Sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank comprising a tank wall (100) comprising a sealing structure for enclosing a space in a sealed manner between a sealing membrane and a load bearing wall (1000), the sealing structure comprising a first metal structure (6) and a second metal structure (9), the first metal structure having a first height portion (61) and a first base portion (62), the second metal structure having a second height portion (91) and a second base portion (92), the sealing membrane comprising corrugations and flat sections between the corrugations, the flat sections of the sealing membrane being fixed in a sealed manner to the second base portion (92), the sealing membrane comprising a cover (40) which is fixed in a sealed manner to the longitudinal end of the longitudinal corrugations and to the second base portion (92) to close off said longitudinal end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulated tanks for the storage and / or transport of liquefied gases, such as tanks for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at temperatures, for example, between -50°C and 0°C, or 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 used for transporting liquefied gases or for receiving liquefied gases used as fuel for propelling the floating structure.

[0002] In the case of floating structures, tanks can be used to transport liquefied gas or to receive liquefied gas used as fuel for propelling the floating structures. Background Technology

[0003] A sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing LNG—arranged within a load-bearing structure—has a multi-layered structure, specifically comprising, from the outside to the inside: a secondary thermal barrier anchored against the load-bearing structure; a secondary sealing membrane resting on the secondary thermal barrier; a primary thermal barrier resting on the secondary sealing membrane; and a primary sealing membrane resting on the primary thermal barrier and for contacting the liquefied natural gas stored in the tank.

[0004] During the manufacture of tanks for LNG cargo ships, once the tank is completed, the side opening is closed by attaching the load-bearing structure to the tank portion of the assembly. This type of side opening is described in Publication KR1020110011155A. This side opening is sometimes referred to as a side breach. Before closing the side breach, the sealing performance of the sealant already manufactured around the side opening in the tank wall must be checked.

[0005] Publication WO2020260572 provides a method for testing a seal according to a first embodiment, the method being used to check the seal of a sealing film of an unfinished can portion, the unfinished can portion being a can portion for connection with one or more other can portions to complete the manufacture of the can.

[0006] The sealing performance of the sealing membrane, including the corrugated portion, needs to be checked. In particular, the sealing performance of the metal sealing membrane, including the corrugated portion, needs to be checked. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a method for forming a closed and sealed space within a tank wall, the tank wall comprising a metal sealing membrane with corrugations.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gases, the tank including a tank wall resting against a load-bearing wall, the tank wall including at least one sealing membrane and at least one thermal barrier disposed between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall. The thermal insulation barrier includes rows of end blocks that extend in a lateral direction; The tank wall also includes a sealing structure that extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall, thereby sealing off at least one space between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner. The sealing structure extends along an end block and terminates in the tank wall in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction. The sealing structure is sealed to the load-bearing wall on one side and sealed to the sealing membrane on the other side. The sealing structure includes a first metal structure and a second metal structure. The first metal structure has a first height portion and a first base portion. The first base portion is sealed to the load-bearing wall. The first height portion extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall. The second metal structural member has a second height portion and a second base portion, the second height portion extending along the thickness direction of the tank wall, and the second base portion covering the upper wall of the end block and being fixed to the upper wall of the end block. The sealing membrane includes multiple corrugated portions and flat portions, the corrugated portions extending longitudinally and the flat portions located between the corrugated portions. The flat portion of the sealing film is fixed to the second base in a sealing manner; The sealing membrane also includes a plurality of caps that are fixed in a sealing manner to the longitudinal ends and the second base of the longitudinal corrugated portion to close the longitudinal ends.

[0009] By means of these properties, the sealing membrane, cover, sealing structure and load-bearing wall enclose at least one space in the tank wall in a sealed manner.

[0010] Then the sealing performance of the sealing membrane in the formed closed and sealed space can be checked.

[0011] To test the sealing performance of the tank wall, a closed and sealed space is connected to a pressurization or depressurization device. For example, such a depressurization device is a vacuum pump connected to the closed and sealed space, or any depressurization device capable of reducing the pressure within the closed and sealed space.

[0012] The pressure-reducing device is activated to lower the pressure within the enclosed and sealed space relative to the external environment. For example, this pressure reduction is from approximately -500 mbar to -800 mbar, preferably -800 mbar. The test is performed for 24 to 48 hours, and pressure changes are recorded to determine if any leakage is present.

[0013] Furthermore, the first and second metal structural components facilitate easier installation of the sealing structure at one end of the tank wall. The presence of the two components—the first and second metal structural components—allows for compensation for any flatness defects along the row of end blocks.

[0014] According to some implementations, such a can may include one or more of the following features.

[0015] According to one embodiment, at least one of the cover members has a cover member foot and a cover member body, the cover member foot being fixed to a second base in a sealed manner, and the cover member body being fixed to the longitudinal end of the longitudinal corrugated portion in a sealed manner.

[0016] The cover feet make it easier for the operator to position the cover, and therefore easier to weld the cover to the second base and to the corrugated section. Furthermore, the cover feet reduce the risk of material positioned beneath them being burned or damaged.

[0017] For example, the width of the cover foot The ratio of the height h of the cover body is between 1 and 1 / 6.

[0018] The cover foot makes it easier to weld the cover to the second base. In addition, the cover foot limits the welding energy transmitted to the precast block by making the weld seam longer, and thus prevents burns or fires on the precast block during the welding operation.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the cover foot has a generally flat shape, and the cover body has a generally flat shape. The cover foot and the cover body form an angle between 30° and 150°, such as 135°, with respect to each other. In particular, the cover foot and the cover body form an angle between 80° and 100°, such as 90°.

[0020] For example, the foot of the cover is roughly rectangular in shape. For example, the angle formed between the foot of the cover and the body of the cover is 90°. In other words, a 90° angle is formed between the foot of the cover and the body of the cover.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the foot of the cover has a truncated corner on the face away from the cover body.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the second metal structural member is positioned above the first metal structural member in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0023] The first metal structural member is fixed to the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner. The first metal structural member extends laterally and along the thickness of the tank wall along a row of end blocks.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first metal structural member has a first height portion and a first base portion. The first base portion is sealed to the load-bearing wall. The first height portion extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0025] The first height section and the first base section are interconnected in a sealed manner at the lower end of the end block of the row of end blocks in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0026] For example, the first height portion and the first base portion are directly fixed to each other and form a right angle at the lower end of the end blocks in the row of end blocks. Therefore, in the direction of the row of end blocks, the first height portion and the first base portion form a straight L-shape.

[0027] The second metal structural member covers and is fixed to the upper wall of the end block, and is fixed to the planar portion of the sealing film in a sealed manner.

[0028] The second metal structural component extends laterally along the row of end blocks and along the thickness of the tank wall.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second metal structural member has a second height portion and a second base portion. The second height portion extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall. The second base portion covers and is fixed to the upper wall of the insulating end block. Furthermore, the second base portion is fixed to the flat portion of the sealing film in a sealing manner.

[0030] The second height section and the second base section are interconnected in a sealed manner at the upper end of the end blocks of the row of end blocks in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0031] For example, the second height portion and the second base portion are directly fixed to each other, and form a right angle at the upper end of the end blocks in the row of end blocks. Therefore, in the direction of the row of end blocks, the second height portion and the second base portion form an inverted L-shape of 180°.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the foot of the cover is fixed to the second base by a fillet weld.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first base is fixed to the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner by continuous welding.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the end block includes a plurality of lateral anchoring strips fixed to the sidewall of the end block; a first height portion is fixed to the lateral anchoring strips.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first height section structure is fixed to the lateral anchoring strip by spot welding. This welding makes it easier to remove the first metal structural member after the sealing performance has been checked.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the end block includes a plurality of anchoring strips; the anchoring strips are fixed to the upper wall of the end block; and a second base is fixed to the anchoring strips in a sealed manner.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a first heat protection sheet is positioned on one of the sidewalls of the end block; the first heat protection sheet is covered by a first height portion.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing membrane is made of a composite material.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the corrugated portion extends periodically along the transverse direction of the tank wall.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for testing the sealing performance of a sealing membrane in a container according to the present invention is provided; the method includes: - To reduce the pressure within the isolation barrier relative to the environment outside the tank wall; - After the pressure in the tank wall is reduced, parameters indicating pressure changes inside the isolation barrier are measured.

[0041] For example, the pressure drops to approximately -500 mbar to -800 mbar. For example, the test is performed for 24 to 48 hours, and pressure changes are recorded to determine if a leak exists.

[0042] According to one embodiment, prefabricated elements are anchored within a space inside a load-bearing structure to form a tank wall. Each prefabricated element includes a portion of a thermal insulation barrier and a portion of a sealing membrane. These prefabricated elements can be anchored to the load-bearing structure in a regular network.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the thermal insulation barrier has multiple standard insulation blocks distributed within it in a regular network. These standard insulation blocks may be rectangular slabs.

[0044] At one end of the tank wall, that is, at the end of the thermal insulation barrier, the tank wall includes an end block.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the end blocks are rectangular plates and are arranged in rows. The end blocks may include a lower wall (also called a bottom wall) and an upper wall (also called a top wall).

[0046] The lower and upper walls can be interconnected via four side walls. In this case, the side walls support the upper wall. The end blocks form box-shaped components.

[0047] Conversely, the insert can be positioned to rest against the lower wall and support the upper wall.

[0048] Therefore, the thermal insulation barrier includes a row of end blocks that terminate the tank wall. The row of end blocks extends in the transverse direction of the tank wall.

[0049] The end blocks can be thermally insulated. For example, the end blocks can include thermally insulated materials similar to or even the same as those used in standard insulation modules of thermal insulation barriers.

[0050] If the end block is box-shaped, it may be filled with a thermally insulating material, such as glass wool or rock wool, or it may be filled with synthetic foam with a density of less than 60 kg / m³. If the end block consists only of a lower wall and an upper wall resting against the insert, the mechanical load-bearing insert may be thermally insulating, such as polyurethane foam, and may be fiber-reinforced.

[0051] The sealing structure extends along the end block and terminates in the longitudinal direction of the tank wall, which is perpendicular to the transverse direction.

[0052] In addition, in order to seal at least one space between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner, the sealing structure is fixed to the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner on one side and to the sealing membrane in a sealed manner on the other side.

[0053] The sealing structure comprises a first metal structural member and a second metal structural member. Therefore, the sealing structure comprises at least two components and is not manufactured as a single piece. The first and second metal structural members facilitate easier installation of the sealing structure at the end of the tank wall. The presence of the two components—the first and second metal structural members—allows for compensation for any defects in flatness along the row of end blocks and any variations in the thickness of the thermal insulation barrier.

[0054] The first metal structural member and the second metal structural member form part of the sealing structure and are interconnected in a sealed manner inside the sealing structure.

[0055] The first and second metal structural components can be connected in a sealed manner in a variety of ways.

[0056] A possible first approach is to fix the first metal structural member to the second metal structural member without any intermediate components between them. In other words, the first and second metal structural members are directly fixed to each other. In this case, the second metal structural member can overlap with the first metal structural member, or vice versa.

[0057] A second possible approach is to provide one or more components that connect the first metal structural member to the second metal structural member in a sealed manner. These intermediate components may be made of metal (e.g., a third metal structural member) or not. For example, a seal may be positioned between the first and second metal structural members to ensure the sealing of the sealing structure.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane is a primary sealing membrane, the thermal insulation barrier is a primary thermal insulation barrier, and the row of end blocks is a row of primary end blocks; the tank wall also includes a secondary sealing membrane disposed between the primary thermal insulation barrier and the load-bearing wall, and a secondary thermal insulation barrier disposed between the load-bearing wall and the secondary sealing membrane, the secondary thermal insulation barrier including the row of secondary end blocks; the sealing structure also includes a third metal structure disposed between the first metal structure and the second metal structure, the third metal structure having a third height portion and a third base portion, the third base portion being fixed to the upper wall of the secondary end blocks, the third height portion being fixed to the first height portion in a sealing manner, and the second height portion being fixed to the third height portion in a sealing manner.

[0059] In this embodiment, the sealing structure includes a third metal structure that connects the first metal structure to the second metal structure in a sealing manner.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the third height portion is fixed to the first height portion in a sealed manner by a continuous weld.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second height portion is fixed to the third height portion in a sealed manner by continuous welding.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the secondary end block includes a plurality of upper secondary anchoring strips; the upper secondary anchoring strips are fixed to the upper wall of the end block; and a second base is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strips.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the second base is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strip by spot welding. This welding makes it easier to remove the second metal structural member after the seal has been checked.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a second thermal protection sheet is positioned on the upper wall of the secondary end block and the side wall of the secondary end block; the second thermal protection sheet is covered by a third height portion and a third base portion.

[0065] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a vessel for transporting cold liquid products, the vessel having a double hull and a sealed and thermally insulated tank according to the invention arranged in the double hull.

[0066] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a system for transporting chilled liquid products, the system comprising: a vessel according to the invention; an isolation pipeline arranged such that the isolation pipeline connects the vessel's tanks to a floating or land-based storage facility; and a pump for driving a flow of chilled liquid products from the floating or land-based storage facility through the isolation pipeline to the vessel's tanks, or for driving a flow of chilled liquid products from the vessel's tanks through the isolation pipeline to the floating or land-based storage facility.

[0067] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method for loading or unloading a vessel according to the invention, wherein chilled liquid products are transported from a floating or land-based storage facility to a tank of the vessel via an insulated pipeline, or chilled liquid products are transported from a tank of the vessel to a floating or land-based storage facility via an insulated pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0068] The invention will be better understood in the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer.

[0069] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view is shown schematically of the first step in manufacturing a portion of the tank wall according to the first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 2 To and Figure 1 A similar view, and schematically illustrating the second step in manufacturing the tank wall according to the first embodiment.

[0071] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An enlarged view of region III in the diagram, which schematically shows the tank wall according to the first embodiment when the second step is completed.

[0072] Figure 4 A perspective view is shown schematically of the third step in manufacturing the tank wall according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Figure 5 To and Figure 4A similar view is shown, and the fourth step of manufacturing the tank wall according to the first embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0074] Figure 6 To and Figure 4 A similar view is shown, and the fifth step of manufacturing the tank wall according to the first embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0075] Figure 7 To and Figure 4 A similar view is shown, and the sixth step of manufacturing the tank wall according to the first embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0076] Figure 8 schematically shown Figure 7 An enlarged view of region VIII in the image.

[0077] Figure 9 The cover according to the second embodiment is shown schematically.

[0078] Figure 10 To and Figure 8 A similar partial stereoscopic view is shown, illustrating the primary membrane.

[0079] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the tank of an LNG cargo ship and the loading / unloading terminal for that tank. Detailed Implementation

[0080] By convention, the terms "below" and "above" are used to define one element relative to another, respectively, facing outwards and inwards from the tank. Figure 1 The relative positions within the horizontal walls shown are illustrated. However, the following description applies to any wall, regardless of its orientation in Earth's gravitational field.

[0081] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 9 The description focuses on a particular embodiment given only by way of non-limiting illustration. The figures emphasize the end portion of the tank wall near the side notch 90 because the rest of the tank wall can be manufactured by methods known elsewhere, such as those described in document FR2903165.

[0082] A sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied natural gas—arranged within a load-support structure 1000—has a multi-layered structure, specifically comprising, from the outside to the inside of the tank: a secondary thermal barrier 3 anchored to abut against the load-support structure 1000; a secondary sealing membrane 2 resting on the secondary thermal barrier 3; a primary thermal barrier 5 resting on the secondary sealing membrane 2; and a primary sealing membrane 4 resting on the primary thermal barrier 5 and for contacting the liquefied natural gas stored in the tank.

[0083] The known prefabricated elements shown in the figure can be anchored to a large portion of the load-bearing structure 1000 to form two insulation barriers and a secondary sealing membrane 2 for the tank. Each prefabricated element includes a portion of a secondary thermal insulation barrier 3, a portion of a secondary sealing membrane 2, and a portion of a primary thermal insulation barrier 5. These prefabricated elements are anchored to the load-bearing structure 1000 in a regular network.

[0084] The secondary sealing membrane 2 of the precast block is a rigid sealing membrane 317 combined with a secondary thermal insulation barrier.

[0085] The primary thermal insulation barrier of the prefabricated block only partially covers the secondary sealing membrane 2, without covering the peripheral portion of the secondary sealing membrane. Flexible sealing membranes 11 are fixed to the peripheral portions of the secondary sealing membranes of two adjacent prefabricated elements to ensure that the secondary sealing membrane 2 is continuous.

[0086] More specifically, each precast block includes, from the outside to the inside of the tank: a bottom plate 311, a secondary insulation insert, a rigid sealing membrane 317, a primary insulation insert, and a top plate 512.

[0087] The bottom plate 311 and the secondary insulating insert form a generally parallelepiped first block 31, which is covered by a rigid sealing membrane 317.

[0088] The primary insulating insert and the top plate 512 form a generally parallelepiped second block 51, which rests on the rigid sealing membrane.

[0089] For example, the bottom plate 311 and the top plate 512 are made of plywood. For example, the secondary and primary insulating inserts are made of polyurethane foam and may be reinforced with fibers. For example, the rigid sealing membrane 317 is a composite material, namely, a material composed of an aluminum sheet inserted between two layers of glass fiber and resin.

[0090] In this prefabricated block, the dimensions of the bottom plate 311, the secondary barrier insert, and the rigid sealing membrane 317 in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank are larger than the dimensions of the primary barrier insert and the top plate 512, such that the circumferential edge of the rigid sealing membrane 317 is not covered by the primary barrier insert.

[0091] During the manufacture of the tank, these prefabricated blocks are anchored side-by-side to a load-bearing structure 1000, such as the inner wall of a ship's double hull. A flexible sealing membrane 11 is applied to the circumferential edges (not visible) of the rigid sealing membranes 317 of the two side-by-side prefabricated blocks to ensure a continuous seal between the rigid sealing membranes 317 of adjacent prefabricated blocks. This flexible sealing membrane 11 is made, for example, of triplex®, which comprises an aluminum sheet located between two glass fiber layers bonded together by a flexible resin, such as rubber.

[0092] The secondary sealing membrane 2 is formed by a rigid sealing membrane 317 of the prefabricated blocks and a flexible sealing membrane 11 connecting the prefabricated blocks. This provides a continuous secondary sealing membrane 2.

[0093] Further details relating to such prefabricated blocks, their arrangement, or other elements forming the tank are described, for example, in document FR2903165.

[0094] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the tank wall 100 resting against the load-bearing wall 1000 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tank wall 100 is interrupted in the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T near the side notch 90, which is a rectangular window extending in both directions.

[0095] The following text describes the tank wall interrupted along the longitudinal direction L.

[0096] The secondary thermal insulation barrier 3 includes the aforementioned prefabricated block and a row of secondary end blocks 32 located at the longitudinal end L of the tank wall 100. The row of secondary end blocks 32 extends along the transverse direction T of the tank wall and terminates the secondary thermal insulation barrier 3 of the tank wall 100.

[0097] The secondary end block 32 is a box-shaped component, comprising a lower wall (or bottom wall) and an upper wall 322 (or top wall) interconnected by side walls 321 and 323. Side wall 323 extends in the longitudinal direction L, while side wall 321 extends in the transverse direction T. A first side wall 321 (not visible) is positioned in the longitudinal direction L facing the adjacent precast block, while a second side wall 321 terminates the tank wall 100.

[0098] Furthermore, the secondary end wall 32 includes lateral anchoring strips 101 and upper secondary anchoring strips 102. The upper secondary anchoring strips 102 are fixed to the upper wall 322, while the lateral anchoring strips 101 are fixed to the second side wall 321 that terminates the tank wall 100. The upper secondary anchoring strips 102 form rows of anchoring strips extending in the transverse direction T. Similarly, the lateral anchoring strips 101 form rows of anchoring strips extending in the transverse direction T.

[0099] The lateral anchoring strip 101 and the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 are fixed by riveting or threaded fasteners.

[0100] The lateral anchoring strip 101 and the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 are made of metal, such as stainless steel.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, during the manufacture of the tank, the first metal structural member 6 is fixed to the load-bearing wall 1000 and to the lateral anchoring strip 101. Figure 2 The state of the tank is shown when the first metal structural member 6 is fixed to the load-bearing wall 1000 and to the lateral anchoring strip 101.

[0102] The first metal structural component 6 is made of stainless steel.

[0103] The first metal structural member 6 has a first base 62 and a first height portion.

[0104] The first base portion 62 and the first height portion 61 form right angles to each other. The first base portion 62 is fixed to the load-bearing wall 100 in a sealed manner by continuous welding. The first height portion 61 is welded to the lateral anchoring strip 101. Therefore, the right angle of the first metal structural member 6 closely follows the right angle formed by the load-bearing wall 1000 and the second side wall 321. In the transverse direction, the first height portion and the first base portion form a straight L-shape.

[0105] Furthermore, a first heat-protective sheet 601 is positioned on the second sidewall 321. When the first metal structural member 6 is secured, the first height portion 61 covers the first heat-protective sheet 601. The first heat-protective sheet 601 protects the second sidewall 321 from the heat of welding during the connection of the multiple segments of the first metal structural member 6. Figure 1 The exploded view shows the weld 88 between the two aligned segments, and it can be understood that in practice, these segments can be installed sequentially, in which case the weld 88 is manufactured to align with the first heat-protective sheet 601. Multiple heat-protective sheets 601 may be distributed along the second sidewall 321.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the tank wall 100 includes a third metal structural member 8.

[0107] The third metal structural member 8 has a third base 82 and a third height portion 81. The third base 82 and the third height portion 81 form a right angle with each other at the upper end of the secondary end blocks 32 of the row of secondary end blocks 32. Therefore, in the transverse direction, the third height portion 81 and the third base 82 form an inverted L-shape of 180°.

[0108] The third base 82 is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 by spot welding. The third height section 81 is fixed to the first height section 61 in a sealed manner by continuous welds. Figure 3 ).

[0109] Therefore, the first height section 61 and the third height section 81 terminate the secondary layer of the tank wall 100.

[0110] The second heat protection sheet 801 is positioned across the upper wall 322 and the second side wall 321. In other words, the second heat protection sheet 801 is positioned on the two sides of the upper edge corner of the secondary end block 32. The second heat protection sheet 801 is covered by the third metal structural member 8.

[0111] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the primary thermal insulation barrier 5 includes a row of primary end blocks 52 at the longitudinal end L of the tank wall 100. The row of primary end blocks 52 extends in the transverse direction T of the tank wall and terminates the primary layer of the tank wall 100.

[0112] Furthermore, according to known technology, the primary insulating material 87 fills the space between the second piece 51 and covers the flexible sealing membrane 11.

[0113] Furthermore, the primary anchoring strips 202 are fixed to the top plate 512 of the second piece 51 and the primary insulating plate 87. The primary anchoring strips 202 form a row of anchoring strips extending in the transverse direction T. The primary anchoring strips 202 are fixed by riveting or threading. The primary anchoring strips 202 are made of metal, such as stainless steel.

[0114] The primary end block 52 is larger in the longitudinal direction L than the secondary end block 32. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the primary end block 52 covers the longitudinal end of the precast block, the secondary end block 32, and the third base 82.

[0115] The primary end block 52 is secured to the secondary sealing membrane 2 by means of an adhesive strip 55. The adhesive strip 55 is positioned on both sides of the row of secondary end blocks 32 and adjacent precast blocks. Thus, the adhesive strip 55 covers the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 and the secondary sealing membrane 2.

[0116] The primary end block 52 has an upper wall 522 (or top wall) and a side wall 521. The side wall 521 is aligned with the first height portion 61 and the third height portion 81 in the thickness direction of the tank wall 100. Therefore, the primary end block 52 terminates the tank wall 100 at the primary layer.

[0117] like Figure 6 As shown, the second metal structural member 9 covers a portion of the primary end block 52 and the third height portion 81.

[0118] The second metal structural member 9 has a second base 92 and a second height portion 91. The second base 92 and the second height portion 91 are perpendicular to each other at the upper ends of the primary end blocks 52 of the row of primary end blocks 52. Therefore, in the transverse direction, the second height portion 91 and the second base 92 form an inverted L-shape of 180°.

[0119] On one side, the second base 92 is fixed to the primary anchoring strip 202. On the other side, the second height portion 91 is fixed to the third height portion 81 in a sealed manner by continuous welding.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, the primary sealing membrane 4 has a plurality of corrugated portions 43 extending in the longitudinal direction L and a flat portion 44 located between the corrugated portions 43.

[0121] The flat portion 44 is fixed to the second base 92 in a sealed manner.

[0122] The corrugated portion 43 and the second base 92 define an orifice 45 at the longitudinal end of the corrugated portion 43.

[0123] Furthermore, the primary sealing membrane 4 includes a plurality of caps 40 at the longitudinal ends of the corrugated portion 43. Each cap 40 comprises only a cap body 41 having a generally flat shape. Figure 8 The outline of the cover body 41 follows the outline of the corrugated portion 43. Therefore, the cover 40 can be manufactured by cutting from a flat metal sheet.

[0124] The cover 40 seals the opening 45 in a sealed manner. Thus, the primary sealing membrane 4 and the second metal structure 9 tightly and seal the primary isolation barrier 5 of the tank wall 100 in a sealed manner.

[0125] like Figure 8As shown, the cover 40 is fixed to the longitudinal end of the corrugated portion 43 by welding and is fixed to the second base 92; the cover body 41 is fixed to the longitudinal end of the longitudinal corrugated portion and to the second base 92 in a sealed manner by a welded portion established around the entire contour of the cover body 41.

[0126] Alternatively, the cover 40 has a cover body 41 and a cover foot 42. Figure 9 Both the cover body 41 and the cover foot 42 have a generally flat shape. The cover foot 41 has an overall rectangular shape and extends from the cover body 41, such that the cover body 41 and the cover foot 42 form a right angle or other angle, such as 135°. Therefore, the cover 40 can be manufactured by cutting and folding from a flat metal sheet.

[0127] In addition, the width of the cover foot 42 This corresponds to 1 / 5 of the height h of the cover body 41. However, the width of the cover foot 42... The ratio of the height h of the cover body 41 to the height h can vary between 1 and 1 / 6.

[0128] In this configuration, the cover foot 42 is welded to the second base 92 via a fillet weld. The cover foot 42 makes it easier for the operator to position the cover, thereby welding the cover 40 to the second base 92 and the cover to the corrugated portion 43.

[0129] Therefore, in this embodiment, the sealing structure includes a primary metal structure 6, a second metal structure 9, and a third metal structure 8. The third metal structure 8 connects the primary metal structure 6 and the second metal structure 9 in a sealing manner.

[0130] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the thickness direction of the tank wall 100, the sealing structure has a first height portion 61, a second height portion 91 and a third height portion 81.

[0131] The load-bearing wall 1000, the first metal structural member 6, the third metal structural member 8, and the secondary sealing membrane 2 define a first closed and sealed space that encloses the secondary isolation barrier. This allows for the inspection of the airtightness of the closed and sealed space.

[0132] Similarly, the secondary sealing membrane 2, the third metal structure 8, the second metal structure 9, the primary sealing membrane, and the cover 40 define a second closed and sealed space that encloses the primary isolation barrier. This allows for the inspection of the airtightness of the closed and sealed space.

[0133] The tank wall interrupted along the longitudinal direction L has already been described. The tank wall interrupted along the transverse direction T has the same characteristics and can be modified slightly.

[0134] According to one embodiment, a corrugated portion 43 is present at the connection between the two parts constituting the second metal structural member 9; more specifically, a corrugated portion 43 is present at the gap between two second bases 92 arranged side by side in the transverse direction T. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Compared to the situation shown, this situation may occur if the two second bases 92 do not contact and the second metal structural member 9 is not sealed in a sealed manner. In this case, the width of the cover foot 42 that seals the corrugated portion 43 can be increased. This allows the cover foot 42 to completely cover the gap between the two second bases 92 and seal the second metal structure 9 in a sealed manner.

[0135] exist Figure 10 In another embodiment shown, with Figure 7 Compared to the interior shown, the longitudinal end edge 20 of the primary sealing film 4 is spaced apart from the second base 92 in the longitudinal direction L. In this case, the second metal structure 9 may have an intermediate structure disposed between the longitudinal end edge 20 of the primary sealing film 4 and the second base 92. The intermediate structure includes at least two metal intermediate portions 21 arranged side by side in the transverse direction T, wherein the gap 22 is positioned facing the orifice 45. To seal the second metal structure 9, the width of the cover foot 42 can be increased. This simultaneously covers the gap 22 between the two metal intermediate portions 21 and the second base 92. As in other embodiments, a sealing weld is established around the entire contour of the cover foot 40. Each metal intermediate portion 21 may have two wing-like portions forming an angle with each other, such as 135°. For example, the two wing-like portions are separated by an edge corner 23. This embodiment allows the second metal structure 9 near the edge corner of the polyhedral can to be closed.

[0136] In a variant, the middle portion 21 of the metal can be flat, in which case the primary sealing membrane 4 and the second base 92 remain substantially coplanar.

[0137] Manufacturing method Figures 1 to 9 The sequential manufacturing steps for obtaining the sealed container as described above are shown.

[0138] like Figure 1 As shown, the precast blocks are first anchored in the load-bearing wall 1000.

[0139] Then, the secondary end box-shaped member 32 is anchored in the load support wall 1000, and the lateral anchoring strip 101 and the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 are fixed to the secondary end box-shaped member 32.

[0140] like Figure 1 As shown, the first thermal protection sheet 601 is positioned on the second sidewall 321, and then the first metal structural member 6 is fixed to the load support wall 1000 and the lateral anchoring strips 101 of the row of secondary end box-shaped members 32.

[0141] Then, as Figure 2 As shown, the heat protection sheet 801 is positioned on the upper edge corner of the secondary end box-shaped member 32, and the third metal structure 8 is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strip 102 and the first height portion 61.

[0142] Then, as Figure 4 As shown, adhesive strips 55 are fixed to both sides of the rows of secondary end blocks 32 and adjacent precast blocks.

[0143] Then, as Figure 5 As shown, the primary end box-shaped member 52 is fixed to the tank wall by means of the adhesive strip 55.

[0144] Then, as Figure 6 As shown, the second structural member 9 is fixed to the primary anchoring strip 202 and the third height portion 82.

[0145] Then, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the sealing film 4 is fixed to the second structural member 9, and the cover 40 is fixed to the longitudinal end of the corrugated portion 43 to close the opening 45.

[0146] The aforementioned technology for producing tanks with two sealing membranes can be used for various types of tanks, such as for forming double-membrane tanks for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in onshore facilities or floating structures (e.g., LNG carriers). This technology can also be used to produce tank walls with a single sealing membrane. In this case, the secondary sealing membrane 2, secondary thermal insulation barrier 3, and third metal structural member 8 shown in the above figures can be considered absent, and the second height portion 91 is welded to the first height portion 61 in a sealed manner. Therefore, the load-bearing wall 1000, the first metal structural member 6, the second metal structural member 9, the single sealing membrane, and the cover 40 define a closed and sealed space that encloses the single insulation barrier, and the sealing performance of this closed and sealed space can be checked.

[0147] In this way, the technology can also be applied to tanks with one or more thermal insulation barriers side by side and one or more sealing membranes.

[0148] Reference Figure 11 The sectional view of the LNG cargo ship 70 shows a generally prismatic, sealed, and thermally insulated tank 71 assembled within the ship's twin hulls 72. The walls of tank 71 include: a primary sealing membrane for contact with the LNG contained within the tank; a secondary sealing membrane disposed between the primary sealing membrane and the ship's twin hulls 72; and two insulating barriers disposed between the primary and secondary sealing membranes and between the secondary sealing membrane and the twin hulls 72, respectively.

[0149] In a manner known per se, the loading / unloading pipeline 73, located on the upper deck of a vessel, can be connected by means of appropriate connectors to a seaport or port terminal or to an LNG-fueled vessel to transfer LNG cargo to or from tank 71.

[0150] Figure 11 An example of a marine terminal is shown, comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76, and a land-based facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility including a movable boom 74 and a tower-like structure 18 supporting the movable boom 74. The movable boom 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible hoses 79, which can be connected to a loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional movable boom 74 can be adjusted to accommodate LNG carriers of all sizes. Connecting pipelines (not shown) extend within the tower-like structure 1078. The loading and unloading station 75 is used for loading LNG carriers 70 from the land-based facility 77 or unloading LNG carriers 70 to the land-based facility 77. The facility includes liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipelines 81 connected to the loading or unloading station 75 via the underwater pipeline 76. The underwater pipeline 76 is used to transfer liquefied gas over a long distance, such as 5 km, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the land facility 77, thereby keeping the LNG carrier 70 at a greater distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0151] Pumps carried on board the ship 70, and / or pumps in the land facility 77, and / or pumps in the loading and unloading station 75 are used to generate the pressure required for the transmission of liquefied gas.

[0152] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and that the invention includes all such technical equivalents and combinations thereof if technical equivalents of the device and combinations thereof fall within the scope of the invention.

[0153] The use of the verbs “having,” “including,” or “comprising,” and their variations, does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those described in the claims.

[0154] In the claims, any reference numerals in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed and thermally insulated tank for storing liquefied gas, the tank comprising a tank wall (100) resting against a load-bearing wall (1000), the tank wall comprising at least one sealing membrane and at least one thermal barrier disposed between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall. The thermal insulation barrier includes rows of end blocks (32) that extend in the lateral direction (T); The tank wall also includes a sealing structure that extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall between the sealing membrane (4) and the load-bearing wall, thereby sealing off at least one space between the sealing membrane and the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner. The sealing structure extends along the end block (32) and terminates the tank wall in a longitudinal direction (L) perpendicular to the transverse direction. The sealing structure is fixed to the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner on one side and to the sealing membrane in a sealed manner on the other side. The sealing structure includes a first metal structure (6) and a second metal structure (9). The first metal structure has a first height portion (61) and a first base portion (62). The first base portion (62) is fixed to the load-bearing wall in a sealed manner. The first height portion (61) extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall. The second metal structural member has a second height portion (91) and a second base portion (92), the second height portion (91) extending along the thickness direction of the tank wall, and the second base portion (92) covering the upper wall of the end block and being fixed to the upper wall of the end block; The sealing membrane includes: Multiple corrugated portions (43) extend along the longitudinal direction (L); The sealing film also includes a flat portion (44) located between the corrugated portions, and a plurality of covers (40) fixed in a sealing manner to the longitudinal ends of the corrugated portions to close the longitudinal ends. The feature is that the flat portion (44) of the sealing film is fixed to the second base (92) in a sealed manner, and the cover (40) is fixed to the second base (92) in a sealed manner, wherein the end block includes a plurality of lateral anchoring strips (101), the lateral anchoring strips are fixed to the sidewall of the end block, and the first height portion (61) is fixed to the lateral anchoring strips.

2. The sealed and thermally insulated tank according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the cover members has a cover member foot (42) and a cover member body (41), the cover member foot being fixed to the second base in a sealed manner, and the cover member body being fixed to the longitudinal end of the longitudinal corrugated portion in a sealed manner.

3. The sealed and thermally insulated tank according to claim 2, wherein, The foot of the cover has a generally flat shape, the body of the cover has a generally flat shape, and the foot of the cover and the body of the cover form an angle between 30° and 150° with each other, for example, the foot of the cover and the body of the cover form an angle of 90° or 135° with each other.

4. The sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The foot of the cover is fixed to the second base by a fillet weld.

5. A sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first height portion (61) is fixed to the lateral anchoring strip by spot welding.

6. A sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The end block includes multiple anchoring strips (202); The anchoring strip (202) is fixed to the upper wall (512) of the end block; The second base is fixed to the anchoring strip in a sealed manner.

7. A sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, A first heat protection sheet (601) is positioned on one of the sidewalls (321) of the end block. The first heat protection sheet is covered by the first height portion (61).

8. A sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sealing membrane is a primary sealing membrane (4), the thermal insulation barrier is a primary thermal insulation barrier (5), and the row of end blocks are row of primary end blocks (52). The tank wall also includes a secondary sealing membrane (2) and a secondary thermal insulation barrier (3). The secondary sealing membrane (2) is disposed between the primary thermal insulation barrier and the load-bearing wall, and the secondary thermal insulation barrier (3) is disposed between the load-bearing wall and the secondary sealing membrane. The secondary thermal insulation barrier includes rows of secondary end blocks (32). The sealing structure further includes a third metal structure (8), which is arranged between the first metal structure (6) and the second metal structure (9), and the third metal structure has a third height portion (81) and a third base portion (82). The third base (82) is fixed to the upper wall of the secondary end block. The third height portion (81) is fixed to the first height portion (61) in a sealed manner, and the second height portion (91) is fixed to the third height portion (81) in a sealed manner.

9. The sealed and thermally insulated tank according to claim 8, wherein, The second height portion (91) is fixed to the third height portion (81) in a sealed manner by continuous welding.

10. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The third height section (81) is fixed to the first height section (61) in a sealed manner by a continuous weld.

11. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The secondary end block (32) includes multiple upper secondary anchoring strips (102). The upper secondary anchoring strip is fixed to the upper wall (322) of the secondary end block; The second base (82) is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strip.

12. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to claim 11, wherein, The second base (82) is fixed to the upper secondary anchoring strip by spot welding.

13. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The second heat protection sheet (801) is positioned on the upper wall (322) of the secondary end block and the side wall (321) of the secondary end block; the second heat protection sheet is covered by the third height portion (81) and the third base portion (82).

14. The sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein, The secondary sealing membrane is made of composite material.

15. A sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The corrugated portion extends periodically along the transverse direction of the tank wall.

16. A sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The load-bearing wall has an opening, and the tank wall terminates near the opening by the sealing structure.

17. A method for testing the sealing performance of a sealing membrane in a sealed and thermally insulated container according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising: - To reduce the pressure within the thermal insulation barrier relative to the environment outside the tank wall; as well as - After the pressure in the tank wall is reduced, parameters indicating pressure changes inside the isolation barrier are measured.

18. A vessel (70) for transporting cold liquid products, the vessel having a double hull (72) and a sealed and thermally insulated tank according to any one of claims 1 to 17 disposed in the double hull.

19. A system for transferring a cold liquid product, the system comprising: The vessel (70) according to claim 18; isolation lines (73, 79, 76, 810) arranged to connect the vessel's tank (71) to a floating or land-based storage facility (77); and a pump for driving a flow of chilled liquid product from the floating or land-based storage facility through the isolation lines to the vessel's tank, or the pump for driving a flow of chilled liquid product from the vessel's tank through the isolation lines to the floating or land-based storage facility.

20. A method for loading, unloading, or unloading from a vessel (70) according to claim 18, wherein, The cold liquid product is transported from the floating or land-based storage facility (77) to the tank of the vessel via insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 810), or the cold liquid product is transported from the tank of the vessel to the floating or land-based storage facility (77) via insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 810).

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