Insulating box for sealing an insulating tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermally insulated box (1) comprising a cover plate (3) and a bottom plate (2) spaced apart along the thickness direction (E) of the cover plate, side panels connecting the bottom plate and the cover plate along their edges to form an interior space, interior partitions dividing the interior space into compartments (6), a first compartment containing a thermally insulating filling of the first compartment, the thermally insulating filling comprising a block (13) of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam extending from the bottom plate to the cover plate and a first strip (20) of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, the first strip covering a lateral surface of the block of foam and being expandable to compensate for shrinkage of the block of foam.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sealed and insulated membrane tanks for storing and / or transporting fluids, such as cryogenic fluids.

[0002] Sealed and insulated membrane tanks are particularly suitable for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at about -162°C at atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the tanks can be used to transport liquefied natural gas or to receive liquefied natural gas which is used as fuel to propel the floating structure.

[0003] The present invention particularly relates to an insulated tank intended to form an insulated barrier of such a tank. BACKGROUND

[0004] In the prior art, sealed and insulated tanks for storing liquefied natural gas are known which are integrated into a support structure, such as a double hull of a ship intended for transporting liquefied natural gas. Such a tank generally has a multilayer structure which comprises, in succession in the thickness direction from the outside towards the inside of the tank: a secondary insulating barrier held on the support structure; a secondary sealing membrane resting against the secondary insulating barrier; a primary insulating barrier resting against the secondary sealing membrane; and a primary sealing membrane resting against the primary insulating barrier, intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.

[0005] It is known that such a tank can comprise an insulated tank comprising a bottom plate, a cover plate, side plates and an internal web delimiting a space containing perlite.

[0006] During use, the walls of the tank are subjected to a large number of loads. In particular, the walls are subjected to compression forces resulting from the loading of the tank, thermal stresses during cooling and forces resulting from the dynamic impact of the fluid contained in the tank. SUMMARY

[0007] The inventors have found that if the size of the tank increases, the forces resulting from the dynamic impact of the fluid contained in the tank also increase accordingly and, in this case, the insulated tanks of the prior art are prone to insufficient strength problems.

[0008] The inventors have developed a new type of insulated tank which has a higher mechanical strength than the currently known insulated tanks and which does not have a significant decrease in insulating performance.

[0009] Another idea behind the present invention is to provide an insulated tank which contains an insulating filler capable of compensating for thermal contraction in order to reduce thermal bridges.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, an insulated tank for a sealed and insulated tank intended to contain a liquefied gas is provided, the insulated tank comprising:

[0011] a cover plate and a bottom plate spaced apart along a thickness direction of the cover plate; a side plate connecting the bottom plate and the cover plate along an edge of the bottom plate and an edge of the cover plate to form an internal space; an internal partition plate dividing the internal space into compartments, a first compartment containing a thermal insulation filler filling the first compartment, the thermal insulation filler comprising: a fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam block extending from the bottom plate to the cover plate in such a way as to absorb a compression force applied on the cover plate along the thickness direction; and a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, covering a lateral surface of the foam block and being able to expand to compensate for shrinkage of the foam block.

[0012] Thanks to these features, the polyurethane foam block has a structural function of absorbing the compression force, thereby giving the thermal insulation tank particularly advantageous properties of resistance to compression applied on the thermal insulation tank along the thickness direction of the tank. Moreover, the thermal insulation tank has excellent thermal insulation properties, in particular in the presence of thermal expansion and shrinkage phenomena, such as those that can occur when such a thermal insulation tank is integrated into a tank containing liquefied gas at very low temperatures (as low as -162°C). In fact, when the fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam block shrinks due to thermal shrinkage phenomena, the compressible thermal insulation material initially in a compressed state relaxes, which prevents the formation of gaps that favor heat transfer.

[0013] Embodiments of such a thermal insulation tank can have one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation filler fills the first compartment and comprises one or more polyurethane foam thermal blocks and one or more strips of compressible thermal insulation material, each strip of compressible thermal insulation material being compressed between the one or more thermal blocks and the internal partition plate, the side plate or another polyurethane foam thermal block.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the internal partition plate is in contact with the bottom plate and the cover plate.

[0016] Therefore, the resistance to compression forces applied on the thermal insulation tank is increased.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, some internal partition plates are oriented along a first direction parallel to the thickness direction and other internal partition plates are oriented along a second direction parallel to the thickness direction, the first direction and the second direction being orthogonal to each other.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the internal partition plates comprise a first row of internal partition plates extending along a first direction and a second row of internal partition plates extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] In one embodiment of the application, the first row of internal partitions is in contact with the first side panel and with the second side panel facing the first side panel. In one embodiment of the application, the second row of internal partitions is in contact with the third side panel and with the fourth side panel facing the third side panel.

[0020] In one embodiment of the application, the internal partitions of the first row of internal partitions comprise a recess extending in the thickness direction of the insulated tank, and

[0021] The internal partitions of the second row of internal partitions comprise a recess extending in the thickness direction of the insulated tank in a complementary manner to the recess of the first row, and the internal partitions of the second row are inserted into the recess to secure the first and second rows of internal partitions in place.

[0022] In one embodiment of the application, the internal partitions extend from the bottom panel to the cover panel in such a way as to absorb the compression forces exerted on the cover panel in the thickness direction.

[0023] In one embodiment of the application, the internal partitions are made of plywood or composite material.

[0024] In one embodiment of the application, the thickness of each internal partition is between 9 mm and 15 mm, inclusive.

[0025] In one embodiment of the application, each compartment has a general shape of a parallelepiped, and preferably a general shape of a rectangular or square parallelepiped.

[0026] In one embodiment of the application, the fibres of the foam blocks are in the form of fibre mats, each fibre mat extending in a plane at an angle of between 80° and 100°, inclusive, to the bottom panel.

[0027] Thanks to these features, the insulated tank has enhanced resistance to compression in the thickness direction of the tank, which makes it possible to better absorb the compression forces exerted on the cover panel in the thickness direction. More precisely, this positioning of the fibre mats, compared to foam blocks comprising fibre mats extending in a plane at right angles to the side panels of the tank, results in an increase of about 15% in the resistance to compression of the insulated tank when it is cooled, that is to say when the tank is present in a tank containing a liquefied gas.

[0028] In one embodiment of the application, the fibre mats are positioned perpendicularly to the bottom panel and to the cover panel.

[0029] In one embodiment of the application, the fibres are glass fibres.

[0030] The fibre mats are fibrous composites comprising non-woven fibres arranged discontinuously and having the general shape of a foil or a strip. For example, the glass mats are made of non-woven glass fibres arranged discontinuously.

[0031] In one embodiment of the application, the polyurethane foam block reinforced by fibers comprises between 5% and 20% of fibers by weight of the foam block, preferably between 7% and 13% of fibers.

[0032] In one embodiment of the application, the bottom plate, the cover plate and the side plates are made of plywood.

[0033] In one embodiment of the application, the compressible thermal insulation material is a material chosen from the following: glass wool, rock wool and polyester wadding, the preferred material being glass wool.

[0034] In one embodiment of the application, the thickness of the strip of thermal insulation material, after compression during installation, i.e. at ambient temperature, is between 5 mm and 20 mm, and preferably between 5 mm and 10 mm, the limits included.

[0035] The ambient temperature is generally between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius, the limits included.

[0036] In one embodiment of the application, the level of compression of the strip of thermal insulation material in its thickness direction is between 5% and 30%. Thanks to this particular range, a good thermal insulation without convection phenomena is achieved, and the collapse phenomenon of the thermal insulation block is greatly reduced relative to a compression degree higher than this range. Indeed, the higher the level of compression, the greater the force exerted on the wall, which can therefore lead to the collapse of the walls of the thermal insulation box.

[0037] In one embodiment of the application, the thermal insulation filler comprises a second strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, which covers a second side face of the foam block.

[0038] In one embodiment of the application, the second side face of the foam block is adjacent and perpendicular to the first side face.

[0039] In one embodiment of the application, the thermal insulation filler comprises a third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, which covers a third side face of the foam block.

[0040] In one embodiment of the application, the thermal insulation filler comprises a third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, which covers a fourth side face of the foam block, the first, second, third and fourth strips forming a lateral cladding that laterally surrounds the foam block. The foam block is thus located in the center of the compartment.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment of the application, all the compartments of the thermally insulated box are filled with a thermally insulating filling comprising the first, second, third and fourth strips of compressible thermal insulation material in the arrangement described above. Thanks to these features, the mechanical behavior of the thermally insulated box comprising the thermally insulating filling is uniform. In other words, the thermally insulated box resists compression in the thickness direction of the thermally insulated box, regardless of the distribution and position of the compression forces exerted on the cover plate.

[0042] In an embodiment of the application, the first, second, third or fourth strip is compressed between a surface of the foam block and the side panel.

[0043] In an embodiment of the application, the first, second, third or fourth strip is compressed between a surface of the foam block and the internal partition.

[0044] In an embodiment of the application, the first, second, third or fourth strip is compressed between a surface of the first foam block and a surface of the second fibrous polyurethane foam block.

[0045] In an embodiment of the application, the thermally insulating filling comprises four fibrous polyurethane foam blocks, each foam block being arranged in a respective corner of the compartment, the four foam blocks being spaced apart from each other by a strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, the strip comprising the first strip.

[0046] In an embodiment of the application, in the arrangement described above, all the compartments of the thermally insulated box are filled with four foam blocks and strips of compressible thermal insulation material. Thanks to these features, the mechanical behavior of the thermally insulated box is uniform, i.e. the thermally insulated box resists compression in the thickness direction of the thermally insulated block, regardless of the distribution and position of the compression forces on the cover plate. Thus, the thermally insulated box has excellent compression resistance properties in the thickness direction of the thermally insulated box. Furthermore, the phenomenon of collapse of the internal partitions is greatly reduced when the foam blocks are positioned against the internal partitions.

[0047] In an embodiment of the application, the compartments have one or more features indicated for the first compartment independently of each other.

[0048] In an embodiment of the application, the compartments comprise:

[0049] - a peripheral compartment adjacent to at least one side panel,

[0050] - a central compartment delimited by internal partitions, the first compartment being one of the central compartments,

[0051] The peripheral compartments and the central compartment each comprise a thermally insulating filling of the peripheral compartments and of the central compartment, each thermally insulating filling comprising: a block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam extending from a floor to a cover in such a way as to absorb a compression force exerted in the thickness direction on the cover; and a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state covering a lateral surface of the block of foam and capable of expanding to compensate for shrinkage of the block of foam.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, each lateral panel of the peripheral compartments is in direct contact with the block of foam. In other words, the thermally insulating filling does not comprise any strip of compressible thermal insulation material between the block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam and the corresponding lateral panel.

[0053] Thanks to these features, if a compression force is exerted on the cover, the phenomenon of collapse of the lateral panel in direct contact with the block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam is greatly reduced.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the direct contact of the peripheral compartments with the block of foam is achieved by gluing.

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, the thermally insulating filling of each central compartment comprises four strips of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, located between the respective internal partition and the block of foam. In other words, the four strips laterally surround the block of foam.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the compartment comprises a group of compartments formed by a first compartment, a second compartment, a third compartment and a fourth compartment, the first compartment being adjacent to the second compartment and to the third compartment, and the fourth compartment being adjacent to the second compartment and to the third compartment,

[0057] The first compartment comprises: a first compression strip located between a first lateral face of the block of foam and a first internal partition separating the first compartment and the second compartment; a second strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state located between a second lateral face of the block of foam, adjacent to the first lateral face, and a second internal partition separating the first compartment and the third compartment,

[0058] The second compartment comprises: a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state located between a first lateral face of the second block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam and the third internal partition; a fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state located between a fourth lateral face of the second block of foam and the first lateral panel,

[0059] The third compartment comprises: a second strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state located between a second lateral face of the third block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam and the fourth internal partition; a third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state located between a third lateral face of the third block of foam and the second lateral panel,

[0060] The fourth compartment comprises: a fourth strip of compressible insulating material in a compressed state, between a fourth side of the fourth block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam and the internal partition separating the fourth compartment from the third compartment; a third strip of compressed glass wool, between a third side of the fourth block of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam and the internal partition separating the fourth compartment from the second compartment.

[0061] Thanks to these features, the insulating box has excellent compression resistance properties in the thickness direction of the insulating box.

[0062] In one embodiment of the application, the compartments comprise two to ten groups of compartments juxtaposed to each other, preferably four to eight groups of compartments, for example six groups of compartments.

[0063] In one embodiment of the application, the compartments further comprise one or more compartments of a group of compartments chosen from the first, second, third or fourth compartments.

[0064] In one embodiment of the application, the insulating box comprises between 9 and 36 compartments.

[0065] In one embodiment of the application, all the compartments of the same box comprise the above-mentioned insulating fillers.

[0066] In one embodiment of the application, the peripheral compartments on at least one side of the insulating box comprise the above-mentioned insulating fillers.

[0067] In one embodiment of the application, the peripheral compartments on two opposite sides of the insulating box comprise the above-mentioned insulating fillers.

[0068] In one embodiment of the application, all the peripheral compartments of the insulating box comprise the above-mentioned insulating fillers.

[0069] In one embodiment of the application, the compartments of the same insulating box comprise secondary compartments comprising insulating fillers different from the above-mentioned compartments, for example, compartments filled only with glass wool, rock wool, wadding or perlite. In one embodiment of the application, the central compartment is a secondary compartment.

[0070] In one embodiment of the application, the density of the blocks of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam is greater than 70 kg.m -3 , advantageously greater than 90 kg.m -3 , preferably greater than 110 kg.m -3 , more preferentially greater than 130 kg.m -3 .

[0071] Thanks to the above-mentioned features, the compression tests show that the compression resistance of the above-mentioned insulating box is improved by about 65% compared to conventional insulating boxes in the field of sealed insulating tanks for storing liquefied gases.

[0072] One embodiment of the application also provides a sealed and insulated tank intended to contain a liquefied gas, said tank comprising a tank wall comprising: an insulated barrier intended to be fixed to a support structure and a sealing membrane fixed against the insulated barrier, said insulated barrier comprising an insulated box as described above.

[0073] In one embodiment of the tank, the tank wall comprises, in order in the thickness direction of the tank wall from the outside to the inside of the tank: a secondary insulated barrier held on the support structure; a secondary sealing membrane resting against the secondary insulated barrier; a primary insulated barrier resting against the secondary sealing membrane; and a primary sealing membrane resting against the primary insulated barrier and intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.

[0074] In one embodiment of the tank, the secondary insulated barrier comprises an insulated box as described above. In one embodiment, the secondary insulated barrier comprises a plurality of insulated boxes as described above, preferably juxtaposed to each other.

[0075] Thanks to these features, the evaporation rate of the liquefied gas, also called boil-off rate (B.O.R.), is reduced when the tank contains a liquefied gas such as LNG. Indeed, the reinforced polyurethane foam (RPUF) has excellent thermal properties at temperatures higher than -110°C, in particular better than glass wool.

[0076] In one embodiment of the tank, the primary insulated barrier comprises an insulated box as described above. In one embodiment of the application, the primary insulated barrier comprises a plurality of insulated boxes as described above, preferably juxtaposed to each other.

[0077] One embodiment of the tank has one or more features of the sealed and insulated tank described in document FR3110949, in which at least one secondary insulating block or at least one primary insulating block is replaced by one of the insulated boxes as described above.

[0078] Such a device can form part of an onshore or underwater storage installation, or be installed in a floating structure in the coastal or deep waters, in particular a ship, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, etc. Such a device can also be used as a fuel tank in any type of onshore vehicle or ship.

[0079] In one embodiment of the application, a ship for transporting a liquefied gas, preferably LNG, comprises a double hull and an insulated tank as described above disposed in the double hull.

[0080] One embodiment of the present application also provides a system for the transport of a liquefied gas, preferably LNG, comprising a vessel of this type, a heat-insulated pipe arranged in such a way as to connect a sealed and heat-insulated tank installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore installation, and a pump for driving the flow of the liquefied gas, preferably LNG, through the heat-insulated pipe from the floating or onshore storage installation to the sealed and heat-insulated tank installed in the hull of the vessel or vice versa.

[0081] One embodiment of the present application also provides a method for loading or unloading a vessel of this type, in which the liquefied gas, preferably LNG, is transported through the heat-insulated pipe from a floating or onshore storage installation to a sealed and heat-insulated tank installed in the hull of the vessel or vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] The application will be better understood and other objects, details, features, and advantages of the application will become more apparent from the following description, given, by way of non-limiting indication only and with reference to the drawings in which:

[0083] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective partial view of the heat-insulated tank, in which the heat-insulating filler has been intentionally omitted.

[0084] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the heat-insulated tank in

[0085] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the heat-insulated tank on plane I in Figure 2

[0086] Figure 4 is Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on plane II-II of the embodiment of the heat-insulated tank of

[0087] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 4 of the heat-insulated tank according to the second embodiment.

[0088] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5 of the heat-insulated tank according to the third embodiment.

[0089] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to Figure 6 of the heat-insulated tank according to the fourth embodiment.

[0090] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank of a vessel and of a terminal for loading / unloading said tank.​

[0091] Figure 9 A sealed insulated tank wall according to an embodiment of the application is shown.

[0092] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an insulated tank according to another embodiment of the application. Figure 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of an insulated tank is described.

[0094] The insulated tank 1 is for example made of wood and has a rectangular parallelepiped overall shape.

[0095] The insulated tank 1 comprises a bottom plate 2 and a cover plate 3, for example made of plywood. The bottom plate 2 faces the cover plate 3 and is at a distance from the cover plate in the thickness direction E.

[0096] The cover plate 3 comprises two grooves 33 intended to receive a welding support for welding a primary sealing film or a secondary sealing film.

[0097] The distance between the bottom plate 2 and the cover plate 3 is maintained by four side plates 4, which are opposite two by two and which connect the bottom plate 2 and the cover plate 3 along the edges of the bottom plate 2 and the edges of the cover plate 3, to form an internal space 5 of the insulated tank 1.

[0098] The internal partitions divide the internal space 5 into compartments 6. Figures 1 to 4 The illustrated insulated tank has 28 compartments. The number of compartments can also be greater or less than 28, according to the size of the insulated tank required or the number of compartments required.

[0099] The partitions are in contact with the bottom plate 2 and the cover plate 3 to obtain a higher resistance to compression in the thickness direction E of the insulated tank 1.

[0100] The internal partitions comprise a first series of rows parallel to the first side plate 7 and to the second side plate 8. Each row of the first series of rows comprises continuous rigid partitions 9 extending from the third side plate 10 to the fourth side plate 11 facing the third side plate 10.

[0101] The internal partitions comprise a second series of rows perpendicular to the first rows, that is to say parallel to the third side plate 10 and to the fourth side plate 11. Each row of the second series of rows comprises discontinuous rigid partitions 12 arranged in the spaces formed between two rows parallel to the first series of rows and in the spaces formed between a row of the first series of rows and the third side plate 10 or the fourth side plate 11.

[0102] ​According to an alternative embodiment of the application, the continuous rigid partitions 9 of the first series of rigid partitions comprise a series of notches, and the discontinuous rigid partitions 12 are replaced by continuous rigid partitions comprising a series of notches complementary to the first series of notches, so that the first series of partitions and the second series of partitions are installed in the interior space 5 of the thermal box 1 by nesting them therein. The patent document FR2867831B1, and in particular the figures Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 of this document depict a device of this type with notches.

[0103] Each compartment 6 of the thermal box 1 contains a thermal filler that fills said compartment 6, that is to say, the thermal filler completely fills the compartment 6.

[0104] Each thermal filler comprises a block of fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam 13, which has a rectangular parallelepiped overall shape, and comprises a strip 20 of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, for example a strip of glass wool.

[0105] At least 60% of the fibers in the foam block 13 extend in a direction at an angle of approximately 90° to the floor 2. Due to this orientation of the fibers, the thermal box 1 has an increased resistance to compression in the thickness direction of the thermal box 1, from Figure 3 it can be seen that Figure 3 represents the application of a compression force on the cover 3 of the thermal box 1. In Figure 3 it is seen that the foam blocks 13 have a structural function, since they contribute to the absorption of the compression force applied in the thickness direction of the thermal box 1.

[0106] The foam block 13 is located in the center of the compartment 6, and four strips of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, such as glass wool, are positioned and arranged against the four respective sides of the foam block 13. The four sides of the foam block 13 are completely laterally covered by the four strips.

[0107] In other words, said strips comprise a first strip 14 of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, which covers a first face of the foam block 13, a second strip 15 of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, which covers a second face of the foam block 13, a third strip of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, which covers a third face of the foam block 13, and a fourth strip 17 of compressible thermal material in a compressed state, which covers a fourth face of the foam block 13.

[0108] From Figure 2 it can be seen that, in particular, the compartments comprise peripheral compartments adjacent to at least one lateral wall, comprising four corner peripheral compartments 61 located at the four corners of the thermal box 1.

[0109] Each corner peripheral compartment 61 comprises a first strip 14 and a second strip 15 located between the respective first and second surfaces of the foam block 13 and the side panel. A third strip 16 is located between the third surface of the foam block 13 and the continuous rigid partition 9. A fourth strip 17 is located between the fourth surface of the foam block 13 and the discontinuous rigid partition 12.

[0110] In the embodiment represented here, seven peripheral compartments 62 are adjacent to a single side panel, that is to say, each comprises a first strip 20 of compressible thermal insulation material in the compressed state located between the side panel and the foam block 13, and:

[0111] - a second and third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in the compressed state located between the foam block 13 and two continuous rigid partitions 9, and a fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material in the compressed state located between the foam block 13 and a discontinuous rigid compartment 12,

[0112] - or a second and third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in the compressed state located between the foam block 13 and two discontinuous rigid partitions 12, and a fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material in the compressed state located between the foam block 13 and a continuous rigid partition 9.

[0113] Figure 2 As can be seen, in particular in the compartment 6, the central compartment 63 is also comprised, each compartment being delimited by two continuous rigid partitions 9 and two discontinuous rigid partitions 12. A first and second strip 20 of compressible thermal insulation material is located between the foam block 13 and the respective first and second rigid partitions 9, and a third and fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material is located between the foam block 13 and the respective first and second discontinuous partitions 12.

[0114] Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 elements as those depicted in Figures 1 to 4 are not systematically described again and each embodiment has the same reference numerals, but each reference numeral is incremented by 100.

[0115] Figure 5 The variant embodiment of the thermal box 101 represented differs from the embodiment represented in Figures 1 to 4 in that each side panel 107, 108, 110, 111 of the peripheral compartments 161 and 162 is in direct contact with the foam block 113, that is to say, there is no strip 120 of compressible thermal insulation material between the foam block 113 of the peripheral compartments 161 and 162 and the corresponding side panel. This greatly reduces the phenomenon of collapse of the side panels 107, 108, 110, 111 when the thermal box 101 is subjected to pressure.

[0116] Figure 6 The variant embodiment of the insulated box 211 illustrated differs from the reference Figures 1 to 4 The described embodiment differs in that the insulating fillings in the compartments are arranged according to this set of compartments as per Figure 6 the schematic views (a), (b), (c) and (d) defined in the description.

[0117] The compartments in schematic view (a) and in schematic view (c) are adjacent to the compartments in schematic views (b) and (c). This set of four compartments has a rectangular overall shape in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6

[0118] The set of four compartments each comprises two strips 220 of compressible insulating material positioned against two adjacent surfaces of the block of fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam 213.

[0119] The two strips in each compartment are arranged so that for two compartments adjacent to each other in a translation direction parallel to the X axis or to the Y axis, the two strips of one of the two compartments correspond to the image of the two strips of the other compartment, said image being obtained by combining the symmetries with respect to an axis parallel to the translation direction and passing through the center of the compartment and the translation in the translation direction.

[0120] In other words, each of the two strips 220 of compressible insulating material in each of the set of four compartments is located between the block of foam 213 and:

[0121] - a side wall, a continuous rigid partition 209 or an interrupted rigid partition 212, so as not to be positioned against a common partition, for example the same continuous rigid partition 209,

[0122] - and / or the same discontinuous rigid partition 212.

[0123] In other words, the two strips 220 of compressible insulating material in compartment (a) are not positioned against the same partition, for example the discontinuous rigid partition 212 or the continuous rigid partition 209, as the two strips in compartments (b) and (c).

[0124] The two strips in compartment (b) are not positioned against the same partition as the two strips in compartments (a) and (d).

[0125] The two strips in compartment (c) are not positioned against the same partition as the two strips in compartments (a) and (d).

[0126] The two strips in compartment (d) are not positioned against the same partition as the two strips in compartments (c) and (b).

[0127] Figure 10 The variant embodiment of the insulated box 401 illustrated differs from the reference​Figure 6 The difference of the embodiment shown consists in the compartments marked "N", that is to say some of the peripheral compartments 462 and the central compartment 463, are secondary compartments, which comprise a different thermally insulating filler than the compartments (a) or (c), for example the compartment "N" is filled with glass wool, wadding or perlite.

[0128] In Figure 10 a variant not depicted, only the central compartment is a secondary compartment, the peripheral compartments being compartments having the characteristics described above, for example as shown in the diagrams (a), (b), (c) and (d).

[0129] Figure 7 The variant embodiment of the thermally insulated tank 301 shown differs from Figures 1 to 4 the embodiment shown in that the thermally insulating filler comprises four blocks of fibre-reinforced polyurethane foam 313, each block being arranged in a respective corner of the same compartment 306.

[0130] In Figure 7 the embodiment, the four blocks of foam 313 in the same compartment 306 are mutually spaced apart by three cross-shaped strips 220. A first strip spans the width at a central horizontal of the compartment 306, and two strips perpendicular to the first strip face each other and are mutually spaced apart by the first strip.

[0131] As Figure 7 depicted in, this arrangement of the thermally insulating filler is repeated in all the compartments 306 of the thermally insulated tank 301.

[0132] According to a variant not represented, the four blocks of foam 313 in the same compartment 306 are mutually spaced apart by four strips 220 of compressible thermally insulating material, in such a way as to form a cross, in a manner similar to that depicted in Figure 7 .

[0133] The thermally insulated tanks described above are intended to be integrated into a sealed thermally insulated storage tank, which is intended to contain a liquefied gas, such as LNG.

[0134] Reference is made to Figure 9 to describe a multilayer structure of a sealed thermally insulated storage tank.

[0135] A tank of this type generally comprises a secondary thermally insulating barrier 30 held on a support structure (not shown in Figure 9 ), a secondary sealing membrane 31 resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier 30, a primary thermally insulating barrier 32 resting against the secondary sealing membrane 31 and a primary sealing membrane 33 resting against the primary thermally insulating barrier 32 and intended to come into contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank, the thermally insulated tanks described above being integrated into the primary and / or secondary thermally insulating barrier.

[0136] In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary insulation barrier 30 includes the juxtaposed insulation boxes as described above.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary insulation barrier 30 includes the aforementioned insulation box and other insulation boxes filled with glass wool, rock wool, or perlite, and is capable of having features other than the aforementioned insulation box.

[0138] In one embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned insulation box is preferably disposed in the tank at the level of at least some edges between the surfaces of the tank and / or at the level of the ceiling of the tank.

[0139] In one embodiment of the invention, the primary insulation barrier 32 includes insulation boxes as described above, arranged side by side.

[0140] In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary sealing membrane 31 comprises a continuous layer of metal strips with raised edges. The raised edges of the metal strips are welded to parallel weld supports, which are fixed in grooves 33 in the cover plate 3 of the insulation box as described above. The metal strips are, for example, made of... Made from: an alloy of iron and nickel, with a coefficient of thermal expansion typically between 1.2 and 10. -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 Ferroalloys with a coefficient of thermal expansion between 7 and 10 (including the extreme values), or those with high manganese content, typically have a coefficient of thermal expansion between 7 and 10. -6 and 10.10 -6 K -1 Between (including end values).

[0141] In a similar manner, the primary sealing membrane 33 comprises a continuous layer of metal strips with raised edges. The raised edges of the metal strips are welded to parallel weld supports, which are fixed in grooves 33 within the cover plate 3 of the insulation box as described above. The metal strips are, for example, made of... Made from: an alloy of iron and nickel, with a coefficient of thermal expansion typically between 1.2 and 10. -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 Ferroalloys with a coefficient of thermal expansion between 7 and 10 (including the extreme values), or those with high manganese content, typically have a coefficient of thermal expansion between 7 and 10. -6 and 10.10 -6 K -1 Between (including end values).

[0142] refer to Figure 8, a cross-sectional view of the methane carrier 70 shows a generally prismatic shaped, sealed, thermally insulated tank 71 mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship. The walls of the tank 71 comprise a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas, such as LNG, contained in the tank, a secondary sealing barrier arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two thermal barriers arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier, respectively, and between the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull 72.

[0143] In a manner known per se, the loading / unloading duct 73, arranged on the upper deck of the ship, can be connected to the sea or to the port terminal by means of suitable connectors, to transport the cargo of liquefied gas, such as LNG, to and from the tank 71.

[0144] Figure 8 An example of a sea terminal is shown, comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater duct 76 and an onshore plant 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore plant comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 that can be connected to the loading / unloading duct 73. The orientable mobile arm 74 is suitable for all sizes of methane carrier. The connecting ducts, not shown, extend inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 enables the methane carrier 70 to be loaded and unloaded from the onshore plant 77. Said onshore plant comprises a liquefied gas storage tank 80 and connecting ducts 81 that are connected to the loading or unloading station 75 via the underwater duct 76. The underwater duct 76 enables the transport of liquefied gas over a large distance, for example 5 km, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore plant 77, which enables the methane carrier 70 to remain at a large distance from the coast during the loading and unloading operations.

[0145] The pumps on board the ship 70 and / or equipped with the onshore plant 77 and / or equipped with the loading and unloading station 75 are used to generate the pressure required to transport the liquefied gas.

[0146] Although the present application has been described in relation to particular embodiments, it is clear that this application is in no way limited to these embodiments and includes all technical equivalents and combinations of the described devices if these fall within the scope of the application as defined by the claims.

[0147] The use of the verb "comprise" or "to comprise", and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claims.

[0148] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. An insulated tank for sealing an insulated storage tank intended to contain a liquefied gas, the insulated tank (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) comprising: - a cover plate (3) and a bottom plate (2) spaced apart along a thickness direction of the cover plate, - side plates (7, 8, 10, 11) connecting the bottom plate and the cover plate along edges of the bottom plate and edges of the cover plate to form an internal space (5), - internal partitions (9, 12) dividing the internal space into compartments (6, 61, 62, 63), a first compartment containing an insulating filling of the first compartment, the insulating filling comprising: - blocks of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) extending from the bottom plate to the cover plate in such a way as to absorb compression forces exerted on the cover plate along the thickness direction (E), and - a first strip (14) of compressible insulating material in a compressed state covering a side surface of the blocks of foam (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) from the bottom plate to the cover plate and capable of expanding to compensate for shrinkage of the blocks of foam (13, 113, 213, 313, 413).

2. The insulated tank of claim 1, wherein the internal partitions are in contact with the bottom plate and the cover plate.

3. The insulated tank of claim 1 or 2, the fibers of the blocks of foam being in the form of fiber mats, each of the fiber mats extending in a plane at an angle of between 80° and 100° inclusive to the bottom plate.

4. The insulated tank of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the insulating filling comprises a second strip (15) of compressible insulating material in a compressed state covering a second side of the blocks of foam.

5. The insulated tank of claim 4, wherein the insulating filling comprises a third strip (16) of compressible insulating material in a compressed state covering a third side of the blocks of foam.

6. The insulated tank of claim 5, wherein the insulating filling comprises a fourth strip (17) of compressible insulating material in a compressed state covering a fourth side of the blocks of foam, the first, second, third and fourth strips forming a lateral cladding laterally surrounding the blocks of foam.

7. The insulated tank of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the insulating filling comprises four blocks of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam, each block being disposed in a respective corner of the compartment, the four blocks being spaced apart from one another by strips of compressible insulating material in a compressed state, the strips comprising the first strip.

8. The insulated tank of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the compartment comprises: - a peripheral compartment (61, 62, 161, 162, 261, 262, 361, 362, 462) adjacent to at least one of the side plates, - a central compartment (63, 163, 263, 363, 463) delimited by internal partitions, said first compartment being one of said central compartments, each of said peripheral compartments and said central compartments comprises a thermal insulation fill filling said peripheral compartments and said central compartments, each thermal insulation fill comprising: a fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam block extending from said floor to said ceiling in such a way as to absorb compression forces exerted on said ceiling in said thickness direction; and a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state, said first strip covering a lateral surface of said foam block and being expandable to compensate for shrinkage of said foam block.

9. The thermally insulated box of claim 8, wherein each side panel of said peripheral compartments is in direct contact with said foam block.

10. The thermally insulated box of claim 8, wherein the thermal insulation fill of each central compartment comprises four strips of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between said internal partitions and said foam block.

11. The thermally insulated box of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said compartments comprise a set of compartments formed by a first compartment (a), a second compartment (b), a third compartment (c) and a fourth compartment (d), said first compartment (a) being adjacent to said second compartment (b) and said third compartment (c), and said fourth compartment (d) being adjacent to said second compartment (b) and said third compartment (c), said first compartment comprising: a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a first side of said foam block and a first internal partition separating said first compartment and said second compartment; a second strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a second side of said foam block adjacent to said first side and a second internal partition separating said first compartment and said third compartment, said second compartment comprising: a first strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a first side of a second fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam block and a third internal partition; a fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a fourth side of said second foam block and a first side panel, said third compartment comprising: a second strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a second side of a third fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam block and a fourth internal partition; a third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a third side of said third foam block and a second side panel, said fourth compartment comprising: a fourth strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a fourth side of a fourth fibrous reinforced polyurethane foam block and an internal partition separating said fourth compartment and said third compartment; a third strip of compressible thermal insulation material in a compressed state between a third side of said fourth foam block and an internal partition separating said fourth compartment and said second compartment.

12. A sealed and insulated tank intended to contain a liquefied gas, the tank (71) comprising a tank wall, the tank wall comprising: Thermal insulation barrier (30, 32) intended to be fixed to a support structure and a sealing membrane (31, 33) fixed against said thermal insulation barrier, said thermal insulation barrier comprising a thermal insulation box as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vessel (70) for transporting a cold liquid product, said vessel comprising a double-hulled ship (72) and a tank (71) as claimed in claim 12, said tank being arranged in said double-hulled ship.

14. A method of using a vessel (70) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said liquefied gas is transported through thermal insulation pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) from a floating or onshore storage installation (77) to said tank (71) of said vessel (70) or from said tank to said storage installation, to load or unload said vessel.

15. A transport system for cold liquid products, the system comprising: A vessel (70) as claimed in claim 13; thermal insulation pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged so as to connect said tank (71) mounted in the hull of said vessel to a floating or onshore installation (77); and a pump for driving a flow of cold liquid product through said thermal insulation pipes from said floating or onshore storage installation to said tank of said vessel or from said tank to said storage installation.

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