A method of filling, trimming and securing a fill block for a cryogenic liquid cargo tank

Abstract

The application discloses a filling block for a low-temperature liquid cargo storage tank, and a filling block trimming and fixing method, and belongs to the technical field of storage tanks. The storage tank is composed of a tank wall, a secondary insulation layer, a secondary shielding layer, a primary insulation layer and a primary shielding layer. The primary and secondary insulation layers are spliced by corresponding insulation modules. The primary and secondary insulation modules each comprise an upper plate, a polymer foam layer and a lower plate, and form a first gap and a second gap for accommodating primary and secondary anchoring members. The filling block is arranged in the gap and is composed of a rigid plate upper section and a lower section with a matching groove. The filling block can block the gap and block the leakage of cold energy, and reduce the evaporation loss of liquid cargo. The application also provides a filling block trimming method and a glue coating fixing method. According to the difference between the gap depth and the filling block height, the trimming is completed by cutting the lower section or adding a rigid plate on the top. Meanwhile, the adhesion and fixing are realized by coating glue on the peripheral side. The assembly adaptability is strong, the connection is firm, and the structure is stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of storage tank technology, and more specifically to a filling block for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank, and a method for trimming and fixing the filling block. Background Technology

[0002] Cryogenic liquefied cargo storage tanks are the core equipment for storing and transporting cryogenic liquefied natural gas. They generally adopt a membrane enclosure system, which consists of a main shielding layer, a main insulation layer, a secondary shielding layer, and a secondary insulation layer arranged from the inside out. The main shielding layer is in direct contact with the cryogenic liquefied cargo, while each insulation layer is assembled from independent insulation modules.

[0003] In the current standard installation structure in the industry, the primary and secondary insulation modules are fixed by anchoring components. Typically, through holes are opened on the sides and corners of the insulation module. The anchoring components are mainly composed of studs and nuts. After the studs pass through the through holes, they are locked and positioned with the nuts. However, there will be obvious gaps between the studs, nuts and the through holes of the module.

[0004] The presence of gaps compromises the overall sealing and insulation performance of the enclosure system. Cryogenic liquid cargoes are extremely cold, around -163°C, and there is a significant temperature difference between the inside of the tank and the outside environment. These gaps connecting the inside and outside create channels for cold energy conduction, causing continuous leakage of cold energy from the tank. This not only exacerbates the evaporation loss of cryogenic liquid cargoes and increases storage and transportation costs, but also causes frost, condensation, and even freezing damage to external components of the tank, affecting the overall structural stability and operational safety of the tank. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the problems of gaps, severe cold leakage, and high liquid cargo evaporation loss in existing cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank membrane enclosure systems. It provides a filling block, a filling block trimming method, and a fixing method for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks. The aim is to seal the assembly gaps at the anchoring structure, improve the overall thermal insulation and sealing performance of the storage tank, reduce cold leakage and cryogenic liquid cargo evaporation, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the storage tank.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides a filling block for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank, the cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank including a tank wall, a secondary insulation layer, a secondary shielding layer, a primary insulation layer, and a primary shielding layer, the primary shielding layer being in contact with the liquid cargo; the primary insulation layer including multiple primary insulation modules, and the secondary insulation layer including multiple secondary insulation modules;

[0008] The main insulation module and the secondary insulation module each include an upper plate, a polymer foam layer, and a lower plate.

[0009] The adjacent main insulation modules are jointly fixed to the secondary insulation module by main anchors, and there is a first gap between the adjacent main insulation modules to accommodate the main anchors.

[0010] The secondary insulation module is fixed to the tank wall by a secondary anchor, and the secondary insulation module has a second gap to accommodate the secondary anchor.

[0011] The filler block is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap;

[0012] The filling block includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is a rigid plate, and the lower section is provided with a groove for accommodating the main anchor or the secondary anchor and matching the shape of the main anchor or the secondary anchor.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the primary anchor and the secondary anchor include a stud and a nut; the groove includes a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity; the width of the first receiving cavity is greater than the width of the stud, and the width of the second receiving cavity is greater than the width of the nut.

[0014] The first and second receiving cavities are adapted to the external contours of the studs and nuts, avoiding assembly problems such as hard compression, jamming, and collision between the filler block and the anchoring components. At the same time, the reserved width allowance can accommodate slight installation offsets and radial deformations of the anchoring components, and is compatible with on-site assembly errors, ensuring that the filler block can be smoothly embedded in the gap and completely wrap the anchoring components without leaving lateral gaps, further enhancing the gap sealing and heat insulation effects.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the lower section is a low-density polymer foam layer, the density of which is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

[0016] Low-density foam is lightweight and has good toughness. When slight thermal expansion and contraction occurs in the low-temperature environment of the storage tank, it can adapt to small deformations without generating compressive stress due to hard contact, thus preventing the filler blocks from cracking or falling off. In addition, the material is lightweight and will not place additional load on the insulation module below or the tank wall, optimizing the overall stress state of the storage tank.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, the lower section is surrounded by a ring of expanded fiber layer; the expanded fiber layer is placed in the fixture in a compressed state along with the filling block before the filling block is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap; after the filling block is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap, the expanded fiber layer is expanded and fills the first gap or the second gap along with the filling block.

[0018] Due to the influence of mold processing and on-site assembly, there are generally assembly tolerances between the filler block and the inner wall of the gap, which can easily form tiny secondary gaps. Therefore, a more preferred implementation method is provided above: a layer of expanded fiber is wrapped around the lower part of the filler block. The expanded fiber layer can expand on its own after installation, filling the tiny gaps in the radial direction and at the corners in all directions, achieving a seamless seal and completely preventing cold air leakage from the tiny gaps. The fiber material has excellent flexibility, low temperature resistance, and aging resistance. It will not harden or crack under the long-term low temperature and humid environment of the storage tank, and the sealing performance is long-lasting and stable. At the same time, the expanded fiber layer can also play a buffering and shock-absorbing role, reducing the friction and impact of vibration on the components during the operation of the storage tank and reducing component wear.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the lower section includes a rigid support and a flexible material; the rigid support is at least partially embedded in the flexible material; the density of the flexible material is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

[0020] Low-density flexible materials ensure the insulation requirements at the gaps, while embedded rigid supports enhance the overall structural rigidity and compressive strength of the infill block. This allows the infill block to function not only as a sealant but also to stably support the corrugated plate on the surface of the upper insulation module, dispersing the vertical loads transmitted from the corrugated plate and the upper structure, and preventing localized stress concentration that could lead to deformation or dents in the insulation module. The flexible material can also encase the rigid supports, further isolating the cold bridges formed by the rigid supports and preventing the conduction of cold energy through the metal rigid supports.

[0021] In some preferred embodiments, the rigid support has a breakpoint in the direction of the tank wall thickness.

[0022] During the installation of infill blocks, issues such as the overall height being too high and the upper surface protruding beyond the insulation module plane are common. By setting a break point in the rigid support, the entire support is no longer a continuous rigid structure, possessing vertical compressive deformation capability. During on-site installation, workers can directly apply pressure to the upper surface of the excessively high infill block. The break point causes contraction, and combined with the elastic deformation of the outer flexible material, the overall height of the infill block is quickly adjusted, ensuring the upper surface is flush with the insulation module. This structure eliminates the need for precise pre-cutting, significantly reducing on-site construction difficulty and work time. Simultaneously, the break point releases the thermal expansion and contraction stress generated by the rigid support under low-temperature conditions, preventing the support from breaking or warping due to stress tension.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the upper section includes a protruding flange, and a cut is provided on the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module, with the protruding flange placed on the cut.

[0024] The protruding flange and the cutout form an overlapping and limiting structure, which can position the filler block and effectively prevent it from sinking or shifting under vibration, media impact, and temperature deformation. The overlapping structure allows the filler block and the insulation module to form an integrated planar structure. At the same time, the flange overlaps with the cutout, allowing for the installation of fasteners such as door studs between the upper rigid plate and the upper plate of the insulation module for secondary reinforcement, further improving the connection reliability. In addition, the overlapping surface can further seal the gap between the top of the filler block and the module, further blocking the path of cold air leakage.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the lower section includes a rigid bottom with a groove that matches the shape of the primary anchor or the secondary anchor.

[0026] The groove is the core stress-bearing part that directly contacts the studs and nuts. The rigid bottom structure significantly improves the groove area's resistance to pressure, wear, and deformation, preventing problems such as groove collapse, sidewall damage, and contour deformation caused by long-term pressure and friction from the anchoring components. This ensures the groove accurately wraps around the anchoring components. Simultaneously, the high flatness of the rigid bottom ensures uniform stress on the bottom of the filler block, avoiding tilting and jamming caused by localized single-point stress.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the depth of the first receiving cavity is greater than the height of the stud; the depth of the second receiving cavity is greater than the height of the nut.

[0028] Sufficient depth is reserved in the cavity to provide operational space for on-site height adjustments. If the overall height of the filler block is too high after installation, technicians can directly cut and grind the bottom of the cavity to reduce the overall height of the filler block. Because the cavity depth is greater than the height of the anchoring component, the cavity can still completely accommodate the studs and nuts after cutting, without the bottom touching the anchoring component or causing assembly interference, ensuring that the upper surface of the filler block is always flush with the insulation module. At the same time, the depth allowance can accommodate the axial installation height deviation of the anchoring component, avoiding structural bulging caused by the anchoring component supporting the filler block.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method for trimming filler blocks, used for trimming filler blocks for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks as described above, the method comprising:

[0030] Obtain the depth of the first gap or the second gap and the height of the filling block;

[0031] When the height of the filler block is greater than the depth of the first gap or the second gap, the lower section of the filler block is cut so that the upper surface of the filler block is flush with the upper surface of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

[0032] When the height of the filler block is less than the depth of the first gap or the second gap, a rigid plate is added above the filler block so that the upper surface of the filler block is flush with the upper surface of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

[0033] For cases where the infill block is too high, cutting the lower section can directly reduce the overall height, which is simple to operate and consumes less material. For cases where the infill block is too low, adding a rigid plate can quickly level the height. At the same time, the addition of a rigid plate can maintain the strength and flatness of the upper structure without compromising the overall planar appearance. Both trimming methods can ensure that the infill block and the insulation module form a complete and flat integrated surface, eliminating problems such as top gaps or local protrusions caused by height differences. At the same time, the uniform planar structure can also ensure the stable laying of upper corrugated panels and other components.

[0034] The present invention also provides a method for fixing a filler block, for fixing a filler block as described above for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank, the method comprising:

[0035] Apply adhesive to the peripheral surface of the filler block to bond it to the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module when the filler block is installed in the first gap or the second gap.

[0036] The adhesive-coated bonding method achieves a complete seal between the sidewalls of the filler block and the inner walls of the gaps. It utilizes adhesive force for physical fixation while simultaneously sealing minor gaps in the sidewalls, thus providing both fixation and sealing. The adhesive connection effectively prevents the filler block from loosening, slipping, or detaching. The selected adhesive is suitable for low-temperature conditions, resistant to low temperatures, and does not crack or peel. This fixing method is convenient to install, has no exposed fasteners, does not create additional thermal bridges, and does not cause secondary damage to the original insulation module such as drilling.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] 1. This invention provides sealing and insulation by setting up filling blocks, expanded fiber layers, and other structures in the anchoring gap, and by using the groove structure to avoid the anchoring components, completely sealing the original assembly gap, effectively blocking the cold leakage channel, reducing the evaporation loss of low-temperature liquid cargo, and avoiding the problems of component frost and freezing damage caused by cold leakage, thereby improving the operational safety of the storage tank.

[0039] 2. The filling block adopts a reinforced structure with rigid brackets, rigid bottom, and upper rigid plate, which not only achieves sealing but also has excellent load-bearing capacity, can stably support the upper corrugated plate, and distribute vertical load.

[0040] 3. The structure and methods of the filling block, such as the pre-reserved size margin of the groove receiving cavity, the compressible break point support, the expansion fiber layer, and the matching finishing process, can fully offset the problems of component processing errors and on-site assembly deviations. It has a high fault tolerance rate, does not require high-precision pre-processing, and greatly reduces the difficulty of on-site construction.

[0041] 4. The combination of multiple fixing methods, such as protruding flange overlap limit, peripheral adhesive bonding, and optional door nail reinforcement, allows the filler block and insulation module to be tightly integrated into a whole, with strong vibration and displacement resistance; the flat and uniform surface structure also provides a good foundation for the subsequent laying of upper components. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To better understand the above and other objects, features, advantages, and functions of the present invention, reference can be made to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same parts. Those skilled in the art should understand that the drawings are intended to schematically illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way; the parts in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filling block and the insulation module according to the first embodiment;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filling block and the insulation module according to the second embodiment. The filling block is surrounded by an expanded fiber layer, which fills the gap after expanding.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the expanded fiber layer according to the second embodiment placed in a fixture in a compressed state along with the filler block;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filler block and the insulation module according to another embodiment, showing the protruding flange of the upper section of the filler block;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filler block and the insulation module according to another embodiment, showing the rigid bottom of the lower section of the filler block;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filling block and the insulation module according to the third embodiment, showing the rigid support of the lower section of the filling block;

[0049] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the assembly state of the filling block and the insulation module according to the third embodiment shows a rigid bracket with a break.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Filler block; 2. Upper plate; 3. Polymer foam layer; 4. Lower plate; 5. Stud; 6. Nut; 7. Clamp; 10. Upper section; 11. Protruding flange; 20. Lower section; 30. Groove; 31. First receiving cavity; 32. Second receiving cavity; 40. Expanded fiber layer; 50. Rigid support; 51. Breakpoint; 60. Cutout; 70. Rigid bottom. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that the embodiments described herein are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can conceive of other ways to implement the present invention based on these preferred embodiments, and such other ways also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] This invention is mainly applied to cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks, especially suitable for LNG membrane-enclosed cryogenic storage tanks. The tank consists of, from the outside in, a tank wall, a secondary insulation layer, a secondary shielding layer, a primary insulation layer, and a primary shielding layer, with the primary shielding layer directly contacting the cryogenic liquid cargo. The primary insulation layer is composed of several primary insulation modules, and the secondary insulation layer is composed of several secondary insulation modules. Each primary and secondary insulation module is a composite structure consisting of an upper plate 2, a polymer foam layer 3, and a lower plate 4.

[0053] Adjacent main insulation modules are fixed to secondary insulation modules by main anchors, forming a first gap between adjacent main insulation modules to accommodate the main anchors; secondary insulation modules are fixed to the tank wall by secondary anchors, forming a second gap on the secondary insulation modules to accommodate the secondary anchors. The filling block 1 of the present invention can be arranged individually in the first gap and the second gap, or simultaneously in both gaps, to achieve full-range sealing of the gaps at the anchoring positions.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a filling block 1 for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks, which is a basic structural embodiment of the present invention. The filling block 1 is divided into an upper section 10 and a lower section 20. The upper section 10 adopts a rigid plate structure, and the lower section 20 has grooves 30 that match the shape of the main anchor and the secondary anchor. The grooves 30 avoid and accommodate the anchoring components, blocking the cold energy leakage channel.

[0056] The lower section 20 of the filling block 1 is made entirely of a low-density polymer foam layer 3, the density of which is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer 3 used in the main insulation module and the secondary insulation module.

[0057] Low-density polymer foam is soft and has excellent toughness. Under long-term low-temperature conditions in storage tanks, it can adaptively deform and buffer compressive stress when faced with slight displacement caused by thermal expansion and contraction of components, effectively preventing the filler block 1 from cracking and falling off. In addition, low-density foam has a small self-weight and will not add extra load to the insulation module below or the tank structure, optimizing the overall stress state of the storage tank and making it suitable for large-scale mass installation in storage tanks.

[0058] Both the main anchor and the secondary anchor consist of a stud 5 and a nut 6. The groove 30 of the lower section 20 of the filling block 1 is divided into a first receiving cavity 31 and a second receiving cavity 32. The width of the first receiving cavity 31 is greater than the width of the stud 5, and the width of the second receiving cavity 32 is greater than the width of the nut 6.

[0059] During assembly, the filler block 1 is embedded entirely into the first or second gap, so that the stud 5 is placed inside the first receiving cavity 31 and the nut 6 is placed inside the second receiving cavity 32. The groove 30 can completely accommodate the stud 5 and the nut 6, avoiding assembly problems such as squeezing, bumping, and jamming between the filler block 1 and the anchoring component; at the same time, the assembly allowance reserved in the width direction can accommodate on-site deviations such as installation offset of the anchoring component and small radial deformation, ensuring that the filler block 1 completely covers the anchoring component, eliminating lateral gaps, and simultaneously improving the gap sealing performance and heat insulation effect.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the depth of the first receiving cavity 31 is greater than the height of the stud 5, and the depth of the second receiving cavity 32 is greater than the height of the nut 6. When the filler block 1 is installed and appears too high overall with its upper surface protruding from the plane of the insulation module, technicians can directly cut and grind the bottom of the filler block 1 to reduce its overall height. Because the cavity depth has sufficient redundancy, the cavity can still normally accommodate the stud 5 and the nut 6 after cutting, without any component contact or assembly interference problems, ultimately ensuring that the upper surface of the filler block 1 is flush with the upper surfaces of the main insulation module and the secondary insulation module; at the same time, the depth margin can accommodate the axial installation deviation of the anchoring components, preventing the anchoring components from lifting the filler block 1 and causing local protrusion.

[0061] In another embodiment, the upper segment 10 of the filling block 1 is optimized. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the rigid plate of the upper section 10 of the filler block 1 extends outward to form a protruding flange 11. Correspondingly, the splicing position of the main insulation module and the secondary insulation module is provided with a cutout 60 that matches the protruding flange 11. After the filler block 1 is installed, the protruding flange 11 overlaps and is placed inside the cutout 60.

[0062] The protruding flange 11 and the cutout 60 form an overlapping and limiting structure, which can position the filler block 1 and effectively resist external forces caused by tank vibration, medium impact, and temperature deformation, preventing the filler block 1 from sinking, shifting, or other malfunctions. The overlapping structure makes the filler block 1 and the insulation module form a flat and continuous integrated plane. In addition, the overlapping surface can seal the gap between the top of the filler block 1 and the insulation module, constructing a multi-layer sealing barrier to further block the path of cold energy leakage.

[0063] Furthermore, operators can also install fasteners such as door nails at the overlap position between the protruding flange 11 and the upper plate 2 of the insulation module to achieve secondary reinforcement and further improve the reliability of the connection.

[0064] In another embodiment, the bottom structure of the lower segment 20 of the filling block 1 is improved. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the lower section 20 of the filling block 1 is provided with a rigid bottom 70, and the groove 30 for accommodating the anchor is directly formed on the rigid bottom 70.

[0065] The groove 30 is the core stress-bearing area that directly contacts the stud 5 and nut 6, and it withstands long-term compression, friction, and low-temperature impact. The rigid bottom 70 structure significantly improves the groove 30's resistance to pressure, wear, and deformation, preventing problems such as groove collapse, sidewall damage, and contour deformation after long-term use, ensuring that the groove 30 always accurately wraps around the anchoring components. The high flatness of the rigid bottom 70 ensures uniform stress on the bottom of the filler block 1, avoiding tilting or jamming caused by single-point stress, and improving assembly accuracy. Simultaneously, the rigid bottom 70 is resistant to low temperatures and aging, and is less prone to cracking under frequent temperature fluctuations in the storage tank, effectively extending the overall service life of the filler block 1.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment is a further optimization based on Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the lower section 20 of the filling block 1 is also entirely covered by a ring of expanded fiber layer 40. Figure 3 As shown, during the transfer and pre-assembly stage, the expanded fiber layer 40 of the filler block 1 is compressed and placed inside the special clamp 7 together with the filler block 1 to maintain a compressed state. When the clamp 7 pushes the filler block 1 into the first gap or the second gap, the clamp 7 jaws are released, and the expanded fiber layer 40 gradually expands autonomously and tightly fills the space between the outer wall of the lower section 20 and the inner wall of the gap.

[0068] Due to limitations in component processing errors and on-site assembly precision, minute secondary gaps can easily form between the filler block 1 and the gap wall. The expanded fiber layer 40 can completely fill these minute gaps in the radial and corner areas, achieving a seamless seal and completely preventing cold air leakage from these tiny gaps. The expanded fiber layer 40 can be made of glass wool, a material that is low-temperature resistant, anti-aging, and flexible. Even in the harsh environment of the storage tank, characterized by low temperatures, humidity, and fluctuating temperatures, it will not harden, crack, or fail, ensuring a long-lasting and stable seal. Furthermore, the expanded fiber layer 40 also acts as a buffer and shock absorber, reducing component friction and impact caused by tank operation vibrations, decreasing component wear and operating noise, and improving the overall operational stability of the enclosure system.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, this embodiment has the same basic structure as Embodiment 1, except that: the lower section 20 of the filling block 1 is composed of a rigid support 50 and a flexible material. The rigid support 50 is at least partially embedded in the flexible material, and the density of the flexible material is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer 3 of the primary and secondary insulation modules.

[0071] The low-density flexible material maintains excellent thermal insulation performance and continuously blocks the conduction of cold energy; the embedded rigid bracket 50 greatly improves the overall structural strength and compressive load-bearing capacity of the filler block 1, so that the filler block 1 is no longer used simply as a sealing element, but can stably support the corrugated plate above the thermal insulation module, disperse the vertical load transmitted by the upper structure, and avoid local stress concentration that causes the filler block 1 to dent or deform.

[0072] The flexible material wrapping the rigid support 50 can isolate the cold bridge formed by the rigid support 50, prevent the rigid components from directly conducting cold, and ensure that the overall thermal insulation performance does not decrease while strengthening the structural strength, thus meeting the dual requirements of structural load-bearing and thermal insulation sealing.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment, the rigid support 50 has a breakpoint 51 in the tank wall thickness direction, making the rigid support 50 a discontinuous structure. When the filler block 1 is inserted into the gap and its height is too high or its upper surface protrudes, the operator can directly press the upper end of the filler block 1. The breakpoint 51 will cause vertical contraction, and in conjunction with the elastic deformation of the outer flexible material, the overall height of the filler block 1 can be quickly adjusted so that the upper surface of the filler block 1 is flush with the surface of the insulation module. This structure does not require precise pre-cutting, greatly reducing the difficulty of on-site construction and improving installation efficiency. At the same time, the breakpoint 51 structure can effectively release the internal stress of the rigid support 50 caused by thermal expansion and contraction in low-temperature environments, avoiding problems such as breakage, warping, and deformation of the support due to stress tension, and ensuring the structural integrity of the filler block 1 for long-term use.

[0074] Example 4

[0075] This embodiment discloses a method for trimming a filler block 1, applicable to the filler block 1 described in any of the above embodiments, used for on-site adaptation of first and second gaps of different depths. The specific operation steps are as follows:

[0076] The first step is to use a distance measuring tool to measure the actual depth of the first or second gap, and at the same time measure the overall height of the filling block 1 to be installed;

[0077] The second step is to compare the two sets of dimensions and handle them according to different cases:

[0078] 1. When the height of filler block 1 is greater than the gap depth, use a cutting tool to cut the lower section 20 of filler block 1 layer by layer, gradually reducing the overall height of filler block 1 until the upper surface of filler block 1 is completely flush with the upper surfaces of the main insulation module and the secondary insulation module.

[0079] 2. When the height of filler block 1 is less than the gap depth, cut a rigid plate of the corresponding specification according to the height difference, fix the rigid plate to the top of filler block 1 to make up the height difference, and finally ensure that the upper surface of filler block 1 is flush with the upper surface of insulation module.

[0080] This method provides solutions for the two most common height deviation conditions on site, covering the vast majority of on-site installation scenarios. Cutting the lower section 20 is simple to operate and requires less material, suitable for situations where the filler block 1 is too high. Adding a rigid plate to the top is quick to construct, and the added rigid plate maintains the strength and flatness of the upper structure without damaging the overall plane of the enclosure system. Both finishing methods eliminate problems such as top gaps and localized protrusions caused by height differences, forming a complete and flat integrated surface, providing a good foundation for subsequent corrugated plate laying and upper component installation. The entire finishing process requires no specialized large equipment, has a low construction threshold, and high work efficiency, effectively shortening the on-site assembly period of the storage tank.

[0081] Example 5

[0082] This embodiment discloses a method for fixing the filler block 1, applicable to the filler block 1 described in any of the above embodiments, used to reliably fix the filler block 1 within the gap. The specific operation method is as follows:

[0083] Apply special low-temperature resistant adhesive evenly to all the circumferential surfaces of the filler block 1, and then precisely embed the filler block 1 into the first gap or the second gap. The adhesive will then bond the sidewall of the filler block 1 tightly to the adjacent main insulation module and secondary insulation module.

[0084] This fixing method serves a dual purpose of fixing and sealing: the adhesive layer fills the tiny gaps between the sidewall and the spacer wall of filler block 1, further enhancing the sealing and cold-blocking effects; the adhesive force is evenly distributed, resisting external forces such as tank operation vibration, low-temperature deformation, and media disturbance, effectively preventing filler block 1 from loosening, slipping, or falling off, ensuring stable long-term fixing. The selected adhesive is suitable for low-temperature conditions, and will not crack, delaminate, or fail at temperatures around -163℃. Furthermore, this process eliminates the need for drilling holes or installing exposed fasteners on the insulation module, avoids additional cold bridges, and does not cause secondary damage to the original insulation structure, maximizing the preservation of the integrity and insulation performance of the membrane enclosure system. The overall construction is simple and convenient for large-scale on-site operations.

[0085] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative purposes to a person skilled in the art. It is not intended to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As taught above, those skilled in the art will understand various alternatives and variations of the invention. Therefore, although some alternative embodiments have been specifically described, those skilled in the art will understand or relatively easily develop other embodiments. The present invention is intended to include all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the invention described herein, as well as other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the invention described above.

Claims

1. A filling block for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank, the cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank comprising a tank wall, a secondary insulation layer, a secondary shielding layer, a primary insulation layer, and a primary shielding layer, the primary shielding layer being in contact with the liquid cargo; the primary insulation layer comprising a plurality of primary insulation modules, the secondary insulation layer comprising a plurality of secondary insulation modules; the primary insulation modules and the secondary insulation modules comprising an upper plate (2), a polymer foam layer (3), and a lower plate (4); characterized in that, The adjacent main insulation modules are jointly fixed to the secondary insulation module by main anchors, and there is a first gap between the adjacent main insulation modules to accommodate the main anchors. The secondary insulation module is fixed to the tank wall by a secondary anchor, and the secondary insulation module has a second gap to accommodate the secondary anchor. The filler block (1) is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap; The filling block includes an upper section (10) and a lower section (20). The upper section is a rigid plate, and the lower section is provided with a groove (30) for accommodating the main anchor or the secondary anchor and matching the shape of the main anchor or the secondary anchor. The lower section (20) includes a rigid support (50) and a flexible material; the rigid support (50) is at least partially embedded in the flexible material; the density of the flexible material is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module. The rigid support (50) has a break (51) in the direction of the tank wall thickness.

2. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main anchor and the secondary anchor include a stud (5) and a nut (6); the groove (30) includes a first receiving cavity (31) and a second receiving cavity (32); the width of the first receiving cavity (31) is greater than the width of the stud (5), and the width of the second receiving cavity (32) is greater than the width of the nut (6).

3. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible material is a low-density polymer foam layer, and the density of the low-density polymer foam layer is less than 80% of the density of the polymer foam layer of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

4. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower section (20) is surrounded by an expanded fiber layer (40); the expanded fiber layer (40) is placed in the fixture (7) in a compressed state before the filling block (1) is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap; After the filler block (1) is arranged in the first gap and / or the second gap, the expanded fiber layer (40) fills the first gap or the second gap in an expanded state along with the filler block (1).

5. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper section (10) includes a protruding flange (11), and a cut (60) is provided on the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module, and the protruding flange (11) is placed on the cut (60).

6. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower section (20) includes a rigid bottom (70) having a groove that matches the shape of the main anchor or the secondary anchor.

7. The filling block for cryogenic liquid cargo storage tanks according to claim 2, characterized in that, The depth dimension of the first receiving cavity (31) is greater than the height dimension of the stud (5); the depth dimension of the second receiving cavity (32) is greater than the height dimension of the nut (6).

8. A method for trimming filler blocks, characterized in that, A method for trimming a filling block (1) for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank as described in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the trimming method for the filling block (1) includes: Obtain the depth of the first gap or the second gap and the height of the filling block (1); When the height of the filler block (1) is greater than the depth of the first gap or the second gap, the lower section of the filler block (1) is cut so that the upper surface of the filler block (1) is flush with the upper surface of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module. When the height of the filler block (1) is less than the depth of the first gap or the second gap, a rigid plate is added above the filler block (1) so that the upper surface of the filler block (1) is flush with the upper surface of the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

9. A method for fixing a filler block, characterized in that, For securing the filling block (1) for a cryogenic liquid cargo storage tank as described in any one of claims 1-7, the method for securing the filling block (1) includes: Apply adhesive to the peripheral surface of the filler block (1) so that when the filler block (1) is installed in the first gap or the second gap, it is bonded to the main insulation module or the secondary insulation module.

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