Device and method for manufacturing a corner structure of a sealed and thermally insulated tank

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a can structural element (1), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a secondary insulating structure (2) comprising a support surface, - providing a plurality of primary insulating blocks (3), - interposing a spacer (21) between a first primary insulating block of the plurality of primary insulating blocks (3) and a second primary insulating block of the plurality of primary insulating blocks (3) such that the spacer (21) maintains a predetermined spacing between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block, - fixing the primary insulating blocks to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure (2), maintaining the spacer (21) interposed between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block so as to maintain a predetermined spacing between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block when the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block are fixed.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulated tanks with membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases at low temperatures, such as tanks for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (also known as LPG) having a temperature, for example, between -50°C and 0°C, or for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) at approximately -162°C under 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 liquefied gases or to receive liquefied gases used as fuel to propel the floating structure.

[0002] In one embodiment, the liquefied gas is LNG, i.e., a mixture with a high methane content stored at a temperature of approximately -162°C under atmospheric pressure. Other liquefied gases can also be envisaged, in particular ethane, propane, butane or ethylene. It is also possible to store liquefied gases under pressure, for example at a relative pressure between 2 bar and 20 bar, in particular at a relative pressure close to 2 bar. The tank can be produced according to different techniques, in particular in the form of an integrated tank with a membrane or a self-supporting tank. Background art

[0003] Document FR2691520 discloses a corner structure of a sealed and thermally insulated tank. The corner structure includes a secondary corner structure formed by a secondary thermal insulation barrier and a secondary sealing membrane. The corner structure also includes a plurality of primary insulation blocks juxtaposed and fixed to the secondary corner structure. Each of these primary thermal insulation blocks includes a primary thermal insulation barrier portion to which the corner portion is anchored.

[0004] In order to fix the primary insulation blocks to the secondary corner structure, the positions of different primary insulation blocks are first determined and marked on the secondary corner structure. Then the primary insulation blocks are glued and added individually to the secondary corner structure. Then, after checking and possibly setting the positions of the primary insulation blocks according to the marks on the secondary corner structure, pressure is applied to the primary insulation blocks in order to fix them by gluing the said primary insulation blocks to the secondary corner structure.

[0005] However, applying pressure to the primary insulation blocks causes displacement of the said primary insulation blocks relative to the position provided by the marks. Therefore, this method is not entirely satisfactory and requires perfect control of the pressure application step. In fact, it is not possible to correct the fixing of the primary insulation blocks to the secondary corner structure in the wrong position without degrading the corner structure, resulting in the loss of the entire corner structure. Summary of the invention

[0006] An idea on which the present invention is based is to facilitate the production of a sealed and thermally insulated tank structure that includes a secondary thermal insulation structure to which a plurality of primary thermal insulation blocks are fixed. An idea on which the present invention is based is to allow the primary insulation blocks to be fixed to the secondary insulation structure in a controlled positioning manner. In particular, an idea on which the present invention is based is to ensure the relative positioning of different primary insulation blocks on the secondary insulation structure. Thus, an idea on which the present invention is based is to fix the primary insulation blocks to the secondary insulation structure while maintaining a predetermined spacing between said primary insulation blocks.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a tank structure element, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] - providing a secondary insulation structure including a support surface,

[0009] - providing a plurality of primary insulation blocks,

[0010] - positioning a spacer in an interposed position in which the spacer is interposed between a first primary insulation block and a second primary insulation block among the plurality of primary insulation blocks, such that the spacer maintains the spacing between the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block within an allowable range,

[0011] - fixing the primary insulation blocks to the support surface of the secondary insulation structure, while maintaining the spacer in the interposed position, so that the spacing between the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block remains within the allowable range when the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block are fixed.

[0012] With these features, the primary insulation blocks can be simply and quickly positioned on the secondary insulation structure. In fact, in order to position the primary insulation blocks, it is sufficient to insert the spacer between two primary insulation blocks without making any marks on the secondary insulation structure. Moreover, since the spacer is maintained interposed between the primary insulation blocks when the primary insulation blocks are positioned on the secondary insulation structure, the method can ensure a controlled spacing between the primary insulation blocks. In addition, this spacing is also controlled when pressure is applied to fix the primary insulation blocks to the secondary insulation structure, and when this pressure is applied, the spacer remains in engagement with the primary insulation blocks. This allowable range separating two adjacent primary insulation blocks makes it possible to overcome the manufacturing tolerances of the primary insulation blocks while ensuring that the spacing between these primary insulation blocks is within a controlled range.

[0013] According to an embodiment, such a manufacturing method may include one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one embodiment, after fixing the primary insulation block to the support surface, the spacer is removed from the inserted position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation structure includes a secondary insulation panel and a secondary sealing film adhered to the insulation panel.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation panel includes an insulating lining and an internal rigid plate. According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation plate further includes an external rigid plate, and the insulating lining is disposed between the internal rigid plate and the external rigid plate. According to one embodiment, the insulating lining is adhered to the internal rigid plate and / or the external rigid plate. According to one embodiment, the internal rigid plate and / or the external rigid plate is made of wood, plywood or composite material.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing film includes a laminated composite material, which includes a metal layer, such as an aluminum layer, interposed between two fiber layers, such as a glass fiber layer and a resin layer.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation structure has a parallelepiped form, such as a rectangular parallelepiped form.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the insulating lining is insulating foam, preferably fiber-reinforced insulating foam, such as glass fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0021] - Before fixing the primary insulation block to the support surface, applying an adhesive to the support surface and the surface of the primary insulation block for resting on the support surface, and

[0022] The step of fixing the primary insulation block to the support surface of the secondary insulation structure includes:

[0023] - Applying pressure to one of the primary insulation block and the secondary insulation structure towards the other of the primary insulation block and the secondary insulation structure so as to fix the primary insulation block to the secondary insulation structure while keeping the spacer inserted between the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block.

[0024] The pressure capable of fixing the primary insulation block to the secondary insulation structure, and more specifically to the support surface of the secondary insulation structure, can be generated in various ways. Thus, according to one embodiment, the method includes the step of pressing the primary insulation block against the support surface of the secondary insulation structure. According to one embodiment, the support surface of the secondary insulation structure is pressed against the primary insulation block.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block is fixed to the secondary insulation structure by gluing. According to one embodiment, such gluing is performed by a polymer glue, preferably polyurethane glue.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of:

[0027] - providing a positioning device, the positioning device comprising a frame and a spacer, the frame having a bearing surface, the spacer protruding from the bearing surface of the frame such that the bearing surface has a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion on both sides of the spacer,

[0028] - arranging the positioning device on the primary insulation block such that the first bearing portion rests on the first primary insulation block and the second bearing portion rests on the second primary insulation block, and the step of applying pressure on the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block comprises pressing the first bearing portion against the first primary insulation block and pressing the second bearing portion against the second primary insulation block.

[0029] With these features, the frame can be used to apply pressure to the primary insulation block in order to fix the primary insulation block to the secondary insulation structure. Thus, the primary insulation block can be positioned and then fixed to the secondary insulation structure simply and quickly, and the positioning device enables both positioning of the primary insulation block and application of pressure to fix the primary insulation block to the secondary insulation structure.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block comprises an insulating element and a metal plate, the length of the metal plate being greater than the length of the insulating element, and the metal plate covering the insulating element in such a way that two opposite edges of the metal plate longitudinally extend beyond the corresponding end faces of the insulating element. In other words, the primary insulation block has protruding portions formed by the opposite edges of the metal plate, and the opposite edges extend beyond the opposite surfaces of the insulating element.

[0031] The insulating element of the primary insulation block can be made of a variety of materials. For example, the insulating element can be made of wood such as plywood, insulating foam such as polyurethane foam, such as fiber-reinforced high-density polyurethane foam, or the insulating element can even be made of a combination of materials, such as insulating foam sandwiched between two plywoods, or even an insulating foam layer associated with plywood. Similarly, the metal plate can be made of a variety of materials such as steel, invar, etc.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block has a primary insulation plate and a metal plate, the metal plate having an edge protruding beyond the primary insulation plate, and the method further comprises the steps of:

[0033] - providing a positioning device, the positioning device comprising a frame and a spacer, the spacer comprising two fixing devices,

[0034] And wherein, the step of positioning the spacer in the insertion position includes fixing the protruding edges of the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block to the spacer by corresponding fixing means of the spacer.

[0035] The fixing means can take various forms. According to one embodiment, these fixing means include clamping members, and the protruding edges of the primary insulating blocks are fixed by being clamped in the clamping members. According to one embodiment, the spacer includes two tracks, the tracks include grooves, the tracks protrude from the frame in opposite directions, and the fixing of the protruding edges of the primary insulating blocks is performed by inserting the protruding edges into the grooves of the corresponding tracks. In other words, according to this embodiment, the fixing means are tracks including grooves, and the protruding edges of the corresponding primary insulating blocks are inserted into the grooves to fix the primary insulating blocks to the spacer.

[0036] Inserting the protruding edge of the metal plate into the groove allows for a good fit between the spacer and the primary insulating block. In particular, such insertion makes it possible to block the displacement of the primary insulating blocks towards each other, and also to keep the primary insulating blocks fixed in the height direction of the primary insulating blocks.

[0037] Generally, in the case of a positioning device including a plurality of adjacent spacers formed by tracks, the cooperation of the metal plates of the primary insulating blocks with two adjacent spacers makes it possible to lock the primary insulating blocks in place in the positioning device. In particular, such cooperation makes it possible to shift a group of primary insulating blocks simultaneously, with each primary insulating block cooperating with two adjacent spacers.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the spacer includes a support and a pair of clamping members arranged on the support at a predetermined spacing, the clamping members include setting means and two movable protrusions, the setting means can simultaneously shift the two protrusions and shift the same distance in opposite directions to define the spacing between the protrusions, and the method further includes the following steps:

[0039] - Insert the first primary insulating block into one of the clamping members, and then set the positions of the protrusions of the clamping member so that the first primary insulating block is fixed in the clamping member, and

[0040] - Insert the second primary insulating block into the other clamping member, and then set the positions of the protrusions of the clamping member so that the second primary insulating block is fixed in the clamping member and the middle plane of the first primary insulating block is spaced apart from the middle plane of the second primary insulating block by a spacing within an allowable range.

[0041] This setting of the spacer and the position of the opposing protrusion makes it possible to overcome the manufacturing tolerances of the primary insulating blocks while maintaining a controlled spacing between the primary insulating blocks. Thus, the protrusions of the clamping members can be displaced to accommodate different primary insulating blocks while positioning the primary insulating blocks centered at a predetermined position, the predetermined positions being spaced apart to ensure a predetermined spacing between the primary insulating blocks.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the step of fixing the primary insulating blocks to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure includes the step of positioning the spacer relative to the end of the secondary insulating structure.

[0043] This positioning device can take various forms. According to one embodiment, this positioning device includes a locking rod that extends from the end of the frame at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame, the locking rod forming a first abutment surface for cooperating with a second abutment surface carried by the secondary insulating structure to lock the positioning device in place relative to the secondary insulating structure. Thus, according to one embodiment, the method further includes the step of abutting the first abutment surface fixed together with the spacer in the case of displacement against the second abutment surface carried by the secondary insulating structure to prevent displacement of the spacer relative to the secondary insulating structure, the first abutting surface being spaced from the spacer by a predetermined distance. According to one embodiment, the second abutment surface carried by the secondary insulating structure is the lateral end face of the secondary insulating structure.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the positioning device includes a first marking portion for cooperating with a second marking portion carried by the secondary insulating structure, the matching of the marking portions making it possible to determine the arrangement of the positioning device relative to the secondary insulating structure. Thus, according to one embodiment, the method further includes the steps of: matching the marking portion carried by the spacer and the marking portion carried by the secondary insulating structure in order to position the spacer at a predetermined position relative to the secondary insulating structure.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the method further includes the following steps:

[0046] - providing a plurality of spacers,

[0047] - positioning each spacer in an insertion position in which each spacer is inserted between two adjacent ones of the plurality of primary insulating blocks such that the spacer maintains the spacing between the adjacent primary insulating blocks within an allowable range, the spacer being inserted between the adjacent primary insulating blocks,

[0048] - fixing the primary insulating blocks to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure, holding the spacer between the adjacent primary insulating blocks so as to maintain the spacing between the adjacent primary insulating blocks within an allowable range when fixing the adjacent primary insulating blocks.

[0049] According to one embodiment, after fixing the primary insulation block to the support surface, the spacer is removed from the inserted position.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing a positioning device including a frame and a plurality of spacers, the spacers among the plurality of spacers being arranged on the frame at regular intervals.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the support surface has a first support surface portion and a second support surface portion forming a corner portion, a first spacer among the plurality of spacers being inserted between two adjacent primary insulation blocks located on the first support surface portion, and a second spacer among the plurality of spacers being inserted between two adjacent primary insulation blocks located on the second support surface portion, the method further including the step of fixing the first spacer and the second spacer together in a displaced state.

[0052] This method enables a set of primary insulation blocks to be correctly positioned on the corner secondary insulation structure. Therefore, by ensuring the separation and positioning of the primary insulation blocks on both support surface portions of the corner secondary insulation structure simultaneously, the method can simply, quickly, and reliably produce a sealed and thermally insulated tank corner structure.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the positioning device further has a clamping device. Such a clamping device is particularly useful in the case of a corner structure associated with a spacer that blocks the displacement of the primary insulation block relative to the positioning device, such as, for example, the track described above, because it enables the corner structure to be displaced as a single piece using the clamping device of the positioning device.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the method further includes fixing one or more spacers and the primary insulation block together such that the primary insulation block and the one or more spacers form a group that is fixed together in a displaced state.

[0055] The insulation block and the one or more spacers can be fixed together in various ways.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block includes studs protruding from the inner surface of the metal plate, the inner surface being opposite to the insulation element. Such studs are, for example, studs that allow the fixing of clamping members to be used subsequently in the production of the tank. For example, such a clamping member can absorb the load for fixing the corrugated corner portion by welding to ensure the continuity of the sealing film between the two metal plates of two adjacent primary insulation blocks, or can even fix the pressure bar to apply a fixing pressure to the primary insulation block in the middle between two adjacent corner structure primary insulation blocks inserted in the tank. Then, the spacer can be fixed to the primary insulation block by cooperating with the studs of the primary insulation block. For example, in the case of the above positioning device, the positioning device may include one or more through holes, and the step of inserting the spacer between the first primary insulation block and the second primary insulation block includes inserting one or more studs of the first primary insulation block and / or the second primary insulation block into the through holes, and fixing the positioning device to the one or more studs by fixing means provided on the studs, such as nuts, etc., so as to allow the positioning device and the studs to be fixed together.

[0057] According to one embodiment, such through holes can be oval-shaped so as to be able to adapt to the positions of the studs on the positioning device.

[0058] Similarly, these studs can be used in combination with moving devices such as overhead cranes, winches, etc. to displace the assembly formed by the spacer and the primary insulation block.

[0059] The step of fixing the spacer and the primary insulation block together is preferably carried out before the step of applying the adhesive. Thus, the primary insulation block can be safely handled and displaced, and the application of the adhesive can be performed on each primary insulation block of the assembly during the same step of applying the adhesive to the set of the primary insulation blocks.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a device for positioning primary insulation blocks of a sealed and thermally insulated tank structural element, the structural element including a secondary insulation block and a plurality of primary insulation blocks, the secondary insulation block having a support surface and the primary insulation blocks for resting on the support surface, the positioning device including a frame and a plurality of spacers, the plurality of spacers being arranged on the frame along the longitudinal direction of the frame, the plurality of spacers protruding from the frame in a direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame, the spacer defining a predetermined pitch in a predetermined longitudinal direction of the frame and being used for being inserted between two adjacent primary insulation blocks of the plurality of insulation blocks so as to keep a predetermined pitch between two adjacent primary insulation blocks of the plurality of primary insulation blocks in the longitudinal direction of the frame.

[0061] This positioning device enables the reliable and simple positioning of the primary insulation blocks on the secondary insulation structure. In particular, such a positioning device enables a controlled spacing between the primary insulation blocks to be maintained when the primary insulation blocks are positioned and fixed to the secondary insulation structure.

[0062] According to an embodiment, such a positioning device may include one or more of the following features.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the spacers are arranged at regular intervals along the frame.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the frame has a cross-section in a flat form, and the spacers project from the flat surface of the frame.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block has a primary insulation plate and a metal plate, and the metal plate has an edge that projects beyond the primary insulation plate.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the spacer includes a fixing device that can fix the projecting edge of the primary insulation block to the spacer.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the primary insulation block has a primary insulation plate and a metal plate, and the metal plate has an edge that projects beyond the primary insulation plate, and the spacer includes two tracks, and the tracks include grooves, and the tracks project from the frame in opposite orientations so that each of the grooves can accommodate the projecting edge of a corresponding primary insulation block.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a device for positioning the frame on the secondary insulation structure so as to arrange the spacers at a predetermined position relative to the secondary insulation structure.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the spacers among a plurality of spacers include a pair of clamping members, and the clamping members are arranged on a support member with a predetermined spacing between the clamping members, and the support members of the plurality of spacers form a frame, and the clamping members include a setting device and two movable convex parts, and the setting device can simultaneously displace the two convex parts and displace the same distance in opposite directions to define the spacing between the convex parts.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the spacer and advantageously a plurality of spacers are made of a material selected from wood and polymer materials, such as high-density polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the spacer is displaced in a plane defined by a gap for inserting the spacer between two primary insulation blocks so as to remove the spacer along a direction, for example, orthogonal or parallel to the support surface or along an inclined direction, that is, to remove the spacer by a component orthogonal to the support surface and a component parallel to the support surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0072] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be better understood through the following description of several specific embodiments of the present invention given in an exemplary and non - limiting manner, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer.

[0073] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a corner structure of a sealed and thermally insulated tank;

[0074] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a schematic cross - sectional view of a positioning device cooperating with a plurality of primary insulation blocks as shown in Figure 1 ;

[0075] Figure 3 Figure 3 is Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the positioning device of

[0076] Figure 4 Figure 4 is Figure 2 a top view of a variant embodiment of the positioning device of

[0077] Figure 5 Figure 5 is a three - dimensional schematic view of a positioning assembly according to a second embodiment, including two positioning devices and cooperating with the corner structure shown in Figure 1 ;

[0078] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a cross - sectional schematic view of the positioning device according to the second embodiment cooperating with a plurality of primary insulation blocks;

[0079] Figure 7 Figure 7 is a schematic view of the positioning device according to the third embodiment cooperating with a plurality of primary insulation blocks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0080] By convention, "upper" or "above" will denote a position closer to the interior of the tank to be produced, while "lower" or "below" will denote a position closer to the supporting structure of the tank to be produced, regardless of the orientation of the tank wall with respect to the earth's gravitational field. Similarly, "top" or "inner" will be used to define elements closer to the interior of the tank to be produced, while "bottom" or "outer" will be used to define elements closer to the supporting structure of the tank to be produced.

[0081] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The sealed and thermally insulated tank includes a plurality of walls, each wall being formed by at least one thermal insulation barrier and at least one sealing film. In the embodiments to be described, the tank wall includes a secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing film supported by the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier fixed to the secondary sealing film, and a primary sealing film supported by the primary thermal insulation barrier.

[0082] At the corner of the sealed and thermally insulated tank, a corner structure 1 is placed at the junction between two walls. This corner structure 1 can ensure the continuity of different thermal insulation barriers and sealing films at the junction between the first tank wall and the second tank wall, where the first tank wall and the second tank wall are inclined at a certain angle, such as an angle of 90° or 135°, relative to each other.

[0083] As Figure 1 shown, such a corner structure 1 includes a secondary corner structure 2, on which a plurality of primary insulating blocks 3 are placed.

[0084] The secondary corner structure 2 includes a secondary thermal insulation barrier portion to which a secondary sealing film portion is glued. More specifically, the secondary corner structure 2 includes a first secondary insulating plate 4 and a second secondary insulating plate 5. Each of these secondary insulating plates 4, 5 includes: a rigid outer plate 6, which is made of, for example, plywood; an insulating lining 7, which is made of, for example, fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam; and a rigid inner plate 8, which is made of, for example, plywood or composite material. In these secondary insulating plates 4, 5, the inner plate 8 is parallel to the bottom plate 6.

[0085] The two secondary insulating plates 4, 5 have inclined surfaces 9 and are arranged edge to edge at the inclined surfaces 9 such that the first secondary insulating plate 4 extends in the plane of the first tank wall and the second secondary insulating plate 5 extends in the plane of the second tank wall, and the first tank wall and the second wall form the corner of the tank.

[0086] The secondary sealing film portion includes a layer of a rigid impermeable composite film 10, which is glued to the rigid inner plate 8 of each of the secondary insulating plates 4, 5. These impermeable composite films 10 are produced, for example, in the form of a laminated composite material, which includes an aluminum layer interposed between a glass fiber layer and a resin layer. These impermeable composite films 10 are tightly joined, for example, by a flexible impermeable composite film 11. Such a flexible impermeable composite film 11 is made of, for example, a laminated composite material including an aluminum layer interposed between two glass fiber layers.

[0087] The first secondary insulating plate 4 and the secondary sealing film portion carried by the first secondary insulating plate 4 form a first support surface of the secondary corner structure 2. Similarly, the second secondary insulating plate 5 and the secondary sealing film portion carried by the second secondary insulating plate 4 form a second support surface of the secondary corner structure 2. These support surfaces enable the primary insulating block 3 to be fixed to the secondary corner structure 2.

[0088] As Figure 1 , Figure 3 or Figure 6 shown, the primary insulating block 3 includes a metal angle iron 14, a first primary block 12 in the form of a parallelepiped, and a second primary block 13 in the form of a parallelepiped. The first wing portion 15 of the metal angle iron 14 is fixed to the first primary block 12, and the second wing portion 16 of the metal angle iron 14 is fixed to the second primary block 13. The first wing portion 15 and the second wing portion 16 extend in their respective planes at an angle corresponding to the corner portion of the tank. For example, the metal angle iron 14 can firmly fix the primary sealing film to the primary insulating block 3. In addition, the metal angle iron 14 can firmly fix the corrugated corner portion (not shown), thereby ensuring the impermeability of the primary sealing film between two adjacent metal angle irons 14.

[0089] The first primary block 12 and the second primary block have the same dimensions. In addition, the metal angle iron 14 has a length dimension taken along the direction of the edge formed by the metal angle iron 14, and this length dimension of the metal angle iron 14 is greater than the dimensions of the primary blocks 12 and 13 in the said direction. The metal angle iron 14 is fixed to the primary blocks 12 and 13 in such a way that each wing portion 15 and 16 of the metal angle iron 14 has two opposite protruding edges 17 that extend beyond the corresponding edges of the primary blocks 12 and 13. In other words, the protruding edges 17 of the wing portions 15 and 16 extend beyond two opposite edges of the primary blocks 12 and 13.

[0090] In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown, each wing portion 15, 16 of the metal angle iron 14 has an inwardly protruding stud 26 on the inner surface of the wing portion, that is, on the surface opposite to the primary blocks 12 and 13. These studs 26 allow the fixing of clamping members subsequently used in the production of the sealed and thermally insulated tank.

[0091] As Figure 1 shown, a plurality of primary insulating blocks 3 are fixed to the secondary corner structure 2 along the edge 18 formed between the secondary insulating plates 4 and 5. Each primary insulating block 3 is fixed to the secondary corner structure 2 in such a way that the first primary block 12 is fixed on the first support surface of the secondary corner structure 2 and the second primary block 13 is fixed on the second support surface of the secondary corner structure 2.

[0092] The primary blocks 12 and 13 are fixed to the support surface of the secondary corner structure 2 by an adhesive. Such an adhesive is, for example, a polymer glue, such as polyurethane glue. In Figure 1 the primary blocks 12 and 13 are fixed to the flexible composite film portion 11, and the flexible composite film portion 11 is fixed to the secondary insulating plates 4 and 5.

[0093] When fixing the primary insulating block 3 to the secondary corner structure 2, it is important to control the spacing between the metal angle irons 14 of two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3. In addition, it is also important to control the distance between the end primary insulating block and the edge of the corresponding secondary corner structure.

[0094] For this purpose, a positioning device 19 is used. Figures 2 to 7 Different embodiments of such a positioning device 19 are shown, as well as the use of the positioning device 19 to satisfactorily fix the primary insulating block 3 to the secondary corner structure 2.

[0095] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A positioning device 19 according to a first embodiment is shown. In this first embodiment, the positioning device includes a frame 20 and a plurality of spacers 21.

[0096] The frame 20 has the form of a parallelepiped, typically in the form of a bar or plate with a rectangular cross-section. The frame 20 includes a flat outer face 22. The spacers 21 project from the flat outer face 22 of the frame 20. More specifically, the spacers 21 have a rectangular cross-section and extend at right angles to the outer face 22. Thus, each spacer 21 has a first face 23 that is at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the frame 20 and a second face 24 that is opposite to the first face 23 and also extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. The first face 23 and the second face 24 of the spacer 21 are parallel and separated by a predetermined spacing 25. This spacing 25 corresponds to the minimum spacing that is desired to be maintained between two primary insulating blocks 3 when positioning and fixing the primary insulating block 3 to the secondary corner structure 2.

[0097] In addition, the frame 20 has a plurality of through holes 27 to allow the studs 26 to pass through the frame 20.

[0098] As Figure 3 shown by the arrow 28 in, the positioning device 19 according to this first embodiment is arranged on a plurality of adjacent primary insulating blocks 3. For this purpose, the outer face 22 of the frame 20 abuts against the inner face 29 of the first wing portion 15 of the metal angle iron 14 of the primary insulating block 3. In addition, the studs 26 of the primary insulating block 3 are received in the apertures 27 of the frame. In addition, the spacers 21 of the positioning device 19 are placed between adjacent primary insulating blocks 3.

[0099] Therefore, as Figure 2As shown in the figure, when the positioning device 19 is arranged on the primary insulating block 3, each spacer 21 is placed between two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3. In addition, the stud 26 passes through the through hole 27 of the frame 20. Finally, the outer surface 22 of the frame has a plurality of bearing portions 30, and the bearing portions 30 bear on the inner surface 29 of the first wing portion 15 of the metal angle 14.

[0100] The spacer 21 can ensure a defined and fixed distance between two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3. In fact, since the spacer 21 is placed between two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3, the opposite surfaces 23 and 24 of the spacer 21 form abutting surfaces, thereby preventing the adjacent primary insulating blocks 3 from clustering together. Therefore, when the positioning device is arranged on the primary insulating block, the minimum spacing separates two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3 among the plurality of primary insulating blocks 3 on which the positioning device is arranged. Many devices can make it possible to fix the primary insulating block 3 and the positioning device 19 together. In the illustrated embodiment, the positioning device 19 is fixed to all the primary insulating blocks 3 for being fixed to the two secondary insulating plates 4 and 5. However, according to other embodiments, the positioning device can be fixed only to a part of the primary insulating blocks 3 for being fixed to the two secondary insulating plates 4 and 5, that is, the positioning device can be fixed only to at least two sets of two primary insulating blocks 3. For example, a nut (not shown) can be screwed onto the stud 26 so as to clamp the frame 20 between the nut and the inner surface 29 of the first wing portion 15 of the metal angle 14. After the primary insulating block 3 is fixed to the secondary corner structure 2 by gluing, these nuts are removed before removing the positioning device.

[0101] When the positioning device 19 is arranged on the primary insulating block 3, a mobile gantry crane, a jib crane or any other lifting device can be used to handle the primary insulating block 3 as a single piece.

[0102] This combined displacement of the primary insulating blocks 3 enables the primary insulating blocks 3 to be fixed to the secondary corner structure 2 in a grouped manner. Therefore, the primary insulating blocks 3 fixed to the positioning device 19 are all glued together in the same gluing step. Typically, the assembly formed by the primary insulating block 3 and the positioning device 19 is moved by a winch, a crane or any other device suitable for making all the outer surfaces of the primary insulating block 3 accessible. For example, the primary insulating block is lifted to a sufficient height to allow access to the outer surface of the primary insulating block 3, or the assembly is flipped to allow access to the outer surface. When the primary insulating block 3 is glued, the primary insulating block 3 is then positioned together on the secondary corner structure 2. When the primary insulating block 3 is positioned on the secondary corner structure 2, the positioning device 19 remains in cooperation with the primary insulating block 3 to maintain control of the spacing between adjacent primary insulating blocks 3.

[0103] According to a first variant, a mark is formed on the secondary corner structure 2 before the primary insulating block 3 is fixed to the secondary corner structure 2. The mark can be made in a variety of ways, for example by a pencil stroke, a piece of adhesive or the like. The mark indicates the desired position of the end primary insulating block 3 among the plurality of primary insulating blocks 3. The mark enables control of the positioning of the end primary insulating block 3 relative to the edge of the secondary corner structure 2. In addition, due to the cooperation of the primary insulating block 3 with the positioning device 19, the mark also allows the primary insulating block 3 to be positioned relative to the edge of the secondary corner structure 2.

[0104] According to a second variant, the frame 20 has a protrusion (not shown) protruding parallel to the spacer. The protrusion allows the frame 20 to be positioned relative to the side surface of the secondary corner structure 2, for example Figure 1 the side surface shown by reference numeral 52 in the figure. Generally, the protrusion forms a first abutment surface and the side surface 52 forms a second abutment surface, which cooperates with the first abutment surface to position the protrusion relative to the secondary corner structure 2 and thus position the plurality of primary insulating blocks 3.

[0105] When positioning the primary insulating block 3 on the secondary corner structure 2, the primary insulating block is disposed on top of the support surface of the secondary corner structure 2, and the assembly formed by the primary insulating block 3 and the positioning device 19 is translated until the protrusion of the frame 20 contacts the side surface 52 of the secondary corner structure 2. Then, a single vertical translation enables the primary insulating block 3 to be applied to the secondary corner structure 2. This variant has the advantage of avoiding contact between the primary insulating block 3 and the secondary corner structure 2 before the position of the primary insulating block 3 relative to the secondary corner structure 2 is properly determined. In addition, this variant can omit the step of marking the position of the end primary insulating block 3 on the secondary corner structure 2 with a marker.

[0106] To avoid degradation of the secondary sealing film, an indentation can be made in the reference joint area forming the abutment surface carried by the secondary corner structure 2.

[0107] In addition, a second protrusion can also be provided on the opposite ends of the frame to wedge the frame 20 and thus all the primary insulating blocks 3 cooperating with the positioning device 19 into the opposite sides of the secondary corner structure 2. The protrusion is fixedly mounted on the frame 20 or is adjustably mounted on the frame 20, for example by sliding. Wedging of the two opposite sides of the secondary corner structure 2 ensures that the set of primary insulating blocks 3 does not translate when the primary insulating block 3 is positioned on the secondary corner structure 2, and ensures good management of the separation between the end primary insulating block 3 and the edge of the secondary corner structure 2.

[0108] When the primary insulating block 3 is positioned according to the desired arrangement on the secondary corner structure 2, pressure is applied to the primary insulating block 3 to ensure that the primary insulating block 3 is fixed to the secondary corner structure 2 by gluing. When this pressure is applied to the primary insulating block 3, the positioning device 19 remains in engagement with the primary insulating block 3 to maintain the spacer 21 interposed between two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3, so as to ensure that even when this pressure is applied, the primary insulating blocks 3 remain separated by a controlled spacing.

[0109] This pressure is advantageously applied by the positioning device 19, and the bearing portion 30 of the outer face 22 of the frame 20 is pressed against the inner surface 29 of the primary insulating block 3. In addition, applying this pressure by means of the positioning device 19 allows the spacer 21 to be simply held between adjacent primary insulating blocks 3.

[0110] According to an embodiment not shown, the frame 20 is mounted, for example, so as to be movable on a support. Such a support has a load-absorbing member, such as a plate, a tubular structure or any other device that allows good load absorption. The secondary corner structure 2 is arranged on and / or against this load-absorbing member. The primary insulating block 3 is arranged on the frame 20, for example in the frame portion of the frame 20, by screwing a nut (not shown) onto the stud 26 so as to clamp the frame 20 between the nut and the inner face 29 of the first wing 15 of the metal angle 14, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown. Then, the frame 20 equipped with the primary insulating block 3 is moved towards the load-absorbing member to compress the primary insulating block 3 and the secondary corner structure 2 and to fix the primary insulating block 3 to the secondary corner structure 2.

[0111] When the primary insulating block 3 is fixed to the secondary corner structure 2, the positioning device 19 is removed, and the construction of the sealed and thermally insulated tank can continue.

[0112] In Figure 3 the embodiment shown, in order to remove the positioning device, the frame 20 and the spacer 21 are displaced in such a way that the spacer 21 is displaced in the plane of the gap for the spacer 21 to be interposed between two primary insulating blocks 3. This displacement can in particular correspond to a vertical translation orthogonal to the support surface and in a direction opposite to the primary insulating block 3 and to a horizontal translation or an inclined translation parallel to the support surface and in a direction opposite to the primary insulating block 3, that is, this displacement has a component orthogonal to the support surface and a component parallel to the support surface.

[0113] To limit the frictional force between the spacer 21 and the primary insulating block 3, during this removal step, the spacer 21 is advantageously made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with the contact surface of the primary element 3. In addition, the spacer 21 is advantageously made of a material selected from polymeric materials such as high-density polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and wood.

[0114] Figure 4 shows Figure 3 a variant embodiment of the positioning device 19 shown in. In this variant, the through-hole 27 has an oval form to allow the primary insulating block 3 to be displaced between two adjacent spacers 21 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. Such a through-hole 27 allows better management of the tolerance values for positioning the stud 26 on the metal angle 14.

[0115] Figure 5 and Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the positioning device 19.

[0116] According to this second embodiment, the frame 20 is a simple rod. In addition, each spacer 21 includes two tracks 31. These tracks 31 have a "U" - shaped profile to form a groove 32. The tracks 31 project from the frame 20 at a right angle to the longitudinal direction of the frame 20. In addition, the two tracks 31 of the spacer 21 have opposite orientations. In other words, the first groove 32 of the spacer 21 faces the first end of the frame 20, and the second groove 32 of said spacer 21 faces the second end of the frame 20, the second end of the frame 20 being opposite to the first end of the frame 20.

[0117] The two tracks are arranged on the frame 20 such that the bottoms of the grooves 32 are separated by a desired predetermined spacing to separate two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3.

[0118] Contrary to Figures 2 to 4 the positioning device 19 according to the first embodiment shown in, the spacer 21 of the positioning device 19 according to this second embodiment is inserted from one side of the primary insulating block 3 between the metal angles 14 of two adjacent primary insulating blocks 3. More specifically, the positioning device 19 is arranged on the primary insulating block 3 by inserting the protruding edge 17 of the wing 15 or 16 of the metal angle 14 of the primary insulating block 3 into the groove 32. Thus, the grooves 32 of the two tracks 31 of the same spacer 21 each cooperate with the protruding edge of the corresponding primary insulating block 3, and the adjacent primary insulating blocks 3 are kept separated by a predetermined spacing defined by the spacing between the two tracks 31.

[0119] Inserting the protruding edge 17 of the primary insulating block 3 into the opposing grooves 32 of two adjacent spacers also makes it possible to lock the primary insulating block 3 against displacement in a direction other than the sliding direction.

[0120] In addition, in order to ensure this locking in place of the end primary insulation blocks 3, the positioning device further includes end tracks 33 arranged at each end of the frame 20. These end tracks 33 are similar to the tracks 31 of the spacers 21 and project from the frame 20 in an orientation opposite to that of the adjacent tracks 31. In other words, the grooves of the end tracks 33 face and are oriented towards the grooves 32 of the tracks 31 of the spacers 21 adjacent to the end tracks 33.

[0121] When the positioning device is arranged on the set of primary insulation blocks 3, the protruding edges 17 of the primary insulation blocks 3 all enter the grooves of the corresponding tracks 31 or 33. Thus, the set of primary insulation blocks 3 can be displaced as a single piece.

[0122] To remove this positioning device, when the primary insulation blocks 7 have been fixed, the positioning device is displaced by horizontal translation by sliding the grooves of the tracks 31, 33 relative to the protruding edges 17 of the adjacent primary insulation blocks.

[0123] Figure 6 An assembly is shown that enables the set of primary insulation blocks 3, which are used for mounting on the secondary corner structure 2 as a single piece, to be displaced. In the present embodiment, the positioning device includes threaded rods 34 at each end of the frame 20. The first positioning device 35 is arranged on the primary insulation block 3 by inserting the protruding edge 17 of the first wing 15 of the metal angle 14 of the primary insulation block 3 into the grooves of the tracks 31 and 33 of the first positioning device 35, as shown by the arrow 36. Similarly, the second positioning device 37 is arranged on the primary insulation block 3 by inserting the protruding edge 17 of the second wing 16 of the metal angle 14 of the primary insulation block 3 into the grooves of the tracks 31 and 33 of the second positioning device 37, as shown by the arrow 38.

[0124] The first positioning device 35 and the second positioning device 37 are fixed together by spacers 39. Each spacer 39 includes a rod having through holes 40 at its ends. The spacers 39 are fixed to each end of the positioning devices 35 and 37, and the threaded rods 34 of the two positioning devices 35 and 37 enter the through holes 40. Nuts (not shown) screwed onto the protruding portions of the threaded rods 34 allow the spacers 39 to be fixed to the positioning devices 35 and 37.

[0125] When the first positioning device 35 and the second positioning device 27 are arranged on the primary insulating block 3 and fixed together by the spacer 39, the first positioning device 35 and the second positioning device 27 cannot be removed from the primary insulating block 3. In fact, on the one hand, the cooperation between the tracks 31 and 33 and the protruding edge 17 prevents the positioning devices 35 and 37 from moving in directions other than the direction in which the protruding edge 17 is inserted into the tracks 31 and 33. On the other hand, the spacer 39 prevents the relative displacement between the positioning devices 35 and 37.

[0126] Therefore, the first positioning device 35, the second positioning device 37, the spacer 39 and the primary insulating block 3 form an assembly that can be displaced as a single piece. For this purpose, a clamping device 41 with a "U" - shaped profile can be used, as Figure 6 shown. The clamping device 41 includes a rod 42, and a lifting ring 43 is provided at the center of the rod 42. The clamping device 41 also includes two protrusions 44, each protrusion 44 protruding from a corresponding end of the rod 42. The end of the protrusion 44 opposite to the rod 42 has a through - hole 45, and the through - hole 45 can cooperate with the threaded rod 34 of one of the positioning devices 35 or 37. Taking Figure 6 the second positioning device 37 as an example, the clamping device is thus fixed to the assembly formed by the positioning devices 35 and 37, the spacer 39 and the primary insulating block 3. Therefore, the assembly can be displaced as a single piece to maintain the required spacing between the primary insulating blocks 3. For example, the assembly can be displaced by a crane connected to the lifting ring 43. To ensure the removal of the positioning devices 35, 37, the spacer 39 is disconnected from the positioning devices in advance, and then each of the positioning devices 37, 39 is displaced in a translational manner in a direction parallel to the support surface and opposite to the primary insulating block 3, so that the grooves of the tracks 31, 33 slide relative to the protruding edges 17 of the adjacent primary insulating blocks 3.

[0127] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the positioning device 19 is schematically shown. In this third embodiment, the positioning device 19 includes a support 46, and a plurality of clamping members 47 are arranged on the support 46.

[0128] Each clamping member 47 includes a setting device 48 and two protrusions 49. The setting device 48 allows the protrusions 49 to move symmetrically relative to the center 50 of the clamping member 47. This self - centering is generated, for example, by a mechanism of the self - centering bevel gauge type. The clamping members 47 are arranged on the support 46 according to a determined spacing 51 from the center 50.

[0129] When the positioning device 19 is arranged on the primary insulation block 3, each clamping member 47 is arranged such that the convex portion 49 clamps the primary insulation block 3, for example, at the protruding edge 17. Since the setting device 48 allows the convex portion 49 to self-align when the convex portion 49 is set in place, this clamping of the primary insulation block 3 is such that the center of the primary insulation block 3, for example, at the stud 26, is arranged at the center 50 of the clamping member 47. Thus, the centers of adjacent primary insulation blocks 3 are spaced apart by a spacing 51 such that two adjacent primary insulation blocks 3 are separated by a controlled spacing.

[0130] To ensure the removal of such a positioning device 19, the setting device of each clamping member 47 can be pre-acted upon.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described with respect to several specific embodiments, it is obvious that the present invention is in no way limited thereto, and the present invention includes all technical equivalents of the described device and their combinations if all technical equivalents of the described device and their combinations fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

[0132] For example, Figure 1 a tank corner structure for a 90° corner is shown, but the present invention similarly applies to different tank corners, such as, for example, a 135° tank corner.

[0133] In addition, such a method or device can also be used to ensure the positioning and fixing of one or more primary insulation blocks 3, which, as described above, straddle between two secondary insulation plates 4, 5, and one primary insulation block 3 is placed side by side with another primary insulation block along the corner of the tank.

[0134] The use of the verb "comprise" or "comprises" and its conjugate forms does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in the claims.

[0135] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. A manufacturing method for manufacturing a can structural element (1), comprising the following steps: - providing a secondary insulating structure (2) including a support surface, - providing a plurality of primary insulating blocks (3), - applying an adhesive to one of the support surface and the surface of the primary insulating block for placement on the support surface, - providing a positioning device (19), the positioning device (19) including a frame (20) and a spacer (21), the frame (20) having a bearing surface (22), the spacer (21) protruding from the bearing surface (22) of the frame (20) such that the bearing surface (22) has a first bearing portion and a second bearing portion on both sides of the spacer (21), - arranging the positioning device (19) on the primary insulating block (3) such that: the first bearing portion rests on a first primary insulating block of the plurality of primary insulating blocks (3), the second bearing portion rests on a second primary insulating block of the plurality of primary insulating blocks (3), and such that the spacer (21) is positioned in an insertion position, in which the spacer is inserted between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block, wherein the spacer (21) in the insertion position is at a distance from the support surface and maintains the spacing between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block within an allowable range, - fixing the primary insulating block to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure (2), maintaining the spacer (21) in the insertion position such that the spacing between the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block is maintained within the allowable range when fixing the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block, wherein the step of fixing the primary insulating block to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure includes: pressing the first bearing portion onto the first primary insulating block and pressing the second bearing portion onto the second primary insulating block to apply pressure to the first primary insulating block and the second primary insulating block, and - after fixing the primary insulating block to the support surface, removing the spacer (21) from the insertion position, and - providing a sealing film supported by the primary insulating block.

2. The manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, the primary insulating block has a primary insulating plate (12, 13) and a metal plate (14), the metal plate (14) having a protruding edge (17) protruding beyond the primary insulating plate (12, 13), wherein the spacer (21) includes two fixing devices (31), and wherein the step of positioning the spacer (21) in the insertion position includes: fixing the protruding edge (17) of the first primary insulating block and the protruding edge (17) of the second primary insulating block to the spacer (21) by respective fixing devices (31) of the spacer (21).

3. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spacer includes a support member (46) and a pair of clamping members (47) arranged on the support member (46) at a predetermined spacing (51). The clamping members (47) include setting means (48) and two movable protrusions (49). The setting means (48) is capable of simultaneously displacing the two protrusions and displacing them in opposite directions by the same distance to define the spacing between the protrusions. The method further includes the following steps: - Inserting the first primary insulating block into one of the clamping members (47), and then setting the positions of the protrusions (49) of the clamping member (47) such that the first primary insulating block is fixed in the clamping member (47), and - Inserting the second primary insulating block into the other clamping member of the clamping members (47), and then setting the positions of the protrusions (49) of the clamping member (47) such that the second primary insulating block is fixed in the clamping member (47) and the intermediate plane of the first primary insulating block is spaced apart from the intermediate plane of the second primary insulating block by a spacing within an allowable range.

4. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The step of fixing the primary insulating block (3) to the support surface of the secondary insulating structure (2) includes the following steps: positioning the spacer (21) relative to the end of the secondary insulating structure (2).

5. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The positioning device (19) includes a plurality of spacers (21), and the spacers (21) among the plurality of spacers are arranged on the frame at regular intervals, wherein the step of arranging the positioning device (19) on the primary insulating block (3) includes: positioning each of the plurality of spacers (21) in an insertion position, in which each spacer is inserted between two adjacent primary insulating blocks among the plurality of primary insulating blocks (3), such that the spacer (21) maintains the spacing between the adjacent primary insulating blocks within an allowable range, and the spacer (21) is inserted between the adjacent primary insulating blocks.

6. The manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein, The support surface has a first support surface portion and a second support surface portion forming a corner portion. The first spacer among the plurality of spacers (21) is positioned in the following insertion position: in such an insertion position, the first spacer is inserted between two adjacent primary insulating blocks positioned on the first support surface portion, and the second spacer among the plurality of spacers (21) is positioned in the following insertion position: in such an insertion position, the second spacer is inserted between two adjacent primary insulating blocks positioned on the second support surface portion. The method further includes the step of fixing the first spacer and the second spacer together in a displaced state.

7. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, further including: The spacer and the primary insulation block (3) are fixed together such that the primary insulation block (3) and the spacer form an assembly that is fixed together in the event of displacement.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the spacer (21) is made of a material selected from wood and polymer materials.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 8, wherein, the polymer material is high-density polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the spacer (21) is displaced in a plane defined by a gap for insertion of the spacer (21) between two primary insulation blocks (3) to remove the spacer (21).

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