Sealed and insulated tank for storing and / or transporting liquefied gas

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealed and insulated tank (1) for storing and / or transporting a liquefied gas, the tank comprising successively from the inside towards the outside: a fluid-tight and self-supporting inner reservoir (2) having an outer surface and an inner surface for being in contact with the liquefied gas; an insulating barrier (5) covering the outer surface of the inner reservoir, the insulating barrier being fixed to the inner reservoir; an outer fluid-tight membrane (6) covering the outer surface of the insulating barrier, the outer fluid-tight membrane comprising a sheet of metal provided with bellows or corrugations (8), the outer fluid-tight membrane being fixed to the insulating barrier or to the inner reservoir, wherein an intermediate space located between the inner reservoir and the outer fluid-tight membrane contains a gas phase under negative pressure to cause the outer fluid-tight membrane to bear against the outer surface of the insulating barrier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulated tanks. In particular, it relates to sealed and thermally insulated tanks for the storage and / or transport of liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures, such as tanks for transporting liquid hydrogen, which is at approximately -253°C at atmospheric pressure but can also be stored at higher pressures. These tanks can be installed in fixed locations or on any land or floating vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), a type of stationary liquefied hydrogen storage tank is known in the prior art. This tank comprises two sealed, rigid, and self-supporting shells, one of which is embedded inside the other. Because the two shells are very thick, using this technology to manufacture large-capacity tanks involves very high material costs and manufacturing difficulties. Specifically, such tanks require significant human resources to both manufacture the tanks and perform quality control, particularly on the weld joints, thus greatly increasing the cost of manufacturing the tanks.

[0003] US-A-4050609 discloses a spherical liquefied gas storage tank that continuously comprises, from the inside to the outside:

[0004] An internal reservoir, which is sealed and self-supporting, has an outer surface and an inner surface for contact with liquefied gas.

[0005] An isolation barrier covers the outer surface of the internal storage unit and is attached to the internal storage unit.

[0006] An external sealing membrane that covers and attaches to the outer surface of the barrier.

[0007] For the external sealing membrane, US-A-4050609 uses aluminum sheets bonded to the plywood of the insulating block by adhesive bonding, along with fiberglass fabric connectors. However, this external sealing membrane is fragile and easily torn at the fiberglass fabric connectors covering the studs. Therefore, it is not conceivable to place the insulating barrier under a vacuum. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A fundamental concept of this invention is to provide a sealed and isolated container with double-sealed barriers for containing liquefied gases, suitable for providing high thermal insulation for storing very cold products, such as liquid dihydrogen at ambient pressure. Another fundamental concept is to provide a sealed and isolated container that can be manufactured at a competitive cost, even for very large capacities.

[0009] Therefore, according to embodiments, the present invention provides a sealed and isolated tank for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases, the tank continuously comprising, from the inside to the outside:

[0010] An internal reservoir, which is sealed and self-supporting, has an outer surface and an inner surface for contact with liquefied gas.

[0011] An isolation barrier covers the outer surface of the internal storage unit and is attached to the internal storage unit.

[0012] An external sealing membrane covers the outer surface of the barrier. The external sealing membrane includes a sheet metal element with corrugations or corrugations to allow for elastic deformation. The external sealing membrane is attached to the barrier or an internal reservoir.

[0013] The intermediate space between the internal reservoir and the external sealing membrane contains a gaseous substance under low pressure to press the external sealing membrane against the outer surface of the barrier.

[0014] These features allow for the creation of varying degrees of high vacuum within the insulation barrier, enhancing its thermal insulation performance. Furthermore, the outer sealing membrane is constructed with bellows or corrugations, enabling the absorption of dimensional changes through elastic deformation without the risk of tearing. Specifically, these dimensional changes can be caused by: thermal contraction of the tank as it cools when filled with cold liquid; and the compressive force resulting from the difference between atmospheric pressure and the pressure existing within the intermediate space housing the insulation barrier, all while the intermediate space is under vacuum.

[0015] Furthermore, since the outer membrane covers the surface of the barrier, its dimensions are unaffected by resistance to cargo pressure, atmospheric pressure, or the low pressure of gaseous substances in the intermediate space. In other words, a very thin membrane can be used. Additionally, this type of tank allows for a reduction in the pressure exerted on the internal storage compartment. In fact, compared to the situation where atmospheric pressure would not be transmitted to the outer surface of the internal storage compartment, the pressure exerted on the internal storage compartment is reduced by, for example, 100 kPa.

[0016] According to a particular implementation, the sealed and isolated container has one or more of the features described below, which may be employed individually or in any technically possible combination of one or more. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will be better understood from the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, provided by way of non-limiting illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features, and advantages of the invention will become clearer.

[0018] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sealed and isolated tank according to the first embodiment.

[0019] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This illustrates a sealed and isolated container according to the second embodiment. Figure 1 A similar view.

[0020] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of a corrugated metal sheet that can be used as an external sealing membrane.

[0021] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an isolation block that can be used to form an isolation barrier.

[0022] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 A perspective view of a can with partial removal according to another embodiment.

[0023] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This illustrates a sealed and isolated can with supporting legs. Figure 1 A similar view.

[0024] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This illustrates a sealed and isolated tank equipped with a suspension element. Figure 1 A similar view.

[0025] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a can according to another embodiment, in the case of partial removal.

[0026] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 The diagram shows a sealed and isolated tank with a grid-like structure featuring internal reinforcement. Figure 1 Similar illustrations.

[0027] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a sealed and isolated tank according to another embodiment.

[0028] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 It is a schematic perspective view of a transport ship including a sealed and isolated tank as a fuel storage container.

[0029] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the tank wall equipped with support legs.

[0030] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 A mechanical coupling that can be used for the tank wall according to an embodiment is shown.

[0031] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 The first embodiment is shown. Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the isolation barrier maintained by the mechanical coupling.

[0032] [ Figure 15 ] Figure 15 It is based on the second embodiment and Figure 14 A similar view. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Several embodiments of sealed and isolated tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases will now be described. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar or identical elements.

[0034] Sealed and insulated containers can have various shapes, such as prismatic shapes with flat portions, as shown in most of the figures below, or spherical shapes, or even cylindrical shapes, the guide lines of which can be circular or polygonal. In the case of cylindrical containers, the axial ends of the container can be closed by flat walls or hemispherical walls. Sealed and insulated containers can also have bi-lobed shapes or other shapes.

[0035] For example in Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, tank 1 continuously comprises, from the inside to the outside:

[0036] - An internal reservoir 2, which is sealed and self-supporting, has an outer surface 4 and an inner surface 3 for contact with liquefied gas.

[0037] - Isolation barrier 5, which covers the outer surface 4 of the internal storage 2, and is attached to the internal storage 2.

[0038] - External sealing film 6, which covers the outer surface 7 of the barrier 5.

[0039] The outer sealing membrane 6 includes a sheet element provided with corrugations or corrugations 8 to allow for elastic deformation. The outer sealing membrane 6 is attached to the insulating barrier 5.

[0040] The intermediate space between the internal reservoir 2 and the external sealing membrane 6 contains gaseous material under low pressure, in addition to the isolation barrier 5, to press the external sealing membrane 6 against the outer surface 6 of the isolation barrier 5.

[0041] The internal storage unit 2 is self-supporting and defines an internal space 9 that directly accommodates the liquefied gas cargo. For this purpose, a technique similar to that used in Type C tanks can be employed, understood within the meaning of the International Maritime Organization's IGC regulations. However, unlike Type C tanks, the internal storage unit 2 has a single wall in the thickness direction, rather than double walls.

[0042] Internal storage 2 can be designed to have capacities that vary considerably depending on the requirements of the intended application, for example, having between approximately 10 3 m 3 With 10 5 m 3 Between the capacities, or with even greater capacities.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the internal storage device may include a metal housing having a thickness greater than 10 mm, or even greater than 20 mm. Preferably, the thickness is less than 50 mm.

[0044] The internal storage unit can be made of materials selected from the following: non-alloy steel and low-alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel-containing steel alloys with a low coefficient of thermal expansion (e.g., ...). And manganese-containing steel alloys and aluminum with low coefficients of thermal expansion.

[0045] Preferably, the internal reservoir is sized to withstand a relative internal pressure greater than 200 kPa or even greater than 1000 kPa. This size allows for the storage of liquefied gases under pressure and thus increases the storage duration without vapor leakage.

[0046] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the internal reinforcement is attached to the inner surface 3 of the internal storage unit 2.

[0047] The reinforcement is used to increase the pressure resistance of the internal reservoir 2. The reinforcement can be manufactured in different ways. According to one embodiment, the internal reinforcement includes protruding ribs located on the inner surface 3. According to another embodiment, when the can has a parallelepiped shape, the ribs located at the corners have the form of circular arcs that turn inwards towards the interior of the internal reservoir 2.

[0048] According to the implementation method, for example Figure 9 As shown, the internal reinforcement includes a rod-shaped member 11 that extends between opposite sides of the inner surface 3 to form a lattice structure 10.

[0049] For example, an example of such a lattice structure 10 is described in publication WO-A-2020021212.

[0050] Unlike the can with a rigid double-sided enclosure described in the introduction, the outer sealing membrane 6 is not self-supporting and comprises a metal sheet that is much thinner than the inner reservoir 2. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the outer sealing membrane 6 is less than 2 mm, for example, equal to 1 mm or 1.5 mm.

[0051] The outer sealing membrane 6 can be made of various metals. According to an embodiment, the sheet metal is made of an alloy selected from the following: non-alloy steel and low-alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel-containing steel alloys with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and manganese-containing steel alloys with a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

[0052] Specifically, steel can be made from... In other words, steel metal can be made from an alloy comprising approximately 64% iron and 36% nickel, typically with a strength between 1.2 × 10⁻⁶. -6 K -1 With 2×10 -6 K -1 The coefficient of thermal expansion of iron-nickel alloys is typically around 7 × 10⁻⁶. -6 K -1 With 9×10 -6 K -1 It is made of an iron alloy with a high manganese content.

[0053] The sheet metal forming the outer sealing membrane 6 is provided with bellows or corrugated sections 8. These bellows or corrugated sections 8 can protrude toward the interior of the tank 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, or it may protrude outwards toward the outside of tank 1, as shown. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Alternatively, a bellows or corrugated sections extending alternately in two directions can be used.

[0054] The bellows or corrugated portion 8 allows the outer sealing membrane 6 to elastically deform. The outer sealing membrane 6 has elastic deformation capacity, allowing it to follow movement caused, particularly due to thermal contraction of the inner reservoir. According to an embodiment, at ambient temperature, the outer sealing membrane 6 has an elastic deformation capacity greater than 0.2%, preferably between 0.2% and 1.8%, in at least one direction perpendicular to the thickness, preferably in any direction perpendicular to the thickness. The deformation capacity of the outer sealing membrane 6 is calculated based on the deformation of the inner reservoir 2, and is therefore calculated by multiplying the coefficient of thermal expansion of the inner reservoir 2 by the operating temperature change. For example, an elastic deformation capacity of 0.3% can correspond to the coefficient of thermal expansion of steel, i.e., 11 × 10⁻⁶. - 6 mm / mm.K multiplied by 273K.

[0055] Therefore, the outer sealing membrane 6 may include a series of parallel corrugated portions or preferably two series of parallel corrugated portions, the two series having corresponding intersecting or perpendicular directions in the middle plane of the sheet metal. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a sheet metal plate 15 comprising two series of corrugated sections. The sheet metal plate 15 is, for example, made of 1.2 mm thick stainless steel. The corrugation can be achieved by bending.

[0056] According to this embodiment, the outer sealing film 6 is corrugated and includes a first series of parallel corrugated portions 16 and flat portions 18, the flat portions 18 being located between the parallel corrugated portions and resting on the isolation barrier 5, the parallel corrugated portions 16 being arranged parallel to the first direction.

[0057] According to the implementation method, the corrugations of the first series of corrugations and / or the second series of corrugations may be continuous or discontinuous.

[0058] According to this embodiment, the outer sealing film 6 also includes a second series of parallel corrugated portions 17 and flat portions 18, the flat portions 18 being located between the parallel corrugated portions 17 and resting on the isolation barrier 5, the parallel corrugated portions 17 being arranged perpendicular to the first direction.

[0059] The outer sealing membrane 6 can be produced by assembling multiple sheet metal plates 15 in a sealed manner via lap welding over the entire required range. Thus, a corrugated portion extending continuously from one sheet metal plate to the next can be obtained on the entire surface covered by the outer sealing membrane 6.

[0060] Alternatively, the corrugations can be formed discontinuously, for example by stamping. An example of a metal film with discontinuous corrugations can be found in publication JPS55139597.

[0061] Furthermore, the sheet metal 15 is typically flat and suitable for the flat surface of a polyhedron. It is understood, of course, that the sheet metal may be bent along one or more radii of curvature, depending on the geometry of the tube wall to be covered, which may be, for example, spherical or cylindrical. The corrugations 16 and / or 17 can therefore follow the bending guideline.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the outer sealing film 6 has a generally spherical shape, and for example, the first direction corresponding to the parallel corrugated portion 17 is a meridional direction. According to another embodiment, the outer sealing film 6 has a generally cylindrical shape, and for example, the first aspect corresponding to the parallel corrugated portion 17 is an axial direction. According to yet another embodiment, the outer sealing film 6 has a generally prism or parallelepiped shape, and for example, the first aspect corresponding to the parallel corrugated portion 17 is a longitudinal direction.

[0063] The following describes an embodiment of the isolation barrier 5. The isolation barrier 5 is attached to the inner reservoir 2, and the outer sealing film 6 is attached to the isolation barrier. The isolation barrier 5 is sized to be held under vacuum and has a certain degree of deformation, which must not exceed the elastic elongation capacity of the outer sealing film 6. The isolation barrier 5 preferably covers the entire outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2.

[0064] Various structures and materials can be used for this purpose. According to an embodiment, the insulating barrier 5 includes materials selected from the following: polymer foams, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene foam (whether or not fiber-reinforced), melamine foam (also known as BASOTECT foam); mineral wool, polyester or cellulose wadding (e.g., glass wool, rock wool), perlite, fumed silica, compacted silica and aerogel.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the insulating barrier 5 is made of a material selected from mineral wool, polyester filler, and cellulose filler. For example, these materials have a thickness between 200 mm and 400 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 300 mm.

[0066] This insulating material can be deposited directly onto the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2 without pretreatment. For example, mineral wool, polyester filler, and cellulose filler can be deposited directly onto the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2, for example, in the form of parallel strips. According to another example, polymer foam can be directly polymerized on the entire outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2 in situ.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the strips of glass wool or filler are connected to each other by stitching, for example, using threads made of glass, composite materials or plastic.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the insulating barrier 5 is pre-compressed in the thickness direction between the inner reservoir 2 and the outer sealing membrane 6. This pre-compression is applied via a mechanical coupling described below.

[0069] Specifically, when the insulating barrier 5 is made of a compressible material such as mineral wool, polyester filler, or fiber bundle filler, the pre-compression stress allows for better support of the outer sealing membrane 6. The pre-compression stress is, for example, between 0.1 MPa and 0.2 MPa.

[0070] Precompression refers to the stress that exists before the intermediate space is placed under low pressure, and this stress can increase the additional pressure on the isolation barrier 5 through the outer sealing membrane 6.

[0071] Modular manufacturing of the barrier 5 facilitates the standardization of methods for placing the barrier in place.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the isolation barrier 5 includes a thermal insulation element disposed on the outer surface 4 of the internal reservoir 2.

[0073] In implementation, for example Figure 4 As shown, the thermal insulation element 20 includes:

[0074] The first plate 21 is adjacent to the outer surface 4 of the internal storage unit 2.

[0075] The second plate 22 is parallel to the first plate 21 and spaced apart from the first plate 21 in the thickness direction of the thermal insulation element 20. The second plate 22 is adjacent to the outer sealing film 6.

[0076] A heat-insulating liner 23 is placed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0077] The thermal insulation lining comprises, for example, a polymer foam with a sufficient relative density to withstand small compressive forces associated with the pressure difference between the ambient atmosphere and the intermediate space, while also considering a safety margin. According to an embodiment, the relative density is between 40 kg / m³. 3 With 90kg / m 3 Between, preferably between 40 kg / m 3 With 70kg / m 3 Between, for example, equal to 50 kg / m 3 Polymer foams can be, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene compounds, or polyethylene or polypropylene foams, whether or not they are reinforced with glass fibers.

[0078] Plates 21 and 22 may be made of plywood or composite materials. Plates 21 and 22 may be bonded to the thermal insulation liner 23 by adhesive bonding.

[0079] The juxtaposed thermal insulation elements may have inter-plate spaces. It is necessary to insert a seal into these spaces to ensure the continuity of the insulation barrier. The seal may be made of, for example, glass wool. In other words, in the can according to the invention, the insulation barrier 5 can exhibit material continuity. This material continuity is ensured by the insulating material, such as a thermal insulation lining. Minimal space is filled so that no gaps are left in the barrier. Therefore, the insulation barrier 5 is continuous in all directions, i.e., in the thickness direction of the can and in directions perpendicular to that thickness direction. This continuity in directions perpendicular and parallel to the surface of the can exists at least in one layer of the insulation element.

[0080] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation element includes a thermal insulation liner, which is made of, for example, the aforementioned material, and is arranged in the form of a layer parallel to the outer surface of the internal reservoir. The insulation liner is, for example, perlite, silica aerogel, or a mixture thereof.

[0081] In one implementation, the support element rises through the thickness of the thermal insulation liner to absorb forces. (Applicable to...) Figure 4 In the example of the heat insulation element shown, the support element is arranged between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22, and

[0082] A thermal insulation liner 23 is disposed between the support elements. When support elements are present, the relative density of the thermal insulation liner 23 can be reduced because the support elements at least partially absorb the force.

[0083] In another embodiment, for example Figure 5 As shown, the thermal insulation element is manufactured in the form of a box-shaped component 40, which includes a first plate 41, a second plate 42, and a side plate 43 extending between the first plate 41 and the second plate 42 to enclose the internal space of the box-shaped component 40. The internal space of the box-shaped component 40 is filled with the thermal insulation lining.

[0084] Since the box-shaped component 40 is subjected to compressive forces, the thermal insulation lining (not shown) can be any non-structural material, such as powder, perlite, glass wool, etc.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the support element includes a support partition that divides the interior space into a plurality of compartments filled with thermal insulation lining and holds the first plate 41 at a distance from the second plate 42.

[0086] Further details relating to the manufacture of this isolation barrier can be found in publication WO-A-2017064426.

[0087] The rigid elements of the isolation barrier 5, such as box-shaped element 40, support elements, or plates 21 and 22, may be made of plywood or composite materials.

[0088] According to the implementation method, the thickness of the isolation barrier is greater than 200 mm, preferably between 200 mm and 800 mm.

[0089] Various solutions can be used to attach isolation barriers to internal storage devices.

[0090] According to the embodiment, the isolation barrier 5 is attached to the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2 by adhesive bonding, preferably via putty beads.

[0091] For example in Figure 5 The image shows putty beads 45, which are used to adhesively attach the box-shaped member 40 to the outer surface 4. These putty beads also allow for compensation of any areas of the outer surface 4 that are not perfectly flat.

[0092] According to the embodiment, the outer surface 4 of the internal reservoir 2 is supported by a plurality of mechanical couplings, and the isolation barrier 5 is attached to the outer surface 4 of the internal reservoir 2 through the mechanical couplings.

[0093] In particular, this mechanical coupling can be used in conjunction with juxtaposed thermal insulation elements. Therefore, Figure 5 Mechanical coupling 35 is shown, which is arranged at the corners of the thermal insulation element 40 and also at the corners of the box-shaped member 40. This mechanical coupling can hold the thermal insulation element in place via one or more of its areas, for example, at the bottom plate or cover plate. Therefore, in Figure 5 In this configuration, mechanical coupling 35 interacts with slats 36 resting on plate 41. Other mechanical couplings, such as those described in FR-A-2798902, may be used.

[0094] For example in Figure 5 As can be seen, the mechanical connectors can be used in conjunction with the adhesive bonding of the isolation barrier 5. It should also be noted that adhesive bonding is not essential when using mechanical connectors. Adhesive beads can be used to compensate for flatness defects on the outer surface 4.

[0095] Figures 13 to 15 A mechanical coupling 135 according to another embodiment is shown. The mechanical coupling 135 includes a rod-shaped portion 138 extending through the isolation barrier 5 along its thickness direction, and an end member 137 attached to an end of the rod-shaped portion 138 opposite to the internal reservoir and supported on the outer surface of the isolation barrier 5. Advantageously, an external sealing film 6 is attached to the end member 137.

[0096] More specifically, the mechanical coupling 135 includes a rod-shaped portion 138 and a first end member 136 and a second end member 137 disposed at both ends of the rod-shaped portion 138. The attachment of the rod-shaped portion 138 to the first end member 136 and the second end member 137 is achieved, for example, by screwing or clamping.

[0097] For example, mechanical couplings are made of metal. To limit heat conduction, non-metallic materials, such as composite materials, are preferably used, especially for rod-shaped portion 138.

[0098] The first end member 136 is attached to the outer surface of the internal reservoir 2 and supports the rod-shaped portion 138. For example, the first end member 136 is made of metal and is attached by welding.

[0099] The second end member 137 is attached to the other end of the rod-shaped portion 138 and has a wider cross-section than the rod-shaped portion 138, for support on the isolation barrier 5. Therefore, the mechanical coupling 135 can apply pressure to the isolation barrier 5 via the second end member 137, which includes, for example, a plate or a washer. The second end member 137 is, for example, made of a composite material or plastic.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the second end member 137 is made of metal, and this second end member 137 also allows the outer sealing membrane 6 to be welded to it. Therefore, the mechanical coupling 135 can be used to hold both the insulating barrier 5 and the outer sealing membrane 6 in place.

[0101] Figure 14 The interaction between the mechanical connector 135 and the insulating barrier 5 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the mechanical connector 135 passes through a thermal insulation element 140 of the insulating barrier 5, which is, for example, a block of insulating foam or a strip of glass wool or polyester filler.

[0102] Figure 15 The interaction between the mechanical coupling 135 and the insulating barrier 5 in the second embodiment is illustrated. In this case, the mechanical coupling 135 passes through a thermal insulating element 141 located between two thermal insulating elements 145. The thermal insulating element 141 has a shoulder 142 on each side portion, which presses against a corresponding protrusion of the adjacent thermal insulating element 145 to press the adjacent thermal insulating element 145 against the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2.

[0103] Undoubtedly, the mechanical couplings 135 exist in the form of multiple units, which are appropriately arranged, for example, in the form of parallel rows of couplings or in the form of mesh members having square or rectangular mesh portions, to hold the entire isolation barrier 5 on the inner reservoir 2. According to an embodiment, the mechanical couplings are spaced apart from each other by a distance between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. The mechanical couplings may or may not be used to hold the outer sealing membrane 6 in place. In an embodiment, some of the mechanical couplings perform this function, while others do not.

[0104] There are various possibilities for maintaining the outer sealing membrane 6 on the isolation barrier 5.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the thermal insulation element carries at least one metal portion on an external surface opposite to the internal reservoir, the metal portion being used to attach an external sealing film to the insulation barrier by welding the external sealing film onto the metal portion.

[0106] For example in Figure 5 This embodiment is shown in the figure, wherein a metal anchoring band 46 is attached to a cover plate 42 of a box-shaped member 40.

[0107] According to a variant not shown, the anchoring of the outer sealing membrane 6 is achieved using an insulating foam pad having a first end that attaches to the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2. The insulating foam pad includes a metal plate located at a second end opposite the first end, which is used for attaching the outer sealing membrane 6. For example, a protruding threaded rod is welded to the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2, and the insulating foam pad is attached to the threaded rod, for example, by screwing it into a threaded hole having a complementary shape.

[0108] As described, the isolation barrier 5 is positioned in an intermediate space that is sealed between the inner reservoir 2 and the outer sealing membrane 6, and this intermediate space contains gaseous substances under low pressure. This low pressure, i.e., partial vacuum, reduces heat transfer within the isolation barrier 5 and increases its thermal insulation performance.

[0109] According to the embodiment, the gaseous phase under low pressure has an absolute pressure of less than 1 kPa (10 mbar), preferably less than 0.1 kPa (1 mbar), at 15°C.

[0110] The low pressure of the gas phase can, for example, cause the external sealing membrane 6 to apply an additional compression of about 0.1 MPa on the isolation barrier 5.

[0111] Because the outer sealing membrane 6 is thin, it should not be used to support or suspend the tank 1.

[0112] Therefore, according to the embodiment, the tank 1 includes a support system for supporting the tank in the mounting, the support system including at least one support element having an inner portion attached to the inner reservoir 2 and an outer portion extending outside the outer seal 6, the support element 2 extending through the thickness of the insulating barrier 5 and sealingly passing through the outer sealing membrane 6.

[0113] According to the implementation method, for example in Figure 6 As shown, the support element 50 is attached to the lower portion of the internal reservoir 2, and the can 1 is supported by the support element 50. Therefore, the mounting element is, for example, a floor wall 52, on which the can 1 is supported via one or more support elements 50.

[0114] According to the implementation method, for example Figure 7 As shown, the support element 51 is attached to the upper portion of the internal reservoir 2, and the can 1 is suspended by the support element 51. Thus, the mounting element is, for example, a ceiling wall 53, under which the can 1 is suspended via one or more support elements 51.

[0115] Apart from Figure 6 and Figure 7 In addition to the location shown, similar support elements can be positioned at any suitable location in the inner reservoir 2. Thus, the tank 1 can also be attached to the vertical wall by means of a support that extends horizontally from one or more lateral sides of the inner reservoir 2.

[0116] Figure 8 An embodiment of a support leg 60 is shown, which can be used to manufacture support elements 50 or 51. The support leg 60 includes a base 61 attached, for example welded, to an outer surface 4 located between the thermal insulation elements forming the insulation barrier 5—in this case, a box-shaped element 40. The base 61 extends from the outer surface 4 through the thickness of the insulation barrier 5 to the height of the outer sealing membrane 6. The base 61 carries a metal sealing plate 62, which allows the entire outline of an opening made in the outer sealing membrane 6 (not shown) to be welded in a sealed manner. According to a variant, the base 61 is formed of an insulating material capable of supporting the metal sealing plate 62, such as wood or a fiberglass composite material. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows for the reduction of thermal bridges, which can impair the quality of the thermal insulation element.

[0117] The metal sealing plate 62 carries one or more legs 63 that protrude beyond the outer sealing membrane 6 and, depending on the position of the support legs 60 on the internal reservoir 2, allow interaction with the floor wall 52 or the ceiling wall 53. Further details relating to the manufacture of such support legs can be found in publication WO-A-2017174938.

[0118] Figure 12 Another embodiment of the support system is shown. The support system is a support leg 160, which includes a first inner portion 162 and a second outer portion 163, and a metal sealing plate 162 disposed between the first inner portion 162 and the second outer portion 163. The first inner portion 161 is located between the outer surface 4 of the inner reservoir 2 and the inner surface of the sealing membrane 6. The second outer portion 163 extends from the outer surface 7 of the insulating membrane 6 to an outer support 90, such as a floor. The first portion 161 is, for example, a wedge-shaped piece of wood or fiberglass, attached to the inner reservoir 2 and extending to the outer sealing membrane 6. The inner reservoir 2 rests on the first portion 161. Thus, the first portion specifically allows for limiting thermal bridges across the insulating barrier 5. The second portion 163 is, for example, a support made of metal, positioned facing the first portion. Thus, the support leg 160 allows for the support of the weight of the can or a portion thereof without causing the insulating elements of the insulating barrier 5 to break or deform. The number of support legs and the dimensions of the first section 161 and the second section 163 will be selected based on the shape and weight of the can. When multiple support legs 160 are required, the multiple support legs 160 may have the same or different dimensions from each other. A metal portion may be placed between section 161 and the shell 2 to better support the weight of the shell 2; this is not shown.

[0119] Figure 12 A welding area 95 is also shown, which is used to connect the outer sealing membrane 6 to the metal sealing plate 162.

[0120] As described, can 1 can have various shapes. Figure 10 The spherical tank is schematically shown in the figure. The portion 55 of the support element 50 is shown in dashed lines so that it is clear that portion 55 passes through the thickness of the insulating barrier 5, as already described.

[0121] This type of tank can be used to store various liquefied gases, such as liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and ammonia. Preferably, the sealed and insulated tank is used to contain dihydrogen ions.

[0122] Such tanks can be part of onshore storage facilities, for example, for storing hydrogen or LNG, or they can be installed on floating structures in coastal or deep water, particularly LNG carriers, floating storage and regasification units (FRSUs), remote floating production and storage units (FPSOs), etc. According to embodiments, onshore storage facilities are used to supply gas to electrical or thermal energy production facilities, for example, to supply electricity or heat to cities, or to supply gas to networks, for example, to supply natural gas to cities.

[0123] In particular, in land, air, or sea vehicles that include propulsion or energy production devices, a sealed and isolated tank 1 can be used as a fuel storage container for the propulsion or energy production device, such as... Figure 11 The reference is shown in the transport ship 70.

[0124] According to an embodiment, a transmission system for liquefied gas includes: the aforementioned transport vehicle; an isolation pipeline arranged to connect a fuel storage tank of the transport vehicle to a floating or land-based storage facility; and a pump for pumping a stream of liquefied gas fuel through the isolation pipeline from the floating or land-based storage facility to the fuel storage tank.

[0125] In the method for loading a transport vehicle as described above, liquefied gas fuel is transported from a floating or land-based storage facility to the fuel storage tank of the transport vehicle via an isolated pipeline.

[0126] For example, refer to Figure 11 The transport vessel 70 includes, for example, a sealed and insulated tank 1 of a generally prismatic shape, which is installed in the hull 72 of the transport vessel.

[0127] In a manner known per se, loading / unloading pipelines arranged on the upper deck of the transport ship are connected to the port terminal 75 by means of transmission pipeline 73 to transfer liquefied gas fuel cargo to tank 1.

[0128] To generate the pressure required for the transmission of liquefied gas, a pump on the transport ship 70 or / or a pump mounted to the port terminal 75 is used.

[0129] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and that the invention includes all the described technical equivalents of the apparatus and combinations thereof if such technical equivalents or combinations thereof fall within the scope of the invention.

[0130] The use of the verbs “comprising” or “including” and their variations does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those stated in the claims.

[0131] In the claims, any reference numerals in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed and isolated tank for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases, the tank continuously comprising, from the inside to the outside: An internal reservoir (2) is sealed and self-supporting, having an outer surface and an inner surface for contact with the liquefied gas. An isolation barrier (5) covers the outer surface of the internal storage unit and is attached to the internal storage unit. An external sealing membrane (6) covers the outer surface of the barrier, the external sealing membrane comprising a sheet metal element having corrugations or corrugations (8) to allow elastic deformation, the external sealing membrane being attached to the barrier or to the internal reservoir. The intermediate space between the internal reservoir and the external sealing membrane contains a gaseous substance under low pressure to press the external sealing membrane (6) against the outer surface of the isolation barrier (5). The low pressure includes the difference between the pressure inside the intermediate space and the atmospheric pressure.

2. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 1, wherein, The internal storage device (2) includes a metal housing having a thickness greater than 10 mm.

3. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal storage unit (2) is made of a material selected from the following: non-alloy steel and low alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel-containing steel alloy with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, manganese-containing steel alloy with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and aluminum.

4. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, An internal reinforcement (11) is attached to the inner surface of the internal reservoir.

5. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 4, wherein, The internal reinforcement (11) includes a protruding rib located on the inner surface (3).

6. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The internal reservoir (2) is sized to withstand a relative internal pressure greater than 200 kPa.

7. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tank also includes a support system for supporting the tank in the mounting (52, 53), the support system including at least one support element having an inner portion (61, 161) and an outer portion (63, 163), the inner portion being attached to the inner reservoir, the outer portion extending outside the outer sealing membrane (6), the support element extending through the thickness of the insulating barrier (5) and sealingly passing through the outer sealing membrane (6).

8. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 7, wherein, The support element is attached to the lower portion of the internal reservoir, and the tank is supported by the support element.

9. The sealed and isolated container according to claim 7, wherein, The support element is attached to the upper portion of the internal reservoir, and the tank is suspended by the support element.

10. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The isolation barrier (5) comprises a material selected from the following: polymer foam, mineral wool, polyester filler or cellulose filler, perlite, fumed silica, compacted silica and aerogel.

11. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The insulating barrier (5) is made of a material selected from mineral wool, polyester filler and cellulose filler.

12. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The isolation barrier (5) is pre-compressed in the thickness direction between the inner reservoir (2) and the outer sealing membrane (6).

13. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The insulation barrier includes a thermal insulation element that is disposed on the outer surface of the internal reservoir.

14. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 13, wherein, The thermal insulation element includes a thermal insulation liner arranged in the form of a layer parallel to the outer surface of the internal reservoir.

15. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 14, wherein, The thermal insulation element is manufactured in the form of a box-shaped component, which includes a first plate (41), a second plate (42), and a side plate (43) extending between the first plate and the second plate to enclose the internal space of the box-shaped component, the internal space of which is filled with the thermal insulation lining.

16. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 13, wherein, The thermal insulation element has at least one metal portion (46) on its outer surface opposite to the internal reservoir, the metal portion being used to attach the external sealing film to the insulation barrier by welding the external sealing film onto the metal portion.

17. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thickness of the isolation barrier (5) is between 200 mm and 800 mm.

18. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outer surface (4) of the internal reservoir is supported by a plurality of mechanical couplings, and the isolation barrier (5) is attached to the outer surface of the internal reservoir via the mechanical couplings.

19. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 18, wherein, The mechanical connector includes a rod-shaped portion (138) and an end member (137), the rod-shaped portion (138) passing through the isolation barrier (5) along the thickness direction of the isolation barrier, and the end member being attached to one end of the rod-shaped portion (138) opposite to the internal reservoir and supported on the outer surface of the isolation barrier (5).

20. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 19, wherein, The external sealing membrane (6) is attached to the end component (137).

21. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thickness of the external sealing film (6) is less than 2 mm.

22. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sheet metal part is made of an alloy selected from the following alloys: non-alloy steel and low alloy steel, stainless steel, nickel-containing steel alloy with a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and manganese-containing steel alloy with a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

23. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The external sealing film (6) is corrugated, and the external sealing film (6) includes a first series of parallel corrugated portions (16) and portions located between the first series of parallel corrugated portions and resting on the isolation barrier, wherein the parallel corrugated portions of the first series of parallel corrugated portions are arranged parallel to a first direction.

24. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 23, wherein, The external sealing membrane also includes a second series of parallel corrugated portions (17) and a flat portion, the flat portion being located between the parallel corrugated portions of the second series of parallel corrugated portions and resting on the isolation barrier, the parallel corrugated portions of the second series of parallel corrugated portions being arranged perpendicular to the first direction.

25. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 23, wherein, The external sealing film (6) has a generally spherical shape and the first direction is a meridional direction, or the external sealing film has a generally cylindrical shape and the first direction is an axial direction, or the external sealing film has a generally parallelepiped shape and the first direction is a longitudinal direction.

26. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At ambient temperature, the external sealing membrane (6) has an elastic deformation capacity greater than 0.2% in at least one direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the external sealing membrane (6).

27. The sealed and insulated container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The gaseous substance under low pressure has an absolute pressure of less than 1 kPa at a temperature of 15°C.

28. A land-based storage facility, wherein, The land-based storage facility includes a sealed and isolated tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. A means of transport, whether by land, air, or sea, wherein, The vehicle includes a propulsion or energy production device and a sealed and isolated tank according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the tank serving as a fuel storage container for the propulsion or energy production device.

30. The means of transport according to claim 29, wherein, The means of transport is a transport ship (70).

31. Use of a sealed and insulated container according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the container being used for storing and / or transporting dihydrogen compounds.

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