Tank for storing liquefied fluid, adjustment device, facility and method for assembling the tank

Abstract

To facilitate welding an outer end cap to a central cylindrical portion of an outer shell for easier assembly.SOLUTION: A tank (1) comprises a boss that is supported by an inner shell in a direction perpendicular to a main direction and that extends into a gap between the inner shell and an outer shell, where the boss is accessible through a resealable opening part in the outer shell. The boss is configured to cooperate with a third party device (2) to drive the inner shell and the outer shell, where one moves relative to the other in the direction perpendicular to the main direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [1] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a tank for storing liquefied cryogenic fluid. The fluid can be liquefied hydrogen.

[0002] [2] The second aspect of the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the coaxial alignment of such a tank.

[0003] [3] The third aspect of the present invention relates to a facility comprising such a tank and such a device.

[0004] [4] Finally, the fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assembling such a tank using such an adjustment device.

Background Art

[0005] [5] Tanks for storing liquefied fluids generally comprise an inner shell intended to contain the fluid and an outer shell intended to protect the inner shell. The outer shell and the inner shell are separated from each other by a gap provided with a heat insulation system, for example under vacuum. Each of the inner shell and the outer shell comprises a tubular central portion, which are respectively an internal tubular central portion and an external tubular central portion, and they extend in the main direction of the tank. Further, each of the inner shell and the outer shell has opposing end caps, which are respectively an internal end cap and an external end cap.

[0006] [6] To assemble the tank described above, the first end of the outer shell is first closed by a first end cap to form an outer shell that is open at the opposite second end. Next, the semi-open outer shell is erected vertically to receive the inner shell inside it. Finally, the second end is closed by a second end cap before the final step consisting of permanently fixing the external end cap to the external tubular central portion of the outer shell.

[0007] [7]For example, for this fixation that can be carried out by welding, the closed outer shell is held in a vertical position with respect to the ground, one of the external end caps is in the uppermost position, and the other of the external end caps is in the lowermost position. The vertical position is preferred because it allows the inner shell to be centered with respect to the outer shell before the external end caps are welded to the external tubular central portion of the outer shell.

[0008] [8]The upper end cap can be welded to the tubular portion of the outer shell without great difficulty, but the welding of the lower end cap remains a complex procedure.

[0009] [9]As a result, there is a need to rethink the design of the storage tank in order to make the assembly easier, and in particular to make it easier to weld the external end caps to the central cylindrical portion of the outer shell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[10] For this purpose, a first aspect of the present invention relates to a tank for storing a liquefied fluid according to its general definition given in the foregoing preamble.

[0011]

[11] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the tank essentially comprises a boss supported by the inner shell in a direction perpendicular to the main direction of the tank and extending in the gap between the inner shell and the outer shell. The boss is accessible from a resealable opening in the outer shell. Further, the boss is configured to cooperate with a third-party device to drive the inner shell and the outer shell so that one moves relative to the other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction.

[0012]

[12] From this, by providing a boss as described above, the present invention opens the possibility of adjusting the position of the inner shell with respect to the outer shell by working from the outside of the tank in a direction that makes the operator's procedure easier. The present invention also opens the possibility of maintaining the coaxial alignment of the inner shell and the outer shell through the cooperation between the boss of complementary geometric shape and the third-party device.

[0013]

[13] A "third-party device" means a device that does not form part of the tank but can cooperate reversibly with the boss to make the assembly of the tank easier. This can be a device for adjusting the relative coaxial alignment of the outer and inner shells of the tank.

[0014]

[14] Other embodiments of the tank have the following features: - The boss is configured to cooperate with the third-party device by screw fastening, - The boss has a female or male thread intended to cooperate with a male or female thread belonging to the third-party device, - The tank includes a receptacle fixed to the inner shell, - The receptacle forms a casing intended to receive the adsorbent with the inner shell, - The boss is formed on the receptacle, - The boss forms a conduit for passing the adsorbent from an opening in the outer shell to the casing, - The receptacle is positioned on one of the inner shell's inner end caps, - The receptacle includes a side wall extending in the main direction and a base transverse to the side wall, - The boss extends from the side wall of the receptacle, - Each of the inner shell's inner end caps supports a first centering member extending in the main direction, - Each of the outer shell's outer end caps supports a second centering member extending in the main direction, - The centering members of the inner and outer end caps located at the same end of the tank are fitted with one inside the other, - The outer shell is equipped with at least one protrusion intended to receive the third-party device, - At least one protrusion of the outer shell is formed near an opening in the outer shell, - At least one protrusion of the outer shell includes an outer branch portion and an inner branch portion, and the inner branch portion is shorter than the outer branch portion, - The branch portions of at least one protrusion of the outer shell are connected to each other by a bridge forming a flat sheet surface intended to receive a third-party device.

[0015]

[15] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a device for adjusting the coaxial alignment of the storage tank defined above. The device comprises - a support extending in a main direction, - a sleeve configured to be installed through a passage in the support in a direction perpendicular to the main direction, where the sleeve comprises a first end provided with an adjustment member such as a thread, - a handle fixed to the sleeve and intended to rotate the sleeve relative to the support when the device is in use, where the handle and the adjustment member are each positioned on one side of the support, - a connecting member configured to reversibly fix the sleeve to the support for the purpose of storing and / or transporting the device and comprising.

[0016]

[16] Another embodiment of the device for adjusting coaxial alignment comprises the following features: - the sleeve has a second end provided with a plate, - the connecting member is configured to fix the plate to the support, - the support comprises a body having two opposing main surfaces, namely a first main surface and a second main surface, - the passage intended to receive the sleeve extends between the two main surfaces of the support.

[0017]

[17] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a facility comprising both a storage tank and an adjustment device as defined above.

[0018]

[18] The support of the adjustment device is configured to be placed against the outer shell of the tank. The sleeve of the adjustment device is configured to engage in an opening formed in the outer shell of the tank and cooperate with a boss supported by the inner shell of the tank. The handle of the adjustment device is configured to drive the sleeve to move relative to the boss.

[0019]

[19] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assembling a storage tank as described above. The method uses a device for adjusting coaxial alignment as described above. The method includes the following successive steps, namely, - closing the first end of the outer shell by fitting a first external end cap to form an outer shell that is open at the opposite second end; - inserting the inner shell into the open outer shell; - inserting the adjustment device through an opening in the outer shell to effect cooperation between the sleeve of the adjustment device and a boss supported by the inner shell; - adjusting the relative coaxial alignment of the inner and outer shells using relative movement between the sleeve of the adjustment device and a boss supported by the inner shell; - closing the second end of the outer shell by fitting a second external end cap and comprising.

[0020]

[20] Further specific features and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description provided with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

[21] It is an isometric view illustrating a storage tank and a device for adjusting coaxial alignment according to the present invention, and the adjustment device is installed on the storage tank.

Figure 2

[22] It is an isometric view illustrating details from FIG. 1.

Figure 3

[23] A two-dimensional cross-sectional view illustrating the tank and device of FIG. 1, the tank comprising an outer shell and an inner shell.

Figure 4

[24] A cross-sectional view illustrating details from FIG. 3.

Figure 5

[25] An isometric view illustrating the storage tank from FIG. 1 alone without the adjustment device.

Figure 6

[26] An isometric view illustrating the device from FIG. 1 alone without the storage tank.

Figure 7

[27] An isometric view illustrating the outer shell from FIG. 2 in a partially open configuration and in a vertical position.

Figure 8

[28] An isometric view illustrating the positioning of the inner shell above the open outer shell.

Figure 9

[29] An isometric view illustrating the start of insertion of the inner shell into the open outer shell.

Figure 10

[30] An isometric view illustrating the storage tank in a horizontal configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]

[31] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the present invention relates to a double-walled storage tank 1 for storing cryogenic fluids, for example.

[0023]

[32] The tank 1 extends in a longitudinal main direction X. Further, the tank 1 has a vertical transverse median plane TV, a vertical longitudinal median plane LV, and a horizontal longitudinal median plane LH. The planes TV, LV, LH are defined considering the main direction X to be parallel to the ground.

[0024]

[33] Referring to FIG. 3, the tank 1 comprises an inner shell 11 intended to contain a liquefied fluid and an outer shell 12 covering the inner shell 11. The outer shell 12 is intended to protect the inner shell 11. The inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 are separated so as to form a gap 13 provided with a heat insulation system.

[0025]

[34] The heat insulation system can be formed by the vacuum created in the gap 13 and / or can include heat insulation of, for example, the “multi-layer” insulation (MLI) type.

[0026]

[35] The inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 each comprise a cylindrical central portion with a circular cross-section, which are respectively the internal cylindrical central portion 111 and the external cylindrical central portion 121, and they extend in the main direction X of the tank 1. Further, the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 each have opposing end caps, which are respectively the internal end caps 112a, 112b and the external end caps 122a, 122b. These end caps 112a, 112b; 122a, 122b can be dome-shaped.

[0027]

[36] The internal central portion 111 and the internal end caps 112a, 112b of the inner shell 11 form a fluid-sealed housing 113 intended to contain fluid. Similarly, the external central portion 121 and the external end caps 122a, 122b of the outer shell 12 form a housing in which the inner shell 11 is disposed.

[0028]

[37] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the internal end caps 112a, 112b have concave surfaces facing towards the outside of the tank 1. One of the external end caps 122a, 122b, in this case the external end cap 122b, has a concave surface facing towards the inside of the tank 1. The other of the external end caps 122a, 122b, in this case the external end cap 122a, has a concave surface facing towards the outside of the tank 1.

[0029]

[38] According to the present invention, the tank 1 comprises a boss 14 which is supported by the inner shell 11 in a direction perpendicular to the main direction X of the tank 1 and extends into the gap 13 between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12. The boss 14 is accessible from a resealable opening 15 formed in the outer shell 12. The opening 15 can be seen in FIG. 5. Further, the boss 14 is configured to cooperate with the third-party device 2.

[0030]

[39] The "third - party device" means a device that does not form part of the tank 1 during operation but can be reversibly coupled to the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11. The third - party device 2 has a geometric shape that complements the geometric shape of the boss 14. It can be a device 2 for adjusting coaxial alignment, as will be described later in this description.

[0031]

[40] From this, by providing the boss 14 as described above, the present invention opens the possibility of adjusting the relative position of the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12 from the outside of the tank 1 and by operations that are carried out and monitored in a direction that makes the operator's procedure easier. Further, the present invention opens the possibility of adjusting the relative position of the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12 using a part of the tank 1, namely the boss 14, which is intended to be hidden in the gap 13 between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12.

[0032]

[41] Advantageously, after the fitting and adjustment operations, the opening 15 in the outer shell 12 is resealed in a fluid - tight manner by a cover, so that when this opening 15 is closed, the boss 14 becomes invisible and inaccessible from the outside of the tank 1.

[0033]

[42] Advantageously, as best illustrated in FIG. 3, the inner end caps 112a, 112b can each be provided with centering members 114a, 114b that extend in the main direction X of the tank 1 and towards the inside of the inner shell 11. The centering members 114a, 114b, which are the first centering member 114a and the second centering member 114b respectively, thus face each other and are, more specifically, symmetrically arranged about the vertical transverse median plane TV of the tank 1.

[0034]

[43] Note that the first centering member 114a and the second centering member 114b can be fixed or attached to the inner end caps 112a, 112b of the inner shell 11 by mounting supports, which are the first mounting support 115a and the second mounting support 115b respectively.

[0035]

[44] Still referring to FIG. 3, centering members 124a and 124b extending in the main longitudinal direction X of the tank 1 toward the inside of the tank 1 are respectively provided on the outer end caps 122a and 122b of the outer shell 12. These centering members, which are the third centering member 124a and the fourth centering member 124b respectively, face each other and are preferably symmetrically arranged about the vertical lateral center plane TV of the tank 1.

[0036]

[45] It should be noted that the third centering member 124a and the fourth centering member 124b can be fixed to the outer end caps 122a and 122b of the outer shell 12 by mounting supports, which are the third mounting support 125a and the fourth mounting support 125b respectively.

[0037]

[46] The centering members 114a and 114b fixed to the inner end caps 112a and 112b of the inner shell 11 cooperate with the centering members 124a and 124b fixed to the outer end caps 122a and 122b of the outer shell 12 respectively to center the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12. In other words, the centering members 114a, 114b; 124a, 124b cooperate to ensure the coaxial alignment between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12.

[0038]

[47] More specifically, the first centering member 114a fixed to the inner end cap 112a of the inner shell 11 cooperates with the third centering member 124a fixed to the outer end cap 122a of the outer shell 12. The second centering member 114b fixed to the inner end cap 112b of the inner shell 11 cooperates with the fourth centering member 124b fixed to the outer end cap 122b of the outer shell 12.

[0039]

[48] The centering members 114a, 114b; 124a, 124b also contribute to holding the inner shell 11 within the outer shell 12.

[0040]

[49] Advantageously, the inner shell 11 may be provided with at least one lifting lug 116 configured to receive a handling cable. Further, the inner shell 11 may be covered with a heat insulation layer 117.

[0041]

[50] Advantageously, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the tank 1 may also comprise a receptacle 16 fixed to the inner shell 11 to form a casing 17 intended to receive an adsorbent. In particular, the receptacle 16 is fixed to one of the inner end caps 112a, 112b of the inner shell 11, in this case the inner end cap 112b. The inner shell 11 and the receptacle 16 may thus form a compact sub-assembly that can be covered with one and the same heat insulation layer 117.

[0042]

[51] Referring to FIG. 4, the receptacle 16 comprises a side wall 161 extending in the main direction X of the tank 1. The receptacle 16 also comprises a base 162 transverse to the side wall 161. The side wall 161 supports the boss 14.

[0043]

[52] When the receptacle 16 is present inside the tank 1, the opening 15 in the outer shell 12 may perform an additional function, namely receiving an adsorbent. Further, the boss 14 may perform an additional function, namely passing the adsorbent from the opening 15 in the outer shell 12 to the casing 17.

[0044]

[53] In other words, on the one hand the arrangement of the receptacle 16 on the inner shell 11 and, on the other hand, the arrangement of the boss 14 on the receptacle 16 simplify the structure of the tank 1 by giving the boss 14 a dual function, namely the function of receiving the device 2 for adjusting the coaxial alignment and the function of enabling the adsorbent to be passed to the casing 17.

[0045]

[54] Advantageously, the inner shell 11 is equipped with a pipe 118 intended to supply fluid to and / or draw fluid from the storage housing 113. This pipe 118 can be installed through one of the inner end caps 112a, 112b, in this case the inner end cap 112a. Further, this pipe 118 comprises, for example, in each case, an internal portion extending inside the housing 113 and an external portion extending outside the housing 113.

[0046]

[55] It should be noted that the external portion of the pipe 118 can also be installed through one of the outer end caps 122a, 122b of the outer shell 12, in this case the outer end cap 122a.

[0047]

[56] Advantageously, the tank 1 is preferably equipped with a coupler and / or valve 18 intended to create a vacuum in the gap 13 between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12. The valve 18 is positioned, for example, on one of the outer end caps 122a, 122b of the outer shell 12, in this case on the outer end cap 122a.

[0048]

[57] Advantageously, referring again to FIG. 1, the outer shell 12 can comprise at least a pair of lifting lugs 127a, 127b positioned at the external central portion 121. The lifting lugs 127a, 127b are configured to receive a cable for handling the tank 1.

[0049]

[58] In the example shown, the outer shell 12 is provided with two pairs of lifting lugs 127a, 127b. These pairs are positioned on both sides of the vertical longitudinal central plane LV of the tank 1. Within each pair, the lugs 127a, 127b are arranged one on each side of the vertical transverse central plane TV.

[0050]

[59] Advantageously, referring to FIG. 1, the outer shell 12 has at least a pair of feet 128a, 128b positioned at the external central portion 121. The feet 128a, 128b enable the tank 1 to be stood horizontally on a flat support.

[0051]

[60] In the illustrated example, the outer shell 12 is provided with two pairs of feet 128a, 128b. These pairs are positioned on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane LV. Within each pair, the feet 128a, 128b are arranged one on each side of the vertical transverse center plane TV.

[0052]

[61] Advantageously, referring to FIG. 1, the outer shell 12 has at least one pair of handling trunnions 129 that enable the tank 1 to be pivoted from a vertical position to a horizontal position, or vice versa. The trunnions 129 are positioned on the vertical transverse center plane TV and on both sides of the vertical longitudinal center plane LV.

[0053]

[62] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a device 2 for adjusting the relative coaxial alignment of the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 of the tank 1 described above.

[0054]

[63] Referring to FIG. 6, the adjustment device 2 comprises a support 21 extending in the main direction Z. The adjustment device 2 also comprises a sleeve 22 installed through the support 21 in a direction perpendicular to the main direction Z of the support 21. Finally, the device 2 comprises a handle 23 fixed to the sleeve 22 and intended to be placed on the support 21.

[0055]

[64] In particular, the support 21 is intended to be fixed to the central part 121 of the outer shell 12 of the tank 1. After the support 21 is fixed to the central part 121 of the outer shell 12, the main direction Z of the support 21 is perpendicular to the main direction X of the tank 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0056]

[65] Furthermore, the support 21 comprises a body 211 having two opposing main surfaces, namely, a first main surface 211a intended to function as a support for the handle 23 and a second main surface 211b intended to be fixed to the central part 121 of the outer shell 12 of the tank 1.

[0057]

[66] Finally, the support 21 comprises a passage formed through the body 211 of the support 21 perpendicular to the main direction Z of the support 21. The passage extends between the main surfaces 211a, 211b of the body 211 of the support 21. The passage is intended to receive the sleeve 22.

[0058]

[67] The sleeve 22 is intended to engage in an opening 15 formed in the outer shell 12 of the tank 1 and cooperate with a boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11.

[0059]

[68] By "cooperate" is meant that the sleeve 22 can be fitted into or slid onto the boss 14 for the purpose of relative movement between the sleeve 22 and the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11.

[0060]

[69] The relative movement between the sleeve 22 of the adjusting device 2 and the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1 leads to the relative movement of the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12 of the tank 1. This relative movement can be a simple translation or a translation / rotation about the main direction of the sleeve 22 and can cause a translational movement of the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12 in the main direction of the sleeve 22.

[0061]

[70] The relative movement between the sleeve 22 of the adjusting device 2 and the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1 is made possible by a first adjusting member formed on the sleeve 22 and a second adjusting member formed on the boss 14. In the example shown, the first adjusting member is a male thread on the sleeve 22. The second guide member is a tapped thread on the boss 14.

[0062]

[71] The arrangement of the guide members as described above (the threads on the sleeve 22 and the tapped threads on the boss 14) is suitable for embodiments in which the sleeve 22 is fitted into the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1. In an embodiment (not shown) intended for the sleeve 22 to be slid onto the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1, the sleeve 22 may have tapped threads and the boss may have male threads. In both of the above cases, the sleeve 22 is intended to cooperate with the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1 by screw fastening.

[0063]

[72] For the purpose of causing a translational movement of the inner shell 11 relative to the outer shell 12 of the tank 1, other types of adjustment members (or types of connection) between the sleeve 22 and the boss 14 may be envisaged. For example, one of the sleeve 22 and the boss 14 may be provided with studs as adjustment members. The other of the sleeve 22 and the boss 14 may be provided with slots. The slots are intended to receive the studs, for example in a bayonet connection.

[0064]

[73] Advantageously, the sleeve 22 has an upper end equipped with a fixing plate 24. This plate 24 is reversibly fixed to the support 21 by a connecting member. In the example shown, the connecting member comprises a screw extending parallel to the sleeve 22.

[0065]

[74] The connecting member thus keeps the sleeve 22 in a fixed state to the support 21, for example for the purpose of transporting and / or storing the adjusting device 2. In other words, the connecting member prevents any movement of the sleeve 22 relative to the support 21 when the adjusting device 2 is not in use.

[0066]

[75] In order to use the adjusting device 2, in particular to enable the sleeve 22 to move relative to the support 21 and relative to the boss 14, the connecting member connecting the sleeve 22 and the support 21 must be removed.

[0067]

[76] The handle 23 includes a shank 231 that extends through the sleeve 22 and a bow 232 connected to the shank 231. In particular, the shank 231 is intended to be placed on one of the main surfaces 211a, 211b of the support 21, in this case, the surface 211a. The bow 232 forms a member that can be gripped and is intended to make it easier to move the sleeve 22 relative to the boss 14.

[0068]

[77] To receive the support 21 of the adjusting device 2, at least two radially projecting portions 126 are provided on the outer shell 12 of the tank 1.

[0069]

[78] In particular, the radially projecting portions 126 are positioned at the outer central portion 121 of the outer shell 12 (see especially FIGS. 1 and 2). Further, the radially projecting portions 126 extend along the periphery of the outer central portion 121 of the outer shell 12. Finally, the radially projecting portions 126 are angularly offset from each other about the main direction X of the tank 1.

[0070]

[79] Advantageously, the radially projecting portions 126 are symmetric about the vertical longitudinal median plane LV of the tank 1.

[0071]

[80] Referring to FIG. 2, each of the radially projecting portions 126 includes an outer branch portion 126a and an inner branch portion 126b, and these branch portions are connected to each other by a bridge 126c. On each radially projecting portion 126, the outer branch portion 126a and the inner branch portion 126b are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bridge 126c. The bridge 126c forms a flat sheet surface capable of receiving the support 21 of the adjusting device 2. To achieve this, the inner branch portion 126b has a height lower than that of the outer branch portion 126a.

[0072]

[81] As used herein, the terms "inner" and "outer" are defined with respect to the vertical longitudinal center plane LV of the tank 1 when considering any two points located on a vertical transverse plane. From this, the term "inner" refers to the point closest to the vertical longitudinal center plane LV. The term "outer" refers to the point farthest from the vertical longitudinal center plane LV.

[0073]

[82] To assemble the tank 1 described above, the present invention introduces an assembly method using the coaxial alignment adjustment device 2 described above.

[0074]

[83] The first step of this method consists of closing the first end of the outer shell 12 by fitting the first outer end cap 122b. This then results in the outer shell 12 being open at the opposite second end. The open outer shell 12 is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0075]

[84] In the second step illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the (assembled) inner shell 11 is positioned facing the open outer shell 12, particularly above the outer shell 12, and then gradually inserted into the outer shell 12.

[0076]

[85] For this second step, the open outer shell 12 can be arranged perpendicular to the ground. The closed end of the outer shell 12 occupies the lowest position, while the open end of the outer shell 12 occupies the highest position. The centering members 114b, 124b of the inner end cap 112b of the inner shell 11 and the outer end cap 122b of the outer shell 12 cooperate to center the inner shell 11 with respect to the outer shell 12.

[0077]

[86] Advantageously, before this second step, the method may provide operations of fixing the receptacle 16 to the inner shell 11 of the tank 1 and covering the sub-assembly formed by the inner shell 11 and the receptacle 16 with the heat insulation layer 117.

[0078]

[87] In the third step, the adjusting device 2 is installed through the opening 15 in the outer shell 12. From this, the sleeve 22 of the adjusting device 2 cooperates with the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11.

[0079]

[88] In the fourth step, the position of the inner shell 11 relative to the outer shell 12 is adjusted by moving one relative to the other in a direction perpendicular to the main direction X of the tank 1. This alignment attempts to align the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 on the same axis, that is, on the main axis X of the tank 1. In other words, this adjustment attempts to coaxialize the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12.

[0080]

[89] It should be noted that the adjustment of the position of the inner shell 11 relative to the outer shell can be carried out by screwing in / screwing back the sleeve 22 of the adjusting device 2 relative to the boss 14 supported by the inner shell 11 of the tank 1. This screwing in / screwing back generates a pulling force on the inner shell 11 in the main direction of the sleeve, tending to move the inner shell 11 in the main direction of the sleeve relative to the outer shell 12.

[0081]

[90] When the two shells 11, 12 are coaxialized, the method may provide an additional step in which the tank 1 can be pivoted to a horizontal position (see FIG. 10). During this step, the two shells 11, 12 are kept coaxial by the cooperation between the sleeve 22 of the adjusting device 2 and the boss 14.

[0082]

[91] In the fifth step, the end of the outer shell 12 that has remained open until now is closed by fitting the second external end cap 122a. This then results in a completely closed outer shell 12 that houses the inner shell 11 and the receptacle 16.

[0083]

[92] With the tank 1 arranged horizontally, the method provides a sixth step in which the external end caps 122a, 122b can be welded to the external central part 121 of the outer shell 12 for permanent attachment. Welding carried out on the horizontally arranged tank 1 is easier than welding carried out on a vertically arranged tank.

[0084]

[93] Finally, after the outer end caps 122a, 122b are welded to the outer central portion 121 of the outer shell 12, the adjustment device 2 can be withdrawn from the tank 1. The opening 15 providing access to the boss 14 is then resealed by a stopper (not shown), whereby the boss 14 can be hidden.

Claims

1. A tank (1) for storing a liquefied fluid, for example liquid hydrogen, comprising an inner shell (11) intended to contain said liquefied fluid, and an outer shell (12) intended to protect said inner shell (11), said inner shell (11) and said outer shell (12) being separated by a gap (13) provided with a thermal insulation system, said inner shell (11) and said outer shell (12) respectively comprising an inner tubular central part (111) and an outer tubular central part (121) extending in a main direction (X) of said tank (1), said inner shell (11) and said outer shell (12) each also comprising opposite end caps, respectively inner end caps (112a, 112b) and outer end caps (122a, 122b), The tank (1), further comprising a boss (14) supported by the inner shell (11) in a direction perpendicular to the main direction (X) and extending into the gap (13) between the inner shell (11) and the outer shell (12), the boss (14) being accessible through a resealable opening (15) in the outer shell (12), the boss (14) being configured to cooperate with a third party device (2) to drive the inner shell (11) and the outer shell (12) into relative movement, one relative to the other in the direction perpendicular to the main direction (X), The tank (1) comprises a receptacle (16) fixed to the inner shell (11) and forming with the inner shell (11) a casing (17) intended to receive an adsorbent, the boss (14) being formed on the receptacle (16) and forming a conduit for passing the adsorbent from the opening (15) in the outer shell (12) to the casing (17).

2. 2. The tank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the boss (14) is configured to cooperate with the third party device (2) by a screw fastening, the boss (14) having a female or male thread intended to cooperate with a male or female thread belonging to the third party device (2).

3. 3. The tank (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the receptacle (16) is positioned in one of the internal end caps (112a, 112b) of the inner shell (11), the receptacle (16) having a lateral wall (161) extending in the main direction (X) and a base (162) transverse to the lateral wall (161), the boss (14) extending from the lateral wall (161) of the receptacle (16).

4. 4. The tank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal end caps (112a, 112b) of the inner shell (11) each bear a first centering member (114a, 114b) extending in the main direction (X) and the external end caps (122a, 122b) of the outer shell (12) each bear a second centering member (124a, 124b) extending in the main direction (X), and the centering members (114a, 114b; 124a, 124b) of the internal end caps (112a, 112b) and the external end caps (122a, 122b) located at the same end of one of the tanks (1) are fitted one inside the other.

5. 5. The tank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer shell (12) is equipped with at least one protrusion (126) intended to receive the third party device (2), the at least one protrusion (126) being formed in the vicinity of the opening (15) in the outer shell (12) and comprising an external branch (126a) and an internal branch (126b), the external branch (126a) and the internal branch (126b) being connected to each other by a bridge (126c) forming a flat seat surface intended to receive the third party device (2), the internal branch (126b) being shorter than the external branch (126a).

6. A device (2) for adjusting the coaxial alignment of a storage tank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, said device (2) comprising: a support (21) extending in a main direction (Z), - a sleeve (22) configured to be mounted through a passage in said support (21) in a direction perpendicular to said main direction (Z), said sleeve (22) comprising a first end provided with an adjustment member, such as a screw thread; - a handle (23) fixed to said sleeve (22) and intended to rotate said sleeve (22) relative to said support (21) when said device (2) is in use, said handle (23) and said adjustment member being positioned on either side of said support (21) in said main direction (Z); a connecting member configured to reversibly fix said sleeve (22) to said support (21) for the purpose of storing and / or transporting said device (2); A device (2).

7. The device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sleeve (22) has a second end provided with a plate (24), and the connecting member is configured to fix the plate (24) to the support (21).

8. 8. The device (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the support (21) comprises a body (211) with two opposing main surfaces, namely a first main surface (211a) and a second main surface (211b), and the passage intended to receive the sleeve (22) extends between the two main surfaces (211a, 211b) of the support (21).

9. 10. An installation comprising a storage tank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a regulating device (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the support (21) of the regulating device (2) is configured to rest against the outer shell (12) of the tank (1), the sleeve (22) of the regulating device (2) is configured to engage in the opening (15) formed in the outer shell (12) of the tank (1) and cooperate with the boss (14) supported by the inner shell (11) of the tank (1), and the handle (23) of the regulating device (2) is configured to drive the sleeve (22) to move relative to the boss (14).

10. A method for assembling a storage tank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said method using the regulating device (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, said method comprising the steps of: - closing a first end of said shell (12) by fitting a first external end cap (122b) to form a shell (12) that is open at an opposite second end; - inserting said inner shell (11) into said open outer shell (12); - inserting the adjustment device (2) through the opening (15) in the outer shell (12) and creating cooperation between the sleeve (22) of the adjustment device (2) and the boss (14) carried by the inner shell (11); - adjusting the relative coaxial alignment of the inner shell (11) and the outer shell (12) using the relative movement between the sleeve (22) of the adjustment device (2) and the boss (14) carried by the inner shell (11); - closing a second end of said shell (12) by fitting a second external end cap (122a); A method comprising:

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