Sealed and heat insulated tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) comprising a tank wall (1) and a through element (5) passing through the tank wall (1). The sealing membrane (4) has a polygonal window (24) surrounding the through-element (5) to allow the through-element (5) to pass through. The sealing membrane (4) includes a plurality of membrane portions juxtaposed and joined together, the plurality of membrane portions including at least one regular membrane portion (68, 69) having a series of parallel first corrugations (11) and a series of parallel second corrugations (12). Two corrugations (16, 18) in the second corrugation (12) are not present on the irregularly rectangular metal plates (51, 251, 61) arranged on both sides of the window (24).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As described in document WO2011 / 157915A1, sealed and thermally insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases include at least one sealing membrane in contact with the liquefied gas. These tanks may be provided with loading / unloading tower-like structures, or more simply, these tanks may be provided with loading and unloading lines extending through the top wall of the tank to reach the internal space of the tank, thereby loading liquefied gas into or unloading liquefied gas from the tank.

[0003] In the case of a loading / unloading tower, the loading / unloading tower includes a structure formed by multiple masts connected to each other at its lower ends by means of a base. The loading / unloading tower also has a guiding device fixed to the lower surface of the base and engaging with a support foot that passes through the bottom wall of the tank and is fixed to a load-bearing structure.

[0004] Pumps, particularly unloading pumps, are attached inside the tank to loading / unloading towers, loading / unloading lines, or support feet. To limit the amount of liquid that cannot be unloaded from the tank, the lower end of the unloading pump is positioned as close as possible to the sealing membrane at a predetermined distance, approximately a few centimeters.

[0005] Furthermore, in WO2011 / 157915A1, the sealing membrane in contact with the liquefied gas is a corrugated metal sealing membrane, which has a first series of parallel corrugations along a first direction and a second series of parallel corrugations along a second direction.

[0006] In document WO2023 / 094330A1, it is proposed to set a region on the sealing diaphragm that is not one of the series of corrugations aligned with the unloading pump. The absence of the corrugations in this region allows for adjustment of the spacing between the sealing diaphragm and the internal components, thereby optimizing the pumping rate.

[0007] However, the design of the sealing membrane in document WO2023 / 094330A1 necessitates the manufacture of a corrugated metal sheet containing the corrugated portions of a series of corrugations. Such corrugated metal sheets are difficult and costly to manufacture. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the ideas behind this invention is that by arranging corrugated metal plates, the sealing film can be manufactured in a simple and inexpensive manner.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a sealed and thermally insulated tank incorporated in a load-bearing structure including a load-bearing wall. The tank includes a tank wall fixed to the load-bearing wall of the load-bearing structure, wherein the tank wall includes a thermal insulation barrier and a sealing membrane along its thickness direction from the outside to the inside of the tank. The sealing membrane is supported by the thermal insulation barrier and is used to contact a fluid contained within the tank. The sealing membrane comprises a plurality of membrane portions arranged side-by-side and welded together. Each membrane portion includes at least one regular membrane portion having a series of parallel first corrugated portions and a series of parallel second corrugated portions. The first corrugated portions extend along a first direction and are spaced apart by a first wave pitch along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second corrugated portions extend along the second direction and are spaced apart by a second wave pitch along the first direction. The can includes a through element that passes through the can wall. The through element is centered at the intersection of the first guideline and the second guideline, the first guideline extending in a first direction and located between the guidelines of the two first corrugated portions in the first corrugated portion, and the second guideline extending in a second direction and located between the first and second corrugated portions in the second corrugated portion. The second guideline divides the plane of the load-bearing wall into a first half-plane and a second half-plane. The first of the second corrugated portions is located in the first half-plane, and the second of the second corrugated portions is located in the second half-plane. Multiple membrane sections are interrupted at polygonal windows surrounding the through element to allow the through element to pass through. These windows interrupt the guide lines of the two first corrugated sections and also interrupt the guide lines of the first of the second corrugated sections and the second of the second corrugated sections. The sealing membrane includes at least one sealing plate that connects multiple membrane portions to the through element in a sealing manner. Surrounding the window, multiple membrane portions include multiple corrugated metal plates, each corrugated metal plate having sides parallel to a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The multiple corrugated metal plates comprise, in the second half-plane: - A first rectangular metal plate having a width greater than or equal to four times the first wave pitch along a second direction, the first rectangular metal plate being arranged on a first guideline and being symmetrical about the first guideline, the first rectangular metal plate including a first recessed edge facing the through element; - Two second singular rectangular metal plates, each having a width greater than or equal to twice the first wavelength along a second direction and a length equal to one second wavelength along the first direction; and - Two third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates, each having a width greater than or equal to three times the first wavelength along the second direction and a length equal to one time the second wavelength along the first direction, and the third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates are symmetrical about the first guideline. The second irregular rectangular metal plate is arranged on both sides of the window and welded to the first rectangular metal plate respectively; A third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate is arranged on both sides of the first metal plate and is welded to one of the first and second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates respectively. The first rectangular metal plate extends the two first corrugated portions to the at least one closed plate. The first rectangular metal plate, the second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate, and the third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate cause the other first corrugated portions in the first corrugated portion to extend to both sides of the window. In the second irregular rectangular metal plate, there is no second element in the second corrugation, and in the third irregular rectangular metal plate, there is no third element in the second corrugation.

[0010] These characteristics allow for the creation of two regions of the sealing membrane adjacent to the through-element, without a second corrugation. Therefore, internal elements, such as the unloading pump, can be arranged within the tank's internal space to align with and be spaced apart from each of these regions. The absence of a second corrugation allows for adjustment of the spacing between the sealing membrane and the unloading pump, thereby optimizing the amount of cargo that can be pumped, as described in document WO2023 / 094330A1.

[0011] Furthermore, the second and third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates lack any second corrugated portion due to their dimensions along the first direction. Therefore, the corrugated metal plate may have second corrugations spaced at a second pitch along its entire length in the first direction, or it may have no second corrugations at all. From an economic and industrial perspective, this is advantageous because manufacturing a corrugated metal plate with only a portion of its length along the first direction having a second corrugation is difficult and expensive.

[0012] In summary, a sealed and thermally insulated tank allows for adjustments to the spacing between the sealing membrane and internal components, such as unloading pumps, while ensuring that the sealing membrane can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0013] According to some implementations, such a sealed and insulated tank may include one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one implementation, the first wavelength and the second wavelength are equal.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first rectangular metal plate has a width N1 times the first corrugation pitch along a second direction, where N1 is an integer greater than or equal to 4. Preferably, N1 is an even number, thereby allowing the first rectangular metal plate to be arranged symmetrically about a first guideline and for the first corrugations to extend on both sides of the window without offsetting these first corrugations located in the first half-plane. More preferably, N1 = 4.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first rectangular metal plate has a length M1 times the second wavelength along a first direction, where M1 is a non-zero integer.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the third irregular rectangular metal plate has a width N3 times the first wavelength along the second direction, where N3 is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0018] By setting the dimensions of the board to be an integer multiple of the first and second wave pitches, the board can be manufactured at a moderate cost.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the two second irregular rectangular metal plates have a width between 2 and 4 times the first wavelength along a second direction, and N3=3.

[0020] Therefore, the dimensions of the second and third irregular rectangular metal plates along the first and second directions are very small, so that the second and third irregular rectangular metal plates still maintain sufficient adaptability to thermal shrinkage / expansion even without the second corrugated portion.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first guideline is equidistant from the guidelines of the two first corrugated portions.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the second guideline is equidistant from the guidelines of the two second corrugated portions.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the edges of the second irregular rectangular metal plate parallel to the second direction and the edges of the third irregular rectangular metal plate parallel to the second direction define a first overlapping region, which is anchored to a thermal insulation barrier on only a portion of its length.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the thermal insulation barrier forms a support surface for sealing the membrane and supports a metal anchor plate, which is intended to be welded to the membrane portions to hold the plurality of membrane portions against the support surface, and the metal anchor plate includes a first metal anchor plate located in a second half-plane and aligned with a first overlapping region, the first overlapping region being welded to the first metal anchor plate.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation barrier includes a plurality of juxtaposed insulation panels, each insulation panel having an inner surface that forms a support surface for a sealing membrane. The insulation panel has a cuboid shape with sides that are parallel to a first direction and a second direction, respectively, to the plane of the load-supporting wall. The projected dimension of the cuboid shape in the plane of the load-supporting wall is substantially equal to an integer multiple of a first wavelength in the second direction and substantially equal to an integer multiple of a second wavelength in the first direction.

[0026] The first metal anchor plate is used to anchor the second and third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates to the thermal insulation barrier by welding without the risk of damaging the insulation panel. The fact that the second and third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates have a length equal to one second corrugation along the first direction without the presence of a second corrugated portion does not cause any difficulty in the manufacture of the can.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the metal anchor plate includes a second metal anchor plate located in a second half-plane, wherein an edge of a first rectangular metal plate that is parallel to a second direction and opposite to the edge of a first recess of the first rectangular metal plate in a first direction is welded to the second metal anchor plate.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a plurality of corrugated metal plates include a rectangular metal plate with a recess in a first half-plane. The rectangular metal plate with the recess has a width greater than or equal to 6 times the first wave pitch along a second direction and a length greater than or equal to 3 times the second wave pitch along the first direction. The rectangular metal plate with the recess has a recessed edge facing the through element. The second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate is welded to the rectangular metal plate with the recess, and The recessed rectangular metal plate causes the first of the two first corrugated portions and the second corrugated portion to extend to the at least one closed plate, and the recessed rectangular metal plate causes the other first corrugated portion to extend on both sides of the window.

[0029] In one embodiment, the rectangular metal plate with a recess has a width along a second direction that is N4 times the width of the first wave pitch, where N4 is an integer greater than or equal to 6.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rectangular metal plate with a recess has a length M4 times the second wavelength along a first direction, where M4 is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

[0031] Preferably, N4=6 or 7, and M4=3, so that the rectangular metal plate with the recess can be manufactured without incurring too much additional cost.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the edge of a rectangular metal plate with a recess that is parallel to a second direction and the edge of a second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate that is parallel to a second direction define a second overlapping region, which is anchored to a thermal insulation barrier over a portion of its length.

[0033] In one embodiment, the metal anchor plate further includes a third metal anchor plate disposed on the second alignment, and the second overlapping area is welded to the third metal anchor plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first rectangular metal plate has a length of twice the second corrugation pitch along a first direction (in other words, M1=2), and the first rectangular metal plate includes a corrugated portion that allows a third of the second corrugated portion to extend between two third irregular rectangular metal plates, each third irregular rectangular metal plate being sealed to the corrugated portion.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first rectangular metal plate is a first irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate, and the third party in the second corrugated portion is not present on the first irregularly shaped rectangular metal plate.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first irregular rectangular metal plate has a length of 1 times the second wavelength along a first direction (in other words, M1=1).

[0037] According to one embodiment, each of the second irregular rectangular metal plates includes a second recessed edge facing the through element and extending the first recessed edge of the first rectangular metal plate.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first irregular rectangular metal plate has a length of twice the second wavelength along a first direction (in other words, M1=2), and the first irregular rectangular metal plate is welded to each of the second irregular rectangular metal plates at a distance from the window.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the height of the first corrugated portion along the thickness of the tank wall is less than the height of the second corrugated portion along the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the sealing film includes a first sealing plate located in a first half-plane and a second sealing plate located in a second half-plane, the first and second sealing plates surrounding a through element. According to one embodiment, in this case, a first recessed edge of a first rectangular metal plate is sealed to the second sealing plate, and a second recessed edge of a rectangular metal plate with recesses is sealed to the first sealing plate. The rectangular metal plate with recesses allows one of the two first corrugations and the two second corrugations to extend to a first end member, which is sealed to the first sealing plate. The first rectangular metal plate allows the two first corrugations to extend to a second end member sealed to the second sealing plate.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the can includes an internal space defined by a sealing membrane, and the can includes internal components located within the internal space of the can. The internal component is positioned along the thickness direction of the tank wall, aligned with and spaced apart from a second irregular rectangular metal plate and a third irregular rectangular metal plate adjacent to the second irregular rectangular metal plate.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the tank includes a loading / unloading tower and an unloading pump attached to the loading / unloading tower, with through elements being support feet of the loading / unloading tower included in the tank.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the loading / unloading tower includes a plurality of masts connected to each other at their lower ends by means of a base, the base including a guide device that engages with a support foot configured to ensure vertical translational guidance of the loading / unloading tower.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the internal element, positioned along the thickness direction of the tank wall and aligned and spaced apart from a second irregular rectangular metal plate and a third irregular rectangular metal plate adjacent to the second irregular rectangular metal plate, is formed by an unloading pump.

[0045] As described above, the absence of a second corrugated portion on the second and third irregular rectangular metal plates allows for adjustment of the gap between the sealing membrane and the unloading pump, thereby optimizing the amount of cargo that can be pumped.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the internal components are connected to the support feet.

[0047] The corrugated metal sheet can be manufactured in a variety of ways. According to one embodiment, the corrugated metal sheet is formed into a single piece, for example, by folding an initially flat metal sheet. According to another embodiment, the corrugated metal sheet is composed of multiple parts welded together.

[0048] According to one embodiment, one or more corrugated metal plates selected from the following, or each corrugated metal plate includes multiple parts welded together: a first rectangular metal plate, two second rectangular metal plates, and two third rectangular metal plates.

[0049] In one embodiment, the liquefied gas is LNG, i.e., a mixture with a high methane content stored at atmospheric pressure and a temperature of about -162°C. Other liquefied gases are also contemplated, particularly ethane, propane, butane, or ethylene. The liquefied gas can also be stored under pressure, for example at a gauge pressure between 2 bar and 20 bar, and particularly at a gauge pressure of about 2 bar. The tank can be manufactured according to various technologies, particularly in the form of a tank with a bonded membrane or a self-supporting tank.

[0050] Such tanks can be incorporated into, for example, onshore storage facilities for storing LNG, or they can be installed in floating, offshore, or deep-water structures, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, etc., particularly LNG carriers. Such tanks can also be used as fuel tanks in any type of vessel.

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

[0052] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a transmission system for liquefied gases, the system comprising: the aforementioned vessel; an isolation conduit arranged to connect the vessel's tanks to a floating or land-based storage facility; and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the isolation conduit from the floating or land-based storage facility to the vessel's tanks, or for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the isolation conduit from the vessel's tanks to the floating or land-based storage facility.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a vessel, wherein liquefied gas is transported from a floating or land-based storage facility to a tank on the vessel via an insulated pipeline, or liquefied gas is transported from a tank on the vessel to a floating or land-based storage facility via an insulated pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The invention will be better understood in the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only and without limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer and more apparent.

[0055] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A partial schematic cross-section of a sealed and thermally insulated can is shown in the area supporting the foot.

[0056] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Detail II view.

[0057] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the bottom wall at the supporting foot according to the first embodiment.

[0058] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 The arrangement is in Figure 3 A partial top view of the thermal insulation barrier beneath the visible sealing membrane.

[0059] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a partial top view of the bottom wall at the supporting foot according to the second embodiment.

[0060] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 The arrangement is in Figure 5 A partial top view of the thermal insulation barrier beneath the visible sealing membrane.

[0061] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a partial top view of the bottom wall at the supporting foot according to the third embodiment.

[0062] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 The arrangement is in Figure 7 A partial top view of the thermal insulation barrier beneath the visible sealing membrane.

[0063] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 This is a sketch diagram of an LNG carrier and the dock used for loading / unloading the tank. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1A portion of a sealed and thermally insulated tank 71 for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases is shown. The tank 71 includes a bottom wall 1 fixed to the inner surface of a load-bearing structure 2. The load-bearing structure 2 is, for example, the inner hull of a catamaran or a structure located on land. For containing cold liquids, such as LNG, the tank wall includes at least one sealing membrane 4 and at least one thermal barrier 3 located between the sealing membrane 4 and the load-bearing structure 2. As a safety measure, a secondary sealing membrane and a secondary thermal barrier (not shown) may be provided between the load-bearing structure and the thermal barrier 3—in this case, referred to as the primary thermal barrier—.

[0065] The liquefied gas to be stored in tank 71 may in particular be liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is a gaseous mixture mainly comprising methane and one or more other hydrocarbons. The liquefied gas may also be ethane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is a mixture of hydrocarbons produced by refining petroleum, mainly comprising propane and butane.

[0066] The tank 71 can be manufactured in a variety of known geometries, such as prismatic geometries in the hull of a ship or cylindrical geometries on land or elsewhere. Furthermore, there are various methods for producing thermal insulation barriers and sealing films, such as producing thermal insulation barriers and sealing films using prefabricated elements.

[0067] In the bottom wall 1 of the tank, an elongated rigid element is shown, which consists of a support foot 5 extending through the thermal insulation barrier 3 and the sealing membrane 4, such that a portion of the support foot 5 abuts against the load support structure 2, and another portion protrudes a certain distance from the sealing membrane 4 into the tank. For example, the support foot 5 can be used to support the equipment component 7 before it is immersed in the tank. For example, to support the unloading pump 7, a loading / unloading tower-like component 6 can be arranged in the tank, such as... Figure 1 As schematically shown. Tank 71 may include loading and unloading lines, rather than loading / unloading tower 6, which are not connected to each other and are guided by support feet 5.

[0068] In the case of the loading / unloading tower 6, the loading / unloading tower 6 includes a structure formed by a plurality of masts connected to each other at their lower ends by means of a base. The loading / unloading tower 6 also includes a guide device that is fixed to the lower surface of the base and engages with the support foot 5.

[0069] The support foot 5 is designed to guide the loading / unloading tower 6 (or only the loading and unloading pipeline) in vertical translation. The unloading pump 7 is fixed to the loading / unloading tower 6 or directly fixed to the support foot 5.

[0070] Here, the cross-section of the supporting foot 5 is circular, wherein the lower truncated conical portion 8 connects to the upper cylindrical portion 9 at its smaller diameter end. The larger diameter base of the truncated conical portion 8 abuts against the load-bearing structure 2. The truncated conical portion 8 extends through the thickness of the bottom wall 1 and beyond the sealing membrane 4.

[0071] by Figure 1 and Figure 2 As not shown in the diagram, the thermal insulation barrier 3 comprises a plurality of cuboid insulation blocks arranged side by side. These insulation blocks are described in more detail below.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The sealing membrane 4 comprises multiple corrugated metal plates 10. These corrugated metal plates have internal surfaces for contact with the fluid contained within the container. The corrugated metal plates may be made of stainless steel or an iron-nickel alloy called Invar®, and are welded together in overlapping areas. The weld is an lap joint. The corrugated metal plates can be designed in various ways according to their shape and size, allowing the welded areas to be positioned differently. Figure 3 The image shows some of the corrugated metal plates (hereinafter referred to as "plates" for convenience), which will be described in more detail below.

[0073] Regular plates 68 and 69 have a series of first corrugated portions 11 and a series of second corrugated portions 12 on their inner surfaces (see...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). Reference Figure 3 The first corrugated portions 11 are parallel to each other and extend along a first direction D1, while the second corrugated portions 12 are parallel to each other and extend along a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is orthogonal to the direction D1.

[0074] The first corrugated section 11 is higher than the second corrugated section 12. The height of the corrugations is measured between the peak of the corrugated section and the horizontal level of the flat section 19. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The sealing membrane 4 also includes corrugated nodes 15 formed at the intersection between the first corrugated portion 11 and the second corrugated portion 12. Each corrugated node 15 has a height greater than the height of the second corrugated portion 12. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 The corrugated node 15 is not shown in the figure to avoid making the drawing too complicated. The corrugated parts 11 and 12 protrude toward the interior of the tank 71.

[0075] Still refer to Figure 3 The first corrugated portions 11 are spaced apart along the second direction D2 by a first pitch P1, while the second corrugated portions 12 are spaced apart along the first direction D1 by a second pitch P2. The first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 are measured between the peaks of two adjacent corrugated portions. As shown, the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 may be the same or different. The plurality of plates 10 have planar portions 19 located between the first corrugated portions 11 and between the second corrugated portions 12, such that the planar portions 19 abut against the thermal insulation barrier 3.

[0076] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 The first embodiment will be described.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the bottom wall 1 as seen from inside the tank 71; in other words, Figure 3 This is a partial top view of the bottom wall 1 of the tank, observed from the internal space defined by the sealing membrane 4 and containing the fluid. Figure 3 The supporting foot 5 and the plate arranged around or near the supporting foot 5 are shown.

[0078] The supporting foot 5 is centered on the first directrix A1 ( Figure 3 (shown as a mixed dashed line) and the second guideline A2 ( Figure 3 The intersection X between the two corrugated sections (shown as dashed lines) is shown in the diagram. A first guideline A1 extends along a first direction D1 and is equidistant from two adjacent first corrugated sections 13 in the first corrugated section 11. A second guideline A2 extends along a second direction D2 and is equidistant from two adjacent first corrugated sections 14, 16 in the second corrugated section 12. Alternatively, the first guideline A1 may extend between the corrugated sections 13 and is not equidistant from the corrugated sections 13, and / or the second guideline A2 may extend between the corrugated sections 14, 16 and is not equidistant from the corrugated sections 14 and 16.

[0079] The second guideline A2 divides the plane of the load-bearing wall into sections located at... Figure 3 The first half-plane PA at the top of the drawing and located in Figure 3 The second half-plane PF is located at the bottom of the drawing. Corrugated part 14 is located in half-plane PA, while corrugated part 16 is located in half-plane PF.

[0080] Multiple corrugated metal plates 10 are interrupted at polygonal windows 24 (hereinafter referred to as "window 24" for convenience). Window 24 surrounds the through element 5 so that the through element 5 passes through. In the example shown, window 24 has a regular octagon centered at the intersection X. Alternatively, window 24 can be other polygonal shapes, such as squares, rectangles, etc.

[0081] Window 24 interrupts the two corrugated sections 13 along the guideline G in direction D1, and interrupts the two corrugated sections 14 and 16 along the guideline H in direction D2. Guidelines G and H are... Figure 3 The middle part is shown as a mixed line.

[0082] To extend the sealing membrane 4 and thus ensure the can's seal around the support foot 5, two sealing plates 25 and 26 are arranged in the window 24. Sealing plates 25 and 26 sealably connect multiple corrugated metal plates 10 to the support foot 5. Sealing plate 25 is located in half-plane PA, while sealing plate 26 is located in half-plane PF. As shown, sealing plates 25 and 26 may, for example, be symmetrical about the second guideline A2. In half-plane PA, corrugated portions 13 and 14 are sealed to sealing plate 25 via end member 27. In half-plane PF, corrugated portion 13 is sealed to sealing plate 26 via end member 28. On the other hand, corrugated portion 16 is not connected to sealing plate 26, as will be explained in more detail below. The support foot 5, sealing plates 25 and 26, and end members 27 and 28 may be manufactured in particular according to the teachings of document WO2011 / 157915A1 or document WO2016 / 170254A1. Alternatively, other structures may be used. In particular, different numbers of enclosures may be provided, and / or the enclosures may have different geometries.

[0083] Figure 3 The plate shown has a rectangular shape, with sides parallel to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2, respectively. The dimensions of the plate along the sides of the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are substantially equal to integer multiples of the second wavelength P2 and the first wavelength P1, respectively. It should be noted that... Figure 3 Some boards in the middle have been omitted, especially the board that was positioned far away from window 24.

[0084] Now to Figure 3 The plate located in the half-plane PF shown is described.

[0085] Plate 41 is arranged on the first guideline A1 and is symmetrical about the first guideline A1. Plate 41 has a recessed edge 42 facing the support foot 5. The recessed edge 42 is welded to the closing plate 26 in a sealing manner.

[0086] In the example shown, the width of plate 41 along the second direction D2 is four times the first wavelength P1. Alternatively, the width of plate 41 along the second direction D2 is greater than four times P1. Preferably, the width of plate 41 along the second direction D2 is N1 times P1, where N1 is an integer greater than 4. More preferably, N1 is an even number.

[0087] Two irregularly shaped plates 51, with a length equal to one time the second wave pitch P2 along the first direction D1, are arranged on both sides of the first guideline A1. Each irregularly shaped plate 51 has a recessed edge 52 facing the support foot 5 and extending to the plate 31 located in the half-plane PA as described below. The recessed edge 52 is welded to the closing plate 26 in a sealing manner. On both sides of the window 24, the irregularly shaped plates 51 and the plate 41 are welded in their overlapping areas 54 parallel to the second direction.

[0088] In the example shown, the width of the irregular plate 51 along the second direction D2 is between 3 and 4 times the first wave pitch P1. More specifically, one of the irregular plates 51 (located in...) Figure 3 The width of the right side of the plate 51 is four times that of P1, while the other irregular plate 51 in the irregular plate 51 (located in the right side of the plate 51) is four times that of P1. Figure 3 The left side of the plate (in the image) has a smaller width, which is strictly less than four times that of P1. Alternatively, the irregular plate 51 may be symmetrical about each other with respect to the first guideline A1.

[0089] Two irregularly shaped plates 61, with a length equal to one time the second wave pitch P2 along the first direction D1, are arranged on both sides of the plate 41. More specifically, the irregularly shaped plates 61 are symmetrical about each other about the first guideline A1. On both sides of the window 24, the irregularly shaped plates 61 and 41 are welded in their overlapping area 64 along the first direction D1, the irregularly shaped plates 61 and 51 are welded in their overlapping area 65 along the second direction D2, and the irregularly shaped plate 61 and the adjacent regular plate 69 are welded in their overlapping area 66 along the second direction D2.

[0090] In the example shown, the width of the irregular plate 61 along the second direction D2 is three times the first wave pitch P1. Alternatively, the width of the irregular plate 61 along the second direction D2 is greater than three times P1, and preferably, the width of the irregular plate 61 along the second direction D2 is N3 times P2, where N3 is an integer.

[0091] If possible Figure 3 As can be seen, plate 41 extends the corrugated portion 13 to the closing plate 26, and the corrugated portion 13 is connected to the closing plate 26 in a sealed manner via the end member 28 as described above. In addition, plate 41 and the irregular plates 51 and 61 extend other corrugated portions 11 on both sides of window 24.

[0092] On the other hand, the corrugated portion 16 is absent on plate 51, so that the corrugated portion 16 does not extend to the closing plate 26. Furthermore, the corrugated portion 18, one of the series of second corrugated portions 12 closest to the corrugated portion 16, is also absent from plate 61 in the half-plane PF. Therefore, two areas adjacent to the support foot 5 and lacking the second corrugated portion 12 can be obtained on the sealing membrane 4. Therefore, the unloading pump 7 (as...) Figure 3(As shown by the dashed lines in the diagram) can be arranged within the interior space of tank 71 to be aligned with and distanced from each of these regions. See reference... Figure 2 The absence of a second corrugated portion 12 on plates 51 and 61 ensures a minimum spacing 22 below the unloading pump 7, increasing the spacing gain 23 and allowing adjustment of the spacing between the sealing membrane 4 and the unloading pump 7 to optimize the amount of cargo pumped, as described in document WO2023 / 094330A1.

[0093] The corrugated portions 16 and 18 can be sealed by end member 48, which is similar to end members 27 and 28, and is welded in the overlapping area between plates 51 and 61 and adjacent regular plates 69.

[0094] Plate 41 has a corrugated portion 18U that extends the corrugated portion 18 between the profiled plates 61. The corrugated portion 18U is sealed at each overlapping area between plate 41 and profiled plates 61 by an end member 49 similar to end members 27, 28, 48.

[0095] Finally, since the length of plate 41 along the first direction D1 is twice the second wave pitch P2, plate 41 extends the second corrugated portion 12 on the side opposite to window 24.

[0096] Regular plate 69 is arranged around plates 41, 51, and 61 in the half-plane PF and is welded to plates 41 and / or 51 and / or 61. Regular plate 69 can be sized in various ways according to requirements. Therefore, Figure 3 The dimensions of the ruleboard 69 shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0097] Now to Figure 3 The plate located in the half-plane PA shown in the figure is described.

[0098] The recessed plate 31 has a recessed edge 32 facing the support foot 5. The recessed edge 32 is welded to the sealing plate 25 in a sealed manner. On both sides of the window 24, the irregular plate 51 and the recessed plate 31 are welded in their overlapping area 53, which is parallel to the second direction D1 and located on the second guideline A2.

[0099] The recessed plate 31 has a width along the second direction D2 that is 7 times the first wavelength P1, and a length along the first direction D1 that is 3 times the second wavelength P2, thereby allowing the manufacture of the recessed plate 31 to avoid excessive additional costs. Alternatively, the recessed plate 31 has a width along the second direction D2 that is greater than or equal to 6 times P1, preferably N4 times P1, where N4 is an integer, and / or the recessed plate 31 has a length along the first direction D1 that is greater than 3 times P2, preferably M4 times P2, where M4 is an integer.

[0100] If possible Figure 3 As can be seen, the recessed plate 31 extends the corrugated portion 13 to the closing plate 25 in the same manner as the plate 41. Furthermore, the recessed plate 31 extends other corrugated portions 11 to the irregular plate 51 on both sides of the window 24. Finally, the recessed plate 31 extends the corrugated portion 14 to the closing plate 25.

[0101] Regular plate 68 is arranged around the recessed plate 31 in the half-plane PF and is welded to the recessed plate 31. For simplicity, Figure 3 A single rule plate 68 is shown. Rule plate 68 can be sized in various ways according to requirements. Therefore, Figure 3 The dimensions of the rule board 68 shown are for illustrative purposes only.

[0102] Finally, it should be pointed out that, Figure 3 The plate constituting the sealing membrane 4, which is not shown in the figure, can also be sized in various ways according to requirements.

[0103] As described above, the thermal insulation barrier 3 comprises multiple cuboid insulation blocks arranged juxtaposed against each other. Figure 4 —— Figure 4 For the arrangement in Figure 3 The view shown below the sealing membrane 4, specifically the thermal barrier 3, illustrates three insulating blocks of the insulating block 80 and the support foot 5. The insulating block 80 includes a cover panel facing inwards, the upper surface of which supports a metal anchor plate. A bridging element 81 is arranged in the gaps between the insulating blocks 80 and also includes a cover panel facing inwards, the upper surface of which supports the metal anchor plate. Such insulating blocks 80 and bridging elements 81 are described, for example, in document US6035795. The upper surfaces of the cover panels together form a support surface for the sealing membrane 4. The metal anchor plate is riveted to the upper surface of the cover panel, for example.

[0104] Figure 4It is also shown that the supporting foot 5 is surrounded by corner blocks and anchor plates manufactured in accordance with the teachings of document WO2011 / 157915A1 or document WO2016 / 170254A1.

[0105] Figure 4 Reference numeral 91 in the figures refers to a heat protection element (indicated by shaded area), namely, a glass wool strip or other heat insulation component. The heat protection element 91 is arranged on a cover panel located below the edge of the corrugated metal plate or below the end members 27, 28, 48, 49, so that the edge of the corrugated metal plate and the end members 27, 28, 48, 49 can be welded without anchoring the edge of the corrugated metal plate and the end members 27, 28, 48, 49 to the insulation block and without burning the cover panel of the insulation block 80. Figure 4 The reference numeral 800 in the attached figure refers to a similar heat protection element located around the supporting foot 5.

[0106] Still refer to Figure 4 The aforementioned metal anchor plates include anchor plates 95, 96, and 97.

[0107] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Anchor plate 96 is located in half-plane PF and extends along the second direction D2, overlapping region 65 (see Figure 3 ) was welded to anchor plate 96 (see Figure 4 In this way, the irregular plates 51 and 61 are not only welded to each other in the overlapping area 65, but also anchored by welding to the anchor plate 96 supported by the thermal insulation barrier 3. Therefore, the absence of corrugated portions 12 on the irregular plates 51 and 61 does not cause any difficulty in the manufacture of the can.

[0108] Anchor plate 95 is located on the second guideline A2 and extends along the second direction D2. Overlapping area 53 (see...) Figure 3 ) was welded to anchor plate 95 (see Figure 4 Therefore, the irregular plate 51 is not only welded to the plate 31, but also anchored to the thermal insulation barrier 3.

[0109] Anchor plate 97 is located in half-plane PF and extends along the second direction D2. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The edge 43 of plate 41 is parallel to the second direction D2 and opposite to the edge 42 of the recess (see Figure 3 ) was welded to anchor plate 97 (see Figure 4Therefore, plate 41 is not only welded to the adjacent regular plate 69, but also anchored to the thermal insulation barrier 3. Alternatively, edge 43 may not be anchored to the thermal insulation barrier 3. In this case, when edge 43 is welded to the adjacent regular plate 69, anchor plate 97 is replaced by thermal protection member 91 to protect the thermal insulation barrier 3.

[0110] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second embodiment will be described. In these figures, reference numerals are shown. Figures 1 to 4 Elements that are similar to or the same as those described are marked with the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0111] Reference Figure 5 In the second embodiment, the plate 41 in the first embodiment is replaced by a plate 141 with a length of P1 equal to the length of the second direction D2. The plate 141 does not have corrugated portions 12 and 18, and the plate 141 also does not have a corrugated portion 18U that extends the corrugations 18.

[0112] Similar to edge 43 in the first embodiment, edge 143 of plate 141 is parallel to the second direction D2 and opposite to edge 42 of the recess (see... Figure 5 It can be welded to anchor plate 197 (see...) Figure 6 Alternatively, edge 143 may not be anchored to thermal insulation barrier 3. In this case, anchor plate 197 is replaced by thermal protection element 91.

[0113] The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other respects, and therefore will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0114] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The third embodiment will be described. In these figures, reference numerals are shown. Figures 1 to 4 Elements that are similar to or the same as those described are marked with the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0115] Reference Figure 7 In the third embodiment, the plate 141 of the second embodiment is replaced by a plate 241 with a length of twice P1 along the first direction D1. The plate 241 does not have corrugated portions 12 and 18, and the plate 241 also does not have a corrugated portion 18U that extends the corrugations 18.

[0116] Furthermore, the irregular plate 51 is replaced by an irregular plate 251 with a width along the second direction D2 that is between 2 and 3 times P1. More specifically, one of the irregular plates 251 (located in...) Figure 3 The width of the right side of the irregular plate 251 is three times that of P1, while the other irregular plate 251 in the irregular plate 251 (located in the right side of the irregular plate 251) is three times that of P1. Figure 3The left side of the window 24 has a smaller width, which is strictly less than three times that of P1. Alternatively, the irregular plate 251 may be symmetrical about each other about the first guideline A1. On both sides of the window 24, the irregular plate 251 and the plate 241 are welded in their overlapping area 256 parallel to the first direction D1, the irregular plate 251 and the plate 31 are welded in their overlapping area 253 parallel to the second direction D2 and located on the second guideline, and the irregular plate 251 and the irregular plate 61 are welded in their overlapping area 265 parallel to the second direction D2.

[0117] Plate 241 has a recessed edge 242, which is similar to recessed edge 42 and extends to plate 31. On both sides of window 24, plates 241 and plate 31 are welded in their overlapping area 255, which is parallel to the second direction D2 and located on the second guideline A2.

[0118] Due to the geometry of plate 241, one of the irregular plates 251 has the same dimensions as irregular plate 61, or alternatively, if the two irregular plates 251 are symmetrical about the first guideline A1, then the two irregular plates 251 have the same dimensions as irregular plate 61.

[0119] Now refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The overlapping region 265 is welded to the anchor plate 96. Similarly, the overlapping region 253 is welded to the anchor plate 95.

[0120] Similar to edge 143 in the second embodiment, edge 243 of plate 241 is parallel to the second direction D2 and opposite to edge 242 of the recess (see...). Figure 7 It can be welded to anchor plate 197 (see...) Figure 8 Alternatively, edge 243 may not be anchored to thermal insulation barrier 3. In this case, anchor plate 197 is replaced by thermal protection element 91.

[0121] The third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment in other respects, and therefore will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity.

[0122] The invention has been described in conjunction with the unloading pump 7. However, this also applies to any element located inside the tank 71 and positioned close to the sealing membrane 4.

[0123] Reference Figure 9The cross-sectional view of the LNG cargo tanker 70 shows a generally prismatic, sealed, and thermally insulated tank 71 installed in the twin hulls 72 of the vessel. The walls of the tank 71 include: a primary sealing barrier for contact with the LNG contained in the tank; a secondary sealing barrier disposed between the primary sealing barrier and the twin hulls 72 of the vessel; and two thermally insulated barriers disposed between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier and between the secondary sealing barrier and the twin hulls 72, respectively.

[0124] In a manner known per se, the loading / unloading pipe 73, located on the top deck of the ship, can be connected to a seaport or port terminal by means of appropriate connectors to transfer LNG cargo from or to tank 71.

[0125] Figure 9 An example of a marine terminal is shown, comprising a loading and unloading station 75, underwater pipelines 76, and a land-based facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a movable arm 74 and a tower-like structure 78 supporting the movable arm 74. The movable arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 that can be connected to the loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional movable arm 74 is suitable for LNG carriers of all sizes. Connecting pipelines (not shown) extend inside the tower-like structure 78. The loading and unloading station 75 enables the loading of LNG carriers 70 from the land-based facility 77 and the unloading of LNG carriers 70 to the land-based facility 77. The land-based facility 77 includes liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and a connecting pipeline 81 connected to the loading or unloading station 75 via the underwater pipeline 76. The underwater pipeline 76 enables the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the land facility 77 over a greater distance, such as 5 km, thereby allowing the LNG cargo ship 70 to be kept at a greater distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0126] To generate the pressure required for the transmission of liquefied gas, pumps on the ship 70, pumps installed in the land facility 77, and / or pumps installed in the loading and unloading station 75 can be used.

[0127] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is by no means limited to these specific embodiments, and that the invention includes all technical equivalents and combinations thereof of the described apparatus if such technical equivalents or combinations thereof fall within the scope of the invention.

[0128] The use of the verbs “comprising” or “including” and their variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in the claims.

[0129] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) is incorporated in a load-bearing structure (2), the load-bearing structure (2) including a load-bearing wall, the tank including a tank wall (1), the tank wall (1) being fixed to the load-bearing wall of the load-bearing structure (2), wherein, The tank wall (1) includes a thermal insulation barrier (3) and a sealing membrane (4) along its thickness from the outside to the inside of the tank. The sealing membrane (4) is supported by the thermal insulation barrier (3) and is used to contact the fluid contained in the tank. The sealing membrane (4) includes a plurality of membrane portions, which are juxtaposed and welded to each other. The plurality of membrane portions include at least one regular membrane portion (68, 69), which has a series of parallel first corrugated portions (11) and a series of parallel second corrugated portions (12). The first corrugated portions (11) extend along a first direction (D1) and are spaced apart by a first wave pitch (P1) along a second direction (D2), which is orthogonal to the first direction (D1). The second corrugated portions (12) extend along the second direction (D2) and are spaced apart by a second wave pitch (P2) along the first direction (D1). The can (71) includes a through element (5) that passes through the can wall (1). The through element (5) is centered at the intersection (X) between the first guideline (A1) and the second guideline (A2), the first guideline (A1) extending along the first direction (D1) and located between the guidelines of the two first corrugated portions (13) in the first corrugated portion (11), and the second guideline (A2) extending along the second direction (D2) and located between the first (14) and the second (16) in the second corrugated portion (12). The second guideline (A2) divides the plane of the load-bearing wall into a first half-plane (PA) and a second half-plane (PF), the first of the second corrugated portions (14) being located in the first half-plane (PA), and the second of the second corrugated portions (16) being located in the second half-plane (PF). Multiple membrane portions are interrupted at polygonal windows (24) surrounding the penetrating element (5) to allow the penetrating element (5) to pass through. The windows (24) interrupt the guide lines (G) of the two first corrugated portions (13) and the guide lines (H) of the first (14) and the second (16) of the second corrugated portion. The sealing membrane (4) includes at least one sealing plate (25, 26), which connects a plurality of membrane portions to the through element (5) in a sealed manner. Surrounding the window (24), a plurality of the membrane portions include a plurality of corrugated metal plates, the corrugated metal plates having sides parallel to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2) respectively, and the plurality of corrugated metal plates comprising in the second half-plane (PF): - A first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) has a width along the second direction (D2) that is greater than or equal to four times the first wavelength (P1). The first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) is arranged on the first guideline (A1) and is symmetrical about the first guideline (A1). The first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) includes a first recessed edge (42, 242) facing the through element (5). - Two second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates (51, 251), the second irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates (51, 251) having a width along the second direction (D2) greater than or equal to twice the first wavelength (P1) and a length along the first direction (D1) equal to one time the second wavelength (P2), and - Two third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates (61), the third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates (61) having a width greater than or equal to 3 times the first wavelength (P1) along the second direction (D2) and a length 1 times the second wavelength (P2) along the first direction (D1), and the two third irregularly shaped rectangular metal plates (61) are symmetrical about the first guideline (A1). The second irregular rectangular metal plates (51, 251) are arranged on both sides of the window (24) and are respectively welded to the first rectangular metal plates (41, 141, 241). The third irregular rectangular metal plate (61) is arranged on both sides of the first metal plate (41, 141, 241), and the third irregular rectangular metal plate (61) is welded to one of the second irregular rectangular metal plates (51, 251) and to the first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241). The first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) extends the two first corrugated portions (13) to the at least one closed plate (25, 26). The first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241), the second irregular rectangular metal plate (51, 251), and the third irregular rectangular metal plate (61) cause the other first corrugated portions in the first corrugated portion (11) to extend to both sides of the window (24). Wherein, the second corrugated portion (16) is not present on the second irregular rectangular metal plate (51), and the third corrugated portion (18) is not present on the third irregular rectangular metal plate (61).

2. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 1, wherein, The edges of the second irregular rectangular metal plate (51, 251) parallel to the second direction (D2) and the edge of the third irregular rectangular metal plate (61) parallel to the second direction (D2) define a first overlapping region (65, 265), which is anchored to the thermal insulation barrier (3) on only a portion of its length.

3. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 2, wherein, The inner surface of the thermal insulation barrier (3) forms a support surface for the sealing membrane and supports a metal anchor plate, which is welded to the membrane portion to hold the plurality of membrane portions against the support surface. The metal anchor plate includes a first metal anchor plate (96) located in the second half-plane (PF) and aligned with the first overlapping regions (65, 265), which are welded to the first metal anchor plate (96).

4. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 3, wherein, The metal anchor plate includes a second metal anchor plate (97, 197) located in the second half-plane (PF). An edge (43, 143, 243) of the first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) parallel to the second direction (D2) and opposite to the first recessed edge (42, 242) of the first rectangular metal plate (41, 141, 241) in the first direction (D2) is welded to the second metal anchor plate (97, 197).

5. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The plurality of corrugated metal plates include a rectangular metal plate (31) with a recess in the first half-plane (PA). The rectangular metal plate (31) with a recess has a width greater than or equal to 6 times the first wavelength (P1) along the second direction (D2) and a length greater than or equal to 3 times the second wavelength (P2) along the first direction (D1). The rectangular metal plate (31) with a recess has a recessed edge (32) facing the through element (5). The second irregular rectangular metal plates (51, 251) are respectively welded to the rectangular metal plate (31) with the recess, and The rectangular metal plate (31) with a recess extends the first of the two first corrugated portions (13) and the first of the second corrugated portions (14) to the at least one closed plate (25, 26), and the rectangular metal plate (31) with a recess extends the other first corrugated portion of the first corrugated portion (11) to both sides of the window (24).

6. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 5, wherein, The edges of the rectangular metal plate (31) with the recess and parallel to the second direction (D2) and the edges of the second irregular rectangular metal plates (51, 251) and parallel to the second direction (D2) define a second overlapping region (53, 253), which is anchored to the thermal insulation barrier (3) on only a portion of its length.

7. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to claim 6 in conjunction with claim 3 or claim 4, wherein, The metal anchor plate also includes a third metal anchor plate (95), which is arranged on the second guideline (A2), and the second overlapping area (53, 253) is welded to the third metal anchor plate (95).

8. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first rectangular metal plate (41) has a length twice the second wave pitch (P2) along the first direction (D1), and the first rectangular metal plate (41) includes a corrugated portion (18U) such that a third (18) in the second corrugated portion extends between two third irregular rectangular metal plates (61), each third irregular rectangular metal plate (61) being sealed to the corrugated portion (18U).

9. The sealed and thermally insulated container (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first rectangular metal plate is a first irregular rectangular metal plate (141, 241), and there is no third party (18) in the second corrugated part on the first irregular rectangular metal plate (141, 241).

10. The sealed and thermally insulated container (71) according to claim 9, wherein, The first irregular rectangular metal plate (141) has a length along the first direction (D1) that is 1 times the second wavelength (P2).

11. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The second irregular rectangular metal plate (51) includes a second recessed edge (52) facing the through element (5) and extending the first recessed edge (42) of the first irregular rectangular metal plate (41, 141).

12. The sealed and thermally insulated container (71) according to claim 9, wherein, The first irregular rectangular metal plate (241) has a length twice the second wavelength (P2) along the first direction (D1), and the first irregular rectangular metal plate (241) is welded to each of the second irregular rectangular metal plates (251) at a distance from the window (24).

13. The sealed and thermally insulated container (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The first corrugated portion (11) has a smaller height along the thickness direction of the tank wall (1) than the second corrugated portion (12) along the thickness direction of the tank wall (1).

14. The sealed and thermally insulated container (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The sealing membrane (4) includes a first sealing plate (25) located in the first half-plane (PA) and a second sealing plate (26) located in the second half-plane (PF), the first sealing plate (25) and the second sealing plate (26) surrounding the through element (5).

15. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The tank (71) includes a loading / unloading tower (6) and an unloading pump (7), the unloading pump (7) being attached to the loading / unloading tower (6), and the through element (5) being a support foot of the loading / unloading tower (6).

16. A vessel (70) for transporting liquefied gas, the vessel comprising a twin hull (72) and a tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 15 disposed in the twin hull.

17. A system for transporting liquefied gases, the system comprising: The vessel (70) according to claim 16; isolation conduits (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the tank (71) to a floating or land-based storage facility (77); and a pump for driving a liquefied gas stream through the isolation conduit from the floating or land-based storage facility to the tank of the vessel, or the pump for driving a liquefied gas stream through the isolation conduit from the tank of the vessel to the floating or land-based storage facility.

18. A method for loading or unloading the vessel (70) according to claim 16, wherein, The liquefied gas is transported from the floating or land-based storage facility (77) to the tank (71) of the vessel (70) via isolation pipes (73, 79, 76, 81), or the liquefied gas is transported from the tank (71) of the vessel (70) to the floating or land-based storage facility (77) via isolation pipes (73, 79, 76, 81).

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