KR20230022410A - Insulation blocks suitable for insulating and supporting sealing membranes for accommodating fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a parallelepiped insulating block (205) suitable for supporting and insulating a sealing membrane (6) for receiving a fluid,
- cover panel 207;
- a groove 230 opening in the top surface 2071 of the cover panel 207 to receive a welding support 8 for holding the sealing membrane 6 on the cover panel 207 and
- a support strip 240 comprising a base part 241, a branch part 242 and an elbow part 243; The insulating block 205 further comprises a plurality of attachment elements 297; 190; 1901; 1902; 196; 1961 and a fixing surface 271, the attachment elements 297; 190; 1901; 1902; 196; 1961 comprising: The base portion 241 is secured to the fixing surface 271 .

Description

Insulation blocks suitable for insulating and supporting sealing membranes for accommodating fluids

The present invention relates to the field of sealed and insulated tanks integrated into supporting structures to contain fluids, in particular to membrane tanks for containing liquefied gases, in particular combustible gases. In particular, the invention also relates to insulating blocks suitable for insulating and supporting the membranes of such tanks.

Sealed and insulated tanks can be used to store fluids in a variety of industries. For example, in the energy sector, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a liquid with a high methane content that can be stored at about -163 °C at atmospheric pressure in above-ground storage tanks or tanks mounted on floating structures. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can be stored at temperatures between -50°C and 0°C.

In the case of a floating structure, the tank may be for transporting the liquefied gas or for receiving the liquefied gas used as fuel to propel the floating structure.

Sealed and insulated tanks for storing fluids are known in the prior art, the tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a supporting wall, the tank wall being held on the supporting wall, from the outside to the inside of the tank in the thickness direction. It includes a secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane retained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier retained on the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary sealing membrane retained on the primary thermal insulation barrier. The primary insulating barrier and the secondary insulating barrier consist essentially of juxtaposed insulating blocks, each comprising one or more grooves adapted to receive weld supports. The primary sealing membrane and/or the secondary sealing membrane consists of a metal strake welded to a welding support by means of raised side edges.

In order to hold the sealing membrane to the insulating block, it is necessary to hold each of the welding supports in place in their corresponding grooves. To this end, it is known, for example from document FR 2 146 612 A5, to provide a bend at the edge of a welded support received in a groove, which bend is welded to the insulating block in cooperation with another bend provided in a metal part fixed in the groove. It forms a sliding seal to which the support is attached. As these metal parts are fixed in grooves, assembling them to the insulating block can be complicated.

One idea behind the present invention is to propose an insulating block, which is less complicated to assemble parts that can cooperate with the bends of the welding support to form a sliding seal that attaches the welding support to the insulating block.

According to one embodiment according to the first variant, the present invention provides an assembly comprising a parallelepiped insulating block suitable for insulating and supporting a sealing membrane capable of containing fluid and a welded support capable of retaining the sealing membrane to the insulating block. provide,

The welding support includes a bent portion,

Insulation blocks are:

- cover panel;

- a groove opening in the upper surface of the cover panel, the welding support being inserted into the groove, the cross-section of the groove having two opposite side surfaces and a bottom surface;

- a support strip comprising a base portion, a branch portion and an elbow portion, wherein the elbow portion has a convex portion facing the upper surface of the cover panel, the base portion is in contact with the side surface of the groove, and is welded to the insulating block. a support strip projecting from the elbow into the groove and cooperating with the bend of the weld support to constitute a sliding seal attaching the support; and

- a holding portion fixed to the cover panel and disposed in the groove to hold the base portion in contact with one of the side surfaces of the groove, one side of the holding portion being in contact with the other one of the side surfaces of the groove;

Due to this feature, for assembling the support strip on the insulating block, it is sufficient to position the retaining part relative to the base part and place the assembly obtained in this way in the groove by sliding it along the two opposite sides of the groove. Since the retaining portion contacts the side surfaces of the groove to hold the base portion, the support strip is held precisely in place in the groove in a position where its branch portion can cooperate with the bending portion of the welding support body to constitute a sliding seal. The exact positioning of the support strip in the groove is thus obtained simply by means of a single part, ie the retaining part.

Embodiments of such assemblies may include one or more of the following features.

According to one embodiment, the support strip further comprises a support portion in contact with the bottom surface, and the support portion is disposed between the bottom surface and the retaining portion such that the holding portion further retains the support portion in contact with the bottom surface.

The exact positioning of the support strip in the groove is obtained more simply with the cooperation secured by the retaining part between the bottom surface and the support.

According to one embodiment, the retaining part is screwed or stapled to the cover panel, preferably to the bottom surface.

The retaining part is thus fastened to the cover panel by screws or staples, which are simple and easy-to-use fastening elements. In particular, when the retaining portion is fixed to the bottom surface of the groove, it is very simple to apply screws or staples to the cover panel from the area where the groove is opened.

According to one embodiment according to the second variant, the present invention also provides an assembly comprising a parallelepiped insulating block suitable for insulating and supporting a sealing membrane for receiving a fluid and a welded support for retaining the sealing membrane in the insulating block. provide,

The welding support includes a bent portion,

Insulation blocks are:

- cover panel;

- a groove opening in the upper surface of the cover panel, the welding support being inserted into the groove, the cross-section of the groove having two opposite side surfaces and a bottom surface; and

- a support strip comprising a base part, a branch part and an elbow part, the elbow part having a convex part towards the upper surface of the cover panel, the base part extending to one side of the elbow part and the branch part extending to the other side of the elbow part and extending from the base part in the groove a support strip, the protruding branch portion cooperating with the bending portion of the weld support to constitute a sliding seal attaching the weld support to the insulating block;

The insulating block further includes a fixing surface and an attachment element, the fixing surface extending away from the groove and spaced apart from and facing the top surface of the cover panel and located between the top surface of the cover panel and the bottom surface of the groove in the thickness direction of the insulation block; , the attachment element fixes the base part to the fixing surface.

One idea behind the second variant is that the base part is not supported on the side of the groove, but is fixed to a fixing surface extending away from the groove and between the upper surface of the cover panel and the branch part in the thickness direction of the insulating block. The fixing surface may optionally be parallel to the top surface of the cover panel. Due to the fastening surface, congestion in the groove due to the support strip in the thickness direction of the insulating block is very limited. This second modification also has the advantage that it does not necessarily require a thick cover panel because it is not necessary to have the side surface of the groove of a large size in the thickness direction of the insulating block. It is also very easy to obtain the exact position of the branches in the groove by fixing the base to the fixing surface.

An embodiment of this kind of assembly may have one or more of the following features:

According to one embodiment, the support strip further comprises a straight portion between the elbow portion and the base portion, the straight portion contacting one of the side surfaces of the groove.

According to one embodiment, the cover panel comprises a slot opening into the groove, one side of the slot realizing a fixing surface.

Positioning of the support strip is therefore very easy since it is sufficient to slide the base part of the support strip in the slot.

According to one embodiment, the cover panel includes a first cover part and a second cover part, the second cover part is disposed on top of the first cover part in the thickness direction of the insulating block, and covers the second cover part. One side of the first cover part implements a fixing surface, each of the attachment elements passing through at least a portion of the second cover part, the base part and the first cover part to secure the second cover part, the base part and the first cover part together. .

Thus, it is sufficient to successively position the first cover part, the base part of the support strip on the fixing surface embodying the next first cover part, and the second support part on the next first cover part and the base part, thus facilitating the mounting of the support strip. do.

According to one embodiment, the insulating block further comprises a bar disposed under the cover panel in the thickness direction of the insulating block, one surface of the bar covering the cover panel realizing a fixing surface, and each attachment element is a cover panel. , pass through part of the base and bar to secure the cover panel, base and bar together.

According to one embodiment, the bar has an additional groove extending the groove in the thickness direction of the insulating block.

This additional groove gives the weld support a greater movement in the thickness direction of the insulating block, facilitating the insertion of the bend portion of the weld support.

According to one embodiment, the insulating block further comprises additional grooves extending parallel to the grooves, the fastening surface extending between the grooves and the further grooves, and the support strip being supported on the side of the further grooves closest to the grooves. more includes

The bend supported on this side of the additional groove facilitates positioning of the support strip on the cover panel and consequently on the positioning of the welding support on the cover panel. In addition, the bend improves the mechanical strength against tension of the support strip in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the cover plate, and such tension is likely to occur when the weld support is subjected to a pulling force toward the inside of the tank. The bend thus improves the retention of the support strip and weld support against the cover panel.

According to one embodiment, the insulating block further comprises a cover strip covering the fixing surface.

According to one embodiment, the cover strip closes the additional groove.

According to one embodiment, the top surface of the cover strip and the top surface of the attachment element are flush with the top surface of the cover panel.

Thus, the sealing membrane can contact the upper surface of the cover panel without gaps between the sealing membrane and the upper surface of the cover panel or without deformation of the sealing membrane by means of cover strips and/or attachment elements.

According to one embodiment, the upper surface of the base part and the upper surface of the attachment element are coplanar with the upper surface of the cover panel.

Thus, the sealing membrane can contact the upper surface of the cover panel without gaps between the sealing membrane and the upper surface of the cover panel or without deformation of the sealing membrane by the base portion and/or the attachment element.

According to one embodiment, the support strip comprises an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being integral with the branch portion and attached to the base portion, for example by welding, in particular spot welding.

The support strip can thus be produced by attaching two parts, the middle part and the branch part. This operation is simple and economical to perform when performed by welding, particularly spot welding.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a support wall, the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction. , a secondary insulating barrier retained on the supporting wall, a secondary sealing membrane retained on the secondary insulating barrier, a primary insulating barrier retained on the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary sealing membrane retained on the primary insulating barrier. including,

The primary insulating barrier comprises essentially juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the primary sealing membrane being held to the cover panel of the insulating block by a welded support of each assembly, the welded support is inserted into the groove.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a support wall, the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction. , a secondary insulating barrier retained on the supporting wall, a secondary sealing membrane retained on the secondary insulating barrier, a primary insulating barrier retained on the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary sealing membrane retained on the primary insulating barrier. including,

The secondary insulating barrier comprises essentially juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the secondary sealing membrane being held to the cover panel of the insulating block by a welded support of each assembly, the welded support is inserted into the groove.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall secured to a support wall, the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction. a secondary insulating barrier retained on the supporting wall, a secondary sealing membrane retained on the secondary insulating barrier, a primary insulating barrier retained on the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary seal retained on the primary insulating barrier; contains a membrane,

- the primary insulating barrier essentially comprises juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the primary sealing membrane being held to the cover panel of the insulating block by means of welded supports of the respective assemblies, the welded supports Is inserted into the groove,

- the secondary insulating barrier essentially comprises juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of the above embodiments, the secondary sealing member being held to the cover panel of the insulating block by a welded support of each assembly, the welded support is inserted into the groove.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall secured to a support wall, the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction. a thermal insulation barrier retained on the supporting wall and a sealing membrane retained on the thermal insulation barrier, the thermal insulation barrier comprising essentially a juxtaposed assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, the sealing membrane comprising: It is held to the cover panel of the insulating block by means of a welded support of the assembly, which is inserted into the groove.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a vessel for the transport of fluids, the vessel comprising a double hull and the aforementioned tank disposed in the double hull.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a conveying system for a fluid, the system comprising a floating or insulated pipe arranged to connect the aforementioned vessel, the vessel's tank to a floating or land storage facility, and an insulated pipe. It includes a pump for driving fluid from an onshore storage facility to a tank on a ship or from a tank on a ship to a floating or onshore storage facility.

According to an embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or unloading a vessel as described above, wherein the fluid is passed through an insulated pipe from a floating or land storage facility to a tank of the vessel or from a tank of the vessel to a floating or land storage facility. transported to a storage facility.

From the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, given in an exemplary and non-limiting manner only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages will become more apparent. .
1 is a cut-away perspective view of a sealed and insulated tank wall in which an insulating block may be used.
FIG. 2 is a side view in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1 of an insulating block according to a first variant of the invention suitable for the primary thermal insulation barrier of the tank wall of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 shows an enlarged area III of FIG. 2 .
Fig. 3a is a view similar to Fig. 3, but additionally showing the weld support and the strakes to which the raised side edges are welded to the weld support.
FIG. 4 shows part of an insulating block according to an embodiment of a second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 3 .
Fig. 5 partially shows the insulating block of Fig. 4 in a perspective view from one side and from the top of the cover panel of the insulating block;
FIG. 6 shows part of an insulating block according to another embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 7 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 8 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 9 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 10 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 11 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 12 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 13 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 14 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
FIG. 15 shows part of an insulating block according to a further embodiment of the second variant of the invention in the same side view as FIG. 4 .
16 shows a variant of a support strip usable in various embodiments of a second variant of the present invention.
17 is a schematic cut-away view of a methane tanker tank and its loading/unloading terminal.

The general structure of a sealed and insulated tank wall 1 integrated into and fixed to the supporting wall 2 is shown in FIG. 1 . The tank wall 1 can form part of a tank of various geometries, for example in the form of a polyhedron. Figure 1 shows the tank wall 1 in perspective from above, cut away to show the structure of this wall. A structure of this kind can be used on a wide range of surfaces in various directions, for example to cover floors, ceilings and side walls of polyhedral tanks. The orientation of FIG. 1 is therefore not limited in this respect. By convention, regardless of the orientation of the tank walls relative to the earth's gravity field, “above” indicates a location closer to the inside of the tank, and “below” indicates a location closer to the supporting wall (2). .

The tank wall 1 is formed of heat insulating blocks juxtaposed on the supporting wall 2 continuously in the thickness direction and is held to the supporting wall by a secondary holding member, a secondary insulating barrier 3, a secondary insulating barrier ( formed of juxtaposed insulating blocks 5 held on the secondary sealing membrane 4 by the secondary sealing membrane 4 supported by 3) and the primary holding member fixed to the secondary holding member 4 It consists of a primary insulating barrier, and finally a primary sealing membrane (6) supported by an insulating block (5). Secondary and primary retaining members are described, for example, in document FR 2 798 902 A1.

The primary sealing membrane 6 is made of steel with a high nickel content, for example 37% (known as invar, whose expansion coefficient is generally between 1.2 * 10 ^-6 and 2 * 10 ^-6 K ^-1 ). It may consist of successive layers of built-up strakes 10. It is also possible to use alloys of iron and manganese with expansion coefficients generally of the order of 7 to 9 * 10 ^-6 K ^-1 . The strake 10 has a raised side edge 10A that is welded in a sealing manner to a parallel welding support 8 held in a groove 30 of the insulating block 5 . The secondary sealing membrane 4 can be produced in exactly the same way as shown in FIG. 1 or differently. Numeral 9 represents a groove for accommodating the welding support of the secondary sealing membrane 4.

The insulating block 5 partially visible in FIG. 1 has a parallelepiped shape as a whole. FIG. 2 shows a planar side view in the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIG. 2, the insulating block 5 includes a floor panel 23 in its thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2), a cover panel 7 extending parallel to the floor panel 23, and a foam block block, 22).

The foam block 22 is composed of insulating foam, which may be, for example, a low density polymer foam such as polyethylene, polyurethane or other foam, optionally reinforced with fibers, for example glass fibers. The foam block 22 is secured to the floor panel 23, for example by gluing it.

A cover panel 7 is placed on the foam block 22 . The foam block 22 is fixed to the cover panel 7 by gluing it, for example.

The cover panel 7 and/or the bottom panel 23 can be made of plywood, for example.

Grooves 18 are formed in the bottom panel 23 and the foam block 22 and allow accommodation of protrusions of the secondary sealing membrane 4 .

As described above, the insulating block 5 also has grooves 30 configured to each receive a welding support 8 capable of holding a primary sealing membrane 6 on the insulating block 5 which will be described in more detail below. ). The groove 30 is opened onto the upper surface 7t of the cover panel 7 .

The grooves 30 are generally parallel to each other. The groove 30 extends in a longitudinal direction of the insulating block 5 generally parallel to the longitudinal side of the insulating block 5, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the plane in FIG. 2 . Although FIG. 2 shows two grooves 30 , it is possible to provide each insulating block 5 with a single groove 30 or two or more grooves 30 .

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged area III of FIG. 2 . As shown in this figure, the groove 30 has a rectangular cross section. Thus, the cross section of the groove 30 has two side surfaces 30a and a bottom surface 30b facing each other.

The groove 30 extends over part of the thickness of the cover panel 7 in the direction of the insulating block 5 . Thus, the cover panel 7 can be integrally manufactured to cover all upper surfaces of the foam block 22 .

Groove 30 receives support strip 40 . The support strip 40 includes a base portion 41 , a branch portion 42 and an elbow portion 43 . The base portion 41 is in contact with one of the side surfaces 30a of the groove 30 . The elbow portion 43 has a convex portion facing the upper surface 7t of the cover panel 7 . The branch portion 42 protrudes from the elbow portion 43 of the groove 30. Since the elbow portion 43 has a convex portion toward the upper surface 7t of the cover panel 7, the branch portion 42 extends into the groove 30 at an angle with the base portion 41. Therefore, the branch portion 42 is a bend 89 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) of the welding support 8 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) capable of holding the primary sealing membrane 6 on the insulating block 5 . not) can work with.

3A shows the cooperation of the branch portion 42 and the bend portion 89 . The bent portion 89 has a round shape complementary to the shape of the branch portion 42 . Thus, the bent portion 89 and the branch portion 42 can be fitted into each other to hold the welding support 8 in the groove 30 in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 7t of the cover panel 7 . This cooperation constitutes a sliding seal attaching the welding support 8 to the insulating block 5 . The joint slides parallel to the length of the groove 30 and the weld support 8 as indicated by arrow D in FIGS. 3A and 5 . Cooperation of this kind constituting a sliding seal is known per se and is described, for example, in document FR 2 146 612 A5 and document WO 2019/162596 A1.

In either case, the welding support 8 is attached to the insulating block 5 when the aforementioned cooperation is achieved.

As shown in FIG. 3A , the raised side edge 10A of the strake 10 may then be welded in a sealed manner to the welding support 8 using known techniques.

The insulating block 5 further comprises a retaining portion 50 arranged in the groove 30 . The holding portion 50 is fixed to the cover panel 7 as will be described later so that the base portion 41 remains in contact with the side surface 30a of the groove 30 in which the base portion 41 is disposed.

As shown in FIG. 3 , one side of the retaining portion 50 also contacts the other side 30a of the groove 30 . This facilitates positioning the retaining portion 50 in the groove 30 relative to the support strip 40 .

In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the support strip 40 further includes a support portion 49 . The support portion 49 is disposed between the bottom surface 30b of the groove 30 and the retaining portion 50 . Thus, the retaining portion 30 additionally retains the support portion 49 in contact with the bottom surface 30b. In order to keep the support portion in contact with the bottom surface 30b, the retaining portion 50 is provided with, for example, the support portion 49 and a screw or staple 60 penetrating the retaining portion 50 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3 ). It is preferably fixed to the bottom surface 30b by a dotted line).

In one variant, the support portion 49 may be omitted along with the retaining portion 50 fixed to the bottom surface 30b by means of screws or staples 60 . In another variant, the retaining portion may be screwed or stapled to the cover panel 7 at the bottom surface 30b and somewhere other than the bottom surface 30b, or in fact, somewhere other than the bottom surface 30b. .

The retaining portion 50 may be, for example, a plywood batten.

The support strip 40 may extend along the entire length of the groove 30 or along only a portion of the length of the groove 30 . In the latter case, the support strips 40 can be arranged in turn along the grooves 30 to retain the weld supports 8 in the manner described above, with retaining portions 50 for each support strip 40. provided in the groove 30.

Alternatively, it should be noted that the cover panel 7 can be manufactured by assembling two overlapping panels. The two panels can be made of plywood, for example. A first of the two panels is glued to the foam block 22 and a second of the two panels is secured to the first panel, preferably by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing.

Alternatively, the insulating block 5 is a self-supporting box manufactured by fixing side panels to bottom panels to define the box's inner space and fixing cover panels to the upper edges of the side panels to seal the box's inner space. Note that it can also take the form of Afterwards, the inner space of the box is filled with an insulating material serving as an insulating foam (22). Reference may be made to document FR 2 867 831 A1 for details on the construction of boxes of this kind. When the cover panel 7 is manufactured by assembling two overlapping panels as described above, the first of the two panels is secured to the top edge of the side panels and the second of the two panels is preferably stapled. It is fixed to the first panel by means of a ring, or possibly by screwing or gluing.

Other variants of the insulating block 5 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 14 . Elements similar to those of the insulating block 5 in the drawings have the same reference numbers increased by 200 and are not described in detail again unless necessary.

FIG. 4 shows part of the insulating block 205 in the same side view as in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 partially shows the insulating block 205 in a perspective view from the side and top of the cover panel 207 . 4 and 5, the support strip 240 includes a base portion 241, a branch portion 242, and an elbow portion 243, and the base portion 241 is of the elbow portion 243. It extends from one side and the branch part 242 extends from the other side of the elbow part 243.

Similar to the elbow portion 43, the elbow portion 243 has a convex portion toward the upper surface 207T of the cover panel 207.

Similar to branch portion 42 , branch portion 242 protrudes from elbow portion 243 in groove 230 . Since the elbow portion 243 has a convex portion toward the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207, the branch portion 242 extends into the groove 230 at an angle to the base portion 241. Therefore, the branch portion 242 is a bend 89 ( FIG. 4 ) of the welding support 8 (not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) capable of holding the primary sealing membrane 6 on the insulating block 205 . and not shown in FIG. 5). Cooperation between the branch portion 242 and the bend portion 89 is identical to that described above with reference to FIG. 3A and will not be described in detail again. In either case, when this cooperation is achieved, the welding support 8 is attached to the insulating block 205 .

In that portion, the base portion 241 is secured to a fixing surface 271 that does not contact the side surfaces of the groove 230 but extends away from the groove 230 .

The fixing surface 271 faces toward the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207, and the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207 and the bottom surface 230b of the groove 230 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205 ) is located between Attachment element 297 (only one of which can be seen in FIG. 4 ) secures base portion 242 to fixing surface 271 . Each attachment element 297 corresponds to at least one corresponding through hole 247 of the base portion 242 so that the attachment element 297 can pass through the base portion 242 .

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the upper surface of the base portion 242 is preferably on the same plane as the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207 . To this end, as shown better in FIG. 5 , the base portion 242 may be accommodated in a rebate of the cover panel 207 . Meanwhile, the top of the attachment element 297 is also on the same plane as the top surface 207t of the cover panel 207 .

Attachment element 297 may be a screw as shown in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, attachment elements 297 may be staples as shown in FIG. 5 ; At this time, the base portion 242 has an oblong through hole 247 for each staple. More generally, attachment element 297 may be any other suitable type of attachment element.

FIG. 6 shows part of another insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 6 , the cover panel 207 includes a slot 280 opening into the groove 230 . The fixing surface 271 is implemented as one side of the slot 280, more precisely, as the side of the slot 280 closest to the bottom surface 230b of the groove 230. The slot 280 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the insulating block 205 in which the groove 230 extends. Alternatively, however, it is possible for the slots 280 to extend in any direction that is not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insulating block 205 along which the grooves 230 extend. Attachment elements 297 (only one shown in FIG. 6 ) penetrate cover panel 207 through base portion 242 and slot 280 .

FIG. 7 shows part of another insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . The single attachment element 297 visible in FIG. 7 is shown in solid lines in order not to unnecessarily obscure the drawing.

In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the support strip 230 includes a straight portion 244 between the elbow portion 243 and the base portion 241 . The straight portion 244 is in contact with one of the side surfaces 230a of the groove 230, more precisely, the side surface 230a located on one side of the base portion 241 and the slot 280.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4-7 , the groove 230 extends partially into the thickness of the foam block 222 such that the bottom surface 230b faces the groove 230 in a recessed portion of the foam block 222 . to be realized by the bottom surface. This may facilitate insertion of the bend 89 (not shown in FIGS. 4-7 ) of the weld support 8 (not shown in FIGS. 4-7 ) into the groove 230 . Alternatively, however, the groove 230 may extend into the foam block 222 without penetrating into the thickness of the foam block 222 and the bottom surface 230b may be implemented by the top surface of the foam block 222 or , or if the groove 230 is large enough to allow the insertion of the bend 89 of the weld support 8, the groove 230 does not actually reach the foam block 222 and the thickness of the cover panel 207 It may extend along only a part and the bottom surface 230b is implemented by the cover panel 207 .

FIG. 8 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . The single attachment element 297 visible in FIG. 8 is shown in solid lines in order not to unnecessarily obscure the drawing.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the base portion 241 and the slot 280 may be lower than the branch portion 242 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205 .

In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the groove 230 does not extend into the thickness of the foam block 222 and the bottom surface 230b is implemented by the top surface of the foam block 222 .

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top of the attachment element 297 in the embodiment of FIGS. 6-8 is preferably coplanar with the top surface 207t of the cover panel 207 . Also, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 , attachment elements 297 may be screws, staples, or any other suitable type of attachment elements.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 the cover panel 207 is made of plywood and integrally. However, the cover panel 207 can be manufactured by securing one of the two plywood panels on top of the other. The first of the two panels is glued to the foam block 222 and the second of the two panels is preferably secured to the first panel by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing. The slot 280, if any, is in one of these two panels.

FIG. 9 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 9 , the cover panel 207 includes two cover parts 207A and 207B, and the cover part 207B is on top of the cover part 207A in the thickness direction of the heat insulating block 205. are placed The cover parts 207A, 207B here are plywood panels. One side of the cover part 207A covering the cover part 207B implements a fixing surface 271 . Next, the base portion 241 is sandwiched between the cover portions 207A and 207B. Attachment element 190 (only one shown in FIG. 9 ) penetrates cover portion 207B, base portion 241 and cover portion 207A to retain base portion 241 between cover portions 207A and 207B. and comes out to the foam block 222. The attachment element 190 here is a screw received in a through hole of the cover parts 207A, 207B. Alternatively, attachment elements 190 may be staples or, more generally, any other suitable type of attachment component. Note that the fixation of cover parts 207A, 207B by attachment element 190 may be supplemented by other fixation, preferably by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing.

FIG. 10 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 10, the cover panel 207 is manufactured by assembling two cover parts 207A1 and 207B1 like the cover panel of FIG. However, here cover portion 207B1 is a plywood cover strip and cover portion 207A1 is a plywood panel that includes a lebbit to receive cover portion 207B1. One surface of the cover part 207A1 covered by the cover part 207B1 implements the fixing surface 271 . Thus, the base portion 241 is sandwiched between the cover portions 207A1 and 207B1. To hold base portion 241 between cover portions 207A1 and 207B1, attachment elements 1901 (only one shown in FIG. 241) and the cover portion 207A1. The attachment elements 1901 here are staples. Alternatively, attachment element 1901 may be a screw or more generally any other type of suitable attachment part. Also alternatively, the cover portion 207A1 can be made by fixing one of the two plywood panels on top of the other. The first of the two panels is glued to the foam block 222 and the second of the two panels is preferably secured to the first panel by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing. Thus, a levit accommodating the cover part 207B1 can be obtained simply by a simple juxtaposition of two panels having different dimensions, which simplifies the manufacture of the insulating block 205 .

FIG. 11 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 11, the cover panel 207 is manufactured by assembling two cover parts 207A2 and 207B2 like the cover panel of FIG. However, here cover portion 207A2 is a plywood batten and cover portion 207B2 is a plywood panel that includes a lebbit that receives cover portion 207A2. One surface of the cover part 207A2 covered by the cover part 207B2 implements the fixing surface 271 . Thus, the base portion 241 is sandwiched between the cover portions 207A2 and 207B2. To hold base portion 241 between cover portions 207A2 and 207B2, attachment elements 1902 (only one shown in schematic solid lines in FIG. ), penetrates the base portion 241 and the cover portion 207A2. Attachment elements 1902 can be screws, staples, or more generally any other suitable type of attachment part. Also alternatively, the cover portion 207B2 can be made by securing one of the two plywood panels on top of the other. The first of the two panels is glued to the foam block 222 and the second of the two panels is preferably secured to the first panel by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing. Thus, the levit receiving the cover part 207A2 can be obtained simply by simple juxtaposition of two panels having different dimensions, which simplifies the manufacture of the insulating block 205 .

FIG. 12 shows part of another insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the insulating block 205 includes a bar 195 disposed below the cover panel 207 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205 . Bar 195 is for example a wooden batten. The bar 195 is received in a recess 222A of the foam block 222 alongside the groove 230, a portion of the recess 222A receiving the bar 195 and another portion of the recess 222A. The groove 230 extends to the bottom surface 230b. One side of the bar 195 covered by the cover panel 207 implements a fixing surface 271 . Thus, the base portion 241 is sandwiched between the cover panel 207 and the bar 195. To retain the base portion 241 between the cover panel 207 and the bar 195, attachment elements 196 (only one shown in schematic solid lines in FIG. and part of the thickness of the bar 195. The attachment elements 196 here are staples. Alternatively, attachment elements 196 may be screws or, more generally, any other suitable type of attachment part.

A portion of the concave portion 222A extending the groove 230 prevents insertion of the bent portion 89 (not shown in FIG. 8) of the welding support 8 (not shown in FIG. 8) into the groove 230. can be done easily

FIG. 13 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the insulating block 205 includes a bar 1951 disposed below the cover panel 207 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205 . Bar 1951 is for example a wooden batten. Unlike bar 195, bar 1951 extends on both sides of groove 230. Accordingly, bar 1951 is received in recess 222A1 of foam block 222 below groove 230 and on either side of groove 230 . One side of the bar 1951 covered by the cover panel 207 implements a fixing surface 271 . Thus, the base portion 241 is sandwiched between the cover panel 207 and the bar 1951. To retain base portion 241 between cover panel 207 and bar 1951, attachment elements 1961 (only one shown in schematic solid lines in FIG. and part of the thickness of the bar 195. The attachment elements 1961 here are staples. Alternatively, attachment elements 196 may be screws or, more generally, any other suitable type of attachment part.

To better secure the bar 1951 to the insulating block 205, the bar 1951 can be secured to the cover of the insulating block 205 by means of additional attachment elements 198, of which only one of the additional attachment elements helps. 13 is schematically indicated by a solid line. Additional attachment element 198 and attachment element 1961 are disposed on opposite sides of groove 230 ie additional attachment element 198 is located on the other side of groove 230 relative to attachment element 1961 .

To facilitate the insertion of the bend 89 (not shown in FIG. 13 ) of the welding support 8 (not shown in FIG. 13 ) into the groove 230 , the bar 1951 is provided with an insulating block 205 An additional groove 195R extending the groove 230 in the thickness direction of may be included.

Similar to the groove 230, the concave portions 222A and 222A1 may extend to two edge surfaces of the insulating block 205 facing each other in the direction in which the groove 230 extends.

FIG. 14 shows part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG. 14 , the cover panel 207 includes an additional groove 230 ′ extending parallel to the groove 230 . A fixing surface 271 extends between the groove 230 and the additional groove 230'. The support strip 240 has a curved portion 248 supported on the side of the additional groove 230' closest to the groove 230. Supporting the bends 248 on this side of the additional grooves 230' facilitates positioning the support strips 240 on the cover panel 207 and then the weld supports on the cover panel 207. (8) (not shown in Fig. 14) to facilitate positioning. In addition, when the welding support 8 is subjected to a pulling force toward the inside of the tank (i.e., upward in FIG. 14), the bending portion 89 of the welding support 8 (in FIG. (not shown) causes the base portion 241 to receive a pulling force parallel to the surface 207t; The bends 248 improve the mechanical strength of the support strip 240 to withstand any such pulling force parallel to the surface 207t, and thus the weld support 8 on the cover panel 207 and the strength of the support strip 240. improve retention

In the example shown in FIG. 14 the cover strip 299 covers the fastening surface 207 and closes the additional groove 230'. The cover strip 299 of course has through-holes (not shown) for the passage of attachment elements 297 . The top surface of cover strip 299 is preferably coplanar with top surface 207t of cover panel 207 and the top of attachment element 297 is preferably coplanar with top surface 207t of cover panel 207. do.

In a variant, the additional groove 230' and bend 248 may be omitted. In other variations the cover strip 299 may be omitted.

In the example shown in FIGS. 12-14 the cover panel 207 is made of plywood and integrally. However, the cover panel 207 can be manufactured by securing one of the two plywood panels on top of the other. The first of the two panels is glued to the foam block 222 and the second of the two panels is preferably secured to the first panel by stapling, or possibly by screwing or gluing.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 14 , support strip 240 may preferably be integrally made of the same metal alloy that constitutes strake 10 . Alternatively, however, support strip 240 may be fabricated by fixing two parts made of a metal alloy as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 .

15 shows a part of the additional insulating block 205 in the same side view as in FIG. 4 . This insulating block 205 is identical to that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 except for the support strips involved. In this variant, the support strip 2401 has only a base portion 2411 similar to the base portion 241, a branch portion 2421 similar to the branch portion 242, and an elbow portion 2431 similar to the elbow portion 243. but includes the middle portion 2441. The intermediate portion 2441 is integral with the branch portion 2421 and the elbow portion 2431. This can be obtained, for example, by properly bending the metal alloy strip to obtain the intermediate portion 2441, the elbow portion 2431 and the branch portion 2421. Middle portion 2441 is attached to base portion 2411 to form support strip 2401 . This can be done by any suitable means, but it is preferred to use welding, for example resistance welding. The use of spot welding is preferred and is simple and economical to perform. One of the spot welds performed is identified with reference number 2451.

The base portion 2411 generally has straight wings 241a1 disposed facing the middle portion 2441 to facilitate welding of the middle portion 2441 to the base portion 2411 . As shown in FIG. 15 , in addition to the levit that receives the base portion 2411 such that the base portion 2411 and the attachment element 297 are flush with the top surface 207t, the cover panel 207 has a wing It features an additional levit parallel to groove 230 to accommodate 241a1. However, alternatively this additional rebit may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the middle portion 2441 may further extend to the foam block 222 beyond the wing 241a1 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205 . The middle portion 2441 is generally supported on the side surface 230a of the groove 230 located on one side of the base portion 2411 . Therefore, since the cover panel 207 is covered by the intermediate portion 2441 when the bend 89 (not shown in FIG. 15 ) of the welding support 8 is inserted into the groove 230, the foam block 222 ) or the risk of getting caught on the cover panel 207.

16 shows a support strip 2402 of much simpler construction than support strip 2401. In this variation, intermediate portion 2442 is disposed below base portion 2412 and has similar or even identical dimensions to base portion 2412 so that elbow portion 2432 and branch portion 2422 form base portion 2412. ) and protrudes relative to the middle portion 2442. Middle portion 2442 is attached to base portion 2412 to form support strip 2402 . This can be done by any suitable means, but it is preferred to use welding, for example resistance welding. The use of spot welding is preferred and is simple and economical to perform. One of the spot welds performed is identified by reference number 2452.

9-15, the groove 230 extends into a portion of the thickness of the foam block 222, such that the bottom surface 230b faces the groove 230 in a recess in the foam block 222. Let it be implemented by the bottom surface of the part. This may facilitate insertion of the bend 89 (not shown in FIGS. 9-15 ) of the welding support 8 (not shown in FIGS. 9-15 ) into the groove 230 . Alternatively, however, the groove 230 may extend into the foam block 222 without penetrating into the thickness of the foam block 222 and the bottom surface 230b may be implemented by the top surface of the foam block 222 or , or if the groove 230 is large enough to allow the insertion of the bend 89 of the weld support 8, the groove 230 does not actually reach the foam block 222 and the thickness of the cover panel 207 It may extend along only a part and the bottom surface 230b is implemented by the cover panel 207 .

It will be noted that in each example shown in FIGS. 4-16 , the fixing surface 271 is parallel to the top surface 207t of the cover panel 207 . It is nonetheless possible to provide different orientations of the fixing surface 271 relative to the upper surface 207t.

Insulation blocks 5 or 205 juxtaposed in the foregoing embodiment constitute a primary thermal insulation barrier held together by the secondary sealing membrane 4 and supporting the primary sealing membrane 6 . In a variant, it is not the primary insulating barrier but the secondary insulating barrier 3 composed of juxtaposed insulating blocks similar to insulating blocks 5 or 205 . At this time, the secondary sealing membrane 4 is composed of a continuous layer of strakes similar to the strakes 10 described above, the raised side edges being parallel welds held in the grooves of the insulating blocks of the secondary insulating barrier 3 welded to the support. According to another variant, both the primary and secondary insulating barriers 3 consist of juxtaposed insulating blocks similar to the insulating blocks 5 or 205 .

According to another variant, the tank wall 1 can be a single membrane tank wall, ie it can consist successively in the thickness direction of: similar to insulating blocks 5 or 205 juxtaposed on the supporting wall 2 An insulating barrier formed of an insulating block and held to the supporting wall by a retaining member, and a sealing membrane supported by the insulating barrier. The sealing membrane then consists of a continuous layer of strakes similar to the strakes 10 described above, the raised side edges of which are welded to parallel weld supports held in the grooves of the insulating blocks of the insulating barrier.

Referring to Fig. 17, a cut-away view of a methane tanker 70 shows a generally prismatic sealed and insulated tank 71 mounted in the double hull 72 of the vessel. The wall of the tank 71 includes a primary sealing barrier capable of contacting the liquefied gas contained in the tank, a secondary sealing barrier disposed between the primary sealing barrier and the double hull 72 of the ship, and a primary sealing barrier. It includes two insulating barriers disposed between the secondary sealing barrier and between the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull 72, respectively. In a simplified variant, the vessel has a single hull.

A loading/unloading pipe 73 arranged on the upper deck of the vessel in a manner known per se can be connected by suitable connectors to a sea or port terminal for the transfer of a cargo of liquefied gas to or from the tank 71 .

17 shows an example of a marine terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75 , an underwater pipe 76 and an onshore installation 77 . The loading and unloading station 75 is a stationary offshore installation comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the mobile arm 74 . A mobile arm 74 supports a bundle of flexible insulated tubes 79 which can be connected to a loading/unloading pipe 73. A directional movable arm 74 applies to all methane tanker shipping gauges. A connecting pipe, not shown, extends inside the tower 78. Loading and unloading station 75 enables loading and unloading of methane tanker 70 to and from shore facility 77 . The installation includes a liquefied gas storage tank (80) and a connecting pipe (81) connected to a loading and unloading station (75) via an underwater pipe (76). The submersible pipe 76 enables the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading and unloading station 75 and the onshore installation 77 over long distances, for example 5 km, during loading and unloading the methane tanker 70 is transported to shore. to be at a great distance from

To create the pressure required for the transfer of the liquefied gas, a pump aboard the ship 70 and/or a pump installed on the shore installation 77 and/or a pump installed at the loading and unloading station 75 is used. do.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it is clear that it is not limited thereto and includes all technical equivalents of the described means and combinations thereof, which fall within the scope of the present invention.

Use of, and conjunctive forms with, the verb "comprise" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps other than those set forth in a claim.

In the claims, any reference sign placed between parentheses shall not be construed as a limitation on the claim.

1: tank wall
2: supporting wall
3: secondary insulation barrier
4: secondary sealing membrane
5: insulation block
6: sealing membrane
8: welding support
7: cover panel
30: groove
40: support strip
41: base part
42: branch part
43: elbow part
50: holding part
70: ship

Claims (22)

a parallelepiped insulating block (205) suitable for insulating and supporting the sealing membrane (6) for receiving fluid and a welded support (8) for holding the sealing membrane (6) on the insulating block (205);
The welding support 8 includes a bent portion 89,
Insulation block 205 is:
- cover panel 207;
- a groove 230 opening into the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207, the welding support 8 is inserted into the groove 230, the cross section of the groove 230 is divided into two opposite side surfaces 230a and a groove, with a bottom surface 230b; and
- a support strip 240 comprising a base portion 241, a branch portion 242 and an elbow portion 243, the elbow portion having a convex portion facing the upper surface 207t of the cover panel 207, and the base portion ( 241 extends from one side of the elbow part 243, and the branch part 242 extends from the other side of the elbow part 243 and protrudes from the elbow part 243 into the groove 230, and the branch part 242 A support strip, which cooperates with the bending part 89 of the welding support 8 to form a sliding seal attaching the welding support 8 to the insulating block 205,
The insulating block 205 further comprises attachment elements 297; 190; 1901; 1902; 196; 1961 and a fixing surface 271, the fixing surface 271 extending away from the groove 230, the cover panel It is spaced apart from the top surface 207t of 207 and is located between the top surface 207t of the cover panel 207 and the bottom surface 230b of the groove 230 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205, the attachment element 297; 190; 1901; 1902; 196; 1961 secures base portion 241 to fixing surface 271. According to claim 1,
The support strip 240 further includes a straight portion 244 between the elbow portion 243 and the base portion 241, the straight portion 244 contacting one of the side surfaces 230a of the groove 230, assembly. According to claim 1 or 2,
The assembly, wherein the cover panel (207) comprises a slot (280) opening into a groove (230), one side of the slot (280) materializing a fixing surface (271). According to claim 1 or 2,
The cover panel 207 includes a first cover part 207A; 207A1; 207A2 and a second cover part 207B; 207B1; 207B2, the second cover part 207B; 207B1; disposed above the first cover part (207A; 207A1; 207A2) in the thickness direction of , one side of the first cover part covering the second cover part implements the fixing surface 271, and the attachment element 190; 1901; 1902) each penetrates at least a portion of the first cover part 207A; 207A1; 207A2, the base part 241 and the second cover part 207B; 207B1; 207B2 to form the first cover part 207A; 207A1; 207A2 , an assembly that secures the base portion 241 and the second cover portion 207B; 207B1; 207B2 together. According to claim 1 or 2,
The insulating block 205 further includes a bar 195; 1951 disposed under the cover panel 207 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205, and one side of the bar 195; 1951 covering the cover panel 207. implements a fixing surface 271, each of the attachment elements 196; 1961 penetrating a portion of the cover panel 207, the base portion 242 and the bar 195; 1951 to cover the cover panel 207, the base portion 242 and the bar 195; 1951 are secured together. According to claim 5,
The assembly, wherein the bar 1951 has an additional groove 195R extending the groove 230 in the thickness direction of the insulating block 205. According to claim 1 or 2,
The insulating block 205 further comprises an additional groove 230' extending parallel to the groove 230, a fastening surface 271 extending between the groove 230 and the additional groove 230', the support strip 240 further includes a curved portion 248 supported on the side of the additional groove 230' closest to the groove 230. The method of any one of claims 1, 2 and 7,
The assembly, wherein the insulating block (205) further comprises a cover strip (299) covering the fixing surface (271). According to claims 7 and 8,
The cover strip (299) closes the additional groove (230'). The method of claim 8 or 9,
The top surface of the cover strip (299) and the top of the attachment element (297) are coplanar with the top surface (207t) of the cover panel (207). According to claim 1,
The top surface of the base portion 241 and the top of the attachment element 297 are flush with the top surface 207t of the cover panel 207. According to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The support strip 2401; 2402 includes an intermediate portion 2441; 2442, and the intermediate portion 2441; 2442 is integral with the branch portion 2421; 2422 and the elbow portion 2431; 2432, and the base portion ( 2411; 2412), for example by welding, in particular spot welding. A parallelepiped insulating block (5) suitable for insulating and supporting the sealing membrane (6) for receiving fluid and a welded support (8) for holding the sealing membrane (6) on the insulating block (5),
The welding support 8 includes a bent portion 89,
The insulating block (5) is:
- a cover panel (7);
- a groove 30 opening into the upper surface 7t of the cover panel 7, the welding support 8 is inserted into the groove 30, the cross-section of the groove 30 is divided into two opposite side surfaces 30a and a groove, with a bottom surface 30b;
- a support strip (40) comprising a base portion (41), a branch portion (42) and an elbow portion (43), wherein the elbow portion (43) has a convex portion facing the upper surface (7t) of the cover panel (7) and , The base portion 41 is in contact with one side surface 30a of the groove 30, the branch portion 42 protrudes into the groove 30 from the elbow portion 43, and the bending portion 89 of the welding support body 8 ) forming a sliding seal attaching the welding support 8 to the insulating block 5 in cooperation with the support strip; and
- a retaining portion 50 disposed in the groove 30 and fixed to the cover panel 7 to retain the base portion 41 in contact with the open side surface 30a of the groove 30, the retaining portion 50 One side of the groove 30 is in contact with the other one of the side surfaces 30a, the holding portion; assembly comprising a. According to claim 13,
The support strip 40 further includes a support portion 49 in contact with the bottom surface 30b, and the support portion 49 is disposed between the holding portion 50 and the bottom surface 30b so that the holding portion 50 also The assembly, which holds the support portion (49) in contact with the bottom surface (30b). According to claim 13 or 14,
The assembly is screwed or stapled to the cover panel (7), preferably to the bottom surface (30b). A sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall (1) fixed to a support wall (2), the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction, the support wall (2) ), a secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) maintained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane (4) maintained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier maintained on the secondary sealing membrane, and 1 maintained on the primary thermal insulation barrier. comprising a primary sealing membrane (6), said primary thermal insulation barrier comprising essentially juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the primary sealing membrane (6) comprises the respective assemblies A seal for storing fluid, which is held to the cover panel (7; 207) of the insulating block (5; 205) by a welding support (8), which is inserted into the groove (30; 230). and an insulated tank. A sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall (1) fixed to a support wall (2), the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in a thickness direction, the support wall (2) ), a secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) maintained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane (4) maintained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier maintained on the secondary sealing membrane, and 1 maintained on the primary thermal insulation barrier. comprising a primary sealing membrane (6), said secondary thermal insulation barrier comprising essentially juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein secondary sealing membranes (4) of each assembly A seal for storing fluid, which is held to the cover panel (7; 207) of the insulating block (5; 205) by a welded support (8), which is inserted into the groove (30; 230). and an insulated tank. A sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall (1) fixed to a support wall (2), the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in the thickness direction. a secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) retained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane (4) retained on the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier retained on the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary thermal insulation barrier retained on the primary thermal insulation barrier. a sealing membrane (6);
- the primary thermal insulation barrier essentially comprises juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the primary sealing membrane (6) is welded to the thermal insulation block by means of a welded support (8) of each assembly. (5; 205) is held on the cover panel (7; 207), and the welding support (8) is inserted into the groove (30; 230),
- the secondary thermal insulation barrier essentially comprises juxtaposed assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the secondary sealing membrane (4) being welded to the thermal insulation block by means of a welded support (8) of each assembly A sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, which is held on the cover panel (7; 207) of (5; 205), and the welding support (8) is inserted into the groove (30; 230). A sealed and insulated tank for storing a fluid, the tank comprising a tank wall (1) fixed to a support wall (2), the tank wall extending from the outside to the inside of the tank in the thickness direction. a thermal insulation barrier (3) retained on the thermal insulation barrier (3) and a sealing membrane (4) retained on the thermal insulation barrier (3), the thermal insulation barrier essentially comprising a juxtaposed assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The sealing membrane is held to the cover panel (7; 207) of the insulating block (5; 205) by a welded support (8) of each assembly, the welded support (8) is connected to the groove (30; 230). A sealed and insulated tank for storing fluid, inserted into A vessel (70) for transporting fluid, comprising a double hull (72) and a tank (71) according to any one of claims 16 to 19 arranged in the double hull (72). vessel for transport. A fluid transport system comprising a vessel (70) according to claim 20, an insulated pipe (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect a tank (71) of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility (77) and thermal insulation A fluid transfer system comprising a pump for driving fluid through a pipe from a floating or land storage facility to a tank on a ship or from a tank on a ship to a floating or land storage facility. A method of loading or unloading a vessel (70) according to claim 20, wherein the fluid is transported from a floating or onshore storage facility (77) to a tank (71) of the vessel via an insulated pipe (73, 79, 76, 81) or A method of loading or unloading from a ship's tank to a floating or land storage facility.

Images