KR102285763B1 - Sealed and insulating vessel comprising a deflection element allowing the flow of gas at a corner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealed and insulated vessel for storage of a fluid comprising a thermally insulating barrier, the insulating barrier positioned along a wall of the vessel and a passageway for the flow of a fluid, such as a gas, within the thermally insulating barrier a plurality of lagging elements arranged to define and a corner arrangement located at the intersection between the first wall (3) and the second wall (4) of the vessel, the corner arrangement having a first surface (20a) opposite the load-bearing structure of the second wall (4) , a second surface 20b opposite the load-bearing structure of the first wall 3 and a first surface 20a and a second surface of the biasing element 19 to enable fluid to flow across the corner arrangement. a biasing element (19) comprising a plurality of elbow channels (21) extending therebetween (20b), the plurality of elbow channels (21) being at least spaced apart from each other through the thickness of the walls (3, 4) of the vessel Includes one set of elbow channels.

Description

Sealed and insulating vessel comprising a deflection element allowing the flow of gas at a corner

The present invention relates to sealed and thermally insulated membrane vessels for the storage and/or transport of fluids, such as cryogenic fluids.

Sealed and thermally insulated membrane vessels are especially used for the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) stored at atmospheric pressure at about -162°C. This vessel can be installed on an offshore structure or a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the vessel may be intended for the transport of liquefied natural gas or for the reception of liquefied natural gas serving as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure.

a secondary thermally insulating barrier attached to the load-bearing structure comprising a plurality of walls, each wall, through an exterior to interior thickness, comprising the double hull of the vessel and defining the general shape of the vessel; , a secondary sealing membrane against the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier against the secondary sealing membrane, and a multilayer structure comprising a primary sealing membrane successively for contacting the liquefied natural gas present in the vessel. Sealed or thermally insulated vessels for the storage of natural gas are known in the art.

The thermally insulating barrier comprises a gas phase and an insulating element against a load-bearing structure or secondary sealing membrane. It is known that in order to increase the insulating power of a thermally insulating barrier, the gas phase in one or the other of the thermally insulating barriers must be maintained at an absolute pressure below ambient atmospheric pressure, ie a relative negative pressure. Such a process is described, for example, in French patent application FR 2535831.

However, it is difficult to bring the gas phase of the thermally insulating barrier to a very low absolute pressure of about 100 Pa in a relatively short time because of the main head losses occurring within the thermally insulating barrier and especially the main local head losses near the corner regions of the vessel.

Moreover, increasing the cross-section of the space for the flow of the gas phase for the purpose of reducing the head loss has the potential to negatively affect the effectiveness of thermal insulation and also jeopardize the structure of the ship by creating a cooling zone locally within the load-bearing structure. This problem is particularly difficult to overcome in that it results in the creation of a local convective zone with

One idea underlying the present invention is to provide a sealed and thermally insulated vessel comprising an insulating thermal barrier with reduced head losses and free from any insulating defects.

According to an embodiment, the present invention A sealed and insulated vessel for storage of a fluid is provided, the vessel comprising a plurality of walls, each wall attached to an external load-bearing structure through the thickness of the vessel from the outside to the inside of the vessel; having a thermally insulating barrier and a sealing membrane supported by the thermally insulating barrier sequentially,

This thermally insulated barrier is

- a plurality of lagging elements located along the walls of the vessel and arranged to define passageways for the flow of gases within the thermally insulating barrier; and

- a corner arrangement located at the intersection between the first and second walls of the vessel;

corner device,

- a first surface opposite the load-bearing structure of the second wall, a second surface opposite the load-bearing structure of the first wall and between the first and second surfaces of the biasing element to enable fluid to flow through the corner arrangement a biasing element comprising a plurality of elbow channels extending from the plurality of elbow channels including at least one set of elbow channels spaced apart from each other through the thickness of the first and second walls of the vessel.

Thus, the presence of a biasing element at the intersection between the two walls of the vessel encourages gas flow within the corners of the vessel. Moreover, by dispersing the elbow channel through the thickness of the walls of the vessel, the elbow channel substantially follows the isotherm within the thermally insulating barrier in such a way that natural and forced convection within the deflection element is limited.

This biasing element thereby makes it possible to promote gas flow within the thermally insulating barrier without any localized insulating defects being created.

Depending on the embodiment, such a vessel may include one or more of the following features:

- a plurality of lagging elements located along the walls of the vessel communicate with passageways for the flow of fluid within the thermally insulating barrier, one or more passageways for the flow of fluid defined by the plurality of lagging elements located along the first wall; A second surface of the biasing element is defined in communication with one or more passageways for a flow of fluid defined by a plurality of lagging elements positioned along the first surface and the second wall of the biasing element.

- the biasing element comprises a plurality of sets of elbow channels spaced through the thickness of the first and second walls of the vessel, the sets being spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the line of intersection between the first and second walls of the vessel.

- the set of elbow channels spaced apart from each other through the thickness of the walls of the vessel comprises at least 4 elbow channels, advantageously at least 10 elbow channels, and preferably at least 20 elbow channels.

- the elbow channel has a cross-sectional area of ^{less than 5 cm 2} , preferably of about 0.25 to 1 cm ^{2 .}

- The cross-section of the elbow channel has a larger dimension in the direction parallel to the corner of the vessel than through the thickness of the wall of the vessel.

- each of the elbow channels comprises a first portion extending parallel to the first wall and a second portion extending parallel to the second wall and in communication with the first portion.

- the elbow channel has an arcuate shape and has a radius of curvature that increases from the inside to the outside of the vessel.

- the biasing element further comprises a third surface 20c parallel to the first surface and opposite the first surface and a fourth surface 20d parallel to the second surface and opposite the second surface, and the biasing element comprises: and a housing disposed alongside a lagging lining between the third and fourth surfaces and an arcuate elbow channel having a greatest radius of curvature.

- the biasing element comprises a stack of plates stacked against one another in a direction orthogonal to the first and second surfaces, the plates each comprising a plurality of spaces defining a portion of the elbow channel. The plate can in particular be obtained by injection of a polymer material.

- the biasing element comprises a stack of plates stacked against each other in a direction orthogonal to a surface of the biasing element having an edge in common with the first surface and the second surface, at least some of the stacked plates having one of their surfaces and an elbow groove shaped for forming an elbow channel on at least one surface.

- In one embodiment, the stack of plates comprises a plurality of flat load-bearing plates sandwiched between two plates with elbow grooves.

- The biasing element has the shape of a cuboid.

- the cuboid-shaped biasing element is associated with at least one connecting element, the connecting element comprising a plurality of straight channels parallel to one of the first and second walls and an opening opposite the elbow channel of the biasing element.

- the connecting element has an opening transverse to the connecting element in a direction parallel to an edge formed at the intersection between the first and second walls of the vessel;

- The biasing element has an elbow shape.

- the elbow-shaped biasing element has two straight sections, the straight sections each having a beveled edge and connected to each other via the beveled edge.

- the corner arrangement comprises a lagging corner element and the biasing element is associated with the lagging corner element.

- the biasing element consists of a polymer material selected from expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene foam, polyamide, polycarbonate or polyether-imide. The biasing element may also be made of other thermoplastic materials that may optionally be reinforced with fibers. When the biasing element is formed from a stack of extruded plates, this material must be able to be extruded.

- Each wall of the vessel passes through the thickness of the vessel from the outside to the inside of the vessel, to an external load-bearing structure, a secondary thermal insulating barrier attached to the load-bearing structure, a secondary sealing membrane supported by the secondary thermal insulating barrier, and a secondary sealing membrane. A primary thermally insulating barrier in succession with a reclining primary thermally insulating barrier and a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with a fluid stored within the vessel, each of the primary and secondary thermal insulating barriers comprising a corner arrangement comprising a biasing element.

Such vessels may for example form part of an onshore storage facility for storing LNG, or floating, offshore or deep-sea structures, in particular methane tankers, Floating Gas Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), Floating Crude Oil Production It can be installed in storage and unloading facilities (FPSOs) and other facilities.

According to one embodiment, a vessel for the transport of fluids comprises a double hull and a vessel as described above, located within the double hull.

According to one embodiment, the present invention is also directed to loading or unloading a vessel from a floating or onshore storage facility to a vessel on a vessel, or from a vessel on a vessel to an insulated tubing from the vessel to the floating or onshore storage facility, resulting in passage of such a vessel. provides a way for

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a transport system for a fluid, the system comprising a vessel as described above, insulated piping and insulation arranged in such a way as to connect the vessel installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility. and a pump for driving the fluid from the floating or onshore storage facility to the vessel's vessel or from the vessel's vessel to the floating or onshore storage facility through the tubing.

Some aspects of the present invention are based on the idea of promoting the circulation of gases between different walls of a vessel. Some aspects of the present invention are based on the idea of promoting the circulation of gases between the walls of the vessel to facilitate positioning of the thermally insulating barrier under particularly low relative negative pressures of about 10 to 1000 Pa. Some aspects of the present invention are based on the idea of promoting circulation of an inert gas within a thermally insulating barrier. Some aspects of the present invention begin with the idea of facilitating the pumping of a fluid present within a thermally insulating barrier in the event of a sealing failure of a load-bearing structure or sealing membrane. In fact, in the event of damage to the double hull of a ship, pumping of the fluid present within the thermally insulated barrier may be particularly necessary in order to drain the water that has entered the thermally insulated barrier. Some aspects of the present invention test the sealing of the sealing membrane when a gas (a mixture of nitrogen and ammonia, a tracer gas such as helium, Nidron or other gas) is circulated within the thermally insulating barrier to detect any leaky defects. It is based on ideas that encourage steps to

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will become more clearly understood while reading the following description of a number of specific embodiments of the invention, provided by way of example and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly.

1 and 2 are partially exploded perspective views of a corner structure mounted with a biasing element according to a first embodiment for a sealed and thermally insulated vessel for storage of a fluid;
3 is a schematic diagram of a biasing element according to one embodiment;
4 is an exploded perspective view of a biasing element comprising a plate stack;
5 is a cross-sectional view of a biasing element of a corner arrangement for a primary thermally insulating barrier;
6 is a perspective view of a biasing element;
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the deflection element associated with the bonding element in the corner arrangement of the secondary thermally insulating barrier;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a corner structure according to a second embodiment, on which a biasing element is mounted;
9 and 10 are detailed views of FIG. 8 .
FIG. 11 is a view of the corner member of FIG. 7 in cross-section through one biasing element of the primary thermally insulating barrier in cross-section;
FIG. 12 is a view of the corner member of FIG. 7 in cross-section through one biasing element of the secondary thermally insulating barrier in cross-section;
13 is a schematic cut-away view of a vessel in a methane tanker and a terminal for loading/unloading to/from the vessel.

1 shows the corner structure of a sealed and thermally insulated vessel for the storage of fluid. This corner structure is particularly suitable for membrane vessels as described for example in patent document FR2683786.

The general structure of such vessels is well known and has a polyhedral shape. From the outside to the inside of the vessel, the vessel wall consists of a load-bearing structure 1, insulated boxes placed side by side on the load-bearing structure and includes a lagging element secured to itself by a secondary attachment member. A primary thermally insulating barrier comprising a lagging element consisting of an insulating barrier, a secondary sealing membrane supported by an insulating box of the secondary thermal insulating barrier, side-by-side insulating boxes attached to the secondary sealing membrane by a secondary attachment member, and an insulating box and a primary sealing membrane intended for contact with the cryogenic fluid being held within the vessel.

The load-bearing structure 1 may in particular be a sheet of self-supporting metal or more generally a rigid partition of any form with suitable mechanical properties. The load-bearing structure may in particular be formed by the hull or double hull of the ship. The load-bearing structure includes a number of walls that define the overall shape of the vessel.

The primary and secondary sealing membranes are made, for example, of continuous sheets of metal strakes with raised edges, wherein the strakes are welded to each other by means of parallel welding supports mounted on their edges and on an insulating box. . Metal strakes, for example, have a coefficient of expansion of typically ^{1.2-10 -6} to 2-10 ^-6 K ^-1 , an alloy of iron and nickel, or an alloy of expansion typically about 7-10 ^-6 K ^-1 ; Made from Invar®, an iron alloy with a high manganese content.

The insulating box has an overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The insulating box includes a parallel base panel and a top panel spaced through the thickness of the insulating box. The load-bearing element extends over the thickness of the insulating box and is fixed to the base panel and the top panel and may also reduce the compressive force. The base and top panels, the perimeter partitions and the load-bearing elements are made of, for example, wood or composite thermoplastic materials.

The insulating box has a perimeter partition. At least two opposing perimeter boxes are perforated to allow the flow of gas through the insulating box so that an inert gas can be circulated therethrough and/or located in the thermally insulating barrier under reduced pressure in the gas phase, ie under a relative negative pressure. can be

A lagging lining is placed within the insulating box. The lagging lining may be made of, for example, glass wool, cotton wool, or a polymer foam such as polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam or polyvinyl chloride foam, or a particulate or powder material such as perlite, vermiculite, or non-porous materials in the form of glass wool- or airgels.

1 , a connecting ring 2 is shown for fastening the primary and secondary sealing membranes to the load-bearing structure 1 at the corner between the transverse and longitudinal walls of the vessel. Here the connecting ring 2 extends along the intersection between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 . The connecting ring 2 comprises an assembly of a plurality of welded sheets. The seat in the connecting ring 2 is made, for example, of Invar®. The connecting ring 2 has two flanges 5 , 6 orthogonal to the load-bearing structure 1 of the first wall 3 by way of connecting sheets 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 and a second wall 4 . It is fixed to two flanges (7, 8) orthogonal to the load-bearing structure (1) of the. The connecting ring 2 comprises a primary anchoring surface 13 , 14 intended to receive the metal strake of the primary sealing membrane and secondary anchoring surfaces 15 , 16 intended to receive the metal strake of the secondary sealing membrane . The construction of such a connecting ring 2 is described in particular in French patent application FR2549575 or in French patent application FR2724623.

The connecting ring 2 and the connecting seats 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 of the connecting ring 2 connected to the load-bearing structure 1 here define four spaces in the shape of a parallelepiped, lagging corner elements 17 . is accommodated in this space and ensures the continuity of the insulation of the primary and secondary thermally insulating barriers in the vicinity of the connecting ring 2 . Only the lagging corner element 17 of the primary thermal insulation barrier can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

The lagging corner element 17 may be formed by a block of insulating polymer foam or may be formed as an insulating box as previously described.

The seat of the connecting ring 2 has openings 18 that allow gas to flow between the primary thermally insulating barrier of the first wall 3 and the primary thermally insulating barrier of the second wall 4 in the vicinity of the primary thermally insulating barrier. ) will be noted. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the opening 18 is generally rectangular in shape, and the corners of the opening are rounded. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , in order to limit stress concentration and not adversely affect the fatigue strength of the connecting ring 2 , the opening 18 has a circular geometry.

1 and 2, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises a deflection element 19 near the corner arrangement. The biasing element 19 is accommodated in the connection unit 2 and is located opposite an opening 18 made in the connection ring 2 . The biasing element 19 is associated with the lagging corner element 17 . The biasing element 19 may be received in a conformingly shaped housing constructed within the lagging corner element 17 or may be located in an extending gap between two adjacent lagging corner elements 17 .

The deflection element 19 is intended to direct the flow of gas across the connecting ring 2 between the primary thermally insulating barriers of the first and second walls 3 , 4 of the vessel.

The structure of such a deflection element 19 is shown in particular in FIGS. 5 and 6 . The biasing element 19 has the shape of a cuboid. The biasing element 19 has a first surface 20a opposite the load-bearing structure 1 of the second wall 4 and a second surface 20b facing the load-bearing structure 1 of the first wall 3 . have That is, the first surface 20a is located opposite the primary thermally insulating barrier of the first wall 3 and the second surface 20b is located opposite the primary thermally insulating barrier of the second wall 4 . The biasing element 19 comprises a plurality of elbow channels 21 extending between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b, so that the gas flows through the primary of the first and second walls 3, 4 Allows flow between thermally insulating barriers.

In a cross-sectional plane at right angles to the intersection between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 , the biasing element 19 comprises a set of elbow channels 21 , which elbow channels are formed in the wall 3 of the vessel. , 4) are uniformly spaced apart through the thickness. The elbow channel 21 is thus substantially parallel to the isotherm within the thermally insulating barrier. The elbow channel 21 thus creates a satisfactory flow of gas across the deflection element 19 , which reduces convection. In order to achieve satisfactory thermal stratification of the gas flow, each set of elbow channels 21 comprises at least 4 elbow channels, advantageously at least 10 elbow channels, and preferably at least 20 elbow channels.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the biasing element 19 comprises a system of elbow channels, which system comprises a plurality of sets of elbow channels 21 . Here, the sets of elbow channels are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the edge formed at the intersection between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 .

5 and 6 , the elbow channels 21 have an arcuate shape with a radius of curvature increasing from the inside to the outside of the vessel. The arcuate channels 21 in the same set have a common center of curvature, which is located on the bisector of the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 . The center of curvature of the arcuate channel 21 may in particular have a radius of curvature whose center corresponds to an edge between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the deflection element 10 .

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the biasing element 19 is opposite the first surface 20a, the housing 22 arranged alongside the lagging lining between the arcuate channels 20 having the greatest radius of curvature, a third surface 20c of the biasing element 19 and a fourth surface 20d opposite the second surface 20b. The lagging lining occupying this housing 22 is, for example, glass wool, aerosol, or polymer foam such as polyurethane foam or polyvinyl chloride foam.

The elbow channel 21 typically has a small cross-sectional area of less ^{than 5 cm 2} , generally about 0.25 to 1 cm ^{2 .}

The cross-section of the elbow channel can be any number of shapes—circular, square, rectangular, oval, or other shapes. Advantageously, the cross-section of the elbow channel has a larger dimension in a direction parallel to the corners of the vessel than through the thickness of the walls of the vessel. Thus, the largest dimension of the cross-section is directed in the direction of the isotherm, while the smallest dimension is directed along the thermal gradient.

In an alternative embodiment schematically shown in FIG. 3 , the elbow channel 21 is parallel to the first part 21a and the second wall 4 parallel to the first wall 3 and to the first part 21a ) and may include a second portion (21b) in communication.

According to an embodiment not shown, the biasing element 19 is formed of a stack of plates laminated against one another in a direction orthogonal to the first surface 20a or the second surface 20b. The plates include a number of cavities, which when the plates are stacked form the previously described elbow channels. The working space can be formed during the process of injection molding of the plate or by means of a subsequent machining process. These plates are made of polymeric materials with good mechanical properties and good thermal insulation properties, especially polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyether-imide (PEI), which can be optionally reinforced with fibers such as glass fibers. can be made with

According to another embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , the biasing element 19 has a stack 23 of plates stacked on each other in a direction orthogonal to the fifth and sixth surfaces 20e and 20f of the biasing element 19 . wherein each plate has an edge in common with the first and second surfaces 20a and 20b of the biasing element 19 . At least a portion of the laminated plates has an elbow groove on at least one of the surfaces forming the elbow channel 21 described previously when the plates are laminated. According to one embodiment, each flat load-bearing plate formed of a material having a greater mechanical strength than the plate forming the elbow groove is positioned between two plates having an elbow groove. This embodiment is advantageous in that it makes possible to use a material particularly suitable for the construction of the elbow groove, while obtaining a biasing element 19 with good mechanical strength properties through the insertion of a flat load-bearing plate.

The plate with elbow grooves is made of a polymer material selected from a polymer such as expanded polystyrene and a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or polyether-imide (PEI), reinforced with fibers such as glass fiber. . The elbow groove can in particular be produced by injection molding of the plate or via a subsequent stamping or machining process.

When the biasing element comprises a stack 23 of plates, the plates are attached to one another, for example by adhesive bonding, thermoplastic welding, clipping or an attached mechanical connection by any suitable means.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 the panels 24 , 25 of insulating material have a fourth surface 20d opposite the first surface 20a and also opposite the second surface 20b of the biasing element 19 . It will be noted that it may be attached to the third surface 20c opposite to The panels 24 , 25 of insulating material may in particular be vacuum insulated panels, generally designated by the abbreviation VIP for "vacuum insulated panel". Such vacuum insulated panels generally include a nanoporous core placed under a negative pressure and in a encapsulated seal.

The present invention is not limited to the deflection element 19 formed as a stack of plates and constructs such deflection element 19 with a plurality of elbow channels 21 through any other suitable process and in particular by a three-dimensional printing process. It should be noted that it is also possible to

In particular, in a variant embodiment, the biasing element 19 is formed from an insulating polymer foam, and the elbow channel 21 is machined from a mass of this insulating polymer foam. The insulating polymer foam may in particular be selected from thermoplastic foams such as polyethylene or polypropylene foams or thermosetting foams such as polyurethane. The biasing element 19 is formed of a material having good thermal insulation properties.

Figure 7 more specifically shows the gas flow within the corner arrangement of the secondary thermally insulating barrier. The connecting sheets 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 of the connecting ring 2 to the load-bearing structure 1 define three secondary thermally insulating barrier spaces, the lagging corner elements 28 , 29 , 30 of which located within In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , the lagging corner element is an insulating box, which includes a perimeter partition drilled with holes 31 to allow gas to flow across the insulating box.

The space adjacent the corners of the vessel is equipped with a deflection element 19 similar to the deflection element described previously. As for the other two spaces, these spaces are equipped with connecting elements 32 , 33 with a plurality of gas flow channels 34 , which open opposite to the elbow channels 21 of the deflection element 19 . do. The gas flow channels 34 of the connecting elements 32 , 33 are also located opposite the holes made in the peripheral partitions of the adjacent insulating boxes. The connecting elements 32 , 33 are contained within matching sized housings made to the lagging corner elements 28 , 29 .

In the space adjoining the secondary thermally insulating barrier of the first wall 3 , the flow channel 34 in the connecting element 33 extends substantially parallel to the first wall 3 , while the second wall 4 . In the space adjoining the secondary thermally insulating barrier of , the flow channel 34 of the connecting element 32 extends substantially parallel to the second wall.

Moreover, in the embodiment shown, in order to enable gas to flow along the corners of the vessel, the connecting elements 32 , 33 are parallel to the edge formed at the intersection between the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 . It has an opening 35 passing through the connecting element 32 , 33 in the direction.

8 to 12 show a corner structure particularly bonded to a membrane vessel of secondary type, for example as described in patent document FR 2691520.

In this vessel, the secondary thermal insulation barrier comprises a plurality of lagging panels, which are attached to the load-bearing structure 1 through a resin band or through studs welded on the load-bearing structure 1 . . The gap between the lagging panels is lined with glass wool and provides a passage for the flow of gas through the secondary thermally insulating barrier. Equal to the gap between the bands of resin, the gap between the load-bearing structure and the lagging panel provides space for the flow of gas. The lagging panel consists, for example, of a layer of insulating polymer foam sandwiched between two layers of plywood. Here, a plywood layer is bonded onto this foam layer. The insulating polymer foam may in particular be a polyurethane-based foam.

The lagging panel of the secondary membrane is covered with a secondary sealing membrane formed of a composite material comprising an aluminum sheet sandwiched between two sheets of fiberglass fabric.

The primary thermally insulating barrier includes a lagging panel having the same structure as that of the lagging panel of the secondary thermal insulating barrier. A gap is created between the lagging panels to allow gas to flow within the primary barrier.

A primary sealing membrane is obtained by assembling a plurality of metal plates, wherein the metal plates are welded together along their edges and comprise two orthogonally extending corrugations. For example, the metal plate is made of stainless steel or aluminum and is shaped by bending or pressing.

The corner structure shown in FIG. 8 includes two lagging panels 36 , 37 having an outer surface attached to the load-bearing structure. The lagging panels 36 , 37 are connected to each other via their beveled side edges, for example by adhesive bonding. The lagging panels 36 and 37 thus form the corners of the secondary thermally insulating barrier.

A flexible sealing membrane 38 rests on the lagging panels 36 , 37 and ensures that the seal of the secondary sealing emblem remains continuous at the corners of the vessel.

In addition, the corner structure includes a plurality of insulating blocks 39 , 40 of a primary thermally insulating barrier attached to a flexible sealing membrane 38 . Corner connections 41 of insulating material such as polymer foam are positioned between adjacent edges of the two insulating blocks 39 , 40 at an angle of the vessel, thus ensuring that thermal insulation continues across the corners of the vessel. Likewise, a connecting insulating element 42 is inserted between the insulating blocks 39 , 40 .

Furthermore, the metal angled portion 43 of the primary sealing barrier rests on the insulating blocks 39 , 40 . The metal angle part 43 has two flanges each parallel to one of the walls of the vessel. The flanges have studs 44 welded on their inner surfaces. The studs 44 are used to attach welding equipment when welding the elements of the primary sealing membrane to the metal angle portions 43 .

In the corner construction, the primary thermally insulating barrier has a deflection element 45 that ensures that gas flows across the corner arrangement of the primary thermally insulating barrier. Each biasing element 45 is sandwiched between a pair of insulating blocks 39 , 40 .

The biasing element 45 shown in FIGS. 8 , 10 and 11 has a first surface 20a of the biasing element 45 close to the second wall 4 at its opposite end and a first wall 1 at its opposite end. It is an elbow-shaped element having a set of elbow channels 47 extending between the second surface 20b of the biasing element 45 positioned at

Each of the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the deflection element 45 is respectively located opposite a gap for the flow of gas provided between the two lagging panels of the primary thermally insulating barrier.

The elbow channel 47 has a first portion 47a running parallel to the first wall 3 and a second portion 47b running parallel to the second wall 4 . In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the two portions 47a, 47b communicate with each other through the arcuate portion.

As in the previous embodiment, the biasing element 47 is constant through the thickness of the walls 3 , 4 of the vessel on a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the intersection point between the first wall 3 and the first wall 4 . It has a set of closely spaced elbow channels 47 so that the elbow channels 47 substantially follow the isotherm of the vessel at its corners.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8, an elbow-shaped insulating element 48 is located on each side of the biasing element 47, while the third elbow-shaped insulating element 49 is a biasing element facing inward of the vessel ( 47) is placed on the surface.

Finally, as shown in Figures 8 and 12, the secondary thermally insulating barrier also includes a biasing element 46 in the corner structure, which ensures that gas flows through the corner arrangement of the secondary thermally insulating barrier. The biasing element 46 is inserted into a housing made within the lagging panels 36 , 37 .

As in the previous embodiment, the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the biasing element 46 are advantageously opposite the gap for the flow of gas formed between the lagging panels of the secondary thermally insulating barrier. will be located

The biasing element 46 shown in detail in FIG. 12 is formed of two straight portions 46a, 46b. Each of the straight portions 46a , 46b comprises a channel 50 parallel to one of the walls 3 , 4 of the vessel. Each of the straight portions 46a, 46b has a beveled edge and contacts each other through their beveled edge. The channel 50 of one of the straight parts 46a, 46b opens opposite the channel of the other straight part 46a, 46b in such a way as to form an elbow channel.

In a form not shown, the biasing element 46 may be configured in such a way that it fits an angle other than 90°.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a partial cutaway view of a methane tanker 70 shows a generally prismatic, sealed and insulated vessel 71 mounted within the double hull 72 of a ship. The walls of the vessel 71 are a primary sealing barrier intended to come into contact with the LNG present within the vessel, a secondary sealing barrier made between the double hull 72 and the primary sealing barrier of the vessel and between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull and two insulating barriers each positioned between 72 and the secondary sealing barrier.

In a known manner, the loading/unloading piping 73 located on the upper deck of the vessel for transporting LNG to or from the vessel 71 may be connected to a sea or port terminal by suitable connections.

13 shows one embodiment of an offshore terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75 , a subsea pipeline 76 and an onshore facility 77 . The loading and unloading station 75 is secured to an offshore installation comprising a moving arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the moving arm 74 . A moving arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 that can be connected to a loading and unloading station 75 . The directional moving arm 74 fits the tower 78 to all methane tanker specifications. A connecting pipe, not shown, extends within the tower 78 . The loading and unloading station 75 may be used to load and unload methane tankers 70 to or from an onshore facility. It comprises a liquefied gas storage vessel 80 and connecting piping 81 connected to the loading and unloading station 75 by a subsea pipe 76 . Over long distances, for example 5 kilometers, subsea pipe 76 is used to transport liquefied gas between loading and unloading station 75 and onshore facility 77, resulting in methane tanks 70 during loading and unloading operations. ) can be maintained at considerable distances from the shore.

A pump in the ship 70 and/or a pump in the onshore installation 77 and/or a pump in the loading and unloading station 75 are used to generate the necessary pressure for the transport of the liquefied gas.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a number of specific embodiments, the present invention is not thereby limited in any way and combinations thereof, together with all technical equivalents of the means by which the invention is described, provided that it falls within the scope of the invention. It is obvious that it includes

The use of the verbs "comprise", "consisting of" or "consisting of" and their conjugations does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps in addition to those recited in a claim. Unless stated to the contrary, the use of the singular for an element or step does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such element or step.

In the claims, reference signs in parentheses are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the rights.

Claims (23)

A plurality of walls (3, 4), each wall from the outside of the vessel to the inside through the thickness of the vessel, an external load-bearing structure (1), a thermally insulating barrier attached to the external load-bearing structure (1) and a thermal sequentially having a sealing membrane supported by an insulating barrier,
thermal insulation barrier
- a plurality of lagging elements located along the walls of the vessel and arranged to define passageways for the flow of gases within the thermally insulating barrier; and
- a corner arrangement located at the intersection between the first wall (3) and the second wall (4) of the vessel,
corner device,
- a first surface 20a opposite the external load-bearing structure of the second wall 4 and communicating with one or more passageways for the flow of fluid defined by a plurality of lagging elements located along the first wall 3; a second surface 20b opposite the external load-bearing structure of the first wall 3 and communicating with one or more passageways for the flow of fluid defined by a plurality of lagging elements positioned along the second wall 4 and a plurality of elbow channels 21 , 47 , 50 extending between the first surface 20a and the second surface 20b of the biasing elements 19 , 45 , 46 to allow the a biasing element (19, 45, 46) having a plurality of elbow channels (21, 47, 50) at least one spaced apart from each other through the thickness of the first and second walls (3, 4) of the vessel A sealed and insulated vessel for storage of a fluid comprising a set of elbow channels. 2. The biasing element according to claim 1, wherein the biasing element comprises a plurality of sets of elbow channels (21, 47, 50) spaced apart from each other through the thickness of the first and second walls (3, 4) of the vessel, the sets comprising: Vessels spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the line of intersection between the first wall (3) and the second wall (4). The vessel according to claim 1, wherein the set of elbow channels (21, 47, 50) spaced from one another through the thickness of the walls of the vessel comprises at least four elbow channels. The vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elbow channels (21, 47, 50) have a cross-sectional area of less than ^{5 cm 2 .} 4. The vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-section of the elbow channel (21, 47, 50) is in a direction parallel to the corners of the vessel rather than a dimension along the direction of the thickness of the walls (3, 4) of the vessel. Vessels with larger dimensions. 4 . The elbow channel ( 21 , 47 , 50 ) according to claim 1 , wherein each of the elbow channels ( 21 , 47 , 50 ) extends parallel to the first wall ( 3 ) and a first part ( 21a , 47a ) extending parallel to the second wall ( 4 ). A vessel comprising a second portion (21b, 47b) extending and communicating with the first portion (21a, 47a). 4. A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elbow channel (21) has an arcuate shape and has a radius of curvature that increases from the inside to the outside of the vessel. 8. The biasing element (19) according to claim 7, wherein the biasing element (19) is parallel to the first surface (20a) and parallel to the third surface (20c) and the second surface (20b) opposite the first surface and a fourth surface opposite the second surface (20b). A housing further comprising a surface 20d, and the biasing element 19 disposed alongside the lagging lining between the third and fourth surfaces 20c, 20d and the arcuate elbow channel 21 having the largest radius of curvature ( 22) containing vessels. 4. The biasing element (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (19) comprises a stack of plates stacked against one another in a direction orthogonal to the first surface (20a) or the second surface (20b); , the plates each comprising a plurality of spaces defining a portion of the elbow channel 21 . 4. The biasing element (19) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (19) has one surface (20e) of the biasing element (19) having a common edge between the first surface (20a) and the second surface (20b). , 20f) a stack of plates stacked against each other in a direction orthogonal to one another, at least some of the stacked plates being one of the surfaces having an elbow groove shaped to form an elbow channel 21 . A vessel provided on at least one surface. 11. A vessel according to claim 10, wherein the stack of plates (23) comprises a plurality of load-bearing plates positioned between two plates with elbow grooves. 4. A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (19) has the shape of a cuboid. 13. The method according to claim 12, comprising at least one connecting element (32, 33), the connecting element comprising a plurality of straight channels (34) parallel to one of the first and second walls (3, 4) and a deflection element ( 19) a vessel comprising an opening opposite the elbow channel 21. 14. The opening according to claim 13, wherein the connecting element (32, 33) crosses the connecting element (32, 33) in a direction parallel to an edge formed at the intersection between the first wall (3) and the second wall (4) of the vessel. Vessel with (35). 4. A vessel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (45, 46) has an elbow shape. 16. Vessel according to claim 15, characterized in that the elbow-shaped biasing element (46) has two straight portions (46a, 46b), the straight portions each having a beveled edge and connected to each other via the beveled edge. 4. The corner arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner arrangement further comprises a lagging corner element (17, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 39, 40) and a biasing element (19, 45, 46). ) is a vessel housed in a housing configured within one of the lagging corner elements 17 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 36 , 37 , 39 , 40 . 4. The corner arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corner arrangement comprises a lagging corner element (17, 28, 29, 30, 36, 37, 39, 40) and a biasing element (19, 45, 46). is a vessel located within a gap extending between two adjacent lagging corner elements. 4. The biasing element (19, 45, 46) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the biasing element (19, 45, 46) is made of expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, polyurethane foam, polyethylene, polyethylene foam, polypropylene, polypropylene foam, polyamide, Vessel made of a polymer material selected from polycarbonate or polyether-imide. 4. External load-bearing structure (1), external load-bearing structure (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each wall of the vessel (3, 4) passes through the thickness of the vessel from the outside to the inside of the vessel. ) attached to a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary sealing membrane supported by the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier leaning against the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the fluid stored within the vessel, A vessel comprising a corner arrangement wherein each of the primary and secondary thermally insulating barriers comprises a biasing element (19, 45, 46). A vessel for transporting fluids, comprising a double hull (72) and a vessel (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, located within the double hull. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the fluid passes through insulating pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) or moves from a floating or onshore storage facility (77) to a vessel (71) on a vessel or from a vessel on a vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility. A method of loading or unloading the vessel 70 according to the method. A vessel (70) according to claim 21, an insulated pipe (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged in such a way as to connect the vessel (71) installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility (77) and floating or onshore A transport system for a fluid, comprising a pump for driving the fluid through insulated piping from the storage facility to the vessel's vessel or from the vessel's vessel to the floating or onshore storage facility.

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