Sealed and insulated tank comprising a non-horizontal tank wall and method of assembling the tank wall

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealed and insulated tank comprising a non-horizontal tank wall (1) and to an assembly method for assembling a non-horizontal tank wall. The secondary sealing membrane (4) of the tank wall comprises a row of panels (8), each panel (8) having two raised edges (8H, 8L). The primary insulation barrier (5) of the tank wall comprises primary insulation elements (11). The primary insulation elements (11) comprise a bottom gap (99). The bottom gap (99) receives the two raised edges (8H, 8L), a portion of a welding support (48) and a stop block. An inner wall (99A) of the bottom gap (99) abuts against an abutment surface of the stop block and a first support surface of the stop block, opposite the abutment surface, is supported on the raised edge (8H).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealed and insulated tanks with membranes. In particular, this invention relates to sealed and insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures, such as tanks for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (also known as LPG) having temperatures, for example, between -50°C and 0°C, or tanks for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) at temperatures of about -162°C at atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed on shore or on floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tank can be used to transport liquefied gases or to receive liquefied gases used as fuel for propelling the floating structure. Background Technology

[0002] A sealed and insulated tank is known from related art, comprising a plurality of tank walls defining an internal space of the tank. Each tank wall, in its thickness direction, sequentially includes a secondary insulation barrier held on a support wall, a secondary sealing membrane disposed against the secondary insulation barrier, and a primary insulation barrier disposed against the secondary sealing membrane. The secondary sealing membrane comprises metal plates welded in pairs by protruding edges projecting toward the interior of the tank. The primary insulation barrier comprises juxtaposed primary insulation elements, each including a bottom slot for receiving the protruding edges of the plates.

[0003] In such a tank, when the support wall is not horizontal and the primary insulation element is anchored only to the secondary insulation barrier and the support wall by anchoring devices, it is desirable to avoid displacement of the primary insulation element due to slippage on the plates of the secondary sealing membrane caused by gravity and possibly by acceleration due to the movement of the ship at sea.

[0004] In fact, this slippage can cause a variety of problems, such as localized concentration of undesirable strain on the row plates, or even damage to the welded areas between the rows plates. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One idea of ​​this invention is to provide a membrane tank wall structure that can solve at least some of the problems mentioned above. Another idea of ​​this invention is to provide a membrane tank wall structure that is simple and reliable to assemble.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a sealed and insulated can, the can including a plurality of can walls defining an internal space of the can, the can walls including a non-horizontal can wall held on a non-horizontal support wall, the non-horizontal can wall including, in a thickness direction, a secondary heat insulation barrier held on the non-horizontal support wall, a secondary sealing membrane disposed against the secondary heat insulation barrier, and a primary heat insulation barrier disposed against the secondary sealing membrane, the secondary sealing membrane including a pair of welded metal plates, each of the plates having two raised edges at two opposite ends of the plate extending in a first direction and projecting toward the interior of the can, the primary heat insulation barrier including juxtaposed primary heat insulation elements, wherein the secondary heat insulation barrier includes a top surface and a groove, the top surface forming a support surface for the secondary sealing membrane, the groove being formed on the top surface and extending in the first direction, wherein a welded support is inserted into the groove such that a top portion of the welded support protrudes from the top surface, wherein The first and second columns of the plates are positioned on both sides of the welding support, such that the top portion extends between the first raised edge of the first column and the second raised edge of the second column. A first direction is inclined or orthogonal to the upward direction of the non-horizontal support wall, and the upward direction is parallel to the direction of the greater slope of the non-horizontal support wall. The first and second raised edges are welded to the top portion of the welding support. A primary insulation element includes a bottom slit extending along the first direction. The first raised edge, the second raised edge, and the top portion of the welding support are received in the bottom slit. The first raised edge is higher than the second raised edge in the upward direction. The bottom slit also receives a stop block, which includes an abutment surface pointing in the upward direction and a first support surface opposite to the abutment surface. The inner wall of the bottom slit abuts against the abutment surface of the stop block, and the first support surface of the stop block supports the first raised edge.

[0007] By means of these features, the stop block tends to prevent or at least limit the displacement of the primary insulation element caused by slippage on the first column plate, i.e., slippage on the column plate with the first raised edge.

[0008] According to an embodiment, such a sealed and insulated container may include one or more of the following features.

[0009] The secondary thermal barrier can be formed in various ways. According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal barrier includes juxtaposed secondary thermal insulation elements. The secondary thermal insulation element includes a top surface that forms part of a support surface for a secondary sealing membrane. Grooves may be formed in the secondary thermal insulation element and appear on the top surface.

[0010] According to one implementation, the non-horizontal support wall is a cofferdam wall, or another support wall that is vertical or inclined in the Earth's gravitational field, such as a longitudinal support wall.

[0011] According to one implementation, the first direction is a direction orthogonal to the upward direction, for example, the first direction is the lateral direction of a non-horizontal support wall.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first support surface is fixed to the first protruding edge, preferably by means of adhesion. This adhesion can be achieved using an adhesive element, such as an adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a shoulder pointing toward a first raised edge and a second raised edge. According to one embodiment in this case, a free end of the top portion of the weld support protrudes relative to the free ends of the first and second raised edges, the free end of the top portion of the weld support being opposite to the top surface. According to another embodiment in this case, the top portion of the weld support bends back toward one of the first and second raised edges.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes an end portion with a bevel pointing toward the first column plate.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a central portion, a first branch portion and a second branch portion, the first branch portion and the second branch portion extending on both sides of the central portion, two opposite surfaces of the first branch portion forming an abutment surface and a first support surface of the stop block, and the second branch portion including a second support surface, the second support surface being supported on a second protruding edge.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the beveled end portion is formed at the end of the first branch opposite to the central portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the second branch includes an edge of a second inclined surface pointing toward the second column plate, and the end portion of the second inclined surface is formed at the end of the second branch opposite to the central portion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first branch and the second branch are symmetrical about an axis of symmetry passing through the central portion.

[0019] Therefore, the first and second branches can be interchangeable, so that the function of the stop block is not affected by its direction of insertion into the bottom gap of the primary insulation element. This makes assembly even simpler for the operator.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the second branch is shorter than the first branch, and / or the second branch is not as thick as the first branch.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the central portion includes at least one inclined surface on the side opposite to the first branch and the second branch.

[0022] In some embodiments, the primary insulation element extends over a portion of a secondary membrane comprising a plurality of welded supports. In this case, the primary insulation element may include two or more bottom slits, each receiving one of the welded supports, and each of the bottom slits or some of the bottom slits may provide a stop block. Particularly noteworthy is that, according to one embodiment, the primary insulation element further includes a second bottom slit extending along a first direction and spaced apart from the first bottom slit in an upward direction. This spacing is equal to the width of the column plate.

[0023] In this configuration, the secondary insulation barrier includes a second groove exposed on the top surface and extending in a first direction. A second welded support is inserted into the second groove such that the top portion of the second welded support protrudes from the top surface. A first and third row of the columns are positioned on either side of the second welded support such that the top portion of the second welded support extends between a third raised edge of the third row and a fourth raised edge of the first row opposite to the first raised edge. The third and fourth raised edges are welded to the top portion of the second welded support. The primary insulation element also includes a second bottom slit extending in the first direction. The third raised edge, the fourth raised edge, and the top portion of the second welded support are received in the second bottom slit. The third raised edge is higher than the fourth raised edge in an upward direction. The second bottom slit receives a second stop block, which may be identical to the stop block. The inner wall of the second bottom slit abuts against the abutting surface of the second stop block, and a first supporting surface of the second stop block rests on the third raised edge.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides an assembly method for assembling a non-horizontal tank wall of a sealed and insulated tank. The non-horizontal tank wall, in its thickness direction, sequentially includes a secondary thermal barrier held on a non-horizontal support wall, a secondary sealing membrane disposed against the secondary thermal barrier, and a primary thermal barrier disposed against the secondary sealing membrane. The secondary sealing membrane includes paired welded metal plates, each of the plates having two raised edges extending in a first direction and projecting toward the interior of the tank at two opposite ends of the plate. The primary thermal barrier includes juxtaposed primary thermal insulation elements. The assembly method includes the following steps: - arranging the secondary thermal barrier on the non-horizontal support wall, the secondary thermal barrier including a top surface and a groove, the top surface forming a support surface for the secondary sealing membrane, the groove being exposed on the top surface and extending in the first direction, inserting a welded support member into the groove such that the top portion of the welded support member protrudes from the top surface; - assembling the first and second plates of the plates... Two rows of plates are arranged on both sides of the welded support, such that the top portion extends between the first raised edge of the first row of plates and the second raised edge of the second row of plates, and such that the first direction is inclined or orthogonal to the upward direction of the non-horizontal support wall, and the upward direction is parallel to the direction of the greater slope of the non-horizontal support wall; - the first raised edge and the second raised edge are welded to the top portion of the welded support; and - a stop block and a primary heat insulation element are arranged on the first row of plates and the second row of plates, such that the stop block, the first raised edge, the second raised edge and the top portion of the welded support are received in a bottom gap, the primary heat insulation element includes a bottom gap extending along the first direction, and the first raised edge being higher than the second raised edge in the upward direction, the stop block including an abutment surface pointing in the upward direction and a first support surface opposite to the abutment surface, and the stop block is arranged such that the inner wall of the bottom gap abuts against the abutment surface of the stop block, and the first support surface of the stop block rests on the first raised edge.

[0025] This assembly method allows for the creation of a sealed and insulated tank as described above. Therefore, the related advantages will not be elaborated further.

[0026] It is easy to understand that the features described regarding the assembly method apply to sealed and insulated tanks, and the features described regarding sealed and insulated tanks apply to the assembly method.

[0027] According to an implementation, this assembly method may include one or more of the following features.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation barrier includes juxtaposed secondary insulation elements, and the method includes the steps of: arranging the secondary insulation elements on a non-horizontal support wall, and securing the secondary insulation elements to the non-horizontal support wall by means of an anchoring device connected to the support wall.

[0029] According to one embodiment, arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: arranging the primary insulation element on a first row plate and a second row plate, and then inserting the stop block into the bottom gap of the primary insulation element.

[0030] In this embodiment, according to the primary insulation element further comprising a second bottom gap extending along a first direction, arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: arranging the primary insulation element on a first column plate and a second column plate, then inserting the stop block into the bottom gap of the primary insulation element, and inserting a second stop block, which may be the same as the stop block, into the second bottom gap of the primary insulation element.

[0031] According to one embodiment, arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: positioning the stop block in the bottom gap of the primary insulation element, and then installing the primary insulation element on the first row plate and the second row plate.

[0032] In other words, the primary insulation element is installed on the first and second rows of plates while the stop block is already positioned in the bottom gap, i.e., while the stop block is already pre-installed in the bottom gap. This possibility is particularly advantageous when the stop block includes a central portion, a first branch, and a second branch, as described below.

[0033] In this embodiment, according to the primary insulation element further comprising a second bottom gap extending along a first direction, arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: positioning the stop block in the bottom gap of the primary insulation element, positioning a second stop block, which may be the same as the stop block, in the second bottom gap, and then mounting the primary insulation element on the first column plate and the second column plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: positioning the stop block relative to a first protruding edge, and then mounting the primary insulation element on a first column plate and a second column plate.

[0035] In other words, when the stop block is positioned relative to the first raised edge, that is, when the stop block has been pre-installed on the first raised edge, the primary heat insulation element is installed on the first and second row plates.

[0036] In this embodiment, according to the primary insulation element, a second bottom gap extending along a first direction is further included. The secondary insulation barrier includes a second groove exposed on the top surface and extending along the first direction. A second weld support is inserted into the second groove such that the top portion of the second weld support protrudes from the top surface. The assembly method further includes: arranging a first and a third row of the columns on both sides of the second weld support such that the top portion of the second weld support extends between a third raised edge of the third column and a fourth raised edge of the first column opposite to the first raised edge; and welding the third and fourth raised edges to the top portion of the second weld support. The third and fourth raised edges are intended to be received in the second bottom gap, the third raised edge being higher than the fourth raised edge in the upward direction. Arranging the stop block and the primary insulation element includes: positioning the stop block relative to the first raised edge and positioning a second stop block, which may be the same as the stop block, relative to the third raised edge; and then mounting the primary insulation element on the first, second, and third columns.

[0037] According to one embodiment, positioning the stop block relative to the first protruding edge includes: fixing a first support surface to the first protruding edge, preferably fixing the first support surface to the first protruding edge by adhesive. This adhesive can be achieved using an adhesive element, such as an adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a shoulder pointing toward a first raised edge and a second raised edge. According to one embodiment in this case, positioning the stop block relative to the first raised edge includes: abutting a free end of an end portion of the weld support member opposite to the top surface with the shoulder; and positioning the stop block relative to the first raised edge includes: abutting the free end with the shoulder. According to another embodiment in this case, positioning the stop block relative to the first raised edge includes: abutting a free end of one of the first and second raised edges with the shoulder. According to yet another embodiment in this case, positioning the stop block relative to the first raised edge includes: bending a top portion of the weld support member back toward one of the first and second raised edges, and then abutting the appropriately bent top portion with the shoulder.

[0039] Therefore, the assembly of non-horizontal tank walls is simplified. In fact, the operator responsible for assembly only needs to check whether this abutment is achieved to ensure that the stop block is correctly positioned, and whether this abutment still leaves empty space at the curved joint of the plate between the first raised edge and the flat portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a slope on the side opposite to the abutment surface, with respect to the shoulder.

[0041] When the stop block is pre-installed on the first raised edge, the bevel facilitates the insertion of the stop block into the gap of the primary insulation element.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a beveled end portion pointing toward the first column plate, and arranging the stop block includes: setting the end surface of the beveled end portion to support the first column plate.

[0043] Therefore, the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall is simplified. In fact, the operator responsible for assembly only needs to check whether this fabrication has been achieved, thus ensuring that the stop block is correctly positioned. Furthermore, the fact that the end portion is beveled can prevent this support from causing excessive strain on the first row plate at the first curved joint located between the first raised edge and the flat portion. Such excessive strain would be detrimental to the mechanical strength, deformation capacity, and lifespan of the welded joint between the first row plate and the row plate.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the stop block includes a central portion, a first branch portion and a second branch portion, the first branch portion and the second branch portion extending on both sides of the central portion, two opposite surfaces of the first branch portion forming an abutment surface and a first support surface of the stop block, and the second branch portion including a second support surface, and arranging the stop block includes: setting the second support surface to support on a second protruding edge.

[0045] Therefore, the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall is simplified. In fact, the combination of the support of the first support surface on the first raised edge and the support of the second support surface on the second raised edge is sufficient to hold the stop block in place so that the primary insulation element can be installed.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the beveled end portion is formed at the end of the first branch opposite to the central portion.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the central portion includes at least one inclined surface on a side opposite to the first branch and the second branch.

[0048] When the stop block is pre-installed on the first raised edge or when it is desired to pre-install the stop block in the bottom gap, the ramp tends to facilitate the insertion of the stop block into the bottom gap of the primary insulation element.

[0049] In one embodiment, the liquefied gas is LNG, a mixture with a high methane content stored at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of about -162°C. Other liquefied gases are also conceivable, particularly ethane, propane, butane, or ethylene. The liquefied gas can also be stored under pressure, for example, at a relative pressure between 2 bar and 20 bar, and particularly at a relative pressure of about 2 bar.

[0050] These tanks can be integrated into onshore storage facilities, such as for LNG storage, or they can be installed in floating, coastal, or deep-water floating structures. In particular, they can be installed on methane carriers, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), floating production and storage offshore (FPSO) units, etc. These tanks can also be used as fuel tanks in any type of vessel.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a vessel for transporting liquefied gas includes a double hull and the aforementioned tanks arranged in the double hull.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a transfer system for liquefied gases, the system comprising: the aforementioned vessel; an insulated pipeline arranged to connect a tank installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating storage facility or a shore storage facility; and a pump for driving liquefied gas through the insulated pipeline from the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility to the tank of the vessel, or driving liquefied gas through the insulated pipeline from the tank of the vessel to the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a vessel, wherein liquefied gas is transported from a floating storage facility or a shore storage facility to the vessel's tanks via insulated pipelines, or liquefied gas is transported from the vessel's tanks to a floating storage facility or a shore storage facility via insulated pipelines. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The invention will be better understood from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention given in an illustrative and non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent.

[0055] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional cross-section of the tank wall.

[0056] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 From and by Figure 1 The upward direction defined by the arrow U in the middle is orthogonal to and is perpendicular to the direction defined by the arrow U in the middle. Figure 1The direction observed is parallel to the horizontal direction defined by the arrow T in the image. Figure 1 A side view of the tank wall.

[0057] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of detail B.

[0058] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 A similar view is shown on the left side, showing the tank wall including the stop block according to the first embodiment, while an enlarged view of the stop block is shown on the right side.

[0059] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 Is with Figure 3 A similar view is shown on the left, showing the tank wall including the stop block according to the second embodiment, while an enlarged view of the stop block is shown on the right.

[0060] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 Is with Figure 3 A similar view is shown on the left, showing the tank wall including the stop block according to the third embodiment, while an enlarged view of the stop block is shown on the right.

[0061] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 Is with Figure 3 A similar view is shown on the left, showing the tank wall including the stop block according to the fourth embodiment, while an enlarged view of the stop block is shown on the right.

[0062] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 Is with Figure 3 A similar view is shown on the left side, showing the tank wall including the stop block according to the fifth embodiment, while an enlarged view of the stop block is shown on the right side.

[0063] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 It is a cutaway schematic representation of the tank of a methane transport vessel and the terminal used for loading / unloading the tank. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Conventionally, the terms "bottom" and "top" are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another element, such as in... Figure 1 In the non-horizontal wall shown, the "bottom" and "top" face the outside or inside of the tank, respectively.

[0065] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates a multi-layered structure of a sealed and insulated tank wall 1 for storing a liquefied fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The tank wall 1, along its thickness from the outside to the inside, comprises, in sequence: a secondary insulation barrier 3 held on a support wall 2; a secondary sealing membrane 4 disposed abutting against the secondary insulation barrier 3; a primary insulation barrier 5 disposed abutting against the secondary sealing membrane 4; and a primary sealing membrane 6 for contacting the liquefied natural gas contained within the tank.

[0066] The support wall 2 can be formed, in particular, from the hull or double hull of a ship. The support wall 2 typically forms part of the support structure and includes multiple walls that define the overall shape of the tank, typically in a polyhedral form.

[0067] The secondary insulation barrier 3 includes a plurality of secondary insulation blocks 7, which are anchored to the support wall 2 by means of an anchoring device 20, which will be described below. The secondary insulation blocks 7 are generally parallelepiped in shape and are arranged in parallel rows.

[0068] The secondary sealing membrane 4 comprises a continuous sheet of metal plates 8 with raised edges. The metal plates 8 are welded together via the raised edges 8H, 8L of the metal plates (see...). Figure 3 (This will be detailed below.) For example, metal plate 8... To form: In other words, metal plate 8 is made of an alloy of iron and nickel, whose coefficient of thermal expansion is typically 1.2 × 10⁻⁶. -6 With 2×10 -6 K -1 Between, or the metal plate 8 is formed of an iron alloy with a high manganese content, whose coefficient of thermal expansion is typically 7 × 10⁻⁶. -6 With 10×10 -6 K -1 between.

[0069] The primary insulation barrier 5 includes a plurality of primary insulation blocks 11, each having a generally parallelepiped shape and the same length and width dimensions as the secondary insulation blocks 7. Each primary insulation block 11 is positioned to align with one of the secondary insulation blocks 7 along the thickness direction of the tank wall 1.

[0070] The primary sealing membrane 6 can be produced in different ways, as will be detailed below.

[0071] exist Figure 1 In this design, the secondary insulation block 7 has been omitted to expose the gasket 12 and putty strip 13 used to compensate for any defects in the flatness of the support wall 2. Positioning blocks, not shown, as described in publication WO-A-2018069585, may also be provided.

[0072] The anchoring devices 20 are preferably positioned at the four corners of the secondary insulation block 7 and the primary insulation block 11. Each stack of the secondary insulation block 7 and the primary insulation block 11 is anchored to the support wall 2 by four anchoring devices 20. Furthermore, each anchoring device 20 cooperates with the corners of four adjacent secondary insulation blocks 7 and four adjacent primary insulation blocks 11.

[0073] exist Figure 2 The image shows two adjacent secondary insulation blocks 7, two adjacent primary insulation blocks 11, and anchoring device 20.

[0074] Each secondary insulation block 7 includes an insulating polymer foam layer 16 sandwiched between a base plate and a cover plate 15. The base plate and cover plate 15 may be made of, for example, plywood or fiber-reinforced composite material. The insulating polymer foam layer 16 is bonded to the base plate and cover plate 15. The insulating polymer foam may be, in particular, a polyurethane-based foam, and optionally, a fiber-reinforced polyurethane-based foam.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the primary insulation block 11 has a structure similar to the secondary insulation block 7 described above. In this case, as... Figure 3 As can be better seen in the image, each primary insulation block 11 includes an insulating polymer foam layer 18 sandwiched between a base plate 19 and a cover plate 18T. The base plate 19 and the cover plate 15 are made of, for example, plywood. The insulating polymer foam layer 16 is bonded to the base plate 19 and the cover plate 18T. The insulating polymer foam can be, in particular, polyurethane-based foam, optionally fiber-reinforced polyurethane-based foam.

[0076] Here, the anchoring device 20 belongs to the type described in document WO2021 / 239712A1. In other words, the anchoring device 20 mainly includes the fastening assembly 30 and the anchor rod 22 (in Figure 2 (Used as a dashed line in Chinese).

[0077] The fastening assembly 30 includes a base plate 31, a top plate 32 parallel to the base plate 31, at least one connecting member (not shown), and a spacer member disposed between the base plate 31 and the top plate 32. The connecting member is, for example, a fixing screw that connects the base plate 31 to the top plate 32. The spacer member includes an abutment that defines a minimum distance between the base plate 31 and the top plate 32 in an abutment position. The abutment includes a spacer block 33.

[0078] Anchor rod 22 extends from fastening assembly 30 at a right angle to base plate 31. The bottom end of anchor rod 22 is attached to support wall 2 in a manner not shown. The top end of anchor rod 22, opposite to the bottom end, is connected to base plate 31 so that a tensile force toward the bottom end can be applied to base plate 31.

[0079] The spacer also includes a resiliently compressible member, here a compression spring 69, such as a helical spring. As a variation, the resiliently compressible member includes a stack of spring washers, such as Bainck washers. As described in document WO2021 / 239712A1, the resiliently compressible member tends to hold the base plate 31 and the top plate 32 in a separated position, in which the connecting member defines a maximum distance between the base plate 31 and the top plate 32, the maximum distance being greater than the minimum distance; and the resiliently compressible member is configured such that, in response to a force tending to bring the top plate 32 closer to the base plate 31, the resiliently compressible member is elastically compressed to an abutment position where the base plate 31 and the top plate 32 abut against an abutment member. Further details regarding the construction of this anchoring device 20 can be found in document WO2021 / 239712A1. It should be noted that the anchoring device 20 also includes a primary support plate 28, which supports the support area of ​​each of the four adjacent primary insulation blocks 11 towards the support wall 2, thereby holding the primary insulation block against the secondary sealing membrane 4. In the illustrated embodiment, each support area is formed by an extension of the base plate 19 of the primary insulation block 11.

[0080] The nut 29 engages with the threaded portion of the stud 27 to ensure that the primary support plate 28 is secured to the stud 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchoring device 20 also includes a Bainck-type spring washer screwed onto the stud 27 between the nut 29 and the primary support plate 28, which ensures that the primary insulation block 11 is elastically anchored to the secondary sealing membrane 4.

[0081] As a variation, the anchoring device 20 may be manufactured in other ways as needed, for example as described in document FR3128003A1, document WO2014 / 096600A1 or document WO2019 / 110894A1.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, the primary insulation block 11 includes a bottom slot 99. Each bottom slot 99 is arranged as a groove 9 facing the secondary insulation block 7 (see...). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 In the example shown, such as Figure 1 As shown, each secondary insulation block 7 includes two parallel grooves 9; therefore, each primary insulation block 11 includes two parallel bottom gaps 99. Figure 3 The diagram shows only one bottom slit 99 for each primary insulation block 11. As a variation, a single groove 9 can be provided for each secondary insulation block 7, and a bottom slit 99 can be provided for each primary insulation block 11, or a greater than two number of grooves 9 can be provided for each secondary insulation block 7, and the same number of bottom slits 99 can be provided for each primary insulation block 11.

[0083] As from Figure 2 Enlarged view of detail B Figure 3 As can be better seen in the image, each groove 9 is provided with a welded support 48. The welded support 48 has an "L"-shaped cross-section, thus having a straight top portion 47 and a straight bottom portion 49 extending in a direction orthogonal to the top portion 47. The groove 9 has a "T"-shaped cross-section and receives the bottom portion 49. The cooperation between the bottom portion 49 and the wall of the groove 9 holds the welded support 48 on the secondary insulation block 7.

[0084] The top portion 47 extends from the cover plate 15 and extends between the first raised edge 8H of the first column plate 8 and the second raised edge 8L of the second column plate 8. For this purpose, the two columns of plates 8 are positioned on either side of the welded support 48, as... Figure 3 As shown. The first raised edge 8H and the second raised edge 8L are welded to the top portion 47 of the welding support 48. In addition, the first raised edge 8H, the second raised edge 8L and the top portion 47 are received in the bottom gap 99.

[0085] In the example shown, the groove 9 extends over a portion of the thickness of the cover plate 15 of the secondary insulation block 7. However, as a variation, the groove 9 may extend to the insulating polymer foam layer 16 without penetrating the thickness of the insulating polymer foam 16, or even extend partially into the thickness of the insulating polymer foam 16.

[0086] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The tank wall 1 shown is not horizontal. In other words, tank wall 1 is a tank wall that is perpendicular or inclined to the Earth's gravitational field. Note that the supporting wall 2 can be a cofferdam wall, or another supporting wall that is perpendicular or inclined to the Earth's gravitational field, such as a longitudinal supporting wall. In the attached figures:

[0087] - Arrow U indicates the upward direction, which is parallel to the direction of the greater slope of the supporting wall 2 and is oriented upward;

[0088] - Arrow T indicates the horizontal direction, which is orthogonal to the upward direction U and to the thickness direction of the tank wall 1.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the raised edges 8H and 8L of the column plate 8 and the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 extend parallel to the transverse direction T, and are therefore orthogonal to the upward direction U. As a variation, the raised edges 8H and 8L of the column plate 8 and the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 may extend obliquely but not orthogonally relative to the upward direction U. In both cases, the first raised edge 8H is higher than the second raised edge 8L in the upward direction U.

[0090] See also Figure 2 and Figure 3Since the tank wall 1 is not horizontal, the gravitational force on the primary insulation block 11 is oriented in the downward direction, that is, the gravitational force on the primary insulation block 11 is oriented in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow U. As described above, the anchoring device 20 anchors the primary insulation block 11 to the support wall 2 by holding it against the support wall 2 with an orientation parallel to the thickness direction of the tank wall 1. It is desirable to prevent the effect of gravity, and possibly in combination with the acceleration caused by the ship's movement at sea, to avoid displacement of the primary insulation block 11 in the downward direction due to slippage of the primary insulation block 11 on the row plate 8. Several embodiments of the tank wall 1 will be described below, which tend to prevent or at least limit the displacement of the primary insulation block 11 due to slippage of the primary insulation block 11 on the row plate 8.

[0091] Figure 4 The first embodiment is shown. Figure 4 and the following description Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the middle, refer to the above text. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Elements that are similar to or the same as those described have the same reference numerals and are not described again unless necessary.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the stop block 150 is received in the bottom gap 99. The stop block 150 has a constant rectangular cross-section. In other words, the stop block 150 comprises slats, such as slats made of plywood or plastic. Therefore, the two larger, opposite faces of the stop block 150 are flat. These two larger faces are in Figure 4 The right-hand view is marked with reference numerals 151 and 152 respectively.

[0093] The assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1 using stop block 150 is now described.

[0094] After the non-horizontal support wall 2 has been constructed, one or more secondary insulation blocks 7 are arranged on the support wall 2. For example, four adjacent secondary insulation blocks 7 are arranged, and these four adjacent secondary insulation blocks are held at their corners by the anchoring device 20 as described above.

[0095] For a given secondary insulation block 7, a weld support 48 is inserted into a groove 9 in the secondary insulation block 7. The top portion 47 of the weld support 48 extends from the cover plate 15, as described above. The top surface of the cover plate 15 forms part of a support surface for the secondary sealing membrane 4; more specifically, the top surface of the cover plate 15 forms part of a support surface for the flat portion of the row plates 8 constituting the secondary sealing membrane 4. On the cover plate 15, two rows of plates 8 are arranged on either side of the top portion 47 such that the top portion 47 extends between a first raised edge 8H of the first row plate 8 and a second raised edge 8L of the second row plate 8. As described above, the first raised edge 8H, the second raised edge 8L, and the top portion 47 extend obliquely or orthogonally relative to the upward direction U, and the first raised edge 8H is higher than the second raised edge 8L in the upward direction U.

[0096] Next, the first raised edge 8H and the second raised edge 8L are welded to the top portion 47 of the welding support 48 according to known techniques.

[0097] Next, the stop block 150 and the primary heat insulation block 11 are arranged on the row plate 8 such that the stop block 150, the first raised edge 8H, the second raised edge 8L and the top portion 47 are received in the bottom slot 99 of the primary heat insulation block 11.

[0098] The stop block 150 can be added in different ways. In one variation, the stop block 150 is inserted into the bottom slot 99 after the primary insulation block 11 has been arranged on the row plate 8. In another variation, the stop block 150 is pre-installed on the first raised edge 8H; in other words, the stop block 150 is positioned relative to the first raised edge 8H before the primary insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8. For this purpose, for example, the stop block 150 is secured to the first raised edge 8H by the face 152 of the stop block, for example, by an adhesive element 152C via the face 152 of the stop block, the adhesive element being, for example, an adhesive layer or a double-sided adhesive tape layer.

[0099] Regardless, after the stop block 150 and the primary insulation block 11 have been arranged, the stop block 150 is... Figure 4 The orientation shown is accommodated in the bottom gap 99. The face 151 of the stop block 150 is configured as an abutment surface pointing in the upward direction U, while the surface 152 opposite to the abutment surface is configured as a support surface opposite to the abutment surface. Figure 4As indicated by arrow D in the left view, gravity on the primary insulation block 11 tends to cause the inner wall 99A of the bottom gap 99 facing the first raised edge 8H to abut against the abutment surface provided by surface 151. Therefore, the support surface provided by surface 152 tends to bear on the first raised edge 8H. In this way, the stop block 150 tends to prevent or at least limit displacement of the primary insulation block 11 caused by sliding on the column plate 8 having the first raised edge 8H.

[0100] The above steps can be repeated for each groove 9 of the secondary insulation block 7 and for each secondary insulation block 7. Therefore, it should be noted that, in Figure 1 In the example shown, each primary insulation block 11 has two bottom gaps 99 with stop blocks 150. Next, the tank wall 1 can be assembled, and in particular, the primary sealing membrane 6 can be installed on the primary insulation barrier 5 including the primary insulation blocks 11.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the primary sealing membrane 6 is similar to the secondary sealing membrane 4. In other words, the primary sealing membrane 6 also includes metal strips 8, which are welded to parallel welding supports 48 via their raised edges 8H, 8L. The welding supports 48 are fixed in grooves 9T formed in the cover plate 18T of the primary insulation block 11. As a variation, the primary sealing membrane 6 can be produced in other ways, for example, the primary sealing membrane 6 can be produced from corrugated metal plates welded together by overlapping their edges.

[0102] Example of size:

[0103] - The internal dimensions of the bottom gap 99 are: 10mm in the upward direction U; and 40mm in the direction perpendicular to the upward direction U and the horizontal direction T.

[0104] - The dimensions of the stop block 150 are: between 2mm and 5mm and inclusive in the upward direction U, for example, 3mm; 20mm in the direction orthogonal to the upward direction U and the lateral direction T; and between 40mm and 500mm in the lateral direction T, preferably between 200mm and 500mm in the lateral direction T, so as to allow sliding between two adjacent heat insulation blocks.

[0105] Figure 5 A second embodiment is shown. Figure 5 In the figure, the stop block is marked with reference numeral 250. Elements of stop block 250 that are similar to those of stop block 150 are marked with the same reference numerals increased by 100, but are not described further unless necessary.

[0106] The stop block 250 includes a beveled end portion 253 between face surfaces 251 and 252. In other words, the end portion 253 has a trapezoidal cross section and continuously decreases to an end surface 253P. The end surface 253P is flat and orthogonal to face surfaces 251 and 252.

[0107] The assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1 using the stop block 250 is the same as the assembly described above with respect to the first embodiment, except that the stop block 250 is added such that the end portion 253 points toward the column plate 8 with the first raised edge 8H, and the end surface 253P is supported on the curved joint 8H1 between the first raised edge 8H and the flat portion of the column plate 8.

[0108] During the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1, the operator only needs to ensure that the end surface 253P is supported on the curved joint 8H1, thereby ensuring that the stop block 250 is correctly positioned. Therefore, the assembly is simplified for the operator.

[0109] Furthermore, the fact that the end portion 253 is inclined prevents this support from causing excessive strain on the bent joint 8H1, which would be detrimental to the mechanical strength and lifespan of the plate 8. More specifically, if the end portion 253 does not have a slope, but instead has the end 153 of the stop block 150 as in the first embodiment (see... Figure 4 If the curved joint 8H1 has a rectangular cross-section, it will contact the end portion 253 on a larger surface, and therefore the curved joint 8H1 will be subjected to even greater stress, especially due to bending, making it unable to function. This is why the end surface 153P of the stop block 150 facing the column plate 8 with the first raised edge 8H in the first embodiment was not designed to support the curved joint 8H1.

[0110] Faces 251 and 252 cooperate with the bottom slit 99 and the first raised edge 8H in the same manner as faces 151 and 152. Therefore, this cooperation will not be described further.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, the stop block 250 of the second embodiment can be added in different ways. In one variation, the stop block 250 is inserted into the bottom gap 99 after the primary heat insulation block 11 has been arranged on the row plate 8. In another variation, the stop block 250 is pre-installed on the first raised edge 8H; in other words, the stop block 250 is positioned relative to the first raised edge 8H before the primary heat insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8. For this purpose, for example, the stop block 250 is fixed to the first raised edge 8H by its surface 252, for example, the stop block 250 is fixed to the first raised edge 8H by its surface 252 via an adhesive element 252C similar to an adhesive element 152C.

[0112] Figure 6 A third embodiment is shown. Figure 6 In the figure, the stop block is marked with reference numeral 350. Elements of the stop block 350 that are similar to or the same as those of the stop block 150 are marked with the same reference numerals increased by 200, and are not described further unless necessary.

[0113] The stop block 350 includes a shoulder 354 located between faces 351 and 352 and opposite to the end surface 353P pointing toward the column plate 8 with the first raised edge 8H. The shoulder 354 includes an abutment surface 354B, which is flat and orthogonal to faces 351 and 352.

[0114] The assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1 using the stop block 350 is the same as described above with respect to the first embodiment, except that the stop block 350 is added such that the free end 47A of the top portion 47 of the weld support 48 abuts against the shoulder 354 at point 354B1 of the abutment surface 354B.

[0115] During the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1, the operator responsible for assembly only needs to ensure that this abutment at the free end 47A at 354B1 is achieved, thereby ensuring that the stop block 350 is correctly positioned. Therefore, the assembly is simplified for the operator. In addition, this abutment also leaves an empty space at the curved connection 8H1 of the column plate 8 located between the first raised edge 8H and the flat portion.

[0116] The stop block 350 is sized such that when the free end 47A abuts against the shoulder 354 at 354B1, the end surface 353P is not supported on the curved joint 8H1. This means that the end 353 of the stop block 350 can resemble the end 153 of the stop block 150 in the first embodiment (see...). Figure 4The reason for having a rectangular cross-section is as follows. As a variation, the stop block 350 may include a beveled end portion similar to the end portion 253 of the second embodiment. This beveled end portion is not designed to support the curved joint 8H1, but it can also prevent the curved joint 8H1 from being over-strained when the free end 47A abuts at 354B1.

[0117] Faces 351 and 352 cooperate with the bottom slit 99 and the first raised edge 8H in the same manner as faces 151 and 152. Therefore, this cooperation will not be described further.

[0118] Preferably, before the primary insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8, a stop block 350 is added such that the free end 47A abuts against the shoulder 354 at 354B1. To facilitate the insertion of the stop block 350 into the bottom gap 99 when installing the primary insulation block 11, the stop block 350 preferably includes a bevel 359 on the opposite side of the abutting surface 354B, which points toward the inner wall 99A of the bottom gap 99.

[0119] Figure 7 A fourth embodiment is shown. Figure 7 In the figure, the stop block is marked with reference numeral 450. Elements of stop block 450 that are similar to or the same as those of stop block 150 are marked with the same reference numerals increased by 300, and are not described further unless necessary.

[0120] The stop block 450 includes a central portion 480, a first branch portion 470, and a second branch portion 490. The first branch portion 470 and the second branch portion 490 extend on both sides of the central portion 480.

[0121] The first branch 470 has faces 451 and 452 similar to faces 151 and 152.

[0122] The second branch 490 includes face 496 and face 497. Face 496 is flat and faces face 452 of the first branch 470. Face 497 is flat and faces opposite to face 496.

[0123] Face 451 is implemented as a first abutting surface pointing in an upward direction U. Face 452 is implemented as a first support surface for supporting on the first protruding edge 8H. Face 496 is implemented as a second support surface for supporting on the second protruding edge 8L.

[0124] The assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1 using the stop block 450 is the same as described above with respect to the first embodiment, except that the stop block 450 is preferably pre-installed on the first raised edge 8H; in other words, the stop block 450 is preferably positioned relative to the first raised edge 8H before the primary insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8. In practice, the support of the face 452 on the first raised edge 8H and the support of the face 496 on the second raised edge 8L combine to fully hold the stop block 450 in place, thereby enabling the installation of the primary insulation block 11 while the stop block 450 is already positioned relative to the first raised edge 8H. Therefore, assembly is simplified for the operator. As a variation, the stop block 450 is advantageously pre-installed in the bottom gap 99; in other words, the stop block 450 is advantageously positioned in the bottom gap 99 before the primary insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8.

[0125] Faces 451 and 452 cooperate with the bottom gap 99 and the first raised edge 8H in the same manner as faces 151 and 152. Therefore, this cooperation will not be described further. The aforementioned support of face 496 on the second raised edge 8L can be obtained in various ways, for example by imparting a degree of elasticity to the stop block 450, which tends to keep face 452 supported on the first raised edge 8H while keeping face 496 supported on the second raised edge 8L.

[0126] In the example shown, the first branch 470 and the second branch 490 are symmetrical about an axis of symmetry S4 passing through the central portion 480. In this case, the first branch 470 and the second branch 490 are interchangeable, so that the function of the stop block 450 is not affected by its orientation when inserted into the bottom slot 99. Therefore, assembly is even simpler for the operator.

[0127] In the example shown, face 497 is implemented as a second abutting surface, which points in the direction opposite to the upward direction U, and abuts against the inner wall 99X of the bottom gap 99, which is opposite to the inner wall 99A. However, this abutment of face 497 against the inner wall 99X is not necessarily disadvantageous in practice, for example, due to dimensional tolerances in the bottom gap 99 during the manufacture of the primary insulation block 11.

[0128] The first branch 470 includes a beveled end portion 453 between face 451 and face 452. Similarly, the second branch 490 includes a beveled end portion 493. The beveled end portions 453 and 493 are similar to the beveled end portion 253 and therefore include end surfaces 453P and 493P similar to end surface 253P. As with the beveled end portion 253 of block 250 in the second embodiment, the beveled end portions 453 (and corresponding 493) can prevent excessive strain on the bending joint 8H1 (and corresponding 8L1). During the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1, Figure 7 As not shown, end surfaces 453P and 493P can be manufactured to support the bent joints 8H1 and 8L1. As a variation, end surfaces 453P and 493P may not be manufactured to support the bent joints 8H1 and 8L1, as... Figure 7 As shown. In this case, with Figure 7 In a manner not shown, the central portion 480 forms a shoulder 454 between the first branch 470 and the second branch 490, and the free end 47A of the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 can abut against the shoulder 454 at a point 454B1 abutting the surface portion 454B.

[0129] Figure 8 The fifth embodiment is shown. Figure 8 In the figure, the stop block is marked with reference numeral 550. Elements of stop block 550 that are similar to or the same as those of stop block 450 are marked with the same reference numerals increased by 100, and are not described further unless necessary.

[0130] The difference between stop block 550 and stop block 450 is that the first branch 570 and the second branch 590 are asymmetrical about the central portion 580. More specifically, the second branch 590 is shorter than the first branch 570. Nevertheless, the second branch 590 is long enough that the face 596 of the second branch 590 facing the face 552 is supported on the second raised edge 8L. For stop block 450, the support of the face 596 on the second raised edge 8L can be achieved in various ways, for example by giving stop block 550 a degree of elasticity that tends to keep the face 552 supported on the first raised edge 8H while keeping the face 596 supported on the second raised edge 8L.

[0131] Furthermore, the second branch 590 here is not as thick as the first branch 570, which may prevent the face 597 from abutting against the inner wall 99X. In fact, as described above with reference to the stop block 450, in practice, it is not necessarily a disadvantage that the face 597 cannot abut against the inner wall 99X.

[0132] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 7 Understandably, stop block 550 enables the same cooperation with bottom gap 99 and raised edges 8H, 8L as stop block 450, and stop block 550 has a lower cost because less material is required to manufacture stop block 550 than to manufacture stop block 450.

[0133] The first branch 570 includes a beveled end portion 553 between face 551 and face 552. The beveled end portion 553 is similar to the beveled end portion 453. Therefore, the beveled end portion 553 includes an end surface 553P similar to the end surface 253P.

[0134] The assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1 using the stop block 550 is the same as described above with respect to the fourth embodiment, except that the stop block 550 is added such that the end 553 points toward the column plate 8 with the first raised edge 8H, and the end surface 553P is supported on the curved joint 8H1, as shown. Figure 8 As shown.

[0135] During the assembly of the non-horizontal tank wall 1, the operator responsible for assembly only needs to ensure that the end surface 553P is supported on the curved joint 8H1, thereby ensuring that the stop block 550 is correctly positioned. Therefore, the assembly is simplified for the operator.

[0136] As a variation, the end surface 553P may not be supported on the curved joint 8H1. In this case, the central portion 580 forms a shoulder 554 between the first branch 570 and the second branch 590, and the free end 47A of the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 may abut against the shoulder 554 at a point 554B1 abutting the surface portion 554B.

[0137] Furthermore, the fact that the end portion 553 of the stop block 250 in the second embodiment has a bevel, as in the end portion 253, prevents excessive strain on the bent joint 8H1. Conversely, the end surface 593P of the second branch 590 is not designed to support the bent joint 8L1. This is why the end portion 593 of the second branch 590 with the end surface 593P can be like the end portion 153 of the stop block 150 in the first embodiment (see...). Figure 4 The reason for having a rectangular cross-section.

[0138] Preferably, the stop block 550 is pre-installed on the first raised edge 8H; in other words, the stop block 550 is preferably positioned relative to the first raised edge 8H before the primary heat insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8. As a variation, the stop block 550 is advantageously pre-installed in the bottom gap 99; in other words, the stop block 550 is advantageously positioned in the bottom gap 99 before the primary heat insulation block 11 is arranged on the row plate 8. To facilitate insertion of the stop block 550 into the bottom gap 99, the central portion 590 preferably includes:

[0139] - An inclined surface 559 that points opposite to the end surface 553P and toward the inner wall 99A of the bottom slot 99; and / or

[0140] - An inclined surface 559X that is opposite to the end surface 593P and points toward the inner wall 99X towards the bottom gap 99.

[0141] It should be noted that the central portion 490 of the stop block 450 in the fourth embodiment may also include a slope similar to the slope 559 and / or a slope similar to the slope 559X.

[0142] In some embodiments, the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 can be shortened, for example, by cutting the top portion 47 before adding the stop blocks 150, 250, 350, 450, 550. According to one example, the shortened top portion 47 relative to... Figures 3 to 8 The free ends of the raised edges 8H and 8L shown can protrude less. Therefore, for example, the abutment of the free end 47A against the shoulders 354, 454, and 554 can be achieved by using stop blocks 350, 450, and 550 with smaller dimensions. According to another example, the shortened top portion 47 may not protrude relative to the free ends of the raised edges 8H and 8L. Therefore, for example, one or the other free end can abut against the shoulders 354, 454, and 554.

[0143] Alternatively, the top portion 47 of the welded support 48 may be bent back toward one of the first raised edge 8H and the raised edge 8L. Thus, for example, the top portion 47 bent back may abut against the shoulders 354, 454, 554.

[0144] In each of the above embodiments, a stop block 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 is provided for each bottom gap 99 of a single primary insulation block 11. As a variation, all or some of the stop blocks 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 can be shared for multiple adjacent primary insulation blocks 11; in other words, the length of a given stop block 150, 250, 350, 450, 550 in the lateral direction T can be sufficient to be received in the aligned bottom gaps 99 of multiple adjacent primary insulation blocks 11.

[0145] The stop blocks 150, 250, 350, 450, and 550 preferably have a constant cross-section in the transverse direction T, which simplifies the manufacture of the stop blocks 150, 250, 350, 450, and 550. Various materials are conceivable for producing the stop blocks 150, 250, 350, 450, and 550, particularly plywood, or polymeric materials such as polyethylene and its derivatives, polypropylene and its derivatives, and polybutadiene and its derivatives.

[0146] The structure of the secondary insulation block 7 has been described above by way of example. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the secondary insulation block 7 may have another general structure, such as the structure described in document WO-A-2012127141. The secondary insulation block 7 is then formed into a box shape, comprising a bottom plate, a cover plate, and a supporting web extending in the thickness direction of the tank wall 1 between the bottom plate and the cover plate, and defining a plurality of chambers filled with insulating filler, such as perlite, glass wool, or rock wool.

[0147] The structure of the primary insulation block 11 has been described above by way of example. In addition, in another embodiment, the primary insulation block 11 may have another general structure, such as the structure described in document WO-A-2012127141.

[0148] The liquefied gas intended to be stored in the tank can be, in particular, liquefied natural gas (LNG), a gaseous mixture primarily consisting of methane and one or more other hydrocarbons. The liquefied gas can also be ethane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), a mixture of hydrocarbons obtained through the refining of oil, primarily consisting of propane and butane.

[0149] See Figure 9A cutaway view of the methane transport vessel 70 shows a generally prismatic, sealed, and insulated tank 71 installed in the vessel's twin hulls 72. The tank wall 71 includes a primary sealing membrane for contact with the LNG contained within the tank, a secondary sealing membrane disposed between the primary sealing membrane and the vessel's twin hulls 72, and two thermal barriers disposed between the primary and secondary sealing membranes and between the secondary sealing membrane and the twin hulls 72, respectively.

[0150] As is known by itself, the loading / unloading pipeline 73, located on the top deck of the vessel, can be connected to a sea terminal or port terminal via appropriate connectors to transfer LNG cargo from or to tank 71.

[0151] Figure 9 An example of an offshore terminal is shown, comprising a loading and unloading station 75, a subsea pipeline 76, and a shore facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a movable boom 74 and a tower 78 supporting the movable boom 74. The movable boom 74 supports bundles of flexible insulated pipes 79, which can be connected to a loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional movable boom 74 is suitable for all types of methane transport vessels. Connecting pipes (not shown) extend into the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows methane transport vessels 70 to load from and unload onto shore facility 77. The shore facility 77 includes liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 that connect to the loading or unloading station 75 via the subsea pipeline 76. The subsea pipeline 76 allows liquefied gas to be transferred over long distances, such as 5 km, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the shore facility 77, enabling the methane transport vessel 70 to be kept at a considerable distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0152] In order to generate the pressure required to transfer the liquefied gas, pumps embedded in the vessel 70 and / or pumps equipped in the shore facility 77 and / or pumps equipped in the loading and unloading station 75 are implemented.

[0153] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is quite obvious that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and the invention includes all the technical equivalents and combinations thereof of the described apparatus that fall within the scope of protection claimed by the invention.

[0154] The use of the verbs “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” and their combinations thereof, does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those mentioned in the claims.

[0155] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed and insulated tank, the tank comprising a plurality of tank walls defining an internal space of the tank, the tank walls including a non-horizontal tank wall (1) held on a non-horizontal support wall (2), the non-horizontal tank wall (1) comprising, in the thickness direction: A secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) is maintained on the non-horizontal support wall (2), a secondary sealing membrane (4) is disposed against the secondary thermal insulation barrier, and a primary thermal insulation barrier (5) is disposed against the secondary sealing membrane (4). The secondary sealing membrane (4) comprises paired welded metal plates (8), each of the plates (8) having two raised edges (8H, 8L) at two opposite ends of the plate, extending in a first direction and projecting toward the interior of the can. The primary thermal insulation barrier (5) includes juxtaposed primary thermal insulation elements (11). The secondary thermal barrier (3) includes a top surface and a groove (9), the top surface forming a support surface for the secondary sealing membrane (4), and the groove (9) being exposed on the top surface and extending along the first direction. The welding support (48) is inserted into the groove (9) such that the top portion (47) of the welding support (48) protrudes from the top surface. The first and second columns of the columns (8) are positioned on opposite sides of the welded support (48), such that the top portion (47) extends between the first raised edge (8H) of the first column and the second raised edge (8L) of the second column. The first direction is inclined or orthogonal to the upward direction (U) of the non-horizontal support wall (2), which is parallel to the direction of the greater slope of the non-horizontal support wall (2). The first raised edge (8H) and the second raised edge (8L) are welded to the top portion (47) of the welded support (48). One of the primary insulation elements (11) includes a bottom slot (99) extending along the first direction, in which the first raised edge (8H), the second raised edge (8L), and the top portion (47) of the welded support (48) are received. The first raised edge (8H) is higher than the second raised edge (8L) in the upward direction (U). The bottom gap (99) also accommodates stop blocks (150; 250; 350; 450;). 550), the stop block (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) includes an abutment surface pointing toward the upward direction (U) and a first support surface opposite to the abutment surface, The inner wall (99A) of the bottom gap (99) abuts against the stop block (150); The abutting surfaces of (250; 350; 450; 550) and the stop blocks (150; 250; The first support surface (350; 450; 550) is supported on the first raised edge (8H).

2. The sealed and heat-insulating tank according to claim 1, wherein, The first support surface is fixed to the first protruding edge (8H). Preferably, the first support surface is fixed to the first protruding edge (8H) by means of bonding.

3. The sealed and insulated tank according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The stop block (350; 450; 550) includes a shoulder (354; 454; 554), the shoulder (354; 454; 554) point toward the first protruding edge (8H) and the second protruding edge (8L).

4. The sealed and insulated tank according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The stop block (250; 450; 550) includes a beveled end portion (253; 453; 553) pointing toward the first column plate.

5. The sealed and insulated tank according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The stop block (450; 550) includes a central portion (480; 580) and a first branch portion (470; 570) and the second branch (490; 590), the first branch (470; 570) and the second branch (490; 590) extend on both sides of the central portion (480; 580), and the two opposite surfaces of the first branch (470; 570) form the stop block (450). The abutting surface of 550) and the first supporting surface, and the second branch (490; 590) include a second supporting surface, which is supported on the second protruding edge (8L).

6. The sealed and insulated tank according to claim 5, wherein, The stop block (250); 450; 550) includes a beveled end portion (253) pointing toward the first column plate. 453; 553), wherein the beveled end portion (453; 553) is formed at the end of the first branch (470; 570) opposite to the central portion (480; 580).

7. The sealed and insulated tank according to claim 5, wherein, The first branch (470) and the second branch (490) are symmetrical about an axis of symmetry (S4) passing through the central portion (480).

8. The sealed and heat-insulating tank according to claim 5, wherein, The second branch (590) is shorter than the first branch (570), and / or the second branch (590) is thinner than the first branch (570).

9. The sealed and heat-insulating tank according to claim 5, wherein, The central portion (580) includes at least one inclined surface (559, 559X) on the side opposite to the first branch (570) and the second branch (590).

10. An assembly method for assembling a non-horizontal tank wall of a sealed and insulated tank, wherein the non-horizontal tank wall (1) comprises, in the thickness direction: A secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) is maintained on a non-horizontal support wall (2), a secondary sealing membrane (4) is disposed against the secondary thermal insulation barrier (3), and a primary thermal insulation barrier (5) is disposed against the secondary sealing membrane (4). The secondary sealing membrane (4) comprises paired welded metal plates (8), each of the plates (8) having two raised edges (8H, 8L) at two opposite ends of the plate, extending in a first direction and projecting toward the interior of the can. The primary thermal insulation barrier (5) includes juxtaposed primary thermal insulation elements (11). The assembly method includes the following steps: - The secondary heat insulation barrier (3) is arranged on the non-horizontal support wall (2), the secondary heat insulation barrier (3) includes a top surface and a groove (9), the top surface forms a support surface for the secondary sealing membrane (4), the groove (9) is exposed on the top surface and extends along the first direction, and a welding support (48) is inserted into the groove (9) such that the top portion (47) of the welding support (48) protrudes from the top surface; - The first and second columns of the columns (8) are arranged on both sides of the welded support (48) such that the top portion (47) extends between the first raised edge (8H) of the first column and the second raised edge (8L) of the second column, and such that the first direction is inclined or orthogonal to the upward direction (U) of the non-horizontal support wall (2), the upward direction (U) being parallel to the direction of the greater slope of the non-horizontal support wall (2). - Weld the first raised edge (8H) and the second raised edge (8L) to the top portion (47) of the welding support (48); and - Stop blocks (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) and a primary insulation element (11) are arranged on the first and second column plates, such that the stop blocks (150; 250; 350; 450; 550), the first raised edge (8H), the second raised edge (8L), and the top portion (47) of the welded support (48) are received in a bottom gap (99) included in the primary insulation element (11), the bottom gap (99) extending along the first direction, and the first raised edge (8H) being higher than the second raised edge (8L) in the upward direction (U). The stop block (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) includes an abutting surface pointing toward the upward direction (U) and a first supporting surface opposite to the abutting surface. The stop block (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) is arranged such that the inner wall (99A) of the bottom gap (99) abuts against the stop block (150; 250; 350; 450). The abutting surface of 550), and the stop block (150; 250; 350; 450); The first support surface of 550) is supported on the first protruding edge (8H).

11. The assembly method according to claim 10, wherein, Arrange the stop blocks (150; 250;) 350; 450; 550) and the primary insulation element (11) include: arranging the primary insulation element (11) on the first column plate and the second column plate, and then inserting the stop block (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) into the bottom gap (99) of the primary insulation element (11).

12. The assembly method according to claim 10, wherein, Arrange the stop blocks (150; 250;) 350; 450; 550) and the primary heat insulation element (11) include: the stop block (150; 250; 350; 450; 550) are positioned in the bottom gap (99) of the primary insulation element (11), and then the primary insulation element (11) is installed on the first column plate and the second column plate.

13. The assembly method according to claim 10, wherein, Arrange the stop blocks (150; 250;) 350; 450; 550) and the primary heat insulation element (11) include: the stop block (150; Position the primary insulation element (11) relative to the first raised edge (8H) at 250; 350; 450; 550) and then mount it on the first and second column plates.

14. The assembly method according to claim 13, wherein, Positioning the stop block (150; 250) relative to the first protruding edge (8H) includes: fixing the first support surface to the first protruding edge (8H), preferably fixing the first support surface to the first protruding edge (8H) by means of bonding.

15. The assembly method according to claim 13, wherein, The stop block (350; 450; 550) includes a shoulder (354; 454; 554) pointing toward the first raised edge (8H) and the second raised edge (8L), and wherein the stop block (350; 450; 550) Positioning relative to the first protruding edge (8H) includes: abutting the shoulder (354; 454; 554) against the shoulder portion (354; 454; 554) of the end portion (47) of the welded support (48), the free end (47A) of the end portion (47) of the welded support (48) being opposite to the top surface; or, positioning the stop block (350); Positioning (450; 550) relative to the first raised edge (8H) includes: abutting the free end of one of the first raised edge (8H) and the second raised edge (8L) against the shoulder (354; 454; 554).

16. The assembly method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The stop block (250; 450; 550) includes a beveled end portion (253; 453; 553) pointing toward the first column plate, and wherein arranging the stop block (250; 450; 550) includes: setting the end surface (253P) of the beveled end portion (253; 453; 553); 453P; 553P) are configured to be supported on the first column plate.

17. The assembly method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein, The stop block (450; 550) includes a central portion (480; 580), a first branch (470; 570), and a second branch (490; 590), the first branch (470; 570) and the second branch (490; 590) extending on both sides of the central portion (480; 580), and two opposite surfaces of the first branch (470; 570) forming the stop block (450). The abutting surface and the first supporting surface of the stop block (550), and the second branch (490; 590) include a second supporting surface, wherein arranging the stop block (450; 550) includes: setting the second supporting surface to support on the second protruding edge (8L).

18. A vessel (70) for transporting liquefied gas, the vessel comprising a twin hull (72) and a tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 disposed in the twin hull.

19. A transfer system for liquefied gases, the system comprising: The vessel (70) according to claim 18; insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the tank (71) installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating storage facility or a shore storage facility (77); and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipeline from the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility to the tank of the vessel, or driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipeline from the tank of the vessel to the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility.

20. A method for loading or unloading a vessel (70) according to claim 18, wherein, The liquefied gas is transported from the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility (77) to the tank (71) of the vessel (70) via insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81), or the liquefied gas is transported from the tank (71) of the vessel (70) to the floating storage facility or the shore storage facility (77) via insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81).

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