FR3135773A1 - WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATING TANK INTEGRATED INTO A SUPPORT STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Abstract

A sealed and thermally insulating tank comprises secondary edge insulating blocks (111) arranged in the form of a first longitudinal row parallel to the edge and secondary current point insulating blocks (11) arranged in the form of a second longitudinal row parallel to the edge and primary edge insulating blocks (113) superimposed on the secondary edge insulating blocks (111) and primary current point insulating blocks (13) superimposed on the secondary current point insulating blocks (11). The first longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block (113) is aligned with the first longitudinal edge of the secondary edge insulating block (111) and the second longitudinal edge of the primary current point insulating block (13) is aligned with the second longitudinal edge of the secondary current point insulating block (11). Metal angles (49, 44) are arranged on the edge insulating blocks in line with the edge (3) and strakes (30) are placed flat on the running point insulating blocks (13, 11). Figure for abstract: Fig. 3

Description

WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATING TANK INTEGRATED INTO A SUPPORT STRUCTURE

The invention relates to the field of waterproof and thermally insulating membrane tanks. In particular, the invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage and/or transport of liquefied gas at low temperature, such as tanks for the transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (also called LPG) presenting by example a temperature between -50°C and 0°C, or for the transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure. 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 serving as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.

Technology background

In a low temperature liquefied gas storage tank, an essential function of the tank wall is to insulate the cargo to limit heat flow leading to evaporation of the cargo, and also to protect the hull from cryogenic temperatures in the case of a ship's tank. But the tank wall must also support the hydrodynamic loading of the cargo, which therefore implies resistance to compression.

WO-A-2017207904 describes such a tank made from insulating blocks which comprise a bottom plate of rectangular shape, a cover plate of rectangular shape parallel to the bottom plate and spaced from the bottom plate in a direction of thickness of the secondary edge insulating block, a thermally insulating pad placed between the bottom plate and the cover plate, in particular glass wool, rock wool, wadding, fibrous materials, perlite, expanded perlite, low density polymer foams, aerogels , and supporting pillars made of material more rigid than the insulating lining, in particular plywood, extending in the direction of thickness between the bottom plate and the cover plate to absorb pressure forces. Each load-bearing pillar has a small section compared to a longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension of the secondary edge insulating block, the load-bearing pillars comprising main load-bearing pillars arranged directly above the attachment zones.

WO-A-2017207904 employs two metal membranes made of low expansion steel strakes which are placed flat on the cover plates of the insulating blocks, each strake having two parallel raised side edges which are welded sealingly onto strips metallic. These metal membranes are particularly reliable and benefit from long experience feedback.

However, the manufacture of insulating blocks involves relatively complex assembly operations. In addition, the rigid materials used to make the supporting pillars are likely to have significant thermal conductivities and to form thermal bridges, which limits the thermal insulation characteristics of the tank.

Summary

An idea underlying the invention is to design a waterproof and thermally insulating tank which resolves at least some of these disadvantages.

Certain aspects of the invention are based on the observation that by limiting or eliminating the use of rigid materials likely to form thermal bridges in the insulating blocks to replace them with materials less conductive of heat, there is a risk of degrading the support of the sealing barriers supported by the insulating blocks, which is particularly critical when the sealing barrier is a relatively thin and fragile metal membrane.

Another idea underlying the invention is therefore to design a waterproof and thermally insulating tank which offers both advantageous thermal properties and a long service life.

For this, the invention provides a watertight and thermally insulating tank integrated into a supporting structure, the supporting structure comprising two load-bearing walls, the two load-bearing walls being flat and defining a longitudinal edge forming an angle between them, the watertight and thermally insulating tank insulating comprising a tank wall placed on each said load-bearing wall,
in which the tank wall arranged on each said load-bearing wall comprises, successively in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of the sealed and thermally insulating tank, a secondary insulation barrier, a secondary sealing barrier , a primary insulation barrier and a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with a product contained in the sealed and thermally insulating tank,
in which the secondary sealing barrier comprises a metallic membrane consisting of secondary metallic elements juxtaposed on the secondary insulation barrier and welded to each other in a sealed manner, and the primary sealing barrier comprises a metallic membrane consisting of primary metal elements juxtaposed on the primary insulation barrier and welded to each other in a watertight manner.

The secondary insulation barrier comprises secondary edge insulating blocks arranged in the form of a first longitudinal row parallel to the edge and secondary current point insulating blocks arranged in the form of a second longitudinal row parallel to the edge. edge and adjacent to the secondary edge insulating blocks on the side opposite the edge,
said primary insulation barrier comprising primary edge insulating blocks superimposed on the secondary edge insulating blocks and primary current point insulating blocks superimposed on the secondary current point insulating blocks.

Each secondary edge insulating block, each primary edge insulating block, each secondary current point insulating block and each primary current point insulating block comprises a first longitudinal edge parallel to the edge and located on the side opposite the edge and a second longitudinal edge parallel to the edge and located on the side of the edge,
in which the first longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block is aligned with the first longitudinal edge of the secondary edge insulating block while the second longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block is set back from the second longitudinal edge of the secondary edge insulating block, the primary edge insulating block being narrower than the secondary edge insulating block in a width direction perpendicular to the edge,
in which the second longitudinal edge of the primary current point insulating block is aligned with the second longitudinal edge of the secondary current point insulating block.

The tank wall comprises retaining members arranged around the superimposed secondary and primary current point insulating blocks, each retaining member comprising a lower portion secured to the supporting wall, a secondary attachment portion surmounting the lower portion and cooperating with several secondary current point insulating blocks adjacent to the retaining member and a primary attachment portion surmounting the secondary attachment portion and cooperating with several primary current point insulating blocks adjacent to the retaining member.

The primary metallic elements, respectively the secondary metallic elements, comprise:
primary, respectively secondary, metal angles arranged on the primary, respectively secondary insulating edge blocks, in line with the edge, a said primary, respectively secondary, metal angle, comprising two sides mutually inclined at the angle formed by the two walls carriers,
primary, respectively secondary strakes, placed flat on the primary, respectively secondary current point insulating blocks, each primary, respectively secondary strake, comprising two raised edges parallel to said edge which are welded in a sealed manner onto primary weld supports, respectively secondary, anchored to the primary, respectively secondary, current point insulating blocks, the primary, respectively secondary solder supports, being arranged in the form of longitudinal rows parallel to the edge, and
primary, respectively secondary, connecting plates connecting a said row of primary, respectively secondary, welding supports, anchored to the primary, respectively secondary current point insulating blocks, to the primary, respectively secondary metal angles,
in which the primary connecting plates have at least one longitudinal undulation parallel to the edge.

Thanks to these characteristics, in particular the alignments of the first longitudinal edges of the primary and secondary edge insulating blocks and the alignments of the second longitudinal edges of the primary and secondary current point insulating blocks, an adjustment chimney can be easily formed between the row of blocks edge insulators and the row of running point insulating blocks to make up for manufacturing tolerances of the load-bearing walls.

In addition, the insulating blocks can be formed with less rigid structures in the thickness direction than load-bearing pillars or load-bearing plywood struts. The stiffness of the insulating block in the thickness direction may in particular be that of an insulating polymer foam, because the bellows formed by the raised edges of the strakes and the undulations of the primary connecting plates allow a certain elongation in response to retraction of the pressure insulating blocks, including edge insulating blocks.

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

According to one embodiment, one or each secondary edge insulating block and one or each primary edge insulating block comprise a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating trim interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel, the insulating pad comprising a structural insulating foam, for example a fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam, interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to keep the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel.

According to one embodiment, one or each secondary current point insulating block and one or each primary current point insulating block comprise a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel , the insulating pad comprising a structural insulating foam interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to maintain the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel.

Thus, the thermal insulation properties of edge insulating blocks and/or current point insulating blocks can be very high.

According to one embodiment, the two sides of the primary, respectively secondary, metal angle are fixed to the cover panels of the primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating blocks.

Preferably in this case, the cover panel of a said primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating block has a countersink opening onto the second longitudinal edge of the primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating block and receiving a section of the metal angle. primary, respectively secondary

Thus, the primary and/or secondary metal angle(s) can be flush with the upper surface on the cover panel, which makes it possible to bring overlapping connecting plates onto the primary and/or secondary metal angles without changing height and thus ensuring very uniform support of the connecting plates.

According to another embodiment, a primary, respectively secondary, corner beam is arranged on the cover panel of a said primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating block, to support the primary, respectively secondary metal angle, the beam of primary angle, respectively secondary, being elongated parallel to the edge, the primary metal angle, respectively secondary, being arranged astride two said primary corner beams, respectively secondary, and screwed to them on either side other of said bisecting plane.

Thus, a particularly rigid beam can be produced to support the primary and/or secondary metal angle(s).

According to one embodiment, the primary, respectively secondary, insulation barrier further comprises a block of fibrous or cellular insulating material inserted between the second longitudinal edges of two primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating blocks arranged on either side. other of the edge on the two supporting walls.

Thus, it is possible to ensure good filling of the spaces to the right of the edge to avoid convective movements of the gas phase present in the wall.

According to another embodiment, the primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating blocks have on the second longitudinal edge an inclined face parallel to a plane bisecting the angle formed by the two supporting walls, and in which two edge insulating blocks primary, respectively secondary, arranged on either side of the edge on the two supporting walls are produced in the form of an integrated primary, respectively secondary corner insulating block, the inclined faces of the two primary edge insulating blocks , respectively secondary, being attached to a connecting plate arranged in said bisecting plane.

Thus, it is possible to use primary integrated corner insulating blocks and/or secondary integrated corner insulating blocks to create the tank walls in line with the edge, which facilitates the assembly of the tank.

According to one embodiment, the retaining members comprise an angle retaining member disposed between the first longitudinal row and the second longitudinal row,
the primary attachment portion of the corner retainer comprising a primary retaining plate extending perpendicular to the edge, the primary retaining plate comprising a central portion attached to the secondary attachment portion of the corner retaining member, a first end portion cooperating with two primary current point insulating blocks and a second end portion cooperating with two primary edge insulating blocks.

Thus, the same corner retainer can be used to retain both primary current point insulating blocks and primary edge insulating blocks.

Preferably in this case, the secondary attachment portion of the corner retaining member comprises a secondary retaining plate extending perpendicular to the edge, the secondary retaining plate comprising a first end portion cooperating with two secondary current point insulating blocks and a second end portion cooperating with two secondary edge insulating blocks.

Thus, the corner retainer may also be used to retain both secondary current point insulator blocks and secondary edge insulator blocks, thereby limiting a total number of retainers to be installed in the structure carrier.

According to one embodiment, the secondary attachment portion of the corner retaining member comprises the secondary retaining plate, an upper plate parallel to the secondary retaining plate, a connecting member linking the secondary retaining plate to the upper plate and a spacer arranged between the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate, the spacer comprising a rigid stop piece defining a minimum spacing between the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate in a position abutment of the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate against the abutment piece, and an elastically compressible member tending to maintain the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate in a spaced position, the connecting member defining a maximum spacing between the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate in the spaced position, said maximum spacing being greater than said minimum spacing, the elastically compressible member being configured to compress elastically up to said abutment position of the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate against the stop piece in response to a force tending to bring the upper plate closer to the secondary retaining plate,
wherein the lower portion of the corner retainer comprises an anchor rod projecting from the clamping assembly perpendicular to the secondary retaining plate, the anchor rod comprising a lower end attached to said supporting wall and an upper end opposite the lower end and coupled to the secondary retaining plate to be able to exert traction on the secondary retaining plate towards the lower end

Thus, it is possible to introduce flexibility of the angle retaining member in the direction of a compressive force coming from inside the tank and thus allow the upper plate to approximately follow the movements of the upper surface of the insulating blocks during operation of the sealed and thermally insulating tank, with a view to homogenizing the response of the thermally insulating barriers to compressive stresses.

According to one embodiment, the primary connection plates comprise a corrugated plate having said at least one longitudinal undulation parallel to the edge, the corrugated plate extending astride a said primary edge insulating block and a said insulating block primary current point and having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge welded in a sealed manner to the primary metal angle,
and a half-strake having a raised edge parallel to the edge sealedly welded to a primary weld support of said row of primary weld supports and a plane edge parallel to the edge sealedly bonded to the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate.

According to one embodiment, the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate is fixed on the primary current point insulating block and the flat edge of the half-strake is welded to the corrugated plate so that the half-strake covers the first edge. longitudinal of the corrugated plate. According to another embodiment, the flat edge of the half-strake is fixed on the primary current point insulating block and the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate is welded to the half-strake so that the corrugated plate covers the edge. plan of the half tack.

According to embodiments, the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate or the flat edge of the half-strake is fixed to the primary current point insulating block by fixing screws, the primary current point insulating block comprising a groove for accommodate the heads of the fixing screws.

According to other embodiments, the primary current point insulating block carries a metal anchor strip fixed on the cover panel of the primary current point insulating block and extending parallel to the edge, the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate or the flat edge of the half-strake being fixed by welding to the anchoring strip.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of metal anchor strips are fixed to the cover panel of the primary current point insulating block to form a discontinuous row extending parallel to the edge. The discontinuous row of metal anchor strips consists of numerous anchor strips separated by intervals without anchor strips.

According to embodiments, the first longitudinal edge of the corrugated plate or the flat edge of the half-strake is superimposed on the discontinuous row of anchoring strips, at least a first portion being fixed on the primary current point insulating block by fixing screws in an interval without anchoring strip and at least a second portion being fixed by welding on said anchoring strip.

According to one embodiment, said at least one longitudinal corrugation is positioned on a said primary current point insulating block.

According to one embodiment, said at least one longitudinal undulation projects towards the inside of the tank.

Preferably in this case, a wave reinforcement is inserted in the longitudinal corrugation between said primary connection plates and said primary current point insulating block.

Thus, it is possible to protect the longitudinal corrugation against excessive deformations which may be caused by the pressure forces exerted by the cargo in service.

According to one embodiment, the supporting structure comprises a third supporting wall interrupting the two supporting walls at one end of the longitudinal edge, and the first longitudinal row successively comprises, in the direction of the end of the edge, at least one secondary edge insulating block of the first type and at least one secondary edge insulating block of the second type.

Preferably in this case, the or each secondary edge insulating block of the first type comprises a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel, the insulating pad comprising an insulating foam structural interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to keep the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel, and
the or each secondary edge insulating block of the second type comprises a secondary insulating box made of rigid material filled with an insulating lining.

According to one embodiment, the supporting structure comprises a third supporting wall interrupting the two supporting walls at one end of the longitudinal edge, and in which the primary edge insulating blocks comprise successively, towards the end of the edge , at least one primary edge insulating block of the first type and at least one primary edge insulating block of the second type.
Preferably in this case, the or each primary edge insulating block of the first type comprises a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel, the insulating pad comprising an insulating foam structural interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to keep the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel, and
the or each primary edge insulating block of the second type comprises a primary insulating box made of rigid material filled with an insulating gasket.

Thus, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the secondary and/or primary edge insulating blocks as they approach one end of the longitudinal edge, in order to particularly improve the support of the metal membranes in this area.

Such a sealed and thermally insulating tank can be used to store and/or transport a liquefied gas. In one embodiment, the liquefied gas is LNG, namely a mixture with a high methane content stored at a temperature of approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure. Other liquefied gases can also be considered, notably ethane, propane, butane or ethylene. Liquefied gases can also be stored under pressure, for example at a relative pressure of between 2 and 20 bar, and in particular at a relative pressure close to 2 bar.

Such a waterproof and thermally insulating device may form part of a land or subsea storage facility, or be installed in a floating, coastal or deep water structure, including an LNG vessel, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU). ), a floating production and remote storage unit (FPSO) and others. Such a tank can also be used as a fuel tank in any type of ship.

According to one embodiment, a ship for transporting liquefied gas comprises a double hull and a aforementioned tank placed in the double hull.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for a liquefied gas, 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 storage installation or terrestrial and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the ship's tank.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of loading or unloading such a vessel, in which a liquefied gas is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage installation to or from the tank of the ship.

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 represents an embodiment of a waterproof and thermally insulating tank integrated into a polyhedral, quarter-section supporting structure.

There is a partial sectional view of the waterproof and thermally insulating tank along line II-II of the , according to a first embodiment.

There is an enlarged view of the corner area III of the .

There is a perspective view of the corner area according to a second embodiment.

There is a view analogous to the showing the corner area according to a third embodiment.

There is a perspective view showing the corner area according to the third embodiment.

There is a view analogous to the showing the corner area according to a fourth embodiment.

There is a perspective view showing the corner area according to the fourth embodiment.

There is a perspective view showing the corner zone according to the third embodiment up to one end of the longitudinal edge.

There is a cut-away schematic representation of an LNG ship tank and a loading/unloading terminal for this tank.

On the , a waterproof and thermally insulating tank integrated into a supporting structure 1 of polyhedral shape is shown. The supporting structure 1, which is for example the hull of a ship or other floating structure, comprises longitudinal supporting walls 2 joined by longitudinal edges 3 and transverse supporting walls 4 perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 3.

The general structure of such a tank is well known. We will therefore only focus on describing a zone of the wall of the tank, it being understood that all the flat walls of the tank can have a similar general structure. Therefore, independently of the effective orientation of the tank wall in the earth's gravity field, we will use the terms "on" and "above" to designate a position located towards the inside of the tank in the direction thickness of the tank wall and the terms “under” and “below” to designate a position located towards the outside of the tank, that is to say towards the supporting structure.

Tank 1 is a membrane tank for storing liquefied gas. The wall of the tank has a multilayer structure comprising, from the supporting structure 1 towards the interior of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprising insulating elements, not shown, resting against a supporting structure 1, a secondary waterproof membrane 6 resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier 5, a primary thermally insulating barrier 7 comprising insulating elements, not shown, resting against the secondary waterproof membrane 6 and a primary waterproof membrane 8 intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank 1 The primary sealed membrane 8 defines an internal space 10 intended to receive the liquefied gas.

The liquefied gas intended to be stored in the tank may in particular be liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is to say a gas mixture comprising mainly methane as well as one or more other hydrocarbons. The liquefied gas can also be ethane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), that is to say a mixture of hydrocarbons resulting from petroleum refining essentially comprising propane and butane.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, we will now describe a corner zone of the tank along a longitudinal edge 3 joining two adjacent longitudinal load-bearing walls 2 forming an angle between them. Given that the corner zone of the tank is essentially symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the angle P, it will be sufficient to describe a single tank wall in the corner zone.

On most of the tank wall, the secondary thermally insulating barrier 5 is formed of secondary insulating blocks of current point 11 juxtaposed on the supporting wall 2 and anchored thereto by means of retaining current point 12 and the barrier thermally insulating primary 7 is formed of primary insulating blocks of current point 13 superimposed on the secondary insulating blocks of current point 11 and also anchored by the current point retaining members 12.

The secondary current point insulating blocks 11 and the primary current point insulating blocks 13 have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with preferably the same length and the same width. The secondary current point insulating block 11 may be thicker than the primary current point insulating block 13.

Along the longitudinal edge 3, the secondary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprises a row of secondary insulating edge blocks 111 juxtaposed on the supporting wall 2 and the primary thermally insulating barrier 7 comprises a row of primary insulating edge blocks 113 superimposed on the secondary insulating edge blocks 111. The secondary insulating edge blocks 111 and the primary insulating edge blocks 113 also have the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with preferably the same length and different widths, namely a lesser width for the primary insulating block of border 113.

The manufacture of a large load-bearing wall 2 like the hull of a ship does not make it possible to obtain perfectly flat surfaces. It is therefore generally necessary to provide shims of thickness 16 and supports of polymerizable mastic (not shown) under the secondary insulating blocks of current point 11 to be able to compensate for the flatness defects of the supporting wall 2 and thus align the insulating blocks current point secondary 11 with a small tolerance, so as to obtain a very uniform support surface for the secondary waterproof membrane 6. These polymerizable mastic supports can take different configurations, according to the known technique.

A non-stick sheet not shown, for example made of kraft paper, can be placed on the internal surface of the supporting wall 2 to prevent the adhesion of the putty to the supporting wall 2.

To optimize the creation of a large tank wall, it is desirable to use standardized insulating blocks with as limited an inventory as possible of different dimensions. However, it is necessary to take into account the manufacturing tolerances of the supporting wall 2, which typically reach a few centimeters to tens of centimeters in a ship hull.

One possibility for this is to create a regular rectangular mesh with the current point retaining members 12, by placing a first longitudinal row at mid-width of the supporting wall 2 and adding successive parallel rows equidistant from the current point retaining members. current point 12, approaching edge 3. The distance between two rows is the width of the current point insulating blocks. There only shows the last row of current point retainers 12 and the last row of current point insulating blocks.

When the theoretical dimension of the supporting wall 2 is known, it is possible to design in advance the number and positioning of these rows of current point retaining members 12, and therefore the corresponding number of rows of blocks current point insulators. Due to the manufacturing tolerances of the supporting wall 2, there remains, however, a margin of uncertainty on the remaining distance D between the last row of the current point insulating blocks and the edge 3 (see ).

To take this uncertainty into account, the tank wall includes an adjustment chimney 16, capable of having a variable width depending on the actual dimension of the supporting wall 2, for example in a variation range going from 20 mm to 70 mm . The adjustment chimney 16 is arranged between the last row of current point insulating blocks and the row of edge insulating blocks.

A row of angle retainers 25 is arranged in the adjustment chimney 16.

We now describe the secondary current point insulating block 11, which has a bottom panel 17, a cover panel 18 parallel to the bottom panel 17, and a block of thermally insulating foam 19. The bottom panel 17 and the cover panel cover 18 have a generally generally rectangular shape and are spaced in a thickness direction by the block of thermally insulating foam 19.

The cover panel 18 has two grooves 20 parallel to each other and extending in a direction parallel to the edge 3. The grooves 20 have a substantially inverted T shape to receive welding supports according to the known technique. Solder supports are omitted from the drawings for simplicity.

The bottom panel 17 and/or the cover panel 18 can be made of plywood.

The foam block 19 is made of a thermally insulating foam, for example a polyurethane foam, optionally reinforced with glass fibers, having for example a density of the order of, or even greater than, 130 kg.m ^-3 . The foam block 19 has a generally parallelepiped shape. The bottom panel 17 and the cover panel 18 are fixed to the foam block 19 by gluing.

The foam block 19 has at each of its corners a recess in which a rigid support element 21 is housed. The support element 21 has a lower end bearing against the bottom panel 17 and an upper end forming a support surface 22 intended to receive the support of the current retaining member 12 or of the retaining member. corner retainer 25. The support element 21 is held in this recess by being fixed, for example by gluing, nailing, screwing or stapling, to the bottom panel 17 and/or to a stiffener 23 and/or to a part of the foam block 19 close to the bottom panel 17.

The surfaces of the support element 21 can be in free contact with the foam block 19. Thus, when the force of the retaining member on the support element 21 tends to slightly tilt the element support element 21 towards the outside, while the secondary insulating block of current point 11 undergoes a bending stress, the support element 21 does not exert horizontal shear stress on the foam block 19. The elements support 21 can have a height in the direction of thickness secondary insulating block of current point 11 of between 50 mm and 250 mm. Preferably, the support elements 21 have a height greater than half the thickness of the secondary current point insulating block 11, which avoids having to interpose a spacer between the support element 21 and the member of detention. The thickness of the secondary insulating block of current point 11 is for example equal to approximately 300 mm.

The secondary current point insulating block 11 further has a pair of stiffeners 23, only one of these stiffeners 23 being visible in Figures 2 and 3. Each of the stiffeners 23 extends along one side of the bottom panel 17 over the entire width of the secondary insulating block of current point 11. The stiffeners 23 thus extend in a direction perpendicular to that of the grooves 20. Thus, when the secondary insulating block of current point 11 undergoes a bending stress, for example caused by the deformations of the supporting structure and/or by the tightening force of the retaining members, the stiffeners 23 limit the deformation in the direction perpendicular to that of the grooves 20. This stiffening at the edge, i.e. say at the interface between the secondary insulating blocks of current point 11 successively adjacent in the longitudinal direction, avoids stress concentrations on the solder supports which pass in the grooves 20 continuously of a secondary insulating block of current point 11 to the next one by spanning these interfaces.

The stiffeners 23 project from the bottom panel 17 in the direction of thickness of the secondary current point insulating block 11, towards the cover panel 18. The stiffeners 23 are secured to the bottom panel 17, for example using screws or staples and/or glue not shown.

Each of the stiffeners 23 may have a surface in free contact with the foam block 19. By free contact, we mean that the stiffener 23 is in contact with the foam block 19 without being integral with it, in particular without being attached to it. glue. Thus, when the secondary current point insulating block 11 undergoes bending, the stiffener 23 is likely to slide slightly on the foam block 19 without exerting any traction or shear stress on it.

Each stiffener 23 can be made up of a wooden cleat. In addition, the stiffener 23 is in free contact or rigidly linked with the support element 21. Each stiffener 23 can be fixed to the support elements 21 by stapling, screwing, pointing and/or gluing.

Each support element 21 can consist of a wooden pillar, having a section sufficient to receive the force of the retaining member without causing punching of the bottom panel 17. The sectional shape of the pillar can be rectangular Or other.

Other details and variants of the secondary current point insulating block 11 can be found in the publication WO-A-2021239767.

We now describe the primary current point insulating block 13, which has a bottom panel 26, a cover panel 27 parallel to the bottom panel 26, and a block of thermally insulating foam 28. The preceding description relating to the secondary insulating blocks of current point 11 is also applicable to primary insulating blocks of current point 13. However, the primary insulating block of current point 13 may have certain differences, in particular the absence of stiffeners at the level of the bottom panel 26.

Furthermore, it is necessary to adapt the bottom panel 26 to the protruding parts of the secondary waterproof membrane 6, namely the raised edges of the strakes and the vertical wing of the welding supports. For this, as illustrated in the , it is possible to subdivide the bottom panel 26 to allow the protruding parts of the secondary waterproof membrane 6 to pass through gaps 29.

The primary 8 and secondary 6 waterproof membranes are for example made up of a continuous layer of metal strakes 30 with raised edges. A metal strake 30 is placed flat on the cover panel 18, respectively 27, and has two raised edges 31 parallel to the edge 3, which are welded to the parallel welding supports held on the current point insulating blocks.

The metal strakes 30 are, for example, made of Invar®, that is to say an alloy of iron and nickel whose expansion coefficient is typically between 1.2.10 ^-6 and 2.10 ^-6 K ^-1 . In this case, the metal strakes 30 may have, for example, a thickness of around 0.7 to 1.2 mm. Alternatively, the metal strakes 30 can be made of an iron alloy with a high manganese content whose expansion coefficient is typically between 7.10 ^-6 and 9.10 ^-6 K ^-1 . In the case of a ship's tank, the strakes are preferably oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ship.

In reference to the , we will now describe the secondary edge insulating blocks 111 and the primary edge insulating blocks 113. The elements similar or identical to the elements of the current point insulating blocks bear the same reference number increased by 100.

The secondary edge insulating block 111 comprises a bottom panel 117, a cover panel 118 parallel to the bottom panel 117, a block of thermally insulating foam 119 and two stiffeners 123 extending over the entire width of the secondary insulating edge block 111. Unlike the secondary insulating block of current point 11, the end of the secondary insulating block of edge 111 facing the edge 3 has neither recess in the block of thermally insulating foam 119 nor support element intended to receive a retaining member. Two support elements 121 are therefore provided only at the end of the secondary edge insulating block 111 facing the adjustment chimney 16.

The primary edge insulating block 113 comprises a bottom panel 126, a cover panel 127 parallel to the bottom panel 126, a block of thermally insulating foam 128. Unlike the primary insulating block of current point 13, the end of the primary insulating block of edge 113 facing the edge 3 has neither a recess in the block of thermally insulating foam 128 nor a support element intended to receive a retaining member. Two support elements 140 are therefore provided only at the end of the primary edge insulating block 113 facing the adjustment chimney 16.

The adjustment chimney 16 is filled with an insulating material, omitted in Figures 2 and 3, for example glass wool, to limit the gaps likely to facilitate heat transfer by natural convection in the secondary thermally insulating barrier 5 and in the primary thermally insulating barrier 7. For the same reason, an insulating material, omitted in Figures 2 and 3, for example glass wool, is inserted to the right of the longitudinal edge 3 between the rows of secondary insulating edge blocks 111 of the two tank walls and between the rows of primary insulating edge blocks 113 of the two tank walls.

To ensure the support of the primary waterproof membrane 8 to the right of the adjustment chimney 16, a primary bridging plate 41 is arranged to rest on the primary edge insulating block 113 and the primary current point insulating block 13 located opposite. The primary bridging plate 41 may have a thickness equal to or greater than the thickness of the cover panels 27 and 127. So that the upper surface of the primary bridging plate 41 is flush with the upper surface of the cover panels 27 and 127, the primary bridging plate 41 is received in countersinks provided at the ends of the primary edge insulating block 113 and the primary current point insulating block 13 bordering the adjustment chimney 16.

To limit the risk of creep of the insulating foam in service under the pressure of the primary bridging plate 41, a rigid cleat 42 can each time be placed at the bottom of the countersink, for example made of plywood.

A secondary bridging plate 43, partially shown, can be arranged similarly in support of the secondary edge insulating block 111 and the secondary current point insulating block 11 to support the secondary waterproof membrane 6 to the right of the adjustment chimney 16.

We now describe the current point retaining member 12 and the angle retaining member 25, which essentially comprise an anchor rod 33, a clamping assembly 32 which forms the secondary attachment portion and a portion of The primary attachment carried by the secondary attachment portion.

The lower end of the anchor rod 33 is received in a socket 34 whose base is welded to the supporting wall 2 between the corner zones of four adjacent secondary insulating blocks. The socket 34 forms a ball joint for the anchor rod 33. For example, it houses a nut into which the lower end of the anchor rod 33 is screwed. The anchor rod 33 extends in the direction thickness of the tank wall and passes between the adjacent secondary insulating blocks.

The clamping assembly 32 successively comprises in the thickness direction a lower plate 35 or 135, a spacer block 36 and an upper plate 37. The lower plate 35 or 135 and the upper plate 37 have a general parallelepiped shape rectangle comprising two large opposite faces which are parallel to the supporting wall 2. The contour of the spacer block 36 is also rectangular and of the same dimension.

The lower plate 35 or 135 forms a secondary retaining plate which is held by the anchoring rod 33 bearing in the direction of the supporting wall 2 against the support element 21 or 121 of each of the four adjacent secondary insulating blocks. In the embodiment shown, the support element 21 or 121 is arranged between the lower plate 35 or 135 and the bottom panel 17 or 117 of each of the secondary insulating blocks and thus transmits a clamping force to the secondary insulating blocks .

[106] The upper end of the anchor rod 33 is engaged through a central bore of the lower plate 35 or 135 and in a housing provided in the spacer block 36. A nut cooperates with a thread provided at the level of the upper end of the anchoring rod 33 so as to retain the lower plate 35 or 135 in the direction of the supporting wall 2.

One or more elastic washers, of the Belleville type, are threaded onto the anchoring rod 33 between the nut and the lower plate 35 or 135, which ensures elastic anchoring of the secondary insulating blocks on the supporting wall 2.

The spacer block 36 further comprises two bores which pass through it in the direction of thickness of the tank wall and in which two fixing screws are engaged.

The spacer block 36 has a lower face and an upper face parallel to the upper 37 and lower 35 or 135 plates. The thickness of the spacer block 36 defines a minimum spacing between the lower plate 35 or 135 and the upper plate 37 This minimum spacing is achieved in an abutment position, not shown, in which the lower plate 35 or 135 and the upper plate 37 abut against the lower face and the upper face of the spacer block 36.

The fixing screws define a position of maximum spacing of the upper 37 and lower 35 or 135 plates. The dimension of this maximum spacing is defined by the useful length of the fixing screws.

Springs or for example elastic washers, tend to maintain the upper plate 37 in a position away from the spacer block 36. These springs are configured to compress elastically up to the abutment position of the upper plate 37 against the block spacing 36 in response to an effort tending to bring the upper plate 37 closer to the supporting wall 2.

The dimensional difference between the minimum spacing and the maximum spacing allows the upper plate 37 to be able to generally follow the depression of the cover panel 18 or 118 of the secondary insulating blocks during operation of the tank, particularly under the the effect of thermal contraction and static and dynamic pressures received by the tank wall in operation. These pressures can in particular lead to creep of the layer of insulating polymer foam. This dimension is typically a few millimeters.

The current point retainer 12 and the angle retainer 25 also include a primary attachment portion. For this, the upper plate 37 has a threaded bore in its center, in which is mounted a threaded base of a stud 38 intended for anchoring the primary insulating blocks. The stud 38 passes through a hole made through a metal strake 30 of the secondary waterproof membrane 6. The stud 38 has a collar which is welded to its periphery, around the hole, to ensure the sealing of the secondary waterproof membrane 6 .

The primary attachment portion also includes a primary support plate 39 or 139 which forms a primary retaining plate bearing in the direction of the supporting wall 2 on the support elements 40 or 140 provided in each of the four primary insulating blocks adjacent so as to retain them against the secondary waterproof membrane 6.

Other details and variations of the current point retainer 12 can be found in the publication WO-A-2021239712.

In Figures 2 and 3, the angle retainer 25 differs from the current point retainer 12 in two aspects.

Firstly, the lower plate 135 is longer than the lower plate 35 to be able to span the adjustment chimney 16 and engage with the support element 121 of the secondary edge insulating block 111 whatever the width of the chimney. setting 16, within the expected tolerance range.

It follows that the secondary support plate is not symmetrical with respect to the anchoring rod 33. The part of the lower plate 135 which extends towards the secondary insulating edge block 111 is longer than the part which extends towards the secondary current point insulating block 11.

Secondly, for similar reasons, the primary support plate 139 is longer than the primary support plate 39 to engage the support element 140 of the primary edge insulating block 113.

Likewise, it follows that the primary support plate 139 is not symmetrical with respect to the stud 38. The part of the primary support plate 139 which extends towards the primary edge insulating block 113 is more long as the part which extends towards the primary insulating block of current point 13.

We now describe the secondary waterproof membrane 6 in the corner zone.

On the one hand, the secondary waterproof membrane 6 comprises a metal angle 44, for example in Invar ®, arranged astride the two rows of secondary insulating edge blocks 111 on either side of the edge 3. The angle metal 44 has two flat wings symmetrical with respect to the bisecting plane P. Each flat wing is arranged in a countersink of the cover panel 118 to be flush with the upper surface of the cover panel 118 and screwed thereto by a row of screws fixing 47 ( ).

A half-strake 45 is arranged between the metal angle 44 and the welding support closest to the edge 3 with a raised edge 46 welded sealingly to the welding support and a flat longitudinal edge 48 ( ) welded tightly to the metal angle 68 by covering the row of fixing screws 47.

We now describe the primary waterproof membrane 8 in the corner zone.

Identically, the primary waterproof membrane 8 comprises a metal angle 49, for example made of Invar®, arranged astride the two rows of primary insulating edge blocks 113 on either side of the edge 3. The metal angle 49 comprises two plane wings symmetrical with respect to the bisecting plane P. Each plane wing is arranged in a countersink of the cover panel 127 to be flush with the upper surface of the cover panel 127 and screwed to it by a row of fixing screws.

Between the last metal strake 30 and the metal angle 49, the primary waterproof membrane 8 comprises two connecting plates, namely a half-strake 50 and a corrugated plate 51 having at least one longitudinal undulation 52.

As better visible in Figures 3 and 4, the corrugated plate 51 has a flat longitudinal edge 53 ( ) welded tightly to the metal angle 49 by covering the row of fixing screws 54 ( ) and a longitudinal edge 56, opposite the flat longitudinal edge 53, which is anchored to the cover panel 27 of the primary current point insulating block 13.

Optionally, a reinforcement 55 ( ), for example made of aluminum, can be housed inside the longitudinal corrugation 52 to better protect the primary waterproof membrane 8 from the risks of plastic deformation. Other details and variants of the reinforcement 55 can be found in the publication WO-A-2010040922.

Several possibilities exist for anchoring the longitudinal edge 56 to the cover panel 27. For example the longitudinal edge 56 can be screwed to the cover panel 27 by a row of fixing screws not shown. Preferably in this case, the cover panel 27 has a groove 58 to accommodate the heads of the fixing screws without forming any extra thickness. Another possibility is to weld the longitudinal edge 56 to a metal anchor strip previously fixed to the cover panel 27, for example screwed or riveted.

The half-strake 50 is arranged between the corrugated plate 51 and the welding support closest to the edge 3 with a raised edge 59 welded in a sealed manner to the welding support and a flat longitudinal edge 57 welded in a sealed manner on the corrugated plate 51, if necessary by covering the row of fixing screws (not shown).

Alternatively, the overlap between the half-strake 50 and the corrugated plate 51 can be reversed. In this case, it is the flat longitudinal edge 57 which is anchored to the cover panel 27 of the primary current point insulating block 13 while the longitudinal edge 56 is welded in a sealed manner to the half-strake 50.

In a variant embodiment, the half-strake 50 and the corrugated plate 51 are replaced by a single connecting plate which extends from the welding support to the metal angle 49 without intermediate anchoring.

In a variant embodiment, the corrugated plate 51 or single connecting plate has several parallel longitudinal undulations. Preferably, the longitudinal undulation(s) 52 are arranged directly above the cover panel 27 rather than directly above the bridging plate 41. This arrangement ensures that the manufacturing tolerances of the supporting structure do not create any difficulty for place the longitudinal undulation(s) 52.

The longitudinal undulation(s) 52 allow a certain elongation of the primary waterproof membrane 8 in response to a retraction of the tank walls in the thickness direction, including in response to a certain sagging of the primary and secondary insulating edge blocks under the effect of thermal contraction and/or pressure of the cargo. In addition, the longitudinal undulation(s) 52 make it possible to distribute this elongation instead of it being entirely taken up by the raised edge 59 of the half-strake 50.

In a variant embodiment, the longitudinal undulations 52 are removed and the dimensioning of the raised edge 59 of the half-strake 50 is designed appropriately. For this, the raised edge 59 can be linked to a modified welding support or to an anchoring strake making it possible to form a double bellows to increase the elongation of the membrane. Suitable weld supports or anchor strakes are taught in publication WO-A-2018024981 or WO-A-2018024982.

A second embodiment of the corner zone will now be described with reference to the . Elements similar or identical to those of the first embodiment bear the same reference number and will only be described to the extent that they differ from the first embodiment.

A first difference concerns the mounting of the metal angles 44 and 49. Instead of being fixed directly to the cover panels 118, the metal angle 44 is fixed, for example screwed, on two secondary corner beams 61 arranged on the cover panels. cover 118 of the secondary insulating edge blocks 111 on either side of said bisecting plane. The secondary corner beams 61 can be thicker and more rigid than the cover panels 118. The secondary corner beam 61 is in turn fixed to the cover panel 118, for example by means of fixing screws 63. The fixing screws 63 are for example located on a longitudinal rim 64 facing opposite the edge 3.

A bridge plate omitted from the (but see ) provides support for the secondary waterproof membrane 6 between the secondary corner beam 61 and the secondary current point insulating block 11.

In the same way, the metal angle 49 is fixed, for example screwed, on two primary corner beams 62 arranged on the cover panels 127 of the primary insulating edge blocks 113 on either side of said bisecting plane. The above description of the secondary corner beam 61 can be transposed to the primary corner beam 62.

A second difference is due to the absence of stiffeners on the secondary insulating edge blocks 111. The thermally insulating foam block 119 here has a slightly shorter length than in the first embodiment and the support element 121 protrudes of the thermally insulating foam block 119 in the longitudinal direction. The support element 121 is mounted on a tab 65 of the bottom panel 117 which also projects from the thermally insulating foam block 119 in the longitudinal direction. This protruding position of the support element 121 facilitates the installation of the lower plate 135 without risk of interfering with the block of thermally insulating foam 119, whatever the actual dimension of the supporting wall.

Thirdly, in the same way, the block of thermally insulating foam 128 here has a slightly shorter length than in the first embodiment and the support element 140 projects from the block of thermally insulating foam 128 in the longitudinal direction. The support element 140 is mounted on a tab of the bottom panel 126 which also projects from the thermally insulating foam block 128 in the longitudinal direction for the same reasons.

The support element 140 is here a batten which extends over the entire width of the primary insulating edge block 113.

A third embodiment of the corner zone will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The elements similar or identical to those of the second embodiment bear the same reference number and will only be described to the extent that they differ from the second embodiment. The waterproof membranes are omitted in Figures 5 and 6.

Firstly, the angle retaining member 25 is here arranged outside the adjustment chimney 16, away from it in the direction of the secondary current point insulating blocks 11. The thermally insulating foam block 19 therefore has a recess larger to accommodate the clamping assembly 32 of the angle retaining member 25. The lower plate 135 is shorter and does not cross the adjustment chimney because it only cooperates with the secondary insulating blocks of current point 11, and no longer with the secondary insulating border blocks 111.

In addition, along the adjustment chimney, the support element 40 of the primary current point insulating block 13 is more extended in the width direction of the primary current point insulating block 13 and has a central bore crossed by the stud 38. Thus the primary support plate 139 can bear on the support element 40 over a larger surface, on either side of the stud 38.

To anchor the secondary insulating edge blocks 111 to the supporting wall 2, additional retaining members 66 are provided here, which are interposed between the secondary insulating edge blocks 111.

The additional retaining member 66 comprises a rod 67 welded to the supporting wall 2 and a support plate 68 mounted on the rod 67 and tightened in the direction of the supporting wall 2 by a nut to engage the support elements 121 of secondary insulating edge blocks 111 arranged on either side of the additional retaining member 66.

The support element 121 here is a batten which extends over the entire width of the secondary insulating edge block 111.

Figures 5 and 6 also show a secondary bridging plate 69 extending between the secondary corner beam 61 and the secondary current point insulating block 11 spanning the adjustment chimney and a primary bridging plate 70 extending between the primary corner beam 62 and the primary current point insulating block 13 spanning the adjustment chimney.

Figures 5 and 6 also show insulating elements making it possible to fill the adjustment chimney. Between the secondary current point insulating block 11 and the secondary edge insulating block 111 there are thus a filling block 71 and a flexible filling 72. Likewise, between the primary current point insulating block 13 and the primary edge insulating block 113 are a filling block 73 and a flexible lining 74. The filling block 71 or 73 can be a block of thermally insulating foam cut to size, possibly covered with a bottom panel and a cover panel. For the same reason, a filling element 75 is located under the primary support plate 139. The flexible linings 72 and 74 and the filling element 75 can be made of glass wool or other.

Still to fill the spaces likely to encourage convective movements, a filling element 76 is located between the blocks of thermally insulating foam 119 of the successive secondary insulating blocks of edge 111 and a filling element 77 is located between the blocks of thermally insulating foam 128 of successive primary insulating edge blocks 113. The filling elements 76 and 77 can be made of glass wool or other.

There also shows an insulating element 78 making it possible to fill the space around the anchoring rod 33 of the angle retainer 25 and an insulating plug 79 surmounting the angle retainer 25 to fill the space between the primary support plate 139 and the upper surface of the primary thermally insulating barrier 7. To provide uniform support for the primary waterproof membrane 8, the insulating plug 79 has a cover plate 80 flush with the upper surface of the protection panel. cover 27.

A fourth embodiment of the corner zone will now be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The elements similar or identical to those of the first embodiment bear the same reference number and will only be described to the extent that they differ from the first embodiment. The primary waterproof membrane is omitted on the .

Here, two secondary edge insulating blocks 111 are joined in the form of a secondary integrated corner insulating block 81. For this, the thermally insulating foam blocks 119 are configured to extend up to the bisecting plane P and present an inclined end face 82 parallel to the bisecting plane P. The two secondary insulating edge blocks 111 are joined by being glued by their inclined end faces 82 on either side of a rigid blade 83 forming a plate of connection extending over a portion of the thickness of the two secondary insulating edge blocks 111 starting from the lower surface. Over the remainder of the thickness of the two secondary insulating edge blocks 111 up to the metal angle 44, a flexible lining 84 is housed between the two inclined end faces 82, for example made of glass wool. Finally, a flexible sheet 85 can be glued to the lower surface of the two secondary edge insulating blocks 111 to reinforce the cohesion of the secondary integrated corner insulating block 81.

Likewise, two primary edge insulating blocks 113 are joined in the form of a primary integrated corner insulating block 86. The above description of the secondary integrated corner insulating block 81 is transposable to the integrated corner insulating block primary 86.

It is understood that the assembly of the tank wall can be facilitated for the use of integrated secondary 81 and primary 86 corner insulating blocks which make it possible to increase the prefabrication operations outside the cell and to reduce the assembly operations at inside the tank.

There shows the tank wall according to the third embodiment by highlighting the structure of one end of the row of edge insulating blocks up to one end of the longitudinal edge 3 where the two supporting walls 2 meet a third wall carrier 9 perpendicular to the longitudinal edge 3.

At a distance from the end of edge 3, the primary insulating edge blocks 113 and the secondary insulating edge blocks 111 are as described above. But the last secondary insulating edge block before the connection ring 89 is made differently, in the form of a secondary insulating box 88 made of rigid material, for example plywood, filled with an insulating pad.

Likewise, the last two primary insulating edge blocks before the connection ring 89 are made differently, in the form of a primary insulating box 87 made of rigid material, for example plywood, filled with an insulating pad.

For the insulating pad, different materials can be used, including glass wool, rock wool, wadding, fibrous materials, perlite, expanded perlite, low density polymer foams, aerogels and others.

The connection ring 89 designates a metal frame with a square cross section, known elsewhere, of which a primary wing serves to connect the primary waterproof membrane 8 of the two supporting walls 2 to the third supporting wall 9 and a secondary wing serves to connect the secondary waterproof membrane 6 from the two supporting walls 2 to the third supporting wall 9.

The use of secondary insulating boxes 88 and primary insulating boxes 87 makes it possible to stiffen the tank wall near the connection ring 89 which concentrates higher forces. Furthermore, the offset arrangement of the transition between primary insulating edge blocks 113 and primary insulating boxes 87 relative to the transition between secondary insulating edge blocks 111 and secondary insulating boxes 88 makes it possible to stiffen the tank wall gradually as it approaches the connection ring 89, to limit the risks of making sudden differences in thickness in the tank wall, which would be detrimental to the waterproof membranes.

There also shows blocks of insulating material 90 inserted between the secondary insulating edge blocks 111 arranged on either side of the edge 3 on the two supporting walls 2 and blocks of insulating material 91 inserted between the primary insulating edge blocks 113 arranged on either side of the edge 3 on the two supporting walls 2.

The technique described above for creating a watertight and insulating wall can be used in different types of tanks, for example to constitute the wall of an LNG tank in a land installation or in a floating structure such as an LNG ship or other.

In reference to the , a cutaway view of an LNG ship 1070 shows a waterproof and thermally insulating tank 1071 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 1072 of the ship. The wall of the tank 1071 comprises a primary waterproof membrane intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary waterproof membrane arranged between the primary waterproof membrane and the double hull 1072 of the ship, and two thermal insulation barriers arranged respectively between the primary waterproof membrane and the secondary waterproof membrane and between the secondary waterproof membrane and the double hull 1072.

In a manner known per se, loading/unloading pipes 1073 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 1071.

There represents an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 1075, an underwater pipeline 1076 and an onshore installation 1077. The loading and unloading station 1075 is a fixed off-shore installation comprising a movable arm 1074 and a tower 1078 which supports the mobile arm 1074. The mobile arm 1074 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 1079 which can connect to the loading/unloading pipes 1073. The adjustable mobile arm 1074 adapts to all LNG carrier templates. A connection pipe not shown extends inside the tower 1078. The loading and unloading station 1075 allows the loading and unloading of the LNG tanker 1070 from or to the onshore installation 1077. This includes liquefied gas storage tanks 1080 and connecting pipes 1081 connected by the underwater pipe 1076 to the loading or unloading station 1075. The underwater pipe 1076 allows the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 1075 and the onshore installation 1077 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the LNG ship 1070 at a long distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 1070 and/or pumps fitted to the on-shore installation 1077 and/or pumps fitted to the loading and unloading station 1075 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 (23)

Waterproof and thermally insulating tank integrated into a supporting structure, the supporting structure comprising two supporting walls (2à), the two supporting walls being flat and defining a longitudinal edge (3) forming an angle between them, the waterproof and thermally insulating tank comprising a tank wall placed on each said load-bearing wall,
in which the tank wall arranged on each said load-bearing wall comprises, successively in a thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of the sealed and thermally insulating tank, a secondary insulation barrier, a secondary sealing barrier , a primary insulation barrier and a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with a product contained in the sealed and thermally insulating tank,
in which the secondary sealing barrier comprises a metallic membrane (6) consisting of secondary metallic elements juxtaposed on the secondary insulation barrier and welded to each other in a sealed manner, and the primary sealing barrier comprises a metallic membrane (8) made up of primary metallic elements juxtaposed on the primary insulation barrier and welded to each other in a watertight manner,
said secondary insulation barrier comprising secondary edge insulating blocks (111) arranged in the form of a first longitudinal row parallel to the edge and secondary current point insulating blocks (11) arranged in the form of a second longitudinal row parallel to the edge and adjacent to the secondary edge insulating blocks on the side opposite the edge,
said primary insulation barrier comprising primary edge insulating blocks (113) superimposed on the secondary edge insulating blocks (111) and primary current point insulating blocks (13) superimposed on the secondary current point insulating blocks (11),
in which each secondary edge insulating block, each primary edge insulating block, each secondary current point insulating block and each primary current point insulating block comprises a first longitudinal edge parallel to the edge and located on the side opposite the edge and a second longitudinal edge parallel to the edge and located on the side of the edge,
in which the first longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block (113) is aligned with the first longitudinal edge of the secondary edge insulating block (111) while the second longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block (113) is set back from the second longitudinal edge of the secondary edge insulating block (111), the primary edge insulating block being narrower than the secondary edge insulating block in a width direction perpendicular to the edge (3),
in which the second longitudinal edge of the primary current point insulating block (13) is aligned with the second longitudinal edge of the secondary current point insulating block (11),
the tank wall comprising retaining members (12, 25) arranged around the superimposed secondary and primary current point insulating blocks, each retaining member comprising a lower portion secured to the supporting wall (2), a secondary attachment portion surmounting the lower portion and cooperating with several secondary current point insulating blocks adjacent to the retaining member and a primary attachment portion surmounting the secondary attachment portion and cooperating with several primary current point insulating blocks adjacent to the member retainer (12, 25),
the primary metallic elements, respectively the secondary metallic elements, comprising:
primary metal angles (49), respectively secondary (44), arranged on the primary, respectively secondary insulating edge blocks, in line with the edge (3), a said primary, respectively secondary metal angle, comprising two mutually inclined sides of the angle formed by the two supporting walls,
primary strakes (30), respectively secondary strakes, placed flat on the primary (13), respectively secondary current point insulating blocks (11), each primary strake, respectively secondary strake, comprising two raised edges (31) parallel to said edge which are welded in a sealed manner on primary, respectively secondary, solder supports, anchored to the primary, respectively secondary, current point insulating blocks, the primary, respectively secondary, solder supports being arranged in the form of longitudinal rows parallel to the edge, And
primary (50, 51), respectively secondary (45) connection plates, connecting said row of primary, respectively secondary welding supports, anchored to the primary (13), respectively secondary (11) current point insulating blocks, to the angles primary, respectively secondary, metallic
in which the primary connecting plates have at least one longitudinal undulation (52) parallel to the edge. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 1, in which one or each secondary edge insulating block and one or each primary edge insulating block comprise a bottom panel (117, 126), a cover panel (118, 127) and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the lid panel, the insulating pad (119, 128) comprising a structural insulating foam interposed between the bottom panel and the lid panel so as to keep the lid panel away from the background panel. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 2, in which the two sides of the primary metal angle (49), respectively secondary (44), are fixed on the cover panels (118, 127) of the primary edge insulating blocks, respectively secondary. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 3, in which the cover panel (118, 127) of a said primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating block has a countersink opening onto the second longitudinal edge of the primary edge insulating block, respectively secondary, and receiving a section of the primary metal angle (49), respectively secondary (44). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 2, in which a primary (62), respectively secondary (61), corner beam is arranged on the cover panel of a said primary insulating edge block (113), respectively secondary (111) to support the primary metal angle (49), respectively secondary (44), the primary, respectively secondary corner beam, being elongated parallel to the edge, the primary, respectively secondary metal angle, being arranged astride two so-called primary corner beams, respectively secondary, and screwed to them on either side of a bisecting plane (P) of the angle formed by the two supporting walls. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the primary, respectively secondary, insulation barrier further comprises a block of fibrous or cellular insulating material (90, 91) inserted between the second longitudinal edges of two primary edge insulating blocks (113), respectively secondary (111), arranged on either side of the edge on the two supporting walls (2). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating blocks have on the second longitudinal edge an inclined face (82) parallel to a bisecting plane (P) of the angle formed by the two supporting walls, and in which two primary, respectively secondary, edge insulating blocks, arranged on either side of the edge on the two supporting walls are produced in the form of a corner insulating block integrated primary (86), respectively secondary (81), the inclined faces of the two primary, respectively secondary edge insulating blocks being attached to a connecting plate (83) arranged in said bisecting plane. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the retaining members comprise a corner retaining member (25) disposed between the first longitudinal row and the second longitudinal row,
the primary attachment portion of the corner retainer comprising a primary retaining plate (139) extending perpendicular to the edge, the primary retaining plate (139) comprising a central portion attached to the portion d secondary attachment of the corner retainer (25), a first end portion cooperating with two primary current point insulating blocks (13) and a second end portion cooperating with two primary edge insulating blocks ( 113). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 8, in which the secondary attachment portion (32) of the corner retaining member (25) comprises a secondary retaining plate (135) extending perpendicular to the edge , the secondary retaining plate (135) comprising a first end portion cooperating with two secondary current point insulating blocks (11) and a second end portion cooperating with two secondary edge insulating blocks (111). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 9, in which the secondary attachment portion (32) of the corner retaining member comprises the secondary retaining plate (135), an upper plate (37) parallel to the plate secondary retaining plate, a connecting member linking the secondary retaining plate to the upper plate and a spacer member (36) arranged between the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate, the spacer member (36) comprising a rigid stop piece defining a minimum spacing between the secondary retaining plate (135) and the upper plate (37) in an abutment position of the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate against the stop part, and a member elastically compressible tending to maintain the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate in a spaced position, the connecting member defining a maximum spacing between the secondary retaining plate and the upper plate in the spaced position, said maximum spacing being greater than said minimum spacing , the elastically compressible member being configured to compress elastically up to said abutment position of the secondary retaining plate and of the upper plate against the abutment piece in response to a force tending to bring the upper plate closer to the plate. secondary retention,
wherein the lower portion of the corner retainer includes an anchor rod (33) projecting from the clamp assembly perpendicular to the secondary retainer plate, the anchor rod having a lower end attached to a said supporting wall (2) and an upper end opposite the lower end and coupled to the secondary retaining plate (135) to be able to exert traction on the secondary retaining plate in the direction of the lower end. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which one or each secondary current point insulating block and one or each primary current point insulating block comprise a bottom panel (17, 26), a lid (18, 27) and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the lid panel, the insulating pad (19, 28) comprising a structural insulating foam interposed between the bottom panel and the lid panel so as to maintain the cover panel away from the bottom panel. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the primary connecting plates comprise a corrugated plate (51) having said at least one longitudinal undulation (52) parallel to the edge, the corrugated plate is extending astride a said primary edge insulating block (113) and a said primary current point insulating block (13) and having a first longitudinal edge (56) and a second longitudinal edge (53) welded in a watertight manner. primary metal angle (49),
and a half-strake (50) having a raised edge (59) parallel to the edge sealed to a primary weld support of said row of primary weld supports and a flat edge (57) parallel to the edge sealingly bonded to the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 12, in which the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate is fixed on the primary current point insulating block and the flat edge (57) of the half-strake is welded to the plate corrugated plate (51) so that the half-strake (50) covers the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 12, in which the flat edge (57) of the half-strake is fixed on the primary current point insulating block and the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate (51) is welded on the half-strake so that the corrugated plate (51) covers the flat edge (57) of the half-strake (50). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 13 or 14, in which the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate or the flat edge (57) of the half-strake is fixed to the primary current point insulating block by screws fixing, the primary current point insulating block having a groove (58) for housing the heads of the fixing screws. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 13 or 14, in which the primary current point insulating block carries a metal anchoring strip fixed to the cover panel (27) of the primary current point insulating block and extending parallel to the edge, the first longitudinal edge (56) of the corrugated plate or the flat edge (57) of the half-strake being fixed by welding to the anchoring strip. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 16, in which said at least one longitudinal corrugation (52) is positioned on a said primary current point insulating block. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to claim 17, in which said at least one longitudinal corrugation (52) projects towards the inside of the tank and in which a wave reinforcement (55) is inserted in the longitudinal corrugation (52). ) between said primary connection plates and said primary current point insulating block (13). Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 18, in which the supporting structure comprises a third supporting wall (9) interrupting the two supporting walls (2) at one end of the longitudinal edge (3), and in which the first longitudinal row successively comprises, in the direction of the end of the edge, at least one secondary edge insulating block (111) of the first type and at least one secondary edge insulating block (88) of the second type,
in which the or each secondary edge insulating block (111) of the first type comprises a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel, the insulating pad comprising a structural insulating foam interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to keep the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel, and
in which the or each secondary edge insulating block (88) of the second type comprising a secondary insulating box made of rigid material filled with an insulating lining. Waterproof and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 19, in which the supporting structure comprises a third supporting wall (9) interrupting the two supporting walls (2) at one end of the longitudinal edge (3), and in which the primary edge insulating blocks successively comprise, in the direction of the end of the edge, at least one primary edge insulating block (113) of the first type and at least one primary edge insulating block (87) of the second type ,
in which the or each primary edge insulating block (113) of the first type comprises a bottom panel, a cover panel and an insulating pad interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel, the insulating pad comprising a structural insulating foam interposed between the bottom panel and the cover panel so as to keep the cover panel at a distance from the bottom panel, and
in which the or each primary edge insulating block (87) of the second type comprising a primary insulating box made of rigid material filled with an insulating lining. Vessel (1070) for transporting liquefied gas, the vessel comprising a double hull (1072) and a watertight and thermally insulating tank (1071) according to one of claims 1 to 20 arranged in the double hull. Transfer system for a liquefied gas, the transfer system comprising a ship (1070) according to claim 21, insulated pipes arranged so as to connect the sealed and thermally insulating tank (1071) installed in the hull of the ship to an installation of floating or land-based storage facility (1077) and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipelines from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the sealed and thermally insulating vessel of the vessel. A method of loading or unloading a ship (1070) according to claim 21, wherein a liquefied gas is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or terrestrial storage facility (1077) to or from the thermally sealed tank. insulation (1071) of the ship.