Insulating box for sealed and insulated tanks and method for filling the box

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insulated box for sealing and insulating a container and a method of filling the box, the insulated box comprising: a top plate and a bottom plate, and a partition plate forming an internal space subdivided into a plurality of compartments, each compartment comprising an insulating pad (18) filling the compartment, the insulating pad (18) comprising a structural insulating block (13) and at least one compressible material strip (14, 15) covering a side surface of the structural insulating block (13) and disposed in a compressed state between the structural insulating block (13) and the wall of the compartment, wherein at least one compressible material strip (14, 15) is attached to the structural insulating block (13) at an attachment portion (21) extending at least to a lower region of the structural insulating block (13), the lower region of the structural insulating block (13) being positioned closer to the bottom plate (2) than the top plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of membrane-sealed insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting fluids, such as cryogenic fluids.

[0002] Membrane-sealed insulated tanks are particularly used for storing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at atmospheric pressure and around -162°C. These tanks can be installed on land-based or floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tanks can be used to transport LNG or to contain LNG used as fuel to propel the floating structure.

[0003] The present invention relates in particular to an insulated box for forming an insulating barrier for such a tank and the filling of said box. Background Technology

[0004] In the prior art, impermeable and insulated tanks for storing liquefied natural gas are known, which are integrated into a supporting structure (such as the double hull of a ship used for transporting liquefied natural gas). Typically, such tanks have a multi-layered structure, which, in the thickness direction from the outside to the inside of the tank, sequentially includes: a secondary insulation barrier, a secondary sealing membrane, a primary insulation barrier, and a primary sealing membrane. The secondary insulation barrier is held to the supporting structure, the secondary sealing membrane abuts against the secondary insulation barrier, the primary insulation barrier abuts against the secondary sealing membrane, and the primary sealing membrane abuts against the primary insulation barrier and is intended to contact the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.

[0005] It is known that such a tank may include an insulated box, which includes a bottom plate, a top plate, side plates, and an internal partition, the bottom plate, top plate, side plates, and internal partition defining a space for arranging insulation material.

[0006] During use, the walls of the tank bear many loads. In particular, the walls are subjected to compressive forces due to the load on the tank, thermal stress when the tank is cooled, and forces due to the dynamic impact of the fluid contained in the tank.

[0007] In published text FR3149947A1, the insulation material is in the form of an insulation pad comprising an insulation block. The insulation block's ability to absorb compressive forces imparts to the insulation box particularly advantageous compressive strength characteristics applied to the insulation box in the thickness direction. Compressible strips of material cover the side surfaces of the insulation block and are arranged in a compressed state, capable of rebounding to compensate for the shrinkage of the insulation block. When the insulation block shrinks due to thermal contraction, the initially compressed compressible insulation material rebounds, thereby preventing the formation of voids that promote heat transfer. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A basic idea of ​​the present invention is to provide an insulated box that limits the gap between the compressible material strips of the insulation pad and the internal partitions or side panels of the box.

[0009] Another idea behind this invention is to provide a fast and simple filling method that improves the production performance of insulated boxes.

[0010] Another idea behind this invention is to provide a filling method that enables the creation of insulated boxes with better thermal insulation properties.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides an insulated box for a sealed and insulated tank intended to contain liquefied gas, the insulated box comprising: The insulation box comprises a top plate, a bottom plate, and partition plates. The top and bottom plates are spaced apart along the thickness direction of the insulation box, and the partition plates connect the bottom and top plates to form an internal space subdivided into multiple compartments. Each compartment has an insulation pad filling the compartment. The insulation pad includes a structural insulation block and at least one compressible material strip. The structural insulation block extends from the bottom plate to the top plate to absorb compressive forces applied to the top plate along the thickness direction. The at least one compressible material strip covers the side surface of the structural insulation block and is arranged in a compressed state between the structural insulation block and the partition plates. In this embodiment, at least one compressible material strip is attached to the structural insulation block at an attachment portion that extends at least to the lower region of the structural insulation block, the lower region of the structural insulation block being positioned closer to the bottom plate than the top plate.

[0012] By attaching compressible material strips to the lower region of the insulation block, the compressible material strips are secured to the lower region of the structural insulation block. When filling the insulation box, the insulation pad is inserted into the compartment from its lower region to its upper region. Because the lower region of the insulation pad is formed as a single piece (i.e., the structural insulation block and one or more compressible material strips attached to it), it facilitates the insertion of the insulation pad into the compartment. This avoids gaps in the compartment, between the structural insulation block and one or more compressible material strips, and between one or more compressible material strips and the partition plate, which would be caused by improper insertion of the insulation pad. Therefore, an insulation box with improved insulation performance is obtained.

[0013] According to some embodiments, such an insulated box may have one or more of the following features.

[0014] The structural insulation block can be made of different materials. In one embodiment, the structural insulation block is made of polymer foam, preferably fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam.

[0015] In one embodiment, the attachment portion extends on the bottom surface of the structural insulation block facing the base plate.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the attachment portion extends on the lower portion of the side surface of the structural insulation block covered by a strip of compressible material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the compressible material strip is a first compressible material strip, and the side surface of the structural insulation block is the first side surface of the structural insulation block. The insulation block has a parallelepiped shape, and the insulation pad has a second, a third, and a fourth compressible material strip respectively covering the second, third, and fourth side surfaces of the structural insulation block. Each of the second, third, and fourth compressible material strips is attached to the structural insulation block at the attachment point.

[0018] The compartments and associated structural insulation blocks can have different shapes. According to an embodiment, the compartments and associated structural insulation blocks can be in the form of parallelepipeds with polygonal surfaces, preferably in the form of right parallelepipeds.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the thermal insulation pad may include a plurality of compressible material strips, which are located between one and a plurality of side surfaces of the structural thermal insulation block, for example, the number of side surfaces of the structural thermal insulation block is equal to four.

[0020] In one embodiment, the attachment portion extends on the lower portion of the side surface or each side surface of the structural insulation block, which is covered by at least one strip of compressible material, from the end of the side surface closest to the bottom plate to a predetermined height.

[0021] In one embodiment, the attachment portion includes an adhesive layer or tape layer for attaching a compressible strip of material to the structural insulation block.

[0022] Advantageously, the predetermined height is at least 20 mm, and preferably no more than 60 mm.

[0023] One or more compressible material strips may be made of different materials. In an embodiment, the compressible material strip, or each compressible material strip, includes a compressible fiber layer, which may be formed of one of the following materials: glass wool, rock wool, and polyester filler. Preferably, the material of the compressible fiber layer is glass wool. According to one embodiment, the compressible material strip, or each compressible material strip, includes a compressible fiber layer and a cover sheet. Advantageously, the cover sheet at least partially covers the surface of the compressible fiber layer away from the structural insulation block.

[0024] Advantageously, the two compressible material strips cover two opposite side surfaces of the structural insulation block, and each compressible material strip includes a compressible fiber layer, the cover sheet extending integrally on the surfaces of the two compressible fiber layers away from the structural insulation block and on the bottom surface of the structural insulation block facing the base plate.

[0025] In one embodiment, the cover sheet is attached (e.g., glued or nailed) to the bottom surface of the structural insulation block.

[0026] In one embodiment, the compressible material strip or each compressible material strip includes a compressible fiber layer and two cover sheets, each cover sheet at least partially covering the surface of the compressible fiber layer away from the structural insulation block and the surface of the compressible fiber layer covering the structural insulation block.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the cover sheet comprises a material selected from kraft paper, plastic film (e.g., PVC) and metal foil (e.g., aluminum), particularly comprising at least one layer of a multilayer material selected from kraft paper, plastic film and metal foil.

[0028] In one embodiment, a cover sheet partially covers the surface of a compressible fiber layer away from the structural insulation block. The surface of the fiber layer includes a covered area and a free area, the covered area being covered by the cover sheet, and the free area extending from one end of the cover sheet to the upper and / or lower end of the surface of the compressible fiber layer.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the dimension of the free region in the thickness direction of the insulation box is between 3 mm and 35 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 25 mm. According to another embodiment, the dimension of the free region in the thickness direction of the insulation box is greater than 5 mm or even greater than 7 mm. In some embodiments, the dimension of the free region in the thickness direction of the insulation box is less than 30 mm, less than 20 mm, or less than 15 mm.

[0030] In one embodiment, the partition includes side panels arranged along the edges of the bottom and top panels and an inner partition extending between the side panels.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a filling method for filling an insulated box, the method comprising the following steps: • Provide a box frame, which includes a bottom plate and partition plates, the partition plates protruding from the bottom plate along the thickness direction of the insulated box to form an internal space subdivided into multiple compartments; • Provide a thermal insulation pad comprising a structural thermal insulation block and at least one compressible material strip covering a side surface of the structural thermal insulation block, the at least one compressible material strip being attached to the structural thermal insulation block at an attachment portion extending at least into a lower region of the structural thermal insulation block; • An insertion tool is provided, comprising a rigid frame having a lower surface intended to be disposed on a support surface of a partition plate surrounding the compartment, the support surface being a surface opposite to the bottom plate in the thickness direction of the insulated box, and at least one side of the rigid frame having an inclined side surface extending toward the bottom surface of the rigid frame and toward the inner side of the rigid frame. • Position the insertion tool on the box frame so that the rigid frame surrounds the compartment; • The insulation pad is inserted into the compartment by inserting it through the rigid frame, such that the lower region of the structural insulation block faces the base plate. At least one compressible strip of the insulation pad is compressed toward the structural insulation block by sliding on the inclined side surface during insertion, until the structural insulation block abuts against the base plate.

[0032] Similar to the compartments and structural insulation blocks, the rigid frame can have various shapes, including any polygonal profile corresponding to the outline of the compartment and associated structural insulation block. Thus, for example, the rigid frame can have a triangular, rectangular, or hexagonal profile. Preferably, the rigid frame, compartment, and associated structural insulation block have rectangular outlines.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the inclined side surface of the rigid frame includes a curved portion having an increasing inclination toward the base plate, the curved portion extending at least to the level of the lower surface of the rigid frame.

[0034] Due to the increased inclination of the curved section, progressive compression can be applied to the compressible material strip during insertion movement, which improves material life and avoids stamping damage.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the inclined side surface includes a flat upper portion and a curved portion below the flat upper portion.

[0036] In one embodiment, the insertion tool includes a positioning flange extending from the bottom surface of the rigid frame toward the base plate. The surface of the positioning flange contacts the side surface of a partition plate to position the insertion tool on the box frame, the side surface of which faces the inside or outside of the box frame's interior space.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the positioning flange has two vertical elements, and the surface of the positioning flange contacts the side surfaces of the two vertical partition plates of the box frame.

[0038] Because of these features, the insertion tool can be positioned in both the length and width directions of the box frame, which ensures the precise positioning of the insertion tool.

[0039] According to one embodiment, a positioning flange extends from the lower surface of the corner region of the rigid frame, and the surface of the positioning flange contacts the outer surfaces of the two side plates of the insulation box in the corner region of the insulation box.

[0040] In one embodiment, the insertion tool includes a grid formed by insertion rods defining a plurality of rigid frames for surrounding a respective compartment, each insertion rod including a lower surface supported on an upper surface of the partition plate opposite to the bottom plate.

[0041] Because of these features, the size of the insertion tool can be determined to fill multiple or even all compartments of the insulation box without repositioning the insertion tool.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the insertion rod includes two inclined side surfaces, which face the lower surface of the insertion rod and extend toward the interior of the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame, respectively. The insertion rod together forms one side of the first rigid frame and one side of the second rigid frame. The method includes the following steps: The first thermal insulation pad is inserted into the first compartment of the box frame by inserting the first thermal insulation pad through the first rigid frame, and the second thermal insulation pad is inserted into the second compartment of the box frame by inserting the second thermal insulation pad through the second rigid frame. During insertion, the compressible material strip of the first thermal insulation pad is compressed toward the structural thermal insulation block of the first thermal insulation pad by sliding on the first inclined side surface, and the compressible material strip of the second thermal insulation pad is compressed toward the structural thermal insulation block of the second thermal insulation pad by sliding on the second inclined side surface during insertion.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a sealed and insulated tank for containing liquefied gas, the tank including a tank wall comprising: an insulation barrier for fixing to a support structure, and a sealing membrane fixed to the insulation barrier, the insulation barrier including the aforementioned insulation box.

[0044] Therefore, when a tank contains liquefied gas (such as LNG), the evaporation rate of the liquefied gas (also known as the "boil-off rate, BOR") decreases.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a vessel for transporting cold liquid products, the vessel having a double hull and the aforementioned tank arranged within the double hull.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a system for transferring cold liquid products, the system comprising the aforementioned vessel, insulated piping, and a pump, the insulated piping being arranged such that the insulated piping connects the vessel's tanks to a floating or shore-based storage facility, and the pump being used to convey a flow of cold liquid products through the insulated piping, from the floating or shore-based storage facility to the vessel's tanks or from the vessel's tanks to the floating or shore-based storage facility.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for using the aforementioned vessel, wherein liquefied gas is guided through insulated pipes to a tank on the vessel or from a tank on the vessel to a floating or shore storage facility for loading or unloading the vessel. Attached Figure Description

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

[0049] Figure 1 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an insulated box with an insulating pad according to one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the insulation box frame, in which the insulation pad has been intentionally omitted.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of an insulation pad that can be used in an insulation box according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a compressible strip of material including a fiber layer and a cover sheet.

[0053] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 A perspective view showing that the compressible material strip comprises a fiber layer and two cover sheets.

[0054] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat insulation pad according to the second embodiment.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the insertion tool used to insert the heat insulation pad.

[0056] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The Insert tool provides a quarter-cut perspective view.

[0057] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the insulation box frame, in which, Figure 7 The insertion tools are arranged on the compartment.

[0058] Figure 10 This is a top and perspective view of the insertion tool according to a variant embodiment.

[0059] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 10 The arrangement in Figure 2 A perspective view of the insertion tool on the frame of the insulated box and the insulation pad arranged above the insertion tool and the lower compartment.

[0060] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of plane II.

[0061] Figure 13 It is similar to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view showing the insulation pad inserted into the compartment.

[0062] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the wall of a sealed and insulated tank according to one embodiment.

[0063] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ship's tank and the dock used for loading / unloading the tank.

[0064] Figure 16 It shows Figure 4 Variations of the embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0065] exist Figure 1 An exploded perspective view shows an insulated box 1 that can be used in an insulation barrier designed to contain liquefied gas tanks.

[0066] The structure of the insulated box 1 has a generally rectangular shape. For example, the structure of the insulated box 1 is made of plywood. In the reference system of the insulated box 1, the term "upper" or "top" will be used to describe the portion closer to the top plate, and the term "lower" or "bottom" will be used to describe the portion closer to the bottom plate. During the use of the insulated box 1, this insulated box 1 can, of course, have any orientation relative to the Earth's gravity.

[0067] The structure of the heat insulation box 1 includes a bottom plate 2 and a top plate 3. The bottom plate 2 is located opposite to the heat insulation box 1 and is located at a distance from the heat insulation box 1 along the thickness direction E.

[0068] For example, the top plate 3 includes two grooves 34 for accommodating welding supports for welding the sealing membrane.

[0069] The distance between the bottom plate 2 and the top plate 3 is maintained by four side plates 7, 8, 10, and 11, which face each other in pairs and connect the bottom plate 2 and the top plate 3 along the edges to form the internal space 5 of the heat insulation box 1.

[0070] Multiple internal partitions 9 and 12 divide the internal space 5 into multiple compartments 6. Side panels 7, 8, 10, and 11, together with the multiple internal partitions 9 and 12, constitute the partitions of the heat insulation box 1 and are also part of the structure of the heat insulation box 1.

[0071] exist Figure 2 The perspective view shows the frame 28 of the insulated box. The structure of the insulated box 1 without the top plate 3 is referred to as the frame 28.

[0072] Figure 2 The frame 28 does not completely correspond to the insulation box 1. In fact, the insulation box 1 is particularly suitable for forming a secondary insulation box, and Figure 2 The frame 28 is particularly suitable for forming the main insulation box. For the sake of brevity, the same reference numerals are used for corresponding elements of the insulation box 1 and the frame 28. Therefore, the following description applies to either the main insulation box or the secondary insulation box.

[0073] Each compartment 6 of the insulated box 1 (or frame 28) includes an insulating pad 18 that fills the compartment 6, that is, the insulating pad 18 fills the compartment 6 as completely as possible to limit the possibility of gas convection in the compartment 6.

[0074] For this purpose, each insulation pad 18 includes an insulation block 13 and compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, 17 (e.g., glass wool strips), the insulation block 13 being made of fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam, each compressible material strip having a generally cuboid shape. The foam block 13 has a structural function because it helps to absorb compressive forces applied along the thickness direction E of the insulation box 1.

[0075] The heat insulation block 13 is located at the center of the compartment 6, and four compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 are positioned to abut against the four side surfaces of the heat insulation block 13. The four side surfaces of the heat insulation block 13 are completely covered by the four strips 14, 15, 16, and 17.

[0076] In other words, the compressible material strip 14 covers the first side surface of the heat insulation block 13, the compressible material strip 15 covers the second side surface of the heat insulation block 13, the compressible material strip 16 covers the third side surface of the heat insulation block 13, and the compressible material strip 17 covers the fourth side surface of the heat insulation block 13.

[0077] Depending on the location of compartment 6, four compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 are arranged in a compressed state between the side surface of the insulation block 13 and the wall of compartment 6 (i.e., the internal partitions 9 and 12 and / or the side panels 7, 8, 10, and 11).

[0078] The thickness of the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 prevents gaps from forming between the wall of compartment 6 and the insulation pad 18. In fact, when the insulation block 13 shrinks due to thermal contraction, the initially compressed compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 spring back to fill the available space. Increasing the thickness of the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 eliminates the possibility of gaps forming in the insulation box 1. The thickness of strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 can be selected such that, at ambient temperature, the compression ratio of the compressible material strips in compartment 6 is between 5% and 25%, preferably between 10% and 20%, where the compression ratio is the ratio between the thickness of the compressible material strip when compressed and its thickness when at rest.

[0079] Overcompression of the compressible strip can impair its gap-avoidance function by generating excessive friction on the compartment walls, leading to poor positioning and / or deterioration of the thermal properties of the compressible strip.

[0080] Here, the insulated box 1 has 28 compartments 6. Figure 2 The skeleton 28 comprises 32 compartments 6. The number of compartments may also be greater or less than these examples. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The dimensions and number of compartments in the insulated box 1 and frame 28 shown are exemplary.

[0081] refer to Figure 2 For better visibility, the heat insulation pad has been omitted from the frame 28. The internal partition 9 is parallel to the two side panels 7 and 8. Each internal partition 9 extends from the side panel 10 to the side panel 11 located opposite the side panel 10.

[0082] The inner partition 12 is perpendicular to the inner partition 9, that is, the inner partition 12 is parallel to the side panels 10 and 11 and intersects the inner partition 9 perpendicularly.

[0083] Further details regarding the construction of internal partitions 9 and 12 can be found in published texts FR2867831A1 or FR3149947A1.

[0084] Some internal partitions 9 are aligned with grooves 34, and some internal partitions 9 are thicker than the other partitions.

[0085] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The first embodiment of the heat insulation pad 18 is described.

[0086] Figure 3 The insulation pad 18 is shown, wherein two compressible material strips 14 and 15 cover two adjacent side surfaces of the insulation block 13. Two additional compressible material strips 16 and 17 are omitted and have the same structure.

[0087] Strip 14 has two flanges 19 projecting from the side surface of the insulation block 13. Each flange 19 has an inner surface that serves as a contact surface for strips 15 and 17 adjacent to strip 14. Thus, one side surface of strip 15 contacts the inner surface of flange 19. Therefore, strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 completely cover the side surface of the insulation block 13.

[0088] Compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 are bonded to the heat insulation block 13 at attachment portions 21, which in this embodiment include the bottom portion 22 of each side surface of the heat insulation block 13. The lower portion 22 of the side surface of the heat insulation block 13 extends from the end of the side surface closest to the base plate 2 to a predetermined height h. The predetermined height h is at least 10% of the height of the heat insulation block, preferably at least 13% of the height of the heat insulation block, and advantageously between 13% and 30% of the height of the heat insulation block.

[0089] The lower portion 22 of the side surface may include an adhesive layer, for example, which may be applied by spraying. In a variant, the bottom portion 22 may include an adhesive tape layer. Depending on the nature of the adhesive or tape chosen, the predetermined height h may be larger or smaller. In a variant, all side surfaces of the insulation block 13 may be glued. As will be described, it is important that the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, 17 adhere tightly to the side surfaces of the insulation block 13 when the insulation block 13 is inserted into the compartment 6.

[0090] Therefore, refer to Figure 3 Strips 14 and 15 are anchored to the insulation block 13 via the bottom portion 22 of the side surface of the insulation block 13. Strips 16 and 17 can also be attached to the insulation block 13 in the same manner. Thus, the lower region of the insulation pad 18 is secured together. When the insulation pad 18 is inserted into the box 1, the lower region is the first area of ​​the insulation pad 18 that contacts the internal partitions 9, 12 or side panels 7, 8, 10, 11 of the insulation box 1. Therefore, it is convenient for the insulation pad 18 to be inserted into the insulation box 1 through the lower region, and the risk of voids being generated in the compartment 6 is eliminated or greatly reduced.

[0091] exist Figure 4In this design, the compressible material strip 14 includes a fiber layer 57 and a cover sheet 23 that covers one of the main surfaces of the fiber layer 57. The cover sheet 23 can cover a surface intended to cover the insulation block 13 or a surface opposite to the insulation block 13. When the cover sheet 23 rotates toward the insulation block 13, the strip 14 can be anchored to the insulation block 13 by bonding the cover sheet 23 to the insulation block 13. In practice, the fiber-reinforced polyurethane foam of the insulation block 13 has a rough surface that may abrade the fiber layer 57. Therefore, the cover sheet 23 constitutes a protective layer for the fiber layer 57 of the strip. The material of the cover sheet 23 can be selected as tape that facilitates adhesion to the lower portion 22 of the side surface of the insulation block 13.

[0092] With the surface of the cover strip 14 of the cover plate 23 opposite to the heat insulation block 13, it is convenient to insert the heat insulation pad 18 into the compartment 6. In fact, the cover plate 23 constituting the outer surface of the heat insulation pad 18 can be selected to limit the friction between the internal partitions 9, 12 or side plates 7, 8, 10, 11 of the box 1 and the heat insulation pad 18. Therefore, the outer surface of the heat insulation pad 18 slides better on the inner surface of the internal partitions 9, 12 or side plates 7, 8, 10, 11.

[0093] exist Figure 5 In the variant shown, the two main surfaces of the fiber layer 57 are covered by cover sheets 23 and 25, respectively. This allows the aforementioned advantages to be accumulated.

[0094] exist Figure 16 In the variant shown, the free areas of the fiber layer 57 are not covered by the cover sheet 23. The cover sheet 23 only covers the area located in the middle of the fiber layer 57 along the thickness direction E of the insulation box 1. For example, the free areas include an upper free area 68 and / or a lower free area 69. Therefore, the upper free area 68 and / or the lower free area 69 of the fiber layer 57 can have greater flexibility than the covered areas to ensure optimal contact with the walls of the compartment 6 at the top (i.e., near the top plate 3) and / or near the bottom (near the bottom plate 2).

[0095] although Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 16 The properties associated with compressible material strip 14 are described, but it is obvious that the described properties also apply to compressible material strips 15, 16 and 17.

[0096] refer to Figure 6Another embodiment of the insulation pad 18 is shown, wherein strips 14 and 16 are assembled to the insulation block 13 by a single cover sheet 26. The cover sheet 26 covers the main surface of the fiber layer of strip 14 opposite to the insulation block 13, and the cover sheet 26 extends this surface through the lower surface 59 of the insulation block 13, and then covers the main surface of the fiber layer of strip 16 opposite to the insulation block 13.

[0097] Cover sheet 26 is attached to the lower surface 59 of insulation block 13 by fastener 27 (e.g., clip). Alternatively or in combination, the above adhesive can also be used to secure strips 14 and 16 to insulation block 13.

[0098] In this way, the cover sheet 26 encapsulates the heat insulation pad 18 on two opposing side surfaces of the heat insulation block 13. When the lower region of the heat insulation pad 18 is inserted into the heat insulation box 1, for example by pushing the heat insulation block 13 downward, the outer surface of the cover sheet 26, which contacts the inner surface of the inner partitions 9, 12 or the side plates 7, 8, 10, 11, slides on the inner surface of the inner partitions 9, 12 or the side plates 7, 8, 10, 11. The cover sheet 26 drives the compressible material strips 14 and 16 during the downward movement of the heat insulation block 13 by sliding on the inner surface of the inner partitions or side plates. Therefore, insertion of the heat insulation pad 18 is facilitated.

[0099] The cover plate 26 can be selected to limit the friction between the internal partitions 9, 12 or side plates 7, 8, 10, 11 of the chamber 1 and the heat insulation pad 18. Therefore, the outer surface of the heat insulation pad 18 slides on the inner surface of the compartment 6.

[0100] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The insertion tool 40 is now described. The insertion tool 40 includes four walls 41 arranged in the form of a rigid rectangular frame, which defines an insertion space 47. The insertion tool 40 is intended to be arranged on the upper surface of the internal partitions 9, 12 or side panels 7, 8, 10, 11 surrounding the compartment 6 to assist the operator in filling the compartment 6 with the aforementioned insulating pad 18.

[0101] Each wall 41 has a flange 43 that inserts into the compartment 6, and one surface of the flange 43 contacts the inner surface of the inner partition or side panel surrounding the compartment 6. A base 44 extends beyond the flange 43 of each wall 41 and is perpendicular to the flange 43 of each wall 41. The base 44 of each wall 41 is designed to be arranged on the upper surface of the inner partition or side panel. Therefore, the base 44 provides good stability of the insertion tool 40 on the box, and the flange 43 ensures precise positioning of the tool 40 on the compartment 6. In other words, when the base 44 of each wall 41 of the insertion tool 40 is arranged on the upper surface of the inner partition or side panel, the longitudinal and lateral movement of the insertion tool 40 on the box is prevented or limited by the flange 43 of each wall 41.

[0102] The cross-section of each wall 41 is partially triangular. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the inner surface 42 of the wall 41 slopes downward and includes a straight inclined portion 45, and then includes a curved portion 46 extending to the bottom of the flange 43. Thus, the straight inclined portion 45 begins from the side of the wall 41 opposite to the base 44 and extends all the way to the curved portion 46.

[0103] Figure 9 It shows Figure 2 The frame 28 and the insertion tool 40 arranged around the compartment 6 on the frame 28. The base 44 of each wall 41 (not visible in the figure) is arranged on the upper surface of the side plate 7, the upper surface of the side plate 10, the upper surface of the inner partition 9 and the upper surface of the inner partition 12, which together define the compartment 6.

[0104] The flange 43 of each wall (not visible in the figure) contacts the upper portion of the inner surface of the side plate 7, the upper portion of the inner surface of the side plate 10, the upper portion of the inner surface of the inner partition 9, and the upper portion of the inner surface of the inner partition 12. Therefore, the insertion tool 40 is positioned stably to accommodate the insulation pad 18 intended to fill the compartment 6, as if to be joined... Figure 12 and Figure 13 describe.

[0105] refer to Figures 10 to 13 The insertion tool 140 has a generally rectangular grid shape, with each grid cell corresponding to a corresponding compartment 6 to be filled. The outline of the insertion tool 140 is rectangular and includes four straight profile walls 141, 142, 143, and 145. The base 144 of the profile walls 141, 142, 143, and 145 is designed to abut against the entire upper surface of the side panels 7, 8, 10, and 11. Profile walls 141 and 143 are parallel, and profile walls 142 and 145 are also parallel. Profile walls 141 and 143 are perpendicular to profile walls 142 and 145.

[0106] The structure of the inner surface 29 of the contour walls 141, 142, 143, 145 of the insertion tool 140 is the same as that of the inner surface 42 of the insertion tool 40. Therefore, the inner surface 29 includes a straight inclined portion 145 that begins at the top of the contour wall and extends to a curved portion 146 that extends to the base 144. The insertion tool 140 also includes flanges 150 located at each corner region of the insertion tool 140. The inner surface of the flanges 150 is designed to contact the corner regions of the frame 28 to secure the tool 140 to the frame 28, such as... Figure 11 As shown.

[0107] The insertion tool 140 includes a plurality of inner rods 148, 149 defining a plurality of insertion spaces 147. The number of insertion spaces 147 corresponds to the number of compartments 6 of the skeleton 28. The inner rods 148 are parallel to the contour walls 141 and 143, and the inner rods 149 are parallel to the contour walls 142 and 145. The insertion tool 140, consisting of the contour walls 141, 142, 143, 145 and the inner rods 148, 149, can be formed as a single piece, for example, by molding or additive manufacturing (3D printing).

[0108] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the cross-section of each inner rod 148, 149 forms a right prism, the base of which forms a support member arranged on the upper surface of the inner partitions 9, 12, and the two side surfaces 153, 154 of the right prism are inclined. The base width of some inner rods 149 is greater than that of others, and some inner rods 149 are designed to abut against the upper surface of the thicker inner partition 9.

[0109] Each side surface 153 or 154 of each inner rod 148 or 149 replicates the structure of the inner surface 42 of the insertion tool 40. Therefore, the side surface 153 or 154 includes a straight inclined portion 155 that begins at the top of the inner rod 148 or 149 and extends to a curved portion 156 that extends to the base of the inner rod. Therefore, the construction and function of each insertion space 147 of the insertion tool 140 are the same as the construction and function of the insertion space 47 of the insertion tool 40.

[0110] Because of the insertion tool 140, the insulation box 1 can be filled with the insulation pad 18 using a single insertion tool. It is sufficient to place the tool 140 on the insulation box 1 after the top plate 3 has been removed, and fill the insulation box 1 with the insulation pad 18 by inserting the insulation pad 18 into the compartment 6 through the insertion space 147 of the tool 140.

[0111] The operation of insertion tool 140 will be described below. From this, the operation of insertion tool 40 can be immediately inferred. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The insertion of the insulation pad 18 into compartment 6 is shown in detail. (Reference) Figure 13 Compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 have previously been attached to the heat insulation block 13 at their attachment portions 21. The lower region of the heat insulation pad 18 is guided to the top of the insertion tool 140, aligned with the insertion space 147, for insertion into the lower compartment 6. The portion of the insertion tool 140 that contacts the heat insulation pad 18 is an inclined surface, namely the inner surface 29 and / or the side surfaces 153 and 154, depending on the position of the compartment 6.

[0112] The minimum distance d between two opposing inclined surfacespc The corresponding dimension d is smaller than that of the heat insulation pad 18. gi (i.e., the width or length of the insulation pad 18), and located at the bends 146 or 156. This feature allows the inclined surfaces to apply pressure to the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 during the insertion and downward movement of the insulation block 13. This pressure increases more rapidly along the straight inclined portions 145 and 155, and continues to increase, but less rapidly, along the bends 146 and 156. The increasing inclination of the bends 146 and 156 allows the minimum distance d to be reached gradually. pc This minimum distance locally generates the maximum degree of compression of the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, and 17 during downward movement and insertion / removal.

[0113] Preferably, the minimum distance d pc Slightly smaller than the corresponding dimension d of compartment 6 c This results in a slight contraction at the entrance of compartment 6. For example, the amplitude of this contraction is 2 mm to 10 mm, such as 5 mm. As an illustration, the minimum distance d... pc It equals 97mm, and the corresponding dimension d of compartment 6 is... c It is equal to 102mm. This contraction section restricts the friction between the compressible material strip and the wall of the compartment 6 at least in the upper part of the compartment 6, thus facilitating the proper insertion of the heat insulation pad 18 into the bottom of the compartment 6 without creating gaps between the compressible material strips 14, 15, 16, 17, the wall of the compartment 6, and the heat insulation block 13.

[0114] More specifically, regarding Figure 12 When the heat insulation pad 18 is inserted into the insertion space 147, the compressible material strips 14 and 16 are subjected to insertion pressure by the curved portion 156 of the inner rod 149 and the curved portion 146 of the contour wall 142. The compressible material strips 14 and 16 are compressed, and the outer surfaces of the strips 14 and 16 initially slide on the curved portions 146 and 156, and then slide on the side surfaces of the inner partition 9 and the side plate 7 that define the compartment 6.

[0115] The attachment portion 21 of the heat insulation block 13 is located on the lower region of the heat insulation pad 18 and engages strips 14 and 16 with the heat insulation block 13. The attachment portion 21 of the heat insulation block 13 facilitates the insertion of the heat insulation pad 18 because strips 14 and 16 are subjected to pressure by the bending portions 146 and 156 and remain integral with the bottom portion of the heat insulation block 13. An operator inserting the heat insulation pad 18 into the compartment 6 can simply position the heat insulation pad 18 in the insertion space 147 of the insertion tool 140 and push the top of the heat insulation block 13 toward the bottom of the compartment 6.

[0116] Figure 13The insulation pad 18 inserted into compartment 6 is shown. As can be seen in the figure, there is no offset between the compressible material strips 14 and 16 and the insulation block 13, or between the compressible material strips 14 and 16 and the wall of compartment 6. Furthermore, by assembling strips 14 and 16 to the attachment portion 21 of the insulation block 13, the upper surfaces of the inner partition 9, strips 14, insulation block 13, strips 16, and side plate 7 are aligned, thereby providing a perfect positional correspondence between the lower surfaces of the compressible material strips 14 and 16 and the lower surface of the insulation block 13.

[0117] Once compartment 6 is filled, insertion tool 140 is removed from frame 28 and top plate 3 can be positioned. The number of voids in the insulation box is greatly limited, and preferably, there is no space between the upper surface of the filled insulation box 1 and the top plate 3 covering that surface.

[0118] The insulated box shown above is intended to be integrated into a sealed and insulated tank designed to contain liquefied gases (such as LNG).

[0119] refer to Figure 14 The diagram schematically illustrates the multi-layered structure of a sealed and insulated tank.

[0120] Such tanks typically have a secondary insulation barrier 30, a secondary impermeable membrane 31, a primary insulation barrier 32, and a primary impermeable membrane 33, wherein the secondary insulation barrier 30 is maintained to the load-bearing structure. Figure 14 (Not shown in the image), the secondary impermeable membrane 31 rests against the secondary insulation barrier 30, the primary insulation barrier 32 rests against the secondary impermeable membrane 31, and the primary impermeable membrane 33 rests against the primary insulation barrier 32 and is intended to contact the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.

[0121] The insulation box shown above can be integrated into the secondary insulation barrier and / or the primary insulation barrier.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the main thermal insulation barrier 32 includes a plurality of thermal insulation boxes arranged side by side as described above.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the secondary insulation barrier 30 includes a plurality of the aforementioned insulation boxes and / or other insulation boxes filled with glass wool, rock wool or perlite, the other insulation boxes may have different characteristics from the aforementioned insulation boxes.

[0124] According to one embodiment, preferably, the aforementioned heat insulation box is arranged in the tank, at least at a portion of the edge between the surfaces of the polyhedral tank, and / or at the top of the tank.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the main thermal insulation barrier 32 includes a plurality of thermal insulation boxes arranged side by side as described above.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing membrane 31 and / or the primary sealing membrane 33 comprise a continuous layer of metal strips with raised edges. The metal strips are welded to parallel weld supports via their raised edges, for example, the weld supports being fixed in grooves 34 formed in the top plate 3 of the aforementioned insulation box. For example, the metal strips are made of Invar® alloy, i.e., an alloy with a coefficient of thermal expansion typically between 1.2 and 10⁻⁶. -6 K -1 Up to 2*10 -6 K -1 Iron-nickel alloys, or those with a coefficient of thermal expansion typically between 7 and 10. -6 K -1 Up to 10*10 -6 K -1 High manganese iron alloys.

[0127] refer to Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of vessel 70 (possibly a methane tanker) shows a sealed, insulated tank 71 with a prismatic, integral shape installed inside the vessel's double hull 72. The tank 71 has a primary sealing barrier designed to contact the liquefied gas (such as LNG) contained within it, a secondary sealing barrier disposed between the primary sealing barrier and the vessel's double hull 72, and two insulating barriers disposed between the primary and secondary sealing barriers and between the secondary sealing barriers and the double hull 72, respectively.

[0128] In a known manner, loading / unloading pipes 73 arranged on the upper deck of a ship can be connected to a seaport or port terminal using appropriate connectors to transfer cargo of liquefied gas (such as LNG) to or from tank 71.

[0129] Figure 15 An example of a marine terminal including a loading / unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76, and shore-based equipment 77 is shown. The loading / unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a boom 74 and a tower 78 supporting the boom 74. The boom 74 carries a bundle of flexible insulated hoses 79, which can be connected to the loading / unloading pipeline 73. The directional boom 74 is suitable for LNG carriers of all sizes. Connecting pipes (not shown) extend inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 enables vessel 70 to load and unload from or onto shore-based equipment 77. The facility includes an LPG storage tank 80 and a connecting pipe 81 connected to the loading / unloading station 75 via the underwater pipeline 76. The underwater pipeline 76 allows LPG to be transferred a considerable distance (e.g., 5 km) between the loading / unloading station 75 and the shore-based equipment 77, enabling vessel 70 to maintain a greater distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0130] To generate the pressure required for transferring liquefied gas, pumps carried on board the vessel 70 and / or pumps equipped on the shore storage equipment 77 and / or pumps equipped on the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0131] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is not limited thereto in any way, and that the invention includes all technical equivalents and combinations thereof of the described apparatus if they fall within the scope of the invention.

[0132] The use of the verbs “having,” “comprising,” or “including,” and their conjugate forms, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps that differ from those set forth in the claims.

[0133] Any reference numerals in parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. An insulated box for a sealed and insulated container intended to contain liquefied gas, the insulated box comprising: A top plate (3) and a bottom plate (2), and partition plates (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), the top plate and the bottom plate being spaced apart along the thickness direction of the insulation box, the partition plates connecting the bottom plate and the top plate to form an internal space subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6), each compartment having an insulation pad (18) filling the compartment, the insulation pad comprising a structural insulation block (13) and at least one compressible material strip (14), the structural insulation block extending from the bottom plate to the top plate to absorb compressive forces applied to the top plate along the thickness direction, the at least one compressible material strip covering the side surface of the structural insulation block and arranged in a compressed state between the structural insulation block and the partition plates (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). In this embodiment, at least one compressible material strip (14) is attached to the structural insulation block at an attachment portion (21), the attachment portion extending at least to the lower region of the structural insulation block (13), the lower region of the structural insulation block being positioned closer to the bottom plate (2) than the top plate (3).

2. The heat-insulating box according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible material strip (14) is the first compressible material strip, and the side surface of the structural heat insulation block is the first side surface of the structural heat insulation block. The heat insulation block has a parallelepiped shape, and the heat insulation pad has a second compressible material strip, a third compressible material strip, and a fourth compressible material strip (15, 16, 17) that respectively cover the second side surface, the third side surface, and the fourth side surface of the structural heat insulation block. Each of the second, third, and fourth compressible material strips is attached to the structural insulation block at the attachment portion.

3. The heat-insulating box according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The attachment portion includes an adhesive layer or tape layer for attaching the compressible material strips (14, 15, 16, 17) to the structural insulation block.

4. The insulated box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The attachment portion extends on the side surface or the lower portion (22) of the structural insulation block (13) covered by the at least one compressible material strip, and the lower portion (22) of the side surface or the lower portion (22) of each side surface extends from the end of the side surface closest to the bottom plate (2) to a predetermined height (h).

5. The heat-insulating box according to claim 4, wherein, The predetermined height is at least 20mm.

6. The insulated box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The compressible material strip or each compressible material strip includes a compressible fiber layer (57) and a cover sheet (23, 25).

7. The insulated box according to claim 6, wherein, The cover sheet (23, 25) at least partially covers the surface of the compressible fiber layer (57) away from the structural insulation block.

8. The heat-insulating box according to claim 7, wherein, Two of the compressible material strips (14, 16) cover two opposite side surfaces of the structural insulation block (13), and each compressible material strip includes a compressible fiber layer (57), and a cover sheet (26) extends integrally on the surfaces of the two compressible fiber layers away from the structural insulation block and on the bottom surface (59) of the structural insulation block facing the base plate.

9. The heat-insulating box according to claim 8, wherein, The cover sheet (26) is attached to the bottom surface (59) of the structural insulation block.

10. The insulated box according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The cover sheet (23, 26, 25) comprises a material selected from kraft paper, a plastic film such as PVC, and a metal foil such as aluminum, particularly a multilayer material comprising at least one layer selected from kraft paper, plastic film, and metal foil.

11. The insulated box according to claim 10, wherein, The cover sheet (23) partially covers the surface of the compressible fiber layer (57) away from the structural insulation block (13), the surface of the fiber layer including a covered area and a free area (69, 68), the covered area being covered by the cover sheet, and the free area extending from the cover sheet (23) to the upper and / or lower ends of the surface of the compressible fiber layer (57).

12. A sealed and insulated tank intended to contain liquefied gas, the tank including a tank wall comprising: A thermal insulation barrier (30, 32) is intended to be fixed to a support structure, and a sealing membrane (31, 33) is fixed to the thermal insulation barrier, the thermal insulation barrier comprising a thermal insulation box according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vessel (70) for transporting cold liquid products, the vessel comprising a double hull and a tank (71) according to claim 12, the tank being disposed within the double hull.

14. A system for transferring cold liquid products, the system comprising a vessel (70) according to claim 13, insulated piping, and a pump, the insulated piping being arranged to connect the vessel’s tank to a floating or shore storage facility, the pump being configured to drive a flow of cold liquid products through the insulated piping from the floating or shore storage facility to the vessel’s tank (71) or from the vessel’s tank to the floating or shore storage facility.

15. A method for using a vessel according to claim 13, wherein, The liquefied gas is guided through insulated pipes to the tank (71) on the vessel or from the tank on the vessel to the floating or shore storage equipment for loading or unloading of the vessel.

16. A filling method for filling an insulated box according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising the following steps: • A box frame (28) is provided, the box frame including a base plate (2) and partition plates (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), the partition plates protruding from the base plate along the thickness direction of the insulated box to form an internal space subdivided into a plurality of compartments (6). • Provide a heat insulation pad (18) comprising a structural heat insulation block (13) and at least one compressible material strip (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) covering a side surface of the structural heat insulation block, the at least one compressible material strip being attached to the structural heat insulation block at an attachment portion (21) extending at least into the lower region of the structural heat insulation block; • An insertion tool (40, 140) is provided, the insertion tool comprising a rigid frame having a lower surface (44, 144) intended to be arranged on a support surface of the partition plate surrounding the compartment (6), the support surface being a surface opposite the base plate (2) in the thickness direction of the insulation box, at least one side of the rigid frame having an inclined side surface (42, 154, 29, 153) extending toward the lower surface of the rigid frame and toward the inside of the rigid frame; • Position the insertion tool on the box frame such that the rigid frame surrounds the compartment (6). • The insulation pad (18) is inserted into the compartment by inserting it through the rigid frame, such that the lower region of the structural insulation block faces the base plate (2), and at least one compressible strip (14, 15, 16, 17, 18) of the insulation pad is compressed toward the structural insulation block by sliding on the inclined side surfaces (42, 154, 29, 153) during insertion until the structural insulation block (13) abuts against the base plate (2).

17. The filling method according to claim 16, wherein, The inclined side surface of the rigid frame includes a curved portion (46, 146, 156) having an increasing inclination toward the base plate, the curved portion extending at least to the level of the lower surface of the rigid frame.

18. The filling method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The insertion tool includes a positioning flange (43, 150) extending from the lower surface of the rigid frame toward the base plate, the surface of the positioning flange (43, 150) contacting the side surface of the partition plate to position the insertion tool on the box frame, the side surface of the partition plate facing the inside or outside of the interior space of the box frame (28).

19. The filling method according to claim 18, wherein, The positioning flange (43, 150) has two vertical elements, and the surface of the positioning flange contacts the side surfaces of the two vertical partition plates of the box frame.

20. The filling method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The insertion tool (140) includes a grid formed by insertion rods (148, 149) defining a plurality of rigid frames for surrounding a respective compartment, each insertion rod including a lower surface supported on an upper surface of a partition plate opposite to the base plate.

21. The filling method according to claim 20, wherein, The insertion rod (148, 149) includes two inclined side surfaces (153, 154) facing the lower surface of the insertion rod and extending toward the interior of the first rigid frame and the second rigid frame, respectively. The insertion rod (148, 149) together form one side of the first rigid frame and one side of the second rigid frame. The method includes the following steps: The first heat insulation pad (18) is inserted into the first compartment (6) of the box frame by inserting the first heat insulation pad through the first rigid frame, and the second heat insulation pad (18) is inserted into the second compartment (6) of the box frame by inserting the second heat insulation pad through the second rigid frame. The compressible material strip of the first heat insulation pad is compressed toward the structural heat insulation block of the first heat insulation pad by sliding on the first inclined side surface (153) during insertion, and the compressible material strip of the second heat insulation pad is compressed toward the structural heat insulation block of the second heat insulation pad by sliding on the second inclined side surface (154) during insertion.

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