Wall for sealed and heat insulated tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a wall (11) comprising an insulating barrier (14) arranged to abut against a support structure and a sealing membrane (15) arranged to abut against the insulating barrier, the insulating barrier comprising: a support element (30); and a modular structure located between the support element and the sealing membrane, the modular structure being secured against the support element, the sealing membrane being disposed against and secured to the modular structure, the modular structure comprising a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member, the sealing film includes a first region fixed to the first plate-like member and a second region fixed to the second plate-like member, the first plate-like member being connected to the second plate-like member by a connection portion having a degree of freedom to translate in a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the wall and a degree of connectivity in the thickness direction of the wall.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of walls of sealed and thermally insulated membrane tanks.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the field of walls of sealed and thermally insulated tanks for storing, transporting and / or using cryogenic liquefied gases as fuels, such as tanks for containing liquefied hydrogen at about -253 °C at atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed on onshore structures or floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tanks can be used for transporting liquefied gases or for using liquefied gases as fuel for propelling the floating structures. Background Art

[0003] Sealed and thermally insulated tanks for storing liquefied gases are known in the prior art, especially tanks in which the wall continuously presents, from the outside to the inside in the thickness direction of the wall, a load-bearing structure, a thermal insulation barrier and a sealing membrane, the sealing membrane being arranged against the thermal insulation barrier and for contact with the liquefied gas.

[0004] In this type of tank, the sealing membrane is subjected to high thermal stresses and mechanical stresses. For example, when the liquefied gas contained in the tank is loaded, unloaded and transported, the sealing membrane is subjected to high thermal stresses and mechanical stresses, such as those caused by "sloshing" during marine transportation, which generates fluctuations of the liquefied gas and damages the sealing membrane from the inside of the tank. The stress loads are the root cause of many problems of tank wall damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The applicant company has observed that in the walls of tanks of the above type, the stresses to which the sealing membrane is subjected are not uniform. In particular, as long as the thermal insulation barrier is discontinuous, that is, for example, the thermal insulation barrier consists of lag elements juxtaposed with each other and each lag element supports a plurality of flat areas of the sealing membrane, under the action of the above thermal stresses and mechanical stresses, as the sealing membrane deforms, the behavior of the thermal insulation barrier is inconsistent. In addition, the hydrodynamic pressure caused by the sloshing phenomenon is locally applied to some flat areas of the sealing membrane and acts only on one or more lag elements that support the flat areas. Now, especially in order to optimize the lifespan of the sealing membrane and the thermal insulation barrier, it is important to ensure that the stresses applied to the sealing membrane and the thermal insulation barrier are distributed as evenly as possible. This drawback becomes more serious when the temperature of the liquefied gas storage is low such that the thermal stresses applied to the sealing membrane and the thermal insulation barrier are very high.

[0006] In addition, so far, the thermal insulation performance of tanks of the above type has proven to be insufficient to allow the storage of liquefied gases at extremely low temperatures, such as liquefied hydrogen, unless the thickness of the thermal insulation barrier is increased very significantly, which is not desirable.

[0007] One idea on which the present invention is based is to solve the above problems.

[0008] One idea on which the present invention is based is to provide a wall of a sealed and thermally insulated tank, the wall having a modular structure that allows the loads applied to the sealing film on the tank wall to be distributed as evenly as possible.

[0009] Another idea on which the present invention is based is to provide a wall for a sealed and thermally insulated tank, the wall including load-bearing elements capable of withstanding forces applied transversely to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a wall of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas, the wall sequentially including, in the thickness direction of the wall, a thermal insulation barrier for direct or indirect anchoring to a load-bearing structure and a sealing film arranged to abut against the thermal insulation barrier, the thermal insulation barrier including:

[0011] - at least one support element, and

[0012] - a modular structure located between the at least one support element and the sealing film, the modular structure being fixed against the at least one support element, the sealing film being arranged to abut against the modular structure and fixed to the modular structure, the modular structure including at least a first plate-like member and a second plate-like member, the sealing film including a first region fixed to the first plate-like member and a second region fixed to the second plate-like member, the first plate-like member being connected to the second plate-like member by a connecting portion, the connecting portion providing a degree of freedom of translation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall so as to allow the sealing film to contract, and the connecting portion providing a degree of connection in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0013] Due to these features, the first and second plate-like members of the modular structure, and the plate-like members to which the first and second regions of the sealing film are fixed, can affect the relative movement in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0014] This particularly allows the sealing film, especially a corrugated sealing film, to contract when the tank is cooled and expand when the tank is heated, for example when the tank is emptied. More specifically, when the temperature inside the tank drops, the material of the sealing film contracts, and to compensate for this, the corrugated portions of the sealing film unfold. This means that the corrugated portions are wider open at low temperatures, for example when the tank is cooled, than at high temperatures. When the tank is heated again, for example when the tank is emptied, the effect is exactly the opposite.

[0015] In addition, any deformation of the modular structure in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall will be transmitted to the sealing film only to a very small extent.

[0016] In addition, the connection of the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member in the thickness direction of the wall means that the dynamic pressure applied to the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member will also react through the other plate-like member, so that a better distribution of the stress applied to the wall can be ensured. This connection can also eliminate or at least limit the non-uniformity or step phenomenon between the support surfaces supporting the sealing film, thereby limiting the fatigue stress experienced by the sealing film.

[0017] According to an embodiment, such a wall may include one or more of the following features.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the connection portion is formed by the direct contact between the side portion of the first plate-like member and the side portion of the second plate-like member. This means that the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member are in contact with each other without any intermediate member for connecting the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the side portion of the first plate-like member includes at least a first straight convex portion and an external convex portion, and the first straight convex portion and the external convex portion are respectively positioned on both sides in the thickness direction of the wall of the corresponding portions of the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the side portion of the first plate-like member includes a second straight convex portion, an external convex portion positioned between the first straight convex portion and the second straight convex portion, and the side portion of the second plate-like member includes a first external convex portion, a second external convex portion, and a straight convex portion positioned between the first external convex portion and the second external convex portion of the side portion of the second plate-like member. The first straight convex portion and the second straight convex portion of the side portion of the first plate-like member extend in a straight-line form, and the first external convex portion and the second external convex portion of the side portion of the second plate-like member are offset in the thickness direction of the wall and are respectively positioned outside the straight convex portion of the side portion of the second plate-like member. The straight convex portion of the side portion of the second plate-like member extends in a straight-line manner, and the external convex portion of the side portion of the first plate-like member is offset in the thickness direction of the wall and is positioned outside the straight convex portion of the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0021] Due to these features, the first plate-like member is directly connected to the second plate-like member by contact while allowing movement in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. The movement is generated in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall without damaging the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member in any way.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the connection portion formed by direct contact is such that the side portion of the first plate-like member is captured by the side portion of the second plate-like member. That is, the first plate-like member holds the second plate-like member. Such holding particularly enables the maintenance of direct contact between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member in the presence of thermal stress and dynamic stress, while allowing a sliding type of movement in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the side portion of the first plate-like member is joined to the side portion of the second plate-like member by shape interlocking and an interlocking region is formed.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the interlocking region has a through-passage that passes through the side portion of the first plate-like member and the side portion of the second plate-like member in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0025] The through-passage is formed by at least one opening formed in the side portion of the first plate-like member, and at least one opening formed in the side portion of the first plate-like member corresponds to at least one opening formed in the side portion of the second plate-like member;

[0026] A rod is received in the through-passage such that the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member have a degree of connection in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rod is straight.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the transverse cross-section of the rod has a circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the rod is made of metal or a rigid composite material.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rod has a length sufficient to be received in at least one opening formed in the side portion of the first plate-like member and at least one opening formed in the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the rod has a length equal to or greater than the length of the through-passage.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the height of the rod is selected such that there is no clearance between the rod and the through-passage in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the rod has an abutment surface in the form of a base at one end to hold the rod in the through-passage.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the through-passage is formed by a plurality of elliptical openings.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the width of the through-passage is smaller than the width of the rod so as to allow freedom of translation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a side portion of the first plate-like member includes a tenon protruding toward the second plate-like member, and the tenon is received in a mortise constructed in the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a side portion of the first plate-like member includes a second tenon protruding toward the second plate-like member, and the second tenon is received in a second mortise constructed in the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a side portion of the first plate-like member includes a third tenon protruding toward the second plate-like member, and the third tenon is received in a third mortise constructed in the side portion of the second plate-like member.

[0039] According to one embodiment, each of the first tenon, the second tenon, and the third tenon has the same or different sizes, and the sizes respectively correspond to the first mortise, the second mortise, and the third mortise. The first mortise, the second mortise, and the third mortise each have the same or different sizes to receive the corresponding tenon.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes a third plate-like member, a fourth plate-like member, and a fifth plate-like member. The sealing film includes a third region fixed to the third plate-like member, a fourth region fixed to the fourth plate-like member, and a fifth region fixed to the fifth plate-like member. The first plate-like member is connected to the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and the fifth plate-like member through a connecting portion, and the connecting portion provides freedom of translation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and connection degree in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member is connected to the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and the fifth plate-like member respectively via a first side portion, a second side portion, a third side portion, and a fourth side portion of the first plate-like member.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes a plurality of plate-like members, for example, including sixteen plate-like members, and each of the plurality of plate-like members is connected to at least another plate-like member. Preferably, each plate-like member is connected to at least two other plate-like members, for example, connected to three other plate-like members or four other plate-like members.

[0043] With these features, the modular structure increases the degree to which various stresses are evenly distributed on one or more support elements of the wall. Therefore, local damage to the wall is limited.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes a third plate-like member, a fourth plate-like member, and a fifth plate-like member. The sealing film includes a third region fixed to the third plate-like member, a fourth region fixed to the fourth plate-like member, and a fifth region fixed to the fifth plate-like member. The first plate-like member is connected to the second plate-like member, the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and the fifth plate-like member via a first side portion, a second side portion, a third side portion, and a fourth side portion of the first plate-like member, respectively.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member has an overall polygonal shape, such as a quadrilateral shape, preferably a square or rectangular shape. According to one embodiment, each side of the polygon corresponds to a respective side portion. For example, in the case of a plate-like member having a quadrilateral shape, the first plate-like member has a first side portion, a second side portion, a third side portion, and a fourth side portion.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the first plate-like member has the following dimensions:

[0047] - a length between 20 centimeters and 300 centimeters (cm);

[0048] - a width between 20 centimeters and 300 centimeters;

[0049] - a thickness between 4 millimeters and 30 millimeters (mm).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member is a metal plate-like member. Preferably, the first plate-like member includes an alloy of iron and nickel. According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member is a plate-like member made of a composite material. According to one embodiment, the composite plate-like member includes a metal anchor plate to allow welding of the sealing film to the metal anchor plate.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the features defining the first side portion of the first plate-like member may also apply to other side portions of the first plate-like member, such as the second side portion, the third side portion, and the fourth side portion.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the features defining the side portion of the second plate-like member may also apply to other side portions of the second plate-like member.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member has a symmetry axis. According to one embodiment, the first side portion and the fourth side portion each have a symmetry axis with respect to the second side portion and the third side portion. According to one embodiment, the symmetry axis passes along the diagonal of the first plate-like member.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first side portion, the second side portion, the third side portion, and the fourth side portion of the first plate-like member each have the same or different characteristics.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member is fixed against at least one support element via a first fixing member located at the central portion of the first plate-like member, and the second plate-like member is fixed against at least one support element via a second fixing member located at the central portion of the second plate-like member. Central fixing makes the fixing more balanced.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first fixing member and the second fixing member are a screw-nut system or a riveted connection member.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the above characteristics of the first plate-like member are also applicable to other plate-like members of the modular structure, for example, applicable to the second plate-like member, the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and / or the fifth plate-like member.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the above characteristics of the second plate-like member are also applicable to other plate-like members of the modular structure, for example, applicable to the first plate-like member, the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and / or the fifth plate-like member.

[0059] According to one embodiment, at least one support element is a thermal insulation panel, and the thermal insulation panel includes a self-supporting insulation foam layer sandwiched between a rigid inner plate-like member and a rigid outer plate-like member, and the insulation foam layer is preferably a polymer foam.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the modular structure is fixed to the rigid inner plate-like member.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the rigid inner plate-like member is provided with a metal anchor plate for anchoring the modular structure.

[0062] According to one embodiment, at least one support element is an insulation box structure, and the insulation box structure includes a bottom plate-like member, a top plate-like member, and a load-bearing web, and the load-bearing web extends between the bottom plate-like member and the top plate-like member in the thickness direction of the wall, and the insulation box structure defines at least one compartment filled with a thermal insulation filler. Such an insulation box structure is described, for example, in the document WO2012127141.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation filler is selected from: perlite, glass wool, and rock wool.

[0064] According to one embodiment, at least one support element includes a flexible material layer in contact with the modular structure.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a compressive Young's modulus between 0.25 MPa and 25 MPa in the thickness direction of the tank wall, and the flexible material is made of, for example, felt.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a compressive Young's modulus lower than that of the self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermal insulation panel. That is to say, this means that the flexible material is more flexible than the self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermal insulation panel.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the ratio between the compressive Young's modulus of the flexible material and that of the self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermal insulation panel is less than or equal to 1 / 5, preferably between 1 / 5 and 1 / 20.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a compressive Young's modulus lower than that of a material such as plywood, and at least one of the bottom plate member, the top plate member, and the load-bearing web of the insulating box structure is made of plywood.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the ratio between the compressive Young's modulus of the flexible material and that of the material used to manufacture at least one of the bottom plate member, the top plate member, and the load-bearing web of the insulating box structure is less than or equal to 1 / 5, and preferably between 1 / 5 and 1 / 20.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the flexible material layer extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation barrier includes a first support element and a second support element. The first support element is a first column, the second support element is a second column. The first column and the second column extend along the thickness direction of the wall. The first column is fixed to the first plate member, and the second column is fixed to the second plate member.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes:

[0073] A first sleeve fixed between the inner end of the first column and the first plate member,

[0074] A second sleeve fixed between the inner end of the second column and the second plate member, and

[0075] A metal beam connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve by means of a sliding joint, and the sliding joint provides sliding in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the metal beam has a straight shape. According to one embodiment, the metal beam has the form of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the sleeve has a cylindrical or cubic shape.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the sleeve has a through groove, which is preferably in the shape of a cross.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation barrier includes a third support element, which is a third post extending in the thickness direction of the wall, wherein the first post, the second post, and the third post are aligned.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes a third plate member and a third sleeve, the third sleeve being fixed between the inner end of the third post and the third plate member, the sealing film including a third region fixed to the third plate member, wherein a metal beam connects the third sleeve.

[0081] According to one embodiment, each sleeve is fixed to the inner end of the post by a push fit. According to a variant of the embodiment, each sleeve is fixed outside the inner end of the post by a push fit. The inner end of the post is the end of the post closest to the sealing film for contacting the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the first sleeve and the second sleeve have through openings in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall for receiving the metal beam.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the third sleeve has through openings in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall for receiving the metal beam.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the modular structure includes a metal beam that connects the first plate member and the second plate member by means of a sliding joint that provides sliding in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the metal beam has an I-shaped cross-section. In other words, the beam is an I-shaped cross-section beam, also known as a standard I-beam.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the I-shaped cross-section beam has a first side channel and a second side channel that extend in the longitudinal direction of the beam, the first side channel receiving a side portion of the first plate member, and the second side channel receiving a side portion of the second plate member.

[0087] Thus, the I-shaped cross-section beam prevents the first plate member and the second plate member from rotating about an axis parallel to the thickness direction of the wall. Thus, the surfaces of the modular structure at the first plate member and the second plate member are flat and rigid.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first side channel and the second side channel of the beam each receive a plurality of side portions of the plate members of the modular structure.

[0089] According to one embodiment, each post is made of a composite material including fibers and a matrix such that satisfactory compressive strength can be obtained for a limited conduction cross-section.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the fibers are selected from glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, flax fibers, basalt fibers, and mixtures thereof.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the matrix is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polyetherimide, polyacrylate, polyaryletherketone, polyetherketone, copolymers thereof, polyester, vinyl, epoxy resin, and polyurethane.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the column is made of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.

[0093] According to one embodiment, each column has a tubular portion.

[0094] According to one embodiment, each column has one or more through holes leading to the interior space of the column.

[0095] According to one embodiment, each column has an interior space filled with a thermal insulation filler made of open-cell porous material, and the filler is selected from, for example: open-cell thermal insulation polymer foams such as open-cell polyurethane foam, glass wool, rock wool, melamine foam, polyester filler, polymer aerogels such as polyurethane-based aerogels, especially the polymer aerogel sold under the trade name and silica aerogel.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first plate-like member is connected to the inner end of the first column via a connecting device, and the connecting device holds the first plate-like member on the first column in the thickness direction. The connecting device provides:

[0097] - a degree of freedom of rotation about a first axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and

[0098] - a degree of freedom of rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0099] Due to these features, the connection portion between the sealing film and the column made of the connecting device allows some relative movement of these elements, thereby forming an absorber device that attenuates the load easily transmitted to the column, especially when the sealing film is subject to a sloshing phenomenon. Therefore, the bending torque applied to the column can be reduced. As a result, the service life of the support element and the service life of the tank wall are both increased compared to the tank wall without the above features.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the second plate-like member is connected to the inner end of the second column via a second connecting device, and the second connecting device holds the second plate-like member on the second column in the thickness direction. The second connecting device provides:

[0101] - A degree of freedom of rotation about a first axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and

[0102] - A degree of freedom of rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the connecting device provides:

[0104] - A degree of freedom of translation along the first axis, and

[0105] - A degree of freedom of translation along the second axis.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the wall, the connecting device provides a degree of freedom of rotation in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the wall, the connecting device provides a degree of freedom of translation in the thickness direction, which is limited to a determined maximum distance of translational movement, and the maximum distance is preferably a distance less than 3 cm.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes a support fixed to the inner end of the first column.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the support includes a sleeve that is press-fitted onto or into the inner end of the column.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the sleeve is fixed against the longitudinal surface of the column.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the sleeve extends beyond the inner end of the column.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the column is hollow.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the sealing film is welded to the first metal plate-like member.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the support includes a blanking plate that is fixed to the inner end of the first column and covers the inner end of the first column.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the blanking plate is made of metal.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes a socket of a spherical joint and a ball element of the spherical joint received in the socket, wherein the socket and the ball element are respectively fixed to a first plate-like member and another plate-like member of the support.

[0117] Within the meaning of this text, the "ball element" and "socket" of the spherical joint are respectively defined as the protruding element and the receiving socket of the spherical joint connection.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the connecting device is arranged to press the ball element of the spherical joint and the socket of the spherical joint against each other.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes a rod passing through the ball element and the socket of the spherical joint.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a first end fixed to one of the support or the first plate-like member.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a second end fixed to the other of the support or the first plate-like member.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a first end provided with an abutting surface.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a second end provided with an abutting surface.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the connecting device further includes at least one elastic member or spherical washer, which is mounted on the rod and positioned between one of the socket or the ball element and the abutting surface, so as to press the socket and the ball element against each other.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes an elastic member or spherical washer mounted on the rod and positioned between the abutting surface and the socket, and the connecting device further includes an elastic member or spherical washer mounted on the rod and positioned between the abutting surface and the ball element, so as to press the ball element and the socket against each other.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a first end fixed to one of the elements serving as the support and the first plate-like member and has a second end provided with an abutting surface, and the connecting device further includes at least one elastic member or spherical washer, which is mounted on the rod and positioned between one of the socket or the ball element and the abutting surface, so as to press the ball element and the socket against each other.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the first element of the elements serving as the first plate-like member and the support, the second end including an abutting surface, the rod passing through the second element of the elements serving as the first plate-like member and the support, and the connecting device further includes at least one elastic member or spherical washer, which is mounted on the rod and positioned between the first plate-like member and the support, so as to press the second element against the abutting surface.

[0128] According to an embodiment of the wall, the elastic member is dimensioned to limit the freedom of translational movement in the thickness direction.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the elastic member comprises a Belleville spring washer.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the elastic member comprises a plurality of Belleville spring washers, preferably two or three Belleville spring washers.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the rod is a screw including a screw head, and the abutment surface is the screw head.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the connecting device comprises a plurality of elastic members and a plurality of rods spaced apart from each other, each rod having a first end fixed to a first element of an element serving as a first plate-like member and a support member and having a second end including an abutment surface, the rod passing through a second element of the element serving as a first plate-like member and a support member, and each elastic member being mounted on a rod and positioned between the first plate-like member and the support member so as to press the second element against the abutment surface.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the plurality of rods comprises three rods, and the three rods are distributed such that three straight line segments connecting the rods in pairs form an equilateral triangle.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the abutment surface is positioned in a counterbore formed in a ball element or a ball seat, and the elastic member or the spherical washer is positioned in the counterbore between the screw head and the bottom end of the counterbore.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the support element comprises:

[0136] - An outer plate, the outer plate being connected to the outer end of the first column via an outer connecting device, the outer connecting device holding the outer plate on the first column in the thickness direction, a secondary sealing film being fixed to the outer plate, and the outer connecting device providing:

[0137] - A degree of freedom of rotation about a first axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and

[0138] - A degree of freedom of rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the external connection device is similar to the connection device, that is to say, the external connection device may include one or more features of the connection device located at the outer end of the first column. For example, according to one embodiment, the external connection device includes a support fixed to the outer end of the first column, and the external connection device includes a ball socket of a spherical joint and a ball element received in the socket, and one of the socket and the ball element is fixed to the external plate and the other is fixed to the support.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the external plate is made of metal.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing film is welded to the external metal plate.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal insulation barrier includes a support element.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal insulation barrier includes a plurality of support elements.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier includes the above support element.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier includes a plurality of support elements.

[0146] According to one embodiment, each of the secondary thermal insulation barrier and the primary thermal insulation barrier includes a support element. According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier and the secondary thermal insulation barrier include a plurality of support elements.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the primary sealing film includes a first series of corrugations having first corrugation portions parallel to each other, and the primary sealing film includes a second series of corrugations having second corrugation portions parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugation portions, and the primary sealing film includes a plurality of flat areas, and each flat area among the plurality of flat areas is defined between two adjacent first corrugation portions and between two adjacent second corrugation portions;

[0148] The plurality of flat areas of the primary sealing film include a first flat area welded against a first plate-like member of the support element.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing film includes a first series of corrugations having first corrugation portions parallel to each other, and the secondary sealing film includes a second series of corrugations having second corrugation portions parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugation portions, and the secondary sealing film includes a plurality of flat areas, and each flat area among the plurality of flat areas is defined between two adjacent first corrugation portions and between two adjacent second corrugation portions;

[0150] The plurality of flat areas of the secondary sealing film include a first flat area welded against the external plate of the support element.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the present invention further provides a sealed and thermally insulated tank, the sealed and thermally insulated tank including at least a first wall and a second wall similar to the above-mentioned wall.

[0152] According to one embodiment of the tank, the first wall and the second wall form a corner of the tank, the first wall and the second wall each include a row of support elements for supporting a sealing film, the sealing film extends parallel to the corner edge, and the row includes support elements.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the tank, the first wall and the second wall include:

[0154] - A first row of support elements for supporting the sealing film, the row of support elements extends parallel to the corner edge and is positioned close to the corner of the tank, and

[0155] - A second row of support elements for supporting the sealing film, the row of support elements extends parallel to the corner edge and is adjacent to the first row, the second row includes support elements.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the sealing film is a corrugated sealing film, the corrugated sealing film includes a first series of corrugated portions having first corrugated portions parallel to each other, and the corrugated sealing film includes a second series of corrugated portions having second corrugated portions parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugated portions, the sealing film includes a plurality of flat regions, each of the plurality of flat regions is defined between two adjacent first corrugated portions and between two adjacent second corrugated portions;

[0157] The first region and the second region correspond to two adjacent flat regions.

[0158] Due to these characteristics, the stress experienced by the corrugated sealing film is evenly distributed between the corrugated portions of the film.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier includes at least a first row of columns, the first row of columns sequentially includes at least a first column, a second column and a third column in a direction parallel to the first corrugated portion, the first column, the second column and the third column are fixed to the secondary thermal insulation barrier and extend in the thickness direction of the wall, the first column, the second column and the third column are respectively fixed to a first plate-like member, a second plate-like member and a third plate-like member, and the first column, the second column and the third column are respectively positioned in the flat regions.

[0160] These characteristics allow the stress to be well distributed between the corrugated portions of the sealing film.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier includes at least a second row of columns, the second row of columns including a fourth column, a fifth column, and a sixth column, the fourth column, the fifth column, and the sixth column being fixed to the secondary thermal insulation barrier and extending in the thickness direction of the wall, the fourth column, the fifth column, and the sixth column being aligned in a direction parallel to the second corrugation and being fixed to a fourth plate-like member, a fifth plate-like member, and a sixth plate-like member respectively, the fourth column, the fifth column, and the sixth column being located in flat regions respectively.

[0162] Thus, the primary thermal insulation barrier includes support elements aligned with the first corrugation of the primary sealing film and support elements aligned with the second corrugation of the primary sealing film.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the sealing film is fixed to the modular structure by welding.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation barrier is a primary thermal insulation barrier, and the sealing film is a primary sealing film for contacting the liquefied gas contained in the tank, the wall including a secondary thermal insulation barrier arranged to abut against a load-bearing structure, a secondary sealing film arranged to abut against the secondary thermal insulation barrier, a primary thermal insulation barrier arranged to abut against the secondary sealing film, and a primary sealing film arranged to abut against the primary thermal insulation barrier.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal insulation barrier is arranged to abut against the load-bearing structure.

[0166] According to another embodiment, the first series of corrugations and the second series of corrugations of the secondary sealing film protrude inward in a direction away from the load-bearing structure.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the primary thermal insulation barrier has a gas phase maintained at a vacuum pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.

[0168] Due to these features, the thermal insulation performance of the primary thermal insulation barrier is enhanced.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the gas phase is placed at an absolute pressure below 1 Pa, advantageously at an absolute pressure below 10 - 1 Pa, preferably at an absolute pressure below 10 -2 Pa, and for example at an absolute pressure of about 10 -3 Pa. This makes it possible to improve the thermal insulation performance of the primary thermal insulation barrier.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal insulation barrier has a gas phase under vacuum, preferably at an absolute pressure below 1 Pa.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the primary sealing film includes a plurality of corrugated metal plates, each corrugated metal plate having an edge, and each edge being lap-welded to the edge of an adjacent corrugated metal plate.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermal insulation barrier includes insulation panels anchored to the load-bearing structure. According to one embodiment, the insulation panels are made of: glass wool, rock wool, polyester filler, open-cell polymer foam such as open-cell polyurethane foam or melamine foam.

[0173] According to one embodiment, each insulation panel includes an insulation polymer foam layer sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate, for example made of plywood or made of a fiber-reinforced, for example glass fiber-reinforced, polymer matrix.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the inner plate of the insulation panel is equipped with a metal anchor plate for anchoring the modular structure to the insulation panel and / or for anchoring the sealing film to the insulation panel.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the inner plate of the insulation panel is equipped with a metal anchor plate for anchoring the edges of the corrugated metal plates of the secondary sealing film to the insulation panel.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the liquefied gas is hydrogen.

[0177] The present invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulated tank, the sealed and thermally insulated tank including a plurality of the above-mentioned walls.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the sealed and thermally insulated tank contains liquefied hydrogen.

[0179] The tank can be produced by various techniques, especially in the form of an integrated membrane tank. For example, the tank is a polyhedral tank.

[0180] Such a tank can form part of an onshore storage facility or can be installed in a floating, offshore or marine structure, especially on a ship for transporting liquid hydrogen, namely a hydrogen tanker, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO), etc. Such a tank can also be used as a fuel tank on any type of ship.

[0181] According to one embodiment, an oil tanker for transporting liquefied gas includes a double hull and the above-mentioned tank arranged in the double hull.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the present invention further provides a transportation system for transporting liquefied gas, the system comprising: the above-mentioned ship; an isolation pipeline, which is arranged to connect a sealed and thermally insulated tank installed in the ship's hull to a floating or onshore storage facility; and a pump, which is used to drive a liquefied gas stream from the floating or onshore storage facility through the isolation pipeline to the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship, or the pump is used to drive a liquefied gas stream from the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship through the isolation pipeline to the floating or onshore storage facility.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for loading or emptying such a ship, wherein combustible gas is transported from a floating or onshore storage facility via an isolation pipeline to the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship, or combustible gas is transported from the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship via an isolation pipeline to the floating or onshore storage facility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0184] In the following description of several specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be better understood, and further objects, details, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent. These embodiments are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.

[0185] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view with a cross-section of a load-bearing structure for supporting a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas.

[0186] Figure 2 Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the wall of a sealed and thermally insulated tank according to the first embodiment.

[0187] Figure 3 Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of region III of

[0188] Figure 4 Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plate-like member of a modular structure according to one embodiment.

[0189] Figure 5 Figure 5 is Figure 4 a perspective view of a modular structure formed by four plate-like members according to the

[0190] Figure 6 Figure 6 is a perspective view of a wall including a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0191] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 7 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0192] Figure 8 Figure 8 is Figure 7 a perspective view of a plate-like member of the modular structure.

[0193] Figure 9 Figure 9 is according to Figure 7 a perspective view of the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member of the modular structure.

[0194] Figure 10 Figure 10 is a schematic partial perspective view of a wall including a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0195] Figure 11 Figure 11 is a schematic partial perspective view of a wall including a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0196] Figure 12 Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tank of a ship for transporting liquefied gas and a terminal for loading / unloading the tank.

[0197] Figure 13 Figure 13 is a partial exploded perspective view of a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0198] Figure 14 Figure 14 is Figure 13 an enlarged perspective view of the modular structure.

[0199] Figure 15 Figure 15 depicts a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a first variant of a first embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, and the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member has been intentionally omitted.

[0200] Figure 16 Figure 16 depicts a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a second variant of a first embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, and the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member has been intentionally omitted.

[0201] Figure 17 Figure 17 depicts Figure 3 a partial perspective view of a second variant of the connecting device for connecting the modular structure to the column depicted in ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0202] Figure 18 Figure 18 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a third variant of a first embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0203] Figure 19 Figure 19 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a first variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0204] Figure 20 Figure 20 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a second variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0205] Figure 21 Figure 21 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a third variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0206] Figure 22 Figure 22 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a fourth variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0207] Figure 23 Figure 23 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0208] Figure 24 Figure 24 Partial cross-sectional view of a corner of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas according to an embodiment, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member having been intentionally omitted.

[0209] Figure 25 Figure 25 Is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a wall including a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0210] Figure 26 Figure 26 Is according to Figure 25 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Schematic partial cross-sectional view of a wall including a modular structure according to an embodiment, with the sealing film intentionally omitted. Detailed Description

[0211] By convention, the terms "outer" and "inner" are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another, with reference to the interior and exterior of the tank.

[0212] The liquefied gas stored in the tank can notably be liquefied hydrogen, which has the particular characteristic of being stored at approximately -253 °C at atmospheric pressure. However, it can be noted that the present invention is applicable to any other liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas.

[0213] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 illustrates a tank 1 for receiving liquefied gas.

[0214] The tank 1 includes a load-bearing structure formed by the inner hull (not depicted) of a double-hull ship (not depicted). The tank 1 has a polyhedral or prismatic overall shape. The tank 1 has a first transverse wall 2 and a second transverse wall 3, which are octagonal in this example. In Figure 1 , the first transverse wall 2 is only partially depicted so that the interior space of the tank 1 is visible. The tank 1 also includes a top wall 4, a bottom wall 5, a lower angled wall 6, side walls 7, and an upper angled wall 8. The top wall 4, the bottom wall 5, the lower angled wall 6, the side walls 7, and the upper angled wall 8 extend in the longitudinal direction of the ship, connect the first transverse wall 2 and the second transverse wall 3 at the transverse corner edges 9, and meet at the longitudinal corner edges 10.

[0215] Each wall of the tank is successively shown in the thickness direction of the wall as having a thermal insulation barrier disposed against the load-bearing structure and a sealing film disposed against the thermal insulation barrier.

[0216] Generally, each wall of the tank has a multi-layer structure that, from the outside to the inside of the tank, includes: a secondary thermal insulation barrier including a plurality of secondary insulation panels for directly or indirectly anchoring to the load-bearing structure; a secondary sealing film disposed against the secondary thermal insulation barrier; a primary thermal insulation barrier disposed against the secondary sealing film, the primary thermal insulation barrier including a plurality of primary insulation panels or more primary columns; and a primary sealing film for contacting the liquefied gas contained in the tank. The primary sealing film defines an interior space for containing the liquefied gas, such as liquefied hydrogen.

[0217] The following will be described more specifically in conjunction with Figures 2 to 11 the walls of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas according to some embodiments.

[0218] The wall 11 of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas has a multi-layer structure which, in the thickness direction of the wall 11, from the outside to the inside, includes: a secondary thermal insulation barrier 12 arranged to abut against the load-bearing structure 23, a secondary sealing film 13, a primary thermal insulation barrier 14, and a primary sealing film 15 for contacting the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0219] The secondary thermal insulation barrier 12 includes a plurality of insulation panels 16, and the insulation panels 16 are anchored to the load-bearing structure 23. Each insulation panel 16 has a layer 17 of an insulating polymer foam sandwiched between an inner plate-like member 18 and an outer plate-like member 19. For example, the inner plate-like member 18 and the outer plate-like member 19 are plywood plate-like members adhesively bonded to the insulating polymer foam layer 17. In one variant, the inner plate-like member 18 and the outer plate-like member 19 are made of a fiber-reinforced polymer matrix, such as a glass fiber-reinforced polymer matrix. The insulating polymer foam can significantly be a polyurethane-based foam. The polymer foam is advantageously fiber-reinforced, with fibers such as glass fibers, which helps to reduce the thermal shrinkage of the polymer foam.

[0220] The insulation panels 16 are anchored to the load-bearing structure 23 by secondary anchoring means (not depicted). Each insulation panel 16 is fixed, for example, at each of at least four corners thereof. Each secondary anchoring means includes a nail-like member and a pressing member, the nail-like member being welded to the load-bearing structure 23, and the pressing member being fixed to the nail-like member and pressing against a support area of the insulation panel 16. According to one embodiment, the outer plate-like member 19 of the insulation panel 16 extends beyond the insulating polymer foam layer 17 at least at the corners of the insulation panel 16 to form a support area of the insulation panel 16 which cooperates with the pressing member of the secondary anchoring means. Elastic members such as Belleville spring washers are advantageously slid onto the nail-like member, between the pressing member and a nut mounted on the nail-like member, such that the insulation panel 16 can be elastically anchored to the load-bearing structure 23.

[0221] Advantageously, a length body of an adhesive 20 is inserted between the outer plate-like member 19 of the insulation panel 16 and the load-bearing structure 23. Thus, the length body of the adhesive 20 helps to compensate for surface irregularities of the load-bearing structure 23. According to an advantageous embodiment variant, the length body of the adhesive 20 is attached to the outer plate-like member 19 of the insulation panel 16 and attached to the load-bearing structure 23. Thus, the length body of the adhesive 20 helps to anchor the insulation panel 16 to the load-bearing structure 23. In such an embodiment variant, the secondary anchoring means is optional.

[0222] The insulating panel 16 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and is juxtaposed in a parallel row, the parallel rows being separated from each other by a gap 21, ensuring a functional installation clearance. The gap 21 is filled with an insulating filler not depicted, such as, for example, glass wool, rock wool or open-cell flexible synthetic foam. The gap can also be filled with an insulating stuffing, as described, for example, in applications WO2019155157 or WO2021028624.

[0223] In the depicted embodiment, the inner face of the insulating panel 16 presents two series of channels 22, the two series of channels 22 being perpendicular to each other and adapted to receive corrugations formed on the corrugated metal sheet-like member of the secondary sealing film 13 and protruding towards the outside of the tank. Each of the series of channels 22 is parallel to two opposite sides of the insulating panel 16. In the depicted embodiment, the channels 22 pass through the entire thickness of the inner sheet-like member 18 and into the inner part of the insulating polymer foam layer 17. Advantageously, the channels 22 have a shape complementary to the shape of the corrugations of the secondary sealing film 13.

[0224] Furthermore, the inner sheet-like member 18 of the insulating panel 16 is equipped with a metal anchoring plate for anchoring the edges of the corrugated metal sheet-like member of the secondary sealing film 13 to the insulating panel 16. The metal anchoring plate extends in two perpendicular directions, each of the two perpendicular directions being parallel to two opposite sides of the insulating panel 16. The metal anchoring plate is fixed to the inner sheet-like member 18 of the insulating panel 16 by, for example, screws, rivets or staples. The metal anchoring plate is fitted into a recess formed in the inner sheet-like member 18 such that the inner surface of the metal anchoring plate is flush with the inner surface of the inner sheet-like member 18.

[0225] Furthermore, the insulating panel 16 has relaxation slits 27 that reduce its stiffness, so that the secondary thermal insulation barrier 12 can deform as uniformly as possible. This makes it possible to obtain the most uniform deformation of the corrugations of the secondary sealing film 13. Advantageously, the insulating panel 16 has at least relaxation slits 27 facing each corrugation 24 of the secondary sealing film 13. Thus, the relaxation slits 27 extend from the bottom of each channel 22 towards the outer sheet-like member 19 of the insulating panel 16. According to an alternative variant, the insulating unit 16 also includes relaxation slits opening to the outer face of the insulating panel 16. Thus, such relaxation slits are not positioned facing the corrugations of the secondary sealing film 13, but are positioned in the middle between two parallel corrugations of the secondary sealing film 13.

[0226] The secondary sealing film 13 includes a plurality of corrugated metal sheet-like members, each of the corrugated metal sheet-like members having a substantially rectangular shape. The corrugated metal sheet-like members are made, for example, of , that is, an alloy of iron and nickel, the coefficient of expansion of which is generally in the order of 1.2×10 -6 K-1 and 2×10 -6 K -1 between, or made of ferroalloys with a high manganese content, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the ferroalloys being typically about 7×10 -6 K -1 . Alternatively, the corrugated metal sheet-like member can equally be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0227] The corrugated metal sheet-like members are lap-welded along their edges to ensure the fluid tightness of the secondary sealing film 13. In addition, the corrugated metal sheet-like members are arranged in a manner offset with respect to the insulating panels 16 of the secondary thermal insulation barrier 12, such that each of the corrugated metal sheet-like members in the corrugated metal sheet-like members extends simultaneously over a plurality of adjacent insulating panels 16. To anchor the secondary sealing film 13 to the secondary thermal insulation barrier 12, the edges of the corrugated metal sheet-like members are welded to a metal anchor plate, for example by spot welding to the metal anchor plate.

[0228] The secondary sealing film 13 has corrugations, more specifically, the secondary sealing film 13 has a first series of corrugations extending parallel to the first direction and a second series of corrugations extending parallel to the second direction. The directions of the series of corrugations are perpendicular to each other. Each of the series of corrugations in the series of corrugations is parallel to two opposite edges of the corrugated metal sheet-like member. Here, the corrugations project towards the outside of the tank, i.e., towards the load-bearing structure 23. The secondary sealing film 13 includes a plurality of flat areas between the corrugations.

[0229] The corrugations of the secondary sealing film 13 are received in channels 22 formed in the inner face of the insulating panels 16 and in gaps 21 formed between adjacent insulating panels 16.

[0230] In addition, each of the flat areas of the secondary sealing film 13 has primary anchoring means extending therethrough, the purpose of the primary anchoring means being to anchor the support elements of the primary thermal insulation barrier 14 to the insulating panels 16 of the secondary thermal insulation barrier 12. Each primary anchoring means includes a stud, not depicted, which passes through the secondary sealing film in a fluid-tight manner.

[0231] The primary thermal insulation barrier 14 includes a plurality of posts 30 extending in the thickness direction of the wall 11. The posts 30 are capable of supporting the primary sealing film 15 and can thus respond to the loads caused by the hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressures exerted on the primary sealing film 15 by the liquefied gas contained in the tank. The posts 30 are aligned in rows parallel to the direction of the corrugations of the first series of corrugations 45a and in rows parallel to the direction of the corrugations of the second series of corrugations 45b.

[0232] The columns 30 each include an outer base, an inner base, and a rod extending between the outer base and the inner base. The outer base and the inner base can be made of a metal such as stainless steel, or can be made of a composite material such as glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. The outer base and the inner base can be fixed to the rod by any means, in particular by adhesive bonding. According to another embodiment variant, the rod, the outer base, and the inner base that together form the column 30 are produced as a single piece, for example by molding as a single piece. The column has a tubular shape, preferably the column has a circular cross-section.

[0233] The primary sealing film 15 itself is obtained in a manner similar to the secondary sealing film by assembling a plurality of corrugated metal sheet-like members 44. The corrugated metal sheet-like members 44 are substantially rectangular in shape. The corrugated metal sheet-like members are made of, for example, made, that is, an alloy of iron and nickel, the coefficient of thermal expansion of which is generally between 1.2×10 -6 K -1 and 2×10 -6 K -1 or made of an iron alloy with a high manganese content, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the iron alloy being generally about 7×10 -6 K -1 . Alternatively, the corrugated metal sheet-like members 44 can equally be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0234] The corrugated metal sheet-like members 44 are lap-welded along their edges to ensure the fluid tightness of the primary sealing film 15. The primary sealing film 15 has corrugations 45. More specifically, the primary sealing film 15 includes a first series of corrugations 45a extending parallel to a first direction and a second series of corrugations 45b extending parallel to a second direction. The directions of the series of corrugations 45a, 45b are perpendicular to each other and parallel to or perpendicular to the rows of the columns 30. Each series of corrugations in the series of corrugations 45a, 45b is parallel to two opposite edges of the corrugated metal sheet-like member 44. The corrugations 45 project towards the interior of the tank, that is, in a direction away from the load-bearing structure 23. Each corrugated metal sheet-like member 44 includes a plurality of flat regions 46 between the corrugations 45.

[0235] In the thickness direction of the wall 11, each flat region 46 of the primary sealing film 15 is positioned opposite a flat region of the secondary sealing film 13.

[0236] As Figure 3 shown, which shows Figure 2 detail III of, the wall 11 includes a modular structure 50 located between a plurality of columns 30 and the primary sealing film 15.

[0237] The primary sealing film 15 is fixed to the modular structure 50 by welding at the flat areas 46. According to one embodiment, each flat area 46 of the primary sealing film 15 is fixed to a corresponding plate-like member of the modular structure 50. According to another embodiment, the primary sealing film 15 is welded to the modular structure only along the edges of the corrugated metal plate-like member 44.

[0238] The modular structure 50 includes a first plate-like member 51, a second plate-like member 52, and a third plate-like member 53. The second plate-like member 52 is connected to the first plate-like member 51 by a first connecting portion 54 located at the side portions of the first plate-like member 51 and the second plate-like member 52. The second plate-like member is also connected to the third plate-like member 53 via a second connecting portion 55 through the other side portion of the second plate-like member and the side portion of the third plate-like member. The first connecting portion 54 and the second connecting portion 55 allow a degree of freedom of translational movement in the direction X, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and parallel to the direction of one of the series of corrugations 45a, 45b of the primary sealing film 15.

[0239] The modular structure 50 is fixed to the column 30 using threaded fasteners. This means that each plate is fixed to the column 30 separately, for example, using a screw-nut system 82 to fix to the column 30.

[0240] According to Figure 3 the embodiment of the plate-like member is shown in more detail in Figure 4 For ease of understanding, Figure 4 the plate-like member in Figure 3 is referred to as the first plate-like member 51. However,

[0241] The first plate-like member 51 has an overall square shape. The first plate-like member 51 has a first side portion 101, a second side portion 102, a third side portion 103 opposite to the first side portion 101, and a fourth side portion 104.

[0242] Both the first side portion 101 and the second side portion 102 have a first straight convex portion 105, a second straight convex portion 105, and an external convex portion 107 located between the first straight convex portion 105 and the second straight convex portion 105.

[0243] The third side portion 103 and the fourth side portion 104 each have a straight convex portion 105 located between the first external convex portion 107 and the second external convex portion 107.

[0244] The external convex portion 107 is offset towards the outside of the tank relative to the straight convex portion 105 in the thickness direction Y of the wall.

[0245] The first side part 101 and the second side part 102 are complementary to the third side part 103 and the fourth side part 104.

[0246] Therefore, the first side part 101 and the second side part 102 can be respectively connected to either the third side part 103 or the fourth side part 104 of an adjacent plate-like member.

[0247] Such a first plate-like member 51 is manufactured, for example, by stamping or bending a piece of metal plate-like member.

[0248] Due to these features, the modular structure 50 allows the load applied to the column 30 to be evenly distributed, and also allows the support for the primary sealing film 15 to be maintained in the case of damage to the column 30.

[0249] In Figure 5 and Figure 6 such a modular structure 50 including a plurality of plate-like members identical to the first plate-like member 51 is clearly shown.

[0250] Figure 5 A modular structure 50 including four plate-like members is shown. The modular structure 50 includes:

[0251] - The first plate-like member 51 is connected to the second plate-like member 52 through the contact between the fourth side part 104 of the first plate-like member 51 and the second side part 102 of the second plate-like member 52. The first plate-like member 51 is also connected to the third plate-like member 56 through the contact between the first side part 101 of the first plate-like member 51 and the third side part 103 of the third plate-like member 56.

[0252] - The fourth plate-like member 57 is connected to the second plate-like member 52 through the contact between the third side part 103 of the fourth plate-like member 57 and the first side part 101 of the second plate-like member 52. The fourth plate-like member 57 is also connected to the third plate-like member 56 through the contact between the second side part 102 of the fourth plate-like member 57 and the fourth side part 104 of the third plate-like member 56.

[0253] It can be seen that there are holes 60 at the central parts of the first plate-like member, the second plate-like member, the third plate-like member, and the fourth plate-like member in Figure 5 . The purpose of this hole 60 is to avoid the stacking of materials, and the stacking may cause difficulties in assembling the modular structure.

[0254] The above features of such a modular structure, especially the lateral parts of the plate-like members, allow the assembly of a large number of plate-like members, thereby forming a modular structure with a size suitable for the required size. These plate-like members cooperate with each other through connections.

[0255] According to Figure 6The depicted variant of the embodiment, the wall 111 of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas includes a support element 130, and the support element 130 can be:

[0256] - A thermally insulated panel, which includes a self-supporting insulating polymer foam layer sandwiched between an inner plywood sheet and an outer plywood sheet; or

[0257] - An insulating box structure filled with a thermally insulating filler.

[0258] The support element further includes a flexible material layer 31, which is positioned against the panel or against the insulating box structure 130, and the modular structure 50 is positioned and fixed against the flexible material layer 31.

[0259] In this embodiment, each sheet has a circular recess 83 at its central part, and the circular recess 83 includes a through hole 84 for receiving a fixing member. The fixing member for stabilizing each sheet in the thickness direction Y of the wall 111 is carried out at a single point, for example, at the central part of the sheet, for example, using a threaded fastener.

[0260] In a manner similar to the above-described embodiment, the sheets of the modular structure 50 cooperate with each other through the connecting parts at the side parts, which allows movement in the direction X perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall 111. This means that when the sealing film (not depicted in Figure 6 contracts or expands in response to thermal stress, each sheet of the modular structure 50 can freely slide in the direction X.

[0261] In addition, when a local load is applied in the thickness direction Y of the wall, for example, in the form of the pressure exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, the load is transmitted to the modular structure 50, particularly to the multiple sheets that make up the modular structure 50. In addition, the flexible material layer 31 increases the effect of load dispersion.

[0262] Due to these characteristics, in the case of the thermally insulated panel, the load of a local impact is dispersed over a larger area. This results in a reduction in the maximum value of the stress applied to the thermally insulated panel. Therefore, for example, a foam with a lower density, such as a foam with a density of 170 kg / m 3 can be used instead of a foam with a density of 250 kg / m 3 of foam, thus greatly saving materials, and therefore saving costs and improving the thermal performance of the insulating panel.

[0263] Now in combination with Figures 7 to 9 discuss another variant of the embodiment for the modular structure 150.

[0264] Different from the above-described embodiments, the modular structure 150 includes a plurality of plate-like members joined together by a mortise and tenon system, which is shown in more detail in Figure 8 and Figure 9 .

[0265] Figure 8 The plate-like member 58 has an overall square shape in a manner similar to the plate-like member 51 of Figure 4 , having a first side portion 201, a second side portion 202, a third side portion 203 opposite the first side portion 201, and a fourth side portion 204. The plate-like member 58 is symmetric about an axis S that passes along the diagonal of the plate-like member 58.

[0266] The first side portion 201 and the second side portion 202 each have a first rectangular tenon 205, a second rectangular tenon 205, and a cylindrical tenon 206, which project from the first side portion 201 of the plate-like member 58 and from the second side portion 202 of the plate-like member 58, respectively.

[0267] The third side portion 203 and the fourth side portion 204 each have a first rectangular mortise 207, a second rectangular mortise 207, and a cylindrical mortise 208, which are recessed into the third side portion 203 of the plate-like member 58 and the fourth side portion 204 of the plate-like member 58, respectively. The dimensions of the mortises are tailored to allow the mortises to receive the corresponding tenons.

[0268] According to the embodiment depicted in Figure 7 , each plate-like member of the modular structure 150 exhibits the characteristics of the plate-like member 58.

[0269] Thus, the first side portion 201 and the second side portion 202 can be connected to either the third side portion 203 or the fourth side portion 204 of an adjacent plate-like member, respectively.

[0270] In Figure 7 , for each plate-like member, the first rectangular tenon 205, the second rectangular tenon 205, and the cylindrical tenon 206 of the first side portion 201 are respectively connected to the first rectangular mortise 207, the second rectangular mortise 207, and the cylindrical mortise 208 of the third side portion 203 of an adjacent plate-like member.

[0271] Similarly, the second side portion 202 is connected to the fourth side portion 204 of an adjacent plate-like member by the first rectangular tenon 205 and the second rectangular tenon 205 of the second side portion 201 and the cylindrical tenon 206, and the first rectangular tenon 205, the second rectangular tenon 205 and the cylindrical tenon 206 are pushed into the first rectangular mortise 207, the second rectangular mortise 207 and the cylindrical mortise 208 of the fourth side portion 203 of the adjacent plate-like member.

[0272] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the connection between the first rectangular tenon 205 of Figure 7 and the first mortise 207. The width dimension of the first tenon 205 is smaller than the width dimension of the first mortise 207 so as to allow the first tenon 205 to move in the first mortise 207 in directions X1 and X2 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. This difference in dimensions allows for a sliding movement in response to thermal contraction or thermal expansion without completely breaking the connection. That is, the dimensions are also selected taking into account the estimated thermal contraction and thermal expansion such that the tenon does not completely disengage from the mortise.

[0273] Different from the above-described embodiment, the modular structure 450 includes a plurality of plate-like members 451 joined together by an interlocking system shown by Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0274] This embodiment is different from the previous embodiment in that the modular structure 450 includes a plurality of plate-like members 451, Figure 13 shows four of the plate-like members 451, and the four plate-like members 451 are interlocked by the complementary nature of the shapes of the side portions of one plate-like member 451 and the side portions of another adjacent plate-like member 451. The complementary nature of the shapes of the two interlocking plate-like members 451 involves each piece having an opening 452 extending in a direction X perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and the opening 452 forms a through-passage for receiving a straight rod 453. The opening 452 has, for example, an oval shape.

[0275] The straight rod 453 is received in the continuous through-openings 452 and passes through the continuous through-openings 452 so as to maintain a certain degree of connection in the thickness direction Y of the walls of the interlocking plate-like members. The lateral dimension of the straight rod 453 measured perpendicular to the thickness direction is smaller than the corresponding lateral dimension of the through-opening 452. In other words, the straight rod 453 is installed in such a way that there is clearance in the lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the straight rod 453 and perpendicular to the thickness direction Y of the wall, thereby allowing the plate-like members to move relative to each other in a plane orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0276] The straight rod 453 has a contact surface in the form of a base 454 at one end so as to hold the straight rod 453 in the through-passage.

[0277] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the modular structure 250 is shown. Figure 10 The columns 30 in Figure 2 are arranged in rows in a manner similar to the columns 30 shown in

[0278] This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in that the modular structure 250 includes a plurality of plate-like members 251, and the plurality of plate-like members 251 are connected to each other by metal beams that can slide in one of the directions X1 and X2. The directions X1 and X2 are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and parallel to a series of corrugations 45a, 45b in the primary sealing film 15.

[0279] To achieve this, the modular structure 250 further includes a plurality of sleeves 252, and each of the plurality of sleeves 252 is positioned at the inner end of the column 30. Each sleeve 252 has two through openings, forming a cross-shaped groove.

[0280] A plurality of continuous metal beams 253 each pass through a series of sleeves 252 in a first direction X1 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and the series of sleeves 252 are aligned through the respective grooves of the sleeves. Figure 10 Three mutually parallel continuous metal beams 253 are clearly shown, and each metal beam passes through at least four aligned sleeves. The continuous metal beams 253 can produce a sliding movement in the first direction X1.

[0281] A plurality of discontinuous metal beams 254 each connect the first sleeve 252 to the second sleeve 252 in a second direction X2 via the corresponding grooves of the first sleeve 252 of the first column 30 and the second sleeve 252 of the second column 30 adjacent to the first column 30. The second direction X2 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and perpendicular to the first direction X1. The discontinuous metal beams 254 can produce a sliding movement in the second direction X2.

[0282] Each plate-like member 251 is fixed to the column 30 via the sleeve 252, for example, by means of rivets 85.

[0283] In a manner similar to Figure 2 the modular structure 250 also allows the load applied to the column 30 to be evenly distributed, and also allows the support for the primary sealing film to be maintained in the case of damage to the column 30.

[0284] According to Figure 10 a variant of the embodiment (not depicted), the load-bearing element is an insulating panel instead of the column 30, and the sleeves 252 are distributed on the inner surface of the insulating panel, and the continuous and discontinuous metal beams are distributed in a manner similar to Figure 10 the above.

[0285] Figure 11 Another variant embodiment of the wall of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas is shown. The modular structure 350 differs from Figure 10 the modular structure 250 in that the modular structure 350 includes a sleeve 352 having a cubic shape, and the modular structure 350 includes a plurality of discontinuous metal beams 254 in a first direction X1 and a second direction X2 that connect two adjacent sleeves 352.

[0286] According to Figure 11 a variant (not depicted) of the embodiment, the load-bearing element is an insulating panel instead of the column 30, and the sleeves 352 are distributed on the inner surface of the insulating panel, and the discontinuous metal beams are distributed in a manner similar to Figure 11 that.

[0287] Figure 25 and Figure 26 Another variant embodiment of the wall of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas is shown.

[0288] The modular structure 550 differs from Figure 10 the modular structure 250 in that the metal beams 153, 154 are positioned at the gap between two adjacent plate-like members 151, for example, two plate-like members along both sides of the gap are positioned in the gap, as shown in Figure 26 . Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the metal beam 153 positioned facing the corrugated portion of the sealing film 15 is particularly shown.

[0289] The metal beams 153, 154 are shaped with two channels, each channel receiving at least a side portion of the plate-like member 151. The metal beam 153 extends in a first direction X1 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. The metal beam 154 extends in a second direction X2 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0290] The metal beams 153 and 154 form a metal beam network that can prevent the rotation of adjacent plates, thus maintaining the flatness and stiffness of the modular structure 550.

[0291] Figures 15 to 24 Embodiments of connection means for connecting the modular structure to the column are depicted. In these embodiments, for easier understanding of the drawings, the connection portion between the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member is deliberately omitted. Figures 15 to 24 Elements that are the same or similar in have the same reference numerals but are incremented by a multiple of 100. It should be noted that although these figures depict connection means for connecting the modular structure to a single column, the same connection means are advantageously used for multiple or all other columns.

[0292] Reference is made below toFigure 15 Describe the first variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0293] The support element 120 includes a hollow column 121, a first plate-like member 122, and a connecting device 130 for connecting the first plate-like member 122 to the inner end of the column 121.

[0294] The connecting device 130 includes a support 131 which is a metal sleeve that is press-fitted into the inner end of the column 121 and adhered to an adhesive coating 191 on the longitudinal inner surface of the column 121. The sleeve extends beyond the inner end of the column 121 to form a receiving flange 132 having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the column 121.

[0295] The connecting device 130 includes three threaded rods 133, which are referred to as screws in the remainder of this specification, and only one of the threaded rods can be seen in the Figure 15 sectional plane. The three screws 133 are evenly positioned on a geometric circle concentric with the longitudinal axis of the column 121. In other words, the three screws 133 are distributed such that the three straight lines connecting the screw shanks form an equilateral triangle in pairs. The screws 133 pass through the first plate-like member 122, and each screw has an inner end 134 that is screwed into a tapped hole 135 which is positioned in the receiving flange 132. The screws 133 also include a screw head at the inner end 136, and the screw head is positioned in a counterbore 123 formed in the inner surface 124 of the first plate-like member 122.

[0296] The connecting device 130 further includes an elastic member 137 which is a spring washer, also known as an elastic washer or a Belleville washer.

[0297] The elastic member 137 is mounted on the screw 133 between the first plate-like member 122 and the receiving flange 132 so as to press the first plate-like member 122 against the screw head 136.

[0298] When a load is applied to the primary sealing film welded to the first plate-like member 122, the elastic compression characteristics of the elastic member 137 allow the first plate-like member 122 to move in a manner of rotating about a first axis X3 and about a second axis X4. The first axis X3 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and the second axis X4 is perpendicular to the thickness direction Y of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis X3. When the lateral load is no longer applied to the first plate-like member 122, the elastic member 137 returns to its initial shape and the first plate-like member 122 returns to its initial position.

[0299] When a load is applied parallel to the thickness direction Y and is uniformly applied to the first plate-like member 122, the elastic characteristics of the elastic member 137 allow the first plate-like member 122 to perform a translational movement in the thickness direction Y of the wall. Such a movement brings the first plate-like member 122 closer to the fixed flange 132, reducing the distance between the first plate-like member 122 and the fixed flange 132, and the reduced distance is less than or equal to the distance represented by the elastic compression capacity of the elastic member 137. When the load is no longer applied, the elastic member 137 returns to its initial shape, and the first plate-like member 122 returns to its initial position. In the following, reference will be made to Figure 16 and Figure 17 Describe the second variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0300] The support element 520 is different from the support element of Figure 15 in that the support element 531 is a blanking plate, for example made of metal, covering the opening of the hollow column 521. The blanking plate has a diameter similar to or the same as the diameter of the column 521.

[0301] The support element 520 has three rods 533, and only one rod can be seen in the cross-sectional plane of Figure 16 . The rods 533 each pass through the first plate-like member 522, and each rod 533 has an outer end 534 and an inner end 536. The outer end 534 is fixed in a hole 535 formed in the blanking plate, and the inner end 536 is fixed in a counterbore 525 having a bottom 526. Fixing the rod 533 to the support 531 is achieved, for example, using a screw-thread / tapped thread system. The screw 533 can be adjusted to the extent that the screw 533 is screwed into the tapped hole 535 to adjust the height of the first plate-like member 522.

[0302] The connecting device 530 includes four stacked Belleville spring washers 537, and the Belleville spring washers 537 are mounted on each rod 533 between the first plate-like member 522 and the blanking plate.

[0303] The three rods 533 are distributed at the outer peripheral portion of the blanking plate 531 such that the three straight line segments connecting the rods form an equilateral triangle in pairs.

[0304] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 18 Describe the third variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0305] The support element 820 is different from Figure 15The difference lies in that the support element 820 includes a first metal part 840 which is positioned against the outer surface 827 of the first plate-like member 822 and is fixed against the outer surface 827 via a fixing screw 841. The support element 820 further includes a second metal part 860 facing the first metal part 840. The second metal part 860 is positioned against the inner surface of the receiving flange 832 and is fixed against the receiving flange 832 via a fixing screw 844.

[0306] The support element includes a central threaded rod 833 which passes through a hole 835 formed in the second metal part 860. The threaded rod 833 has an outer end portion 834 which is fixed in the region of the hole 835 against the outer surface of the second metal part 860 via an abutting surface. The threaded rod further includes an inner end portion 836 which is fixed in a counterbore 825 having a bottom 826 in the first metal part 840. Fixing the rod 833 to the first metal part 840 and the second metal part 860 is achieved, for example, using a screw-nut system. Optionally, a Belleville spring washer 837 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening a nut mounted on the rod 833, for example being preloaded.

[0307] The following refers to Figure 19 Describe the first variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0308] The support element 220 is different from Figure 15 the support element in that the connecting device 230 includes a ball element 238 of a spherical joint which is received in a socket 239 of the spherical joint. The socket 239 is formed in the receiving flange 232 at the central part of the diameter of the receiving flange 232. The ball element 238 is formed by a protrusion protruding from the first plate-like member 222 and has a shape complementary to the shape of the socket 239.

[0309] The connecting device 230 includes a screw 233 which passes through the first plate-like member 222, the ball element 238 and the socket 239. The outer end portion 234 of the screw 233 is fixed in a hole 235 formed in the socket 239, and the inner end portion of the screw 233 includes a screw head 236 which is positioned in a counterbore 225 formed in the inner surface 224 of the first plate-like member 222, and the counterbore 225 has a bottom 226. An elastic member 237 is located between the screw head 233 and the bottom 226 of the counterbore 225 in the counterbore 225 so as to press the first plate-like member 222 against the receiving flange 232 while allowing a degree of freedom of rotation about a first axis X3 and a degree of freedom of rotation about a second axis X4.

[0310] The following refers to Figure 20Describe a second variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0311] The support element 320 differs from the Figure 19 support element in that the metal sleeve 331 does not have a receiving flange, and the spherical element 338 projects from a metal part 340 positioned against the outer surface 327 of the first plate-like member 322. The metal part 340 has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the column 321.

[0312] The metal part 340 is fixed to the first plate-like member 322 via fixing screws 341 located at the periphery of the metal part 340. The fixing screws 341 pass through the first plate-like member 322 and the metal part 340. Each of the fixing screws 341 includes an outer end portion 342 and an inner end portion 343. The outer end portion 342 is fixed to the metal part 340, for example, by riveting. The inner end portion 343 includes a screw head that is received in a countersunk hole 323 formed in the inner surface 324 of the first plate-like member 322.

[0313] The following refers to Figure 21 Describe a third variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0314] The support element 420 differs from the Figure 19 support element in that the support element 420 includes a first metal part 440 that is positioned against the outer surface 427 of the first plate-like member 422 and is fixed against the outer surface 427 via fixing screws 441. The support element 420 further includes a second metal part 460 facing the first metal part 440. The second metal part 460 is positioned against the inner surface of the receiving flange 432 and is fixed against the receiving flange 432 via fixing screws 444.

[0315] The first metal part 440 includes a spherical element 438 that forms a protrusion projecting from the outer surface 445. The second metal part 460 includes a base 462 projecting from the inner surface 461 of the second metal part 460. The base includes a spherical seat 439. The spherical element 438 is received in the spherical seat 439.

[0316] The first metal part 440, the second metal part 460, and the receiving flange 432 have, for example, the same or similar diameters.

[0317] The screw 433 passes through the first plate-like member 422, the first metal part 440, the spherical element 438, the spherical seat 439, and the second metal part 460. The screw 433 has an outer end portion fixed in the second metal part 460.

[0318] According to Figure 21In a variant of the embodiment, the resilient member 437 is replaced by a spherical washer which is located in the counterbore 425 between the screw head 436 and the bottom 426 of the counterbore 425. The spherical washer has two parts which cooperate with each other via a spherical surface, enabling the screw head 436 to be movable relative to the first plate-like member 422.

[0319] Reference is made below to Figure 22 describe a fourth variant of a second embodiment of a connecting device for connecting a modular structure to a column.

[0320] The support element 620 differs from Figure 20 in that the support is a blanking plate 631. A ball seat 639 is formed in the blanking plate 632 at the central part of the diameter of the blanking plate 632.

[0321] The fixing rod 633 passes through the first plate-like member 622, the metal member 640 and the blanking plate 632.

[0322] The rod 633 has an outer end portion 634 and an inner end portion. The outer end portion 634 is fixed in a hole 635 formed at the central part of the diameter of the blanking plate 632, and the inner end portion is fixed in a counterbore 625 formed in the first plate-like member 622 via a rod head 636.

[0323] Reference is made below to Figure 23 describe a third embodiment.

[0324] The support element 920 differs from Figure 21 the support element in that the support element 920 does not have Figure 21 the ball element 438 or the base 452 shown, and the resilient member 837 is positioned between the first metal member 940 and the second metal member 960.

[0325] Fixing the threaded rod 933 to the first metal member 940 and the second metal member 960 is achieved, for example, in a manner similar to the Figure 18 embodiment shown, i.e., via a screw-nut system.

[0326] Having been combined with Figures 15 to 23 The various embodiments of the connecting device shown can be applied to Figures 2 to 11 the wall of the tank. For example, a threaded fastener including Figure 3 the nut 82 shown in Figures 15 to 23 can be replaced by the connecting device of the embodiment shown in

[0327] The above-described wall 11 including one or more of the above load-bearing elements is for integration into a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas. The liquefied gas stored in the tank can significantly be liquefied hydrogen gas, which has the special characteristic of being at about -253 °C at atmospheric pressure.

[0328] As Figure 1 shown, such a tank is fixed against the load-bearing structure 1.

[0329] Figure 24 The corner 171 of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas is shown. The tank includes a first tank wall 111 and a second tank wall 211 that form the corner of the tank, and the first tank wall 111 and the second tank wall 211 are connected in a connection area 92. The first tank wall and the second tank wall may have the above characteristics.

[0330] The secondary sealing film 113 of the first tank wall 111 is connected to the secondary sealing film of the second tank wall 211 in the connection area 92.

[0331] The primary sealing film 115 of the first tank wall 111 is connected to the primary sealing film of the second tank wall 211 in the connection area 92.

[0332] Each of the first tank wall 111 and the second tank wall 211 includes a first row of support elements 95 that support the primary sealing film at the primary thermal insulation barrier. The first row of support elements 95 extends parallel to the corner edge formed at the intersection between the first wall and the second wall, and the support elements in the first row of support elements 95 extend in the thickness direction of the corresponding wall between the secondary sealing film 113 and the primary sealing film 115.

[0333] In addition, each of the first tank wall 111 and the second tank wall 211 includes a second row of support elements 96 parallel to the first row at the primary thermal insulation barrier, and the support elements in the second row of support elements 96 also extend in the thickness direction of the corresponding wall of the support element. Each row of support elements 96 in the second row includes a load-bearing element 720, and the load-bearing element 720 has the characteristics of a support element as shown in, for example, Figures 1 to 23 one of the figures.

[0334] Referring Figure 12 , a cross-sectional view of a ship 70 for transporting liquefied gas shows a sealed and thermally insulated tank 71 having a prismatic overall shape installed within the double hull 72 of the ship. The wall of the tank 71 includes: a primary sealing film for contacting the liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), contained in the tank; a secondary sealing film arranged between the primary sealing film and the double hull 72 of the ship; and two thermal insulation barriers, which are respectively arranged between the primary sealing film and the secondary sealing film and between the secondary sealing film and the double hull 72.

[0335] In a manner known per se, a loading / unloading pipeline 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected to an offshore or port terminal through a suitable connector to transfer liquefied natural gas cargo from or to the tank 71.

[0336] Figure 12 Shows an example of an offshore terminal having a loading and unloading station 75, a subsea pipeline 76 and an onshore facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility including a movable arm 74 and a tower 78 that supports the movable arm 74. The movable arm 74 carries a bundle of isolation hoses 79 that can be connected to the loading / unloading pipeline 73. The orientable movable arm 74 is adapted to vessels 70 of various sizes. Connecting lines (not shown) extend within the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 permits loading from the onshore facility 77 to the vessel 70 and unloading from the vessel 70 to the onshore facility 77. The facility has a liquefied gas storage tank 80 and connecting pipelines 81 that are connected via the subsea pipeline 76 to the loading / unloading station 75. The subsea pipeline 76 enables long-distance transfer of liquefied natural gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore facility 77, the long distance being, for example, 5 km, thus permitting the vessel 70 to remain a long distance offshore during loading and unloading operations.

[0337] To generate the pressure required to transfer the liquefied gas, pumps carried on the vessel 70 and / or pumps provided in the onshore facility 77 and / or pumps provided in the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0338] Although the invention has been described in connection with several specific embodiments, it is evident that the invention is in no way limited thereto, and the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described means and their combinations if all technical equivalents of the described means and their combinations fall within the scope of the invention.

[0339] The use of the verb "comprise" or "include" or "have", including when conjugated, does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps in addition to the elements or steps mentioned in the claims.

[0340] In the claims, reference signs between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A wall (11, 111, 211) of a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas, the wall comprising, in the thickness direction of the wall, a thermally insulating barrier (14) for anchoring to a load-bearing structure and a sealing membrane (15, 115) arranged against the thermally insulating barrier, the sealing membrane being a corrugated sealing membrane comprising a first series of corrugations (45) and a second series of corrugations (45b), the first series of corrugations (45) having first corrugations (45a) parallel to each other, the second series of corrugations (45b) having second corrugations parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations (45a), the sealing membrane comprising a plurality of flat areas (46), each of the plurality of flat areas (46) being defined between two adjacent first corrugations and between two adjacent second corrugations, the thermally insulating barrier comprising: - at least one support element (30, 130, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1030), and - a modular structure (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550) located between the at least one support element and the sealing membrane, the modular structure being fixed against the at least one support element, the sealing membrane being arranged against the modular structure and being fixed to the modular structure, the modular structure comprising at least a first plate-like member (51, 58, 122, 151, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) and a second plate-like member (52), the sealing membrane comprising a first area (46) fixed to the first plate-like member and a second area fixed to the second plate-like member, the first area and the second area corresponding to two adjacent flat areas, the first plate-like member being connected to the second plate-like member (52) by a connection portion (54), the connection portion (54) providing a degree of freedom of translation in a direction (X) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and a degree of connection in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall.

2. The wall according to claim 1, wherein, The connection portion (54) is formed by direct contact between side portions (101, 102, 201, 202) of the first plate-like member (51) and side portions (103, 104, 203, 204) of the second plate-like member (52).

3. The wall according to claim 2, wherein The side portions (101, 102, 201, 202) of the first plate-like member (51) comprise at least a first straight protrusion (105) and an external protrusion (107), the first straight protrusion and the external protrusion being respectively positioned on both sides of a corresponding portion of the side walls (103, 104, 203, 204) of the second plate-like member (52) in the thickness direction of the wall (11, 111).

4. The wall according to claim 3, wherein The side portions (101, 102) of the first plate-like member (51) include second straight convex portions (105), the outer convex portion (107) is positioned between the first straight convex portion (105) and the second straight convex portion (105), and the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member (52) include a first outer convex portion (107), a second outer convex portion (107), and a straight convex portion (105) positioned between the first outer convex portion (107) and the second outer convex portion (107) of the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member (52). The first straight convex portion (105) and the second straight convex portion (105) of the side portions (101, 102) of the first plate-like member (51) extend in a straight-line form, and the first outer convex portion (107) and the second outer convex portion (107) of the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member are offset in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111) and are respectively positioned outside the straight convex portion (105) of the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member (52). The straight convex portion (105) of the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member (52) extends in a straight-line manner, and the outer convex portion (107) of the side portions (101, 102) of the first plate-like member is offset in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111) and is positioned outside the straight convex portion (105) of the side portions (103, 104) of the second plate-like member (52).

5. The wall according to claim 2, wherein, The side portions (201, 202) of the first plate-like member (58) are joined to the side portions (203, 204) of the second plate-like member via shape interlocking and form an interlocking region.

6. The wall according to claim 5, wherein The side portions (201, 202) of the first plate-like member (58) include tenons (205, 206) protruding toward the second plate-like member, and the tenons are received in mortises (207, 208) constructed in the side portions (203, 204) of the second plate-like member.

7. The wall according to claim 5, wherein, The interlocking region has a through passage that passes through the side portions of the first plate-like member and the side portions of the second plate-like member in a direction (X) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall (11, 111). The through passage is formed by at least one opening (452) formed in the side portion of the first plate-like member, and at least one opening (452) formed in the side portion of the first plate-like member corresponds to at least one opening (452) formed in the side portion of the second plate-like member. A rod (453) is received in the through passage such that the first plate-like member and the second plate-like member have a connection degree in the thickness direction of the wall.

8. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The modular structure (50, 150, 250, 350) includes a third plate-like member (56), a fourth plate-like member (57), and a fifth plate-like member. The sealing film (15) includes a third region (46) fixed to the third plate-like member, a fourth region fixed to the fourth plate-like member (57), and a fifth region (46) fixed to the fifth plate-like member. The first plate-like member (51, 58) is connected to the third plate-like member, the fourth plate-like member, and the fifth plate-like member via a connecting portion, and the connecting portion provides translational freedom in a direction (X) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall (11, 111) and connection in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111).

9. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The first plate-like member (51, 58) is fixed against the at least one support element (30, 130) via a first fixing member located at the central portion of the first plate-like member (51, 58), and The second plate-like member (52) is fixed against the at least one support element (30, 130) via a second fixing member located at the central portion of the second plate-like member (52).

10. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one support element (130) is a thermal insulation panel, and the thermal insulation panel includes a self-supporting insulation foam layer sandwiched between a rigid inner plate-like member and a rigid outer plate-like member.

11. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The at least one support element (130) is an insulation box structure, and the insulation box structure includes a bottom plate-like member, a top plate-like member, and a load-bearing web, and the load-bearing web extends between the bottom plate-like member and the top plate-like member in the thickness direction of the wall, and the insulation box structure defines at least one compartment filled with thermal insulation filler.

12. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The at least one support element (130) includes a flexible material layer (31) in contact with the modular structure.

13. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The thermal insulation barrier includes a first support element and a second support element. The first support element is a first column (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030), and the second support element is a second column (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030). The first column and the second column extend in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111), and the first column is fixed to the first plate-like member and the second column is fixed to the second plate-like member.

14. The wall according to claim 13, wherein, The modular structure (250, 350) includes: A first sleeve (252, 352, 131, 231, 331, 431, 831, 931) fixed between the inner end of the first column and the first plate-like member, A second sleeve (252, 352, 131, 231, 331, 431, 831, 931) fixed between the inner end of the second column and the second plate-like member, and A metal beam that connects the first sleeve and the second sleeve by means of a sliding joint, and the sliding joint provides sliding in a direction (X) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

15. The wall according to claim 14, wherein, The thermal insulation barrier (14) includes a third support element, which is a third pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030) extending in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11), wherein the first pillar (30), the second pillar and the third pillar are aligned.

16. The wall according to claim 15, wherein, The modular structure (250, 350) includes a third plate member and a third sleeve (252, 352, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921), the third sleeve being fixed between the inner end of the third pillar and the third plate member, the sealing film including a third region fixed to the third plate member, wherein the metal beam (253) connects the third sleeve.

17. The wall according to one of claims 14 to 16, wherein The first sleeve and the second sleeve have through openings in a direction (X) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall for receiving the metal beams (253, 254).

18. The wall according to one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The first plate member (51, 58, 122, 151, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) is connected to the inner end of the first pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030) via a connecting device (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930), the connecting device holding the first plate member on the first pillar in the thickness direction (Y), the connecting device providing: - a degree of freedom of rotation about a first axis (X3) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and - a degree of freedom of rotation about a second axis (X4), the second axis (X4) being perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

19. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein The thermal insulation barrier (14) is a primary thermal insulation barrier (14), the sealing film (15, 115) being a primary sealing film (15, 115) for contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank, the wall including a secondary thermal insulation barrier (12) arranged to abut against a load-bearing structure, a secondary sealing film (13) arranged to abut against the secondary thermal insulation barrier (12), the primary thermal insulation barrier (14, 114) arranged to abut against the secondary sealing film (13), and the primary sealing film arranged to abut against the primary thermal insulation barrier.

20. The wall according to one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The liquefied gas is hydrogen.

21. A sealed and thermally insulated tank (1), the sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) including a plurality of walls (11, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. A ship (70) for transporting liquefied gas, the ship having a double hull (72) and a sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 21 arranged within the double hull.

23. A conveying system for conveying liquefied gas, the system comprising: A ship (70); isolation pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81) which are arranged to connect the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) installed in the hull of the ship to a floating or onshore storage facility (77); and pumps which are used to drive a liquefied gas stream from the floating or onshore storage facility via the isolation pipelines to the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship (70) according to claim 22, or the pumps are used to drive a liquefied gas stream from the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the ship (70) according to claim 22 via the isolation pipelines to the floating or onshore storage facility.

24. A method for loading or unloading a ship (70) according to claim 22, wherein, Transporting liquefied gas from a floating or onshore storage facility (77) via isolation pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81) to the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) of the ship (70), or transporting liquefied gas from the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) of the ship (70) via isolation pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81) to a floating or onshore storage facility (77).

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