RU2815750C2 - Sealed and heat-insulating reservoir - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: manufacturing technology.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to sealed reservoir (100). Reservoir comprises a plurality of reservoir walls, including first wall (106) and second wall (104), which are parallel to first direction (101), and two end walls (108), which are perpendicular to the first direction and connect the first wall and the second wall. Each wall of the reservoir in series comprises, in the direction of thickness from the outer side to the inner side of the reservoir, a heat-insulating barrier held on the corresponding bearing wall, and a sealing membrane resting on the heat-insulating barrier. Sealing membrane of each of first wall, second wall and end walls comprises a row of corrugations (118), parallel to each other and located at right angles to transverse angles (107), formed by first wall or second wall and end walls. Parallel corrugations are spaced apart so as to form in a direction parallel to the transverse angles: a plurality of identical constant intervals (120), wherein each constant interval is formed between two adjacent corrugations, and one separate interval (122), different from the constant interval.

EFFECT: simplified reservoir fabrication.

23 cl, 11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulated membrane tanks for storing and/or transporting a fluid, such as a cryogenic fluid, and tanks built into the side of a ship or other floating structure and filled with liquefied fuel gas to supply the ship's propulsion system or other floating structure, in particular on a vessel powered by liquefied natural gas. Liquefied natural gas or LNG is primarily composed of methane.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0002] From WO 2019030448 there is known a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing and transporting liquefied natural gas, built into a supporting structure such as the double hull of a vessel designed to transport liquefied natural gas, for example a methane tanker. The reservoir contains a multilayer structure having, successively in the thickness direction from the outside to the inside of the reservoir, a heat insulating barrier supported by a supporting structure, and a sealing membrane designed to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the reservoir and adjacent to the insulating barrier.

[0003] The sealing membrane consists of a plurality of corrugated sheets of standard sizes containing a number of corrugations parallel to each other and thus allowing the sealing membrane to deform under the influence of thermal stresses created by the fluid stored in the reservoir. The thermal barrier comprises a plurality of standard sized insulating panels arranged next to each other. To simplify the manufacture of the tank, the standard dimensions of the insulating panels are chosen to be equal to an integer multiple of the corrugation wave pitch. A liquefied natural gas transport vessel, such as a methane gas tanker, is designed to accommodate such a tank, but the size of the supporting structure must be within construction tolerances.

[0004] Also known is a liquefied natural gas powered vessel, or "LNG fueled vessel" or LFS. When the ship is a methane tanker, the cargo tanks have a very large capacity, for example, on the order of 100,000-200,000 m ³ . When the ship is carrying other cargo and the tank is used only for fuel, the capacity is much smaller, for example 5,000 to 25,000 m ³ depending on the size of the ship and the duration of the upcoming voyages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One idea on which the invention is based is to provide a sealed and thermally insulating tank capable of being incorporated into any size space, such as a ship or floating structure.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a sealed and thermally insulating reservoir built into a supporting structure.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the supporting structure is multifaceted, wherein said tank includes a plurality of tank walls including a first wall and a second wall that are parallel to a first direction of the tank and spaced in a second direction of said tank, the tank walls further including two end walls walls perpendicular to the first direction of the container and connecting the first wall and the second wall, possibly using first intermediate walls located between the first wall and the two end walls, and/or using second intermediate walls located between the second wall and the two end walls, with in this case, each wall of the tank rests on the corresponding load-bearing wall of the supporting structure,

each wall of the tank has a multilayer structure, successively containing, in the thickness direction from the outer side to the inner side of the tank, a heat-insulating barrier held on the corresponding load-bearing wall, and a sealing membrane resting on the heat-insulating barrier,

the sealing membrane of each of the first wall, the second wall and the end walls contains a number of corrugations parallel to each other and located at right angles to transverse angles parallel to the third direction of the tank and formed at the intersections between the first wall or the second wall, the end walls and, if necessary, intermediate walls located between them, while parallel corrugations are spaced so as to form in the third direction:

- a set of equal constant intervals, with each constant interval formed between two adjacent corrugations, and

- at least one distinct interval other than the constant interval, and

wherein at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced apart at a separate interval, extend continuously over at least three of the mentioned transverse angles, preferably over a number of transverse angles exceeding half the total number of transverse angles.

[0008] In embodiments, such a sealed and thermally insulated reservoir may comprise one or more of the following features.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first wall is the bottom wall of the reservoir.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second wall is the ceiling wall of the tank.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the first direction is the longitudinal direction of the reservoir.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the second direction is the vertical direction of the reservoir.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the third direction is the transverse direction of the reservoir.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first intermediate walls are bottom sloping walls located between the bottom wall and two end walls.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second intermediate walls are top sloping walls located between the ceiling wall and two end walls.

[0016] In one embodiment, the total number of transverse angles may be 4, 6, or 8.

[0017] According to one embodiment, at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced apart, extend continuously at all transverse angles except one so as to form an open ring around the entire tank.

[0018] According to one embodiment, at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced apart, extend continuously at all transverse angles so as to form a closed ring around the entire tank.

[0019] Such a tank is advantageous in that a constant spacing allows the tank to be manufactured more easily, while a single spacing allows the size of the tank to be adapted to the dimensions of the supporting structure, such as the space in a ship's hull. In particular, when the support structure does not have dimensions that are integral multiples of a constant spacing, a separate spacing allows the difference in dimensions between the support structure and the sealing membrane having standard dimensions to be compensated. In this way, the tank is adaptable to load-bearing structures, in particular ships or floating structures, which have any dimensions, with less complex and less costly production.

[0020] The spaces between adjacent corrugations may contain one or more distinct intervals. These individual intervals can be located in different ways in the tank.

[0021] In one embodiment, the corrugations of each of the first wall, the second wall and the end walls, and optionally the intermediate walls, define two or more distinct intervals separated by at least one constant interval.

[0022] In one embodiment, the corrugations of each of the first wall, second wall and end walls, and optionally intermediate walls, define two or more consecutive discrete intervals. The term "consecutive individual intervals" is understood to mean that two or more individual intervals are on either side of the same corrugation, which means that no continuous interval is formed between these individual intervals.

[0023] Providing such sequential separate intervals tends to concentrate the individual intervals in one zone of each tank wall, thereby optimizing the design of the tank. In addition, the cost of manufacturing the tank is reduced because fewer parts of a particular design are needed to achieve regular intervals.

[0024] According to one embodiment, for each of the first wall, second wall and end walls, and, if necessary, intermediate walls, separate intervals are located symmetrically on either side of the centerline of said wall. This arrangement allows for less complex fabrication of the reservoir, in particular a design that is substantially symmetrical on either side of the centerline.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reservoir comprises at least one discrete zone comprising, for example, a third intermediate reservoir wall, a handling column, a pump support base, a gas manifold, a sump and/or a liquid dome, and said or each discrete interval located at a distance from said separate zone greater than or equal to the transverse dimension (in other words, the dimension in the third direction) of the constant interval. This arrangement facilitates the production of corrugations continuously along the entire length of the tank walls.

[0026] On the other hand, membrane corrugations, and in particular spaced corrugations, may have local breaks on certain walls of the tank when these corrugations intersect or pass near a particular area containing an obstacle, for example, a loading and unloading column, pump support base, gas manifold, sump and/or liquid dome.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the walls of the reservoir further include two side walls parallel to the first direction and connected, respectively, to the first wall or the second wall by two third intermediate walls, and the separate zone contains said third intermediate walls.

[0028] Individual intervals may have different sizes. When there are several of them, the individual intervals may or may not be identical. According to one embodiment, the individual intervals have different sizes in the third direction. According to one embodiment, the transverse dimension (in other words, the dimension in the third direction) of at least one, in particular, each individual interval is the sum of the transverse dimension of the constant interval and a negative or positive predetermined constant whose absolute value is less than the size of the constant interval, in particular , less than half the size in the third direction of the constant interval.

[0029] A predetermined constant may be determined as a function of the remainder of an integer division of the transverse dimension of the supporting structure by a predetermined integer. In particular, the predetermined constant is chosen to be greater than the predetermined minimum threshold related to the construction requirements.

[0030] In one embodiment, the constant intervals have a standard, well-known lateral dimension.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one, more, some, or each of the regularly spaced corrugations extend continuously at substantially all transverse angles so as to form an open or closed ring around the entire tank outside the dedicated area.

[0032] The thermal barrier can be made in different ways. According to one embodiment, the thermal barrier of each of the first wall, second wall and end walls, and optionally the first and second intermediate walls, comprises:

rows of insulation panels oriented at right angles to the transverse angles and arranged next to each other in a repeating pattern in a third direction and in line with said or each individual interval, wherein at least one row of individual insulation panels has a width different from the width of the repeat drawing.

[0033] In one embodiment, the width of the repeating pattern is an integer multiple of the lateral dimension of the constant interval.

[0034] In one embodiment, the width of the individual insulating panel is less than the width of the repeating pattern.

[0035] In one embodiment, the width of an individual insulation panel is a function of the constant spacing and the discrete spacing.

[0036] The individual intervals can be formed in different ways. According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane of each of the first wall, second wall and end walls, and optionally the first and second intermediate walls, is formed by a plurality of rectangular metal sheets having a series of corrugations.

[0037] In one embodiment, the at least one metal sheet includes a corrugation aligned with a first edge of the row of insulation panels or a row of individual insulation panels, and a corrugation aligned with a second edge opposite the first edge.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one distinct interval is located between two corrugations of the same metal sheet.

[0039] According to another embodiment, said or each separate interval is formed between a first corrugation located on a first of said metal sheets adjacent to an edge of said first metal sheet, and a second corrugation located on a second of said metal sheets adjacent to the first metal sheet, wherein the second corrugation is located adjacent to the edge of the second metal sheet facing said first metal sheet.

[0040] In one embodiment, the size of the second metal sheet in the third direction is an integer multiple of a constant spacing. In particular, the size of the metal sheet may be equal to the size of the row of insulation panels in the third direction.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the edge of the first sheet is an uneven edge forming a part with a difference in level with respect to the central portion of the first sheet and configured to lap weld the first metal sheet to the second metal sheet. Specifically, the individual spacing is adjusted by adjusting the distance of the rough edge with respect to the first corrugation adjacent to said rough edge.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the welding of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is performed at a distance greater than 50 mm, in particular greater than 100 mm, from the corrugation adjacent to the edge of the second sheet.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the edge of the first metal sheet and the edge of the second metal sheet are welded to each other in line with one of said rows of individual insulation panels.

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one individual insulation panel includes a metal fastening strip located opposite the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, and the second metal sheet is welded to the metal fastening strip.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first metal sheet contains a portion of corrugations, the number of which is less than or equal to the number of corrugations of the second metal sheet.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the number of corrugations of the first metal sheet is a function of the difference between the individual interval and the constant interval. The number of corrugations of the first metal sheet may be less than the number of corrugations of the second sheet if the transverse dimension of the individual interval is greater than the transverse dimension of the permanent interval. The number of corrugations of the first metal sheet may be equal to the number of corrugations of the second metal sheet if the transverse dimension of the individual interval is smaller than the transverse dimension of the permanent interval.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the walls of the reservoir further include two side walls parallel to the first direction and connected, respectively, to the first wall or the second wall, optionally by two third intermediate walls, and to end walls, optionally by two fourth intermediate walls walls

[0048] In one embodiment, the third intermediate walls are longitudinal sloping walls of the reservoir.

[0049] In one embodiment, the fourth intermediate walls are vertically sloping tank walls.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane of each of the first wall, the second wall and the side walls includes a number of first additional corrugations parallel to each other and located at right angles to longitudinal angles parallel to the first direction of the reservoir and formed at the intersections between the first wall or the second wall, side walls and, if necessary, third intermediate walls, and the first additional corrugations are spaced so as to form in a first direction:

- a set of identical constant intervals, with each constant interval formed between two adjacent first additional corrugations, and

- at least one distinct interval other than the constant interval, and

at least two adjacent first additional corrugations, spaced apart, extend continuously over at least three of said longitudinal angles, preferably over a number of longitudinal angles exceeding half the total number of longitudinal angles.

[0051] In one embodiment, the total number of longitudinal angles is 4, 6, or 8.

[0052] In one embodiment, the sealing membrane of each of the end walls and side walls includes a number of second additional corrugations parallel to each other and located at right angles to vertical angles parallel to the second direction of the reservoir and formed at the intersections between the end walls, side walls and, if necessary, by fourth intermediate walls, and the second additional corrugations are spaced so as to form in the second direction:

- a plurality of identical constant intervals, with each constant interval formed between two adjacent second additional corrugations, and

- at least one distinct interval other than a constant interval, and

at least two adjacent second additional corrugations, spaced apart, extend continuously over at least three of said vertical angles, preferably over a number of vertical angles exceeding half the total number of vertical angles.

[0053] In one embodiment, the total number of vertical angles is 4, 6, or 8.

[0054] Such a tank may form part of an onshore storage installation, for example for liquefied gas storage, or may be installed in a floating, offshore or deep-sea structure, in particular a methane tanker, LPG transport vessel, floating storage unit and regasification unit (FSRU), floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), etc.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vessel comprising a double hull and such a tank built into said double hull as a supporting structure.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of loading or unloading such a vessel in which fluid is transported through insulated pipelines from a floating or onshore storage facility to a vessel tank or to a floating or onshore storage facility from a vessel tank.

00[57] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a fluid transport system, the system comprising the above-mentioned vessel, insulated piping arranged to connect a reservoir mounted in the vessel's hull to a floating or onshore storage facility, and a pump for driving the movement of fluid through insulated pipelines from a floating or onshore storage unit to a vessel's tank or to a floating or onshore storage installation from a ship's tank.

[58] According to one embodiment, said tank is configured as a fuel tank for a ship's propulsion system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0059] The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given in an illustrative and non-limiting manner only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 is a sectional perspective view of a polyhedral tank included in a supporting structure.

[0061] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a reservoir.

[0062] FIG. 3 is an expanded and truncated view of the end of the reservoir in FIG. 2.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line VI-VI in FIG. 2.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 2 according to the second exemplary embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of zone V according to FIG. 5 or fig.. 6.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a vessel equipped with an LNG propulsion system and a reservoir in the form of a fuel tank for the propulsion system.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 8, which shows an embodiment of a fuel reservoir for a propulsion system.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the reservoir in Figures 8 and 9 according to another embodiment, with the reservoir shown in the same orientation as in Figures 8 and 9.

[0070] FIG. 11 is a schematic cut-out view of a methane tanker tank and a terminal for loading/unloading this tank.

DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION OPTIONS

[0071] Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a tank 100 for storing liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

[0072] The reservoir 100 is located in a supporting structure, which may, in particular, be formed by a hull or in a hull or a double hull or a double hull of a vessel or floating structure. The supporting structure includes a plurality of supporting walls 102 defining the overall shape of the tank 100, typically a polyhedral shape.

[0073] Reservoir 100 includes a plurality of tank walls supported by a supporting structure, including:

- a ceiling wall 104 and a bottom wall 106 parallel to the longitudinal direction 101 of the tank,

- two end walls 108 connecting the bottom wall 106 and the ceiling wall 104, and

- two side walls 110, connected on both sides to the ceiling wall 104 and the bottom wall 106 using upper longitudinal beveled walls 114, respectively, lower longitudinal beveled walls 112.

[0074] In FIG. 3, the end wall 108, the ceiling wall 104 and the bottom wall 106 are shown as viewed in the plane of the end wall 108.

[0075] Each of the bottom wall 106, ceiling wall 104 and end walls 108 includes a sealing membrane configured to be in contact with the product present in the tank 100, and located on a thermal barrier, which is not shown in figures 1-3. the sealing membrane contains a number of corrugations 118, parallel to each other and located at right angles to the transverse angles 107 formed by the bottom wall 106 or the ceiling wall 104 and the end walls 108. The corrugations 118 are spaced apart in the transverse direction 103 at right angles to the longitudinal direction 101 The spaces between the corrugations contain a plurality of permanent intervals 120 and two separate intervals 122 located symmetrically on either side of the center line 124 of the bottom wall 106, the ceiling wall 104 and the end walls 108. The size of the individual intervals 122 in the transverse direction 103 differs from the size of the constant intervals 120 in the transverse direction 103.

[0076] Each of the corrugations 118, spaced at a separate interval 122 on the end walls 108, extends continuously with a corresponding corrugation of the bottom wall 106 and the corresponding corrugation of the ceiling wall 104. Likewise, each of the corrugations 118 of the end walls 108, spaced at a constant interval 120, extends continuously, except for the corrugations 118, facing the longitudinal beveled walls 112 and 114.

[0077] Alternatively, a discontinuity in the corrugations 118 may exist at one or more of the transverse corners 107. Preferably, the corrugations 118 continuously intersect at least three transverse corners 107.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 3, a distinct interval 122 is formed on either side of the center line 124 of the bottom wall 106. Alternatively, two or more distinct intervals 122 may be formed on either side of the center line 124. In particular, two or more distinct intervals 122 may be formed along both sides of the center line 124. "Consistent individual intervals 122" is understood to mean that two or more individual intervals 122 are located on either side of the same corrugation, which means that no consistent interval 120 is formed between these individual intervals 122 Still as an option, two or more separate intervals 122, whether consecutive or not, can be formed on only one side of the center line 124 of the bottom wall 106.

[0079] The reservoir 100 further includes a liquid dome 116 intersecting the ceiling wall 104 of the reservoir 100 in a height direction 105 . The liquid dome 116 may include a column 69 for loading and unloading the reservoir 100. Specifically, the liquid dome 116 is located at a distance from the end wall 108 and at the midpoint of the width of the ceiling wall 104 in the transverse direction 103. Specifically, each individual interval 122 is located at a distance equal to the constant interval 120 or more of the liquid dome 116. In addition, each individual interval 122 is located at a distance greater than the constant interval 120 of each of the longitudinal beveled walls 114 and 112.

[0080] In the figures, the dimensions in the transverse direction 103 are referred to as widths.

[0081] The width L of the bottom wall 106 and the ceiling wall 108 is expressed as follows:

[0082] [Equation 1]

L = rho _pi x N + X,

where rho _pi is the width of the constant interval 120,

N is an integer, and

X is a relative number.

[0083] Preferably, the integer multiple of N is selected such that X lies between -ro _pi /2 and +po _pi /2.

[0084] The width of the _line is selected according to the construction standards of sealed tanks and can have different values, for example, 340 mm or 500 mm.

[0085] Preferably, the individual interval 122 has the following dimensions:

[0086] [Equation 2]

ro _oi = ro _pi + X/2 (2)

where po _oi is the width of an individual interval 122.

[0087] According to equation (2), X/2 lies between -ro _pi /4 and +po _pi /4, which thus provides a separate interval 122 that has dimensions that remain larger than the minimum size, making it possible to manufacture without difficulties.

[0088] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figures 1 and 2, corresponding to a zone of tank 100 containing only permanent intervals 120.

[0089] In FIG. 4 shows a bottom wall 106 including a thermal barrier 202 located on the load-bearing wall 102 of the load-bearing structure and held to the load-bearing wall 102 by a fastener 204. The fastener 204 can be any suitable type of fastener, such as threaded rods extending in the direction inside the tank 100.

[0090] Specifically, the thermal barrier 202 is formed by a plurality of rows of insulating panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ adjacent to each other in the transverse direction 103. Each row includes insulating panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction 101 for the bottom wall 106 and ceiling wall 108 and in the height direction 105 for the end walls 108.

[0091] The bottom wall 106 further includes a sealing membrane 206 supported by a surface of the thermal barrier 202 opposite the load-bearing wall 102 ₁ . Preferably, the sealing membrane 206 comprises a plurality of metal sheets 207 ₁ and 207 ₂ , each of which has a substantially rectangular shape. Metal sheets 207 are made, for example, from Invar®: in other words, an iron-nickel alloy with an expansion coefficient typically from 1.2 x 10 ^-6 to 2 x 10 ^-6 K ^-1 or from a high manganese iron alloy with an expansion coefficient usually on the order of 7 x 10 ^-6 K ^-1 . Alternatively, the metal sheets 207 may also be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0092] The metal sheets 207 ₁ and 207 ₂ are connected to the insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ by welding the metal sheets 207 ₁ and 207 ₂ with fastening strips 210 located in the insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ , for example, metal plates extending along parts of said insulating panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ . Preferably, the fastening strips 210 are located in recesses made in the insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ and are attached to the insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ with screws, rivets or staples, for example. In particular, the welding of metal sheets 207 ₁ and 207 ₂ with fastening strips 210 is carried out by spot welding.

[0093] The sealing membrane 206 includes corrugations 118 spaced at a constant interval and is positioned such that the first corrugation 118 is in line with the first edge 212 ₁ of the row of insulation panels 202 ₁ and the second corrugation 118 is in line with the second edge 212 ₂ , opposite the first edge 212 ₁ . The width of the insulation panel 202 ₁ , supporting the corrugations, separated only by a constant interval of 120, is an integer multiple of the width of the rope _pi . Gaps may exist between the rows of insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ . Preferably, the gaps between the rows of insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ are small. In particular, the gaps between the rows of insulation panels 202 ₁ and 202 ₂ can be filled with a thermally insulating lining such as glass wool, rock wool, etc.

[0094] Example with dimensions:

the width of the insulating panel 202 ₁ is 3060 mm,

the width of the metal sheet 207 ₁ is 3060 mm,

rho _pi is 340 mm, and

the number M ₁ of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₁ is 9.

[0095] FIG. 5 corresponds to a zone of the reservoir 100 containing a separate interval 122 made according to the first embodiment.

[0096] Specifically, in this embodiment, the width of the individual interval 122 calculated by equation (2) is larger than the width of the constant interval 120.

[0097] The sealing membrane 206 includes a metal sheet 207 ₃ containing a separate interval 122, and is located on a number of individual insulating panels 202 ₃ . The width of the individual insulating panels 202 ₃ is different from, in particular smaller than, the width of the insulating panels 202 ₁ . Preferably, the width of the individual insulation panels 202 ₃ is calculated as follows:

[0098] [Equation 3]

L _oi = ro _pi x (M ₃ - 1) + ro _oi for ro _oi > ro _pi

where L _oi is the width of individual insulating panels 202 ₃ , and

M ₃ - number of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₃ .

[0099] Preferably, the metal sheet 207 ₃ contains a number M ₃ of corrugations 118 that is less than the number M ₁ of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₁ when the width of the individual interval 122 is greater than the width of the constant interval 120. Thus, the width of the individual insulation panels 202 ₃ is less than the width of the insulation panels panels 202 ₁ to limit the impact of structural modifications to the tank 100.

[0100] Example with dimensions:

For the number M ₁ of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₁ equal to 9, the number M ₃ of corrugations 118 is equal to 8.

[0101] FIG. 6 corresponds to a zone of the reservoir 100 containing a separate interval 122 made according to the second embodiment.

[0102] In this second embodiment, the width of the individual interval 122 calculated by equation (2) is less than the width of the constant interval 120.

[0103] The sealing membrane 206 in this case contains a metal sheet 207 ₄ containing a separate interval 122, and is located in a row of individual insulating panels 202 ₄ . Preferably, the width of the individual insulation panels 202 ₄ is calculated as follows:

[0104] [Equation 4]

L _pi = rho _about x (M ₄ - 1) + rho _oi for rho _oi < rho _pi ,

where M ₄ is the number of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₃ .

[0105] In this second embodiment, the number M ₃ of corrugations 118 is equal to the number M ₁ of corrugations 118 of the metal sheet 207 ₁ . In fact, since the width of the individual interval 122 is less than the width of the permanent interval 120, the width of the individual insulation panels 202 ₄ remains less than the width of the insulation panels 202 ₁ .

[0106] In particular, rows of individual insulation panels 202 ₃ and 202 ₄ are located adjacent to the row of insulation panels 202 ₁ . Preferably, the rows of individual insulating panels 202 ₃ and 202 ₄ are separated from each other by at least one row of insulating panels 202 ₁ .

[0107] The ceiling wall 104 and end walls 108, although not shown in the figures, contain the same elements as the bottom wall 106 shown in figures 4-6.

[0108] In particular, a separate interval 122 is formed between two adjacent metal sheets 302 and 304 of the sealing membrane 206, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0109] A separate interval 122 is formed between a first corrugation 118 ₁ located on the side of the first edge 306 of the first metal sheet 302 and a second corrugation 118 ₂ located on the side of the second edge 308 of the second metal sheet 304. The first edge 306 is a rough edge having folding the first metal sheet 302 to create a difference in edge level 306 with respect to the first metal sheet 302 that is greater than the thickness of the second metal sheet 304. This arrangement allows the second metal sheet 304 to be overlapped by the first metal sheet 302 at a distance of 310 from the first corrugation 118 ₁ and at a distance of 312 from the second corrugation 118 ₂ . The individual interval 122 is the sum of two distances 312 and 310.

[0110] In particular, the metal sheets 302 and 308 are made with standard dimensions, for example, the distance 312 is equal to half of the constant interval 120. Bending the metal sheet 302 allows its width to be adjusted to adjust the distance 310 and therefore the width of the individual interval 122 to the desired value without changing the second metal sheet 304. This arrangement allows the tank 100 to be produced more cost-effectively and easier to manufacture for vessels of any size.

[0111] Preferably, the first metal sheet 302 and the second metal sheet 304 are assembled by welding the first edge 306 to the second edge 308 in line with a series of individual insulation panels 202 ₃ or 202 ₄ . In addition, the second edge 308 may be welded to the fastening strip 210 of a series of individual insulation panels 202 ₃ or 202 ₄ . Welding of metal sheets 302 and 304 is mainly carried out by spot welding.

[0112] Preferably, the distance 310 and the distance 312 are greater than a predetermined threshold to prevent damage to the corrugations 118 ₁ or 118 ₂ when welding the metal sheets 302 and 304, for example, this predetermined threshold is 100 mm.

[0113] In the examples described above, the individual intervals 122 have the same dimensions in the transverse direction 103. Alternatively, however, the individual intervals 122 may have different dimensions in the transverse direction 103.

[0114] In a well known manner, each of the tank walls may include a second thermal barrier disposed between the thermal barrier 202 and the supporting structure, and a second sealing membrane contained between the thermal barrier 202 and the second thermal barrier. The sealing membrane 206 may further include a second row of corrugations located at right angles to the first row of corrugations 118. In addition, the longitudinal beveled walls 112 and 114 and side walls 110 may include a multi-layer structure comprising, in a thickness direction from the supporting structure in an inward direction tank 100: auxiliary thermal insulating barrier, auxiliary sealing membrane, main thermal insulating barrier and main sealing membrane.

[0115] With reference to FIG. 8, various possible modifications with respect to the embodiment described above will now be described.

[0116] In the embodiment described above, the longitudinal direction 101 of the tank may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the vessel, in particular the methane tanker, in which the tank 100 is installed, but this is not necessary. Thus, FIG. 8 represents an embodiment in which the longitudinal direction of the tank 100 corresponds to the transverse direction of the vessel 170 in which the tank is installed. Thus, the transverse corners 107 of the tank extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the vessel 170, and a separate interval or intervals 122 are formed between the corrugations 118, which extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis A-A of the vessel 170.

[0117] In addition, the tank geometry may include top beveled walls 114 and bottom beveled walls 112, as in Figures 1-3, or only top beveled walls 114, or only bottom beveled walls 112, or may contain no beveled walls, as illustrated. in fig. 8.

[0118] In addition, the tank geometry may include longitudinal beveled walls oriented parallel to the tank longitudinal direction 101, as illustrated in Figures 1-3, or, conversely, it may contain beveled walls transverse to the corrugation 118 oriented obliquely to the tank longitudinal direction 101 and located between the end walls 108 and the ceiling wall 104 and/or the bottom wall 106. The beveled walls transverse to the corrugations 118 are not shown in Figures 2 and 3, but can easily be designed based on FIGS. 2, if the orientation of the corrugations 118 and the arrows 101 are mentally rotated by 90° around the vertical axis.

[0119] For example, tank 100 in FIG. 8 may include upper beveled walls and/or lower beveled walls parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the vessel 170, and therefore beveled walls transverse to the corrugations 118, such that the total number of transverse angles 107 is greater than four, such as six or eight .

[0120] In all cases, the corrugations 118, spaced apart 122, continuously intersect at least half of the transverse corners 107, preferably all but possibly only one of the transverse corners 107. In other words, a break in the corrugations 118 may exist at one or more of the transverse corners 107, but preferably only at one or none of the transverse corners 107.

[0121] In fact, since the corrugations 118, spaced at a separate interval 122, continuously intersect all but one of the transverse angles 107, these corrugations thereby form a ring surrounding the entire reservoir 100. The ring in this case is open. The ring is closed if all transverse angles 107 are continuously intersected by corrugations 118.

[0122] Finally, in FIG. 8 illustrates that the reservoir 100 may be a fuel reservoir for a propulsion system 65 supplied with fuel gas from the reservoir 100 by a supply device 66, which is also known. The vessel 170 may have various applications: transporting passengers, transporting goods, particularly in containers or in bulk, etc.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 8 showing an embodiment of the reservoir 100.

[0124] As noted previously, the sealing membrane 206 may further include second corrugations located at right angles to the corrugations 118. In FIG. 9 shows two of these second corrugations 138. Reference numeral 127 denotes the longitudinal angles formed by the bottom wall 106 or ceiling wall 104 and the side walls 110, which are therefore transverse to the second corrugations 138.

[0125] The second corrugations 138 extend at right angles to the corrugations 118 and therefore parallel to the transverse direction 103. The second corrugations 138 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction 101. Similar to the corrugations 118, the spaces between the second corrugations 138 contain a plurality of constant intervals (not shown) and one or more special intervals 142 (of which only one is shown in FIG. 9). The size of the individual interval or intervals 142 in the longitudinal direction 101 is different from the size of the permanent intervals in the longitudinal direction 101.

[0126] Each of the second corrugations 138, spaced at a separate interval 142 on the side walls 110, is continuous with a corresponding second corrugation of the bottom wall 106 and a corresponding second corrugation of the ceiling wall 104.

[0127] In all cases, the second corrugations 138, spaced at a separate interval 142, continuously intersect at least half of the longitudinal angles 127, preferably all but possibly only one of the longitudinal angles 127. In other words, the break in the second corrugations 138 may exist at one or more of the longitudinal corners 127, but preferably only at one or none of the longitudinal corners 127.

[0128] The individual interval or intervals 142 may or may not be produced similarly to the individual intervals 122 already described. In particular, the individual intervals 142 may or may not have a dimension transverse to the second corrugations 138, in other words, parallel to the longitudinal direction 101, equal to the transverse dimension of the individual intervals 122. The individual intervals 142 may have dimensions transverse to the second corrugations 138 that are identical to each other or different.

[0129] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the reservoir 100 shown in the same orientation as in FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the side walls 110 and end walls 108 have horizontal corrugations 158 parallel to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction 105. Only two of these horizontal corrugations 158 are shown in FIG. 9. Reference numeral 147 denotes vertical angles formed by side walls 110 and end walls 108.

[0130] The horizontal corrugations 158 are spaced apart in the vertical direction 105. Similar to the corrugations 118, the spaces between the horizontal corrugations 158 contain a plurality of regular intervals (not shown) and one or more special intervals 162 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 10). The size of the individual interval or intervals 162 in the vertical direction 105 is different from the size of the permanent intervals in the vertical direction 105.

[0131] The horizontal corrugations 158, spaced apart 162, continuously intersect at least half of the vertical corners 147, preferably all but possibly only one of the vertical corners 147. In other words, discontinuity in the horizontal corrugations 158 may exist at one or more of the vertical corners 147, but preferably only at one or none of the vertical corners 147.

[0132] The individual interval or intervals 162 may or may not be obtained similarly to the individual intervals 142 and 122 already described. In particular, the individual intervals 162 may or may not have a dimension transverse to the horizontal corrugations 158, in other words, parallel to the vertical direction 105, equal to the transverse dimension of the individual intervals 142 and/or 122. The individual intervals 162 may have dimensions transverse to the second corrugations 158, which are identical or different.

[0133] Reservoir geometry not shown in FIG. 10 may, to some extent, possibly have vertical chamfered walls oriented parallel to the vertical direction 105 of the reservoir and located between the side walls 110 and the end walls 108. The vertical corners 147 in this case are formed by the vertical chamfered walls, the side walls 110 and the end walls 108. Horizontal corrugations 158 continuously intersect at least half of these vertical corners 147, preferably all but possibly only one of the vertical corners 147.

[0134] The individual spacing of all embodiments presented previously may be in different combinations to facilitate adjustment of tank dimensions in one or more space dimensions.

[0135] The technology described above for producing a sealed and thermally insulated fluid storage tank can also be used in different types of tanks, for example, to form a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tank in an onshore installation or in a floating structure such as a methane tanker. or the like, for example, any vessel propelled by LNG.

[0136] With reference to FIG. 11, a cutaway view of a methane tanker 70 shows a sealed and insulated tank 71 of a generally prismatic shape mounted in a double hull 72 of the vessel.

[0137] As is well known, loading and unloading lines 73 located on the upper deck of a vessel may be connected via suitable connectors to a marine or port terminal for transporting LNG cargo from or to tank 71.

[0138] FIG. 11 is an example of an offshore terminal including a loading and unloading station 75, a subsea pipeline 76, and an onshore installation 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore installation containing a movable boom 74 and a column 78 that supports the movable boom 74. The movable arm 74 supports a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79, which can be connected to loading and unloading pipelines 73. An orientable movable boom 74 adapts to all models of methane tankers. A connecting pipe, not shown, extends within the column 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows the methane tanker 70 to be loaded and unloaded from or to the onshore installation 77. The latter contains liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected by a subsea pipeline. 76 with a loading and unloading station 75. The underwater pipeline 76 allows the transport of liquefied gas between the loading and unloading station 75 and the onshore installation 77 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the methane tanker 70 at a great distance from the shore during loading and unloading. unloading operations.

[0139] To create the pressure necessary to transport the liquefied gas, pumps installed on the ship 70 and/or pumps equipped on the shore installation 77 and/or pumps equipped on the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0140] A very similar setup could be used to refuel an LNG-powered vessel.

[0141] Although the invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it is clear that it is in no way limited to them and that it covers all technical equivalents of the described means and combinations thereof, provided they are within the scope of the invention .

[0142] The use of the verb “comprise” or “include” and its conjugate forms does not preclude the presence of elements or steps other than those set forth in the claim.

[0143] In the claims, any reference position within parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the claim.

Claims (35)

1. A sealed tank (100) embedded in a multifaceted supporting structure, said tank comprising a plurality of tank walls including a first wall (106) and a second wall (104) that are parallel to a first direction (101) of said tank and spaced apart in a second direction direction (105) of said reservoir, the walls of the reservoir further include two end walls (108) perpendicular to the first direction of the reservoir and connecting the first wall and the second wall, possibly by means of first intermediate walls located between the first wall and the two end walls (108 ), and/or by means of second intermediate walls located between the second wall and the two end walls (108), with each wall of the tank supported by a corresponding load-bearing wall (102) of the load-bearing structure, each wall of the tank has a multilayer structure, successively containing, in the thickness direction from the outer side to the inner side of the tank, a thermal insulating barrier (202) supported on the corresponding load-bearing wall, and a sealing membrane (206) supported by the thermal insulating barrier, the sealing membrane of each of the first wall, the second wall and the end walls contains a number of corrugations (118) that are parallel to each other and located at right angles to transverse angles (107) parallel to the third direction (103) of the tank and formed at the intersections between the first wall or the second wall, the end walls and, if necessary, intermediate walls located between them, with parallel corrugations spaced so as to form in the third direction a plurality of identical constant intervals (120), each constant interval being formed between two adjacent corrugations, and at least one distinct interval (122) other than the constant interval, and wherein at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced apart (122), extend continuously over at least three of said transverse angles (107), preferably over a number of transverse angles exceeding half the total number of transverse angles. 2. The tank according to claim 1, in which the total number of transverse angles (107) is 4, 6 or 8. 3. The tank according to claim 1 or 2, in which at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced at a separate interval, extend continuously at all transverse angles except one, so as to form an open ring around the entire tank. 4. The tank according to claim 1 or 2, in which at least two adjacent corrugations, spaced at a separate interval, extend continuously at all transverse angles so as to form a closed ring around the entire tank. 5. Reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the corrugations of each of the first wall, the second wall and the end walls, and, if necessary, the intermediate walls form two or more separate intervals separated by at least one constant interval, or form two or more consecutive individual intervals. 6. The reservoir according to claim 5, wherein for each of the first wall, the second wall and end walls, and, if necessary, intermediate walls, separate intervals are located symmetrically on either side of the center line of said wall. 7. Reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the individual intervals have different transverse dimensions. 8. Reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-7, in which the lateral dimension of at least one, in particular each individual interval is the sum of the lateral dimension of the constant interval and a negative or positive predetermined constant whose absolute value is less than the size of the constant interval, in particular less than half the size of the constant interval. 9. Reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-8, containing at least one separate zone, wherein said or each separate interval is located at a distance from said separate zone greater than or equal to the transverse dimension of the constant interval. 10. The reservoir according to claim 9, in which the walls of the reservoir further include two side walls (110) parallel to the first direction (101) and connected, respectively, to the first wall or the second wall by two third intermediate walls (112, 114), and in wherein the separate zone contains said third intermediate walls. 11. Reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10, in which the thermal insulating barrier of each of the first wall, the second wall and end walls, and, if necessary, the first and second intermediate walls contains rows of insulation panels oriented at right angles to the transverse angles and arranged next to each other in a repeating pattern in a third direction and in line with said or each individual interval, wherein at least one row of individual insulation panels has a width different from the width of the repeat drawing. 12. The reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-11, in which the sealing membrane of each of the first wall, second wall and end walls, and, if necessary, the first and second intermediate walls is formed by a plurality of rectangular metal sheets having a number of corrugations, and wherein said or each separate interval is formed between a first corrugation located on the first of said metal sheets adjacent to an edge of said first metal sheet, and a second corrugation located on the second of said metal sheets adjacent to the first metal sheet, the second corrugation being located adjacent to an edge of the second metal sheet facing said first metal sheet. 13. The reservoir according to claim 12, wherein the edge of the first sheet is an uneven edge forming a part with a difference in level with respect to a central portion of said first sheet and configured to lap weld the first metal sheet to the second metal sheet. 14. The reservoir of claim 12, wherein the thermal barrier of each of the first wall, the second wall and the end walls, and, if necessary, the first and second intermediate walls comprises rows of insulation panels oriented at right angles to the transverse angles and arranged next to each other in a repeating pattern in a third direction and in line with said or each individual interval, wherein at least one row of individual insulation panels has a width different from the width of the repeat drawing, and wherein an edge of the first metal sheet and an edge of the second metal sheet are welded to each other in line with one of said rows of individual insulating panels. 15. The tank of claim 14, wherein the at least one separate insulating panel comprises a metal fastening strip positioned opposite the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet, and wherein the second metal sheet is welded to said metal fastening strip. 16. The reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 12-15, in which the first metal sheet contains a portion of corrugations, the number of which is less than or equal to the number of corrugations of the second metal sheet. 17. The reservoir according to any one of paragraphs. 1-16, wherein the tank walls further include two side walls (110) parallel to the first direction (101) and connected to the first wall (106) or the second wall (104), respectively. 18. The reservoir according to claim 17, in which the sealing membrane of each of the first wall (106), the second wall (104) and the side walls (110) contains a number of first additional corrugations (138) parallel to each other and located at right angles to the longitudinal corners (127) parallel to the first direction (101) of the reservoir and formed at the intersections between the first wall (106) or the second wall (104), the side walls (110) and, if necessary, the third intermediate walls, and the first additional corrugations (138) spaced so as to form in the first direction (101) a plurality of identical constant intervals, wherein each constant interval is formed between two adjacent first additional corrugations (138), and at least one separate interval (142), different from the constant interval, and wherein at least two adjacent first additional corrugations (138), spaced apart (142), extend continuously over at least three of said longitudinal angles (127), preferably over a number of longitudinal angles exceeding half the total number of longitudinal angles. 19. The reservoir according to claim 17 or 18, in which the sealing membrane of each of the end walls (108) and side walls (110) contains a number of second additional corrugations (158) parallel to each other and located at right angles to the vertical angles (147) , parallel to the second direction (105) of the reservoir and formed at the intersections between the end walls (108), side walls (110) and, if necessary, the fourth intermediate walls, and the second additional corrugations (158) are spaced so as to form in the second direction (105 ): a plurality of identical constant intervals, with each constant interval formed between two adjacent second additional corrugations, and at least one distinct interval (162) other than the constant interval, and wherein at least two adjacent second additional corrugations (158), spaced at a separate interval (162), extend continuously on at least three of said vertical angles (147), preferably on a portion of the vertical angles, the number of which exceeds half the total number of vertical angles . 20. A vessel (70, 170) comprising a double hull and a tank (100) according to any one of paragraphs. 1-19, built into said double body as a supporting structure. 21. The vessel (170) according to claim 20, in which said tank (100) is designed as a fuel tank for the propulsion system (65) of the vessel. 22. A fluid transport system containing a vessel (70, 170) according to claim 20 or 21, insulated pipelines located so as to connect a tank (100) installed in the hull of the vessel (70, 170) with a floating or onshore installation for storage, and a pump for driving fluid through insulated conduits from a floating or onshore storage unit to a tank (100) of a ship (70, 170) or to a floating or onshore storage unit from a tank (100) of a ship (70, 170) . 23. The method of loading or unloading a vessel (70, 170) according to claim 20 or 21, in which the fluid is transported through insulated pipelines from a floating or onshore storage installation to a tank (100) of the vessel (70, 170) or to a floating or onshore installation for storage from the tank (100) of the vessel (70, 170).