Corner structure for sealed and thermally insulated tanks and tank comprising the same

Abstract

An angle structure (10) intended for manufacturing a sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) in a support structure (3), the angle structure (10) comprising: - two panels (11, 12) made of a thermally insulating material, each panel having a flat inner face (13) inclined with respect to each other to form a dihedral angle with an edge (15); - a flexible sealing sheet (34) arranged to straddle the flat inner faces of the two panels; wherein the two panels each comprise a connection zone (16, 17) at a distance from said edge, provided with adhesion means (29) to fix the flexible sealing sheet; and a receiving space (18) intended to receive an anti-drip sheet (31) straddling the edge between the connection zones and between the flexible sealing sheet and the inner faces of the panels. A sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) comprising an angle structure (10).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, a sealed and thermally insulated can is known from FR-A-2822815, which includes a secondary sealing membrane made by combining a sealing composite cover. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The concept that forms the basis of this invention is to facilitate the assembly of the sealing film, particularly in the corner areas of a sealed and heat-insulated container.

[0004] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a corner structure intended for forming a sealed and thermally insulated tank in a support structure, the corner structure comprising: - A first plate and a second plate made of a heat-insulating material, each plate having a flat inner surface intended to be turned toward the interior of a sealed and heat-insulating tank and an outer surface intended to be turned toward a supporting structure; the flat inner surface of the first plate is inclined relative to the flat inner surface of the second plate at an angle corresponding to the corner region of the sealed and heat-insulating tank to be formed, the flat inner surfaces of the first plate and the flat inner surfaces of the second plate forming a dihedral angle having an edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the corner structure. - Flexible sealing sheet, particularly a liquid- and gas-resistant flexible sealing sheet, which is arranged to sit across the flat inner surface of a first plate and the flat inner surface of a second plate.

[0005] In the corner structure, the flat inner surface of the first plate includes a first connecting region, and the flat inner surface of the second plate includes a second connecting region. The first and second connecting regions are located at a certain distance from the edge. The first connecting region is provided with an adhesion device for attaching a flexible sealing sheet to the inner surface of the first plate in a sealing manner—specifically, for sealing the flexible sealing sheet to prevent liquids and gases. The second connecting region is provided with an adhesion device for attaching a flexible sealing sheet to the inner surface of the second plate. The corner structure includes a receiving space designed to receive a drip-proof liner at a first longitudinal end of the corner structure. The receiving space is positioned—particularly in the thickness direction of the corner structure—between a flexible sealing sheet, a flat inner surface of a first plate, and a flat inner surface of a second plate. The receiving space is positioned to straddle the edge between the first and second connecting regions.

[0006] Such a corner structure therefore includes a receiving space that can accommodate a drip-proof liner suitable for forming a barrier that prevents excessive adhesive from dripping into and hardening in the area at the edge of the corner structure.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulated can intended to be integrally incorporated into a support structure. The sealed and thermally insulated can includes a first corner structure and a second corner structure, which are mounted along the edge of the support structure to define an assembly groove between the first corner structure and the second corner structure. Each of the first corner structure and the second corner structure includes: - A first plate and a second plate made of a heat-insulating material, each plate having a flat inner surface intended to be turned toward the interior of a sealed and heat-insulating tank and an outer surface intended to be turned toward a supporting structure; the flat inner surface of the first plate is inclined relative to the flat inner surface of the second plate at an angle corresponding to the corner region of the sealed and heat-insulating tank to be formed, the flat inner surfaces of the first plate and the flat inner surfaces of the second plate forming a dihedral angle having an edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the corner structure. - A flexible sealing sheet arranged to sit across the flat inner surface of a first plate and the flat inner surface of a second plate. The first plate has a flat inner surface including a first connecting area, and the second plate has a flat inner surface including a second connecting area. The first and second connecting areas are located at a certain distance from the edge. The first connecting area is provided with an adhesion device for sealingly attaching a flexible sealing sheet to the flat inner surface of the first plate, and the second connecting area is provided with an adhesion device for attaching a flexible sealing sheet to the flat inner surface of the second plate. The sealed and thermally insulated tank includes a sealing protection device located at the assembly tank, and the sealing protection device is at least partially positioned between a first connection area and a second connection area, the sealing protection device being configured to prevent fluid disposed on a flexible sealing sheet and located between the first connection area and the second connection area from dripping into the assembly tank.

[0008] According to some implementations, such a can may include one or more of the following features.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the sealing protection device includes: a first strip disposed at a first longitudinal end of the first corner structure near the assembly groove and attached to a flexible sealing sheet of the first corner structure to protrude in the thickness direction; and a second strip disposed at a first longitudinal end of the second corner structure near the assembly groove and attached to a flexible sealing sheet of the second corner structure to protrude in the thickness direction.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the first strip and the second strip are attached to sit across the edge between the first connecting region and the second connecting region.

[0011] According to the implementation method, the sealing protection device is arranged to be consistent with the assembly slot.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the sealing protection device extends in the extension of the flexible sealing sheet of one of the corner structures in the first corner structure and the second corner structure.

[0013] According to the embodiment, the sealing protection device is a protruding portion of the flexible sealing sheet of the second corner structure extending above the assembly groove.

[0014] According to the embodiment, the protruding portion protrudes from the second corner structure in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, one end of the protruding portion is attached to the flexible sealing sheet of the first corner structure by overlapping.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the protruding portion is arranged above the assembly slot and straddles the edge between the first connecting region and the second connecting region of the first corner structure and the second corner structure.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the flexible sealing sheet of the second corner structure includes: a body positioned above the first and second plates of the second corner structure; and a protrusion having equal lateral dimensions to the body.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the sealing protection device is a flexible sealing strip that is attached—for example, bonded—to a flexible sealing sheet of a first corner structure on one side and to a flexible sealing sheet of a second corner structure on the other side. The flexible sealing strip is arranged above the assembly groove and straddles the edge between the first and second connection areas of the first and second corner structures.

[0019] According to the embodiment, the receiving space is a first receiving space, and the corner structure includes a second receiving space, which is intended to receive a drip-proof liner at a second longitudinal end of the corner structure opposite to the first longitudinal end. The second receiving space is positioned between a flexible sealing sheet on one side and a flat inner surface of the first plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet and a flat inner surface of the second plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet on the other side. The second receiving space is positioned to straddle the edge between the first connecting region and the second connecting region.

[0020] Advantageously, such a second receiving space allows for the provision of a receiving portion for the end portion of the anti-drip liner of the adjacent corner structure, thereby ensuring optimal retention of the anti-drip liner between the two corner structures and thus preventing any excess adhesive from dripping into the gap between the adjacent corner structures as much as possible.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sealing protection device includes at least one anti-drip liner, which is arranged at least partially in the receiving space or one of the receiving spaces.

[0022] Advantageously, the anti-drip liner is provided during supply—for example, before the flexible sealing sheet is placed in place—so that the flexible sealing sheet can be prevented from being pressed against the two heat-insulating plates in the area of ​​the receiving space, and the anti-drip liner is made more difficult to insert later when assembling the sealed and heat-insulating can.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the anti-drip liner is a first anti-drip liner, and the sealing protection device includes a second anti-drip liner that is at least partially disposed in the second receiving space.

[0024] Advantageously, this second anti-drip liner can be removed when the tank wall is formed with the corner structure abutting against the supporting structure, thereby freeing up the second receiving space. The second anti-drip liner prevents the flexible sealing sheet from being pressed against the two thermal insulation plates in the area of ​​the second receiving space. Therefore, by providing the second anti-drip liner during the formation of the corner structure and until the completion of the tank wall formation, it can be ensured that the volume of the second receiving space can be used to receive the ends of the anti-drip liner arranged across the two corner structures during the formation of the tank wall, as described below.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the anti-drip liner or each anti-drip liner is made of a flexible polymer material, preferably a vinyl material.

[0026] Advantageously, this material is readily available, inexpensive, and semi-rigid, while possessing sufficient flexibility to accommodate the corresponding receiving space and providing good resistance to stresses applied between adjacent corner structures.

[0027] According to the embodiment, the anti-drip liner or each anti-drip liner has translational freedom along the edge of the dihedral corner of the corner structure in the corresponding receiving space (in other words, in the first receiving space or the second receiving space).

[0028] Advantageously, this translational freedom allows the anti-drip liner to slide between two positions: in one position, the anti-drip liner is concealed beneath a flexible sealing sheet within the corresponding receiving space; in the other position, the anti-drip liner is partially or completely withdrawn from the corresponding receiving space. Thus, the second end portion of the anti-drip liner can be accommodated in the corresponding receiving spaces opposite each other in the adjacent corner structure, or the anti-drip liner can be completely removed from the receiving space.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the anti-drip liner includes a first end portion disposed in the receiving space, a middle portion intended to extend across an assembly groove between another corner structure, and a second end portion intended to be disposed in the receiving space of the other corner structure. According to another embodiment, the middle portion and the second end portion constitute an extension protruding from the first longitudinal end of the corner structure.

[0030] According to embodiments, the anti-drip liner, or each anti-drip liner, includes at least one means for assisting positioning, which defines a middle portion of the anti-drip liner. According to some embodiments, the at least one means for assisting positioning may be visual and / or tactile; preferably, the means may be a visually contrasting and / or colored mark relative to the end portion of the anti-drip liner, such as colored parallel lines, and / or embossed marks, and / or recessed marks.

[0031] Advantageously, such a device for assisting positioning can ensure that the operator assembling the can correctly position each anti-drip liner without compromising the integrity of the seal between adjacent corner structures.

[0032] According to the implementation method, the adhesion device for the first connection area and / or the second connection area takes the form of an adhesion strip.

[0033] According to the embodiment, the wooden wedge is inserted between the flexible sealing sheet on one side and the flat inner surface of the first plate and the flat inner surface of the second plate on the other side in a manner consistent with the edge of the dihedral, and the receiving space is positioned between the flexible sealing sheet and the wooden wedge.

[0034] Advantageously, such a wedge shape allows for the limitation of the radius of curvature of the flexible sealing sheet during the formation of the corner plate.

[0035] According to an embodiment, each of the first and second plates includes a composite cover that is sealed against liquids and gases and forms a flat inner surface of the first and second plates.

[0036] Advantageously, such a composite cover allows for the sealing of the tank in the area of ​​the flat inner surface of each plate.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the first plate and the second plate further include a polymer foam block and a rigid plate, respectively, with the rigid plate disposed between the polymer foam block and the composite cover.

[0038] According to an embodiment of a corner structure suitable for forming a tank wall in the trihedral region of a support structure, the dihedral formed by the flat inner surface of the first plate and the flat inner surface of the second plate is a first dihedral, and the longitudinal direction is a first longitudinal direction. The corner structure also includes a third plate made of a thermally insulating material, the third plate having a flat inner surface intended to be turned toward the sealed and thermally insulating interior of the tank and an outer surface intended to be turned toward the support structure. The flat inner surface of the third plate interrupts the edge of the first dihedral at an end opposite to the first longitudinal end. The flat inner surface of the third plate and the flat inner surface of the first plate form a second dihedral, the second dihedral having an edge extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction.

[0039] In this configuration, the flexible sealing sheet is also arranged to sit across the flat inner surface of the third plate, which includes a third connecting region at a distance from the edge of the second dihedral. This third connecting region is provided with an adhesion device that further seals the flexible sealing sheet—specifically, seals it against liquids and gases—to the flat inner surface of the third plate. In this configuration, the receiving space can be a first receiving space, and the corner structure can include a second receiving space designed to receive a drip-proof liner at the end of the corner structure along a second longitudinal direction. This second receiving space is positioned between the flexible sealing sheet on one side and the inner surfaces of the first and third plates covered by the flexible sealing sheet on the other side, and is positioned across the edge of the second dihedral between the first and third connecting regions.

[0040] Similarly, the flat inner surface of the third plate can form a third dihedral with the flat inner surface of the second plate, the third dihedral having an edge extending in a third longitudinal direction intersecting the first and second longitudinal directions. The corner structure may include a third receiving space designed to receive a drip-proof liner at the end of the corner structure where the edge of the third dihedral terminates. This third receiving space is positioned between a flexible sealing sheet on one side and the flexible sealing sheet-covered inner surfaces of the second and third plates on the other side, the third receiving space being positioned to straddle the edge of the third dihedral between the second and third connecting regions.

[0041] The present invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulated can intended to be integrally incorporated into a support structure, the sealed and thermally insulated can including a first corner structure and a second corner structure as described above, the first corner structure and the second corner structure being mounted along the edge of the support structure such that an assembly groove is defined between the first corner structure and the second corner structure, the receiving space of the first corner structure being arranged to face the receiving space of the second corner structure, a drip-proof liner having a first end portion engaging in the receiving space of the first corner structure and a second end portion engaging in the receiving space of the second corner structure, the drip-proof liner having a middle portion extending across the assembly groove.

[0042] According to the embodiment, in a sealed and thermally insulated tank, flexible sealing connecting sheets are combined to straddle the flexible sealing sheets of the first corner structure and the second corner structure, thereby covering the middle portion of the assembly groove and the anti-drip liner.

[0043] Advantageously, such a flexible sealing connecting sheet ensures a good seal between the two corner structures at the assembly groove.

[0044] Such tanks can be integrated into onshore storage facilities, such as for storing LNG, or they can be installed on floating structures, offshore or in deep water, particularly in liquefied gas carriers, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and long-range floating production and storage units (FPSOs). Such tanks can also be used as fuel tanks in any type of transport vessel.

[0045] According to an embodiment, a transport vessel for transporting cold liquid products includes a twin hull and a sealed and thermally insulated tank arranged in the twin hull as described above.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the present invention also provides a system for transferring cold liquid products, the system comprising: a transport vessel as described above; an isolation conduit arranged to connect a sealed and thermally insulated tank of the transport vessel to a floating storage facility or a land-based storage facility; and a pump for pumping a flow of cold liquid products from the floating storage facility or the land-based storage facility through the isolation conduit to the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the transport vessel, or from the sealed and thermally insulated tank of the transport vessel to the floating storage facility or the land-based storage facility through the isolation conduit.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or unloading a transport ship, wherein cold liquid products are transported from a floating storage facility or a land-based storage facility to a sealed and thermally insulated tank of the transport ship via an insulated pipeline, or from a sealed and thermally insulated tank of the transport ship to a floating storage facility or a land-based storage facility via an insulated pipeline. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The invention will be better understood from the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer.

[0049] Figure 1 It is a partial perspective sectional view of the can, showing the sealed and thermally insulated corner area of ​​the can; Figure 2 This illustrates a method that can be used according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 A partial 3D view of the corner structure in the can; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Anatomical view of the corner structure; Figure 4 It is shown that it is included Figure 3 The anti-drip liner of the sealing protection device according to the first variant in the corner structure; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the corner region of a sealed and thermally insulated can during its formation, showing an assembly groove between two adjacent corner structures, and a drip-proof liner arranged across the assembly groove to sit across the two corner structures. Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 The perspective view shows the corner region in a subsequent step of forming the corner region of the tank, wherein the flexible sealing connecting sheet is arranged to straddle two adjacent corner structures and cover the assembly groove and the anti-drip liner. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A partial sectional view of the corner region of the tank, which is bisected by plane BB; Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 3 An exploded view showing the corner structure according to the second embodiment; Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 5 The perspective view shows the use of the corner structure according to the second embodiment in the corner region of the can; Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the corner structure according to the third embodiment; Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the corner region of a sealed and thermally insulated tank during its formation, showing an assembly groove between two adjacent corner structures, including a sealing protection device formed according to a second variant; Figure 12 It is a perspective view of the corner structure facing the assembly slot during its formation, including the sealing protection device formed according to the third variant; Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the corner region of a sealed and thermally insulated tank during its formation, showing the assembly groove between two adjacent corner structures, including a sealing protection device formed according to the fourth variant; Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the corner region of a sealed and thermally insulated tank during its formation, showing the assembly groove between two adjacent corner structures, including a sealing protection device formed according to the fifth variant; and Figure 15 A liquefied gas carrier is schematically depicted in a partial sectional view, including a transport tank and a dock for loading / unloading the tank. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 A portion of a sealed and thermally insulated tank 1 is depicted in a corner region near an edge 301 between two flat walls of a support structure 3. The tank 1 is a membrane tank for storing liquefied gases. The tank 1 has a tank wall 2 resting against the polyhedral support structure 3. More specifically, the tank 1 is integrally formed into the support structure 3. The tank wall 2 has a multi-layered structure comprising a secondary layer 4 and a primary layer 7 from the outside to the inside.

[0051] In this specification, the terms "inner" and "outer" should be understood as describing the relative positions of the interior and exterior of the tank 1, respectively.

[0052] The secondary layer 4 includes a secondary thermal barrier 5 and a secondary sealing membrane 6. The secondary thermal barrier 5 includes modular insulating elements, and the secondary sealing membrane 6 includes various elements assembled by combination, particularly in the case of a composite cover 33 and two flexible sealing sheets 34 and 35. The secondary sealing membrane 6 is arranged against the secondary thermal barrier 5 and is sealed against liquids and gases.

[0053] The primary layer 7 includes a primary thermal barrier 8 and a primary sealing membrane 9. The primary thermal barrier 8 includes modular insulation elements, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 5 The primary sealing membrane 9 is designed to come into contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank 1.

[0054] In this case, the primary thermal insulation barrier 8 is arranged to abut against the secondary sealing membrane 6.

[0055] In practice, the secondary thermal barrier 5, the secondary sealing membrane 6, and the primary thermal barrier 8 can be formed in the form of a plurality of prefabricated flat structures 100 and a plurality of prefabricated corner structures 10, which are juxtaposed on the support wall and juxtaposed along the edges. The overall geometry of these prefabricated structures is described, for example, in publication FR-A-2691520.

[0056] The primary sealing membrane 9 covers the primary thermal insulation barrier 8 and defines an internal space 20 designed to receive liquefied gases. As an example, the primary sealing membrane 9 may be a corrugated metal membrane made of stainless steel, as specifically described in publications WO-A-2010040922 or FR-A-2861060.

[0057] The liquefied gas intended for storage in tank 1 can be, in particular, liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is, a gaseous mixture mainly consisting of methane and one or more other hydrocarbons. The liquefied gas can also be ethane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), that is, a mixture of hydrocarbons produced by refining petroleum mainly consisting of propane and butane.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The corner structure 10 according to the first embodiment will now be described in more detail. The corner structure 10 is pre-manufactured and can be used along the edge 301.

[0059] Figure 2 The elements of this corner structure 10 during its formation are depicted in part, before the flexible sealing sheet 34 and the primary corner arrangement structure 39 are placed in place. Figure 3 The corner structure 10 is depicted in an exploded view to facilitate understanding of the stacking of these elements. Figure 3In the diagram, arrow C, pointing from the outside inwards, indicates the thickness direction of the tank wall 2.

[0060] The corner structure 10 includes a first plate 11 and a second plate 12. Each plate 11 and 12 includes, in a manner stacked from the outside to the inside: a rigid plate 25, a polymer foam block 26, a rigid plate 27, and a composite cover 33.

[0061] The composite cover 33 of each of the plates 11 and 12 forms a flat inner surface 13, which is intended to be turned toward the interior of the tank 1, and the rigid plate 25 forms an outer surface 14, which is intended to be turned toward the support structure 3.

[0062] The flat inner surface 13 of the first plate 11 is inclined at an angle A relative to the flat inner surface 13 of the second plate 12, corresponding to the corner region to be formed in the sealed and heat-insulated can 1, in this case, angle A is equal to 90°. Therefore, the flat inner surface 13 of the first plate 11 and the flat inner surface 13 of the second plate 12 form a dihedral angle. This dihedral angle has an edge 15 at which the planes of the flat inner surfaces 13 of plates 11 and 12 meet. The edge 15 thus extends in the longitudinal direction X of the corner structure 10. The corner structure 10 includes a first longitudinal end 22 and a second longitudinal end 23 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction X. The edge 15 then extends between the second longitudinal end 23 and the first longitudinal end 22.

[0063] The corner structure 10 also includes a filler 32 made of glass wool, an optional wooden wedge 24, and a flexible sealing sheet 34.

[0064] For each plate 11 and 12, a rigid plate 25, a polymer foam block 26, and a rigid plate 27 of the secondary thermal insulation barrier 5 are stacked sequentially from the outside to the inside. The rigid plates 25 and 27 are preferably plywood. The rigid plates 25 and 27 impart a degree of rigidity to the thermal insulation barrier 5, and thus provide good mechanical strength.

[0065] The composite cover 33 forms part of the secondary sealing membrane 6 and constitutes the flat inner surface 13 of each of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12, respectively. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the composite cover 33 is sealed against liquids and gases. The composite cover 33 ensures the tank's tightness on the flat inner surface of each plate. Each composite cover 33 is disposed on the rigid plate 27 of the corresponding plate 11 or plate 12. The composite cover 33 may be made of a layered composite material comprising an aluminum layer between a glass fiber layer and a resin layer.

[0066] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 The visible glass wool filler 32 fills the assembly gap 36 between the plate 11 and plate 12 of the corner structure 10. Note that the glass wool filler 32 is made of fibrous material, and its shape depends on the elements surrounding it. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated example, the glass wool filler 32 contacts, for example, the polymer foam block 26 and the rigid plate 27, and thus adapts to the respective shapes of the polymer foam block 26 and the rigid plate 27. The glass wool filler 32 allows the secondary thermal insulation barrier 5 to be completed at the assembly gap 36, while allowing the plates 11 and 12 the freedom to contract and expand relative to each other.

[0067] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a flexible sealing sheet 34, sealed against liquids and gases, is arranged to straddle the flat inner surfaces 13 of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The flexible sealing sheet 34 may be made of a layered composite material comprising an aluminum layer between two layers of glass fiber. The flexible sealing sheet 34 ensures the continuity of the secondary sealing membrane 6 with the edge 15.

[0068] For this purpose, the flat inner surface 13 of the first plate 11 includes a first connecting region 16. The first connecting region 16 is provided with an adhesion device 29, which attaches the flexible sealing sheet 344 to the inner surface 13 of the first plate 11, thereby sealing the flexible sealing sheet 344 against liquids and gases.

[0069] Similarly, the flat inner surface 13 of the second plate 12 includes a second connection region 17. The second connection region 17 is provided with an adhesion device 29, which attaches the flexible sealing sheet 34 to the inner surface 13 of the second plate 12, thereby sealing the flexible sealing sheet 34 against liquids and gases.

[0070] The first connecting region 16 and the second connecting region 17 are each positioned at a certain distance from the edge 15 and the edges of the plates 11 and 12 facing each other.

[0071] Preferably, but not limitingly, the first connecting region 16 and the second connecting region 17 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the edge 15.

[0072] In the first connection region 16 and / or the second connection region 17, the adhesion device 29 takes the form of an adhesion strip. Preferably, the adhesion device 29 in the first connection region 16 and the second connection region 17 is an adhesion strip.

[0073] exist Figure 2The two visible intermediate regions 30 extend between the edge 15 and the connecting regions 16 and 17, respectively. The intermediate regions 30 of the composite cover 33 have no adhesive devices.

[0074] The corner structure 10 preferably includes a wooden wedge 24, although this is not limiting. The wooden wedge 24 is inserted between the flexible sealing sheet 34 and the composite cover 33 of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 in a manner consistent with the edge 15 of the dihedral.

[0075] Therefore, flexible sealing sheet 34 ( Figure 3 The corner structure 10 has a non-bonded portion consistent with the intermediate region 30, which can freely shrink under temperature fluctuations. This non-bonded portion defines receiving spaces 18 and 19 near edge 15, which can be accessed from the two longitudinal ends 22 and 23 of the corner structure 10, and can hold the sealing protection device according to the first variant between the flexible sealing sheet 34 and the composite cover 33, and / or between the flexible sealing sheet 34 and the wooden wedge 24, at one or both longitudinal ends 22 and 23 of the corner structure 10. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The sealing protection device is formed in the form of a drip-proof liner 31. Figure 2 In the diagram, the corner structure 10 is shown with a drip-proof liner 31 placed at each of the two longitudinal ends 22 and 23 of the corner structure 10.

[0076] Now, refer to the following Figure 4 Describes a first variant of the sealing protection device, the anti-drip liner 31.

[0077] The anti-drip liner 31 includes a first end portion 310 starting from end 316, a second end portion 313 starting from end 317, and an intermediate portion 312 between end portions 310 and 313. The anti-drip liner 31 also includes at least one means for assisting positioning in identifying the intermediate portion 312. This means for assisting positioning takes the form of two lines 314 in this case, which define the intermediate portion 312, i.e., the portion of the anti-drip liner 31 that must be used across the assembly slot, as described below.

[0078] The device used for assisting positioning may take other forms not shown, such as colored stripes or colored lines or shaded areas.

[0079] The first end portion 310 and the second end portion 313 can be measured in length, for example, 50 mm + / - 20 mm, in the longitudinal direction X1 of the anti-drip liner 31. The dimensions of the middle portion 312 correspond to the width of the assembly groove, which can be fixed in a standardized manner in the assembly plane of the can, for example, 30 mm. The width of the anti-drip liner 31 must allow sufficient coverage of the corner areas of the assembly groove on both sides of the edge. For example, the width of the anti-drip liner 31 is measured to be approximately 100 mm.

[0080] The anti-drip liner 31 is preferably made of a polymer material, preferably, but not limited to, a non-sticky and / or transparent polymer material, and more preferably, a vinyl material. The thickness of the anti-drip liner 31 must ensure sufficient rigidity to span the assembly slot. The thickness of the anti-drip liner 31 can be measured in fractions of a millimeter, for example, 0.4 mm.

[0081] The anti-drip lining 31 can be used in the formation of the tank wall 2, as shown in the reference. Figures 5 to 7 Therefore, the anti-drip liner 31 can be assembled to the corner structure 10 during the formation of the tank wall 2 in the support structure 3. However, for ease of maintenance and to limit operations performed in the support structure 3, it may be useful to pre-assemble the anti-drip liner 31 to the corner structure 10 and to treat the corner structure 10 that is already equipped with the anti-drip liner 31 or that is equipped with two anti-drip liners 31.

[0082] For this purpose, one end portion of the anti-drip liner 31 is inserted under the flexible sealing sheet 34 in the corner structure 10, for example, up to line 314, so that the protruding portion consisting of the middle portion 312 and the other end portion protrudes.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the anti-drip liner 31 can be in place in the corner structure 10 during the formation of the corner structure 10, particularly before the flexible sealing sheet 34 is placed and bonded. Therefore, from Figure 2The intermediate forming stage shown begins, followed by placement and bonding of the flexible sealing sheet 34, covering one or more drip-proof sheets 31 already in place. Alternatively, the drip-proof sheets 31 can be inserted beneath the flexible sealing sheet 34 in the corner structure 10 after the flexible sealing sheet 34 has been placed and bonded. In both cases, since the intermediate region 30 does not contain any adhesive, the drip-proof sheet 31, or each drip-proof sheet 31, is not attached or bonded to the corner structure 10, and therefore has translational freedom along the edge 15 in the receiving spaces 18 and 19. In other words, after the corner structure 10 is formed, each drip-proof sheet 31 can be moved to insert each drip-proof sheet 31 into the receiving space 18 or 19 to more or less depth, remove each drip-proof sheet 31 from the receiving space 18 or 19, or place each drip-proof sheet 31 back into the receiving space 18 or 19.

[0084] Finally, as Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the corner structure 10 includes a primary corner arrangement structure 39 mounted on top of the flexible sealing sheet 34 to form elements of a primary thermal insulation barrier 8 and a primary sealing membrane 9 in the corner region of the tank. Further details regarding the primary corner arrangement structure 39 can be found, for example, in publications WO-A-2020260440 and WO-A-2021058826.

[0085] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The formation of the tank wall 2 using the corner structure 10 will now be described.

[0086] In the corner region of tank 1, the tank wall 2 is initiated by placing a plurality of corner structures 10 juxtaposed along the edge 301 in the support structure 3.

[0087] In the example shown, the first corner structure 10 and the second corner structure 10 are along the edge 301 of the support structure 3 (in... Figure 1 (See image) Installation. The two corner structures 10 are arranged side by side and define an assembly groove 136 between the two corner structures 10. The assembly groove 136 is a gap provided to allow for assembly tolerances between the two corner structures 10, for example, the assembly groove 136 has a width of 30 mm.

[0088] To ensure the continuity of the secondary insulation barrier 5, an insulation filler 132, such as one made of glass wool, is arranged in the assembly slot 136. The insulation filler 132... Figure 7 It is visible in the cross-section, but for clarity, from Figure 5 and Figure 6The insulating filler 132 is preferably made of a compressible material to completely fill the assembly slot 136. In the assembly slot 136, the insulating filler 132 contacts, for example, the rigid plate 25, polymer foam block 26, and rigid plate 27 of the plates 11 and 12 of the two adjacent corner structures 10. The insulating filler 132 allows for the formation of a secondary thermal insulation barrier 5 within the assembly slot 136, while permitting freedom in the contraction and expansion of the adjacent corner structures 10.

[0089] Furthermore, after the first corner structure 10 and the second corner structure 10 are placed side by side, the first receiving space 18 of the first corner structure 10 is positioned to face the corresponding second receiving space 19 of the second corner structure 10. Then, the anti-drip liner 31, as described above, is installed between the two corner structures 10. More specifically, the first end portion 310 of the anti-drip liner 31 is engaged in the first receiving space 18, while the second end portion 313 is engaged in the second receiving space 19. In addition, the middle portion 312 of the liner 31 extends across the assembly groove 136, located above the insulating filler 132.

[0090] Next, as Figure 6 As shown, the sealing connecting sheet 35 is joined to straddle two adjacent corner structures, thereby completing the secondary sealing membrane 6. More specifically, the inner surfaces of the plates 11 and 12 of the two corner structures 10 are coated with an adhesive layer 129 over the entire end portion of the two corner structures 10. Figure 7 In other words, an adhesive layer 129 is applied at the longitudinal end 22 of the first corner structure 10 and at the longitudinal end 23 of the second corner structure 10, between the primary corner arrangement structure 39, to receive the flexible sealing connection sheet 35. Therefore, the sealing connection sheet 35 is bonded to the composite cover 33 of each corner structure in the two corner structures 10 and the flexible sealing sheet 34, thereby covering the assembly groove 136. Near the edge, the sealing connection sheet 35 also covers the middle portion 312 of the anti-drip liner 31, which can be as follows: Figure 7 As shown in the image.

[0091] It is possible Figure 7 As shown, since the anti-drip liner 31 spans the assembly groove 136, it forms a barrier to prevent the adhesive layer 129 used for attaching the sealing connecting sheet 35 from dripping. Therefore, the anti-drip liner 31 prevents the adhesive from flowing into the assembly groove 136. Thus, the shrinkage and expansion capabilities of the components of the can 1 at the edge 15 are not hindered by the presence of the adhesive, specifically the flexible sealing sheet 34 and the insulating filler 132.

[0092] Conversely, without the anti-drip liner 31, the adhesive 129 could drip and flow into the space between the composite cover 33 and the flexible sealing sheet 34 and harden therein. If the adhesive thus enters behind the flexible sealing sheet 34, this will locally impede or even eliminate the ability of the flexible sealing sheet 34 to deform through contraction and expansion in the non-bonded portion, increasing the risk of fatigue and tearing of the flexible sealing sheet 34. This risk of adhesive dripping is particularly high near the corner structures between the vertical walls and the bottom wall used to form the can, as gravity in this area causes the adhesive to flow into the assembly tank.

[0093] The dripping of this adhesive, once hardened, can also rigidly and irreversibly connect other components of the can wall together, such as connecting the insulating filler 132 to the end of the rigid plate 27, or connecting the two corner structures 10 to each other.

[0094] It will be understood that the anti-drip liner 31 enables the can's components to contract and expand in the connection area between adjacent corner structures, and in particular, the component is a flexible sealing sheet 34.

[0095] Therefore, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the assembled state, corresponding to the completion of the secondary sealing film 6, the anti-drip liner 31 is permanently held in the first receiving space 18 of the first corner structure 10 and the first receiving space 19 of the second corner structure 10, and straddles the two adjacent corner structures 10.

[0096] Assembling a sealed and thermally insulated can 1 in the corner region may include the following steps: - The first corner structure 10 and the second corner structure 10 are mounted side by side on the support structure 3, such that the first receiving space 18 of the first corner structure 10 is arranged to face the corresponding receiving space 19 of the second corner structure 10. - Optionally, if the anti-drip liner 31 is not pre-assembled to the corner structure 10, the end 316 of the anti-drip liner 31 is inserted into the receiving space 18 of the first corner structure 10. - Insert the end 317 of the anti-drip liner 31 into the receiving space 19 of the second corner structure 10; - A flexible sealing sheet 35 is joined between plates 11 and 12 to cover the assembly groove 136 and the anti-drip liner 31.

[0097] Due to the presence of the anti-drip liner 31, the adhesive applied to the plates 11 and 12 during the bonding of the flexible sealing sheet 35 is prevented from entering the gaps between the various components located at the corners between the plates 11 and 12.

[0098] The end 316 of the anti-drip liner 31 may have been placed in the first receiving space 18 of the first corner structure 10 before the two corner structures 10 are mounted on the support structure, for example during the formation (pre-assembly) of the first corner structure 10.

[0099] Preferably, to facilitate the assembly of the row of corner structures 10, the anti-drip pads 31 are pre-assembled to each corner structure 10 before installation against the support structure 3, for example, the anti-drip pads 31 are pre-assembled into the first receiving space 18. Thus, while installing the corner structures 10 in a row, the anti-drip pads 31 are positioned near each assembly slot, and the remaining work is simply to slide each anti-drip pad 31 slightly until it reaches the adjacent corner structure 10 to complete the installation of the anti-drip pads 31.

[0100] Alternatively, instead of pre-assembling the anti-drip liner 31 to each corner structure 10, two anti-drip liners 31 can be pre-assembled to one of every two corner structures 10. The impact on the time required to assemble the corner structures in a row is essentially the same.

[0101] Now refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A second embodiment of the corner structure 10 is described, which is designed to form a corner region between two support walls at a 135° angle. Elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are described again only in aspects where they differ from those in the first embodiment.

[0102] In the second embodiment of the corner structure 10, the angle A between plates 11 and 12 is equal to 135°. Unlike the first embodiment, the corner structure 10 according to the second embodiment does not have a wooden wedge, but this is not limiting. The anti-drip liner 31 is assembled and used in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0103] The same arrangement can be applied to different corner areas of the supporting structure with different angle values. For example, the angle between the plates of the corner structure can be equal to 108.4° or have other values.

[0104] At the end of edge 301, the polyhedral support structure 3 may include a trihedral region (not shown), wherein the two support walls and edge 301 are interrupted by a third support wall perpendicular to or inclined thereto. In other words, the trihedral region is the area where several edges of the support structure 3 meet. The trihedral region is depicted, for example, in publication WO-A-2019086790.

[0105] In the third embodiment, such as Figure 10As shown, the corner structure 110 is adapted to form the tank wall 2 in the trihedral corner region. Elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment have the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and elements that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment are described again only in aspects that differ from those in the first embodiment.

[0106] For this purpose, the corner structure 110 includes a third plate 112, which includes a stacked element similar to the plates 11 and 12 already described.

[0107] In addition to the edge 15 where the planes of the flat inner surfaces 13 of plates 11 and 12 meet, the corner structure 110 in this case also has: a second edge 151 where the planes of the flat inner surfaces 13 of plates 11 and 112 meet; and a third edge 152 where the planes of the flat inner surfaces 13 of plates 12 and 112 meet. Edges 15, 151, and 152 meet at an intersection point 150. Each of the edges 15, 151, and 152 also extends to the corresponding ends 22, 221, and 222 of the corner structure 110. Each edge 15, 151, and 152 defines a corresponding longitudinal direction X, Y, and Z. Just as the pairs of plates 11 and 12 of the corner structure 10 or 110 form dihedral angles, each pair of plates 11 and 112 and each pair of plates 12 and 112 with their flat inner surfaces 13 also form two additional dihedral angles. For clarity Figure 10 A flexible sealing sheet (not shown) is bonded to an adhesive strip 29 disposed on each of the plates 11, 12, and 112 at a distance from edges 15, 151, and 152. Therefore, at each of edges 15, 151, and 152, a receiving space is provided below the flexible sealing sheet, which can be accessed from the end of each edge 15, 151, and 152, thereby enabling the reception of the anti-drip liner 31 in each case. Figure 10 Three anti-drip pads 31 are shown for illustrative purposes, but this is not limiting.

[0108] The trihedral corner structure 110 can be arranged in the tank 1 adjacent to a plurality of dihedral corner structures 10, which are arranged along each edge that intersects in the trihedral region. The receiving space of the corner structure 110 is then arranged to face the corresponding receiving space 18 or 19 of the adjacent corner structure 10.

[0109] Other variations of the sealing protection device will be referred to Figures 11 to 14As described below. Specifically, instead of the anti-drip liner 31 arranged in the receiving space below the flexible sealing sheet in the first variant, the sealing protection device can be formed according to several variants to prevent the adhesive 129 arranged on the flexible sealing sheet 34 between the first connection area 16 and the second connection area 17 from dripping into the assembly groove 136.

[0110] therefore, Figure 11 A second variation of the sealing protection device is shown. In this second variation, the sealing protection device is formed as a protrusion 200 of the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the second corner structure 10, which extends above the assembly groove 136. Therefore, the protrusion 200 protrudes in the longitudinal direction X of the second corner structure 10 and is positioned within the extension of the flexible sealing sheet 34. As shown in the figure, one end of the protrusion 200 thus overlaps with the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the first corner structure 10, thereby covering the assembly groove 136. In another variation, not shown, the protrusion 200 may belong to the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the first corner structure 10.

[0111] Therefore, in this second variation, the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the second corner structure 10 includes: a body 201 located above the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 of the second corner structure 10; and a protrusion 200. In this second variation, the protrusion 200 and the body 201 have equal lateral dimensions; in other words, the protrusion 200 extends the entire body 201 at the assembly groove 136.

[0112] Figure 12 A third variation of the sealing protection device is shown. In this third variation, similar to the second variation, the sealing protection device is also formed as a protrusion 200 extending above the assembly groove 136 of the flexible sealing sheet 34. However, in this variation, the protrusion 200 exists on both the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the first corner structure 10 and the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the second corner structure 10. Furthermore, the protrusion 200 is located in the extension of the intermediate region 30, such that the protrusion 200 is positioned to straddle the edge 15 between the first connecting region 16 and the second connecting region 17.

[0113] It is possible Figure 12 As shown, unlike the second variant, the protrusion 200 no longer straddles the other corner structure 10, but in this case only partially covers the assembly groove 136. For example, the protrusion 200 has a dimension of approximately 10 mm in the longitudinal direction X, while the assembly groove has a dimension of approximately 30 mm.

[0114] Figure 13A fourth variation of the sealing protection device is shown. In this variation, the sealing protection device is an additional component, which in this case is a flexible sealing strip 202 disposed in the extension of the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the first and second corner structures 10. The flexible sealing strip 202 is coupled to the first corner structure 10 on one side and to the second corner structure 10 on the other side, and the coupling is, for example, a point coupling.

[0115] Therefore, the flexible sealing strip 202 is arranged above the assembly groove 136, straddling the edge 15, and located in the middle region 30. In other words, the flexible sealing strip 202 is arranged between the first connection region 16 and the second connection region 17 of the first and second corner structures 10. Thus, the flexible sealing strip 202 covers the area in the assembly groove 136 where adhesive dripping is a problem.

[0116] at last, Figure 14 A fifth variation of the sealing protection device is shown. In this variation, the sealing protection device includes a first strip 203 disposed at a first longitudinal end of the first corner structure 10 proximal to the assembly groove, and bonded to the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the first corner structure 10 in a protruding manner in the thickness direction. Similarly, the sealing protection device also includes a second strip 204 disposed at a first longitudinal end of the second corner structure 10 proximal to the assembly groove 136, and bonded to the flexible sealing sheet 34 of the second corner structure 10 in a protruding manner in the thickness direction.

[0117] like Figure 14 As shown, the first strip 203 and the second strip 204 are thus joined together to face each other on both sides of the assembly groove 136, thereby forming a barrier of adhesive 129 in the intermediate region 30. Specifically, the first strip 203 and the second strip 204 are joined to straddle the edge 15, located between the first connecting region 16 and the second connecting region 17.

[0118] The aforementioned techniques for forming tank walls can be used in various types of tanks, such as for creating secondary layers of LNG tanks in onshore facilities or floating structures like liquefied gas carriers. The assembly of the primary layer is known and can be performed using known techniques.

[0119] Reference Figure 15A partial cross-sectional view of the liquefied gas carrier 70 shows a generally prismatic, sealed, and thermally insulated tank 71 installed within the twin hulls 72 of the carrier 70. The walls of the tank 71 include: a primary sealing membrane intended to contact the LNG contained within the tank; a secondary sealing membrane disposed between the primary sealing membrane and the twin hulls 72 of the carrier 70; and two thermally insulated barriers disposed between the primary and secondary sealing membranes and between the secondary sealing membrane and the twin hulls 72, respectively.

[0120] In a manner known per se, the loading / unloading pipe 73 arranged on the upper deck of the transport vessel can be connected to a sea or port terminal by appropriate connectors to transfer LNG cargo from or to the tank 71.

[0121] Figure 15 An example of a marine terminal is shown, comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76, and a land-based facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a movable boom 74 and a tower 78 supporting the movable boom 74. The movable boom 74 carries bundles of insulated flexible tubing 79, which can be connected to a loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional movable boom 74 can be adjusted to accommodate liquefied gas carriers of all sizes. A connecting pipeline (not shown) extends within the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows loading and unloading of liquefied gas carriers 70 from the land-based facility 77, or allows loading and unloading of liquefied gas carriers 70 to the land-based facility 77. The facility includes: tanks 80 for storing liquefied gases; and a connecting pipeline 81 connected to the loading or unloading station 75 via the underwater pipeline 76. The underwater pipeline 76 allows for the transfer of liquefied gas over long distances—e.g., 5 km—between loading or unloading station 75 and onshore facility 77, which makes it possible to keep the liquefied gas carrier 70 at a great distance from land during loading and unloading operations.

[0122] To generate the pressure required to transfer liquefied gas, pumps on the transport vessel 70 and / or pumps mounted on the land facility 77 and / or pumps mounted on the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0123] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and that the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described apparatus and combinations thereof, provided that they fall within the scope of the invention.

[0124] The use of the verbs “comprising” or “including” and their variations does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps besides those described in the claims.

[0125] Any reference numerals in parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A sealed and thermally insulated can (1) intended to be integrally disposed in a support structure (3), the sealed and thermally insulated can (1) comprising a first corner structure (10, 110) and a second corner structure (10, 110), the first corner structure and the second corner structure (10, 110) being mounted along an edge (301) of the support structure (3) to define an assembly groove (136) between the first corner structure and the second corner structure (10, 110), each of the first corner structure and the second corner structure (10, 110) comprising: - A first plate (11) and a second plate (12), the first plate (11) being made of a heat-insulating material and the second plate (12) being made of a heat-insulating material, the first plate (11) and the second plate (12) each having a flat inner surface (13) intended to be turned toward the interior of the sealed and heat-insulating can (1) and an outer surface (14) intended to be turned toward the support structure (3); the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate (11) is inclined relative to the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate (12) at an angle (A) corresponding to the corner region to be formed of the sealed and heat-insulating can (1), the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate and the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate form a dihedral angle having an edge (15) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) of the corner structure (10, 110); - A flexible sealing sheet (34) is arranged to sit across the flat inner surface of the first plate and the flat inner surface of the second plate; Wherein, the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate includes a first connecting region (16), and the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate includes a second connecting region (17). The first connecting region (16) and the second connecting region (17) are spaced apart from the edge (15). The first connecting region (16) is provided with an adhesion device (29) for sealingly attaching the flexible sealing sheet (34) to the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate, and the second connecting region (17) is provided with an adhesion device (29) for attaching the flexible sealing sheet (34) to the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate. And wherein the sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) includes a sealing protection device located at the assembly tank (136) and at least partially between the first connection area (16) and the second connection area (17), the sealing protection device being configured to prevent fluid disposed on the flexible sealing sheet (34) between the first connection area (16) and the second connection area (17) from dripping into the assembly tank (136).

2. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing protection device includes: a first strip disposed at a first longitudinal end of the first corner structure (10, 110) proximal to the assembly groove (136), and the first strip being attached to the flexible sealing sheet (34) of the first corner structure (10, 110) to protrude in the thickness direction; and a second strip disposed at a first longitudinal end of the second corner structure (10, 110) proximal to the assembly groove (136), and the second strip being attached to the flexible sealing sheet (34) of the second corner structure (10, 110) to protrude in the thickness direction.

3. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing protection device is arranged to correspond with the assembly slot (136).

4. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The sealing protection device extends in the extension of the flexible sealing sheet (34) of one of the first corner structure and the second corner structure (10, 110).

5. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first corner structure and the second corner structure (10, 110) each include a receiving space (18) designed to receive a drip-proof liner (31) at a first longitudinal end (22) of the corner structure (10, 110). The receiving space (18) is positioned between the flexible sealing sheet (34) on one side and the inner surface (13) of the first plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34) and the inner surface (13) of the second plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34) on the other side. The receiving space (18) is positioned to straddle the edge (15) between the first connecting region and the second connecting region (17). The sealing protection device includes a drip-proof liner (31) at least partially disposed in the receiving space (18), and The anti-drip liner (31) has translational freedom along the edge (15) of the dihedral angle of the corner structure (10, 110) in the receiving space (18).

6. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The anti-drip liner (31) is made of a flexible polymer material, preferably a vinyl material.

7. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein, The anti-drip liner (31) has translational freedom along the edge (15) of the dihedral angle of the corner structure in the receiving space (18, 19).

8. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The receiving space (18) is a first receiving space, and the corner structure (10, 110) includes a second receiving space (19) designed to receive the anti-drip liner (31) at a second longitudinal end (23) of the corner structure (10, 110) opposite to the first longitudinal end (22). The second receiving space is positioned between the flexible sealing sheet (34) on one side and the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34) and the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34) on the other side. The second receiving space is positioned to straddle the edge (15) between the first connecting region (16) and the second connecting region (17).

9. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein, The adhesive device (29) of the first connecting region (16) and / or the adhesive device (29) of the second connecting region (17) take the form of an adhesive strip (29).

10. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, The wooden wedge (24) is inserted between the flexible sealing sheet (34) on one side and the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate and the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate on the other side, in a manner consistent with the edge (15) of the dihedral, and the receiving space (18) is located between the flexible sealing sheet (34) and the wooden wedge.

11. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein, The dihedral formed by the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate (11) and the flat inner surface (13) of the second plate (12) is a first dihedral, and the longitudinal direction is a first longitudinal direction (X). The corner structure also includes a third plate (112) made of a heat-insulating material, the third plate having a flat inner surface (13) intended to be turned toward the interior of the sealed and heat-insulating tank (1) and an outer surface (14) intended to be turned toward the support structure (3). The flat inner surface (13) of the third plate (112) interrupts the edge (15) of the first dihedral at the end opposite to the first longitudinal end (22) of the edge (15) of the first dihedral. The flat inner surface (13) of the third plate (112) and the flat inner surface (13) of the first plate (11) form a second dihedral, the second dihedral having an edge (151) extending in a second longitudinal direction (Y) intersecting the first longitudinal direction. The flexible sealing sheet (34) is also arranged to sit across the flat inner surface (13) of the third plate, the flat inner surface (13) of the third plate including a third connecting region (16) spaced apart from the edge (151) of the second dihedral, the third connecting region (16) being provided with an adhesion device (29) that also sealably attaches the flexible sealing sheet (34) to the flat inner surface (13) of the third plate. Wherein, the receiving space (18) is a first receiving space, the corner structure (110) includes a second receiving space, the second receiving space is intended to receive the anti-drip liner (31) at the end (221) of the corner structure (110) in the second longitudinal direction, the second receiving space (18) is positioned between the flexible sealing sheet (34) on one side and the inner surface (13) of the first plate covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34) and the inner surface (13) of the third plate (112) covered by the flexible sealing sheet (34), the second receiving space (18) is positioned to straddle the edge (151) of the second dihedral corner between the first connecting area and the third connecting area.

12. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, The receiving space (18) of the first corner structure (10, 110) is arranged to face the receiving space (19) of the second corner structure (10, 110), the anti-drip liner (31) has a first end portion (310) engaged in the receiving space (18) of the first corner structure (10, 110) and a second end portion (313) engaged in the receiving space (19) of the second corner structure (10, 110), and the anti-drip liner (31) has a middle portion (312) extending across the assembly groove (136).

13. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein, The anti-drip liner (31) includes a device (314) for assisting positioning, the device (314) defining the middle portion (312) of the anti-drip liner (31).

14. The sealed and thermally insulated tank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, The sealing connecting sheet (35) is combined into the flexible sealing sheet (34) straddling the first corner structure (10, 110) and the flexible sealing sheet (34) of the second corner structure (10, 110), thereby covering the assembly groove (136).

15. A transport vessel (70) for transporting cold liquid products, the transport vessel comprising a twin hull (72) and a sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 disposed in the twin hull.

16. A system for transferring a cold liquid product, the system comprising a transport vessel (70) according to claim 15; isolation conduits (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) of the transport vessel to a floating storage facility or a land-based storage facility (77); and a pump for pumping a flow of cold liquid product from the floating storage facility or the land-based storage facility through the isolation conduits to the tank of the transport vessel, or for pumping a flow of cold liquid product from the tank of the transport vessel through the isolation conduits to the floating or land-based storage facility.

17. A method for loading or unloading a transport ship (70), wherein, The cold liquid product is transported from a floating storage facility or an onshore storage facility (77) through insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) to the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) of the transport vessel (70) according to claim 15, or the cold liquid product is transported from the sealed and thermally insulated tank (71) of the transport vessel (70) according to claim 15 to the floating storage facility or an onshore storage facility (77) through insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81).

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