Wall for a sealed and thermally insulating tank

Abstract

The invention relates to a wall (11) comprising an insulating barrier (14) intended to rest against a supporting structure and a sealing membrane (15) which rests against the insulating barrier, the insulating barrier comprising: a support element (30), and a modular structure situated between the support element and the sealing membrane, the modular structure being fixed against the support element, the sealing membrane resting against the modular structure and being fixed to said modular structure, the modular structure comprising a first and a second plate, the sealing membrane comprising a first region fixed to the first plate and a second region fixed to the second plate, the first plate being connected to the second plate by a connection which has a degree of freedom in translation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and a degree of connection in the thickness direction of the wall.

Description

Wall for a waterproof and thermally insulating tank

[0001] The invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating membrane tank walls.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating tank walls for the storage, transport and / or use as fuel of low-temperature liquefied gas, such as tanks intended to contain liquid hydrogen which is at approximately -253°C at atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the tank can be intended for the transport of liquefied gas or for the use of the liquefied gas as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure. Technological background

[0003] Known in the state of the art are sealed and thermally insulating tanks for storing liquefied gas, in particular tanks in which the walls successively have, in the direction of wall thickness, from the outside to the inside, a supporting structure, a thermally insulating barrier and a sealing membrane which rests against the thermally insulating barrier and which is intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas.

[0004] In this type of tank, the sealing membrane is subjected to high thermomechanical stresses, for example during loading, unloading and during the transport of the liquefied gas contained in the tank, for example in the event of sloshing during transport at sea, also known as the "sloshing" phenomenon, which generates waves of liquefied gas that break against the sealing membrane from inside the tank. These stresses are the cause of many problems of damage to the tank walls. Summary

[0005] The applicant has found that, in a tank wall of the aforementioned type, the sealing membrane is not stressed uniformly. In particular, to the extent that the thermally insulating barrier is discontinuous, that is to say that it is made up, for example, of heat-insulating elements juxtaposed with each other and each supporting a plurality of flat areas of the sealing membrane, its behavior is not uniform when the sealing membrane deforms under the effect of the thermal and mechanical stresses indicated above. In addition, hydrodynamic pressures due to the "sloshing" phenomenon are exerted locally in certain flat areas of the sealing membrane and are only absorbed by the heat-insulating element(s) which support said flat areas.However, it is important to ensure the most uniform possible distribution of the stresses of the waterproofing membrane and the thermally insulating barrier, particularly with a view to optimizing their lifespan. This disadvantage is all the more critical when the storage temperature of the liquefied gas is low and, consequently, the thermal stresses exerted on the waterproofing membrane and the thermally insulating barrier are significant.

[0006] Furthermore, the thermal insulation performance of tanks of the aforementioned type is to date insufficient to allow them to store a liquefied gas at very low temperature, such as liquid hydrogen, unless the thickness of the thermally insulating barriers is significantly increased, which is not desirable.

[0007] One idea behind the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] One idea behind the invention is to propose a waterproof and thermally insulating tank wall comprising a modular structure allowing the forces exerted on the waterproof membrane of the tank wall to be distributed more evenly.

[0009] Another idea underlying the invention is to propose a wall for a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising load-bearing elements capable of resisting the forces exerted transversely to the direction of thickness of the wall.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a wall for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas, the wall successively comprising, along a thickness direction of the wall, a thermally insulating barrier intended to be anchored, directly or indirectly, to a supporting structure and a sealing membrane which rests against the thermally insulating barrier, the thermally insulating barrier comprising: - at least one support element and - a modular structure located between the at least one support element and the sealing membrane, the modular structure being fixed against the at least one support element, the sealing membrane resting against the modular structure and being fixed to said modular structure, the modular structure comprising at least a first plate and a second plate, the sealing membrane comprises a first zone fixed to the first plate and a second zone fixed to the second plate,the first plate being connected to the second plate by a connection which has a degree of freedom in translation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the wall in order to allow contraction of the sealing membrane and a degree of connection in the direction of thickness of the wall.,

[0011] Thanks to these characteristics, the first plate and the second plate of the modular structure on which the first zone and the second zone of the waterproofing membrane are fixed can perform relative movements in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0012] This allows the waterproofing membrane, particularly when it has waves, to contract when the tank is cooled and to expand when the tank is heated, for example when the tank is emptied. More precisely, when the temperature drops in the tank, the material making up the waterproofing membrane contracts, and to compensate, the waves in the waterproofing membrane expand. That is to say, the waves are more open at a cold temperature, for example when the tank is cooled than at a warmer temperature. When the tank is heated, for example when the tank is emptied, it is the opposite.

[0013] Furthermore, the deformations of the modular structure in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the wall thickness will only be slightly transferred to the waterproofing membrane.

[0014] Furthermore, the connection of the first plate to the second plate along the thickness direction of the wall allows the dynamic pressures exerted on one of the first and second plates to also be absorbed by the other plate, which ensures better distribution of the stresses exerted on the wall. This connection also makes it possible to eliminate or at least limit the unevenness or walking phenomena between the support surfaces of the waterproofing membrane, which limits the fatigue stresses on the waterproofing membrane.

[0015] According to embodiments, such a wall may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the connection is formed by direct contact between a lateral portion of the first plate and a lateral portion of the second plate. That is to say, the first plate and the second plate touch without an intermediate piece to connect them.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate comprises at least one first rectilinear tab and one external tab respectively located on either side in the direction of thickness of the wall of a respective portion of the lateral portion of the second plate.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate comprises a second rectilinear tab, the external tab being positioned between the first and second rectilinear tabs and the lateral portion of the second plate comprises a first external tab, a second external tab and a rectilinear tab positioned between the first external tab and the second external tab of the lateral portion of the second plate, the first and second rectilinear tabs of the lateral portion of the first plate extending in a rectilinear manner and the first and second external tabs of the lateral portion of the second plate being offset in the thickness direction of the wall and positioned respectively outside the rectilinear tab of the lateral portion of the second plate,the rectilinear tab of the lateral portion of the second plate extending in a rectilinear manner and the external tab of the lateral portion of the first plate being offset according to the thickness direction of the wall and positioned outside the rectilinear tab of the lateral portion of the second plate.,

[0019] Thanks to these characteristics, the first plate is directly connected by contact to the second plate while allowing movement in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. Said movement in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall is carried out without the connection of the first plate with the second plate breaking.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the direct contact connection is a pinching of the lateral portion of the first plate with the lateral portion of the second plate. That is to say that the first plate clamps the second plate. This pinching makes it possible in particular to maintain direct contact of the first plate with the second plate in the presence of thermodynamic stress while allowing a sliding type movement, in translation in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate cooperates by form fitting with the lateral portion of the second plate and forms a fitting zone.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the interlocking zone has a through passage which passes through, in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, the lateral portion of the first plate and the lateral portion of the second plate, the through passage being formed by at least one opening made in the lateral portion of the first plate corresponding with at least one opening made in the lateral portion of the second plate, a rod being housed in said through passage so that the first plate and the second plate have a degree of connection in the thickness direction of the wall.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the rod is rectilinear.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the section along the width of the rod has a circular, square, rectangular or oblong shape.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the rod is metallic or made of rigid composite material.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the rod has a sufficient length to be housed in the at least one opening provided in the lateral portion of the first plate and in the at least one opening provided in the lateral portion of the second plate.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rod has a length equal to or greater than the length of the through passage.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rod has a height chosen so that there is no play in the direction of thickness of the wall between the rod and the through passage.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the rod has at one end a stop in the form of a base in order to hold the rod in the through passage.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the through passage is formed by a plurality of oblong-shaped openings.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the width of the through passage is less than the width of the rod in order to allow freedom in translation in the direction perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the wall.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate comprises a tenon projecting towards the second plate, said tenon being received by a mortise arranged in the lateral portion of the second plate.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate comprises a second tenon projecting towards the second plate, said second tenon being received by a second mortise arranged in the lateral portion of the second plate.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the lateral portion of the first plate comprises a third tenon projecting towards the second plate, said third tenon being received by a third mortise arranged in the lateral portion of the second plate.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first, second and third tenons each have identical or different dimensions and correspond respectively to the first, second and third mortises which each have identical or different dimensions in order to receive the corresponding tenon.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises a third plate, a fourth plate and a fifth plate, the waterproofing membrane comprising a third zone fixed to the third plate, a fourth zone fixed to the fourth plate and a fifth zone fixed to the fifth plate, the first plate being linked to the third, fourth and fifth plates by links which have a degree of freedom in translation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of thickness of the wall and a degree of connection in the direction of thickness of the wall.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first plate is connected to the third, fourth and fifth plates via respectively a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a third lateral portion and a fourth lateral portion of said first plate.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises a plurality of plates, for example sixteen plates, in which each of the plates of the plurality of plates is at least linked to one other plate, and preferably each of the plates is linked to at least two other plates, for example to three other plates or four other plates.

[0039] Thanks to these characteristics, the modular structure increases the distribution of the different stresses in a homogeneous manner, on the element(s) supporting the wall. Thus, local damage to the wall is limited.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises a third plate, a fourth plate and a fifth plate, the waterproofing membrane comprising a third zone fixed to the third plate, a fourth zone fixed to the fourth plate and a fifth zone fixed to the fifth plate, the first plate being linked to the second, third, fourth and fifth plates via respectively a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a third lateral portion and a fourth lateral portion of said first plate.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first plate has a general shape of a polygon, for example a quadrilateral and preferably a square or a rectangle. According to one embodiment, each side of the polygon corresponds respectively to a lateral portion. For example, for a plate having the shape of a quadrilateral, there is the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion, the third lateral portion and the fourth lateral portion of the first plate.

[0042] According to embodiments, the first plate has the following dimensions: - a length of between 20 and 300 centimeters (cm); - a width of between 20 and 300 cm; - a thickness of between 4 and 30 millimeters (mm).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the first plate is a metal plate, preferably comprising an alloy of iron and nickel. According to one embodiment, the first plate is a plate made of composite material. According to one embodiment, the plate made of composite material comprises a metal plate to allow the welding of the waterproofing membrane onto said metal plate.

[0044] According to embodiments, the features defining the first lateral portion of the first plate may also apply to the other lateral portions of the first plate, such as the second lateral portion, the third lateral portion and the fourth lateral portion.

[0045] According to embodiments, the characteristics defining the lateral portion of the second plate may also apply to the other lateral portions of the second plate.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first plate has an axis of symmetry. According to one embodiment, the first lateral portion and the fourth lateral portion respectively have an axis of symmetry with the second lateral portion and the third lateral portion. According to one embodiment, the axis of symmetry passes through a diagonal of the first plate.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the first lateral portion, the second lateral portion, the third lateral portion and the fourth lateral portion of the first plate each have identical or different characteristics.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first plate is fixed against the at least one support element via a first fixing located in the center of the first plate, and the second plate is fixed against the at least one support element via a second fixing located in the center of the second plate. The central fixing makes it possible to ensure better balancing of the fixing.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first fixing and the second fixing is a screw nut system or riveting.

[0050] According to embodiments, the aforementioned characteristics for the first plate also apply to the other plates of the modular structure, for example to the second plate, the third plate, the fourth plate and / or the fifth plate.

[0051] According to embodiments, the aforementioned characteristics for the second plate also apply to the other plates of the modular structure, for example to the first plate, the third plate, the fourth plate and / or the fifth plate.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the at least one support element is a thermally insulating panel comprising a layer of self-supporting insulating foam sandwiched between an internal rigid plate and an external rigid plate, preferably the layer of insulating foam is a polymer foam.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the modular structure is fixed to the internal rigid plate.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the internal rigid plate is equipped with metal plates intended for anchoring the modular structure.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the at least one support element is an insulating box comprising a base plate, a cover plate and supporting webs extending in the thickness direction of the wall between the base plate and the cover plate and delimiting at least one compartment filled with a thermally insulating lining. Such an insulating box is for example described in document WO2012127141.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the thermally insulating lining is chosen from: perlite, glass wool and rock wool.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the at least one support element comprises a layer of flexible material in contact with the modular structure.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a Young's modulus in compression along the thickness direction of the tank wall of between 0.25 and 25 MPa, for example felt.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a Young's modulus in compression lower than the Young's modulus of the self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermally insulating panel. That is to say that the flexible material is more flexible than said self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermally insulating panel.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the ratio between the Young's modulus in compression of the flexible material and the Young's modulus in compression of said self-supporting insulating foam layer of the thermally insulating panel is less than or equal to 1 / 5, preferably between 1 / 5 and 1 / 20.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the flexible material has a Young's modulus in compression lower than the Young's modulus of the material, such as plywood, in which at least one of the base plate, the cover plate and the load-bearing sails of the insulating box is made.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the ratio between the Young's modulus in compression of the flexible material and the Young's modulus in compression of said material in which at least one of the base plate, the cover plate and the load-bearing webs is made is less than or equal to 1 / 5, preferably between 1 / 5 and 1 / 20.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the layer of flexible material extends in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the thermally insulating barrier comprises a first support element and a second support element, the first support element being a first pillar and the second support element being a second pillar, the first pillar and the second pillar extending in the thickness direction of the wall, the first pillar being fixed to the first plate and the second pillar being fixed to the second plate.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises: a first sleeve fixed between an inner end of the first pillar and the first plate, a second sleeve fixed between an inner end of the second pillar and the second plate, and a metal beam connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve by a sliding junction in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the metal beam has a rectilinear shape. According to one embodiment, the metal beam has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the sleeve has a cylindrical or cubic shape.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the sleeve has a through notch, preferably in the shape of a cross.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the thermally insulating barrier comprises a third support element, the third support element being a third pillar extending in the thickness direction of the wall, in which the first pillar, the second pillar and the third pillar are aligned.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises a third plate and a third sleeve fixed between an internal end of the third pillar and the third plate, the waterproofing membrane comprising a third zone fixed to the third plate, in which the metal beam connects the third sleeve.

[0071] According to one embodiment, each sleeve is fixed by fitting inside the inner end of the pillar. According to an alternative embodiment, each sleeve is fixed by fitting outside the inner end of the pillar. The inner end of the pillar is the end of the pillar closest to the sealed membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise a through opening in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall in order to receive the metal beam.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the third sleeve comprises a through opening in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall in order to receive the metal beam.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the modular structure comprises a metal beam connecting the first plate and the second plate by a sliding junction in the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the metal beam has an “I” shaped cross-section. In other words, the beam is a normal profile “I” shaped beam, also called an “IPN” beam.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the beam with an "I"-shaped cross-section has first and second lateral grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the beam, the first lateral groove receives a lateral portion of the first plate and the second lateral groove receives a lateral portion of the second plate.

[0077] Thus, the I-shaped cross-section beam blocks the rotation of the first plate and the second plate relative to axes parallel to the wall thickness direction. As a result, the surface of the modular structure at the first and second plates is flat and rigid.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first lateral groove and the second lateral groove of the beam each receive a plurality of lateral portions of plates of the modular structure.

[0079] According to one embodiment, each pillar is made of a composite material comprising fibers and a matrix, which makes it possible to obtain satisfactory compressive strength for a limited conductive section.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the fibers are chosen from glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, flax fibers, basalt fibers and mixtures thereof.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the matrix is ​​selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyamide, polyoxymethylene, polyetherimide, polyacrylate, polyaryletherketone, polyetheretherketone, copolymers thereof, polyester, vinylester, epoxy and polyurethane.

[0082] According to a preferred embodiment, the pillars are made of an epoxy resin reinforced with glass fibers.

[0083] According to one embodiment, each pillar has a tubular section.

[0084] According to one embodiment, each pillar has one or more through orifices opening into an internal space of said pillar.

[0085] According to one embodiment, each pillar has an internal space which is filled with an insulating filling made of open-cell porous material, for example chosen from an open-cell insulating polymer foam, such as open-cell polyurethane foam, glass wool, rock wool, melamine foam, polyester wadding, polymer aerogels, such as polyurethane-based aerogel, notably marketed under the brand name Slentite ®, and silica aerogels.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first plate is connected to an internal end of the first pillar via a connecting device which retains the first plate to the first pillar in the thickness direction, the connecting device having: - a degree of freedom in rotation around a first axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and - a degree of freedom in rotation around a second axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0087] Thanks to these characteristics, the connection of the connecting device between the waterproofing membrane and the pillar allows relative movement between them and thus forms a damping device which attenuates the forces which are likely to be transmitted to the pillar, in particular when the waterproofing membrane is subject to the sloshing phenomenon. The bending moments exerted on the pillar are thus reduced. The service life of the support element and therefore of the tank wall is thus increased compared to a tank wall not having the aforementioned characteristics.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the second plate is connected to an internal end of the second pillar via a second connecting device which retains the second plate to the second pillar in the thickness direction, the second connecting device having: - a degree of freedom in rotation about a first axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and - a degree of freedom in rotation about a second axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the connecting device has:- a degree of translational connection along the first axis, and- a degree of translational connection along the second axis.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the wall, the connecting device has a degree of rotational connection according to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the wall, the connecting device has a degree of freedom in translation along the thickness direction which is limited to a translation of a determined maximum distance, preferably of a distance less than 3 cm.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a support fixed to the internal end of the first pillar.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a sleeve which is fitted with the internal end of the pillar.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the sleeve is fixed against a longitudinal surface of the pillar.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the sleeve extends beyond the inner end of the pillar.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the pillar is hollow.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane is welded to the first metal plate.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the support comprises a closure plate fixed to the inner end of the first pillar and covering the inner end of the first pillar.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the closing plate is metallic.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a ball joint cup and a ball joint head housed in said ball joint cup, one of the ball joint cup and the ball joint head being integral with the first plate and the other being integral with the support.

[0101] The terms "ball joint head" and "ball joint cup" are respectively defined within the meaning of this text as being the protuberance and the receiving cavity of a ball joint.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the connecting device is arranged so as to press the ball head and the ball cup against each other.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a rod passing through the ball head and the ball cup.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the rod of the connecting device has a first end fixed to one of the support and the first plate.

[0105] According to one embodiment, said rod of the connecting device has a second end fixed to the other element among the support and the first plate.

[0106] According to one embodiment, said rod of the connecting device has a first end equipped with a stop.

[0107] According to one embodiment, said rod of the connecting device has a second end equipped with a stop.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the connecting device further comprises at least one elastic member or a spherical washer mounted on the rod and arranged between the stop and one of the ball joint cup and the ball joint head so as to press the ball joint head and the ball joint cup against each other.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises an elastic member or a spherical washer mounted on the rod and arranged between the stop and the ball joint cup and further comprises an elastic member or a spherical washer mounted on the rod and arranged between the stop and the ball joint head, so as to press the ball joint head and the ball joint cup against each other.

[0110] According to one embodiment, said rod of the connecting device has a first end fixed to one of the support and the first plate and a second end equipped with a stop, the connecting device further comprises at least one elastic member or a spherical washer mounted on the rod and arranged between the stop and one of the ball joint cup and the ball joint head so as to press the ball joint head and the ball joint cup against each other.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a rod comprising a first end which is fixed to a first element among the first plate and the support and a second end comprising a stop, said rod passing through a second element among the first plate and the support, the connecting device further comprising at least one elastic member or a spherical washer mounted on the rod and positioned between the first plate and the support so as to press the second element against the stop surface.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the wall, the elastic member is sized to limit the free movement in translation along the thickness direction.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the elastic member comprises a Belleville washer.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the elastic member comprises a plurality of Belleville washers, preferably 2 or 3 Belleville washers.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the rod is a screw having a screw head and the stop is the screw head.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a plurality of rods spaced from each other and a plurality of elastic members, each rod comprising a first end which is fixed to a first element among the first plate and the support and a second end comprising a stop, said rod passing through a second element among the first plate and the support, each elastic member mounted on one of the rods and positioned between the first plate and the support so as to press the second element against the stop surface.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the plurality of rods comprises three rods distributed so that the three segments of the straight lines connecting the rods two by two form an equilateral triangle.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the stop is positioned in a recess provided in the ball joint head or the ball joint cup, the elastic member or the spherical washer being located in the recess between the screw head and a bottom of the recess.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the support element comprises:- an external plate which is connected to an external end of the first pillar via an external connection device which retains the external plate to the first pillar in the thickness direction, the secondary waterproofing membrane being fixed to the external plate, the external connection device having:- a degree of freedom in rotation about a first axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall, and- a degree of freedom in rotation about a second axis which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis.

[0120] According to embodiments, the external connecting device is analogous to the connecting device, i.e., it may comprise one or more of the features of the connecting device which is disposed at the outer end of the first pillar. For example, according to one embodiment, the external connecting device comprises a bracket attached to the outer end of the first pillar and comprises a ball joint cup and a ball joint housed in said ball joint cup, one of the ball joint cup and the ball joint head being secured to the outer plate and the other being secured to the bracket.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the external plate is metallic.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the secondary sealing membrane is welded to the external metal plate.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier comprises the support element.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier comprises a plurality of support elements.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises the aforementioned support element.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises a plurality of support elements.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier and the primary thermally insulating barrier each comprise the support element. According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier and the secondary thermally insulating barrier comprise a plurality of support elements.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the primary waterproofing membrane comprises a first series of corrugations having first corrugations parallel to each other and a second series of corrugations having second corrugations parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations, the primary waterproofing membrane comprises a plurality of planar areas which are each defined between two adjacent first corrugations and between two adjacent second corrugations, the plurality of planar areas of the primary waterproofing membrane comprising a first planar area which is welded against the first plate of the support element.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the secondary waterproofing membrane comprises a first series of corrugations having first corrugations parallel to each other and a second series of corrugations having second corrugations parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations, the secondary waterproofing membrane comprising a plurality of flat areas which are each defined between two adjacent first corrugations and between two adjacent second corrugations, the plurality of flat areas of the secondary waterproofing membrane comprising a first flat area which is welded against the external plate of the support element.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising at least a first and a second wall as mentioned above.

[0131] According to one embodiment of the tank, the first wall and the second wall form an angle of the tank, and the first wall and the second wall each comprise a row of support elements supporting the waterproofing membrane which extends parallel to the edge, in which the row comprises the support element.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the tank, the first wall and the second wall comprise:- a first row of support elements supporting the sealing membrane which extends parallel to the edge and which is located close to the corner of the tank, and- a second row of support elements supporting the sealing membrane which extends parallel to the edge and which is adjacent to the first row, in which the second row comprises the support element.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the waterproofing membrane is a corrugated waterproofing membrane comprising a first series of corrugations having first corrugations parallel to each other and a second series of corrugations having second corrugations parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations, the waterproofing membrane comprising a plurality of planar zones which are each defined between two adjacent first corrugations and between two adjacent second corrugations, in which the first zone and the second zone correspond to two adjacent planar zones.

[0134] Thanks to these characteristics, the stresses experienced by the corrugated waterproofing membrane are uniformly distributed between its corrugations.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises at least a first row of pillars successively comprising, in a direction parallel to the first corrugations, at least the first, second and third pillars which are fixed to the secondary thermally insulating barrier and which rise in the thickness direction of the wall, the first, second and third pillars being respectively fixed to the first, second and third plates, in which the first, second and third pillars are respectively located at a flat area.

[0136] These characteristics allow for good distribution of stresses between the corrugations of the waterproofing membrane.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises at least a second row of pillars comprising a fourth, a fifth and a sixth pillars which are fixed to the secondary thermally insulating barrier and which rise in the thickness direction of the wall, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth pillars being aligned in a direction parallel to the second corrugations and being respectively fixed to a fourth, a fifth and a sixth plates, in which the fourth, the fifth and the sixth pillars are respectively located at a flat area.

[0138] Thus, the primary thermally insulating barrier comprises both support elements which are aligned parallel to the first corrugations of the primary waterproofing membrane and support elements which are aligned parallel to the second corrugations of the primary waterproofing membrane.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the waterproofing membrane is fixed to the modular structure by welding.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the thermally insulating barrier is a primary thermally insulating barrier and the sealing membrane is a primary sealing membrane which is intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank, the wall comprising a secondary thermally insulating barrier intended to rest against the supporting structure, a secondary sealing membrane which rests against the secondary thermally insulating barrier, the primary thermally insulating barrier resting against the secondary sealing membrane and the primary sealing membrane resting against the primary thermally insulating barrier.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier rests against the supporting structure.

[0142] According to another embodiment, the first series of corrugations and the second series of corrugations of the secondary waterproofing membrane project inwardly, in the direction opposite the supporting structure.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the primary thermally insulating barrier has a gas phase placed under depression relative to atmospheric pressure.

[0144] Thanks to these characteristics, the thermal insulation properties of the primary thermally insulating barrier are increased.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the gas phase is placed at an absolute pressure less than 1 Pa, advantageously less than 10 -1 Pa, preferably less than 10 –2 Pa and for example of the order of 10 –3 Pa. This increases the thermal insulation performance of the primary thermally insulating barrier.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier has a gaseous phase under vacuum, preferably at an absolute pressure of less than 1 Pa.

[0147] In one embodiment, the primary waterproofing membrane comprises a plurality of corrugated metal sheets, each corrugated metal sheet having edges that are each lap welded to an edge of an adjacent corrugated metal sheet.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the secondary thermally insulating barrier comprises insulating panels anchored to the supporting structure. According to one embodiment, the insulating panels are made from: glass wool, rock wool, polyester wadding, open-cell polymer foams, such as open-cell polyurethane foam or melamine foams.

[0149] According to one embodiment, each insulating panel comprises a layer of insulating polymer foam sandwiched between an internal plate and an external plate, for example made of plywood or made from a polymer matrix reinforced by fibers, such as glass fibers.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the internal plate of the insulating panels is equipped with metal plates intended for anchoring the modular structure on the insulating panels and / or for anchoring the waterproof membrane on the insulating panels.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the internal plate of the insulating panels is equipped with metal plates intended for anchoring the edges of the corrugated metal sheets of the secondary waterproofing membrane on the insulating panels.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the liquefied gas is hydrogen.

[0153] The invention also provides a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a plurality of the aforementioned walls.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the sealed and thermally insulating tank contains liquefied hydrogen.

[0155] The tank can be made using different techniques, including an integrated membrane tank. For example, the tank is a polyhedral tank.

[0156] Such a tank may be part of a land-based storage facility or installed in a floating, coastal, or deep-water structure, including a liquid hydrogen transport vessel, i.e., a hydrogen carrier, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a floating production and remote storage unit (FPSO), and others. Such a tank may also serve as a fuel tank in any type of vessel.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a ship for transporting a liquefied gas comprises a double hull and a aforementioned tank arranged in the double hull.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for a liquefied gas, the system comprising the aforementioned ship, insulated pipes arranged to connect the sealed and thermally insulating tank installed in the hull of the ship to a floating or land-based storage facility and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the sealed and thermally insulating tank of the ship.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method for loading or unloading such a ship, in which a liquefied gas is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or land-based storage facility to or from the sealed and thermally insulating tank of the ship. Brief description of the figures

[0160] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0161] This is a cutaway and schematic perspective view of a supporting structure intended to support a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing liquefied gas.

[0162] This is a partial perspective view of a wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank according to a first embodiment.

[0163] This is an enlarged sectional view of Zone III of the.

[0164] This is a perspective view of a plate of a modular structure according to one embodiment.

[0165] This is a perspective view of a modular structure formed by four plates linked together according to the embodiment of the.

[0166] This is a perspective view of a wall according to another embodiment, comprising a modular structure.

[0167] This is a perspective view of a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0168] This is a perspective view of a plate of the modular structure of the.

[0169] This is a perspective view of a connection of a first plate with a second plate, of the modular structure of the.

[0170] This is a schematic, partial and perspective view of a wall comprising a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0171] This is a schematic, partial and perspective view of a wall comprising a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0172] This is a schematic cutaway representation of a ship's tank for the transport of liquefied gas and a terminal for loading / unloading this tank.

[0173] This is a partially exploded perspective view of a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0174] This is an enlarged, perspective view of the modular structure of the.

[0175] The figure represents a partial, schematic sectional view of a first variant of a first embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0176] The figure represents a partial, schematic sectional view of a second variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0177] The figure represents a partial perspective view of the second variant of the connecting device linking the modular structure to the pillar, shown in the figure.

[0178] It represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a third variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device linking the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0179] The figure represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a first variant of a second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0180] The figure represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a second variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0181] It represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a third variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device linking the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0182] It represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a fourth variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device linking the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0183] The figure represents a partial, schematic sectional view according to a third embodiment of the connecting device linking the modular structure to the pillar, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being deliberately omitted.

[0184] The figure represents a partial view, in section, of an angle of a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas, according to one embodiment, the connection of the first plate to the second plate being voluntarily omitted.

[0185] This is a schematic, partial and sectional view of a wall comprising a modular structure according to another embodiment.

[0186] This is a schematic, partial and perspective view of a wall comprising the modular structure according to the embodiment of the, in which the waterproofing membrane has been deliberately omitted.

[0187] By convention, the terms "external" and "internal" are used to define the relative position of one element to another, with reference to the inside and outside of the tank.

[0188] The liquefied gas intended to be stored in the tank may in particular be liquid hydrogen, which has the particularity of being stored at approximately -253°C at atmospheric pressure. However, it may be noted that the invention applies to any other liquefied gas, for example liquefied natural gas.

[0189] In relation to this, we observe a tank 1 intended to receive a liquefied gas.

[0190] The tank 1 comprises a supporting structure formed by the internal hull (not shown) of a double-hulled ship (not shown). The tank 1 has a generally polyhedral or prismatic shape. The tank 1 has a first transverse wall 2 and a second transverse wall 3, here octagonal in shape. In the, the first transverse wall 2 is only partially shown in order to allow visualization of the internal space of the tank 1. The tank 1 also comprises a ceiling wall 4, a bottom wall 5, lower chamfer walls 6, side walls 7 and upper chamfer walls 8. The ceiling wall 4, the bottom wall 5, the lower chamfer walls 6, the side walls 7, and the upper chamfer walls 8 extend in the longitudinal direction of the ship, connect the first and second transverse walls 2, 3 at transverse edges 9, and meet at longitudinal edges 10.

[0191] Each wall of the tank successively has, in a direction of wall thickness, a thermally insulating barrier intended to rest against a supporting structure and a sealing membrane which rests against the thermally insulating barrier.

[0192] Generally, each wall of the tank has a multi-layer structure comprising, from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier comprising a plurality of secondary insulating panels, intended to be anchored, directly or indirectly, to a supporting structure, a secondary waterproof membrane resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier, a primary thermally insulating barrier comprising a plurality of primary insulating panels or a plurality of primary pillars, resting against the secondary waterproof membrane and a primary waterproof membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank. The primary waterproof membrane defines an internal space intended to receive the liquefied gas, such as hydrogen.

[0193] In relation to figures 2 to 11, walls for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas according to embodiments will be described below in more detail.

[0194] The wall 11 for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas has a multi-layer structure comprising, along the thickness direction of the wall 11, from the outside to the inside, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 12 intended to rest against a supporting structure 23, a secondary sealing membrane 13, a primary thermally insulating barrier 14 and a primary sealing membrane 15 intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0195] The secondary thermally insulating barrier 12 comprises a plurality of insulating panels 16 anchored to the supporting structure 23. The insulating panels 16 each comprise a layer of insulating polymer foam 17 sandwiched between an inner plate 18 and an outer plate 19. The inner 18 and outer 19 plates are, for example, plywood plates glued to said layer of insulating polymer foam 17. According to a variant, the inner 18 and outer 19 plates are made from a polymer matrix reinforced by fibers, such as glass fibers. The insulating polymer foam may in particular be a polyurethane-based foam. The polymer foam is, advantageously, reinforced by fibers, such as glass fibers, contributing to reducing its thermal contraction.

[0196] The insulating panels 16 are anchored to the supporting structure 23 by means of secondary anchoring devices, not shown. Each insulating panel 16 is, for example, fixed at at least each of its four corners. Each secondary anchoring device comprises a stud welded to the supporting structure 23 as well as a support member which is fixed on the stud and which bears against a support zone of the insulating panels 16. According to one embodiment, the external plate 19 of the insulating panels 16 projects beyond the layer of insulating polymer foam 17, at least at the corners of the insulating panel 16, so as to form the support zones of the insulating panels 16 cooperating with the support members of the secondary anchoring devices.Elastic members, such as Belleville washers, are advantageously threaded onto the stud, between a nut mounted on the stud and the support member, which makes it possible to ensure elastic anchoring of the insulating panels 16 on the supporting structure 23.

[0197] Advantageously, portions of mastic 20 are interposed between the external plate 19 of the insulating panels 16 and the supporting structure 23. The portions of mastic 20 thus contribute to compensating for the surface irregularities of the supporting structure 23. According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the portions of mastic 20 adhere to the external plate 19 of the insulating panels 16 and to the supporting structure 23. The portions of mastic 20 thus participate in anchoring the insulating panels 16 on the supporting structure 23. In such an alternative embodiment, the secondary anchoring devices are optional.

[0198] The insulating panels 16 have substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped and are juxtaposed in parallel rows and separated from each other by gaps 21 ensuring functional assembly clearance. The gaps 21 are filled with a heat-insulating filling, not shown, such as glass wool, rock wool or flexible open-cell polymer foam, for example. The gaps can also be filled with insulating plugs, as described in applications WO2019155157 or WO2021028624, for example.

[0199] In the embodiment shown, the internal face of the insulating panels 16 has two series of grooves 22 perpendicular to each other and intended to receive corrugations, projecting towards the outside of the tank, formed on the corrugated metal sheets of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13. Each of the series of grooves 22 is parallel to two opposite sides of the insulating panels 16. In the embodiment shown, the grooves 22 pass entirely through the thickness of the internal plate 18 as well as an internal portion of the insulating polymer foam layer 17. Advantageously, the grooves 22 have a shape complementary to those of the corrugations of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13.

[0200] Furthermore, the inner plate 18 of the insulating panels 16 is equipped with metal plates intended for anchoring the edges of the corrugated metal sheets of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13 on the insulating panels 16. The metal plates extend in two perpendicular directions which are each parallel to two opposite sides of the insulating panels 16. The metal plates are fixed to the inner plate 18 of the insulating panels 16, by screws, rivets or staples, for example. The metal plates are placed in recesses provided in the inner plate 18 so that the inner surface of the metal plates is flush with the inner surface of the inner plate 18.

[0201] Furthermore, the insulating panels 16 have relaxation slots 27 which make it possible to reduce their stiffness so that the secondary thermally insulating barrier 12 deforms in the most homogeneous manner possible. This makes it possible to obtain the most uniform deformations possible of the corrugations of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13. Advantageously, the insulating panels 16 have relaxation slots 27 at least opposite each of the corrugations 24 of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13. Thus, a relaxation slot 27 extends from the bottom of each of the grooves 22 in the direction of the external plate 19 of the insulating panels 16. According to an optional variant, the insulating blocks 16 also comprise relaxation slots which open onto the external face of the insulating panels 16.Such relaxation slots are then not arranged opposite a corrugation of the secondary sealing membrane 13 but halfway between two parallel corrugations of the secondary sealing membrane 13.

[0202] The secondary waterproofing membrane 13 comprises a plurality of corrugated metal sheets each having a substantially rectangular shape. The corrugated metal sheets are, for example, made of Invar®: that is to say an alloy of iron and nickel whose coefficient of expansion is typically between 1.2.10 -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 , or in an iron alloy with a high manganese content whose coefficient of expansion is typically of the order of 7.10 -6 K -1 Alternatively, corrugated metal sheets can also be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0203] The corrugated metal sheets are overlap welded along their edges in order to ensure the sealing of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13. Furthermore, the corrugated metal sheets are arranged in an offset manner relative to the insulating panels 16 of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 12 such that each of said corrugated metal sheets extends jointly over several adjacent insulating panels 16. In order to ensure the anchoring of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13 on the secondary thermally insulating barrier 12, the edges of the corrugated metal sheets are welded to the metal plates, for example by spot welding.

[0204] The secondary sealing membrane 13 has corrugations and more particularly a first series of corrugations extending parallel to a first direction and a second series of corrugations extending parallel to a second direction. The directions of the series of corrugations are perpendicular to each other. Each of the series of corrugations is parallel to two opposite edges of the corrugated metal sheet. The corrugations here protrude towards the outside of the tank, that is to say in the direction of the supporting structure 23. The secondary sealing membrane 13 comprises, between the corrugations, a plurality of flat areas.

[0205] The corrugations of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13 are housed in the grooves 22 formed in the internal face of the insulating panels 16 and in the gaps 21 formed between the adjacent insulating panels 16.

[0206] Furthermore, the flat areas of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13 are each crossed by a primary anchoring device intended to ensure the anchoring of the support elements of the primary thermally insulating barrier 14 on the insulating panels 16 of the secondary thermally insulating barrier 12. Each primary anchoring device comprises a stud, not shown, which passes through the secondary waterproofing membrane in a sealed manner.

[0207] The primary thermally insulating barrier 14 comprises a plurality of pillars 30 which extend in the thickness direction of the wall 11. The pillars 30 make it possible to support the primary sealing membrane 15 and, consequently, to take up the forces due to the hydrostatic and dynamic pressures exerted on the primary sealing membrane 15 by the liquefied gas contained inside the tank. The pillars 30 are aligned in rows which are parallel to the direction of the corrugations of the first series of corrugations 45a and in rows parallel to the direction of the corrugations of the second series of corrugations 45b.

[0208] The pillars 30 each comprise an outer base, an inner base and a rod extending between the outer base and the inner base. The outer base and the inner base may be made of metal, such as stainless steel, or of a composite material, such as an epoxy resin filled with glass fibers, for example. The outer base and the inner base may be fixed to the rod by any means and in particular by gluing. According to another embodiment, the rod as well as the outer base and the inner base forming the pillar 30 are formed in a single piece, by molding for example. The pillars have a tubular shape, preferably with a circular section.

[0209] The primary waterproof membrane 15 is obtained in a similar manner to the secondary waterproof membrane by assembling a plurality of corrugated metal sheets 44. The corrugated metal sheets 44 each have a substantially rectangular shape. The corrugated metal sheets 44 are, for example, made of Invar®: that is to say an alloy of iron and nickel whose coefficient of expansion is typically between 1.2.10 -6 and 2.10 -6 K -1 , or in an iron alloy with a high manganese content whose coefficient of expansion is typically of the order of 7.10 -6 K -1 Alternatively, the corrugated metal sheets 44 can also be made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0210] The corrugated metal sheets 44 are overlap welded along their edges in order to ensure the sealing of the primary waterproofing membrane 15. The primary waterproofing membrane 15 comprises corrugations 45. More particularly, it comprises a first series of corrugations 45a extending parallel to a first direction and a second series of corrugations 45b extending parallel to a second direction. The directions of the series of corrugations 45a, 45b are perpendicular and are parallel or perpendicular to the rows of pillars 30. Each of the series of corrugations 45a, 45b is parallel to two opposite edges of the corrugated metal sheets 44. The corrugations 45 project towards the inside of the tank, that is to say in the opposite direction to the supporting structure 23. Each corrugated metal sheet 44 comprises between the corrugations 45, a plurality of flat zones 46.

[0211] Each flat zone 46 of the primary waterproofing membrane 15 is located opposite, in the thickness direction of the wall 11, a flat zone of the secondary waterproofing membrane 13.

[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 1, showing zone III of the wall 11, the wall 11 comprises a modular structure 50 located between a plurality of pillars 30 and the primary waterproofing membrane 15.

[0213] The primary waterproofing membrane 15 is fixed to the modular structure 50 by welding at the level of the flat zones 46. According to one embodiment, each of the flat zones 46 of the primary waterproofing membrane 15 is fixed to a respective plate of the modular structure 50. According to another embodiment, the primary waterproofing membrane 15 is welded to the modular structure only along the edges of the corrugated metal sheets 44.

[0214] The modular structure 50 comprises a first plate 51, a second plate 52 and a third plate 53. The second plate 52 is connected to the first plate 51 via a first connection 54 located at a lateral portion of the first plate 51 and a lateral portion of the second plate 52. The second plate is also connected via a second connection 55 to the third plate 53 via another lateral portion of the second plate and a lateral portion of the third plate. The first connection 54 and the second connection 55 are such that they allow a degree of freedom in translation in a direction X which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and is parallel to the direction of one of the series of corrugations 45a, 45b of the primary waterproofing membrane 15.

[0215] The modular structure 50 is fixed to the pillars 30 by bolts. That is to say that each plate is respectively fixed to a pillar 30 for example via a screw nut system 82.

[0216] A plate according to the embodiment of the is illustrated in more detail on the. For the purpose of understanding the plate of the is called first plate 51. However, the second plate 52 and the third plate 53 of the have identical characteristics.

[0217] The first plate 51 has a general shape of a square having a first lateral portion 101, a second lateral portion 102, a third lateral portion 103 which is opposite the first lateral portion 101 and a fourth lateral portion 104.

[0218] The first lateral portion 101 and the second lateral portion 102 each have a first straight tab 105, a second straight tab 105 and an external tab 107 located between the first straight tab 105 and the second straight tab 105.

[0219] The third lateral portion 103 and the fourth lateral portion 104 each have a rectilinear tab 105 located between a first external tab 107 and a second external tab 107.

[0220] The external tabs 107 are each offset in a thickness direction Y of the wall, towards the outside of the tank, relative to the rectilinear tabs 105.

[0221] The first lateral portion 101 and the second lateral portion 102 are complementary to the third lateral portion 103 and the fourth lateral portion 104.

[0222] Thus, the first lateral portion 101 and the second lateral portion 102 can each connect with any of the third lateral portions 103 and fourth lateral portions 104 of a neighboring plate.

[0223] Such a first plate 51 is manufactured for example by stamping or bending a metal sheet.

[0224] Thanks to these characteristics, the modular structure 50 allows the uniform distribution of the forces exerted on the pillars 30 but also allows, in the event of damage to a pillar 30, to maintain the support of the primary waterproofing membrane 15.

[0225] Such a modular structure 50 comprising a plurality of plates identical to the first plate 51 is notably illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0226] A modular structure 50 comprising four plates is observed. The modular structure 50 comprises: - a first plate 51 connected to a second plate 52 by contact of the fourth lateral portion 104 of the first plate 51 with the second lateral portion 102 of the second plate 52. The first plate 51 is further connected to a third plate 56 by contact of the first lateral portion 101 of the first plate 51 with the third lateral portion 103 of the third plate 56. - a fourth plate 57 connected to the second plate 52 by contact of the third lateral portion 103 of the fourth plate 57 with the first lateral portion 101 of the second plate 52. The fourth plate 57 is further connected to a third plate 56 by contact of the second lateral portion 102 of the fourth plate 57 with the fourth lateral portion 104 of the third plate 56.

[0227] A hole 60 is observed in the center of the first, second, third and fourth plates of the. This hole 60 aims to avoid an overlap of material leading to difficulties in assembling the modular structure.

[0228] The characteristics of this modular structure, and in particular the lateral portions of the plates indicated above, make it possible to assemble a large number of plates and therefore to form a modular structure with dimensions adapted to the desired dimensions. The plates collaborate with each other via the connections.

[0229] According to an alternative embodiment presented on the, the wall 111 for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas comprises a support element 130 which can be:- a thermally insulating panel comprising a layer of self-supporting insulating polymer foam sandwiched between an internal plywood plate and an external plywood plate; or- an insulating box filled with a thermally insulating lining.

[0230] The support element further comprises a layer of flexible material 31 positioned against the insulating panel or box 130, the modular structure 50 being positioned and fixed against the layer of flexible material 31.

[0231] In this embodiment, each plate has in its center a circular recess 83 comprising a through orifice 84 intended to receive a fixing. The fixing to fix each plate in the thickness direction Y of the wall 111 is carried out at a single point, for example at the center of the plate, for example by bolts.

[0232] In a manner similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the plates of the modular structure 50 collaborate with each other via the connections at the level of the lateral portions which allow movement in the direction perpendicular X to the thickness direction of the wall 111. That is to say that when the waterproof membrane (not shown in the) contracts or expands in response to thermal stresses, the plates of the modular structure 50 are each free to slide in translation in the direction X.

[0233] Furthermore, when local loads are applied in the thickness direction Y of the wall, for example the pressures exerted by the liquid contained in the tank, said loads are transmitted to the modular structure 50 and, in particular, to the plurality of plates which make up the modular structure 50. Furthermore, the layer of flexible material 31 makes it possible to increase the load distribution effect.

[0234] Thanks to these characteristics, in the case of a thermally insulating panel, the loads of a local impact are distributed over a larger surface. This therefore results in a reduction of the maximum value of the stress exerted on the thermally insulating panel. It is therefore possible to replace, for example, a 250kg / m foam 3 by a lower density foam, for example 170kg / m 3 , leading to significant savings in material and therefore cost and to an improvement in the thermal behavior of the insulating panel.

[0235] Another alternative embodiment of a modular structure 150 is now presented in relation to figures 7 to 9.

[0236] Unlike the embodiment described above, the modular structure 150 comprises a plurality of plates linked together via a tenon-mortise system illustrated in more detail in Figures 8 and 9.

[0237] The plate 58 of the present, similarly to the plate 51 of the, has a general shape of a square having a first lateral portion 201, a second lateral portion 202, a third lateral portion 203 which is opposite the first lateral portion 201 and a fourth lateral portion 204. The plate 58 has a symmetry along the axis S passing through a diagonal of said plate 58.

[0238] The first lateral portion 201 and the second lateral portion 202 each have a first and a second rectangular tenon 205 and a cylindrical tenon 206 projecting respectively from the first lateral portion 201 of the plate 58 and from the second lateral portion 202 of the plate 58.

[0239] The third lateral portion 203 and the fourth lateral portion 204 each have a first and a second rectangular mortise 207 and a cylindrical mortise 208 hollowed out respectively in the third lateral portion 203 of the plate 58 and in the fourth lateral portion 204 of the plate 58. The dimensions of the mortises are adapted to allow the reception of the corresponding tenons.

[0240] According to the embodiment presented on the, each plate of the modular structure 150 has the characteristics of the plate 58.

[0241] Thus, the first lateral portion 201 and the second lateral portion 202 can each connect with any of the third lateral portion 203 and fourth lateral portion 204 of a neighboring plate.

[0242] On the, for each plate, the first and second rectangular tenons 205 and the cylindrical tenon 206 of the first lateral portion 201 are respectively linked to the first and second rectangular mortises 207 and to the cylindrical mortise 208 of the third lateral portion 203 of the adjacent plate.

[0243] Similarly, the second lateral portion 202 is connected to the fourth lateral portion 204 of the adjacent plate via the first and second rectangular tenons 205 and the cylindrical tenon 206 of the second lateral portion 201 which fit into the first and second rectangular mortises 207 and the cylindrical mortise 208 of the fourth lateral portion 203 of the adjacent plate.

[0244] An enlarged view of a connection of the first rectangular tenon 205 with the first mortise 207 is illustrated in the. The width dimensions of the first tenon 205 are smaller than the width dimensions of the first mortise 207 in order to allow movement of the first tenon 205 in the first mortise 207, in the directions X1 and X2 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. This difference in dimensions makes it possible in particular to allow sliding movement in response to thermal contraction or expansion without completely breaking the connection. That is to say, the dimensions are also chosen with regard to the estimated thermal contraction and expansion so that the tenon does not completely come out of the mortise.

[0245] In a manner different from the embodiment described previously, the modular structure 450 comprises a plurality of plates 451 linked together via a nesting system as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0246] This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that the modular structure 450 comprises a plurality of plates 451, four of which are illustrated on the figure, which are fitted together by complementary shape between a lateral portion of a plate 451 and a lateral portion of another adjacent plate 451. The complementary shapes of the two fitted plates 451 each have openings 452 which extend in a direction perpendicular X to the thickness direction of the wall, the openings 452 form a through passage intended to receive a rectilinear rod 453. The openings 452 have, for example, an oblong shape.

[0247] A straight rod 453 is housed in the consecutive through openings 452 and passes through said consecutive through openings 452 in order to maintain a degree of connection along the thickness direction Y of the wall of the nested plates. The transverse dimension of the straight rod 453, measured perpendicular to the thickness direction, is less than the corresponding transverse dimension of said through openings 452. In other words, the straight rod 453 is mounted with a clearance along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the straight rod 453 and to the thickness direction Y of the wall, which makes it possible to allow relative movements of the plates with respect to each other in the plane orthogonal to the thickness direction of the wall.

[0248] The rectilinear rod 453 has, at one end, a stop in the form of a base 454 in order to keep the rectilinear rod 453 housed in the through passage.

[0249] Illustrates another embodiment of a modular structure 250. The pillars 30 of the are organized in rows, similarly to the pillars 30 shown in the.

[0250] This embodiment differs from the previous embodiments in that the modular structure 250 comprises a plurality of plates 251 linked together by means of metal beams capable of sliding in one of the directions X1, X2 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall parallel to one of the series of undulations of the series of undulations 45a, 45b of the primary waterproofing membrane 15.

[0251] To do this, the modular structure 250 further comprises a plurality of sleeves 252 which are each positioned on an internal end of a pillar 30. Each sleeve 252 comprises two through openings forming a cross-shaped notch.

[0252] A plurality of continuous metal beams 253 each pass through a series of sleeves 252 aligned via their respective notch, in a first direction X1, perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. In the, we observe in particular three continuous metal beams 253 parallel to each other and each passing through at least four aligned sleeves. The continuous metal beams 253 are capable of performing a sliding movement in the first direction X1.

[0253] A plurality of discontinuous metal beams 254 each connect, along a second direction X2 which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and which is perpendicular to the first direction X1, a first sleeve 252 of a first pillar 30 with a second sleeve 252 of a second pillar 30 adjacent to the first pillar 30 via their respective notch. The discontinuous metal beams 254 are capable of performing a sliding movement along the second direction X2.

[0254] Each plate 251 is fixed, for example by means of rivets 85, to a pillar 30 by means of a sleeve 252.

[0255] Similarly to the, the modular structure 250 also allows a uniform distribution of the forces exerted on the pillars 30 but also allows, in the event of damage to a pillar 30, to maintain the support of the primary waterproof membrane.

[0256] According to a variant (not shown) of the embodiment of the, the load-bearing element is an insulating panel in place of the pillars 30 and the sleeves 252 are distributed on an internal surface of the insulating panel and the continuous and discontinuous metal beams are distributed in a similar manner to the.

[0257] The present another variant embodiment of a wall for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas. The modular structure 350 differs from the modular structure 250 of the present invention in that it comprises cubic-shaped sleeves 352 and in that it comprises a plurality of discontinuous metal beams 254, in a first direction X1 and in the second direction X2, connecting two adjacent sleeves 352.

[0258] According to a variant (not shown) of the embodiment of the, the load-bearing element is an insulating panel instead of the pillars 30 and the sleeves 352 are distributed on an internal surface of the insulating panel and the discontinuous metal beams are distributed in a similar manner to the.

[0259] Figures 25 and 26 show another variant embodiment of a wall for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing liquefied gas.

[0260] The modular structure 550 differs from the modular structure 250 of the in that the metal beams 153, 154 are positioned at the gap between two adjacent plates 151, for example in a gap along two plates on either side of the gap as illustrated in the. The illustrates in particular a sectional view of a metal beam 153 located opposite a corrugation of the waterproofing membrane 15.

[0261] The metal beams 153, 154 have an “I” shape comprising two grooves which each receive at least one lateral portion of a plate 151. The metal beams 153 extend in the first direction X1 perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall. The metal beams 154 extend in a second direction X2 which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and which is perpendicular to the first direction X1.

[0262] The metal beams 153 and 154 form a network of metal beams allowing the adjacent plates to be locked in rotation and therefore allowing the flatness and rigidity of the modular structure 550 to be maintained.

[0263] Figures 15 to 24 show embodiments of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar. In these embodiments, the connection of the first plate to the second plate is intentionally omitted in order to facilitate understanding of the illustrations. Identical or similar elements in Figures 15 to 24 bear the same reference numbers incremented by a multiple of 100. It will be noted that while these figures show a connecting device for connecting the modular structure to a single pillar, an identical connecting device is advantageously used for several or all of the other pillars.

[0264] In connection with the, a first variant of a first embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0265] The support element 120 comprises a pillar 121 which is hollow, a first plate 122 and a connecting device 130 which allows the connection of the first plate 122 to the inner end of the pillar 121.

[0266] The connecting device 130 comprises a support 131 which is a metal sleeve fitted into the inner end of the pillar 121 and bonded via a layer of glue 191 against an inner longitudinal surface of the pillar 121. The sleeve extends beyond the inner end of the pillar 121 forming a receiving collar 132 which has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the pillar 121.

[0267] The connecting device 130 comprises three threaded rods 133, designated screws in the remainder of the description, and only one of which is present in the section plane of the. The three screws 133 are regularly positioned on a geometric circle concentric with the longitudinal axis of the pillar 121. In other words, the three screws 133 are distributed in such a way that the three segments of the straight lines connecting the rods two by two form an equilateral triangle. The screws 133 pass through the first plate 122 and each comprise an internal end 134 screwed into a tapped hole 135 which is positioned in the receiving collar 132. The screws 133 further comprise, at the internal end 136, a screw head which is positioned in a countersink 123 made in the internal surface 124 of the first plate 122.

[0268] The connecting device 130 further comprises an elastic member 137 which is a spring washer, also called an elastic washer or Belleville washer.

[0269] The elastic member 137 is mounted on the screw 133, between the first plate 122 and the receiving collar 132 so as to press the first plate 122 against the screw head 136.

[0270] When forces are exerted on the primary sealing membrane which is welded to the first plate 122, the elastic crushing properties of the elastic member 137 allow a rotational movement of the first plate 122 along a first axis X3 which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the wall and along a second axis X4 which is perpendicular to the thickness direction Y of the wall and orthogonal to the first axis X3. When the transverse forces cease to be exerted against the first plate 122, the elastic member 137 returns to its initial shape and the first plate 122 returns to its initial positioning.

[0271] When forces are exerted, parallel to the thickness direction Y, and uniformly on the first plate 122, the elastic properties of the elastic member 137 allow a translational movement of the first plate 122, according to the thickness direction Y of the wall. Such a movement brings the first plate 122 closer to the fixing collar 132, reducing the distance between the first plate 122 and the fixing collar 132 by a distance less than or equal to the distance represented by the elastic crushing capacity of the elastic member 137. When the forces cease to be exerted, the elastic member 137 returns to its initial shape and the first plate 122 to its initial position. In relation to Figures 16 and 17, a second variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0272] The support element 520 differs from that of the in that the support 531 is a closure plate, for example made of metal, which covers the opening of the hollow pillar 521. The closure plate has a diameter similar or identical to the diameter of the pillar 521.

[0273] The support element 520 comprises three rods 533, only one of which is visible in the section plane of the, the rods 533 each pass through the first plate 522 and each comprise an external end 534 fixed in a hole 535 which is provided in the closing plate and an internal end 536 fixed in a recess 525 comprising a bottom 526. The fixing of the rods 533 to the support 531 is for example carried out via a thread and tapping system. The screws 533 can be adjusted by screwing into the tapped hole 535 in order to adjust the height of the first plate 522.

[0274] The connecting device 530 comprises four Belleville washers 537 superimposed and mounted on each rod 533, between the first plate 522 and the closing plate.

[0275] The three rods 533 are distributed around the periphery of the closing plate 531 in such a way that the three segments of the straight lines connecting the rods two by two form an equilateral triangle.

[0276] In connection with this, a third variant of the first embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0277] The support element 820 differs from the in that it comprises a first metal part 840 positioned against the outer surface 827 of the first plate 822 and fixed against the outer surface 827 via fixing screws 841. The support element 820 further comprises a second metal part 860 located opposite the first metal part 840. The second metal part 860 is positioned against the inner surface of the receiving flange 832 and fixed against the receiving flange 832 via fixing screws 844.

[0278] The support element comprises a central threaded rod 833 which passes through the hole 835 which is formed in the second metal part 860. The threaded rod 833 has an external end 834 which is fixed via a stop against an external surface of the second metal part 860 at the hole 835. The threaded rod further comprises an internal end 836 fixed via a stop in a recess 825 comprising a bottom 826 located in the first metal part 840. The fixing of the rod 833 to the first metal part 840 and to the second metal part 860 is for example carried out via a screw nut system. Optionally, the Belleville washers 837 can be adjusted, for example constrained via the tightening or loosening of the nuts mounted on the rod 833.

[0279] In connection with the, a first variant of a second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0280] The support element 220 differs from that of the in that the connecting device 230 comprises a ball head 238 housed in a ball socket 239. The ball socket 239 is formed in the receiving collar 232, at the center of the diameter of the receiving collar 232. The ball head 238 is formed by a protrusion projecting from the first plate 222 and has a shape complementary to that of the ball socket 239.

[0281] The connecting device 230 comprises a screw 233 which passes through the first plate 222, the ball head 238 and the ball socket 239. The outer end 234 of the screw 233 is fixed in a hole 235 formed in the ball socket 239 and the inner end of the screw 233 comprises a screw head 236 which is positioned in a recess 225 formed in the inner surface 224 of the first plate 222, the recess 225 comprising a bottom 226. The elastic member 237 is located in the recess 225 between the screw head 233 and the bottom 226 of the recess 225 so as to press the first plate 222 against the receiving collar 232, while allowing a degree of freedom in rotation about the first axis X3 and a degree of freedom in rotation around the second axis X4.

[0282] In connection with the, a second variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0283] The support element 320 differs from that of the in that the metal sleeve 331 does not have a receiving collar, and in that the ball head 338 projects from a metal part 340 positioned against the external surface 327 of the first plate 322. The metal part 340 has a diameter greater than the external diameter of the pillar 321.

[0284] The metal part 340 is fixed to the first plate 322 via fixing screws 341 located at the periphery of the metal part 340. The fixing screws 341 pass through the first plate 322 and the metal part 340. The fixing screws 341 each have an external end 342 which is fixed to the metal part 340, for example by riveting, and an internal end 343 which has a screw head which is housed in a countersink 323 formed in the internal surface 324 of the first plate 322.

[0285] In connection with this, a third variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0286] The support element 420 differs from that of the in that it comprises a first metal part 440 positioned against the outer surface 427 of the first plate 422 and fixed against the outer surface 427 via fixing screws 441. The support element 420 further comprises a second metal part 460 located opposite the first metal part 440. The second metal part 460 is positioned against the inner surface of the receiving flange 432 and fixed against the receiving flange 432 via fixing screws 444.

[0287] The first metal part 440 comprises a ball head 438 forming a protrusion from the outer surface 445 and the second metal part 460 comprises a base 462 projecting from the inner surface 461 of the second metal part 460, the base comprising the ball socket 439. The ball head 438 is housed in the ball socket 439.

[0288] The first metal part 440, the second metal part 460 and the receiving collar 432 have, for example, an identical or similar diameter.

[0289] The screw 433 passes through the first plate 422, the first metal part 440, the ball head 438, the ball cup 439 and the second metal part 460. The screw 433 has an outer end which is fixed in the second metal part 460.

[0290] According to an alternative embodiment of the, the elastic member 437 is replaced by a spherical washer located in the recess 425 between the screw head 436 and the bottom 426 of the recess 425. The spherical washer comprises two parts which cooperate with each other by spherical surfaces, which allows mobility of the screw head 436 relative to the first plate 422.

[0291] In connection with this, a fourth variant of the second embodiment of the connecting device connecting the modular structure to the pillar is described below.

[0292] The support element 620 differs from that in that the support is a closure plate 631. The ball socket 639 is provided in the closure plate 632, at the center of the diameter of the closure plate 632.

[0293] The fixing rod 633 passes through the first plate 622, the metal part 640 and the closing plate 632.

[0294] The rod 633 has an outer end 634 secured in a hole 635 which is provided at the center of the diameter of the closure plate 632 and an inner end secured via a rod head 636 in the counterbore 625 provided in the first plate 622.

[0295] In connection with this, a third embodiment is described below.

[0296] The support element 920 differs from that la in that it does not include the ball head 438 and the base 452 illustrated in la and in that the elastic member 837 is positioned between the first metal part 940 and the second metal part 960.

[0297] The attachment of the threaded rod 933 to the first metal part 940 and to the second metal part 960 is for example carried out in a manner similar to the embodiment illustrated via, i.e. via screw-nut systems.

[0298] The different embodiments of the connecting device as illustrated with figures 15 to 23 can be applied to the tank walls of figures 2 to 11. For example, the bolting comprising the nuts 82 illustrated on the can be replaced by a connecting device of the embodiments illustrated with figures 15 to 23.

[0299] The aforementioned wall 11, comprising one or more aforementioned load-bearing elements, is intended to be integrated into a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas. The liquefied gas intended to be stored in the tank may in particular be liquid hydrogen which has the particularity of being stored at approximately -253°C at atmospheric pressure.

[0300] Such a tank is fixed against a supporting structure 1 as illustrated with the.

[0301] Illustrates a sealed and thermally insulating tank angle 171 for storing a liquefied gas. The tank comprises a first tank wall 111 and a second tank wall 211 forming a tank angle, the first and second walls 111, 211 being connected in a connection zone 92. The first and second tank walls may have the aforementioned characteristics.

[0302] The secondary sealing membrane 113 of the first tank wall 111 is connected to the secondary sealing membrane of the second tank wall 211 in the connection zone 92.

[0303] The primary sealing membrane 115 of the first tank wall 111 is connected to the primary sealing membrane of the second tank wall 211 in the connection zone 92.

[0304] The first tank wall 111 and the second tank wall 211 each comprise, at the primary thermally insulating barrier, a first row 95 of support elements supporting the primary sealing membrane which extends parallel to the edge formed at the intersection between the first and second walls and the support elements of which extend in the direction of thickness of their respective wall, between the secondary sealing membrane 113 and the primary sealing membrane 115.

[0305] The first tank wall 111 and the second tank wall 211 each further comprise, at the primary thermally insulating barrier, a second row 96 of support elements, parallel to the first row, the support elements of which also extend in the direction of thickness of their respective wall. The support elements of each second row 96 comprise load-bearing elements 720 comprising, for example, the characteristics of a support element such as illustrated in one of FIGS. 1 to 23.

[0306] With reference to the, a cutaway view of a ship 70 for transporting a liquefied gas shows a sealed and thermally insulating tank 71 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship. The wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas, for example LNG, contained in the tank, a secondary sealing membrane arranged between the primary sealing membrane and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two thermally insulating barriers arranged respectively between the primary sealing membrane and the secondary sealing membrane and between the secondary sealing membrane and the double hull 72.

[0307] In a manner known per se, loading / unloading pipelines 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 71.

[0308] The figure shows an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, a subsea pipeline 76 and a land-based installation 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore installation comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 which supports the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 which can be connected to the loading / unloading pipes 73. The orientable mobile arm 74 adapts to all sizes of ships 70. A connecting pipeline (not shown) extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows the loading and unloading of the ship 70 from or to the land-based installation 77. The latter comprises liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipelines 81 connected by the subsea pipeline 76 to the loading or unloading station 75.The subsea pipeline 76 allows the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore installation 77 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the vessel 70 at a great distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0309] To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 70 and / or pumps equipping the onshore installation 77 and / or pumps equipping the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0310] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0311] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprise" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0312] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Wall (11, 111, 211) for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied gas, the wall successively comprising, along a thickness direction of the wall, a thermally insulating barrier (14) intended to be anchored to a supporting structure and a sealing membrane (15, 115) which rests against the thermally insulating barrier, the sealing membrane being a corrugated sealing membrane comprising a first series of corrugations (45) having first corrugations (45a) parallel to each other and a second series of corrugations (45b) having second corrugations parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first corrugations (45a), the sealing membrane comprising a plurality of flat zones (46) which are each defined between two adjacent first corrugations and between two adjacent second corrugations, the thermally insulating barrier comprises: - at least one element of support (30, 130, 120, 220,320, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1030) and- a modular structure (50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550) located between the at least one support element and the waterproofing membrane, the modular structure being fixed against the at least one support element, the waterproofing membrane resting against the modular structure and being fixed to said modular structure, the modular structure comprising at least a first plate (51, 58, 122, 151, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) and a second plate (52), the waterproofing membrane comprises a first zone (46) fixed to the first plate and a second zone fixed to the second plate, the first zone and the second zone correspond to two flat zones adjacent,the first plate being linked to the second plate (52) by a connection (54) which has a degree of freedom in translation in a direction perpendicular (X) to the direction of thickness of the wall and a degree of connection in the direction of thickness (Y) of the wall., Wall according to claim 1, in which the connection (54) is formed by direct contact between a lateral portion (101, 102, 201, 202) of the first plate (51) and a lateral portion (103, 104, 203, 204) of the second plate (52). Wall according to claim 2, in which the lateral portion (101, 102, 201, 202) of the first plate (51) comprises at least one first rectilinear tongue (105) and one external tongue (107) respectively located on either side in the direction of thickness of the wall (11, 111) of a respective portion of the lateral portion (103, 104, 203, 204) of the second plate (52). Wall according to claim 3, wherein the lateral portion (101, 102) of the first plate (51) comprises a second rectilinear tab (105), the external tab (107) being positioned between the first and second rectilinear tabs (105) and the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate (52) comprises a first external tab (107), a second external tab (107) and a rectilinear tab (105) positioned between the first external tab (107) and the second external tab (107) of the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate (52), the first and second rectilinear tabs (105) of the lateral portion (101, 102) of the first plate (51) extending in a rectilinear manner and the first and second external tabs (107) of the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate being offset along the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11,111) and positioned respectively outside the rectilinear tab (105) of the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate (52), the rectilinear tab (105) of the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate (52) extending in a rectilinear manner and the external tab (107) of the lateral portion (101, 102) of the first plate being offset in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111) and positioned outside the rectilinear tab (105) of the lateral portion (103, 104) of the second plate., Wall according to claim 2, in which the lateral portion (201, 202) of the first plate (58) cooperates by form fitting with the lateral portion (203, 204) of the second plate and forms a fitting zone. Wall according to claim 5, in which the lateral portion (201, 202) of the first plate (58) comprises a tenon (205, 206) projecting towards the second plate, said tenon being received by a mortise (207, 208) arranged in the lateral portion (203, 204) of the second plate. Wall according to claim 5, in which the interlocking zone has a through passage which passes through, in the direction perpendicular (X) to the thickness direction of the wall (11, 111), the lateral portion of the first plate and the lateral portion of the second plate, the through passage being formed by at least one opening (452) made in the lateral portion of the first plate corresponding with at least one opening (452) made in the lateral portion of the second plate, a rod (453) being housed in said through passage so that the first plate and the second plate have a degree of connection in the thickness direction of the wall. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the modular structure (50, 150, 250, 350) comprises a third plate (56), a fourth plate (57) and a fifth plate, the sealing membrane (15) comprising a third zone fixed (46) to the third plate, a fourth zone fixed to the fourth plate (57) and a fifth zone (46) fixed to the fifth plate, the first plate (51, 58) being linked to the third, fourth and fifth plates by links which have a degree of freedom in translation in a direction perpendicular (X) to the direction of thickness of the wall (11, 111) and a degree of connection in the direction of thickness (Y) of the wall (11, 111). Wall according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first plate (51, 58) is fixed against the at least one support element (30, 130) via a first fixing located in the center of the first plate (51, 58), and the second plate (52) is fixed against the at least one support element (30, 130) via a second fixing located in the center of the second plate (52). Wall according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the at least one support element (130) is a thermally insulating panel comprising a layer of self-supporting insulating foam sandwiched between an internal rigid plate and an external rigid plate. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 10, in which the at least one support element (130) is an insulating box comprising a base plate, a cover plate and supporting webs extending in the thickness direction of the wall between the base plate and the cover plate and delimiting at least one compartment filled with a thermally insulating lining. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the at least one support element (130) comprises a layer of flexible material (31) in contact with the modular structure. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the thermally insulating barrier comprises a first support element and a second support element, the first support element being a first pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030) and the second support element being a second pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030), the first pillar and the second pillar extending in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11, 111), the first pillar being fixed to the first plate and the second pillar being fixed to the second plate. Wall according to claim 13, wherein the modular structure (250, 350) comprises:a first sleeve (252, 352, 131, 231, 331, 431, 831, 931) fixed between an inner end of the first pillar and the first plate,a second sleeve (252, 352, 131, 231, 331, 431, 831, 931) fixed between an inner end of the second pillar and the second plate, anda metal beam connecting the first sleeve and the second sleeve by a sliding junction in the direction perpendicular (X) to the thickness direction of the wall. Wall according to claim 14, wherein the thermally insulating barrier (14) comprises a third support element, the third support element being a third pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030) extending in the thickness direction (Y) of the wall (11), in which the first pillar (30), the second pillar and the third pillar are aligned. A wall according to claim 15, wherein the modular structure (250, 350) comprises a third plate and a third sleeve (252, 352, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921) fixed between an inner end of the third pillar and the third plate, the waterproofing membrane comprising a third zone fixed to the third plate, in which the metal beam (253) connects the third sleeve. Wall according to one of claims 14 to 16, in which the first sleeve and the second sleeve comprise a through opening in the direction perpendicular (X) to the thickness direction of the wall in order to receive the metal beam (253, 254). Wall according to one of claims 13 to 17, in which the first plate (51, 58, 122, 151, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922) is connected to an inner end of the first pillar (30, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 921, 1030) via a connecting device (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730, 830, 930) which retains the first plate to the first pillar in the thickness direction (Y), the connecting device having: - a degree of freedom in rotation about a first axis (X3) which is perpendicular to the direction of wall thickness, and- a degree of freedom in rotation around a second axis (X4) which is perpendicular to the direction of wall thickness and orthogonal to the first axis. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 18, in which the thermally insulating barrier (14) is a primary thermally insulating barrier (14) and the sealing membrane (15, 115) is a primary sealing membrane (15, 115) which is intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank, the wall comprising a secondary thermally insulating barrier (12) intended to rest against the supporting structure, a secondary sealing membrane (13) which rests against the secondary thermally insulating barrier (12), the primary thermally insulating barrier (14, 114) resting against the secondary sealing membrane (13) and the primary sealing membrane resting against the primary thermally insulating barrier. Wall according to one of claims 1 to 19, in which the liquefied gas is hydrogen. Sealed and thermally insulating tank (1) comprising a plurality of walls (11, 111) according to any one of claims 1 to 20. A vessel (70) for transporting a liquefied gas, the vessel comprising a double hull (72) and a sealed and thermally insulating tank (71) according to claim 21 arranged in the double hull. A transfer system for a liquefied gas, the system comprising a vessel (70), insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the sealed and thermally insulating tank (71) installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) and a pump for driving a flow of liquefied gas through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the sealed and thermally insulating tank of the vessel (70) according to claim 22. A method of loading or unloading a ship (70) according to claim 22, in which a liquefied gas is conveyed through insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) from or to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) to or from the sealed and thermally insulating tank (71) of the ship (70).

Images