A method of installing a rigid foam fill for an LNG membrane tank

By using rigid polyurethane foam fillers combined with airbag pressurization technology, the problems of cumbersome operation and damage risk during the installation of rigid foam fillers for LNG membrane tanks have been solved, achieving a more efficient and precise installation effect and improving the sealing and heat insulation performance of the LNG storage and transportation system.

CN116447497BActive Publication Date: 2026-07-10JIANGSU YOKE LNG ENG CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
JIANGSU YOKE LNG ENG CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-04-21
Publication Date
2026-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The installation process of existing rigid foam fillers for LNG membrane tanks is cumbersome, easily damages the insulation module, and uneven glue application leads to inaccurate installation, affecting system performance.

Method used

Rigid foam fillers made of polyurethane foam are cut and uniformly coated with adhesive, and then pressurized with airbags to ensure complete curing and uniform pressing of the adhesive, avoiding the use of rigid wedges.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies the installation process, improves work efficiency, ensures stable adhesion between rigid foam fillers and insulation modules, and enhances the system's sealing and thermal insulation performance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of installation methods of LNG film tank rigid foam filling piece, comprising: (1) according to the gap width between the two insulation modules of LNG film tank, rigid foam filling piece is cut, and cutting rigid foam filling piece is obtained;(2) the two contact surfaces of cutting rigid foam filling piece and LNG film tank are coated with glue, and the glued rigid foam filling piece is obtained;(3) the glued rigid foam filling piece is installed between the two insulation modules of LNG film tank;(4) the gap between the other side LNG film tank insulation module and the side of the glued rigid foam filling piece which is not glued is evenly installed with air bag, the air bag is inflated, and the glued rigid foam filling piece is compressed;(5) after the glue is completely cured, the gas in the air bag is released, and the air bag is removed, and the installation method is obtained.The application installation method is simple to operate, more efficient, more accurate installation, and can effectively protect the side of rigid foam filling piece and insulation module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of LNG membrane tank installation technology, and more specifically to a method for installing rigid foam fillers in LNG membrane tanks. Background Technology

[0002] The primary containers for large-scale LNG storage on land are large onshore storage tanks. Membrane tanks offer advantages such as high modularity, rapid construction, large capacity, and low evaporation rate. The main performance indicators for LNG storage and transportation systems are system sealing, thermal insulation, and electrical insulation, ensuring these indicators to reduce LNG evaporation during storage. For the construction of LNG membrane tanks, ensuring these three indicators is the primary objective.

[0003] During the construction of LNG membrane tanks, the following steps are performed sequentially: concrete foundation construction, moisture-proof layer construction, insulation module installation, and rigid foam filler installation, followed by secondary shielding membrane bonding and main layer membrane corrugated plate welding. Rigid foam fillers are primarily installed in the gap between two insulation modules to ensure the thermal and moisture insulation performance of the main layer. Traditionally, rigid foam fillers are installed by inserting glass wool along with the rigid foam filler between the two insulation modules. However, because glass wool is easily compressed and cannot fully support the rigid foam filler to press the applied adhesive, it is necessary to first insert a rigid wedge with a certain angle into the gap between the un-adhesive side of the filler and the adjacent insulation module, and then use a hammer to tap the rigid wedge to firmly attach the filler to the insulation module.

[0004] However, this method is cumbersome to operate manually, involves a large workload, requires careful adjustments, and has low efficiency. Furthermore, the insertion of rigid wedges can easily damage the insulating modules and rigid foam fillers, and improper adhesive application can lead to significant adhesive overflow after installation, greatly burdening cleanup. In addition, the angled rigid wedges make it impossible to ensure perfectly perpendicular striking during installation, causing displacement of the filler and preventing complete adhesion of the epoxy resin, thus affecting the performance of the entire LNG storage and transportation system.

[0005] Therefore, how to develop an installation method for rigid foam fillers in LNG membrane tanks is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an installation method for rigid foam fillers in LNG film tanks, so as to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A method for installing rigid foam filler in an LNG membrane tank includes the following steps:

[0009] (1) Based on the gap width between the two insulation modules of the LNG membrane tank, the rigid foam filler is cut to obtain the cut rigid foam filler;

[0010] (2) Apply adhesive to the two contact surfaces of the cut rigid foam filler and the LNG membrane tank to obtain an adhesive-coated rigid foam filler;

[0011] (3) Install the glued rigid foam filler between the two insulation modules of the LNG membrane tank;

[0012] (4) Install the airbag evenly into the gap between the uncoated side of the rigid foam filler and the LNG membrane tank insulation module on the other side, inflate the airbag, and press the rigid foam filler tightly.

[0013] (5) After the glue has completely cured, release the gas inside the airbag, remove the airbag, and you will get the product.

[0014] Furthermore, in step (1) above, the material of the rigid foam filler is the same as that of the LNG membrane tank insulation module, which is polyurethane foam.

[0015] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the polyurethane foam material selected in this invention can improve the integrity of the LNG membrane tank insulation module and enhance the overall thermal insulation performance.

[0016] Furthermore, in step (1) above, the cutting width of the rigid foam filler is smaller than the gap width between the two insulating modules of the LNG membrane tank.

[0017] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that it ensures that sufficient gaps are left for glass wool filling.

[0018] Furthermore, in step (2) above, a disc-shaped adhesive is applied to the side of the cut rigid foam filler that contacts the moisture barrier of the LNG membrane tank, and the adhesive is evenly applied to the entire side of the cut rigid foam filler that contacts the insulation module of the LNG membrane tank.

[0019] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that it ensures complete bonding between the cut rigid foam filler and the moisture-proof layer of the LNG membrane tank, as well as the side of the cut rigid foam filler that contacts the insulation module of the LNG membrane tank.

[0020] Furthermore, the application density of the aforementioned disc-shaped adhesive is determined based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the application area; for areas where adhesive is applied evenly across the entire surface, a scraper is used to apply the adhesive evenly in that area.

[0021] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that it ensures that the adhesive completely overflows after pressing.

[0022] Furthermore, the aforementioned adhesive is a two-component epoxy resin adhesive.

[0023] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the two-component epoxy resin adhesive selected in this invention can ensure the stability between the cut rigid foam filler and the LNG membrane tank insulation module after curing.

[0024] Furthermore, in step (3) above, the side of the cut rigid foam filler with glue evenly applied is pressed tightly against the side of the adjacent LNG membrane tank insulation module, and the cut rigid foam filler is pressed down until its upper surface is flush with the surface of the LNG membrane tank insulation module. At the same time, the side of the cut rigid foam filler with disc-shaped glue is bonded to the moisture-proof layer of the LNG membrane tank.

[0025] Furthermore, in step (4) above, the number of airbags is determined based on the length of the installed adhesive-coated rigid foam filler.

[0026] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that the airbag selected in this invention can ensure that the cutting rigid foam filler is subjected to uniform pressure, thereby fully fitting the LNG membrane tank insulation module.

[0027] Furthermore, in step (4) above, the airbag includes a manual air pump and an inflatable airbag. Even further, the inflatable airbag is an octagonal TPU rubber airbag.

[0028] The advantage of adopting the above-mentioned further technical solution is that it makes airbag installation and removal more convenient.

[0029] Furthermore, in step (4) above, the glue is inflated until it completely overflows on the side of the rigid foam filler that contacts the LNG membrane tank insulation module.

[0030] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0031] 1. This invention separates the installation process of rigid foam filler from glass wool and provides a new adhesive application scheme and a fixing method during adhesive curing, eliminating the risk of damage to rigid foam filler caused by rigid wedges.

[0032] 2. This invention applies uniform pressure in the vertical direction to the pressure surface of the rigid foam filler by using an airbag, preventing installation position deviation and incomplete glue bonding caused by pressure direction deviation and uneven pressure distribution.

[0033] 3. The installation method of this invention is simple to operate, more efficient, and more precise, and can effectively protect both the rigid foam filler and the side of the insulation module at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the MARK III type LNG membrane tank enclosure system.

[0035] Among them, 1-concrete base and moisture-proof layer (referred to as moisture-proof layer), 2-insulation module, 3-rigid foam filler, 4-airbag. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example

[0037] The installation method for rigid foam fillers in LNG membrane tanks includes the following steps:

[0038] (1) Based on the gap width of 110mm between the two insulation modules 2 of the LNG membrane tank, the rigid foam filler 3 is cut to a width of 100mm, and sufficient glass wool is left to fill the gap, so as to obtain the cut rigid foam filler 3; wherein, the material of the rigid foam filler 3 is the same as that of the insulation module 2 of the LNG membrane tank, which is polyurethane foam.

[0039] (2) The distance between the outer surface of the rigid foam filler 3 and the moisture barrier layer 1 of the LNG membrane tank is 220mm, so the thickness of the rigid foam filler 3 is cut to be 220mm; a disc-shaped two-component epoxy resin adhesive is applied to the side of the rigid foam filler 3 that contacts the moisture barrier layer 1 of the LNG membrane tank, and the coating density is determined according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the coating area; a scraper is used to evenly apply two-component epoxy resin adhesive to the side of the rigid foam filler 3 that contacts the insulation module 2 of the LNG membrane tank, ensuring that the adhesive completely overflows after pressing, and the glued rigid foam filler 3 is obtained.

[0040] (3) Based on the length of the LNG membrane tank insulation board module 2 being 3000mm, the length of the rigid foam filler 3 is cut to be 3000mm. The side of the rigid foam filler 3 with two-component epoxy resin glue is evenly coated and pressed against the side of the adjacent LNG membrane tank insulation module 2. The rigid foam filler 3 is pressed down until its upper surface is flush with the surface of the LNG membrane tank insulation module 2. At the same time, the side of the rigid foam filler 3 with two-component epoxy resin glue is coated with a disc shape and then bonded to the moisture-proof layer 1 of the LNG membrane tank.

[0041] (4) Determine the number of airbags 4 according to the length of the installed rigid foam filler 3. The length of each airbag 4 is 20mm. According to the calculation, at least one airbag 4 should be placed every 1000mm to make the two insulation modules 2 of the LNG membrane tank evenly stressed. Therefore, at least 3 airbags 4 are required. Distribute the airbags 4 evenly. Install the airbags 4 connected to the manual inflation pump evenly into the gap between the uncoated side of the rigid foam filler 3 and the insulation module 2 of the LNG membrane tank on the other side. Inflate the airbags 4 until the glue on the side of the rigid foam filler 3 in contact with the insulation module 2 of the LNG membrane tank is completely overflowed. Press the rigid foam filler 3 tightly. The airbag 4 is an octagonal TPU rubber airbag.

[0042] (5) After the two-component epoxy resin adhesive has reached the required curing time of 24 hours, release the gas in the airbag 4 and remove the airbag 4 to obtain the product.

[0043] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for installing rigid foam filler in an LNG membrane tank, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: (1) Based on the gap width between the two insulation modules of the LNG membrane tank, the rigid foam filler is cut to obtain the cut rigid foam filler; The rigid foam filler is made of the same material as the LNG membrane tank insulation module, which is polyurethane foam. (2) Apply a disc-shaped adhesive to the side of the cut rigid foam filler that contacts the moisture barrier of the LNG membrane tank, and apply adhesive evenly to the entire side of the cut rigid foam filler that contacts the insulation module of the LNG membrane tank to obtain an adhesive-coated rigid foam filler. The adhesive is a two-component epoxy resin adhesive; (3) Apply glue evenly to the side of the rigid foam filler and press it against the side of the adjacent LNG membrane tank insulation module. Press the rigid foam filler down until its upper surface is flush with the surface of the LNG membrane tank insulation module. At the same time, apply the side of the rigid foam filler with the round cake-shaped glue to the moisture-proof layer of the LNG membrane tank. (4) Install the airbag evenly into the gap between the uncoated side of the glued rigid foam filler and the LNG membrane tank insulation module on the other side, inflate the airbag, and press the glued rigid foam filler tightly. The airbag includes a manual air pump and an inflatable airbag; the inflatable airbag is an octagonal TPU rubber airbag. Inflate until the glue completely overflows from the side of the rigid foam filler that contacts the LNG membrane tank insulation module; (5) After the glue has completely cured, release the gas inside the airbag and remove the airbag.

2. The installation method of the rigid foam filler for an LNG membrane tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (1), the cutting width of the rigid foam filler is smaller than the gap width between the two insulating modules of the LNG membrane tank.

3. The installation method of the rigid foam filler for an LNG membrane tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (2), the coating density of the disc-shaped adhesive is determined based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the coating area; the area where the adhesive is uniformly coated is coated with adhesive using a scraper.

4. The installation method of the rigid foam filler for an LNG membrane tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (4), the number of airbags is determined based on the length of the installed adhesive-coated rigid foam filler.