Method for manufacturing a sealed tank

Abstract

A method comprising: fastening a spacer block (5) to at least one flat area (15) of an outer sealing membrane (4), wherein the outer sealing membrane is a main membrane belonging to a wall of a sealed tank (1) for storing a first liquefied gas, the outer sealing membrane being metallic; the spacer block having an outer end portion, a flat inner surface parallel to the outer end portion, and a lateral end portion connecting the outer end portion to the inner surface, the outer end portion being positioned against the at least one flat area; and arranging at least one flat area (17) of a metallic inner sealing membrane (6) against the inner surface of the spacer block, such that the inner sealing membrane is spaced apart from the outer sealing membrane by the spacer block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sealed storage tanks. In particular, this invention relates to sealed storage tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases, and methods for manufacturing such sealed storage tanks. Background Technology

[0002] Sealed storage tanks for storing liquefied gases are known in the prior art. Such sealed storage tanks include, for example, tank walls with a multi-layered structure, which sequentially includes a primary sealing membrane intended to contact the product contained in the tank, a primary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane, and a secondary thermal insulation barrier. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The inventors have discovered that, when storing liquefied gases, known storage tanks cannot continue to operate safely in all situations if the main sealing membrane is damaged or has defects that allow liquefied gases to enter the intermembrane space. Specifically, the components located beneath the main membrane of known storage tanks are made of materials that deteriorate if they come into contact with certain liquefied gases.

[0004] In addition, in the case of existing storage tanks, such as those used to store liquefied natural gas (LNG), the components located below the main membrane may not be suitable for contact with another liquefied gas (such as ammonia or liquid hydrogen).

[0005] Furthermore, liquid ammonia is a denser liquid and therefore heavier than, for example, LNG, and the force transmitted to the main sealing membrane will be greater, which may therefore lead to damage to the main sealing membrane.

[0006] Furthermore, liquid hydrogen at approximately -253°C under atmospheric pressure generates mechanical, chemical, and thermodynamic stresses on the storage tank that are different from those imposed by LNG.

[0007] Therefore, there is indeed a need to design or improve storage tanks intended for receiving liquefied gases, particularly for tanks receiving relatively cold liquefied gases and / or those incompatible with the underlying insulation elements, especially where the insulation comprises polypropylene or polyurethane foam or plywood. Specifically, contact between these elements and certain liquefied gases (such as ammonia) results in a significant loss of mechanical strength in these elements.

[0008] One concept of the present invention is to solve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

[0009] Another concept of the present invention is to manufacture a sealed storage tank capable of containing liquefied gases, particularly gases incompatible with certain insulating materials, such as liquefied ammonia, which is at about -33°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0010] Another concept of the present invention is to provide a method for converting a sealed and insulated storage tank originally used for storing LNG into a tank for storing another liquefied gas, such as ammonia or liquid hydrogen.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the present invention is the method of claim 1.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the method is as described in claims 2 to 24.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a method for modifying a sealed storage tank enables the acquisition of a sealed storage tank for storing liquefied gases. The sealed storage tank includes a tank wall intended for installation in a support structure, the tank wall comprising, in the thickness direction of the tank wall: - A metal external sealing membrane, the external sealing membrane comprising a first series of parallel corrugations and flat areas; - Spacer blocks, said spacer blocks being arranged on at least one of said flat areas of the outer sealing membrane and fastened to the outer sealing membrane. The spacer has an outer end, a flat inner surface parallel to the outer end, and a lateral end connecting the outer end to the inner surface. The outer end is positioned against the at least one flat region. The lateral end includes a first lateral end extending parallel to and turning toward the first corrugation in the first series of corrugations. The inner surface includes a first end portion that partially hangs over the first corrugation. - and an internal metal sealing membrane intended to come into contact with liquefied gas, wherein the internal sealing membrane is spaced apart from the external sealing membrane by a spacer block and includes at least one flat portion fastened to the inner surface of the spacer block.

[0014] These features allow the spacer to be positioned above the corrugations of the outer sealing membrane. This optimizes the transmission of hydrostatic pressure to the lower components and ensures satisfactory support for the inner sealing membrane.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a method for modifying a sealed storage tank originally used for storing a first liquefied gas includes: The spacer block is fastened to at least one flat area of ​​an outer sealing membrane, wherein the outer sealing membrane is a main membrane belonging to the wall of a sealed storage tank for storing a first liquefied gas, the outer sealing membrane is made of metal and includes a first series of parallel corrugations; the spacer block has an outer end, a flat inner surface parallel to the outer end, and a lateral end connecting the outer end to the inner surface, the outer end being positioned against the at least one flat area, the lateral end including a first lateral end extending parallel to the first series of corrugations and turning toward the first corrugation in the first series of corrugations, the inner surface including a first end portion partially overhanging the first corrugation; And fastening at least one flat area of ​​the internal metal sealing membrane to the inner surface of the spacer block, such that the internal sealing membrane is spaced apart from the external sealing membrane by the spacer block.

[0016] This method allows for the direct anchoring of spacers to the main membrane, which is part of the sealed and insulated tank wall used for LNG storage, without the need for thermal protection between the flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane and the insulation barrier.

[0017] According to an embodiment, such a storage tank obtained by this method, or the method itself, may include one or more of the following features.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the first lateral end extends toward the first corrugation between the outer end of the spacer block and the inner surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane is located between two corrugations in the first series of corrugations.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first lateral end has a concave shape to hang over the first corrugation.

[0021] Through these features, the shape of the first lateral end matches that of the first corrugation at a certain distance, ensuring that the inner surface of the spacer block is properly supported without interacting with the corrugations of the outer sealing membrane, thereby ensuring that the inner sealing membrane is properly supported.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first lateral end does not contact the first corrugation. Therefore, the first corrugation can be freely opened and closed without its movement being impeded by contact between the spacer block and the first corrugation. According to one embodiment, the lateral end does not contact the corrugations of the outer sealing membrane.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the spacer block does not come into contact with the corrugations of the outer sealing membrane.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the spacer block is less than the height of the first series of corrugations in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the spacer block is greater than the height of the first series of corrugations in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the spacer is between 20 mm and 150 mm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the outer sealing membrane includes a second series of corrugations perpendicular to the first series of corrugations.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the lateral end of the spacer includes a second lateral end that extends parallel to the second series of corrugations and is respectively turned toward the first corrugation in the second series of corrugations, and the inner surface includes a second end portion that partially hangs over the first corrugation in the second series of corrugations.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the second lateral end extends toward the first corrugation in the second series of corrugations between the outer end of the spacer block and the inner surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the flat region is defined between two corrugations in the first series of corrugations and two corrugations in the second series of corrugations.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the corrugations of the outer sealing membrane protrude toward the interior of the tank relative to the flat area.

[0032] According to one embodiment, in the thickness direction of the tank wall, the height of the first series of corrugations is less than the height of the second series of corrugations. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the spacer block is between the height of the second series of corrugations and the height of the first series of corrugations.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the spacer block includes support ribs and hollow units, the support ribs being located below the inner surface between the lateral ends, and the hollow units being located between the support ribs.

[0034] Therefore, the spacer is reinforced by support ribs. In addition, the hollow units inertize the internal space of the spacer, allowing gas molecules to pass between the hollow units located inside the spacer and the intermembrane space located between the inner and outer sealing membranes.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the support ribs are parallel. According to another embodiment, the support ribs are connected together.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the hollow unit has a rectangular or triangular cross-section.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the outer end of the spacer is formed by the edge of the lateral end and / or the end edge of the support rib, and the hollow unit extends to the outer end of the spacer.

[0038] Therefore, the hollow unit can inert the internal space of the spacer block, allowing gas molecules to pass between the hollow unit located inside the spacer block and the intermembrane space located between the inner and outer sealing membranes.

[0039] According to one embodiment, one of the lateral ends is formed by the lateral edge of the support rib. According to one embodiment, the first lateral end is formed by the lateral edge of the support rib. According to one embodiment, the lateral end is formed by the end edge of the support rib.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the outer end and the lateral end are formed by the end edges of the support rib.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the outer end of the spacer is formed by a flat outer surface parallel to the inner surface.

[0042] These features improve the support provided by the spacer block for the internal sealing membrane.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one of the lateral ends includes a sidewall through which the through-channel passes. According to one embodiment, the first lateral end includes a sidewall through which the through-channel passes.

[0044] According to one embodiment, at least one of the lateral ends includes a plurality of through channels.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the lateral end includes a plurality of support elements spaced apart from each other by a through channel, the support elements preferably being spacers connecting the outer end and inner surface of the spacer block.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the storage tank obtained by the method further includes fasteners that are secured to a flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane and protrude toward the inner sealing membrane, with spacers secured to the fasteners. According to one embodiment, the fasteners are selected from metal cylinders or metal strips. According to a preferred embodiment, the fasteners are metal rods, such as metal studs.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the fastener is secured to the outer sealing membrane by welding to the inner surface of a flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane. According to another embodiment, the fastener is secured by capacitor discharge welding.

[0048] Therefore, fasteners such as retaining rods can be directly fastened to the outer membrane without penetrating it. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when converting sealed and insulated storage tanks originally used for LNG storage into tanks for liquid ammonia storage. Specifically, capacitor discharge welding also prevents the underlying insulation from being damaged by heat without the need for additional thermal protection.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the spacer block includes a temporary through-hole designed to allow a fastening rod to pass through and be fastened. According to another embodiment, the spacer block includes a metal cap that closes the temporary fastening hole.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the spacer includes a retaining surface that engages with a nut or clip mounted on a fastener.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the spacer block is made of a material compatible with liquefied gas intended to be contained in the storage tank.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the spacer block comprises aluminum, thermoplastic or thermosetting material, preferably reinforced with glass fiber.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the spacer block comprises an aluminum alloy, such as 6082 aluminum alloy. According to one embodiment, the spacer block comprises more than 50% aluminum by weight of the spacer block. According to one embodiment, the spacer block is made of aluminum.

[0054] These features enable the spacer to be compatible with ammonia; that is, the spacer will not be damaged by contact with liquid or gaseous ammonia, and the physical properties of the spacer that primarily support the internal membrane will not be compromised by contact with ammonia. Therefore, thanks to these features, if the internal sealing membrane is damaged and liquid or gaseous ammonia is allowed to enter the intermembrane space, the tank, including the damaged internal membrane, can continue to function without having to be emptied.

[0055] Specifically, a spacer is considered compatible if it can be exposed to liquid or gaseous ammonia for at least 8 days without impairing its support capabilities.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the spacer block comprises aluminum and is obtained by extrusion.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the thermoplastic material is selected from: high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and high-impact polystyrene.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the spacer block made of thermoplastic material contains fibers, such as long fibers.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the composite spacer block is obtained by hot stamping or by injection molding.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the spacer block does not contain thermal insulation material.

[0061] According to one embodiment, at least one flat region includes a first flat region, the thickness of the spacer block is greater than the height of the first series of corrugations in the thickness direction of the tank wall, and the outer end of the spacer block is disposed on at least a second flat region of the outer sealing membrane, the spacer block extending above at least another corrugation of the first series of corrugations located between the first flat region and the second flat region.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the spacer block is greater than the height of the second series of corrugations in the thickness direction of the tank wall, and the outer end of the spacer block is disposed on at least another flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane, the spacer block extending above another corrugation of the second series of corrugations located between the first flat area and the other flat area.

[0063] Preferably, in this case, the height of the first series of corrugations is less than the height of the second series of corrugations in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the outer end of the spacer is disposed on at least a second flat region of the outer sealing film, the spacer extends over at least another corrugation in a first series of corrugations located between the first flat region and the second flat region, and the outer end of the spacer is also disposed on at least another flat region of the outer sealing film, the spacer extending over another corrugation in a second series of corrugations located between the first flat region and the other flat region.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the outer ends of the spacer are arranged on n flat areas of the outer sealing membrane, where n is a number selected between 2 and 20, preferably between 2 and 9.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above two to nine corrugations in the first series of corrugations.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above two to nine corrugations in the second series of corrugations.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above two corrugations in the first series of corrugations and above two corrugations in the second series of corrugations. According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above two corrugations in the first series of corrugations and above three corrugations in the second series of corrugations. According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above three corrugations in the first series of corrugations and above two corrugations in the second series of corrugations. According to one embodiment, the spacer extends above three corrugations in the first series of corrugations and above three corrugations in the second series of corrugations.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the outer end portion of the spacer includes a portion having a shape complementary to the corrugations in the first series of corrugations and / or a shape complementary to the corrugations in the second series of corrugations, to pass over the corrugations in the first series of corrugations and / or the corrugations in the second series of corrugations, and / or to pass at a distance from the corrugations in the first series of corrugations and / or the corrugations in the second series of corrugations. According to one embodiment, the complementary shape is formed by embossing the outer end portion of the spacer.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the lateral end includes a third lateral end that is positioned relative to the first lateral end and extends parallel to the first series of corrugations, and the inner surface includes a third end portion that partially hangs over the second corrugation in the first series of corrugations.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the third lateral end extends toward the second corrugation in the first series of corrugations between the outer end of the spacer block and the inner surface.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the inner surface is larger than the outer end in the direction transverse to the first series of corrugations.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the lateral end includes a fourth lateral end positioned opposite to the second lateral end, the fourth lateral end extending toward the second corrugation in the second series of corrugations between the outer end of the spacer and the inner surface, such that the inner surface includes a fourth end portion that partially hangs over the second corrugation.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the inner sealing membrane includes a first series of corrugations parallel to the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane, and a flat area.

[0075] According to one embodiment, at least one corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the inner sealing membrane is opposite to the first corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0076] Therefore, the method specifically enables the production of a storage tank in which the thickness of the spacer block is less than the height of the first corrugation of the outer membrane.

[0077] According to one embodiment, at least one corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the inner sealing membrane is offset relative to the first corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the two roots of the corrugations in the first series of corrugations are positioned to abut against the inner surface of the spacer block.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the spacing of the corrugations in the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane is the same as the spacing of the corrugations in the first series of corrugations of the inner sealing membrane.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the spacing of the corrugations in the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane is different from the spacing of the corrugations in the first series of corrugations of the inner sealing membrane.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first series of ripples is a series of small ripples. In this case, the second series of ripples can be a series of large ripples.

[0082] According to another embodiment, the first series of ripples is a series of large ripples. In this case, the second series of ripples can be a series of small ripples.

[0083] According to yet another embodiment, the first series of corrugations and the second series of corrugations have the same height.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the corrugations of the inner sealing membrane protrude toward the interior of the tank relative to the flat area.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the internal sealing membrane of the sealed storage tank is intended to come into contact with a second liquefied gas, the second liquefied gas being selected from ammonia, butane, propane or ethane, preferably ammonia.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first liquefied gas and the second liquefied gas are the same. According to one embodiment, the first liquefied gas and the second liquefied gas are different. According to one embodiment, the first liquefied gas is LNG.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the internal space within the storage tank, defined by an internal sealing membrane, contains a liquefied gas selected from ammonia, butane, propane, or ethane, preferably ammonia. Therefore, the internal sealing membrane is in contact with a second liquefied gas.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the tank wall includes a metal insert fastened to the inner surface of a spacer block, and an internal sealing membrane is welded to the metal insert. In EP0064886A1, primarily in… Figures 7 to 10 The image shows more details of the geometry or fastening of the metal inserts, in which the thermal barrier should be replaced with a spacer block.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the inner sealing membrane and the outer sealing membrane are made of stainless steel.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the sealed storage tank is thermally insulated, and the tank wall includes at least one thermal barrier disposed between the external sealing membrane and the supporting structure. For example, the thermal barrier may include thermal insulation elements made of various materials, particularly materials incompatible with the second liquefied gas, such as materials incompatible with ammonia, such as polyurethane foam or glass wool.

[0091] Therefore, when the outer sealing membrane is secured to the insulation barrier, the spacer blocks specifically allow hydrostatic pressure to be transmitted to the insulation barrier. Additionally, the spacer blocks better distribute the load across the lower insulation barrier. Specifically, when the inner sealing membrane is subjected to high loads concentrated on a surface area smaller than that of the spacer blocks, the spacer blocks allow the load to be distributed over a larger surface area of ​​the lower insulation barrier.

[0092] Furthermore, these features inertize the intermembrane space between the inner and outer sealing membranes. Therefore, in the event of gas leakage from the inner sealing membrane into the intermembrane space, unwanted gas can be discharged from the intermembrane space without damaging the underlying thermal barrier, which is incompatible with the second liquefied gas.

[0093] In addition, replacing storage tanks or modifying existing structural components in storage tanks involves high material and financial costs.

[0094] Therefore, the advantage of the above method is that it can extend the service life of storage tanks already used to store the first liquefied gas.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the tank wall includes an additional sealing membrane disposed between the outer sealing membrane and the supporting structure. According to one embodiment, a primary thermal insulation barrier is disposed between the additional sealing membrane and the outer sealing membrane, and a secondary thermal insulation barrier is disposed between the additional sealing membrane and the supporting structure. According to one embodiment, the primary and / or secondary thermal insulation barriers comprise polyurethane foam or glass wool.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the tank wall includes a plurality of spacer blocks, each spacer block being located on a corresponding flat area among a plurality of flat areas of the outer sealing membrane.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the spacer blocks are located on each flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane.

[0098] According to one embodiment, each flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane is covered by the outer end of a spacer block disposed thereon.

[0099] The outer end of a given spacer block can rest on multiple flat areas, and / or the outer end of a spacer block can rest on a single flat area.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the internal space of the storage tank has a capacity greater than 70,000 m³. 3 Storage capacity.

[0101] According to one embodiment, when the storage tank is in use, the aforementioned tank wall is the bottom wall of the storage tank.

[0102] According to one embodiment, when the storage tank is in use, the aforementioned tank wall is the side wall of the storage tank.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the storage tank includes a plurality of the aforementioned walls.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a storage facility for liquefied gases, the storage facility comprising a support structure and a sealed storage tank manufactured by the method described above, the sealed storage tank being positioned and secured against the support structure.

[0105] According to one embodiment of the method, the first liquefied gas is LNG.

[0106] According to one embodiment of the method, the inner sealing membrane is intended to contact ammonia, butane, propane or ethane, preferably ammonia.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the method, the sealed and insulated tank wall for storing the first liquefied gas has a multi-layer structure, which includes, from the outside of the tank, a secondary thermal insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane, a primary thermal insulation barrier, and a primary sealing membrane.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the spacer is fastened to a flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane via fasteners, the fasteners being welded to the inner surface of the flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane and protruding from the outer sealing membrane. The spacer is fastened to the fasteners, and the welding can be performed by capacitor discharge welding. According to one embodiment, the fastener is selected from metal cylinders or metal strips. According to a preferred embodiment, the fastener is a metal rod, such as a metal stud.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the sealed storage tank obtained by the method includes a sealed and thermally insulated wall, the wall comprising, in its thickness direction: a thermal barrier including internal metal anchoring strips, a sealing membrane positioned against the thermal barrier, the sealing membrane including parallel corrugations spaced apart by flat areas, the sealing membrane including a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet, the second metal sheet being adjacent to the first metal sheet at a joint area, the sealing membrane being fastened to the internal metal anchoring strips at the joint area. The wall also includes a main connector, which comprises an outer metal plate welded to the joint area, a stud protruding from the inner surface of the metal plate along the thickness direction of the wall, and a support plate mounted on the stud. The wall also includes a main thermal insulation barrier positioned against the sealing membrane. The main thermal insulation barrier includes a main thermal insulation panel, which is held against the sealing membrane by a support plate. The wall includes the main sealing membrane positioned against the main thermal insulation barrier.

[0110] These features enable the main insulation panel to be securely fastened to the sealing film at the joint area. Specifically, the outer metal plate allows for a flat surface at the joint area and a sufficiently large surface area to allow for welding studs and mounting support plates to allow for the secure fastening of the main insulation panel.

[0111] The main sealing membrane (also known as the inner sealing membrane) refers to the same structural element, namely, the sealing membrane designed to come into contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0112] Prior to this method, a sealing membrane and a thermal barrier form the tank wall initially intended for storing a first liquefied gas (such as LNG). Adding the main connector, main thermal barrier, and main sealing membrane via this method enables the creation of a wall modified by the method, and thus, a storage tank.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the wall may include one or more of the following features.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the main insulation panel includes a polymer foam layer sandwiched between an outer rigid panel and an inner rigid panel.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the outer rigid plate is made of plywood.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the internal rigid plate is made of plywood.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the polymer foam layer is a polyurethane foam block, preferably reinforced with fibers.

[0118] According to one embodiment, at least one of the main insulation panels has a well portion in a region adjacent to the main connector, the well portion being formed through a polymer foam layer and an inner rigid plate to expose a support portion of the outer rigid plate, wherein the support plate engages with the support portion of the outer rigid plate.

[0119] According to one embodiment, at least two main insulation panels having an overall cuboid shape have corresponding corners adjacent to the main connector, each of the at least two main insulation panels having the well portion in the corner region adjacent to the main connector, and wherein a support plate engages with a support portion of the outer rigid plate of each of the at least two main insulation panels.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the wall also includes a plug that fills the space formed between the main insulation panels at the main connector, the plug including an inner cover plate designed to form a flat surface with the inner rigid plate of the main insulation panel.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the plug fills the well portion formed through the polymer foam layer and the internal rigid plate.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the plug includes a body made of an insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, preferably reinforced with fibers.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the body of the plug has an outer end that contacts a support plate and an inner end that contacts an inner cover plate.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the body of the plug has a thickness in the thickness direction of the wall that is similar to the thickness of the polymer foam layer.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the body of the plug has an overall shape of a parallelepiped, such as a cuboid, or a cube, and may have rounded corner edges.

[0126] According to one embodiment, each of the main insulation panels includes a drilled recess located at an edge of the inner rigid plate adjacent to the main connector. According to another embodiment, an inner cover plate supports against the drilled recess of the main insulation panel to form a flat surface with the inner rigid plate of the main insulation panel.

[0127] Therefore, when the wall is part of a storage tank designed to store and / or transport liquefied gases and manufactured by the method described above, the primary sealing membrane is continuously supported, giving the wall greater strength and a longer service life. Specifically, the tank wall is subjected to compressive forces due to the load on the tank, thermal stress when the tank is cooled, and forces due to the dynamic impact of the fluid contained within the tank.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the inner cover plate is preferably fastened to the drilled recess by screws, clips or adhesive.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the main insulation panel has a cuboid shape.

[0130] According to one embodiment, each of the main insulation panels includes a drilled recess located at a corner of the inner rigid plate adjacent to the main connector.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the inner cover plate is less than the thickness of the inner rigid plate.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the inner cover has an overall rectangular shape, such as a square shape, and may have rounded edges.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the inner cover plate includes an inner metal sheet, to which the main sealing membrane is welded.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the inner metal sheet has an overall rectangular shape, such as a square shape, and may have rounded edges.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the support plate includes an aperture through which a stud passes.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the support plate is made of metal.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the surface area of ​​the support plate is smaller than the surface area of ​​the inner cover plate of the plug.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the fastening element secures the support plate by applying compressive force along the direction of the outer metal plate. According to one embodiment, the fastening element is a nut mounted on a stud and located above the support plate.

[0139] Therefore, the support plate firmly supports and holds the main insulation panel on the sealing film.

[0140] According to one embodiment, at least one of the main insulation panels is located on two adjacent flat areas separated by corrugations and passes over the corrugations, the main insulation panel including an outer groove forming a space for the corrugations.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the outer groove has a cross-section that matches the cross-section of the corrugation.

[0142] Therefore, by limiting the heat convection between the corrugations and the outer grooves that match the corrugation shape, the wall has better thermal insulation.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the outer groove extends through the outer rigid plate and through a portion of the thickness of the polymer foam layer.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the main insulation panels adjacent to the main connector are each positioned on two adjacent flat areas separated by corrugations and pass over the corrugations, each of the main insulation panels including an outer groove matching the shape of the corrugations.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the main sealing membrane includes parallel corrugations spaced apart by flat regions. According to another embodiment, the main sealing membrane includes a first main metal sheet and a second main metal sheet, the second main metal sheet being adjacent to the first main metal sheet at a main bonding area, the bonding area and the main bonding area being positioned opposite each other, and the main sealing membrane being welded to an inner metal sheet at the main bonding area.

[0146] With these features, it is possible to secure the main insulation panel to the sealing film at the joint area, and also to secure the main sealing film to the main joint area opposite to the joint area.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the second main metal sheet is welded to the first main metal sheet by overlapping the edge of the first main metal sheet with the edge of the second main metal sheet.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the main sealing membrane includes a third main metal sheet adjacent to the first and second main metal sheets at the main joint area.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the main sealing membrane includes a fourth main metal sheet adjacent to the first main metal sheet, the second main metal sheet, and the third main metal sheet at the main joint area.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the main bonding area is formed by bonding the first corner region of the first main metal sheet, the second corner region of the second main metal sheet, the third triangular region of the third main metal sheet, and the fourth corner region of the fourth main metal sheet.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the parallel corrugations of the main sealing membrane are first parallel corrugations, and the main sealing membrane also includes second corrugations spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, the second corrugations being perpendicular to the first parallel corrugations, and a flat area located between two adjacent first corrugations and two adjacent second corrugations.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first corrugation of the main sealing membrane is directed toward the interior of the tank. According to one embodiment, the second corrugation of the main sealing membrane is directed toward the interior of the tank.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the second metal sheet is welded to the first metal sheet by overlapping the edge of the first metal sheet with the edge of the second metal sheet.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the sealing film includes a third metal sheet adjacent to the first and second metal sheets at the joint area.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the sealing film includes a fourth metal sheet adjacent to the first, second, and third metal sheets at the joint area.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the joining area is formed by joining a first corner region of a first metal sheet, a second corner region of a second metal sheet, and a third metal sheet.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the joining area is formed by joining the first corner region of the first metal sheet, the second corner region of the second metal sheet, the third triangular region of the third metal sheet, and the fourth corner region of the fourth metal sheet.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the parallel corrugations of the sealing film are first parallel corrugations, and the sealing film also includes second corrugations spaced apart from each other and parallel to each other, the second corrugations being perpendicular to the first parallel corrugations, and a flat area located between two adjacent first corrugations and two adjacent second corrugations.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first corrugation of the sealing membrane is directed toward the interior of the storage tank. According to one embodiment, the second corrugation of the sealing membrane is directed toward the interior of the storage tank.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the first metal sheet is positioned relative to the first main metal sheet.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the second metal sheet is positioned relative to the second main metal sheet.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the third metal sheet is positioned relative to the third main metal sheet.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the fourth metal sheet is positioned relative to the fourth main metal sheet.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first metal sheet has a similar size to the first main metal sheet.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the second metal sheet has a similar size to the second main metal sheet.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the third metal sheet has similar dimensions to the third main metal sheet.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the fourth metal sheet has similar dimensions to the fourth main metal sheet.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first metal sheet, the second metal sheet, the third metal sheet, and / or the fourth metal sheet have similar dimensions.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the first metal sheet, the second metal sheet, the third metal sheet, and / or the fourth metal sheet have similar dimensions to the first main metal sheet, the second main metal sheet, the third main metal sheet, and / or the fourth main metal sheet.

[0170] According to one embodiment, an outer metal plate covers a portion of a first corner region of a first metal sheet, a portion of a second corner region of a second metal sheet, a portion of a third triangular region of a third metal sheet, and a portion of a fourth corner region of a fourth metal sheet.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the outer metal plate has an overall rectangular shape, such as a square shape, and may have rounded edges.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the outer metal plate in the thickness direction of the wall is less than the thickness of the outer rigid plate.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the outer metal plate is located at a distance from the corrugations of the sealing membrane.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the joint area is located at a distance from the corrugations of the sealing film.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the stud includes threads.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the stud is made of metal.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the main insulation panels are spaced apart from each other by inter-panel spaces. According to one embodiment, the inter-panel spaces are filled with an insulating sealant, such as one made of glass wool. According to one embodiment, the insulating sealant has a flat cuboid shape, its dimensions adapted to fill the inter-panel spaces.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the main thermal barrier includes an internal thermal protection strip located between the main thermal insulation panel and the main sealing film to protect the main thermal insulation panel from significant temperature rises when the main sealing film is installed by welding the main metal sheet.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the main thermal barrier includes four main thermal insulation panels.

[0180] According to one embodiment, a first main heat insulation panel is held against a first metal sheet of the sealing film by a support plate, a second main heat insulation panel is held against a second metal sheet of the sealing film by a support plate, a third main heat insulation panel is held against a third metal sheet of the sealing film by a support plate, and a fourth main heat insulation panel is held against a third metal sheet of the sealing film by a support plate.

[0181] According to one embodiment, each of the four main insulation panels is held at a corner by a free support plate.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the wall includes a plurality of the aforementioned main connectors.

[0183] According to one embodiment, a plurality of the aforementioned main connectors are located at the corners of the main insulation panel.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the thermal barrier is an intermediate thermal barrier, the sealing membrane is an intermediate sealing membrane, and the wall also includes a secondary sealing membrane intended to be disposed between the intermediate sealing membrane and the load-bearing structure, and a secondary thermal barrier intended to be disposed between the secondary sealing membrane and the load-bearing structure.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the main sealing membrane is designed to come into contact with the liquefied gas.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the liquefied gas is liquid hydrogen.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the method includes: - Provides a sealed and thermally insulated wall, said wall comprising, in the thickness direction of the wall: - A heat insulation barrier, comprising an internal metal anchoring strip, a sealing membrane positioned against the heat insulation barrier, the sealing membrane comprising parallel corrugations spaced apart by flat areas, the sealing membrane comprising a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet, the second metal sheet being adjacent to the first metal sheet at a joint area, the sealing membrane being fastened to the internal metal anchoring strip at the joint area. - The main connector, comprising the outer metal plate, studs, and support plate, is fastened by welding the outer metal plate to the joint area and by welding the studs such that they protrude from the inner surface of the metal plate along the thickness direction of the wall. - Add a primary thermal barrier that rests against the sealing membrane. The primary thermal barrier includes the primary thermal insulation panel. Install and secure the support plate to the studs to hold the main insulation panel against the sealing membrane. - Add and secure the main sealing membrane to the main insulation barrier.

[0188] According to one embodiment, prior to the step of adding and securing the primary sealing membrane to the primary thermal insulation barrier, the method includes: - Insert the thermal insulation seal into the space between adjacent main insulation panels.

[0189] According to one embodiment, prior to the step of adding and securing the primary sealing membrane to the primary thermal insulation barrier, the method includes: - Insert plugs to fill the space formed between the main insulation panels at the main connector.

[0190] According to one embodiment, after the insertion of the plug and before the addition and fastening of the main sealing membrane to the main thermal insulation barrier, the method includes: Add and secure the internal thermal protection strip to the adjacent main insulation panel.

[0191] According to one embodiment of the method, the main sealing membrane is welded to the plug.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulated storage tank intended for fastening to a load-bearing structure, the storage tank including at least one of the aforementioned walls.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the storage tank includes a plurality of walls, including a bottom wall, side walls and a top wall, wherein the bottom wall and side walls are the walls described above.

[0194] Such storage tanks, manufactured using the aforementioned methods, can be part of onshore storage facilities or installed on floating structures in coastal or deep water, particularly liquefied gas carriers, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units. These tanks can also be used as fuel tanks on any type of vessel.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the load-bearing structure is placed on land or seabed, or is part of a ship.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the onshore facility includes a support structure and a storage tank manufactured by the aforementioned method and arranged in the support structure.

[0197] According to one embodiment, a vessel for transporting liquefied gas includes a double hull and storage tanks manufactured by the aforementioned method and arranged inside the double hull.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a liquefied gas delivery system, the system comprising the aforementioned vessel and insulated pipelines arranged to connect storage tanks manufactured by the method on the vessel to floating or onshore storage facilities.

[0199] According to one embodiment, the delivery system also includes a pump to drive liquefied gas through insulated pipelines from a floating or onshore storage facility to a tank on a ship, or from a tank on a ship to a floating or onshore storage facility.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a vessel, wherein liquefied gas is guided from a floating or onshore storage facility to a tank on the vessel via an insulated pipeline, or from a tank on the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility. Attached Figure Description

[0201] The invention will be better understood in the course of the following description of several specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting illustration, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent.

[0202] [ Figure 1 [ ] is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the wall of the sealed storage tank.

[0203] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region I in the diagram shows the tank wall according to the first embodiment.

[0204] [ Figure 3 [ ] is a bottom view of the spacer block according to the first embodiment.

[0205] [ Figure 4 [Illustration 1] is a partial exploded perspective view of the tank wall according to the first embodiment.

[0206] [ Figure 5 [Image 1] shows a partial cross-sectional view of the tank wall according to the second embodiment.

[0207] [ Figure 6 [ ] is a cross-sectional view of the tank wall according to the third embodiment.

[0208] [ Figure 7 [ ] is a top view of the tank wall according to the fourth embodiment.

[0209] [ Figure 8 [ ] is a partial cross-sectional view of the corner region of a storage tank including spacers according to the fifth embodiment.

[0210] [ Figure 9 [ ] is a partial perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment.

[0211] [ Figure 10 [ ] is a partial top view of the sealing film according to the sixth embodiment.

[0212] [ Figure 11 [ ] is a partial top view of the sealing film according to the seventh embodiment.

[0213] [ Figure 12 [Image] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the outer metal plate is highlighted.

[0214] [ Figure 13 [Image] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the studs are highlighted.

[0215] [ Figure 14 [This is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the main insulation panel is highlighted.]

[0216] [ Figure 15 [Image] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the support plate is highlighted.

[0217] [ Figure 16 [This is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the fastening element is highlighted.]

[0218] [ Figure 17 [Image] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the thermal insulation seal is highlighted.

[0219] [ Figure 18 [Illustration 1] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the plug is highlighted.

[0220] [ Figure 19 [This is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the internal thermal protection strip is highlighted.]

[0221] [ Figure 20 [Image] is a partial exploded perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment, in which the main metal sheet of the main sealing membrane is highlighted.

[0222] [ Figure 21 [ ] is a perspective view of the main insulation panel according to the sixth embodiment.

[0223] [ Figure 22 [ ] is a perspective view of the main metal sheet of the main sealing film according to the sixth embodiment.

[0224] [ Figure 23 [ ] is a partial perspective view of the wall according to the sixth embodiment.

[0225] [ Figure 24 [This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a storage tank on a ship and the terminals used for loading and unloading the tank.] Detailed Implementation

[0226] By convention, the terms “external” and “internal” are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another element, referring to the interior and exterior of a storage tank.

[0227] The following is for reference. Figure 1 The wall 1 of a sealed storage tank adapted according to an embodiment of the method is described in general. This wall structure can be used to manufacture virtually all walls of polyhedral storage tanks. In this regard, the terms “up,” “overhang,” “above,” “superior,” and “upward” generally refer to a location oriented toward the interior of the storage tank and therefore do not necessarily correspond to the concept of upward in the Earth’s gravitational field. Similarly, the terms “down,” “below,” “lower,” and “downward” generally refer to a location oriented toward the exterior of the storage tank and therefore do not necessarily correspond to the concept of downward in the Earth’s gravitational field.

[0228] The wall 1 obtained by this method has a multi-layer structure, which includes, from the outside of the tank to the inside in the thickness direction E of the wall 1: a support structure 3, an auxiliary barrier 2, an outer sealing membrane 4, multiple spacers 5, and an inner sealing membrane 6 designed to contact liquefied gases (such as liquid ammonia).

[0229] The auxiliary barrier 2 and the outer sealing membrane 4 were originally designed as sealed storage tanks for storing first liquefied gases (such as LNG). The method for retrofitting these sealed storage tanks will be illustrated below by way of example.

[0230] The load-bearing structure 3 may be made of self-supporting metal sheets, or more generally, of any type of rigid bulkhead with suitable mechanical properties, such as concrete bulkheads or bulkheads formed by the double hull of a ship.

[0231] The auxiliary barrier 2 is thermally insulated and fastened to the load-bearing structure 3, and includes, for example, a plurality of thermally insulated panels (not shown) anchored to the load-bearing structure 3.

[0232] The auxiliary barrier 2 may also include a secondary flexible membrane made of composite material (not shown) bonded to the thermal insulation panel.

[0233] The auxiliary barrier 2 may also include a second heat-insulating panel bonded to the secondary flexible membrane.

[0234] The outer sealing membrane 4 is made of metal, preferably stainless steel. The outer sealing membrane 4 includes parallel corrugations 14 and flat regions 15 defined between the corrugations 14. The corrugations 14 protrude from the flat regions 15 toward the interior of the tank.

[0235] Similarly, the inner sealing membrane 6 is made of metal, preferably stainless steel. The inner sealing membrane 6 includes parallel corrugations 16 and flat regions 17 defined between the corrugations 16. The corrugations 16 protrude from the flat regions 17 toward the interior of the tank.

[0236] Corrugations 16 and 14, as well as flat regions 17 and 15, are positioned relative to each other.

[0237] The tank wall according to several embodiments will now be described in more detail.

[0238] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the diagram, the same reference numerals incrementing by 100 are used to represent [the same type of figure]. Figure 1 The same or similar components.

[0239] The following is for reference. Figures 2 to 4 A first variation of a sealed tank wall 101 obtained by means of an embodiment of the method is described for storing liquefied gases (such as ammonia).

[0240] The tank wall 101 includes an external sealing membrane 104, which comprises a series of parallel small corrugations 114 and a series of large corrugations 118 perpendicular to the small corrugations 114. The large corrugations 118 and the small corrugations 114 protrude toward the interior of the tank. The height of the large corrugations 118 is greater than the height of the small corrugations 114.

[0241] The flat region 115 is defined between the small ripples 114 and the large ripples 118.

[0242] The spacer 105 is located on the flat area 115 of the outer sealing membrane 104, for example, as shown in the image. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown. In this case, the thickness of the spacer block 105 is between the height of the small corrugation 114 and the height of the large corrugation 118.

[0243] The spacer 105 has an outer end 130 positioned against a flat region 115, a flat inner surface 131 positioned parallel to the outer end 130 and against a flat region 117 of an inner sealing film 106, and four lateral ends connecting the outer end 130 to the inner surface 131.

[0244] The profile of the outer end 130 substantially corresponds to the profile of the flat region 115 and does not contact the roots of the small corrugations 114 and the large corrugations 118. The roots of the corrugations can be defined as the area where the sealing membrane deviates towards the interior space of the tank. This deviation area is located between the corrugations of the sealing membrane and the flat region.

[0245] Four lateral ends extend between the outer end 130 and the inner surface 131 of the spacer block 105, and include: two lateral ends 132 facing each other and extending parallel to the small corrugations 114, i.e., extending in the longitudinal direction of the small corrugations 114; and two lateral ends 133 facing each other and extending parallel to the large corrugations 118, i.e., extending in the longitudinal direction of the large corrugations 118. The lateral ends do not contact the corrugations.

[0246] The two lateral ends 132 are respectively turned towards the two small corrugations 114 without contacting them. The two first lateral ends 132 extend outward toward the spacer block 105 such that the inner surface 131 is larger than the outer end 130 in the direction transverse to the small corrugations 114 (i.e., in the direction parallel to the large corrugations 118), such that the two opposite end portions of the inner surface 131 each partially hang over the adjacent small corrugations 114 and support a root of the corrugations 116 of the inner sealing membrane 106. The two first lateral ends 132 have a concave shape that matches the shape of a portion of the small corrugations 114 that is spaced a certain distance from them.

[0247] The spacer 105 also includes a plurality of support ribs 134 forming a hollow unit 135. The hollow unit 135 is in the form of a plurality of aligned rectangular compartments. The plurality of support ribs 134 specifically enable the spacer 105 to support the internal sealing membrane 106 and to withstand the hydrostatic pressure applied to the spacer 105.

[0248] The spacer 105 includes a temporary opening 121 that passes through the thickness of the spacer 105 at the center of the spacer 105 so that the spacer 105 can be fastened to the flat area 115.

[0249] like Figure 4 As shown, the spacer 105 is fastened to the flat area 115 using a screw-nut system. Other fastening systems may also be used.

[0250] To secure the spacer 105, a threaded rod 120 is welded to a flat area 115 of the outer sealing membrane 104, for example, by capacitor discharge welding, such that the threaded rod 120 protrudes upward, i.e., toward the interior of the tank. The spacer 105 is then positioned on the flat area 115 by inserting the threaded rod 120 into a temporary orifice 121. The spacer 105 is then secured via a retaining surface that mates with a nut 122.

[0251] After the spacer 105 has been secured to the flat area 115, the temporary opening 121 is sealed by the metal cap 123, so that the inner surface 131 is flat and can support the inner sealing membrane 106 as much as possible. The metal cap is made of, for example, aluminum or stainless steel.

[0252] The flat area 117 of the inner sealing membrane 106 abuts against the flat inner surface 131 and is fastened to the spacer 105. For example, fastening is performed by welding to a metal insert located on the inner surface 131. The metal insert is, for example, a metal cap 123 fastened to a fastening portion 119 on the flat inner surface 131. It should be noted that the metal insert may also be positioned at another location on the inner surface 131.

[0253] Figure 5 A variation of the spacer block embodiment is shown. Figure 5 In the diagram, the same reference numerals incrementing by 100 are used to represent [the same type of figure]. Figures 2 to 4 The same or similar components.

[0254] Spacer 205 and Figures 2 to 4 The spacer block 205 differs in that its two lateral ends 232 facing each other have greater curvature. Additionally, the through-hole 221 has a different shape and includes a retaining surface 224 that mates with the threaded rod 220 and a nut 222 mounted on the threaded rod 220. The spacer block 205 includes fewer support ribs 234, and therefore fewer hollow units 235.

[0255] The aforementioned spacer covers a single flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane. However, the spacer can be larger, in particular, to cover multiple flat areas.

[0256] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Two variant embodiments of spacer blocks covering multiple flat areas are shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the diagram, the same reference numerals incrementing by 200 are used to represent [the same information]. Figures 2 to 4 The same or similar components.

[0257] Figure 6 spacer block 305 and Figures 2 to 4 The difference in the spacer block is that the spacer block 305 is positioned on two adjacent flat regions 315 of the outer sealing film 304, separated by small corrugations 314. Each flat region is defined by two adjacent large corrugations 318 and two adjacent small corrugations 314. The outer end portion 330 of the spacer block 305 includes two flat portions, each positioned on the flat region 315. The outer end portion 330 of the spacer block 305 also includes a connecting portion 340 connecting the two flat portions. The connecting portion 340 extends above the small corrugations 314. In other words, the connecting portion 340 forms a channel through which the small corrugations 114 pass over the entire dimension of the spacer block 305.

[0258] Figure 7The thickness of the spacer 305 is greater than the height of the large corrugation 318. The outer end portion 330 of the spacer 305 includes four flat portions, each positioned on a flat region 315. The outer end portion 330 of the spacer 305 also includes connecting portions connecting the four portions of the outer end portion 330. The connecting portions extend above either the small corrugation 314 or the large corrugation 318. In other words, a first connecting portion 340 of the spacer 305 forms a channel through which the large corrugation 118 passes over the entire length of the spacer 305. A second connecting portion 341 forms a channel through which the small corrugation 314 passes over the entire width of the spacer 305. The inner surface 331 of the spacer is larger than the outer end portion 330. Each of the four edges of the inner surface 331 partially overhangs the corrugation.

[0259] Figure 8 A variation of the spacer block embodiment is shown. Figure 8 In the figure, the same reference numerals incrementing by 300 are used to represent the same... Figures 2 to 4 The same or similar components.

[0260] Figure 8 The two spacer blocks 405 and Figures 2 to 4 The difference in the spacers is that they are located in the corners of the tank. The flat area 415 of the outer sealing membrane 404 is located between the corrugations 414 and the corners of the tank.

[0261] Each spacer block 405 is positioned on a flat region 415 at a corner and each includes an inclined lateral end 432b positioned opposite to a lateral end 432. The inclined lateral ends 432b of the spacer blocks 405 are positioned to abut against each other. Figure 8 A 90° tank corner with a 45° inclined lateral end 432b is shown, but this arrangement can be adapted to be positioned in another tank corner, such as a 135° corner. Additionally, the two inclined lateral ends 432b can have different inclination angles than each other, provided that they form an angle that matches the tank corner when joined together.

[0262] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned tank wall can be obtained from existing sealed and insulated tank walls for storing LNG, wherein spacers 5, 105, or 205 and internal sealing membranes 6, 106, or 206 are already installed. Many structures for sealed and insulated tank walls for storing LNG exist in the prior art. According to one embodiment, the sealed and insulated tank wall for storing LNG conforms to publication FR2739675 or WO2022200539. Therefore, further details regarding the auxiliary barrier 2 and the external sealing membranes 4, 104, or 204 can be found in these publications.

[0263] The following is through Figures 9 to 23 Two other variant embodiments are shown.

[0264] A sealed and insulated wall 501 is shown. Wall 501 is designed to be fastened to a load-bearing structure to construct a storage tank for storing and / or transporting liquefied gases, such as liquid hydrogen.

[0265] The wall 501 is a multi-layer structure that includes a heat insulation barrier in the thickness direction of the wall 501. The heat insulation barrier includes a metal anchor strip 502, a sealing membrane 503, a main heat insulation barrier 504, and a main sealing membrane 505 welded to the metal anchor strip 502.

[0266] The thermal barrier and sealing membrane 503 were originally integrated into the tank wall of a sealed storage tank designed to store a first liquefied gas (such as LNG). The method for retrofitting said sealed storage tank will be illustrated below by way of example.

[0267] The main insulation barrier 504 includes spacers. In this embodiment, the spacers hold the main insulation panels 41 against the sealing membrane 503 via the main connector 506, and also include insulation seals 49 located in the space between two adjacent main insulation panels 41. In a variant embodiment, the main insulation panels 41 are replaced by main insulation boxes.

[0268] The main insulation panel 41 includes a polymer foam layer 42 sandwiched between an outer rigid panel 43 and an inner rigid panel 44. The outer rigid panel 43 and the inner rigid panel 44 are made of, for example, plywood.

[0269] The various components of wall 501 will be described in more detail below.

[0270] The metal sealing membrane 503 includes first corrugations 38 parallel to each other and second corrugations 39 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations 38. The first corrugations 38 are higher than the second corrugations 39. A flat region 37 is located between two adjacent first corrugations 38 and two adjacent second corrugations 39. The main insulation panel 41 includes grooves 46 machined on its outer surface to receive and conform to the shapes of the first corrugations 38 and the second corrugations 39.

[0271] The metal sealing membrane 503 is formed of an assembly of multiple metal sheets 31, 32, 33, and 34 that are overlapped and welded together in a sealing manner. For example, adjacent second metal sheets 32 and third metal sheets 33 are welded by overlapping their edges with those of adjacent first metal sheets 31. A fourth metal sheet 34 is overlapped and welded to adjacent second metal sheets 32 and third metal sheets 33 at their edges.

[0272] Depending on the variant, different overlapping configurations can be envisioned.

[0273] The metal sealing membrane 503 is also welded to the anchoring strip 502 positioned on the inner surface of the insulation panel of the insulation barrier.

[0274] For example, in particular Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the joining area II is formed by joining the first corner region of the first metal sheet 31, the second corner region of the second metal sheet 32, the third triangular region of the third metal sheet 33, and the fourth corner region of the fourth metal sheet 34. The corner regions are machined and arranged to overlap each other, leaving a portion of the anchoring strip 502 accessible for fastening the main connector 506. The joining area II is located in the flat area 37 of the intermediate metal sealing film 503, at a distance from the first corrugation 38 and the second corrugation 39.

[0275] exist Figure 11 In one variant embodiment shown, the joining area III may be formed by joining the first corner region of the first metal sheet 531, the second corner region of the second metal sheet 532, and the machined edge of the third metal sheet 533, so that a portion of the anchoring strip 502 is accessible to secure the main connector 506.

[0276] For example, in particular Figure 9 and Figures 14 to 20 As shown, the main connector 506 is positioned between the four main insulation panels 41 and enables the four main insulation panels 41 to be anchored.

[0277] The main connector 506 includes an outer metal plate 61 having a rectangular shape with rounded edges and is welded to that portion of the anchoring strip 502 against the engagement area II.

[0278] like Figures 13 to 18 As shown, the main connector 506 includes a threaded stud 62 with an outer end welded to the inner surface of the outer metal plate 61, such that the threaded stud 62 protrudes toward the main sealing membrane 505. The stud 62 is preferably centered on the outer metal plate 61 and positioned relative to this portion of the anchoring strip 502.

[0279] like Figures 15 to 18 As shown, the main connector 506 includes a support plate 63, preferably of metal, which includes a through hole 64 and is mounted on a threaded stud 62.

[0280] Each corner of the main insulation panel 41 includes a machined portion 45 to form a well portion that allows the support plate 63 to be inserted against the corner portion of the outer rigid plate 43.

[0281] In practice, the support plate 63 is positioned above the outer metal plate 61 and clamps the corner portions of each of the four outer rigid plates 43 of the four main thermal insulation panels 41 positioned around the main connector 506. The support plate 63 is fastened to the corner portions of the outer rigid plates 43, for example, via fastening elements 65, through nuts mounted on the threads of threaded studs 62 and fastened to the support plate 63. Optionally, a Belleville washer 66 is located between the fastening element 65 and the support plate 63.

[0282] The plug 7 is positioned above the main connector 506. The plug 7 includes a body 91 having a cuboid shape and filling the space between the main insulation panels 41 formed at the main connector 506. The thickness of the body is approximately the thickness of the polymer foam layer 42.

[0283] The plug 7 also includes an inner cover plate 92 located at the inner end of the body 91. The inner cover plate 92 is made of a rigid material such as plywood and includes a rectangular metal sheet 93 to which the main sealing membrane 505 is welded.

[0284] The inner cover plate 92 includes a portion located in a drilled recess 47 formed at the corner of the inner rigid plate 44. The inner cover plate 92 forms a flat surface with the four inner rigid plates 44 of the adjacent main insulation panel 41 to support the main sealing membrane 505.

[0285] An internal thermal protection strip is located between the main thermal barrier 504 and the main sealing membrane 505 to protect the main thermal barrier 504 from significant temperature increases when the main sealing membrane 505 is installed to the main thermal barrier 504 by welding.

[0286] Specifically, the main sealing membrane 505 is formed of an assembly of main metal sheets 51, 52, 53, and 54 that are overlapped and welded together in a sealing manner. For example, adjacent second main metal sheets 52 and third main metal sheets 53 are welded by overlapping their edges with those of adjacent first main metal sheets 51. A fourth main metal sheet 54 is overlapped and welded to adjacent second main metal sheets 52 and third main metal sheets 53 at their edges.

[0287] Depending on the variant, different overlapping configurations can be envisioned.

[0288] Similar to the metal sealing membrane 503, the metal main sealing membrane 505 includes first corrugations 58 parallel to each other and second corrugations 59 parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations 58. The first corrugations 58 are higher than the second corrugations 59. A flat region 57 is located between two adjacent first corrugations 58 and two adjacent second corrugations 59.

[0289] The main metal sheets 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the main sealing membrane 505 are located in the main mating area IV (specifically in...). Figure 20 (As shown in the image) is welded to a rectangular metal sheet 93.

[0290] The main bonding area IV is formed by welding the first corner region of the first main metal sheet 51, the second corner region of the second main metal sheet 52, the third triangular region of the third main metal sheet 53, and the fourth corner region of the fourth main metal sheet 54 to the rectangular metal sheet 93.

[0291] The main metal sheets 51, 52, 53, and 54 are positioned relative to the metal sheets 31, 32, 33, and 34 of the sealing membrane 503. In other words, the first corrugation 58 is positioned relative to the first corrugation 38, the second corrugation 59 is positioned relative to the second corrugation 39, and the flat area 57 is positioned relative to the flat area 37.

[0292] Figures 9 to 20 The corner portions of the main insulation panel 41, metal sheets 31, 32, 33, 34 and main metal sheets 51, 52, 53, 54 are shown.

[0293] Figure 21 The overall structure of the main insulation panel 41 is shown. The figure specifically shows that the aforementioned corner portions are repeated at the four corners of the main insulation panel 41 so that the main insulation panel 41 can be secured by the main connector 506 and that the plugs 7 can be installed at each corner of the main insulation panel 504 as described above.

[0294] This construction allows for the juxtaposition of the main insulation panels 504 in a regular pattern to assemble the wall 1, as particularly in... Figure 23 As shown in the diagram. The main insulation panel 504 also includes an anchor plate 48, and the main sealing film 505 can be welded to the anchor plate 48 via spot welding 55.

[0295] Figure 22 The overall structure of the main metal sheet 51 is shown. The main metal sheets 52, 53, 54 and possible metal sheets 31, 32, 33, 34 may have the same characteristics.

[0296] Figure 23 Wall 501 is shown, wherein the main insulation panel 504 has dimensions suitable for individually covering metal sheets 31, 32, 33, and 34. The main connector 506 and plug 7, as described above, are positioned at each corner of the main insulation panel 504 and at each engagement area of ​​the four metal sheets, wherein the plurality of metal sheets have been intentionally removed from… Figure 23 Omitted in .

[0297] Additionally, and by way of example, the thermal barrier (not shown) can be a sealed thermal barrier comprising multiple modular blocks (not shown) having an overall parallelepiped shape.

[0298] The modular blocks of the wall, from the outside of the facility toward the inside, include: a first insulation layer, which is in the form of, for example, a secondary insulation panel having a parallelepiped shape and forming part of a secondary insulation barrier; a secondary sealing film portion covering the secondary insulation panel; and a second intermediate insulation layer, which is in the form of, for example, an insulation panel having a parallelepiped shape and resting on the secondary sealing film portion.

[0299] The intermediate insulation panel also includes a metal anchoring strip 502 and a relaxation groove (not shown), to which a metal sealing membrane 503 is welded. The intermediate insulation panel is smaller than the secondary insulation panel, thereby exposing the periphery of the intermediate sealing membrane portion.

[0300] To form the wall, the modular blocks are specifically juxtaposed in a regular pattern. The continuity of the secondary sealing membrane is provided by sealing strips (not shown) connecting the peripheries of the secondary sealing membrane portions of adjacent modular blocks. In addition, intermediate heat-insulating panels (not shown) are arranged between the intermediate heat-insulating panels of the modular blocks to complete the intermediate heat-insulating barrier and form a flat support surface for the metal sealing membrane 503.

[0301] Secondary insulation panels are made of polymer foam blocks (e.g., polyurethane). Intermediate insulation panels are made of polymer foam blocks (e.g., polyurethane).

[0302] For example, modular blocks applicable to the present invention are described, for instance, in patent application WO2015197638 entitled “Prefabricated Panel” or in patent application FR2691520 entitled “Prefabricated Structure”.

[0303] This wall 501 can be specifically manufactured from a pre-existing wall originally intended for storing LNG. This wall originally includes the aforementioned thermal barrier with anchoring strips 502 and sealing membranes (such as sealing membrane 503), but does not include the elements located above the sealing membrane, i.e., it does not include the aforementioned main connector 506, plug 7, main thermal insulation panel 504 and main sealing membrane 505.

[0304] In this case, the method used to manufacture wall 501 can be followed Figures 12 to 20 The steps shown are as follows: - Add an external metal plate 61 of the main connector 506 at the joint area II, such as Figure 12 As shown, - Welding threaded stud 62, such as Figure 13 As shown, - Add a 504 main insulation panel, such as Figure 14 As shown, - Secure the main insulation panel 504 by adding support plate 63, such as Figure 15 As shown, - The support plate 63 is clamped and secured to the outer rigid plate 43 of the main insulation panel 504 via the fastening element 65, such as Figure 16 As shown, -Optionally, add a thermal insulation seal 49, such as Figure 17 As shown, - Insert plug 7 to fill the space formed between the main insulation panels 504 at the main connector 506, such as Figure 18 As shown, -Optionally, add an internal thermal protection strip 8, such as Figure 19 As shown, -At the main joint area IV, add and secure the main sealing membrane 505 to the main insulation panel 504, as follows: Figure 20 As shown, wall 501 is obtained.

[0305] Reference Figure 24 The cross-sectional view of vessel 70 shows a sealed and insulated storage tank 71, which has an integral prismatic shape and is installed within the double hull 72 of vessel 70. The wall of storage tank 71 includes a primary sealing membrane intended to contact the liquefied gas contained in the tank, a secondary sealing membrane disposed between the primary sealing membrane and the double hull 72 of the vessel, and two thermal barriers disposed between the primary sealing membrane and the secondary sealing membrane and between the secondary sealing membrane and the double hull 72, respectively.

[0306] As is known per se, the loading / unloading pipeline 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected to a marine or port terminal by means of a suitable connector to transport liquefied gas cargo to or from storage tank 71.

[0307] Figure 24 An example of a marine terminal including a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76, and a land-based facility 77 is also shown. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed marine facility including a boom 74 and a tower 78 supporting the boom 74. The boom 74 supports a bundle of flexible insulated hoses 79, which can be connected to the loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional boom 74 is suitable for vessels of all sizes. Connecting pipes (not shown) extend within the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows vessel 70 to load and unload from the land-based facility 77. The facility includes liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected to the loading or unloading station 75 via the underwater pipeline 76. The underwater pipeline 76 allows liquefied gas to be transported over long distances, such as 5 km, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the land-based facility 77, allowing vessel 70 to remain far from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0308] To generate the pressure required for transporting liquefied gas, pumps on the vessel 70 and / or pumps equipped on the shore facility 77 and / or pumps equipped on the loading and unloading station 75 may be used, or the pressure in the internal space of the storage tank may be increased by the evaporation of the liquefied gas stored in the tank.

[0309] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is by no means limited to these specific embodiments, and the invention includes all technical equivalents and combinations thereof of the described components if such technical equivalents and combinations thereof fall within the scope of the invention.

[0310] The use of the verbs “comprising” or “including” and their variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims.

[0311] In the claims, any reference numerals between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A method for modifying a sealed storage tank originally used for storing a first liquefied gas, the method comprising: Spacer blocks (5, 41, 105, 205, 305, 405) are fastened to at least one flat region (15, 115, 215, 315, 415) of an outer sealing membrane (4, 104, 204, 304, 404), wherein the outer sealing membrane is a main membrane belonging to the sealed tank wall (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) for storing the first liquefied gas, and the outer sealing membrane is made of metal; the spacer blocks have an outer end (130, 230, 330, 430), a flat inner surface (131, 231, 331, 431) parallel to the outer end, and lateral ends (132, 133, 232, 332, 432) connecting the outer end to the inner surface, the outer end being positioned against the at least one flat region; And at least one flat region (17, 37, 117, 317) of the metal inner sealing film (6, 106, 206, 306) is arranged to abut against the inner surface of the spacer block, such that the inner sealing film is spaced apart from the outer sealing film by the spacer block.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The external sealing membrane includes a first series of parallel corrugations (14, 38, 114, 214, 314, 414), and the spacer is positioned such that a first lateral end of a lateral end (132, 232, 332, 432) of the spacer extends parallel to a first corrugation in the first series of corrugations.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The first lateral end of the spacer block is positioned so as not to contact the first corrugation.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The at least one flat region includes a first flat region, wherein, in the thickness direction of the tank wall, the thickness of the spacer is greater than the height of the first series of corrugations, and wherein the outer end of the spacer is disposed on at least one second flat region (15, 115, 215, 315, 415) of the outer sealing membrane, the spacer extending above at least one other corrugation (14, 38, 114, 214, 314, 414) of the first series of corrugations located between the first flat region and the second flat region.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The external sealing membrane includes a second series of corrugations (39, 118, 218, 318) perpendicular to the first series of corrugations, wherein, in the thickness direction (E) of the tank wall, the height of the first series of corrugations is less than the height of the second series of corrugations.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The thickness of the spacer block is between the height of the second series of corrugations and the height of the first series of corrugations.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, In the thickness direction of the tank wall, the thickness of the spacer is greater than the height of the second series of corrugations, and wherein the outer end of the spacer is disposed on at least another flat area (15, 37, 115, 215, 315, 415) of the outer sealing membrane, and the spacer extends above another corrugation (39, 118, 218, 318) of the second series of corrugations located between the first flat area and the other flat area.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, The spacer block includes support ribs (134, 234) located below the inner surface between the lateral ends, and hollow units (135, 235) located between the support ribs.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The outer end of the spacer is formed by the edge of the lateral end and / or the end edge of the support rib, and the hollow unit extends to the outer end of the spacer.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The first lateral end is formed by the lateral edge of the support rib.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, The first lateral end of the lateral end turns toward the first corrugation of the first series of corrugations, and the inner surface includes a first end portion that partially hangs over the first corrugation.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein prior to the step of fastening the spacer block, the method comprises: The fastener is secured to the flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane and protrudes toward the inner sealing membrane, and the spacer is secured to the fastener.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The spacer includes a retaining surface (224), and the spacer is mounted on a fastener passing through the retaining surface (224). The method includes adding a nut (122, 222) or a clip, which is mounted on the fastener and engages with the fastener (120, 220) and the retaining surface (224) to secure the spacer to the at least one flat area (15, 37, 115, 215, 315, 415).

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The fastener is a main connector, which includes a stud and a support plate (63), and the method includes: The stud is fastened to the flat area of ​​the outer sealing membrane to protrude toward the inner sealing membrane, the spacer is positioned on the at least one flat area, and then the support plate (63) is mounted on the stud to hold the spacer against the at least one flat area.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The inner sealing membrane includes a first series of corrugations (16, 116, 216, 316) parallel to the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane, and a flat area (17, 117). In the thickness direction of the tank wall, at least one corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the inner sealing membrane is opposite to the first corrugation of the first series of corrugations of the outer sealing membrane.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The spacer block comprises aluminum, thermoplastic material, or thermosetting material.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The spacer block is selected from: the main insulation panel or the main insulation box.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The main insulation panel includes a polymer foam layer (42) sandwiched between an outer rigid plate (43) and an inner rigid plate (44).

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The sealed tank wall (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) for storing the first gas includes, from the outside of the tank toward the inside in the thickness direction of the wall: a heat insulation barrier and a main sealing membrane positioned against the heat insulation barrier.

20. The method of claim 19 in conjunction with claims 14 and 18, wherein, The thermal insulation barrier includes internal metal anchoring strips (2). The external sealing membrane includes a first metal sheet (31, 131) and a second metal sheet (32, 132), the second metal sheet being adjacent to the first metal sheet at the joint area (II, III), and the external sealing membrane being fastened to the internal anchoring strip of the metal at the joint area. The main connector (6) includes an outer metal plate (61) welded to the joint area, and the stud is fastened to protrude from the inner surface of the outer metal plate along the thickness direction of the wall. The main heat insulation barrier is positioned against the external sealing film. The main heat insulation barrier includes a main heat insulation panel (41), which is held against the external sealing film by the support plate.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, At least one main insulation panel has a well portion in the region adjacent to the main connector (6), the well portion being formed through the polymer foam layer (42) and the inner rigid plate (44) to expose a support portion of the outer rigid plate (43), and wherein the support plate (63) is positioned to engage with the support portion of the outer rigid plate (43).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the adjacent main insulation panels is positioned on a corresponding flat area of ​​the outer sealing film. Before positioning the inner sealing film, the method includes inserting a plug (7) to fill the space formed between the main insulation panels at the main connector. The plug includes an inner cover plate (92) which is designed to form a flat surface with the inner rigid plate of the main insulation panel.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein, The heat insulation barrier is an intermediate heat insulation barrier, the sealing membrane (3) is an intermediate sealing membrane, and the wall also includes a secondary sealing membrane intended to be disposed between the intermediate sealing membrane and the supporting structure, and a secondary heat insulation barrier intended to be disposed between the secondary sealing membrane and the supporting structure.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein, The first gas is liquefied natural gas, and the acquired storage tanks are designed to receive liquid ammonia.

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