System for plating a section of the sealing membrane of a storage tank

Abstract

Title of the invention: Cladding system for a portion of a sealing membrane of a storage tank The present invention relates to a cladding system (17) for a portion of a sealing membrane (10) comprising a plate device (18) and a retention system (40), the plate device (18) comprising a first plate (20), a second plate (22) and at least one compression member (28, 28A, 28B), the plate device (18) being configured to have a compressed configuration in which the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is subjected to a compression force about the vertical axis (V), and a cladding configuration in which the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is subjected to an extension force about the vertical axis (V) allowing the second plate (22) to be cladding against the retention system (40) and the first plate (20) against the portion of the sealing membrane (10). Figure from the summary: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: System for plating a portion of a sealing membrane of a storage tank

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tanks intended for the storage of liquefied gases, and more particularly to the means of ensuring the sealing of such tanks.

[0002] Liquefied gases, for example liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ethane, ammonia, or hydrogen, are important energy sources. These liquefied gases are generally stored in suitable tanks in their liquid state, at a temperature close to -160 °C for liquefied natural gas. They then occupy a smaller volume than they would in their gaseous state. This facilitates the transport of these liquefied gases between an extraction site and a destination site. For and during transport, the liquefied gases are stored in sealed and thermally insulated tanks. Such tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure.

[0003] The sealing and thermal insulation of the tank walls are essential to ensure proper storage of liquefied gases. These walls are formed of panels that thus comprise at least one layer of thermal insulation covered by a sealing membrane. The panels may, in particular, have a primary layer comprising a layer of thermal insulation and a sealing membrane, and a secondary layer comprising a layer of thermal insulation and a sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas.

[0004] Between two adjacent panels, it is necessary to ensure continuity of the seal. For this purpose, a sealing section designed to cover and, if necessary, fill a gap between the two adjacent panels can be used. The sealing section is bonded to the wall it is intended to cover by gluing. Such gluing is generally done manually, as it involves areas that are difficult to access with large machines. During this gluing process, a waiting period is necessary to allow the adhesive to cure and penetrate the fibers of the wall. The sealing section must be held in position during this waiting period, and the adhesive must be heated to temperatures of approximately 60 or 70 °C.

[0005] Prior art devices are known for applying pressure to the sealing portion to hold it in position for an appropriate duration at the end of the bonding operation, this pressure being ensured by the presence of an air balloon. A plurality of devices are installed along the areas of the sealing portions to be bonded, their respective balloons each being connected to a manifold which is itself connected to a Main air intake. However, flexible hoses managing the connections are susceptible to breakage and / or the air intake may malfunction, resulting in a pressure differential during the bonding process. In the event of a poor bond, it is necessary to dismantle the wall, sand off the previously applied adhesive, and then repeat the process for the entire area supplied by a manifold, which is particularly tedious.

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a pressurization device that is easy to install and in which the risks of breakage are reduced and the pressure is easily controlled.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is a system for attaching a portion of a sealing membrane to the wall of a liquefied gas storage tank, comprising a plate device and a retention system adapted to be fixed to the wall covering a receiving cavity in the wall adapted to receive the plate device, the plate device comprising: - a first plate intended to be positioned opposite the portion of the waterproofing membrane; - a second plate arranged substantially parallel and at a distance from the first plate with respect to a vertical axis; - a delimited receiving area between the first plate and the second plate, extending mainly along a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis; - at least one compression member disposed in the receiving space; the plate device being configured to have a compressed configuration in which the compression member is subjected to a compression force along the vertical axis allowing the plate device to be disposed in the receiving cavity, and a clamping configuration in which the compression member is subjected to an extension force along the vertical axis allowing the second plate to be clamped against the retention system and the first plate against the portion of the sealing membrane.

[0008] The bonding system according to the invention is intended for use in a liquefied gas storage tank, for example, a ship's tank, for the purpose of installing a portion of a sealing membrane on a wall of that tank. The liquefied gas is, for example, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ethane, methane, ammonia, nitrogen (dinitrogen), or hydrogen (dihydrogen), in their liquid form. The portion of the sealing membrane is, for example, a flexible secondary barrier. The portion of the sealing membrane is intended to be bonded to a thermally insulating layer that forms part of the tank wall, the bonding device enabling the sealing membrane portion to be bonded to the thermally insulating layer. The portion of the sealing membrane is used, in particular, in a junction zone between The tank walls are formed by two panels, each composed of a primary layer comprising a first layer of thermal insulation and a first waterproofing membrane, and a secondary layer comprising a second layer of thermal insulation and a second waterproofing membrane. The portion of the waterproofing membrane is, in particular, a part of the secondary layer affixed between the primary layers of two adjacent panels.

[0009] The plating system comprises a plate device consisting of two plates defining a receiving space between them. This receiving space provides a housing for at least one compression element of the plate device. The receiving space is also designed to be successively filled and evacuated with air, in particular to generate compression and a corresponding rebound effect on the compression element, so that it contributes to ensuring effective and constant plating of the portion of the waterproofing membrane against the secondary layer.

[0010] The plate device is configured to assume at least two different configurations during its use, which depend on a conformation of the compression element governed by a compressive force on the one hand and an extensional force on the other. In particular, the deformation undergone by the compression element due to the vacuum corresponds to the application of the compressive force, while the deformation resulting from the elastic restoring effect corresponds to the application of the extensional force.

[0011] Throughout the application, reference is made to a compressive force that tends to bring the plates closer together and to an extensor force that, conversely, tends to move them apart. This implies different configurations of the plate device in which the compression element(s) experience a compression ratio specific to a given configuration. Reference is made to the compression ratio of the compression element to describe the deformation it undergoes under the effect of vacuum, which tends to compress it and reduce its dimensions in the direction of compression to a minimum, and under the effect of elastic recoil, which tends to extend it and restore it to a dimension close to its resting size.The compression ratio is calculated by considering the dimensions of the compression element along the compression direction and by dividing this dimension at rest by the active dimension in a given configuration of the compression element. Specifically, the compression ratio is calculated by dividing the difference between the dimensions at rest and the active dimension by the said dimensions at rest. The absolute value of this compression ratio is then considered high if it is greater than 50% and low if it is less than 50%.

[0012] In a resting configuration of the plate device, the compression member is in its resting position. Such a resting position corresponds to a rate of The compression of the compression element is zero, i.e., approximately 0%. The first and second plates are then at their maximum distance from each other. The resting configuration is one in which the plate assembly is, for example, moved within the tank to position itself against the sealing membrane section.

[0013] In the compressed configuration of the plate device, the compression member is subjected to a compressive force along the vertical axis, that is, an axis perpendicular to the plates. In other words, the compression member exhibits a so-called maximum compression ratio, for example, greater than 90%, or even a compression ratio of 100%. In this compressed configuration, the first and second plates are as close to each other as possible. In other words, a force is exerted on the compression member such that the plates move closer together, inward and vertically within the plate device. This reduces the overall size of the plate device for its placement within the wall's receiving cavity or its removal from the wall, particularly to facilitate its installation and / or removal relative to the retention system.

[0014] This retaining system is designed to act as a displacement stop for the plate assembly, holding it in position throughout the bonding time, and more specifically by constraining it so that the restoring force of the compression member tends to push the first plate against the portion of the sealing membrane. It constitutes a stop against which the second plate pushes due to the restoring effect of the compression member and the fact that air can again enter the housing, which tends to separate the plates from each other.

[0015] In the plate-type device's clamping configuration, the compression member experiences an extensional force along the vertical axis, in the opposite direction to the compression force mentioned previously. In other words, the compression member has a lower compression ratio than the compression ratio of the compressed configuration. For example, the compression member has a compression ratio between 1 and 99%. This clamping configuration, which may correspond to a different compression ratio depending on the type of tank on which the system according to the invention is used, corresponds in particular to the configuration in which the clamping device optimally clamps the portion of the sealing membrane.The first plate is then in contact with the portion of the sealing membrane; it is pushed against it more specifically by the compression element which relaxes to return to its resting configuration, thus separating the two plates from each other. It can be understood from the above that the plating configuration is an intermediate configuration between the configuration of... The rest and compressed configurations. The compression configuration is the stable configuration in which the spacing between the plates is stabilized, the plates being respectively in contact with the portion of the sealing membrane and the retention system and pushed in opposite directions as they enter the receiving space. In other words, a force is exerted by the compression element such that the plates move apart from each other, outwards and vertically from the plate assembly.

[0016] The presence of the retention system ensures effective pressure on the sealing membrane portion, as this retention system prevents the plate device from being released from the receiving cavity in which it has been positioned. Thus, there is no possibility of hydraulic rupture, as was the case with prior art devices equipped with air balloons; here, due to the restoring effect of the compression element, constant pressure is ensured on the sealing membrane portion until the retention system is removed.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plating system includes a vacuum system configured to place the plate device in its compressed configuration.

[0018] The vacuum system is, for example, a Venturi system. It is configured to draw air from the receiving space in the resting position of the plate device, prior to installing the plate device against the portion of the sealing membrane to be bonded, or to draw air from the receiving space in the bonding position, prior to removing the plate device while the retaining system is still in place on the wall. As the vacuum is applied, the two plates move closer together, and the plate device thus transitions from the resting or bonding position to the compressed position.In other words, the vacuum system participates both in the installation of the plate device, by moving it from its resting configuration to its compressed configuration, and in its dismantling, by moving it from its plating configuration to its compressed configuration.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second plate includes at least one receiving orifice for the vacuum system.

[0020] The second plate corresponds to a portion of the plate assembly located away from the portion of the sealing membrane against which the first plate is intended to be pressed. This second plate is in contact with the retention system in the pressing configuration. The receiving orifice provided within the second plate is an orifice through which air is drawn in when the vacuum system is activated. It is understood that the vacuum system is positioned opposite the second plate, a portion of this vacuum system is, for example, introduced through the orifice into the receiving space to aspirate the air present within the receiving space.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the retention system includes at least one retention member disposed to rest against the second plate and intended to be fixed to the wall of the storage tank.

[0022] Thus, the retaining system limits the receiving housing of the plate device and forms a stop for the second plate against the retaining member. This prevents the plate device from disengaging and provides a fulcrum so that the restoring force tends to press the first plate against the portion of the waterproofing membrane. The retaining member is therefore designed to act as a displacement stop against the second plate when the plate device assumes its clamping configuration. More specifically, when the plate device transitions from its compressed to its clamping configuration, the compression member pushes the first plate against the portion of the waterproofing membrane and the second plate against the retaining system or retaining member, thereby pressing the first plate against the portion of the waterproofing membrane.The restraining element is, for example, a beam or a reinforcing bar.

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plate device includes at least one sealing element closing the receiving space.

[0024] The sealing element is, for example, a gasket. It helps to delimit, together with the plates, the receiving space by preventing air leaks.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the sealing element is disposed on a periphery of the plate device.

[0026] The sealing element is, according to the embodiments, disposed between the first plate and the second plate, or it is disposed around them.

[0027] Alternatively, the sealing element is inserted within receiving areas provided for this purpose between the first plate and the second plate.

[0028] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plate device comprises at least one first compression member and a second compression member extending parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the vertical axis. It is understood that the first compression member and the second compression member correspond to the at least one compression member mentioned previously.

[0029] The first compression member and the second compression member are then arranged side-by-side between the two plates. The presence of two compression members compression allows the compressive forces to be distributed within the plate device.

[0030] According to an optional feature of the invention, the orifice is disposed between the first compression member and the second compression member.

[0031] The orifice is located in a central portion of the plate device, with the first and second compression elements arranged on either side of this orifice. Positioning the orifice in the central portion facilitates its connection to the vacuum system.

[0032] According to an optional feature of the invention, the receiving space comprises at least one housing in which the compression member is disposed. The housing serves to prevent displacement of the compression member within the receiving space.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the receiving space further comprises a channel communicating between the housing and the receiving port of the vacuum system. Where applicable, the channel communicates with both housings of the two compression elements and the port.

[0034] According to an optional feature of the invention, the plate device includes at least one blocking element for longitudinal displacement of the compression element.

[0035] The locking member acts as a stop for the compression member. It prevents its longitudinal displacement during compression and / or decompression. In some embodiments, the plate device comprises two locking members, each located at one of the longitudinal ends of the compression member.

[0036] According to an optional feature of the invention, the compression member is a spring blade extending from one longitudinal end to the other of the plate device.

[0037] A spring calibration allows control of the pressure applied during the compression of the compression member.

[0038] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first plate and the second plate are made of wood, plastic, or metal. It should be understood that the plates must be sufficiently rigid so as not to deform and to maintain a generally flat configuration, whether under the effect of vacuum or the pressure exerted by the compression member during its release.

[0039] The invention also relates to the use of a plating system as mentioned, in which the plating system is used to hold the portion of the sealing membrane in position while it is being bonded to the wall of the liquefied gas storage tank.

[0040] The invention further relates to a method of plating a portion of a sealing membrane of a wall of a liquefied gas storage tank implementing a plating system as previously mentioned, comprising a compression step during which the plate device passes into its compressed configuration, a positioning step during which the plate device is placed so that the first plate is in contact with the portion of the sealing membrane, a placement step during which the retention system is positioned against the wall and a plating step in which the plate device passes from its compressed configuration to its plating configuration.

[0041] The plating method according to the invention allows for plating to be applied to the portion of the waterproofing membrane during the time required for its bonding. To this end, the plating method comprises a compression step of the plate device, using a vacuum system, to compress the compression element so that the plate device can be installed. This is followed by a positioning step during which the first plate is placed opposite the portion of the waterproofing membrane. The method further includes an installation step during which the retention system is installed against the wall.It should be noted that this step of installing the retention system can take place after the positioning of the plate device against the section of the waterproofing membrane, with the retention system overlapping the plate device within the receiving cavity, or it can take place before this positioning step and, if necessary, before the compression step of the plate device. In the latter case, the plate device in its compressed configuration is slid between the retention system and the section of the waterproofing membrane. The process then includes a pressing step during which the first plate is pressed against the section of the waterproofing membrane by the passage of the plate device in its pressing configuration, the compression member pushing the first and second plates apart as it relaxes.The plate device is then held in position by means of the retention system, which forms a stop against the second plate and this stop helps to increase the clamping force against the portion of the sealing membrane on the opposite side of the plate device.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the invention, during the compression step, air present in the receiving space is drawn in by the vacuum system.

[0043] The aspiration of air from the receiving space by means of the vacuum system compresses the compression element. The vacuum system allows, for example, the plate device to be placed under pressure between 300 and 400 mbar, a pressure which allows the compression element(s) to be put in a maximum compressed configuration, i.e. with the highest possible compression ratio.

[0044] According to an optional feature of the invention, during the plating step the retention system forms a stop to the movement of the second plate of the plate device and participates in plating the first plate of the plate device, via the return effect of the compression member, against the portion of the sealing membrane.

[0045] During this bonding step, the compression member tends to return to its resting configuration, and to this end it separates the plates from each other by pushing the first plate against the portion of the sealing membrane and the second plate against the retention system. This retention system thus acts as a stop for the second plate of the plate assembly, which allows the compression member to exert pressure against the portion of the sealing membrane when it is released, thereby bonding it.

[0046] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0047] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in perspective view, a wall of a tank of storage of a liquefied gas and a plating system involved in bonding a portion of the wall sealing membrane with its plate device and its retention system, a plate of the plate device being partially represented to make visible compression elements present within the plate device;

[0048] [Fig.2] illustrates, schematically, according to a cross-sectional view along a transverse and vertical plane, the tank wall and the plating system of the [Fig.1], the plate device being in a plating configuration;

[0049] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in cross-section and in isolation, the plate device of [Fig.1] in a rest configuration in which its compression members are in a rest position;

[0050] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in cross-sectional view, the plate device of [Fig.1] in its plating configuration as well as a vacuum system for the plating system;

[0051] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in cross-section and in isolation, the plate device of [Fig.1] in a compressed configuration in which its compression members have a maximum compression ratio;

[0052] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in perspective view, the plate device of the [Fig.l], one of its plates, namely the one opposite the portion of the sealing membrane that has been removed;

[0053] [Fig.7] illustrates schematically, according to a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.6], a variant of the plate device of [Fig.1], the plate opposite the portion of the sealing membrane having been removed.

[0054] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0055] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0056] In the detailed description that follows, the terms "longitudinal," "transverse," and "vertical" refer to the orientation of the plating system according to the invention. A longitudinal direction corresponds to a principal extension direction of the plates of the plate-like device of the plating system, this longitudinal direction being parallel to a longitudinal axis L of a frame of reference L, V, T illustrated in the figures. A vertical direction corresponds to a direction in which the first plate, the receiving space, and the second plate are superimposed, this vertical direction being parallel to a vertical axis V of the frame of reference L, V, T, and this vertical axis V being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Finally, a transverse direction corresponds to a direction parallel to a transverse axis T of the frame of reference L, V, T, this transverse axis T being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and to the vertical axis V.

[0057] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate, respectively, a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a wall 1 of a storage tank. Such a storage tank is intended for the storage of a liquefied gas, such as liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ethane, methane, ammonia, nitrogen (dinitrogen), carbon dioxide, or hydrogen (dihydrogen). The storage tank is integrated into a floating structure or into an onshore installation for the purpose of storing, loading, and unloading the liquefied gas.

[0058] The wall 1 is formed of a plurality of panels arranged side by side, with here a first panel 2 and a second panel 4. Each panel 2, 4 is composed of multiple layers that promote the sealing and insulation of the storage tank. Each panel 2, 4 thus comprises a primary layer 6 and a secondary layer 8, the primary layer 6 being intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas while the secondary layer 8 is attached to a support structure for the storage tank. Each of the primary layer 6 and the secondary layer 8 includes a sealing membrane on one side and a thermally insulating layer on the other.

[0059] At a junction between two adjacent panels, here between the first panel 2 and the second panel 4, the sealing and thermal insulation of wall 1 are achieved by means of a portion of a sealing membrane 10. Such a portion of the sealing membrane 10 corresponds to an element of wall 1 ensuring the sealing and thermal insulation between two adjacent panels 2, 4. This portion of the sealing membrane 10 is part of the secondary layer 8. It is, for example, a flexible secondary barrier. The portion of the sealing membrane 10 overlaps a rigid secondary barrier 12 which lines the secondary layer 8. This rigid secondary barrier is, in particular, a triplex comprising three successive layers, here with two layers of glass fibers framing an aluminum film.

[0060] As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, the portion of the sealing membrane 10 is arranged on the secondary layer 8 of the panels 2, 4, more precisely on their rigid secondary barrier 12.

[0061] The portion of the sealing membrane 10 is more particularly bonded to the rigid secondary barrier 12 of the secondary layer 8 of the panels 2, 4 by means of a strip of adhesive 16. The bonding of the portion of the sealing membrane 10 within the wall 1 involves a plating system 17, which will now be described in relation to figures 1 to 7.

[0062] The cladding system 17 comprises a plate device 18 on the one hand and a retention system 40 on the other. The plate device 18 comprises two plates, here made of wood, of which a first plate 20 and a second plate 22 are substantially rectangular in shape and extend mainly in a longitudinal-transverse plane, that is to say, mainly along a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, perpendicular to a vertical direction V. The first plate 20 and the second plate 22 are superimposed on each other with respect to this vertical direction V, so as to be substantially parallel. The first plate 20 is intended to be positioned opposite the portion of the waterproofing membrane 10, for the purpose of bonding this portion of the waterproofing membrane 10 to the wall 1.

[0063] The retention system 40 helps to hold the plate device 18 in position during bonding, and helps to press it against the portion of the membrane of sealing. Such a retention system 40, shown in Figures 1 and 2, includes in particular at least one retention element 42, here retention bars or beams 42 intended to be in contact with the second plate 22, as well as at least one fastening means 44, here screws. The beams 42 are secured to the primary layers 6 of each of the panels 2, 4 by means of the fastening means 44.

[0064] The plate device 18 is intended to be positioned within a receiving cavity 23 formed in the wall 1 and delimited by the portion of the sealing membrane 10, the primary layer 6 of the first panel 2 and the primary layer 6 of the second panel 4. The retention system 40 extends from the primary layer 6 of the first panel 2 to the primary layer 6 of the second panel 4, covering the receiving cavity 23 and the plate device 18 which is arranged within it.

[0065] The first plate 20 and the second plate 22 are arranged at a distance from each other, so as to define a receiving space 24 between them. Thus, along the vertical direction V, there is the first plate 20, the receiving space 24, and the second plate 22. This receiving space 24, which therefore corresponds to the space between the two plates 20 and 22, includes at least one housing 26 in which a compression element 28 is located. This housing 26 is notably formed by two chambers 27 formed respectively in each of the plates 20 and 22 facing each other. As shown in the figures, the receiving space 24 has two housings 26, each containing a compression element 28. It is understood that there is, within the plate device 18, a first compression element 28A and a second compression element 28B.The housings 26 and the two compression members 28A, 28B extend mainly along the longitudinal direction L, and they are parallel to each other. The first compression member 28A extends along a first longitudinal edge of the plates 20, 22 while the second compression member 28B extends along a second longitudinal edge of these plates 20, 22. The two longitudinal edges are opposite each other in a transverse direction T.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plate device 18 comprises at least two compression members 28. Advantageously, the plate device comprises an even number of compression members 28. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics which will be described subsequently in relation to one of the compression members 28A, 28B are intended to apply, mutatis mutandis, to the other compression member 28A, 28B.

[0067] The compression member 28 is, for example, a leaf spring, as is particularly visible in Figures 6 and 7, the restoring force of which is exerted by undulations along the vertical direction V. The compression member 28 is disposed between the first plate 20 and the second plate 22, and extends along the direction The longitudinal length L runs from one end to the other of the plate device 18. The compression member 28 bears against each of the plates 20, 22. Depending on the spacing of the plates relative to each other, the spring blade is more or less compressed. Subsequently, the restoring force of the spring blade, which here corresponds to an extensional force, tends to separate the plates. The compression member 28 is thus compressible between a zero compression ratio, corresponding to its rest position, and a maximum compression ratio. In order to prevent translation of the compression member 28 out of the plate device 18, the latter includes at least one locking member 29 to prevent longitudinal displacement of the compression member 28. Such a locking member 29, visible in Figures 6 and 7, is located at one of the longitudinal ends of the compression member 28.In some embodiments, the plate device 18 has a locking member 29 at each end of the compression member 28.

[0068] The receiving space 24 is closed laterally, that is, between the first plate 20 and the second plate 22, by at least one sealing element 30. This sealing element 30, for example a rubber gasket, is intended to prevent leaks within the plate assembly 18. The sealing element is attached to each of the first plate 20 and the second plate 22. The sealing element 30 is located around the perimeter of this plate assembly 30, either at least partially within the receiving space 24 between the first plate 20 and the second plate 22, or outside the receiving space 24 around the first plate 20 and the second plate 22. The sealing element 30 can, as appropriate, compress or expand to accommodate the movement of the plates 20, 22 during a change in the configuration of the assembly. plates 18.

[0069] As can be particularly seen in Figures 3 to 5, an orifice 32 is provided within the second plate 22. This orifice 32 opens into the receiving space 24. Advantageously, the orifice 32 is located in the center of the plurality of compression members 28. In another embodiment, the plate device 18 comprises a plurality of orifices 32. Advantageously, the plate device 18 includes an orifice between each compression member 28. In another embodiment, the plate device 18 includes an orifice 32 on one of its sides. Advantageously, the orifice 32 is located on the sealing member 30.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the orifice 32 opens into a channel 34 which communicates with the housing 26 in which the compression member 28 is disposed. Here, the channel 34 communicates both with the housing 26 which contains the first compression member 28A and with the housing 26 which contains the second compression member 28B, the orifice 32 being disposed in the transverse direction T between the housing receiving the first compression member 28A and the housing receiving the second compression member 28B. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 7], the first plate 20 comprises a plurality of channels 34 connecting the housing 26 containing the first compression member 28A and the housing 26 containing the second compression member 28B. The portions of the first plate 20 arranged between these different channels 34 then constitute shims for the compression members 28, so as to limit their movements other than compression within their respective housings 26. In [Fig. 7], the first plate 20 comprises four channels 34, but it is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to imagine embodiments in which the first plate 20 comprises a different number of such channels 34.

[0071] The orifice 32 is associated with a valve 36, which controls fluid communication between the receiving space 24 on the one hand and a vacuum system 38 on the other. This vacuum system 38, which is illustrated in [Fig. 4], is, for example, a Venturi-type system. The vacuum system 38 is configured to draw air from within the receiving space 24 in order to evacuate it from the plate device 18. In doing so, the first plate 20 and the second plate 22 move closer to each other and the compression element 28 is compressed.

[0072] The compression ratio of the compression element(s) 28 defines a configuration of the plate device 18. Thus, the plate device 18 is in a rest configuration illustrated in [Fig. 3] when the compression element 28 is in its rest position; it is in a compressed configuration illustrated in [Fig. 5] when the compression element 28 has the maximum compression ratio; and it is in a plated configuration illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 when the compression element 28 has a compression ratio between 0% and 100%, that is, between the compression ratio of its rest position and the compression ratio of its compressed configuration. In other words, the plated configuration of the plate device 18 is an intermediate configuration between the rest configuration and the compressed configuration.In this plate configuration of the plate device 18, the compression member 28 exhibits a non-zero compression ratio that is lower than the maximum compression ratio.

[0073] The vacuum system 38 is configured to move the plate device 18 from its resting configuration to its compressed configuration, or from its plating configuration to its compressed configuration when it is necessary to uninstall the plating device while the retaining system is still attached to the wall, by aspirating the air present within the receiving space 24. In the resting configuration, the first plate 20 and the second plate 22 are at their maximum distance from each other, and conversely, in the compressed configuration, they are at their closest point to each other. The aspiration of the air present within the receiving space 24 therefore contributes to bringing the two plates 20, 22 closer together and to compressing the compression member 28 by moving it from its rest position to its compressed position where its maximum compression rate is.

[0074] When the vacuum system 38 is removed and the valve 36 is opened, air can enter the receiving space 24 and accompany the rebound effect of the compression element, which tends to separate the plates from each other. The plate arrangement 18 is reached in the clamping configuration, in particular when the first plate 20 is in contact with the sealing wall and the second plate 22 is in contact with the beams 42 of the retention system 40.

[0075] The plate device 18 is shown in its plate configuration in Figures 2 and 4, in its rest configuration in [Fig. 3], and in its compressed configuration in [Fig. 5]. In the rest configuration, a distance DI between the plates, and more specifically between the outer faces of each of the plates 20, 22, is at its maximum. When using the vacuum system 38, the air present in the receiving space 24 is drawn out, and the distance between the plates is reduced to a minimum distance D2, or even to zero. The plate device then assumes its compressed configuration, with the plates 20, 22 being at their closest point to each other, or even in contact with each other. When the plate device 18 is in its plate configuration, the distance between the plates is an intermediate distance D3, which is between the maximum distance DI and the minimum distance D2.The distances D1, D2, D3 are for example measured between a face of the first plate 20 opposite the second plate 22 and a face of the second plate 22 opposite the first plate 20.

[0076] The receiving cavity 23 is delimited by a height of the primary mass of the insulation, measured along the vertical direction V, between 70 mm and 110 mm, more advantageously between 80 mm and 100 mm, a width, measured along the transverse direction T, between 340 mm and 600 mm, and a length, measured along the longitudinal direction L, between 500 mm and 3100 mm.

[0077] Advantageously, the height of the receiving cavity 23 is 100 mm. The plate device 18 has an overall height of about 110 mm in its resting configuration, a height substantially equal to that of the receiving cavity 23, i.e. 100 mm, in its plating configuration, and in its compressed configuration, i.e. after application of the vacuum, the plate device 18 has a height of less than 100 mm, down to 80 mm.

[0078] A method for bonding the portion of the sealing membrane 10 within the wall 1 of the storage tank will now be described. This bonding method begins with a step in which the adhesive strip 16 is deposited onto the rigid secondary barrier 12 that lines the secondary layer 8 of the two panels 2, 4 adjacent. The portion of the sealing membrane 10 is then positioned between the primary layers 6 of these two panels 2, 4 on the adhesive strip 16. In order to keep the portion of the sealing membrane 10 in contact with the adhesive strip 16, it is necessary to apply pressure to this portion of the sealing membrane 10 for a period corresponding to the time required for the adhesive strip 16 to cure, for example a period of a few hours.

[0079] For this purpose, an operator responsible for installing the portion of the sealing membrane 10 uses the plate-setting device 17. The plate-setting device 18 is initially in its rest configuration, visible in [Fig. 3], in which the compression member 18 is in its rest position. The operator uses the vacuum system 38, which he connects to the valve 36 connected to the port 32. Activating the vacuum system 38 during a vacuum-setting step causes the air present in the receiving space 24 to be drawn out, creating a vacuum in the plate-setting device 18 and tending to bring the plates closer together. As the two plates 20, 22 move closer together and the compression member 28 is compressed, the plate-setting device 18 changes from its rest configuration to its compressed configuration, as illustrated in [Fig. 5].In this compressed configuration, in which the compression member 28 exhibits its maximum compression ratio, the plate device 18 is, during a positioning step, placed in the receiving cavity 23 between the primary layers 6 of the two panels 2, 4. During a placement step, the retention system 40 is installed on the wall 1, covering the receiving cavity 23, with the retention system 40 extending from the primary layer 6 of the first panel 2 to the primary layer 6 of the second panel 4. The retention system 40 is fixed to the wall 1 by means of its attachment means 44. A thickness of the plate device 18 measured along the vertical direction V is then less than a dimension of this receiving cavity 23, also measured along the vertical direction V, between the portion of the waterproofing membrane 10 and the beams 42 of the retention system 40.In some alternative embodiments, the step of setting up the retention system 40 occurs prior to the step of positioning the plate device 18 within the receiving cavity 23, and where appropriate prior to the step of vacuuming the plating device.

[0080] Once the retention system 40 is installed, the vacuum system 38 is removed and the valve 36 is opened. Due to the return effect of the compression element, it deploys and the plates 20, 22 then move apart until the second plate 22 is in contact with the beams 42 of the retention system 40 and until the first plate 20 is in contact with the portion of the sealing membrane 10. In other words, due to a possible return of air into the housing 26, the compression member 28 decompresses so that the plate device 18 moves from its compressed position to its clamping position. The clamping configuration is reached when the second plate 22 is clamped against the beams 42 of the retention system 40, while the first plate 20 exerts pressure against the portion of the sealing membrane 10 which in turn presses against the adhesive strip 16.

[0081] In order to facilitate the bonding of the portion of the sealing membrane 10, the adhesive strip 16 is heated by a heating element such as a heating resistance of the plating system 17.

[0082] Once the bonding time has elapsed, the plate device 18 is first removed from the wall 1, and then the retaining system 40 is removed in turn. This removal of the plate device 18 involves the vacuum system 38, which draws the air from the receiving space 24, compressing it to make it easier to extract from the receiving cavity 23 in the wall 1, while the retaining system 40 remains in place.

[0083] The plating process according to the invention thus makes it possible to apply pressure to the portion of the sealing membrane 10 during the time necessary for its bonding against the panels 2, 4 of the wall 1.

[0084] The present invention thus proposes a tool to ensure continuity of sealing between two panels of a storage tank wall, in a simple and secure way by applying pressure to a portion of sealing membrane 10 to be installed in contact with a strip of glue placed on a portion already installed of the wall panels.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Demands

1. A system for cladding (17) a portion of a sealing membrane (10) of a wall (1) of a liquefied gas storage tank, comprising a plate device (18) and a retention system (40) adapted to be fixed to the wall (1) covering a receiving cavity (23) of the wall (1) adapted to receive the plate device (18), the plate device (18) comprising: - a first plate (20) intended to be positioned opposite the portion of the sealing membrane (10); - a second plate (22) arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the first plate (20) with respect to a vertical axis (V); - a receiving space (24) delimited between the first plate (20) and the second plate (22) which extends mainly along a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis (V);- at least one compression member (28, 28A, 28B) disposed in the receiving space (24), the receiving space (24) comprising at least one housing (26) in which the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is disposed; the plate device (18) being configured to have a compressed configuration in which the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is subjected to a compressive force along the vertical axis (V) allowing the plate device (18) to be disposed in the receiving cavity (23), and a clamping configuration in which the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is subjected to an extensional force along the vertical axis (V) allowing the second plate (22) to be clamped against the retention system (40) and the first plate (20) against the portion of the sealing membrane (10).

2. Plating system (17) according to claim 1, wherein the plate device (18) includes at least one sealing element (30) closing the receiving space (24).

3. Plating system (17) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a vacuum system (38) configured to place the plate device (18) in its compressed configuration.

4. Plating system (17) according to claim 3, wherein the second plate (22) includes at least one receiving orifice (32) for the vacuum system (38).

5. A plating system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the retention system (40) comprises at least one retention member (42) intended to be fixed to the wall (1) of the storage tank.

6. A plating system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plate device (18) comprises at least a first compression member (28A) and a second compression member (28B) extending parallel along a longitudinal axis (L) perpendicular to the vertical axis (V).

7. A plating system (17) according to claim 6 in combination with claim 4, wherein the orifice (32) is disposed between the first compression member (28A) and the second compression member (28B).

8. A plate-setting system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plate device (18) comprises at least one blocking member (29) of a longitudinal displacement of the compression member (28, 28A, 28B).

9. A plate-setting system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the compression member (28, 28A, 28B) is a spring blade extending from one longitudinal end to the other of the plate device (18).

10. Use of a plating system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plating system (17) is used to hold in position the portion of sealing membrane (10) while it is being bonded to the wall (1) of the liquefied gas storage tank.

11. A method for cladding a portion of a sealing membrane (10) of a wall (1) of a liquefied gas storage tank employing a cladding system (17) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least one compression step during which the plate device (18) passes into the compressed configuration, a positioning step during which the plate device (18) is placed so that the first plate (20) is in contact with the portion of the sealing membrane (10), a placement step during which the retention system (40) is positioned against the wall (1) and a cladding step in which the plate device (18) passes from its compressed configuration to its cladding configuration.

12. A plating method according to claim 11 in combination with claim 3, wherein during the compression step air present in the receiving space (24) is aspirated by the vacuum system (38).

13. A plating method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein during the plating step the retaining system (40) forms a stop to the movement of the second plate (22) of the plate device (18) and participates in plating the first plate (20) of the plate device (18), via the return effect of the compression member (28, 28A, 28B), against the portion of sealing membrane (10).

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