

With reference to Figures 8 to 10, we will now describe a third and a fourth embodiment of the tank wall around the sealed pipe 7, which are respectively the variation of the first and second embodiments, i.e. depending on whether the connecting plate 28 may or may not have an internal portion 50 extending radially in the direction of the sealed pipe 7 from the peripheral connecting element 29. The elements identical or similar to those of the first two embodiments bear the same reference number only in Figures 2 to 7 and will not be described again.

These third and fourth embodiments use a primary waterproof sheath 61, also of tubular shape, interposed between the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and the waterproof pipe 7, and serving to close the primary waterproof membrane 16 without direct connection with the waterproof pipe 7. The primary waterproof sheath 61 makes it possible to further decouple the primary waterproof membrane 16 and thus protect it from possible movements that the sealed pipe 7 may undergo in service under the effect of thermal contraction and/or under the effect of flow that she drives. Advantageously, the primary waterproof sheath 61 is made of stainless steel.

As for the secondary waterproof sheath 26, different possibilities exist for assembling the primary waterproof sheath 61 to the supporting structure. In reference to the , the primary waterproof sheath 61 is connected to the waterproof pipe 7 by a support ring 62. According to another embodiment not shown, the primary waterproof sheath 61 can also be extended to the top of the coaming 20, by being for example fixed to the top wall 22 of the coaming 20.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate in more detail the structure of the tank wall and the supporting structure at the location where they are crossed by the sealed pipe 7. In particular, the is an enlarged view of zone IX of the .

The collared ring 58 is welded both to the edges of the metal plates forming the primary waterproof membrane 16 around the opening and to the periphery of the primary waterproof sheath 61 to ensure sealing. The gap 63 between the sealed pipe 7 and the primary sealed sheath 61 is in communication with the interior space of the sealed and thermally insulating tank 2. Depending on the size of the gap 86 between the secondary sealed sheath 26 and the waterproof sheath primary 61, the latter may or may not be filled with an insulating pad, for example glass wool or polyurethane foam.

In a sizing example, the wall thickness of the waterproof pipe 7, of the secondary waterproof sheath 26 and, where applicable, of the primary waterproof sheath 61 is between 5 mm and 12 mm.

The structures described above with reference to a sealed pipe 7 for the evacuation of the vapor phase and to a ceiling wall 12 of the sealed and thermally insulating tank 2 can be used for other pipes, in particular small pipes. diameter, having to pass through the entire tank wall.

In reference to the , a cutaway view of an LNG ship 70 shows a waterproof and thermally insulating tank 2 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 1 of the LNG ship 70.

In a manner known per se, loading/unloading pipes 73 arranged on the upper deck of the LNG ship 70 can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the watertight tank and thermally insulating 2.

There also represents an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76 and an onshore installation 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a movable 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 connect to the loading/unloading pipes 73.

The adjustable movable arm 74 adapts to all sizes of LNG ships 70. A connection pipe not shown extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows the loading and unloading of the LNG ship 70 from or to the onshore installation 77. This includes liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected by the underwater pipe 76 to the loading or unloading station 75. The pipe submarine 76 allows the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore installation 77 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the LNG ship 70 at a long distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of liquefied gas, pumps on board the LNG ship 70 and/or pumps fitted to the on-shore installation 77 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited 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.

The use of the verb “include”, “understand” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

In the claims, any parenthetical reference sign shall not be construed as a limitation of the claim.

Claims (18)

Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) arranged in a supporting structure to contain a fluid, the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) comprising
a tank wall anchored against the supporting structure, the tank wall having a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising successively, in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of said sealed and thermally insulating tank (2), a secondary thermally insulating barrier (13), a secondary waterproof membrane (14) carried by the secondary thermally insulating barrier (13), a primary thermally insulating barrier (15) and a primary waterproof membrane (16) carried by the primary thermally insulating barrier (15), the primary sealed membrane (16) being intended to be in contact with the fluid contained in said sealed and thermally insulating tank (2), and
a sealed pipe (7) arranged through the tank wall, the primary waterproof membrane (16) being sealed in a sealed manner to the sealed pipe (7),
and in which said tank wall comprises around the sealed pipe (7):
– a waterproof sheath (26) arranged all around the waterproof pipe (7) and extending parallel to the waterproof pipe (7) through a thickness of the secondary thermally insulating barrier (13), the waterproof sheath (26) being connected in a sealed manner to said sealed pipe (7) so that a space (59) between the waterproof sheath (26) and the waterproof pipe (7) does not communicate with the secondary thermally insulating barrier (13),
– secondary thermally insulating blocks (32) anchored against the supporting structure around the waterproof sheath (26), the secondary thermally insulating blocks (32) forming the secondary thermally insulating barrier (13) around the waterproof sheath (26) so that said sealed pipe (7) passes through the secondary thermally insulating barrier (13) between said secondary thermally insulating blocks (32),
– a first waterproof layer (33) covering the secondary thermally insulating blocks (32),
– a connecting plate (28) arranged all around the sealed pipe (7), the connecting plate (28) having an interior surface (28a) facing the inside of the sealed and thermally insulating tank (2) and arranged parallel to the tank wall,
– a peripheral connecting element (29) developing parallel to the waterproof sheath (26), the peripheral connecting element (29) being tightly linked to the waterproof sheath (26) all around the waterproof sheath (26) , the connecting plate (28) being tightly linked to the peripheral connecting element (29) and comprising an external portion (48) extending radially towards the outside of the peripheral connecting element (29),
– a second waterproof sheet (40) covering the interior surface (28a) of the connection plate (28) at least on part of the external portion (48) of the connection plate (28), the connection plate (28) being positioned so that the second waterproof layer (40) is located at the same level as the first waterproof layer (33) and
– a third waterproof sheet (41) fixed in a sealed manner straddling the first waterproof sheet (33) and the second waterproof sheet (40), the first waterproof sheet (33), the second waterproof sheet (40) and the third sheet waterproof (41) forming the secondary waterproof membrane (14). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 1, in which the peripheral connecting element (29) is linked to a radially inner edge (49) of the connecting plate (28) so that the entire connecting plate ( 28) extends radially outwards from the peripheral connecting element (29). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 2, in which the peripheral connecting element (29) projects from the interior surface (28a) of the connecting plate (28) towards the interior of the sealed and thermally insulating tank insulating (2), the connection between the peripheral connecting element (29) and the waterproof sheath (26) being made at a distance from the interior surface (28a) of the connecting plate (28). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 1, in which the connecting plate (28) further comprises an internal portion (50) extending radially in the direction of the sealed pipe (7) from the connecting element device (29). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 4, in which the connecting plate (28) has an exterior surface (28b) opposite the interior surface (28a), and the peripheral connecting element (29) projects from the exterior surface (28b) towards the supporting structure, the connection between the peripheral connecting element (29) and the waterproof sheath (26) being made at a distance from the exterior surface (28b) of the connection plate (28). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 4 or 5, in which the secondary thermally insulating blocks (32) are arranged all around the waterproof sheath (26) so as to provide an interstitial space (60) between the waterproof sheath (26) and the secondary thermally insulating blocks (32), the interstitial space (60) being lined with an insulating material (64) and the interstitial space (60) preferably having a thickness equal to a radial extension of the external portion (48) of the connecting plate (28). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first waterproof layer (33) and/or the second waterproof layer (40) is a covering made of a rigid composite laminated material comprising at least least a metal foil sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass bonded by a polymer resin. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) one of claims 1 to 7, in which the third waterproof layer (41) is a covering made of a flexible composite laminated material comprising at least one metal sheet sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass bonded by a polymer resin. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the waterproof sheath (26) has an outer end extending outside the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) and connected by sealed manner to the sealed pipe (7) all around the sealed pipe (7). Watertight and thermally insulating tank (2) according to claim 9, further comprising a support ring (27) fixed to the outer end of the watertight sheath (26) and extending radially in the direction of the watertight pipe (7) , so as to ensure a watertight connection between the watertight sheath (26) and the watertight pipe (7). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising primary thermally insulating blocks (45) arranged on the secondary waterproof membrane (14), the primary thermally insulating blocks (45) forming the barrier thermally insulating primary barrier (15) around the sealed pipe (7) so that said sealed pipe (7) passes through the primary thermally insulating barrier (15) between said primary thermally insulating blocks (45). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the waterproof sheath (26) is a secondary waterproof sheath (26) and the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) also comprises a primary waterproof sheath (61) arranged around the sealed pipe (7), between the sealed pipe (7) and the secondary waterproof sheath (26), the primary waterproof sheath (61) extending parallel to the sealed pipe (7) at least up to 'to the primary waterproof membrane (16), the primary waterproof membrane (16) being sealed in a sealed manner to the primary waterproof sheath (61). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the tank wall is a ceiling wall (12). Installation for storing a fluid comprising a supporting structure and a sealed and thermally insulating tank (2) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the supporting structure comprising a supporting wall (4) provided with an opening (18) so that the sealed pipe (7) is engaged in the opening (18) of the supporting wall (4) to define a fluid passage between the interior and the exterior of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2), the supporting structure also comprising a coaming (20) projecting towards the outside of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) relative to the supporting wall (4), the coaming (20) being arranged all around the waterproof pipe ( 7) and having a top wall (22) so that said sealed pipe (7) is supported by the top wall (22) of the coaming (20). Vessel (70) for transporting a cold liquid product, the vessel (70) comprising a double hull (72) and an installation according to claim 14 installed in the double hull (72), in which the supporting structure is formed by of the internal walls of the double hull (72). Vessel (70) according to claim 15, in which the tank wall is a ceiling wall (12) and the supporting wall (4) is an intermediate deck of the vessel (70), said vessel (70) further comprising a deck upper (5) parallel to and spaced from the intermediate deck (4), the waterproof pipe (7) further comprising an upper portion extending above the coaming (20) to the upper deck (5), a sleeve ( 24) made of insulating material being arranged around said upper portion between the coaming (20) and the upper deck (5). Use of a ship (70) according to one of claims 15 or 16 for loading or unloading a cold liquid product, in which a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes (73, 76, 79, 81) from or to a floating or terrestrial storage facility (77) to or from the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) of the ship (70). Transfer system for a cold liquid, the system comprising a vessel (70) according to one of claims 15 or 16, insulated pipes (73, 76, 79, 81) arranged so as to connect the sealed and thermally insulating tank ( 2) installed in the double hull (72) of the vessel (70) to a floating or land storage facility (77) and a pump to drive a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipes (73, 76, 79, 81 ) from or to the floating or terrestrial storage installation (77) to or from the waterproof and thermally insulating tank (2) of the ship (70).