PREFABRICATED PANEL AND WATERTIGHT AND THERMALLY INSULATED TANK

Abstract

A prefabricated panel (1) for the manufacture of a watertight and thermally insulating wall, in which the base plate, the first layer of thermal insulation and the watertight covering have a first rectangular contour while the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate have a second rectangular contour of smaller dimensions than the first rectangular contour, such that the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate do not cover an edge area (28) of the watertight covering along the four edges of the first rectangular contour, in which the first layer of thermal insulation comprises at least two secondary blocks (22) of polymer foam, the at least two secondary blocks being juxtaposed in a width direction of the first rectangular contour and joined by bonding at the lateral end surfaces (27) of the at least two secondary blocks,the lateral end surfaces extending in a direction of length of the first rectangular contour. Figure to be published: 1,

Description

Title of the invention: PREFABRICATED PANEL AND WATERPROOF AND THERMALLY INSULATED TANK technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of leak-proof and thermally insulated membrane tanks. In particular, the invention relates to the field of leak-proof and thermally insulated tanks for the storage and / or transport of liquefied gases at low temperatures, such as tanks for transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (also called LPG) at temperatures ranging, for example, from -50°C to 0°C, or for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at approximately -162°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 used for transporting liquefied gas or for receiving liquefied gas to serve as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure. Technological background

[0002] A generally flat prefabricated panel for manufacturing a watertight and thermally insulating wall is known, notably from document WO2015197638. The prefabricated panel comprises successively a rigid base plate, a first layer of thermal insulation supported by the base plate and forming, with the base plate, a secondary insulating barrier element, a watertight coating that completely covers the first layer of thermal insulation by being bonded to the first layer of thermal insulation and forming a secondary watertight membrane element, a second layer of thermal insulation that covers a central area of ​​the first layer of thermal insulation and the watertight coating, and a cover plate covering the second layer of thermal insulation and forming, with the second layer of thermal insulation, a primary insulating barrier element, wherein the base plate,The first layer of thermal insulation and the waterproof coating of the prefabricated panel have a first rectangular outline, while the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate have a second rectangular outline smaller than the first rectangular outline, so that the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate do not overlap the edge area of ​​the waterproof coating along all four edges of the first rectangular outline. The thermal insulation layers can be made of glass fiber reinforced polyurethane foam.

[0003] With such prefabricated panels, it is possible to manufacture leak-proof and thermally insulated tanks for the storage and / or transport of liquefied gas at low temperature. For a large volume tank, this requires covering considerable flat surfaces with juxtaposed prefabricated panels.

[0004] The quantity of supply and handling operations required to manufacture such a tank therefore depends on the wall surface area covered by each prefabricated panel. It is thus advantageous to enlarge the prefabricated panel as much as possible to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing operations for a watertight and thermally insulated tank. Summary of the invention

[0005] Certain aspects of the invention stem from the observation that modifying the manufacturing tools for polymer foam blocks is difficult and costly. A key idea of ​​the invention is to provide a large-surface prefabricated panel that can be made with commercially available polymer foam blocks or, at least, whose manufacture does not require significant investment in tooling.

[0006] For this purpose, according to one embodiment, the invention provides a prefabricated panel mentioned above in which the first layer of thermal insulation comprises at least two secondary blocks of polymer foam, the at least two secondary blocks being juxtaposed in a width direction of the first rectangular contour and assembled by gluing at the lateral end surfaces of the at least two secondary blocks, the lateral end surfaces extending in a length direction of the first rectangular contour.

[0007] Thanks to these characteristics, it is possible to obtain a generally flat prefabricated panel, that is to say, one suitable for covering a flat load-bearing wall, the width of which can reach at least twice the width of a secondary polymer foam block. This panel can be entirely prefabricated in the workshop for installation in a single piece in its final position in order to create a watertight and thermally insulating tank.

[0008] Another advantage of this prefabricated panel is to limit the number of bonding operations carried out directly in the sealed and thermally insulated tank during its construction.

[0009] According to embodiments, such a prefabricated panel may include one or more of the following characteristics.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the lateral end surfaces extend parallel to a thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the lateral end surfaces have a first surface portion extending parallel to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation and a second surface portion extending transversely or obliquely to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the lateral end surfaces further have a third surface portion extending parallel to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation, said second surface portion being located between the first surface portion and the third surface portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the length and width of the first rectangular contour are greater than or equal to 2 m ±20 mm. According to another embodiment, the length of the first rectangular contour is greater than or equal to 3 m ±30 mm. "±" here indicates a dimensional tolerance range. 2 m ±20 mm therefore defines a range between 1980 mm and 2020 mm.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first rectangular contour and / or the second rectangular contour is a square.

[0015] The second layer of thermal insulation can be formed of one or more elements.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second layer of thermal insulation comprises at at least three primary blocks of polymer foam, the at least three primary blocks being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first primary block fixed on a first of said secondary blocks, a second primary block fixed on a second of said secondary blocks and a third primary block fixed straddling the first secondary block and the second secondary block, the cover plate comprising cover plate elements fixed respectively on each of said at least three primary blocks.

[0017] Preferably in this case, each of the first and second primary blocks has relation slots extending in a thickness direction of the second layer of thermal insulation and opening onto a top surface of the second layer of thermal insulation, the cover plate elements fixed on each of the first and second primary blocks having edges aligned with said relaxation slots.

[0018] The waterproof coating can be formed of one or more elements.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the waterproof coating comprises at least three composite layers, the at least three composite layers being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first composite layer bonded to the first secondary block, a second composite layer bonded to the second secondary block and a third composite layer bonded across the first composite layer and the second composite layer.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the first primary block is glued onto the first composite layer, the second primary block is glued onto the second composite layer and the third primary block is glued onto the third composite layer.

[0021] The base plate can be formed of one or more elements.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the base plate comprises at least two base plate elements, for example at least three base plate elements, the at least two or at least three base plate elements being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first base plate element glued under a first of said secondary blocks and a second base plate element glued under a second of said secondary blocks.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the base plate further comprises a third base plate element fixed astride under the first secondary block and the second secondary block.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first layer of thermal insulation consists of two so-called secondary blocks of polymer foam.

[0025] Alternatively, the first layer of thermal insulation may consist of three or more so-called secondary blocks of polymer foam.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the first layer of thermal insulation comprises a third secondary block disposed between the first secondary block and the second secondary block.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the third secondary block is spanned by the third base plate element and / or by the third composite layer and / or by the third primary block.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the base plate is made of plywood or composite material.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the cover plate is made of plywood or composite material.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the polymer foam is a polyurethane foam reinforced with fibers, for example glass fibers.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the cover plate carries metal strips for welding a primary waterproof membrane.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a manufacturing method for manufacturing a generally flat prefabricated panel, the method comprising: providing two prefabricated sub-assemblies, each prefabricated sub-assembly successively comprising a rigid base plate element, a secondary polymer foam block bonded to the base plate, a composite sheet that completely covers the secondary block by being bonded to the secondary block, a primary polymer foam block that covers a central area of ​​the secondary block and the composite sheet and is fixed to the composite sheet, and a cover plate element that covers the primary block and is fixed to the primary block, the base plate element, the secondary block and the composite sheet of the prefabricated sub-assembly presenting a third rectangular contour while the primary block and the cover plate element present a fourth rectangular contour of smaller dimensions than the third rectangular contour, such that the primary block and the cover plate element do not cover an edge area of ​​the composite sheet along the four edges of the third rectangular contour, juxtapose the two prefabricated subassemblies parallel to each other in a width direction of the third rectangular contour, so that the edge areas of the composite sheets of the two prefabricated subassemblies are adjacent, bond the lateral end surfaces of the secondary blocks of the two prefabricated subassemblies together, possibly by inserting a third secondary block between the lateral end surfaces of the secondary blocks of the two prefabricated subassemblies,the lateral end surfaces extending in a direction of length of the third rectangular contour, glue a third composite sheet straddling the composite sheets of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies, the third composite sheet spanning, where appropriate, the third secondary block, , fix a third primary block on the third composite layer between the primary blocks of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a third base plate element is fixed straddling under the secondary blocks of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies, the third base plate element spanning, where appropriate, the third secondary block.

[0034] The invention also provides a watertight and thermally insulating tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a flat load-bearing wall, the tank wall comprising the aforementioned prefabricated panels juxtaposed parallel to each other, such that the edge zone of the watertight coating of a first of the prefabricated panels is adjacent to the edge zone of the watertight coating of a second of the prefabricated panels, the tank wall further comprising a sealing strip arranged straddling the adjacent edge zones of the watertight coatings of the first and second prefabricated panels and bonded in a watertight manner to the watertight coatings of the first and second prefabricated panels to complete the secondary watertight membrane between the first and second prefabricated panels, the tank wall further comprising insulating blocks arranged on the sealing strip,an insulating block being placed each time between the second layers of thermal insulation of the first and second prefabricated panels, so as to complete the primary insulating barrier between the first and second prefabricated panels, the insulating block comprising a layer of thermal insulation covered with a rigid plate, so that the rigid plates of the insulating blocks and the plates of , The covers of the first and second prefabricated panels constitute a substantially continuous support surface suitable for supporting a primary waterproof membrane.

[0035] Thanks to prefabricated panels that can have increased dimensions, it is possible to limit handling and gluing operations in the tank and thus increase the efficiency and productivity of the manufacturing operations of such a tank.

[0036] The techniques described above for manufacturing a prefabricated panel or a sealed and thermally insulated tank can be used to manufacture a tank for the storage and / or transport of liquefied gas at low temperature. Such a tank can be part of an onshore storage facility, for example for storing LNG, or be installed in a floating structure, coastal or in deep water, including an LNG carrier, a ship powered by a combustible liquefied gas, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a floating production and remote storage unit (FPSO), and others.

[0037] According to one embodiment, a ship for the transport of a cold liquid product comprises a double hull and the aforementioned tank arranged in the double hull.

[0038] According to one embodiment, a transfer system for a cold liquid product comprises the aforementioned vessel, insulated pipes arranged to connect the vessel's tank to a floating or land-based storage facility, and a pump to drive a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the vessel's tank.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method for loading or unloading a ship mentioned above, in which a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or land-based storage facility to or from the ship's tank. Brief description of the figures

[0040] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages thereof will become more apparent from the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Fig. 1 represents an exploded plan view of a prefabricated panel according to a first embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a top view of the prefabricated panel of Fig. 1.

[0043] Figure 3 is a view analogous to Figure 2, further showing a tool for handling assembled to the prefabricated panel.

[0044] [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of [Fig. 3], further showing a second method of producing the prefabricated panel.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a view analogous to Fig. 1 showing a third embodiment of the prefabricated panel.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a schematic cutaway representation of a methane tanker comprising a ship tank and a terminal for loading / unloading this tank. Description of the implementation methods

[0047] With reference to figures 1 to 5, we will now describe a prefabricated panel 1 or 101 which can be manufactured in large dimensions and which can be used in a sealed and thermally insulating tank wall.

[0048] With reference to Figures 1 to 2, the prefabricated panel 1 is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a base plate 3, for example made of 9 to 15 mm thick plywood, surmounted by a first layer of thermal insulation 4, itself surmounted by a waterproof coating 6 made of composite material. The waterproof coating 6 is bonded to the first layer of thermal insulation 4.

[0049] A second layer of thermal insulation 7 is bonded to the waterproofing membrane 6 and itself supports a cover plate 8, for example, made of plywood 12 to 15 mm thick. Subassembly 3-4 constitutes the secondary insulating barrier element. Subassembly 7-8 constitutes the primary insulating barrier element and, as shown in [Fig. 2], has a rectangular shape with sides parallel to those of the secondary insulating barrier element. In plan view, the two insulating barrier elements are rectangular with the same center. The primary insulating barrier element leaves a peripheral edge surface 28 of the waterproofing membrane 6 exposed all around the primary insulating barrier element. The waterproofing membrane 6 constitutes the secondary waterproofing membrane element.

[0050] The first layer of thermal insulation 4 is here formed of two secondary blocks 22, having the shape of rectangular parallelepipeds, which are glued to each other at the level of their lateral surfaces 27.

[0051] The base plate 3 is here formed in three parts: two base plate elements 21 extend respectively under the two secondary blocks 22 from the lateral end surfaces of the prefabricated panel 1 towards the center and stop at a distance from the lateral surfaces 27. A connecting plate 5 is placed under the two secondary blocks 22 between the two base plate elements 21 and spans the lateral surfaces 27. By way of example, the connecting plate 5 can be made of wood plywood or of resin-based composite material, the composite material being able to be reinforced with fibers.

[0052] The waterproof coating 6 is here formed in three parts: two rigid composite sheets 23 respectively cover the two secondary blocks 22. One sheet flexible composite 15 is glued across the two rigid composite layers 23 and spans the lateral surfaces 27.

[0053] The second layer of thermal insulation 7 is here formed in three parts: two primary blocks 24 respectively cover a central area of ​​the two secondary blocks 22 and of the two rigid composite sheets 23, while leaving the peripheral edge surface 28 exposed. A primary connecting block 17, of the same thickness as the two primary blocks 24, is placed on the flexible composite sheet 15 and fills the space between the two primary blocks 24. Relaxation slots 26 are formed in the primary blocks 24 and optionally in the primary connecting block 17, and pass through all or part of the thickness of the second layer of thermal insulation 7.

[0054] The cover plate 8 is formed of a multitude of cover plate elements 25 arranged on the two primary blocks 24 and of one or more cover plate elements 18 arranged on the primary connecting block 17. The contours of the cover plate elements 25 follow the relaxation slots 26.

[0055] In an embodiment not shown, the relaxation slots 26 are provided only in the thickness of the primary blocks 24 and do not open at the level of the cover plate 8.

[0056] As seen in [Fig.2], metal strips 29 are fixed to the cover plate elements 18 and 25 at locations that correspond to the contours of the metal plates (not shown) to form a primary sealing membrane.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a plan view which does not imply the dimensions of the elements in the length direction of the prefabricated panel 1. In the length direction, visible in Fig. 2, each of the secondary blocks 22 preferably extends in a single piece along the entire length of the prefabricated panel 1, in order to promote its rigidity. Similarly, the rigid composite sheets 23 and the flexible composite sheet 15 preferably extend in a single piece along the entire length of the prefabricated panel 1, in order to promote sealing.

[0058] However, in one embodiment, particularly to increase the length of the prefabricated panel 1, several secondary blocks 22 can be glued end to end along the lengthwise direction, in addition to the divisions made along the widthwise direction. Similarly, other elements described above can be arranged end to end along the lengthwise direction, in addition to the divisions made along the widthwise direction: base plate elements 21, connecting plate 5, primary blocks 24, primary connecting block 17.

[0059] To ensure the fixing of the prefabricated panel 1 on a supporting structure (not shown), wells 30 are provided, regularly distributed on the two longitudinal edges of the prefabricated panel 1, to receive dowels fixed on the supporting structure according to the known technique.

[0060] The prefabricated panel 1, which has just been described, can be prefabricated to form an assembly whose various components are bonded together in the arrangement indicated above. The thermal insulation layers 4 and 7 can be made of a cellular plastic material such as polyurethane foam. Preferably, glass fibers are embedded in the polyurethane foam to reinforce it. The density of the polyurethane foam is, for example, between 50 and 250 kg / m³, preferably between 90 and 170 kg / m³.

[0061] A particularly efficient technique for manufacturing the prefabricated panel 1 consists of manufacturing two subassemblies 2 and then assembling them. More specifically, each of the two subassemblies 2 comprises a secondary block 22, a base plate element 21, a rigid composite sheet 23, a primary block 24, and cover plate elements 25. It will be appreciated that subassembly 2 is very similar to a prior art prefabricated panel and can therefore be manufactured efficiently using proven methods. However, subassembly 2 differs from the prior art prefabricated panel in that: - the absence of wells 30 along the lateral surfaces 27, intended to be located in the middle of the prefabricated panel 1, - and the interruption of the base plate elements 21 at a distance from the lateral surfaces 27.

[0062] The assembly of the two sub-assemblies 2 can be carried out by the following steps: - gluing the two secondary blocks 22 by the lateral surfaces 27, - gluing the flexible composite sheet 15 over the rigid composite sheets 23, - gluing a joining pad 10 onto the flexible composite sheet 15, the joining pad 10 including the primary connecting block 17 and the cover plate elements 18.

[0063] Optionally, the connecting plate 5 can also be glued, stapled or screwed under the two secondary blocks 22 in order to reduce deformations of the prefabricated panel during its transport and especially its installation on the wall of the tank.

[0064] The prefabricated panel 1 can be manufactured in large dimensions, for example 2 m ± 20 mm wide by 2 m ± 20 mm long or 2 m ± 20 mm wide by 3 m ± 30 mm long. To mount the prefabricated panel 1 in the tank's supporting structure, it is preferable to use a rigid mounting tool.

[0065] A suitable mounting tool, assembled to a load-bearing wall 31, is shown in Figures 3 and 4. The mounting tool is, for example, made of steel or wood. It comprises an upper structure 33 forming a lattice resting on the cover plate 8 and fixing rods 32, fixed to studs 39 fixed to the load-bearing wall 31 and engaged in the wells 30 and in holes provided in the upper structure 33. The fixing rods 32 allow the prefabricated panel 1 to be clamped between the load-bearing wall 31 and the upper structure 33, for example using nuts not shown, in order to allow the compression of strips of sealant interposed between the bottom plate 21 and the wall of the tank 31, without subjecting the prefabricated panel 1 to bending forces.

[0066] In [Fig.3], the upper structure 33 comprises three bars extending lengthwise and four bars extending widthwise. Other geometries are of course possible.

[0067] Figure 4 also shows the prefabricated panel 1 in a second embodiment, in which an intermediate secondary block 12 is inserted and glued between the two secondary blocks 22. In other words, the lateral surface 27 of each of the two secondary blocks 22 is glued to a respective lateral surface of the intermediate secondary block 12. Otherwise, the prefabricated panel 1 is identical to that of Figures 1 and 2.

[0068] To handle the prefabricated panel 1 without damaging it through excessive bending, it is also preferable to use a rigid handling tool. The lattice-shaped upper structure 33 can provide a suitable handling tool. For this purpose, the upper structure 33 is fixed to the cover plate 8 by means of studs or threaded rods with nuts. These threaded rods can, in particular, cooperate with oblong holes provided in the upper structure 33 and with threaded inserts 38 provided for this purpose on the cover plate elements 25.

[0069] Figure 5 shows a prefabricated panel 101 according to a third embodiment, in which the geometry of the two secondary blocks 122 is modified. In particular, the bonding surface of the two secondary blocks 122 is enlarged thanks to the geometry of the lateral surfaces 127 and 227, which is here stepped. It will be understood that other geometries of the lateral surfaces 127 and 227 are possible to enlarge the bonding surface, for example with several steps and / or inclined surface portions.

[0070] Like the prefabricated panel 1, the prefabricated panel 101 can be manufactured by assembling two sub-assemblies 102 having respectively the lateral surface 127 and the lateral surface 227. Apart from the gluing of the lateral surface 127 to the lateral surface 227, the other assembly steps are unchanged.

[0071] To manufacture a watertight and thermally insulating tank wall, the prefabricated panel 1 or 101 can be used in the same way as the prefabricated panels of the prior art. See, for example, WO2015197638. Thanks to the increased dimensions of the prefabricated panel 1 or 101, a tank can be manufactured with fewer panels than in the prior art, for the same capacity.

[0072] Preferably, the width of the prefabricated panel 1 or 101 is chosen to be equal to the combined width of two prior art prefabricated panels and the gap usually left between the two prior art prefabricated panels. Thanks to this choice, the prefabricated panel 1 or 101 can occupy, in the watertight and thermally insulated tank wall, exactly the space that was previously occupied by two prior art prefabricated panels. This choice considerably reduces the need to modify the design of the other elements of the tank wall. In particular, it will not be necessary to change the position of the studs on the load-bearing wall, but only to remove two of the four rows.

[0073] A simple way to obtain the above dimensioning is to choose, in the second embodiment, an intermediate secondary block 12 whose width is equal to the width of the usual gap, and to keep the known width for the secondary blocks 22. In the first or third embodiment, the width of the usual gap can be compensated by a widening of the insulating blocks 22 or 122 compared to the known width, for example by incorporating half a gap width in each of the two insulating blocks 22 or 122.

[0074] The dimensioning described above with a multiple of 2 can also be achieved with a larger integer multiple, for example 3 or 4. In other words, the prefabricated panel 1 or 101 could occupy, in the sealed and thermally insulated tank wall, exactly the space previously occupied by three or four prefabricated panels of the prior art. However, enlarging the prefabricated panel increases its weight and may therefore generate new requirements for handling equipment. The multiple 2 thus offers an attractive compromise between increased efficiency on the one hand and compatibility with available handling equipment on the other.

[0075] The primary waterproof membrane is shown only in [Fig. 6]. It can be made with corrugated metal sheets or by any other known technique. Preferably, the prefabricated panel 1 or 101 is designed, particularly in its dimensions and the positioning of the metal strips 69, so that it allows the use of corrugated metal sheets of the prior art. Thus, the manufacturing and installation operations of the primary waterproof membrane are virtually unchanged.

[0076] Dimensional example 1 (in mm)

[0077] Width of prefabricated panel 1: 2010

[0078] Length of prefabricated panel 1: 2010

[0079] Width of secondary block 22: 1005

[0080] Width of primary block 24: 680

[0081] Width of the connecting block 10: 340

[0082] Length of primary block 24 and connecting block 10: 1700

[0083] Dimensional example 2 (in mm)

[0084] Width of prefabricated panel 1: 2010

[0085] Width of secondary block 22: 990

[0086] Width of the intermediate secondary block 12:30

[0087] Dimensional example 3 (in mm)

[0088] Width of prefabricated panel 101: 2010

[0089] Maximum width of secondary blocks 122: 1105

[0090] Minimum width of secondary blocks 122:995

[0091] Dimensional example 4 (in mm)

[0092] Width of prefabricated panel 1: 2010

[0093] Length of prefabricated panel 1: 3030

[0094] Width of secondary block 22: 1005

[0095] The following dimensional tolerances can be applied: for values ​​less than 1200 mm the tolerance is ± 10 mm, for values ​​close to 2000 mm the tolerance is ± 20 mm and for values ​​close to 3000 mm the tolerance is ± 30 mm.

[0096] With reference to [Fig.6], a cutaway view of a vessel 70, which is here a methane tanker, shows a sealed and thermally insulating tank 71 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 72 of the vessel 70. The wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary sealed membrane intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary sealed membrane arranged between the primary sealed membrane and the double hull 72 of the vessel 70, and two thermally insulating barriers arranged respectively between the primary sealed membrane and the secondary sealed membrane and between the secondary sealed membrane and the double hull 72.

[0097] In a manner known per se, loading / unloading pipelines 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of suitable connectors, to a marine or port terminal to transfer a cargo of LNG from or to the tank 71.

[0098] Figure 6 shows an example of a marine terminal comprising a loading and unloading berth 75, a subsea pipeline 76, and an onshore facility 77. The loading and unloading berth 75 is a fixed offshore facility comprising a movable arm 74 and a tower 78 that supports the movable arm 74. The movable arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 that can be connected to the loading / unloading pipelines 73. The steerable movable arm 74 accommodates all LNG carrier sizes. A connecting pipeline (not shown) extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading berth 75 allows the ship 70 to be loaded and unloaded from or to the onshore facility 77. The latter comprises liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and pipelines 81 connecting lines linked 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 facility 77 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which allows the ship 70 to be kept a long distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0099] To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 70 and / or pumps equipping the land installation 77 and / or pumps equipping the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0100] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is clearly evident that it is by no means limited to them 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.

[0101] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprendre" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

[0102] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Demands

1. Prefabricated panel (1, 101) for the manufacture of a watertight and thermally insulating wall, the prefabricated panel being generally flat and comprising successively a rigid base plate, a first layer of thermal insulation supported by the base plate and constituting with the base plate a secondary insulating barrier element, a watertight coating which completely covers the first layer of thermal insulation by being bonded to the first layer of thermal insulation and which forms a secondary watertight membrane element, a second layer of thermal insulation which covers a central area of ​​the first layer of thermal insulation and the watertight coating, and a cover plate covering the second layer of thermal insulation and constituting with the second layer of thermal insulation a primary insulating barrier element, in which the base plate,the first layer of thermal insulation and the waterproof coating of the prefabricated panel have a first rectangular contour while the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate have a second rectangular contour of smaller dimensions than the first rectangular contour, such that the second layer of thermal insulation and the cover plate do not cover an edge area (28) of the waterproof coating along the four edges of the first rectangular contour, wherein the first layer of thermal insulation comprises at least two secondary blocks (22, 122) of polymer foam, the at least two secondary blocks being juxtaposed in a width direction of the first rectangular contour and joined by bonding at the lateral end surfaces (27, 127) of the at least two secondary blocks, the lateral end surfaces extending in a length direction of the first rectangular contour.

2. Prefabricated panel according to claim 1, wherein the lateral end surfaces (27) extend parallel to a thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation.

3. Prefabricated panel according to claim 1, wherein the lateral end surfaces (127) have a first surface portion extending parallel to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation and a second portion of surface extending transversely or obliquely to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation.

4. Prefabricated panel according to claim 3, wherein the lateral end surfaces (127) further have a third surface portion extending parallel to the thickness direction of the first layer of thermal insulation, said second surface portion being located between the first surface portion and the third surface portion.

5. Prefabricated panel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second layer of thermal insulation comprises at least three primary polymer foam blocks, the at least three primary blocks being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first primary block (24) fixed on a first of said secondary blocks (22, 122), a second primary block (24) fixed on a second of said secondary blocks (22, 122) and a third primary block (10) fixed straddling the first secondary block and the second secondary block, the cover plate comprising cover plate elements (25) fixed respectively on each of said at least three primary blocks.

6. Prefabricated panel according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second primary blocks (24) has relation slots (26) extending in a thickness direction of the second layer of thermal insulation and opening onto an upper surface of the second layer of thermal insulation, the cover plate elements (25) fixed on each of the first and second primary blocks having edges aligned with said relaxation slots (26).

7. Prefabricated panel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the waterproof coating comprises at least three composite layers, the at least three composite layers being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first composite layer (23) bonded to the first secondary block (22, 122), a second composite layer (23) bonded to the second secondary block (22, 122) and a third composite layer (15) bonded straddling the first composite layer (23) and the second composite layer (23).

8. Prefabricated panel according to claim 7 taken in combination with claim 5, wherein the first primary block (24) is glued onto the first composite layer (23), the second primary block (24) is glued onto the second composite layer (23) and the third primary block (10) is glued onto the third composite layer (15).

9. Prefabricated panel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base plate comprises at least three base plate elements, the at least three base plate elements being juxtaposed in the width direction of the first rectangular contour and comprising a first base plate element (21) glued under a first of said secondary blocks (22, 122), a second base plate element (21) glued under a second of said secondary blocks (22, 122) and a third base plate element (5) fixed straddling the first secondary block and the second secondary block.

10. Prefabricated panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first layer of thermal insulation consists of two said secondary blocks of polymer foam (22, 122).

11. Prefabricated panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first layer of thermal insulation comprises a third secondary block (12) disposed between the first secondary block and the second secondary block.

12. Prefabricated panel according to claim 11 taken in combination with any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the third secondary block (12) is spanned by the third base plate element (5) and / or by the third composite layer (15) and / or by the third primary block (10).

13. A watertight and thermally insulating tank (71) comprising a tank wall fixed to a flat load-bearing wall, the tank wall comprising prefabricated panels (22, 122) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 juxtaposed parallel to each other, such that the edge area of ​​the watertight coating of a first of the prefabricated panels is adjacent to the edge area of ​​the watertight coating of a second of the prefabricated panels, the tank wall further comprising a sealing strip arranged straddling the adjacent edge areas of the watertight coatings of the first and second prefabricated panels and bonded in a watertight manner to the watertight coatings of the first and second prefabricated panels to complete the secondary watertight membrane between the first and second prefabricated panels, the tank wall further comprising insulating blocks arranged on the sealing strip, an insulating block being placed each time between the second layers of thermal insulation of the first and second prefabricated panels, so as to complete the primary insulating barrier between the first and second prefabricated panels, the insulating block comprising a layer of thermal insulation covered with a rigid plate, so that the rigid plates of the insulating blocks and the cover plates of the first and second prefabricated panels constitute a substantially continuous support surface suitable for supporting a primary waterproof membrane.

14. Vessel (70) for the transport of a cold liquid product, the vessel comprising a double hull (72) and a tank (71) according to claim 13 disposed in the double hull.

15. Transfer system for a cold liquid product, the system comprising a vessel (70) according to claim 14, insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the vessel's tank (71) to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) and a pump for driving a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the vessel's tank.

16. A method of loading or unloading a ship (70) according to claim 15, wherein a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) from or to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) to or from the ship's tank (71).

17. A manufacturing method for producing a generally flat prefabricated panel, the method comprising: providing two prefabricated subassemblies (2, 102), each prefabricated subassembly successively comprising a rigid base plate element (21), a secondary block (22, 122) of polymer foam bonded to the base plate, a composite sheet (23) that completely covers the secondary block by being bonded to the secondary block, a primary block (24) of polymer foam that covers a central area of ​​the secondary block and the composite sheet and is fixed to the composite sheet, and a cover plate element (25) that covers the primary block and is fixed to the primary block, the base plate element (21), the secondary block (22, 122) and the composite sheet (23) of the prefabricated subassembly having a third rectangular contour, while the primary block (24) and the cover plate element (25) have a fourth rectangular contour smaller than the third rectangular contour, so that the primary block and the cover plate element do not cover an edge area (28) of the composite sheet along the four edges of the third rectangular contour, juxtapose the two prefabricated subassemblies parallel to each other in a width direction of the third rectangular contour, so that the edge areas of the composite sheets of the two prefabricated subassemblies are adjacent, bond the lateral end surfaces (27, 127) of the secondary blocks of the two prefabricated subassemblies together,possibly by inserting a third secondary block (12) between the lateral end surfaces of the secondary blocks of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies, the lateral end surfaces (27, 127) extending in a length direction of the third rectangular contour, glue a third composite layer (15) straddling the composite layers (23) of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies, the third composite layer spanning, where appropriate, the third secondary block (12), fix a third primary block (10) on the third composite layer (15) between the primary blocks (24) of the two prefabricated sub-assemblies.

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