Device for holding a corrugated reinforcement during installation of a tank wall

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mounting a wall (6) for a tank (2) for a liquid cargo transport vessel (1), the wall (6) comprising in particular a thermally insulating base body (8), at least one corrugated panel (100) comprising a series of corrugations (110, 120), the wall (6) comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement (21, 22) configured to be accommodated in at least one corrugation (110, 120) of the corrugated panel (100), in which method at least one holding device (50) is inserted into the corrugated reinforcement (20) such that the corrugated reinforcement (20) can be arranged on the thermally insulating base body (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention is transport tanks with thermal insulation films for storing and / or transporting fluids, in particular sealed and insulated tanks for liquefied natural gas. Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of sealed and insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting liquids at low temperatures, such as tanks for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which has a temperature of, for example, 50°C to 0°C, or for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is at approximately -162°C and atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed onshore or on floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tanks can be used to transport liquid gas or to receive liquid gas for use as fuel to propel the floating structure.

[0003] Sealed and insulated tanks used to store these liquids at low temperatures typically consist of an insulator and a corrugated membrane, which comprises multiple corrugated plates and is in contact with the liquid cargo. Corrugation reinforcements may be located between the insulation and the membrane within the corrugations of the membrane. These reinforcements provide mechanical support to the membrane's corrugations in the presence of mechanical stresses applied to the tank. The corrugated reinforcements are assembled from connecting members to form a reinforcement frame. This reinforcement frame is associated with each corrugated plate of the membrane.

[0004] A disadvantage of this tank wall is its installation. In fact, the elements of the reinforcement frame, i.e. the corrugated reinforcement and the connecting members, are free or weakly fixed relative to each other, which complicates the transfer of the reinforcement frame to the insulation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome this drawback by devising a device for holding the corrugated reinforcement during its positioning on the insulation, which also makes it possible to facilitate the alignment of the corrugated reinforcements relative to each other on the insulation.

[0006] The subject of the present invention is therefore a method for installing a tank wall for a liquid cargo transport vessel, the tank wall comprising at least one thermal insulation body, at least one corrugated sheet comprising a series of corrugations, the wall comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement configured to be housed in at least one corrugation of the corrugated sheet, during which method, in a first step, at least one retaining device is penetrated into the corrugated reinforcement and, in a second step, the corrugated reinforcement equipped with the retaining device is positioned against the thermal insulation body.

[0007] The ship may in particular transport liquid natural gas and may then comprise several tanks for storing and / or transporting this natural gas.

[0008] The tank wall insulation provides the thermal insulation required for transporting liquid natural gas and may, in particular, include at least one insulating layer. The corrugated sheet includes corrugations distributed across its surface. This corrugated sheet construction provides greater resistance to stresses induced in the tank, particularly thermal contraction during tank cooling, hydrostatic pressure caused by loading with liquid cargo, and dynamic pressures caused by cargo movement, particularly due to expansion. The corrugations in the corrugated sheet allow it to deform to relieve these stresses.

[0009] The corrugation reinforcement has a form complementary to the corrugations of the corrugated sheet. Thus, the corrugation reinforcement can be arranged in the corrugations of the corrugated sheet in order to reinforce the latter, in particular in the event of mechanical impact.

[0010] The holding device makes it possible to keep the corrugated reinforcement during the process in which the corrugated reinforcement is positioned on the thermal insulation. In addition, the holding device helps the corrugated reinforcement to rotate relative to each other on the thermal insulation.

[0011] The present invention aims to insert a retaining device into at least one reinforcement member and then position everything against the insulation. One advantageous application of the present invention is to insert the retaining device into a plurality of corrugated reinforcement members and then position the plurality of corrugated reinforcement members and their retaining devices against the insulation. The features listed below for a single corrugated reinforcement member apply mutatis mutandis to a plurality of corrugated reinforcement members.

[0012] According to a method for installing a tank wall, the tank wall includes at least one support member secured to the thermal insulation, and the second step includes at least inserting a free end portion of a retaining device into the support member. It should be noted that the support member can be secured to the thermal insulation by press-fitting, threading, or welding. The free end portion of the retaining device is the end portion of the corrugated reinforcement member that is exposed from the corrugated reinforcement member through which the retaining device is inserted.

[0013] According to the method for installing the tank wall, before the second step is performed, the support member is at least one corrugated reinforcement member fixed to the thermal insulation. The corrugated reinforcement member previously installed on the thermal insulation is trapped between the thermal insulation and the plate welded to the metal strip of the thermal insulation. In other words, the corrugated reinforcement member previously installed on the thermal insulation is trapped between the plate and the thermal insulation.

[0014] According to the method for installing the tank wall, the support member is at least one clamping plate attached to the insulation. The clamping plate can be secured to the insulation before any corrugated reinforcement is installed on the insulation. In another embodiment of the present invention, the clamping plate can be secured to the insulation during the positioning of the corrugated reinforcement on the insulation, supporting one of the free ends of the retaining device that penetrates the corrugated reinforcement. This installation of the clamping plate is then completed between the second and third steps, as described below.

[0015] According to the method for installing the tank wall, in a third step, the corrugated sheet is installed against the insulation, with the corrugated reinforcement interposed between the corrugated sheet and the insulation. The installation of the corrugated sheet on the insulation has the effect of pressing the corrugated reinforcement against the insulation, the same corrugated reinforcement still including the retaining means at this stage.

[0016] According to the method for mounting the tank wall, after the third step, the corrugated sheet is fixed to the insulation. As non-limiting examples, the fixing of the corrugated sheet to the insulation can be achieved in particular by welding, riveting or screwing.

[0017] According to the method for installing a tank wall, in a fourth step, the retaining device is removed from the corrugated reinforcement. Advantageously, the retaining device is removed from the corrugated reinforcement by grasping one of the free ends of the retaining device that extends beyond the corrugated reinforcement and pulling the retaining device in a direction opposite to the direction used to insert the retaining device into the reinforcement in the first step. It will therefore be understood that the retaining device is a temporary retaining device.

[0018] Advantageously, after the fourth step, the method according to the invention is applied again by inserting the retaining device into a corrugated reinforcement other than that targeted in the fourth step and not fixed to the thermal insulation.

[0019] According to the method for installing a tank wall, a retaining device supports the corrugated reinforcement during the first and second steps. "Supporting the corrugated reinforcement" is understood to mean that, when the retaining device is positioned against the insulation, the retaining device prevents the corrugated reinforcement, into which it penetrates, from being subjected to gravity stresses. Thus, according to the third step, it is the retaining device that holds the corrugated reinforcement or reinforcements before the corrugated sheet is placed against the insulation.

[0020] According to the method for installing a tank wall, before the first step, a corrugated reinforcement frame is assembled by connecting the first corrugated reinforcement and the second corrugated reinforcement using at least one connecting member to form a first series of corrugated reinforcements and a second series of corrugated reinforcements. The connecting member can be, for example, cross-shaped and can connect the first adjacent corrugated reinforcement of the first series of reinforcements with the second adjacent corrugated reinforcement of the second series of reinforcements.

[0021] According to the method for installing the tank wall, the retaining device extends within the corrugated reinforcement, the retaining device being interposed between the connecting member and the apex of the corrugated reinforcement through which the retaining device penetrates. The apex of the corrugated reinforcement is defined as the highest point of the corrugated reinforcement in contact with the top of the corrugations of the corrugated sheet, and is opposite the area of ​​the corrugated reinforcement in contact with the insulation in a direction perpendicular to the insulation.

[0022] According to a characteristic of the invention, the length of the corrugated reinforcements of the first series is less than the length of the corrugated reinforcements of the second series, the retaining means advantageously penetrating into the corrugated reinforcements of the first series.

[0023] The present invention also covers an alternative installation method, which relates to a method for installing a tank wall for a liquid cargo transport vessel, the tank wall comprising at least one thermal insulation body, at least one corrugated sheet comprising a series of corrugations, the wall comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement, the at least one corrugated reinforcement being configured to be accommodated in at least one corrugation of the corrugated sheet, during which method, in a first step, at least one retaining device is screwed into the corrugated reinforcement and, in a second step, the corrugated reinforcement equipped with the retaining device is positioned against the corrugated sheet.

[0024] According to a feature of this alternative installation method, in a third step, the corrugated sheet equipped with corrugated reinforcement and retaining means is installed against the thermal insulation.

[0025] According to a feature of this alternative installation method, after the third step, the corrugated sheets are fixed to the insulation.

[0026] According to a feature of this alternative installation method, in a fourth step, the retaining means are removed from the corrugated reinforcement.

[0027] The invention also covers a tank wall for a liquid cargo transport vessel, comprising at least one thermal insulation body, at least one corrugated sheet comprising a series of corrugations, the wall comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement configured to be accommodated in at least one corrugation of the corrugated sheet, characterised in that at least one retaining device extends in the corrugated reinforcement.

[0028] According to a feature of the invention, the length of the retaining device is greater than the length of the corrugated reinforcement through which the retaining device penetrates.

[0029] The greater length of the retaining means relative to the corrugated reinforcement allows it to extend beyond each side of the corrugated reinforcement in which it extends. This configuration then allows an operator to grasp the assembly by the ends that extend beyond the corrugated reinforcement and to thread these ends into the corrugated reinforcement or, more generally, into a support element previously fixed to the insulation.

[0030] According to a feature of the invention, the length of the retaining means is greater than the direction of the corrugated plate below which the retaining means are positioned.

[0031] According to a feature of the application, the retaining means comprise at least one free end extending beyond the edge of the corrugated panel. It will be understood from the above that, after the third step of the method for mounting the tank wall, the at least one free end of the retaining means extends beyond the edge of the corrugated panel. This configuration makes it possible to facilitate the removal of the retaining means from the corrugated stiffener once the assembly formed by the corrugated panel and the corrugated stiffener is fixed to the insulation, after the third step.

[0032] According to a feature of the application, one of the corrugated stiffeners comprises a housing receiving the connecting member and a channel receiving the retaining means, the housing and the channel being shared with each other.

[0033] According to a feature of the application, at least one of the corrugated stiffeners comprises a housing receiving the connecting member and a channel receiving the retaining means, the housing and the channel being separated by at least one internal wall of the corrugated stiffener. The separation of the housing for the connecting member and the channel for the retaining means makes it possible to facilitate their respective insertion into the corrugated stiffener, avoiding mechanical interference between them.

[0034] According to another feature of the application, there is a gap between the retaining means and the channel for the retaining means. It will be understood that the retaining means are not forced through the channel and this feature enhances the removable nature of the retaining means.

[0035] According to another feature of the application, the retaining means have a circular cross-section.

[0036] The application also relates to a tank for a ship for transporting liquid cargo comprising at least one tank wall mounted according to any of the preceding mounting features, or at least one tank wall according to any of the preceding features of the wall.

[0037] The application also relates to a system for loading or unloading liquid natural gas, which combines at least one land-based device and at least one liquid natural gas transport ship comprising at least one tank according to the preceding features.

[0038] Finally, the application relates to a method of loading or unloading liquid natural gas into or from a tank according to the preceding features of the tank, or into or from a liquid natural gas transport ship according to the preceding features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Other features, details and advantages of the application will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of indication and in no way limiting, and with reference to several exemplary embodiments given by way of indication and in no way limiting, represented in the attached drawings in which:

[0040] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective side view of a liquid gas transport ship comprising four tanks according to the application;

[0041] [ Figure 2 ] is a perspective general view of the corrugated plates of the corrugated membrane;

[0042] [ Figure 3 ] is a close-up view of the tank wall showing the insulation, corrugated reinforcement, and a portion of one of the corrugated sheets of the corrugated membrane;

[0043] [ Figure 4 ] is a partial perspective view of a reinforcement frame including a retaining device according to the present invention inserted in a first insertion mode;

[0044] [ Figure 5 ] is a close-up view of the retaining device according to the second insertion mode of the retaining device of the present invention inserted into the corrugated reinforcement;

[0045] [ Figure 6 ]yes Figure 5 A vertical cross-sectional view of one of the corrugated reinforcements of FIG. 1 , comprising a channel for a retaining device according to a first embodiment of a channel according to the invention;

[0046] [ Figure 7 ]yes Figure 4 A vertical cross-sectional view of one of the corrugated reinforcements of FIG. 1 , comprising a channel for a retaining device according to a second embodiment of a channel according to the invention;

[0047] [ Figure 8 ] is a schematic diagram of the first step of installing the tank wall according to the present invention;

[0048] [ Figure 9 ] is a schematic diagram of the second and third steps of installing the tank wall according to the present invention;

[0049] [ Figure 10 ] is a close-up view of a first free end portion of one of the retaining devices placed on the splint;

[0050] [ Figure 11 ] is a schematic diagram of the fourth step of installing the tank wall according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The features, alternatives and various embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, alternative forms of the invention can be envisaged, which only include a selection of the features described below, without the other features described, if the selection of features is sufficient to give the present invention a technical advantage or to distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

[0052] Figure 1A ship 1 is shown, for example a methane tanker, comprising four tanks 2 for storing liquid gas, in particular liquid natural gas. The tanks 2 are separated from one another by transverse double partitions 4 (also called "cofferdams"). Each tank 2 is formed by a wall 6 which comprises, in particular, thermal insulation ( Figure 3 ) and a corrugated membrane, which partially forms the insulation of the wall 6, the corrugated membrane comprising a plurality of corrugated plates, which is in contact with the liquid cargo.

[0053] Figure 2 The corrugated sheet 100 shown in the figure is a sheet of corrosion-resistant material, in particular stainless steel, having a thickness, measured along the vertical direction V of the corrugated sheet 100, ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, advantageously 1.2 mm. The corrugated sheet 100 may also have a length, measured in the longitudinal direction L of the corrugated sheet 100, ranging from 680 mm to 3060 mm. The corrugated sheet 100 may also have a width, measured in the transverse direction T of the corrugated sheet 100, ranging from 680 mm to 1030 mm. The corrugated sheet 100 is delimited at its periphery by an edge 160.

[0054] The corrugated sheet 100 includes a plurality of first series of corrugations 110, which are parallel to one another and extend in the transverse direction T of the corrugated sheet 100. The corrugated sheet 100 also includes a plurality of second series of corrugations 120, which are parallel to one another and extend in the longitudinal direction of the corrugated sheet 100. According to the present invention, the corrugated sheet 100 includes nine first series of corrugations 110 and three second series of corrugations 120.

[0055] Corrugation is understood to be a deformation of the surface of the corrugated plate 100 in the vertical direction of the corrugated plate 100. The corrugations in cross section then have a concave shape with apexes 150.

[0056] The first series of corrugations 110 and the second series of corrugations 120 extend primarily at right angles to one another and form nodes 130 at their intersection. The nodes 130 emerge vertically from the plane AB of the corrugated sheet 100. The end of at least one node 130 is higher than the apex 150 of the series of corrugations 110, 120 of the corrugated sheet 100.

[0057] The corrugated sheet 100 further comprises a planar portion 140 in the form of a quadrilateral, delimited on two sides extending in the longitudinal direction L of the corrugated sheet 100 by two second series of corrugations 120 and on two sides extending in the transverse direction T of the corrugated sheet 100 by two first series of corrugations 110. The planar portions 140 together define a non-deforming surface extending in the plane AB of the corrugated sheet 100 and in contact with the insulation when the corrugated membrane is mounted against the insulation.

[0058] Figure 3A portion of the tank wall 6 is shown, specifically a portion of the corrugated sheet 100 of the corrugated membrane 10, which is intended to come into contact with the liquid natural gas contained in the tank and be anchored to the insulation 8. Corrugated reinforcement 20, distributed between two first corrugated reinforcements 21 and second corrugated reinforcements 22, is also located on the insulation 8. In the detailed description below, when the features described apply to both types of corrugated reinforcements, the first corrugated reinforcements 21 and second corrugated reinforcements 22 will be combined under the term corrugated reinforcement 20. However, the present invention is not limited to a plurality of corrugated reinforcements and is applicable whenever it is necessary to maintain at least one corrugated reinforcement on the insulation before the corrugated sheet is installed.

[0059] The first corrugated stiffeners 21 are aligned to form a first series of stiffeners 210 extending in the transverse direction T of the corrugated sheet 100. The second corrugated stiffeners 22 are aligned to form a second series of stiffeners 220 extending in the longitudinal direction L of the corrugated sheet 100. The first series of stiffeners 210 and the second series of stiffeners 220 are therefore secant, in particular at right angles.

[0060] The first corrugation reinforcement 21 is located in the first series of corrugations 110 of the corrugated sheet 100. It will be understood that the first corrugation reinforcement 21 is located to be nested in the deformation of the corrugation and has a form complementary to that of the first series of corrugations 110 of the corrugated sheet 100.

[0061] The second corrugation reinforcement 22 is located in the second series of corrugations 120 of the corrugated plate 100. It can be understood that the second corrugation reinforcement 22 is located to be nested in the deformation of the corrugation portion, and the form of the second corrugation reinforcement 22 is complementary to the form of the corrugations of the second series of corrugations 120 of the corrugated plate 100.

[0062] It will also be appreciated that the intersections between the first series of reinforcement members 210 and the second series of reinforcement members 220 are located below the nodes 130 of the corrugated sheet 100 .

[0063] The connecting member 7 is located in the first corrugation reinforcement 21 and the second corrugation reinforcement 22 so that they are connected to each other below the series of corrugations 110, 120 of the corrugated sheet 100. As a non-limiting example, the connecting member 7 may be in the form of a cross.

[0064] In the detailed description below, the term “strength member frame” will be used to refer to a set of first and second series of strength members 210 , 220 connected under the same corrugated sheet 100 by at least one connecting member 7 , in particular by a plurality of connecting members 7 .

[0065] The tank wall 6, and more specifically the corrugated membrane 10, comprises a series of corrugated sheets 100 positioned on the insulation 8, with corrugated reinforcements 20 between them forming reinforcement frames 230. It will therefore be understood that each corrugated sheet 100 comprises a reinforcement frame 230 positioned within the corrugations of the corrugated sheet 100. The corrugated reinforcements 20 make it possible to mechanically support the corrugations of the corrugated membrane 10 in the event of deformation of the tank wall 6.

[0066] However, one difficulty with this tank wall 6 is the installation of the reinforcement frame 230 on the insulation 8. In fact, the series of reinforcements 210, 220 and the connecting members 7 are weakly fixed or free relative to each other, making the structure of the reinforcement frame 230 unstable. Figure 4 The retaining means visible in FIG. 2 make it possible to facilitate the positioning of the reinforcement frame 230 on the insulation 8 .

[0067] Figure 4 The retaining device 50 is shown inserted into the reinforcement frame 230 according to a first insertion mode of the retaining device 50, that is to say into at least one first corrugated reinforcement 21 of one of the first series of reinforcements 210, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 In the example shown, the retaining device 50 passes through all the first corrugated reinforcements 21 in one of the first series of reinforcements 210 of the reinforcement frame 230. The retaining device 50 is, for example, in the form of a pin 51 with a circular cross-section. According to a feature of the present invention, the length of the retaining device 50 is greater than the length of the first series of reinforcements 210 through which it passes. It can be understood that the retaining device 50 includes at least one free end outside the reinforcement frame 230. Figure 4 In the example shown, the retaining device 50 comprises a first free end 501 and a second free end 502 opposite the first free end 501 , and both free ends of the retaining device 50 extend beyond the corrugated sheet.

[0068] As especially Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG, a close-up view of a second insertion mode of the retaining device 50 is shown, the retaining device 50 being positioned in the reinforcement frame 230 so that it passes through at least one second corrugated reinforcement 22 of one of the second series of reinforcements 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 In the example shown, the retaining device 50 is inserted into at least two second corrugated reinforcements 22 of one of the second series of reinforcements 220. Figure 4 The same features as the first insertion mode, the length of the connecting member 50 is greater than the length of at least the second corrugated reinforcement 22 through which it passes, here at least two second corrugated reinforcements 22. The retaining device 50 may also include at least a first free end and / or a second free end that extends beyond the second series of reinforcements 220 and the corrugated sheet.

[0069] Figure 6 One of the second corrugated reinforcements 22 comprising a channel 35 according to the first embodiment is shown. Figure 5 The cross-sectional view in the vertical plane C can be seen in Figure 7 One of the first corrugated reinforcements 21 comprising a channel 35 according to a second embodiment is shown. Figure 4 Sectional view in vertical plane D visible in .

[0070] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The corrugated reinforcement 20 comprises an upper portion 24 and a base portion 30. The upper portion 24 comprises a convex top wall 25 configured to fit the concave form of the corrugations of the corrugated sheet, that is, the top 28 of the top wall 24 faces one of the apexes of one corrugation of the corrugated sheet.

[0071] The upper portion 24 has a longitudinally perforated design and includes at least one first internal void 26a. Advantageously, the upper portion 24 includes an internal web 27 comprising a first inner wall 27a and a second inner wall 27b. The first inner wall 27a and the second inner wall 27b converge at a central portion 34, giving the internal web 27 a cruciform profile. The first inner wall 27a is closest to the apex 28 of the corrugated stiffener 20, while the second inner wall 27b is closest to the base 30 of the corrugated stiffener 20.

[0072] The internal web 27 functions to reinforce the upper portion 24 of the corrugated stiffener 20. The internal web 27 and the upper wall 25 define a second internal void 26b and a third internal void 26c. The central portion 34 is located between the first internal void 26a, the second internal void 26b, and the third internal void 26c. The internal voids 26a, 26b, and 26c specifically allow inert gas to circulate within the corrugated stiffener 20.

[0073] The base 30 of the second corrugated reinforcement 22 includes a protruding portion 29, such as Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion protrudes longitudinally beyond the upper portion 24 of the second corrugated reinforcement 22. The protrusion 29 makes it possible to create a gap at the node where the corrugations of the corrugated sheet intersect, thereby avoiding any mechanical interference between the node and the second corrugated reinforcement 22.

[0074] As can be seen, especially in Figure 6 and 7, the base 30 of the corrugated reinforcement 20 includes two transverse walls 31 that are parallel to each other and extend vertically in the continuation of the upper wall 25. The base 30 also includes a bottom wall 32 that is opposite the apex 28 of the corrugated reinforcement 20 in the vertical direction V of the corrugated sheet and extends at right angles to the two transverse walls 31, thereby connecting them together. It will be understood that when the corrugated reinforcement 20 is positioned against the insulation, the bottom wall 32 is the wall that contacts the insulation.

[0075] The two transverse walls 31, the bottom wall 32 and the second inner wall 27b define a housing 33. By virtue of the concave form of the second inner wall 27b, the housing 33 then partially extends in the upper portion 24 of the corrugated reinforcement 20. Thus, the housing 33 allows the passage of a connecting member in order to connect the first corrugated reinforcement to the second corrugated reinforcement.

[0076] according to Figure 6 In the illustrated first embodiment of the channel 35 of the present invention, the channel 35 for receiving the retaining device 50 and the receptacle 33 for receiving the connecting member 7 are common. The retaining device 50 extends toward the central portion 34 of the inner web 27, close to the second inner wall 27b, so that it does not interfere with the connecting member. Thus, the connecting member 50 penetrates the second corrugated reinforcement 22, so that it is interposed between the connecting member and the apex 28 of the second corrugated reinforcement 22, more specifically, between the connecting member and the central portion 34.

[0077] according to Figure 7 The second embodiment of the channel 35 of the retaining device 50 can be seen in the figure, the channel is formed in the first internal space 26a, closest to the apex 28 of the first corrugated reinforcement 21. The channel 35 corresponds to the channel over the entire length of the upper part 24 of the first corrugated reinforcement 21. It can be understood that the housing 33 of the base 30 of the first corrugated reinforcement 21 receiving the connecting member and the channel 35 receiving the retaining device 50 are separated from each other by the internal web 27 of the first corrugated reinforcement 21. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the connecting member 50 penetrates the first corrugated reinforcement 21 so that it is interposed between the connecting member and the apex 28 of the first corrugated reinforcement 21 .

[0078] Now refer to Figures 8 to 10 The figures schematically illustrate the different steps of the method for installing a tank wall according to the invention. All elements described above are not shown, in particular the connecting members, but Figures 1 to 7 All features described in Figures 8 to 10 .

[0079] The first step consists in assembling a corrugated reinforcement frame, hereinafter referred to as a second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b, which in the example shown comprises nine corrugated reinforcements 21 of the first series 210 and three corrugated reinforcements 22 of the second series 220, the three corrugated reinforcements 22 of the second series 220 intersecting at right angles with the nine corrugated reinforcements 21 of the first series 210. According to a characteristic of the invention, the length of the corrugated reinforcements 21 of the first series 210 is shorter than the length of the corrugated reinforcements 22 of the second series 220. This assembly of the second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b is accomplished by means of the connecting members previously described but not shown here.

[0080] According to the aforementioned characteristics, in order to facilitate the positioning of the second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b on the thermal insulation 8, at least one retaining device 50 is inserted into at least one corrugated reinforcement 21, 22 of the series 210, 220 of corrugated reinforcements 21, 22. In the example shown here, four retaining devices 50 are inserted into all the first corrugated reinforcements 21 of the four first series 210 of corrugated reinforcements 21.

[0081] The retaining means 50, here in the form of pins 51, have a length greater than the length of the first series 210 of corrugated reinforcements 21 into which they penetrate. Furthermore, according to a feature of the invention, the retaining means 50 extend over a length greater than the width of the corrugated sheet 100, as Figure 9 Thus, the retaining device 50 extends on either side of the first series 210 of corrugated reinforcements 21 and comprises a first free end 501 and a second free end 502 which extend beyond the first series 210 of corrugated reinforcements 21 and the edge 160 of the second corrugated sheet 100D, as shown. Figure 9 shown.

[0082] Also in Figure 9 As can be seen in FIG, the insulation body 8 includes at least one metal strip 80 that allows the at least one corrugated sheet of the corrugated membrane to be welded. The first corrugated reinforcement frame 230a is positioned on the insulation body 8 and covered by the first corrugated sheet 100G. The first corrugated sheet 100G is then fixed to the insulation body 8 by being welded to the metal strip 80.

[0083] With the aid of the retaining device 50 inserted into the support 36, one or more corrugated stiffeners 21, 22 can be placed on the insulation 8. By means of a linear movement parallel to the plane of the extension of the insulation 8 and in the insertion direction I, the first free end 501 of the retaining device 50 is inserted into at least one support 36, here formed, for example, by a first corrugated stiffener 21 of the first series 210 of corrugated stiffeners 21 of the first corrugated stiffener frame 230a, the corrugated stiffener 21 being placed between the first corrugated sheet 100G fixed to the metal strip 80 and the insulation 8. In this way, all the first series 210 of corrugated stiffeners 21 of the first corrugated stiffener frame 230a and the second corrugated stiffener frame 230b are aligned with each other.

[0084] according to Figure 10 In another embodiment of the invention shown, one of the first free ends 501 of the retaining means 50 can be inserted into a support 36, here in the form of a clamping plate 37. The clamping plate 37 is in the form of a support sheet that is previously fixed to the insulation 8 of the tank wall, for example by a power-tight fitting in the insulation, by screwing or by welding to the insulation. It should be noted that it can be fixed to the insulation 8 before any corrugated sheet is fixed to the tank wall.

[0085] Alternatively or in a complementary manner, during the positioning of the second frame 230b of corrugated reinforcement, that is to say after the second step of the method, supports 36, for example clamps 37, can be fixed to the thermal insulation 8. In this case, the supports 36 support the second free end 502 of the retaining device 50. The supports 36, for example in the form of clamps 37, then act as anti-gravity supports for the second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b, preventing it from bending vertically when it is positioned against the thermal insulation 8, regardless of whether the relevant reinforcement is positioned against a vertical portion of the thermal insulation or against a horizontal portion of the thermal insulation.

[0086] Once the first free end 501 of the retaining device 50 is inserted into the first series 210 of corrugated reinforcements 21 of the first corrugated reinforcement frame 230a, as shown Figure 9 As shown, the second corrugated stiffener frame 230b forms a self-supporting structure.

[0087] According to the third step of the method, the second corrugated sheet 100D is then positioned to cover the second corrugated stiffener frame 230b and a portion of the edge 160 of the first corrugated sheet 100G covering the first corrugated stiffener frame 230a. The second corrugated sheet 100D is then fixed to the first corrugated sheet 100G and the insulation 8. This fixing can be achieved, for example, by welding to the metal strip 80, or by any other means that allows for a reliable and tight fixing of the corrugated sheets 100 to each other and to the insulation 8.

[0088] Once the second corrugated sheet 100D is fixed to the insulation 8, the second free end 502 of the retaining means 50 extends beyond the edge 160 of the corrugated sheet 100. This feature allows the fourth step of the method that is the subject of the present invention to be implemented. Figure 11 As shown, the retaining device 50 is then removed from the first series of corrugated reinforcements 210 by a linear movement carried out parallel to the insulation 8 and in an extraction direction E opposite to the insertion direction I.

[0089] Subsequently, the operation can be repeated using a third corrugated reinforcement frame (not shown), which will be able to be assembled and mounted on the insulation 8 according to the same steps as those implemented for mounting the second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b and using the retaining device 50 removed from this same second corrugated reinforcement frame 230b.

[0090] An alternative method of mounting the tank wall will now be described. It should be understood that in the following description only the features that differ from the previously described mounting method will be described in detail. For common features, reference will be made to Figures 8 to 10 The steps and related descriptions are as follows.

[0091] After assembling the corrugated reinforcement frame as described above, the first step of the alternative method consists in inserting a retaining device into at least one corrugated reinforcement of one of the series of corrugated reinforcements. Advantageously, four retaining devices are screwed into each of the first four corrugated reinforcements of the first series. As with the previously described installation method, the retaining devices are pins.

[0092] In the second step of the alternative installation method, the corrugated reinforcements of the reinforcement frame held relative to each other by the retaining device are positioned against the corrugated sheet. In other words, each corrugated reinforcement constituting the reinforcement frame is inserted into one corrugation of the corrugated sheet.

[0093] Subsequently, in a third step, the corrugated sheet, against which the corrugated reinforcement is held by a retaining device, is mounted against the insulation. The corrugated sheet is then secured against the insulation, for example, by metal strips extending along the insulation. This makes it possible to secure the corrugated sheet to the insulation by welding.

[0094] Finally, once the corrugated sheet has been fixed to the insulation and the corrugated reinforcement has been placed between the insulation and the corrugated sheet, in a fourth step, the retaining device is removed from the corrugated reinforcement. More specifically, as previously described, the retaining device is removed from the corrugated reinforcement by one of its free ends extending beyond the edge of the corrugated sheet, by a linear movement in a withdrawal direction opposite to the insertion direction of the retaining device.

[0095] This alternative installation method can be used for all corrugated reinforcements and said corrugated sheets forming the tank wall.

[0096] The present invention thus achieves the objects set therefor by facilitating the installation of at least one corrugated reinforcement on the insulation of a tank wall of a liquid natural gas carrier by means of a removable reinforcement retaining device.

[0097] However, the present invention should not be limited to the specifically described and illustrated devices and configurations, but is equally applicable to all equivalent devices or configurations and any combination of these devices or configurations.

Claims

1. A method for installing a tank (2) wall (6) for a liquid cargo carrier (1), the tank (2) wall (6) comprising at least one thermal insulator (8), at least one corrugated plate (100) comprising a series of corrugations (110, 120), the wall (6) comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement (21, 22), the at least one corrugated reinforcement being configured to be received in at least one corrugation (110, 120) of the corrugated plate (100), the at least one corrugated reinforcement comprising an inner web (27) defining an inner void (26a) and a receiving portion (33), during the method, in a first step, at least one retaining device (50) is penetrated into the tank (2) The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) comprising: placing the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) in the inner space or one of the receiving portions of the corrugated reinforcement frame (21, 22), and in a second step, positioning the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) equipped with the retaining device (50) against the thermal insulation body (8), the retaining device (50) supporting the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) during the first step and during the second step, and assembling the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) by connecting the first corrugated reinforcement frame (21) and the second corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) with at least one connecting member (7) to form a first series of corrugated reinforcement frames (210) and a second series of corrugated reinforcement frames (220).

2. The installation method according to claim 1, wherein: The wall (6) of the tank (2) comprises at least one support (36) fixed to the insulation (8), the second step comprising at least inserting the free ends (501, 502) of the retaining means (50) into the support (36).

3. The installation method according to claim 2, wherein: The support (36) is at least one corrugated reinforcement (21, 22) fixed to the insulation (8) before the second step is carried out.

4. The installation method according to claim 2, wherein: The support (36) is at least one clamping plate attached to the insulation (8).

5. The installation method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In a third step, the corrugated plate (100) is mounted against the thermal insulation (8), with the corrugated reinforcements (21, 22) interposed between the corrugated plate (100) and the thermal insulation (8).

6. The installation method according to claim 5, wherein: After the third step, the corrugated sheet (100) is fixed to the thermal insulation body (8).

7. The installation method according to claim 1, wherein: In a fourth step, the retaining device (50) is removed from the corrugated reinforcement (21, 22).

8. The installation method according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining device (50) extends inside the corrugated reinforcement (21, 22), and the retaining device (50) is placed between the connecting member (7) and the apex (28) of the corrugated reinforcement (21, 22) through which the retaining device (50) penetrates.

9. A method for installing a tank (2) wall (6) for a liquid cargo carrier (1), the tank (2) wall (6) comprising at least one thermal insulator (8), at least one corrugated plate (100) comprising a series of corrugations (110, 120), the wall (6) comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement (21, 22), the at least one corrugated reinforcement being configured to be received in at least one corrugation (110, 120) of the corrugated plate (100), the at least one corrugated reinforcement comprising an inner web (27) defining an inner void (26a) and a receiving portion (33), during the method, in a first step, at least one retaining device (50) is penetrated into the at least one corrugated reinforcement The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) comprising: placing the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) on a first surface of the corrugated plate (100) and holding the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) on a first surface of the corrugated plate (100) and holding the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) on a first surface of the corrugated plate (100) and holding the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) on a first surface of the corrugated plate (100) and holding the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) on a second ...

10. A tank (2) wall (6) for a liquid cargo carrier (1), the tank (2) wall (6) comprising at least one thermal insulator (8), at least one corrugated plate (100) comprising a series of corrugations (110, 120), the wall (6) comprising at least one corrugated reinforcement (21, 22), the at least one corrugated reinforcement being configured to be received in at least one corrugation (110, 120) of the corrugated plate (100), the at least one corrugated reinforcement comprising an inner web (27) defining an inner void (26a) and a receiving portion (33), characterized in that At least one retaining device (50) extends in one of the internal spaces or the receiving portions of the corrugated reinforcements (21, 22), the length of the retaining device (50) being greater than the width of the corrugated plate (100), the retaining device being positioned below the corrugated plate, wherein the corrugated reinforcement frame (230b) is assembled by connecting a first corrugated reinforcement (21) and a second corrugated reinforcement (22) with at least one connecting member (7) to form a first series of corrugated reinforcements (210) and a second series of corrugated reinforcements (220).

11. Tank (2) wall (6) according to claim 10, wherein The length of the retaining device (50) is greater than the corrugated reinforcement (21, 22) through which the retaining device (50) penetrates.

12. Tank (2) wall (6) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The retaining device (50) comprises at least one free end (501, 502) extending beyond an edge (160) of the corrugated sheet (100).

13. The tank wall according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein The receiving portion (33) receives the connecting member (7), at least one of the corrugated reinforcements (21, 22) includes a channel (35) for receiving the retaining device (50), and the receiving portion (33) and the channel (35) are common to each other.

14. Tank (2) wall (6) according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein The receiving portion (33) receives the connecting member (7), at least one of the corrugated reinforcements (21, 22) includes a channel (35) for receiving the retaining device (50), and the receiving portion (33) and the channel (35) are separated by at least one inner wall (27a, 27b) of the corrugated reinforcement (21, 22).

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