Sealed heat insulation tank including inter-panel heat insulation insert

Abstract

To provide a sealed heat insulation tank wall for burying an inter-panel space with high reliability without a heat insulation insert creating a clearance in an inter-panel space between two adjacent panels of a heat insulation barrier.SOLUTION: A sealed heat insulation tank wall including a heat insulation barrier that defines a supporting surface for a sealed membrane is provided. The heat insulation barrier includes two heat insulation panels adjacent to each other and define an inter-panel space. The tank wall further includes a heat insulation insert disposed on the inter-panel space so as to bury the inter-panel space. The heat insulation insert includes a heat insulation core (4) at least partially covered by a covering member (5), and the heat insulation core includes laminated glass wool. The laminated glass wool includes a laminate of multiple sheets of fiber stacked in a lamination direction (12). The heat insulation insert is disposed in the inter-panel space such that the lamination direction of the laminated glass wool is parallel with a width direction of the inter-panel space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sealed, insulated tanks with a membrane. In particular, the present invention relates to the field of sealed, insulated tanks for storing and / or transporting cryogenic liquids, such as tanks for transporting liquefied petroleum gas (also called "LPG") at temperatures such as -50°C to 0°C or tanks for transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) at atmospheric pressure at about -162°C. Such tanks can be installed on land or on floating structures. In the case of floating structures, the tanks can be for transporting liquefied gas or for receiving liquefied gas to be used as fuel for propulsion of the floating structure. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, French patent applications FR 2 724 623 and FR 2 599 468 describe wall structures for producing planar walls of sealed, insulated tanks. Such tank walls have a multi-layer structure comprising, from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary insulating barrier, a secondary sealing membrane, a primary insulating barrier and a primary sealing membrane in contact with the liquid contained in the tank. Such tanks comprise a number of insulating panels arranged to form the insulating barrier. Furthermore, an insulating seal is inserted between two insulating panels to ensure continuity of the insulating properties of the insulating barrier.

[0003] JP 4-194498 A describes a sealed insulated tank for storing and transporting low-temperature liquids, with an insulating barrier composed of a plurality of insulating panels arranged in a regular pattern. A flat insulating seal is placed between two adjacent insulating panels to prevent gas convection between the two adjacent insulating panels. The flat insulating seal is made of an insulating core surrounded by a sealed bag made of a plastic film. The flat insulating seal is inserted into the interpanel space in a vacuum-packaged compressed state, and after insertion, the sealed bag is perforated so that the flat sealing seal can expand to fill the entire space between the two panels forming the interpanel space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The Applicant has found that insulating seals such as those described in patent applications FR 2 724 623 and FR 2 599 468 are difficult to insert into the interpanel spaces mentioned above, and they also cannot guarantee to fill the entire interpanel space to the maximum extent possible, and therefore cannot reliably guarantee the continuity of the insulation in the insulating barrier, which means that there may be spaces in the insulating barrier that are prone to convection phenomena.

[0005] The applicant further recognized that, although flat insulating seals such as the flat insulating seal described in JP 4-194498 can be well inserted into and fill the interpanel spaces described above, when such flat insulating seals are stretched, they can create passages that promote natural convection. Specifically, when the tank cools down, the thermal shrinkage behavior of the flat insulating seal is determined by the plastic film bag. Since the thermal shrinkage coefficient of the plastic film bag is higher than that of the insulating panel, the applicant recognized that the shrinkage of the flat insulating seal of JP 4-194498 will be greater than the shrinkage of the interpanel space in which it is housed, and this shrinkage will create voids that separate the flat insulating seal from the faces of the panels that define the interpanel space. Such voids promote convection phenomena and determine the insulating properties of the insulating barrier.

[0006] One idea behind the present invention is to produce a sealed insulated tank that does not have the above-mentioned drawbacks. One idea behind the present invention is to provide a hermetically insulated tank wall in which, when the tank is in use, the insulating insert reliably fills the inter-panel space between two adjacent panels of the insulating barrier without creating any voids in said inter-panel space.

[0007] In order to achieve the above idea, the present invention provides a sealed insulated tank wall comprising an insulating barrier defining a planar support surface and a sealed membrane provided on the planar support surface of the insulating barrier, the insulating barrier comprising a plurality of insulating panels arranged in a regular pattern, the opposing side surfaces of two adjacent insulating panels defining an inter-panel space separating the two adjacent insulating panels, the sealed insulated tank wall further comprising an insulating insert arranged in the inter-panel space so as to fill the inter-panel space, the insulating insert comprising an insulating core at least partially covered by a covering member, at least a central portion of the insulating core comprising laminated glass wool, the laminated glass wool comprising a plurality of sheets of fibres superposed in a laminate direction, the insulating insert being arranged in the inter-panel space such that the laminate direction of the central portion is parallel to the width direction of the inter-panel space, i.e. parallel to the separation direction of the two opposing side surfaces.

[0008] Such a tank wall exhibits good insulating properties of the insulating barrier, in particular that the insulating barrier provides continuous insulation whatever the filling state of the tank.

[0009] In particular, the covering material surrounding the insulating core of the insulating insert exhibits a low coefficient of friction that allows the insulating insert to be easily and reliably inserted into the entire interpanel space. This insertion is made easier by orienting the laminating glass wool in the central portion of the insulating core in an orientation that allows good compression of the insulating core in the width direction of the interpanel space during insertion of the insulating insert. In particular, the above-mentioned arrangement of the glass wool allows good and easy compression of the insulating core in the width direction of the interpanel space so that it can be inserted into the interpanel space. The above-mentioned arrangement of the laminating glass wool also allows for a quick and easy expansion of the insulating core after the insulating insert is inserted into the interpanel space, thereby filling the interpanel space to the maximum extent.

[0010] Furthermore, the above-mentioned covering member preferably has a shrinkage behavior similar to that of the insulating core, so that the insulating insert conforms to the dimensions of the inter-panel space regardless of the filling level of the tank without irregular deformation, e.g., wavy.

[0011] In some embodiments, the walls may have one or more of the following configurations:

[0012] In one embodiment, the lamination direction of the laminating glass wool that constitutes the central portion of the insulating core is perpendicular to at least one of the opposing sides of two adjacent insulating panels that define the inter-panel space.

[0013] In one embodiment, the opposing sides of two adjacent insulating panels that define the inter-panel space are parallel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sheets of laminating glass wool fibers that make up the central portion of the insulating core are parallel to the faces of adjacent insulating panels that define the inter-panel space.

[0015] The direction of the "length of the insulation core" or "length of the insulation insert" refers to the direction extending along the length of the interpanel space. In one embodiment, the insulation core further comprises at least one end portion at at least one of the longitudinal ends of the central portion, the end portion comprising stacked sheets of fiber in a stacking direction parallel to the length of the insulation insert.

[0016] In one embodiment, the insulating insert further comprises at least one end piece at at least one of the longitudinal ends comprising laminated glass wool having multiple sheets of fibers stacked in a stacking direction parallel to the length of the insulating insert, the end piece being separated from the insulating core by a covering member.

[0017] In one embodiment, the insulating core comprises at least one separator extending in a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the tank wall, the separator dividing the laminated glass wool into a plurality of laminated glass wool sections aligned in the thickness direction of the sealed insulated tank wall.

[0018] In one embodiment, the insulating core comprises a plurality of said separators dividing the laminating glass wool into a plurality of laminating glass wool sections aligned in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0019] In one embodiment, the separators are spaced apart from each other by 5 to 20 cm in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0020] In one embodiment, one or more of the above-mentioned separators are made from kraft paper.

[0021] In one embodiment, one or more of the separators are bonded to the glass wool sections separated by the separator.

[0022] In one embodiment, the distance that the separator or separators extend across the width of the interpanel space is less than the thickness of the insulating insert as seen across the width of the interpanel space.

[0023] The above-described construction provides the insulation insert with a through-thickness stiffness that allows for uniform compression for insertion into the inter-panel spaces. Additionally, the above-described separator provides head loss through the thickness of the tank wall that limits convection through the laminated glass wool in the tank wall.

[0024] In one embodiment, the insulating core has a thickness of 20 to 45 kg / m 3 The laminated glass wool has a density of

[0025] In one embodiment, the central portion of the insulating core comprises a first insulating layer of laminated glass wool and a second insulating layer of laminated glass wool, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer overlap in the width direction of the interpanel space, the lamination direction of the laminated glass wool of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer is parallel to the width direction of the interpanel space, and the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are separated by a separation sheet parallel to the faces of the two insulating panels.

[0026] In one embodiment, the lamination direction of the laminating glass wool of the first insulation layer is parallel to the width direction of the inter-panel space.

[0027] In one embodiment, the lamination direction of the laminating glass wool of the second insulation layer is parallel to the width direction of the inter-panel space.

[0028] In one embodiment, the laminating glass wool of the first insulation layer has a higher density than the laminating glass wool of the second insulation layer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first insulation layer has a thickness of 33 to 45 kg / m 3 The laminated glass wool has a density of 1000:1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second insulating layer has a thickness of 20 to 28 kg / m 3 The laminated glass wool has a density of 1000:1.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first insulation layer comprises at least one separator dividing the laminated glass wool of the first insulation layer into a plurality of laminated glass wool sections aligned in the thickness direction of the tank wall, the separator being preferably made of kraft paper.

[0032] In one embodiment, the parting sheet is made from glass cloth or kraft paper.

[0033] In one embodiment, the separator sheet is smaller than the insulating layer along the length and width of the insulating core, to avoid the separator sheet impeding the compressibility of the insulating core during insertion.

[0034] With the above configuration, one insulation layer, e.g., the first insulation layer, can be a layer dedicated to providing an insulation insert with good rigidity, and one insulation layer, e.g., the second insulation layer, can be a layer dedicated to controlling the deformation of the insulation insert in the thickness direction of the insulation insert, making it easier to insert into the inter-panel space.

[0035] In one embodiment, the wrapper completely surrounds the insulating core.

[0036] In one embodiment, the wrapper partially surrounds the insulating core.

[0037] In one embodiment, the shroud comprises a plurality of shroud portions, the shroud portions being joined to one another and / or to the insulating core.

[0038] In one embodiment, each different adjacent cover member portion has one or more overlapping regions that overlap with an overlapping region of an adjacent cover member portion.

[0039] In one embodiment, adjacent different cover member portions are assembled by joining at their overlapping regions.

[0040] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the covering member comprises a material selected from kraft paper, a polymer sheet, a sheet of a composite material comprising mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibers bonded to a paper or polymer sheet, and combinations thereof.

[0041] In another embodiment, at least a portion of the covering element comprises a material selected from a polymer sheet, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibers bonded to a paper or polymer sheet, and combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the covering element can be made in the form of an assembly of a number of sections cut from one or more of the sheet materials listed above. Each section is made of a respective one of the insulating cores. The covering member is configured to cover a portion and to be assembled, for example by bonding, with other portions to form a covering member. In one embodiment, at least 40% of the surface area of ​​the covering member comprises a sheet material selected from a polymeric sheet, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibers and a polymeric matrix, a composite sheet comprising a paper or polymeric sheet bonded to mineral fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0042] In one embodiment, not all of the covering member is formed by assembling pieces of kraft paper by bonding, while in another embodiment, the covering member does not include any portion made of kraft paper.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wrapper has a planar wrapper portion on each side of the insulating core that is perpendicular to the width of the inter-panel space.

[0044] In one embodiment, all or part of the covering element, in particular at least one of the planar covering element portions, comprises a composite sheet comprising mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, which provides the covering element with good dimensional stability against moisture.

[0045] In one embodiment, said mineral fibres are in the form of a fabric or mat.

[0046] In one embodiment, said mineral fibre fabric or mat is impregnated or coated with said polymer matrix.

[0047] In one embodiment, the polymer matrix impregnated or coated on the mineral fiber fabric or mat is a solvated adhesive, polyurethane, silicone, It is selected from the group consisting of rubber, epoxide and polyester. Other resins such as polyamide, polyimide, polyetherimide or other thermoplastics may also be used.

[0048] In one embodiment, the polymer matrix comprises a sheet of polymer covering the mineral fibres on at least one of the two sides of the mineral fibre fabric or mat.

[0049] In one embodiment, the composite sheet is covered in whole or in part, for example on the outer or inner surface of the covering member, by a sheet of polymer, or if the composite sheet already includes a sheet of polymer, the composite sheet is covered in whole or in part by a sheet of another polymer, for example by bonding the sheet of polymer or another polymer to the composite sheet. This embodiment mitigates the possible lack of fluid tightness of the composite sheet, thereby providing the covering member with the necessary fluid tightness when applying vacuum pressure to the insulating insert to insert the insulating insert into the interpanel space.

[0050] In one embodiment, the composite sheet is covered, in whole or in part, for example on the outer or inner surface of the covering member, by a sheet of paper, or, if the composite sheet already comprises a sheet of paper, by another sheet of paper, for example bonded to the composite sheet. The paper may be, for example, kraft paper. If the sheet of composite material is not sufficiently fluid-tight, the sheet of paper increases the fluid-tightness of the covering member to a level required to apply a vacuum pressure to the insulating insert in order to insert it into the interpanel space. Furthermore, the paper makes it easier to slide the insulating seal into the interpanel space when fitting it into the interpanel space.

[0051] In one embodiment, the polymer sheet covering the mineral fibres is bonded to the mineral fibre cloth or mat using hot melt or spot bonding techniques.

[0052] In one embodiment, the polymeric sheet or composite sheet covering the mineral fiber cloth or mat is made from a resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mineral fibers are selected from the group consisting of glass fibers and basalt fibers.

[0054] In one embodiment, the polymer sheet has a thickness of 10 to 100 g / m 2 Surface density is preferably 20 to 40 g / m 2 has an areal density of

[0055] In one embodiment, the polymer matrix has a density of 0.8 to 1.4.

[0056] In one embodiment, at least one of the planar cover member portions comprises kraft paper.

[0057] In one embodiment, the covering member has end covering member portions extending across the width of the inter-panel space between the planar covering member portions located on each side of the insulating core, the end covering member portions being located along all or part of the circumference of the insulating core.

[0058] In one embodiment, the end surface portion comprises a straight end surface portion and a corner end surface portion.

[0059] In one embodiment, the end portions comprise kraft paper.

[0060] In one embodiment, kraft paper used for the end wrapper portions is the adhesive.

[0061] In one embodiment, the kraft paper used for at least one of the planar covering member parts and / or at least one of the end surface covering member parts is 60 to 150 g / m 2 , preferably 70 to 100 g / m 2 The basis weight is 100g.

[0062] In one embodiment, the end portion comprises a sheet of polymer.

[0063] In one embodiment, the polymeric sheet is an adhesive.

[0064] In one embodiment, the covering member is fluid-tight with a set leakage rate to allow the insulating insert to be compressed by vacuum pressure under the action of a suction system, such as a vacuum pump or a Venturi type vacuum generator.

[0065] In one embodiment, the difference between the thermal contraction coefficient of the insulating core and the thermal contraction coefficient of the covering member is 15×10 -6 / K or less.

[0066] In one embodiment, the thermal contraction coefficient of the insulating core is 5×10 -6 / K~10×10 -6 / K.

[0067] In one embodiment, the thermal contraction coefficient of the covering member is 5×10 -6 / K~20×10 -6 / K.

[0068] In this way, compression of the wrapper as it shrinks under the action of low temperatures does not significantly compress the insulating core, particularly to the point where the insulating core assumes a wavy shape that may result in voids that promote convection.

[0069] In one embodiment, the insulating panel of the thermal barrier comprises a block of polyurethane foam.

[0070] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a hermetically sealed, insulated tank wall, the method comprising: - preparing an insulating barrier for a sealed insulated tank wall, the insulating barrier comprising a plurality of insulating panels arranged in a regular pattern, the opposing sides of two adjacent insulating panels defining an inter-panel space separating the two adjacent insulating panels; - providing a parallelepiped insulating insert comprising an insulating core and a covering member completely covering said insulating core; - inserting a suction nozzle of a suction system into the insulating insert through an opening in the covering member; - applying a vacuum pressure within the insulating insert such that the vacuum pressure reduces a thickness of the insulating insert; - inserting an insulating insert into the inter-panel space while maintaining suction of the suction system to maintain a vacuum pressure during the step of inserting the insulating insert into the inter-panel space; - inserting the insulating insert into the inter-panel space, and then removing the suction nozzle from the insulating insert and connecting the interior space of the covering member to atmospheric pressure through the opening in the covering member; has.

[0071] Such an arrangement allows for easy and rapid insertion of the insulating insert into the interpanel space, and in particular, by maintaining a vacuum pressure within the insulating insert as it is inserted into the interpanel space, the insulating insert can be maintained in a compressed state, and as a result of this compression, the insulating insert maintains a reduced thickness, which facilitates insertion of the insulating insert into the interpanel space.

[0072] Also, the suction nozzle of the suction system can be simply removed to connect the interior space of the covering member to the exterior surroundings, so that the insulation core can be expanded without any additional work after the insulation insert is in place in the interpanel space. Depending on the embodiment, the above-mentioned manufacturing method of the tank wall can include one or more of the following features:

[0073] In one embodiment, the reduction in thickness of the insulating insert is performed such that the thickness of the insulating insert is less than the width of the inter-panel space.

[0074] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle of the suction system is configured to pierce a covering member of the insulating insert, and the step of inserting the suction nozzle into the insulating insert includes a step of piercing the covering member using the suction nozzle of the suction system.

[0075] Thus, the step of inserting the suction nozzle into the insulating insert is simple since it only requires using the suction nozzle to make a hole in the covering member.

[0076] In one embodiment, the suction nozzle comprises a flange, and inserting the suction nozzle of the suction system into the insulating insert comprises applying the flange to the covering member.

[0077] This allows the interaction between the suction nozzle and the cover member to be performed without causing significant leakage. This allows the suction system to quickly and easily create vacuum pressure within the cover.

[0078] In one embodiment, the insulating core of the insulating insert comprises at least a central portion of laminated glass wool, said central portion of laminated glass wool comprising multiple sheets of fiber stacked in a lamination direction, and the suction nozzle is inserted into the insulating insert from an end face of the insulating insert.

[0079] In one embodiment, the end surface into which the suction nozzle is inserted is parallel to the lamination direction of the laminated glass wool.

[0080] In one embodiment, the laminated glass wool in the central portion of the insulating core is placed in a parallelepiped insert such that the sheets of said fiber are parallel to the long sides of the parallelepiped insulating insert.

[0081] In one embodiment, the insulating insert is inserted into the inter-panel space such that the direction of lamination of the glass wool in the central portion is parallel to the support surface formed by the insulating panels of the insulating barrier.

[0082] In one embodiment, the insulating insert is inserted into the interpanel space such that the lamination direction of the laminating glass wool in the central portion is perpendicular to the side of the insulating panel that defines the interpanel space, in other words, the insulating insert is inserted into the interpanel space such that the sheets of fibers of the laminating glass wool in the central portion are parallel to said side of the insulating panel.

[0083] With the above configuration, the multiple sheets of laminated glass wool fibers in the central portion laminated in the above-mentioned lamination direction do not cause any significant head loss during the step of generating a vacuum pressure by suction with the suction system, thereby allowing the insulation insert to be compressed quickly and uniformly. Furthermore, by inserting the end of the nozzle of the suction system from the side of the covering member, the insulation insert can be compressed without the need for an excessively large pumping flow rate by the suction system, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the covering member associated with an excessively large suction that determines the compression of the insulation insert.

[0084] In one embodiment, the insulating core comprises a plurality of separators arranged parallel to the stacking direction of the central portion, and the insulating insert is inserted into the interpanel space such that the separators are arranged parallel to the support surface formed by the insulating barrier.

[0085] The above method is also suitable for insulating inserts whose core corresponds to the above-mentioned embodiments, ie whose core has one or more end portions or has one or more end pieces.

[0086] The above method is suitable for a covering element in which the insulating insert corresponds to the above-mentioned embodiment, i.e. in particular in which at least one of the parts of the covering element comprises kraft paper, optionally an adhesive, and / or a polymeric material, optionally an adhesive, and / or a composite material comprising mineral fibres and a polymer matrix and / or a composite material comprising mineral fibres and a sheet of paper or polymer. In particular, such an insulating insert as described above is sufficiently fluid-tight to be compressible by vacuum pressure, while at the same time providing an outer surface facilitating its insertion into the interpanel space.

[0087] In one embodiment, the insertion of the insulating insert into the inter-panel space is performed by the suction of the suction system. The surface through which the nozzle passes is directed towards the inside of the tank.

[0088] This ensures that the step of inserting the insulating insert into the interpanel space is not hindered by the presence of a nozzle passing through the face of the insulating insert.

[0089] In one embodiment, the leakage flow rate of the covering is less than the pumping flow rate of the suction system, in other words, the head loss between the ends of the covering due to the porous nature of the material and possibly imperfect joints joining the different covering parts, and the possible leakage due to the openings in the covering for inserting the suction nozzle, is less than the head loss caused by the vacuum pump and its suction nozzle, which allows the vacuum pressure to be created in the insulating insert.

[0090] This vacuum pressure then quickly and easily compresses the insulation insert so that it can be inserted into the interpanel space.

[0091] In one embodiment, the pumping flow rate of the suction system is 8 m 3 / h~30m 3 / h, preferably 15m 3 / h.

[0092] In one embodiment, the insulating insert is guided into the inter-panel space in the above insertion step using a rigid guide in the form of a plate.

[0093] Such a rigid guide facilitates insertion of the insulating insert into the inter-panel space.

[0094] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of cutting at least one of the sides of the covering member after inserting the insulating insert into the inter-panel space, for example in the form of a knife cut, to allow for improved gas circulation between adjacent insulating inserts of the insulating barrier.

[0095] In one embodiment, the suction system is a vacuum pump.In one embodiment, the suction system is a Venturi type vacuum generator.

[0096] The tank walls described above may form part of a coastal storage facility, such as for example for storing LNG, or may be installed on a near-shore or offshore floating structure, in particular a methane carrier or any ship using liquefied combustible gas as fuel, a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) or a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility, etc.

[0097] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a vessel for transporting cryogenic liquid products, the vessel comprising a double hull and a tank comprising the above-mentioned containment wall and disposed within the double hull.

[0098] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for loading or discharging the above mentioned vessel, comprising transporting cryogenic liquid product from a floating or onshore storage facility to a tank of the vessel or from the tank to the floating or onshore storage facility via an insulated pipeline.

[0099] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides a transfer system for cryogenic liquid products, comprising a vessel as described above and an insulated pipeline pump, said insulated pipeline being arranged to connect said tank located within the hull of said vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility, said pump being for pumping a flow of cryogenic liquid product from said floating or onshore storage facility to said tank of said vessel or from said tank to said floating or onshore storage facility via said insulated pipeline.

[0100] The present invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the present invention will become more clearly apparent, from a reading of the following description of a number of specific embodiments of the present invention, the description of which is given by way of non-limiting example only and is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0101] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an insulating insert to be inserted between two insulating panels of an insulating barrier of a closed insulated tank. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the insulating insert of FIG. 1 in an assembled state. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the insulating insert of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an installation for producing laminated glass wool. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a vacuum pump nozzle when inserted into the insulating insert of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the insulating insert of FIG. 2 associated with a vacuum pump, in which an end of a vacuum pump nozzle is inserted into the insulating insert. [Figure 7] 6 is a schematic perspective view of the insulating insert of FIG. 5 as it is inserted into an interpanel space separating two adjacent panels of an insulating barrier of a sealed insulated tank. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a variant of the insulating insert; [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another variation of the insulating insert. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a tank of a methane carrier and a terminal for carrying out loading and unloading operations of the tank. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an insulation insert in the process of being inserted into an inter-panel space using a rigid guide. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial detailed view of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an insulating insert in which the core has a central portion and end portions of laminated glass wool. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the insulating insert. [Figure 15] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an insulating insert having a core covered by a covering member and end portions of laminating glass wool; [Figure 16] 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing another embodiment of the covering member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0102] A sealed, insulated tank for storing and transporting a cryogenic fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), comprises a number of tank walls, each of which has a multi-layer structure.

[0103] Such a sealed, insulated tank wall comprises, from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary insulating barrier attached to a support structure, a secondary sealing membrane attached to the secondary insulating barrier, a primary insulating barrier attached to the secondary sealing membrane, and a primary sealing membrane in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

[0104] The support structure may in particular be a free-standing metal sheet or, more generally, any kind of rigid partition with suitable mechanical properties. The support structure may in particular be the hull or double hull of a ship. The support structure has walls which determine the overall shape of the tank, which is usually polyhedral.

[0105] Furthermore, there are many ways in which the thermal barrier can be made and many materials from which it can be made. Each such thermal barrier comprises a number of parallelepiped-shaped insulating panels arranged in a regular pattern. The insulating panels of such a thermal barrier together form a planar support surface for the sealing membrane. These insulating panels can be, for example, polyurethane. Insulation panels made from blocks of polyurethane foam or the like may further comprise a top sheet and / or a bottom sheet, which may comprise, for example, plywood.

[0106] The abovementioned tanks are described, for example, in WO 2014 / 057221 or FR 2 691 520 A1.

[0107] When the insulating panels are arranged to form an insulating barrier, an inter-panel space exists between two adjacent insulating panels 3. In other words, an inter-panel space 2 separates the facing sides of two adjacent insulating panels 3 (see Fig. 7). To ensure the continuity of the insulation of the insulating barrier, an insulating insert 1 is inserted into the inter-panel space 2 separating the two facing sides of two adjacent insulating panels 3. Such an insulating insert 1 is shown in Figs. 1-3.

[0108] The insulating insert 1 comprises an insulating core 4 covered by a covering member 5. The insulating insert 1 has a parallelepiped shape corresponding to the parallelepiped shape of the interpanel space 2, which determines the shape of the insulating insert 1. The insulating insert 1 thus has two planar large faces 6 parallel to each other. The two planar large faces 6 define a length direction 7 and a width direction 8 of the insulating insert 1. End faces 9 extending in a thickness direction 10 of the insulating insert 1 connect the sides of both large faces 6.

[0109] The insulating core 4 has a central portion 11 made from glass wool. The glass wool used is laminated glass wool, i.e. the present manufacturing method results in a laminated structure made up of several parallel sheets with entrelacees visible to the naked eye, stacked in a stacking direction 12. A mat of fabricated glass wool is obtained, in other words the fibres are mainly oriented in a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction 12.

[0110] Such laminated glass wool can be obtained, for example, by a process using a horizontal conveyor belt 13, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4. In such a process, the granular glass is melted in a furnace 14, for example at a temperature of 1300-1500° C. The molten granular glass is then converted into fibers by spinning at high speed. A binder is added to the fibers, and the result is placed on a horizontal conveyor belt 13 and passed through a polymerization furnace 15 for polymerizing the binder. In this case, the fibers are approximately parallel to the conveyor belt 13. Since the lamination occurs as a result of the action of gravity, the lamination direction coincides with the vertical direction in the manufacturing tool. Other processes for producing laminated glass wool are also possible.

[0111] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the density of the glass wool of the core 4 is 22 or 35 or 40 kg / m 3 It is.

[0112] In this embodiment, the entire core 4 consists of a central portion 11 in which the glass wool is laminated in the direction 12. The core 4 has a number of glass wool sections 16 separated by separators 17 which run perpendicular to the width direction 8 of the insulating insert 1. The separators 17 run over the entire length 7 of the insulating insert 1 and penetrate the entire thickness 10 of the insulating insert 1. The separators 17 are advantageously bonded to the glass wool sections 16 which they separate.

[0113] Thus, the core 4 shown in Figure 1 has four glass wool sections 16 divided in the width direction 8 of the insulating insert 1 by three separators 17. Figure 1 shows one preferred solution for the number of separators, i.e. the minimum number of separators to avoid convection currents when the temperature gradient is above 100°C. Figure 3 shows one variant in which the core 4 has three sections 16 divided in the width direction 8 of the insulating insert 1 by two separators 17.

[0114] The glass wool is arranged in the core 4 such that the lamination direction 12 of said glass wool is perpendicular to the width 8 of the insulating insert 1. In other words, the sheets of fibres from which the glass wool is made are arranged substantially parallel to the width direction 8 of the insulating insert 1.

[0115] Preferably, the glass wool is arranged in the core 4 in a lamination direction 12 parallel to the thickness direction 10 of the insulating insert 1, i.e. the sheets of glass wool fibres are substantially parallel to the major faces 6 of the insulating insert 1. In other words, the sheets of fibres constituting the glass wool are arranged substantially parallel to the width direction 8 and the length direction 7 of the insulating insert 1. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the insulating core has at least one end of the longitudinal direction of the central portion 11 an end portion 50 made of laminated glass wool. This end portion is made using the same technique as the glass wool of the central portion 11, it is also made of several sheets of fibres superimposed, but its lamination direction is different from that of the glass wool of the central portion 11 and is parallel to the length direction 7 of the insulating insert 1. Such an end portion allows the insulating core to have good longitudinal compressibility in order to be fitted in perfect succession with several insulating inserts 1 arranged end to end between two insulating panels 3. The end portion 50 may, for example, have a dimension of 1 cm in the stacking direction of the end portion 50, i.e. along the length of the insulating insert 1. Due to the compressibility provided by the structure of the end portion 50 along the length of the insulating insert 1, the above dimension of the end portion 50 may be reduced to 5 mm when air is evacuated from the end portion 50.

[0116] In another alternative embodiment shown in figure 15, the insulating insert 1 comprises an insulating core consisting only of a central portion 11 of laminated glass wool as described in the first embodiment and covered by a covering element 5, the insulating core also comprising at least one of its longitudinal ends an end piece 51 arranged outside the covering element 5. This end piece 51 is made from laminated glass wool and has the same technical configuration as the end piece 51 described above. Furthermore, the density of the glass wool of the end piece 51 is 20 or 35 or 40 kg / m 3 It is.

[0117] 1, the cover member 5 has a plurality of cover member portions. Specifically, the cover member 5 has a planar cover member portion 18, a linear end surface cover member portion 19, and a corner end surface cover member portion 20. These cover member portions 18, 19, and 20 are fixed to the core 4 by, for example, bonding.

[0118] The planar cover portions 18 cover the core 4 and provide the major faces 6 of the insulating insert 1. These planar cover portions 18 are rectangular and have dimensions substantially the same as the dimensions of the major faces of the core 4.

[0119] The straight end cover portions 19 have a rectangular central portion covering each corresponding end face of the core 4. This central portion corresponds to each corresponding end face 9 of the insulating insert 1. The straight end cover portions 19 have turn-ups 21 on each side of the central portion. These turn-ups 21 extend from the long sides of the central portion. The turn-ups 21 extend parallel to each corresponding planar cover portion 18 so as to overlap the edge margins of the planar cover portion 18. The turn-ups 21 are joined to said edge margins of the planar cover portion 18. In other words, the straight end cover portions 19 correspond to the end faces 9 of the insulating insert 1 and overlap the core 4 at edge corners 22 between the end faces 9 and the major faces 6.

[0120] The corner end cover portion 20 overlaps with two linear end cover portions 19 which are adjacent end faces 9 of the insulating insert 1. In other words, the corner end cover portion 20 overlaps with the edge of the core 4 at the joint where the two end faces 9 of the insulating insert 1 meet. Like the turn-up portion 21 of the end cover portion 19, the corner end cover portion 20 also has a corner turn-up portion 23 which extends parallel to and overlaps with the end of the turn-up portion 21 of the corresponding end cover portion 19. The corner end cover portion 20 is joined to the end cover portion 19 which overlaps with the respective corner end cover portion 20.

[0121] In this manner, the different cover member sections 18, 19, 20 are bonded to each other and to the glass wool to form a continuous cover member 5 that completely surrounds the core 4. In one embodiment, not shown, the top and bottom sections 18 and 19 can be made as a single piece of kraft. In another embodiment, the cover member 5 completely surrounds the core 4 without being bonded to the core 4.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the covering member 5 is made of kraft paper. Such kraft paper provides a low coefficient of friction, so that the insulating insert 1 can slide into the inter-panel space 2 when the insulating insert 1 is inserted into the inter-panel space 2. Furthermore, the thermal contraction coefficient of the above-mentioned kraft paper is 5 to 20×10 -6 / K, whereby the thermal contraction coefficient of said kraft paper is equal to that of the insulating core 4 arranged in the interpanel space. This ensures a uniform behavior of the insulating insert 1 when moving to low temperatures. In particular, the insulating core 4 is not likely to deform under the compression associated with the thermal contraction of the covering element 5. In particular, the insulating core 4 is not likely to deform under the compression, taking on a wavy shape, which would promote convection and thus create voids in the interpanel space 2 that would determine the insulating properties of the insulating barrier.

[0123] In order to avoid the risk of the covering element 5 tearing when inserting the insulating insert 1 into the inter-panel space, the basis weight of the kraft paper of the covering element 5 should be 60 g / m 2 Furthermore, in order for the covering member 5 to have sufficient flexibility to allow deformation of the insulating insert 1 during compression, the basis weight of the kraft paper must be greater than 150 g / m 2 less than 70 to 100 g / m 2 Let us assume that.

[0124] In an alternative embodiment, all or certain parts of the covering member 5, such as the planar covering member portion 18, are sheets of composite material made from a cloth or mat of mineral fibers, such as glass and basalt fibers, and a polymer matrix. Where appropriate, other parts of the covering member 5, such as the end portions 19, 20, can be made from kraft paper having the same properties as the paper used in the covering member described in the first embodiment. The kraft paper used in the end portions 19, 20 can be an adhesive.

[0125] The composite material described above has a better dimensional stability than kraft paper due to its low sensitivity to moisture. Moreover, by using a mineral fiber cloth or mat in addition to the polymer matrix, a thermal contraction coefficient equivalent to that of glass wool can be obtained, so that the behavior of the insulating insert 1 is uniform when moving to low temperatures. In particular, if the covering element is made only of polymer material, the dimensional fluctuations of the covering element may be much larger than that of glass wool when temperature fluctuations occur on the tank wall, especially when the temperature gradient reaches high values ​​above 100° C., but in this embodiment, the difference with the thermal contraction coefficient of glass wool is 5×10 -6 K ―1 Select a fiberglass cloth or mat with a thermal shrinkage coefficient of less than As a result, in this embodiment, the thermal contraction coefficient of the glass wool in the central portion 11 of the insulating core is 5×10 -6 K -1 ~8×10 -6 K -1 The mineral fiber cloth used to make the composite material from which the planar covering member portion 18 is made is For example, 10 -5 K -1 It has a thermal contraction coefficient of the order of

[0126] In the following two cases, the polymer matrix can be introduced into the composite sheet. In the first case, the glass or basalt fiber cloth is impregnated or coated with the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix is ​​selected from among solvating adhesives, polyurethanes, silicones, rubbers or epoxides, etc. Preferably, the areal density of the composite sheet is between 50 and 400 g / m2. 2 , and the thickness is 25 to 500 μm.

[0127] In a second example, a glass or basalt fiber cloth is covered with a polymer sheet, for example by spot bonding or melt bonding. The polymer sheet can be a plastic resin selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride. The density of the polymer matrix after drying is, for example, 0.8-1.4. The thickness of the polymer sheet is 25-50 μm, which is, for example, 20-40 g / m 2 This corresponds to an areal density of 1000 sq. m.

[0128] In another embodiment, all or certain portions of the covering member, such as the planar covering member portion 18, are sheets of composite material made from a cloth or mat of mineral fibers, such as glass and basalt fibers, bonded to a sheet of paper.

[0129] In another embodiment shown in Fig. 16, the planar covering portion 18 is a sheet of composite material comprising a cloth or mat of mineral fibres, for example glass and basalt fibres, and a polymer matrix. Such a composite sheet is covered on its outer surface, i.e. the surface facing the insulating panel, by a paper sheet 52. In this embodiment, the paper sheet 52 covering the composite sheet is bonded to the composite sheet constituting the planar covering portion 18, and the inner surface of the fold-up portion 21 is also bonded to the paper sheet 52.

[0130] Relative fluid-tightness is sufficient to allow the insulating insert 1 to be inserted into the interpanel space using the methods described below. The composite sheet described here, which is further covered, if appropriate, by a polymer or paper sheet, enables the above-mentioned relative fluid-tightness to be achieved.

[0131] In another alternative embodiment, the planar cover portion 18 is made from a composite material and the end cover portions 19, 20 are made from adhesive tape, which further improves the dimensional stability against moisture and the fluid tightness of the cover.

[0132] A method of inserting the insulating insert 1 into the inter-panel space will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

[0133] First, prepare a thermal insulation insert 1 having the structure described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. This thermal insulation insert 1 has a shape complementary to the inter-panel space 2, and is typically a parallelepiped shape as described above.

[0134] The insertion method uses a suction system, which in the following description is a vacuum pump 24, which is shown in Figs. 6 and 7 by way of example only. In an embodiment not shown, the suction system is a Venturi vacuum generator. The vacuum pump 24 is connected to a suction nozzle 25 via a pumping hose 26. The suction nozzle 25 has a flat circular flange 27. The end of the suction nozzle 25 opposite the pumping hose 26 is frustoconical, which allows the suction nozzle 25 to pierce the covering element 5. The suction nozzle 25, in particular its piercing end, is thus inserted into the insulating insert 1 by piercing the covering element 5. By piercing the covering element 5 in this way, a suction opening 28 is formed in the insulating insert 1.

[0135] The suction nozzle 25 is inserted into the insulating insert 1 through the cover member 5 from the end face 9 facing the inside of the sealed insulating tank.

[0136] Preferably, the suction nozzle 25 is inserted into the insulating insert 1 from the end face 9 perpendicular to the lamination direction 12 of the glass wool in the central portion 11 .

[0137] Furthermore, the suction nozzle 25 is inserted into the insulating insert 1 until the flange 27 abuts against the cover member 5 .

[0138] After the suction nozzle 25 has been completely inserted into the insulating insert 1 and properly positioned, i.e., after the flange 27 abuts against the cover member 5 , the vacuum pump 24 is operated to generate a vacuum pressure within the insulating insert 1 .

[0139] Advantageously, despite the porous nature of the material from which the covering element 5 is made, for example kraft paper or a composite material made of a mineral fiber cloth or mat and a polymer matrix, and despite the joints between the different covering element parts 18, 19, 20, the covering element 5 exhibits sufficient fluid tightness to generate the above-mentioned vacuum pressure. Due to such relative fluid tightness, the pumping flow rate of the vacuum pump 24 is sufficient to generate the vacuum pressure in the covering element 5. Furthermore, the flange 27 is pressed against the covering element 5, which also limits the leakage flow rate from the covering element 5 at the opening 28 through the suction nozzle 25. In this way, the leakage flow rate of the covering element 5 is lower than the pumping flow rate of the vacuum pump 24, and the suction generated by the vacuum pump 24 generates the vacuum pressure in the insulating insert 1. In other words, the head loss of the covering member due to the porosity of the material and possibly due to incomplete bonding of the connections between the different covering member parts 18, 19, 20, and any leakage that may occur due to the opening 28 provided in the covering member for inserting the suction nozzle 25, is smaller than the head loss caused by the vacuum pump 24 and its suction nozzle 25, thereby making it possible to create a vacuum pressure within the insulating insert 1.

[0140] The suction flow rate generated by the vacuum pump 24 is 8 to 30 m 3 / h. Preferably, the pumping flow rate is 15 m 3 / h, such a pumping flow rate of the vacuum pump 24 allows a vacuum pressure to be created in the insulating insert 1 without the risk of damage to the kraft paper covering element 5 due to an excessively high suction flow rate.

[0141] Preferably, the vacuum pump 24 is equipped with a filter to filter out any glass wool fibres and dust from the central portion 11 which may be drawn in by the vacuum pump 24 .

[0142] Furthermore, the suction produced by the vacuum pump is advantageously facilitated by inserting a suction nozzle 25 into the face located at the end face 9 of the insulating insert 1 parallel to the stacking direction 12 of the glass wool of the central portion 11. In particular, the insertion of the suction nozzle 25 from said face located at the end face 9 of the insulating insert 1 makes it possible to perform the suction without the head losses associated with the stacking of the multiple sheets of fiber that make up the glass wool of the central portion 11.

[0143] Additionally, the arrangement of the glass wool lamination direction 12 in the central portion 11 parallel to the thickness direction 10 of the insulating insert 1 makes it easier to compress the insulating insert 1 in the thickness direction 10 by vacuum pressure. In a preferred embodiment, one or more end portions 50 of the glass wool laminated along the length of the insulating insert 1 also make it easier to compress the insulating insert 1 longitudinally.

[0144] The presence of the separator 17 within the core 4 makes the insulating insert 1 more rigid and ensures uniform compression of the insulating insert 1 .

[0145] The vacuum pressure created within the insulating insert 1 compresses the glass wool, which in turn compresses the insulating insert 1. Such compression of the glass wool 1 allows the thickness of the insulating insert 1 to be reduced. Typically, the insulating insert 1 is dimensioned such that its unconstrained or uncompressed thickness is equal to or greater than the width of the interpanel space 2, and its compressed thickness is less than the width of the interpanel space 2. For example, if the interpanel space 2 is 33 mm to 27 mm, the insulating insert 1 is dimensioned such that its initial or unconstrained thickness is 35 mm, and its compressed thickness is 25 mm.

[0146] The insulation insert 1 is then inserted into the inter-panel space 2 between two adjacent insulation panels 3 of the insulation barrier. As shown by arrow 29 in FIG. 7, the insulation insert 1 is inserted into the inter-panel space 2 with the major surface 6 parallel to the sides of the adjacent insulation panels 3 that define the inter-panel space 2. During this insertion, a suction nozzle 25 remains within the insulation insert 1 and a vacuum pump 27 continues to generate a vacuum pressure within the insulation insert 1 to keep the insulation insert 1 in compression. By keeping the insulation insert 1 in compression, it becomes easier to insert the insulation insert 1 into the inter-panel space 2 since the thickness of the insulation insert 1 is less than the width of the inter-panel space 2.

[0147] The insulating insert 1 is inserted into the interpanel space 2 in such a way that the end face 9 through which the suction nozzle 25 passes faces towards the inside of the tank. This makes the assembly consisting of the insulating insert 1 and the suction nozzle 25 easier to handle. The insulating insert 1 is advantageously inserted into the interpanel space 2 in a stacking direction 12 parallel to the width of the interpanel space 2. The separator 17 is advantageously arranged in the insulating insert 1 parallel to the support surface 30 formed by the insulating panel 3. In FIG. 7, the insulating panel 3 described above comprises a block of polyurethane foam 31 covered by a sheet of plywood 32 forming the support surface 30. The arrangement of the separator 17 as described above reduces convection currents through the glass wool in the central part 11 in the tank wall.

[0148] After the insulating insert 1 is properly positioned in the interpanel space 2, the suction nozzle 25 is removed from the insulating insert 1. From this point on, the interior of the covering member 5 communicates with the external surroundings via the opening 28. Due to this communication, no vacuum pressure is maintained within the insulating insert 1, and the glass wool can expand without compression restraint. This expansion of the glass wool increases the thickness of the insulating insert 1 so that it completely fills the interpanel space 2, thereby ensuring good continuity of the thermal insulation of the insulating barrier.

[0149] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a rigid guide system can be used as a guide tool when inserting the insulating insert 1 into the interpanel space 2.

[0150] The guiding system comprises a first rigid plate 33 and a second rigid plate 37. The two rigid plates 33, 37 each have an L-shaped cross section, the L being formed by a rectangular major surface 38 and a turn-up portion 39 extending perpendicularly to the major surface 38.

[0151] The major surface 38 has dimensions similar to those of the planar major surface 6 of the insulating insert 1 .

[0152] A handle 40 is provided on the inner surface of the folded portion 39 of the first plate 33. This handle is more or less centrally located in the longitudinal direction of the folded portion 39.

[0153] The fold 39 of the second plate 37 has a notch capable of receiving a handle 40 when the two plates 33, 37 are assembled as shown in Figure 11. The inner surface of the fold 39 of the second plate 37 is provided with two handles 41. These handles 41 are located on either side of the notch capable of receiving the handle 40 of the first plate 33.

[0154] To insert the insulating insert 1 into the interpanel space 2 using the rigid plates 33, 37, the insulating insert 1 is inserted between the two rigid plates 33, 37. Specifically, the large surface 6 of the insulating insert 1 is sandwiched and compressed between the large surfaces 38 of the rigid plates 33, 37. The folds 39 of the rigid plates are overlapped in the thickness direction of the tank wall as shown in Figure 12. This overlapping is made possible by inserting the handle 40 into a notch provided in the fold 39 of the second rigid plate 37 to receive it.

[0155] In this manner, the rigid plates 33, 37 that sandwich and hold the insulating insert 1 in a compressed state can be inserted into the inter-panel space 2 together with the insulating insert 1. After the insulating insert 1 has been completely inserted into the inter-panel space 2, the rigid plates can be pulled out using the handles 40, 41, which releases the insulating insert 1 from its compressed state and allows it to expand and fill the inter-panel space 2.

[0156] Figure 8 shows a variant of the thermal insulating insert 1. In this first variant, elements which are the same as those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 or which perform the same functions are given the same reference numerals.

[0157] This first variant differs from the insulating insert 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in that the central portion 11 of the insulating core 4 has two insulating layers overlapping in the thickness direction of the insulating insert 1 .

[0158] The first insulating layer 34 has a structure similar to that of the core described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3. That is, it has a structure having a plurality of sections 16 in which the central portion 11 of the laminated glass wool is divided by separators 17 made of kraft paper. The glass wool lamination direction of these laminated glass wool sections 16 is parallel to the support surface 30 formed by the insulating panel 3, and preferably parallel to the width of the inter-panel space 2, i.e., parallel to the thickness direction 10 of the insulating insert 1.

[0159] The second insulating layer 35 comprises only one layer of laminated glass wool, the lamination direction of which is parallel to the support surface 30 formed by the insulating panel 3 and preferably parallel to the thickness direction 10 of the insulating insert 1.

[0160] The first and second insulating layers 34, 35 are separated by a separating layer 36, which is made, for example, of glass fiber or kraft paper. To improve the compressibility of the insulating insert 1 in the length and width directions, it is preferable to shorten the separating layer 36 in these two dimensions, as partly shown in FIG. 14.

[0161] The first insulating layer 34 has a laminated glass wool having a density higher than that of the laminated glass wool of the second insulating layer 35. For example, the density of the laminated glass wool of the first insulating layer 34 is 35 to 40 kg / m 3 and the density of the laminated glass wool of the second insulation layer 35 is 22 kg / m 3 It is.

[0162] Figure 9 shows a second variant of the thermal insulating insert 1. In this second variant, elements that are the same as or that perform the same functions as those described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals.

[0163] The second variant differs from the first variant shown in Fig. 8 in that the covering element 5 does not completely cover the insulating core 4. In particular, in Fig. 9, the second insulating layer 35 is not covered at the end face 9 of the insulating insert 1. In other words, one of the linear end face covering element parts 19 covers only the first insulating layer 34 and has only one fold 21, which is joined to the planar covering element part 18 covering the first insulating layer 34.

[0164] The modified insulating insert 1 shown in figures 8 and 9 provides a good expansion and compression capability thanks to the second insulating layer 35, while remaining sufficiently rigid to be able to deform uniformly thanks to the first insulating layer 34 and suppress convection through the laminated glass wool. This allows the insulating insert 1 as described above to be easily compressively deformed to be inserted into the interpanel space 2, while at the same time completely filling the interpanel space 2 when compression is no longer maintained, thus avoiding convection within the insulating barrier. Such compression can be achieved by using a suction system, such as a vacuum pump 24, in the case of the insulating insert 1 shown in figure 8, in which the covering element 5 completely covers the insulating core 4, thereby providing a sufficient fluid-tightness for compression under the action of vacuum pressure. This compression can also be achieved without a suction system in the case of the insulating insert shown in figure 9, in which the covering element 5 does not completely cover the insulating core 4.

[0165] The techniques described above for creating sealed insulated tanks can be used in various types of storage, for example, the techniques described above can be used to provide secondary and / or primary insulating barriers for LNG storage, such as in coastal installations or floating structures such as methane carriers.

[0166] Referring to Figure 10, an excerpt of a methane carrier 70 shows a sealed, insulated tank 71 of prismatic overall shape installed within a double hull 72 of the vessel. The wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary containment barrier in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary containment barrier disposed between the primary containment barrier and the vessel's double hull 72, and two insulating barriers disposed respectively between the primary and secondary containment barriers and between the secondary containment barrier and the double hull 72.

[0167] As will be appreciated, a loading pipeline 73 located on the upper deck of the vessel can be connected to an offshore or port terminal via suitable connections to transfer a cargo of LNG to or from the tank 71.

[0168] FIG. 10 shows an example of a marine terminal, which includes a loading station 75, a subsea pipe 76, and a shore facility 77. The loading station 75 is a fixed offshore facility, which includes a movable arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the movable arm 74. The movable arm 74 supports a bundle of insulated flexible hoses 79, which can be connected to a loading pipeline 73. The movable arm 74, which can be adjusted in direction, can be adapted to any size of methane carrier. A connecting pipe (not shown) extends inside the tower 78. The loading station 75 can load and unload from a methane carrier 70 to the shore facility 77 or from the shore facility 77 to the methane carrier 70. The shore facility 77 includes a liquefied gas storage tank 80 and a connecting pipe 81 connected to the loading station 75 by a subsea pipe 76. The subsea pipe 76 is for transporting liquefied gas over long distances, for example 5 km, between the loading station 75 and the shore facility 77, allowing the methane carrier 70 to remain anchored far from shore during loading operations.

[0169] To generate the pressure required to transport the liquefied gas, pumps on board the vessel 70 and / or pumps provided at the shore facility 77 and / or pumps provided at the loading station 75 are used.

[0170] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it is clearly not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention encompasses all technical equivalents of the above-described means and all combinations thereof, insofar as they fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0171] Use of verbs such as "comprise" or "have" and their conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

[0172] In the claims, any signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

Claims

1. A sealed, insulated tank wall comprising an insulating barrier defining a planar support surface (30) and a sealing membrane provided on the planar support surface (30) of the insulating barrier, The thermal barrier comprises a plurality of thermal insulation panels (3) arranged in a regular pattern, the opposing sides of two adjacent insulation panels (3) define an inter-panel space (2) separating the two adjacent insulation panels (3); The sealed insulated tank wall further comprises an insulating insert (1) disposed within the inter-panel space (2) so as to fill the inter-panel space (2); The insulating insert (1) comprises an insulating core (4) at least partially covered by a covering member (5), At least a central portion (11) of the insulating core (4) comprises laminated glass wool; The laminated glass wool comprises a plurality of sheets of fibers stacked in a stacking direction (12), The insulating insert (1) is disposed in the inter-panel space (2) such that the stacking direction (12) of the central portion is parallel to the width direction of the inter-panel space (2). A sealed insulated tank wall.

2. the length of the insulating core extends along the length of the inter-panel space; The insulating core has at least one end portion (50) with laminating glass wool at at least one of the longitudinal ends of the central portion (11), the end portion comprises a plurality of sheets of fibres stacked together in a stacking direction parallel to the length (7) of the insulating insert; 2. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 1.

3. the length of the insulating insert extends along the length of the interpanel space; the insulating insert comprises at least one end piece (51) at at least one of its longitudinal ends, the end piece (51) comprising laminated glass wool having a plurality of sheets of fibres superposed in a stacking direction parallel to the length (7) of the insulating insert, The end pieces are separated from the insulating core by the covering member (5).

2. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 1.

4. the insulating core (4) comprises at least one separator (17) extending in a plane perpendicular to the thickness of the closed insulated tank wall, 4. The tank wall according to claim 1, wherein the separator (17) divides the laminated glass wool of the central portion (11) into a plurality of laminated glass wool sections (16) aligned in the thickness direction of the tank wall.

5. the insulating core (4) comprises a plurality of separators (17) for dividing the laminated glass wool of the central portion (11) into a plurality of laminated glass wool sections (16) aligned in the thickness direction of the sealed insulating tank wall, The separators (17) are spaced apart by 5 to 20 cm in the thickness direction of the sealed, insulated tank wall.

5. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 4.

6. The insulating core has a resistance of 20 to 45 kg / m ３ The laminated glass wool has a density of 6. A hermetically insulating tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the central portion (11) of the insulating core (4) comprises a first insulating layer (34) of laminated glass wool and a second insulating layer (35) of laminated glass wool; The first insulation layer (34) and the second insulation layer (35) overlap each other in the width direction of the inter-panel space (2), The lamination direction of the laminated glass wool of the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer is parallel to the width direction of the inter-panel space (2); The first and second insulation layers are separated by a separation sheet (36) parallel to the faces of the two insulation panels.

7. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the laminating glass wool (11) of the first insulation layer (34) has a density higher than the density of the laminating glass wool (11) of the second insulation layer (35); 8. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 7.

9. The width of the insulating insert extends in the thickness direction of the sealed insulated tank wall; the separating sheet (36) being smaller than the insulating layers (3, 4) in the length direction (8) of the insulating insert; 9. The sealed, insulated tank wall according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The covering member (5) completely surrounds the insulating core. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The covering member (5) has a plurality of covering member portions (18, 19, 20), The cover member portions (18, 19, 20) are joined to each other and / or to the insulating core (4). A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. At least a portion of said covering element (5) comprises a material selected from a polymer sheet, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibres and a polymer matrix, a composite sheet comprising mineral fibres bonded to a paper or polymer sheet, and combinations thereof; A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the polymeric sheet or composite sheet is bonded to the insulating core by a coating of adhesive disposed between the polymeric sheet or composite sheet and the insulating core; 13. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 12.

14. The cover member (5) has planar cover member portions (18) on each side of the insulating core that are perpendicular to the width of the inter-panel space. A hermetically insulating tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. At least one of the planar covering member portions (18) comprises a composite sheet including mineral fibers and a polymer matrix.

15. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 14.

16. The mineral fibers are in the form of a cloth or mat; 16. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 15.

17. The mineral fiber cloth or mat is impregnated or coated with the polymer matrix.

17. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 16.

18. The polymer matrix comprises a sheet of polymer covering the mineral fibers on at least one of the two sides of the mineral fiber cloth or mat; 18. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to claim 16 or 17.

19. The polymer sheet covering the mineral fibers is bonded to the mineral fiber cloth or mat using a hot melt or spot bonding method.

20. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 18.

20. The polymeric sheet covering the mineral fiber cloth or mat is made from a resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride.

20. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 18 or 19.

21. The polymer sheet has a thickness of 10 to 100 g / m ２ areal density, preferably 20 to 40 g / m ２ having an areal density of 21. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. The composite sheet is covered with a polymeric sheet.

22. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

23. The composite sheet is covered with a sheet of paper.

22. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

24. 24. The sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the mineral fibres are selected from the group consisting of glass fibres and basalt fibres.

25. At least one of the planar cover member portions comprises kraft paper.

25. The sealed, insulated tank wall of any one of claims 14 to 24.

26. The cover member (5) has end cover member portions extending across the width of the inter-panel space between the planar cover member portions (18) located on either side of the insulating core, 26. The tank wall of any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the end wrapper portions are disposed along all or part of the circumference of the insulating core.

27. The end cover member portion has a straight end portion (19) and a corner end portion (20).

27. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 26.

28. The end cover member portion includes kraft paper.

28. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to claim 26 or 27.

29. the end cap portion comprises a sheet of polymer; 29. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 26 to 28.

30. The polymer sheet is an adhesive.

30. The sealed, insulated tank wall of claim 29.

31. The difference in thermal contraction coefficient between the thermal insulation core (4) and the thermal contraction coefficient of the covering member (5) is 15 x 10 －６ / K or less, 31. A sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

32. the insulating panel of the thermal barrier comprises a block of polyurethane foam; 32. The sealed, insulated tank wall of any one of claims 1 to 31.

33. A vessel (70) for transporting cryogenic liquid products, comprising: The vessel comprises a double hull (72) and a tank disposed within the double hull, A ship (70) characterized in that the tank comprises a sealed, insulated tank wall according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

34. 1. A transfer system for a cryogenic liquid product, comprising: A vessel (70) according to claim 33 and an insulated pipeline (73, 79, 76, 81), the insulated pipelines (73, 79, 76, 81) are arranged to connect the tanks (71) arranged in the double hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility (77) and to a pump; The pump is for pumping a flow of cryogenic liquid product through the insulated pipeline from the floating or onshore storage facility to the tank of the vessel or from the tank to the floating or onshore storage facility. A transfer system comprising:

35. 34. A method for loading or unloading a vessel (70) according to claim 33, comprising the steps of: Transporting cryogenic liquid products from a floating or coastal storage facility (77) to the tank (71) of the vessel or from the tank (71) to the floating or coastal storage facility (77) via an insulated pipeline (73, 79, 76, 81). A method comprising:

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