Sealed and thermally insulating tank wall comprising an insulating seal

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank which comprises a wall comprising a plurality of juxtaposed insulating panels (1, 8), the first two of these insulating panels having longitudinal lateral faces which jointly delimit a first inter-panel space (5) extending in a longitudinal direction, the wall further comprising an insulating seal (10; 10'; 10"), which is arranged in the first inter-panel space, and a sealing membrane, wherein the insulating seal comprises a central layer and two lateral layers which are arranged on either side of the central layer, each central and lateral layer extending in parallel with the longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels, the central layer being made of a support material comprising a polymer foam and the two lateral layers being made of a material which is suitable for being compressed in a compression direction (P1) perpendicular to the longitudinal lateral faces.

Description

Waterproof and thermally insulating tank wall with an insulating seal

[0001] The invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating membrane tanks. In particular, the invention relates to the field of sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage and / or transport of liquid at low temperature, such as tanks for the transport of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (also called LPG) having for example a temperature between -50°C and 0°C, or for the transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at approximately -162°C at atmospheric pressure. These tanks can be installed on land or on a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the tank can be intended for the transport of liquefied gas or to receive liquefied gas used as fuel for the propulsion of the floating structure. In the case of a land-based tank or a port storage structure, it can rest on the ground or the seabed and be partially or completely buried. Technological background

[0002] For example, document FR2822815 describes a wall structure for producing the flat wall of a sealed and thermally insulating tank. Such a tank wall comprises a multi-layer structure comprising, from the outside of the tank to the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier, a secondary sealing membrane, a primary thermally insulating barrier and a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the liquid contained in the tank.

[0003] As described in document FR2822815, a secondary thermally insulating barrier can be manufactured from juxtaposed prefabricated insulating panels. Each panel comprises, for example, an insulating block covered on its internal face, facing the inside of the tank, with a composite sheet forming a sealing membrane element, bonded to the internal face of the insulating block. A longitudinal inter-panel space is provided between two insulating panels.

[0004] In order to ensure continuity of the insulating characteristics of said thermally insulating barriers, an insulating material may be inserted into the inter-panel space provided between two adjacent panels.

[0005] To ensure the continuity of the waterproofing of the waterproof barrier at the junction of two panels, the inter-panel space is covered with a flexible waterproof composite strip. This composite strip is glued to the waterproofing membrane elements covering the insulating blocks of the two adjacent panels.

[0006] The bonding of the composite strip is carried out by an automatic bonding machine as described in document FR2822815. This machine carries a roll of the flexible composite strip, and is arranged to move opposite the inter-panel space. The composite strip is bonded by the automatic bonding machine and passes under a pressure roller which presses the bonded composite strip against the lateral edges of the waterproofing membrane elements of the insulating blocks of the adjacent panels.

[0007] Bonding is thus rapid and uniform. However, at locations where the inter-panel space along which the automatic bonding machine moves intersects perpendicular inter-panel spaces, the pressure exerted by the pressure roller is likely to compress the insulation material placed in each perpendicular inter-panel space, which can create a hollow in the surface onto which the composite strip is pressed for bonding. This can introduce flatness defects in the composite strip and defects in the bonding, thus creating waterproofing defects in the waterproofing membrane.

[0008] An idea underlying the invention is to provide a waterproof and thermally insulating tank, in which a waterproof strip can be bonded quickly and efficiently, without introducing a sealing defect, in particular by an automatic bonding machine.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a supporting structure, the tank wall comprising a plurality of insulating panels juxtaposed in a regular pattern, each insulating panel comprising a thermally insulating block, two first of said insulating panels jointly delimiting a first inter-panel space between first longitudinal lateral faces of said two first insulating panels, the first inter-panel space extending in a longitudinal direction, the tank wall further comprising an insulating seal arranged in the first inter-panel space so as to fill the first inter-panel space, and a sealing membrane resting on the thermally insulating blocks spanning the first inter-panel space,wherein said insulating joint comprises a central layer and two lateral layers arranged on either side of the central layer, each central and lateral layer extending parallel to the first longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels, the central layer being made of a support material comprising a polymer foam and the two lateral layers being made of a material adapted to be compressed in a compression direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels to facilitate the insertion of the insulating joint into the first inter-panel space.,

[0010] Due to these features, the insulating gasket provided in the first inter-panel space has improved compressive strength in the direction of the thickness of the tank wall, which is the direction of pressure exerted by the automatic bonding machine. The insulating gasket fills the inter-panel space so as to provide a flat bonding surface.

[0011] According to embodiments, such a tank may comprise one or more of the following characteristics.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane comprises a strip of waterproof material arranged astride the first two insulating panels, the strip of waterproof material spanning the first inter-panel space at the insulating joint.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the insulating joint and the insulating panels form a flat surface for receiving the secondary waterproofing membrane.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first inter-panel space extends between first longitudinal lateral faces of two second insulating panels juxtaposed with the first insulating panels in the longitudinal direction, and in which two second transverse lateral faces of the two first insulating panels delimit with second transverse lateral faces of said two second insulating panels a second inter-panel space, the second inter-panel space extending in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by intersecting the first inter-panel space, and in which said insulating joint is arranged in the first inter-panel space so as to cross the second inter-panel space.

[0015] According to one embodiment, each of the first and second insulating panels comprises a sealing membrane element arranged on the thermally insulating block, the sealing membrane further comprising a strip of waterproof material arranged astride the sealing membrane elements of the first and second insulating panels to connect the sealing membrane elements of the first and second insulating panels, the strip of waterproof material spanning the first inter-panel space at the insulating joint.

[0016] Thus, the insulating joint withstands the pressure of the automatic gluing machine at the intersection of the first and second inter-panel spaces. The pressure roller of the automatic gluing machine does not sink into the first or second inter-panel spaces.

[0017] This improves the flatness of the strip of waterproof material along the first inter-panel space. The overall waterproofing of the waterproofing membrane formed by the combination of the waterproofing membrane elements and the strip of waterproof material is ensured.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the strip of waterproof material has a width extending in the longitudinal direction and a length extending in the transverse direction, the strip of waterproof material being glued to the waterproofing membrane elements of the first and second insulating panels.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the insulating joint is a first insulating joint and the tank wall comprises at least one second insulating joint arranged in the first inter-panel space next to the first insulating joint, the second insulating joint having a length greater than the first insulating joint.

[0020] Thus, the length of the insulating joint containing the polymer foam is limited, which reduces the additional cost associated with the use of polymer foam. The second insulating joint, which will be placed at a distance from the intersection with the second inter-panel space, can be made, for example, of glass wool or any other suitable economical insulating material.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the polymer foam of the central layer of the insulating seal has a density greater than 50 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 70 kg / m 3 , for example 130 kg / m 3 .

[0022] The insulating joint thus has satisfactory compressive strength in the pressure direction of the automatic bonding machine.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the polymer comprises polyurethane.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the polymer foam is reinforced with glass fibers.

[0025] According to one embodiment, at least one of said lateral layers of the insulating joint is made of glass wool.

[0026] The glass wool allows compression of each lateral layer in the transverse direction of the first inter-panel space perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, to facilitate the insertion of the insulating joint in the first inter-panel space.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the glass wool of the side layer of the insulating joint has a density of between 20 and 45 kg / m 3 .

[0028] According to one embodiment, the side layers of the insulating seal are bonded to the central layer of the insulating seal.

[0029] This ensures the cohesion of the layers of the insulating joint.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a thickness of the insulating joint at rest is greater than the width of the first inter-panel space measured in the transverse direction of the first inter-panel space perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0031] This ensures that the insulating joint completely fills the inter-panel space in its transverse direction.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the central layer and the side layers of the insulating joint form an insulating core of the insulating joint, the insulating joint further comprising a jacket which completely or partially surrounds the insulating core. Thanks to this jacket, the insertion of the insulating joint can be facilitated between the insulating panels.

[0033] The envelope reinforces the support of the layers between them.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises a material selected from sheets of paper or polymer material, composite sheets including mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, composite sheets including mineral fibers bonded to a sheet of paper or polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises a plurality of envelope portions glued together and / or glued to the insulating core.

[0036] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the envelope comprises a material selected from sheets of paper or polymer material, composite sheets including mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, composite sheets including mineral fibers bonded to a sheet of paper or polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0037] According to one embodiment, at least one of the envelope portions comprises kraft paper. Such kraft paper offers a low coefficient of friction, thus allowing the insulating seal to slide in the inter-panel space when it is inserted into said inter-panel space. In addition, such kraft paper has a coefficient of thermal contraction of the order of 5 to 20*10 -6 / K. Thus, such kraft paper has a thermal contraction coefficient close to that of the lateral layers of the insulating core placed in the inter-panel space when they are made of glass wool. Thus, the insulating joint has a uniform cold behavior.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one of the envelope portions comprises chlorinated polyvinyl (PVC). A PVC sheet also offers a low coefficient of friction, thus allowing the insulating seal to slide in the inter-panel space when it is inserted into said inter-panel space.

[0039] According to one embodiment, said sheet of paper or polymer or said composite sheet is bonded to the insulating core by a layer of glue disposed between said sheet of polymer material or said composite sheet and the insulating core. According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises an end envelope portion covering one of the longitudinal ends of the insulating core of the insulating joint.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the insulating core of the insulating joint having a parallelepiped shape with two opposite main faces oriented towards the first longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels delimiting the first inter-panel space, connected by two longitudinal faces extending in the longitudinal direction and two longitudinal end faces, the end envelope portion comprises an end wall which covers the longitudinal end face of the insulating core and a side wall which extends from the end wall and partially covers the main faces and the longitudinal faces of the insulating core.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the envelope comprises longitudinal envelope portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the first inter-panel space on either side of the insulating core, partially covering the main faces of the insulating core.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the envelope comprising two end envelope portions each covering one of the longitudinal ends of the insulating core of the insulating joint, the longitudinal envelope portions extend between the two end envelope portions.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal envelope portions belong to an envelope element which extends all around the core and the end envelope portions.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the insulating core of the insulating joint having a parallelepiped shape with two opposite main faces oriented towards the first longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels delimiting the first inter-panel space, connected by two internal and external longitudinal faces extending in the longitudinal direction and two longitudinal end faces, the envelope comprises main envelope portions made of a sheet of polymer material, which cover the main faces of the insulating core of the insulating joint, an external envelope portion covering the external longitudinal face of the core and an internal envelope portion partially covering the internal longitudinal face of the insulating core.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the external envelope portion comprises a bottom wall completely covering the external longitudinal face of the insulating core and two longitudinal walls rising opposite each other from the bottom wall and partially covering the main faces of the insulating core.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the internal envelope portion covers a longitudinal edge of the insulating core and comprises an internal wall partially covering the internal longitudinal face of the insulating core of the insulating joint and a falling wall partially covering one of the main faces of the insulating core of the insulating joint.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a ship for transporting a cold liquid product, the ship comprising a double hull and a tank arranged in the double hull, the tank comprising a sealed and thermally insulating tank wall as described previously.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for a cold liquid product, the system comprising a vessel as described above, insulated pipes arranged to connect the vessel's tank to a floating or land-based storage facility and a pump for driving a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the vessel's tank.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a method of loading or unloading a ship as described above, in which a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes from or to a floating or land-based storage facility to or from the ship's tank.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a sealed and thermally insulating tank for a land-based reservoir or a port structure, possibly buried, for storing a cold liquid product. Brief description of the figures

[0051] The invention will be better understood, and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the following description of several particular embodiments of the invention, given solely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] It schematically represents a perspective view of part of a wall of a tank fitted with an insulating seal.

[0053] Schematically represents a perspective view of a first embodiment of the insulating joint of the.

[0054] Schematically represents a perspective view of a second embodiment of the insulating joint of the.

[0055] Schematically represents an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of the insulating joint of the.

[0056] It schematically represents a sectional view along plane AA of the insulating joint of the.

[0057] Schematically represents a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the insulating joint during its insertion into an inter-panel space.

[0058] This is a schematic cutaway representation of an LNG tank and a loading / unloading terminal for this tank.

[0059] By convention, the terms "lower" and "upper" are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another, respectively in the direction of the outside or the inside of the tank as in the horizontal wall which is represented on the. However, the following description is applicable to any wall regardless of its orientation in the Earth's gravity field.

[0060] The sealed and thermally insulating tank for the storage and transport of a cryogenic fluid, for example Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), comprises a plurality of tank walls, each having a multi-layer structure.

[0061] In the, the multilayer structure of a portion of a tank wall 1 of a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a liquefied fluid, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) is shown. The tank wall 1 successively comprises, along a thickness direction of the tank wall, from the outside to the inside of the tank, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 2A retained on a load-bearing wall, a secondary sealing membrane 4A resting against the secondary thermally insulating barrier 2A, a primary thermally insulating barrier 3A resting against the secondary sealing membrane 4A and a primary sealing membrane (not shown in the) intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas contained in the tank.

[0062] The load-bearing wall is typically part of a load-bearing structure comprising a plurality of walls defining the general shape of the tank, usually a polyhedral shape. The load-bearing structure may in particular be a self-supporting metal sheet or, more generally, any type of rigid partition having appropriate mechanical properties. The load-bearing wall may in particular be formed by the hull or double hull of a ship or a concrete support wall provided with a vapor barrier in the case of a land-based tank.

[0063] Furthermore, secondary 2A and primary 3A thermally insulating barriers can be made in many ways, from many materials. Such thermally insulating barriers comprise, for example, a plurality of panels juxtaposed in a regular pattern.

[0064] Each insulating panel 1, 8 comprises at least one thermally insulating block 2, 3 ().

[0065] As shown in the, the tank wall is for example made by means of prefabricated insulating panels designated by the references 1, 8 as a whole. Each insulating panel 1, 8 comprises a secondary thermally insulating block 2 surmounted by a secondary sealing membrane element 4. On the secondary sealing membrane element 4 is arranged a primary thermally insulating block 3.

[0066] The secondary thermally insulating block 2 is for example made up of a first plywood plate topped with a first layer of thermal insulation.

[0067] The primary thermally insulating block 3 is, for example, made up of a second layer of thermal insulation which itself carries a second plywood plate.

[0068] Each of the primary 3 and secondary 2 thermally insulating blocks here has a parallelepiped shape with a rectangular outline (). The primary thermally insulating block 3 has dimensions, in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank wall, smaller than the dimensions of the secondary thermally insulating block 2. The primary thermally insulating block 3 is centered on the secondary thermally insulating block 2, so that it leaves free a peripheral portion 41 of the secondary membrane element 4 ().

[0069] Alternatively, the primary and secondary thermally insulating blocks may have other shapes, for example a shape of right prisms with a polygonal base, in particular the shape of a right prism with a trapezoidal base. Such blocks are for example used in the terrestrial tank described in document WO2022200539. Alternatively, the thermally insulating blocks may have any other shape, provided that two adjacent thermally insulating blocks delimit between them an inter-panel space between two opposite flat faces of these two blocks.

[0070] The insulating panel 1, 8 which has just been described is prefabricated to constitute an assembly whose different constituents are glued to each other in the arrangement indicated above.

[0071] This insulating panel 1, 8 therefore forms part of the secondary 2A and primary 3A thermally insulating barriers and part of the secondary sealing membrane 4A. The thermal insulation layers may be made of a cellular plastic material such as a polyurethane foam to which good mechanical properties are given by inserting fiberglass fabrics. The sealing membrane element 4, which is inserted in a “sandwich” between the secondary and primary thermally insulating blocks 2, 3, is made of a composite material comprising three layers: the two outer layers are fiberglass fabrics impregnated with polymer resin and the intermediate layer is a thin metal sheet, for example an aluminum sheet with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm.

[0072] The insulating panels 1, 8 are fixed next to each other on the supporting structure, for example on the hull of the ship or a port structure or on a supporting wall of a land tank.

[0073] The insulating panels 1, 8 delimit inter-panel spaces 5, 6 between them.

[0074] A first inter-panel space 5 is jointly delimited by first longitudinal lateral faces of two first insulating panels 1. More precisely, the first inter-panel space 5 is delimited between first longitudinal lateral faces 7A of sub-assemblies 7 comprising the secondary thermally insulating block 2 and the secondary membrane element 4 of said two first insulating panels 1. The first inter-panel space 5 extends in a longitudinal direction D1.

[0075] The longitudinal direction D1 extends in a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank wall.

[0076] Between the primary thermally insulating blocks 3 of the insulating panels 1, 8 there also remain corridor-shaped depression zones 9, having substantially the same depth as the thickness of the primary thermally insulating block 3, this being for example between 80 and 120 millimeters. The depression zones 9 can extend over the entire length, width or height of the tank, over a distance of up to 30 to 40 meters. A bottom of each depression zone 9 is constituted by the peripheral parts 41 of the secondary membrane elements 4 and parallel opposite faces of each depression zone 9 are constituted by longitudinal lateral faces facing the primary thermally insulating blocks 3 of said adjacent insulating panels. A first depression zone 9 extends in the longitudinal direction D1, between the primary thermally insulating blocks 3 of the first insulating panels 1.

[0077] The first inter-panel space 5 opens into the first depression zone 9.

[0078] The tank wall further comprises a first insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'' arranged in the first inter-panel space 5 so as to fill the first inter-panel space 5.

[0079] This first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' is inserted into the inter-panel space 5 separating the two first longitudinal lateral faces 7A opposite the sub-assemblies 7 comprising the secondary thermally insulating block 2 and the secondary membrane element 4 of two adjacent insulating panels 1. It ensures the continuity of the insulation in the secondary thermally insulating barrier 2A.

[0080] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate three examples of embodiments of such a first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10''. This first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' has a parallelepiped shape corresponding to the parallelepiped shape of the inter-panel space 5.

[0081] Said first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' comprises a central layer 13; 13'; 13'' and two lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' arranged on either side of the central layer 13; 13'; 13'', each central layer 13; 13'; 13'' and lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' extending parallel to the first longitudinal lateral faces of the first insulating panels 1, and more precisely parallel to the first longitudinal lateral faces 7A of the subassemblies 7.

[0082] The central and side layers are three separate layers assembled together.

[0083] Each central layer 13; 13'; 13'' and lateral 14; 14'; 14'' extends in particular parallel to the longitudinal lateral faces of the secondary thermally insulating blocks 3 of the first insulating panels 1.

[0084] Each of the central and lateral layers is in the form of a plate. Each of the central and lateral layers here has a uniform thickness, that is to say a constant dimension in a transverse direction of the inter-panel space. The transverse direction of the first inter-panel space 5 extends in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank wall and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 of the first inter-panel space 5.

[0085] Thus, the main faces of each central and lateral layer extend parallel to the first longitudinal lateral faces 7A of the subassemblies 7 when the insulating joint 10; 10', 10'' is in place in the inter-panel space.

[0086] The side layers 14; 14'; 14'' completely cover the main faces of the central layer 13; 13'; 13''.

[0087] The central layer 13; 13'; 13'' is made of a support material comprising a polymer foam and the two lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' are made of a material suitable for being compressed in a compression direction P1 () perpendicular to the mean planes of said lateral layers 14; 14'; 14''. The compression direction P1 extends perpendicular to the first longitudinal lateral faces 7A of the assemblies 7 to facilitate the insertion of the first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' into the first inter-panel space 5.

[0088] In other words, the compression direction P1 extends along the transverse direction of the first inter-panel space 5 which extends in the plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the tank wall and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 of the first inter-panel space 5.

[0089] The central and side layers are made of different materials.

[0090] These different materials may differ in their chemical composition or have the same chemical composition but different compressibility properties. This difference in the material ensures that a transverse compressibility of the lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' is greater than the transverse compressibility of the central layer 13; 13'; 13''. In other words, the lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' are adapted to be more compressed in the direction P1 than the central layer 13; 13'; 13''. They have a compressive strength in the transverse direction greater than the compressive strength in the transverse direction of the central layer 13; 13'; 13''.

[0091] Furthermore, the central layer 13, 13', 13'' has a compressive strength along the thickness direction of the wall greater than the compressive strength of the lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' in this thickness direction.

[0092] The polymer foam of the central layer of the insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'' has a density greater than 50 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 70 kg / m 3 , for example 130 kg / m 3 .

[0093] Polymer foam can also be reinforced with glass fibers. Reinforcement with glass fibers helps limit thermal contraction of the central layer of the insulating seal.

[0094] At least one of said lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' is made of glass wool. Preferably, the two lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' are made of glass wool.

[0095] The glass wool of the side layer 14; 14'; 14'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' preferably has a density of between 20 and 45 kg / m 3 , for example equal to 22 kg / m 3 or 35 kg / m 3

[0096] The side layers 14; 14'; 14'' are secured to the central layer 13, 13'; 13'', for example glued directly onto the central layer 13, 13'; 13'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10''.

[0097] Alternatively, provision may be made to insert an intermediate sheet of paper, polymer material such as PVC or fiberglass fabric between the central layer and each side layer, with the interposition of glue between the central layer and each intermediate sheet and between each intermediate sheet and the adjacent side layer.

[0098] It may also be provided that at least one of the side layers 14, 14', 14'' comprises, on its external face, an external sheet of paper, polymer material such as PVC or fiberglass fabric. The external face of the side layer forms the main face 11A, 11A', 11A'' of the insulating core 11, 11', 11'' described below.

[0099] Preferably, a thickness of the insulating joint 10, 10'; 10'' at rest, i.e. not compressed, measured in the transverse direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 of the first inter-panel space 5 is greater than the width of the first inter-panel space 5 measured in this transverse direction D2.

[0100] Thus, the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' effectively fills the first inter-panel space 5 in this transverse direction D2.

[0101] The thickness of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' at rest is preferably between 30 and 40 millimeters (mm), for example equal to 35 mm. The width of the first inter-panel space 5 is for example between 27 and 33 mm.

[0102] The central layer 13; 13'; 13'' has, for example, a thickness measured in the transverse direction D2 of between 10 and 25 mm.

[0103] Each lateral layer 14; 14'; 14'' has, for example, a thickness measured in the transverse direction D2 of between 5 and 20 mm.

[0104] The length of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' in the direction D1 is for example between 230 and 1000 mm, preferably between 230 and 500 mm, for example equal to 300 mm.

[0105] The height of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'', which extends into the thickness of the tank wall, is for example between 150 and 380 mm, for example equal to 165 mm. The insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' is inserted into the first inter-panel space 5 so that the upper face of this insulating joint is flush with the internal surfaces, facing the inside of the tank, of the peripheral parts 41 of the sealing membrane elements 4 located on either side of the first inter-panel space 5. The insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' and the adjacent internal surfaces of the thermally insulating blocks thus form a flat surface allowing uniform bonding.

[0106] The central layer 13; 13'; 13'' and the side layers 14; 14'; 14'' of the first insulating gasket 10; 10'; 10'' together form an insulating core 11; 11'; 11''.

[0107] The insulating core 11; 11'; 11'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' comprises two parallel main faces 11A; 11A'. These two main faces 11A; 11A' belong to the lateral layers 14; 14'; 14'' and extend parallel to the first longitudinal lateral faces 7A of the subassemblies 7 comprising the secondary thermally insulating block 3 and the secondary membrane element 4 of said two first insulating panels 1.

[0108] They define a length direction of the first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' along the longitudinal direction of the first inter-panel space 5 and a height direction of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' which extends along the thickness direction of the tank wall. The main faces 11A; 11A' of the insulating core 11; 11'; 11'' of the first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' are connected by longitudinal faces 11B; 11B'; 11B'' and longitudinal end faces 11C which extend across the width of the first inter-panel space 5, perpendicular to its longitudinal direction D1.

[0109] In the first embodiment of the first insulating seal 10 shown in the, the first insulating seal 10 comprises only the insulating core 11, without a surrounding envelope.

[0110] Optionally, the insulating core 11'; 11'' is partially covered by an envelope 12'; 12'', as is the case in the second and third embodiments of figures 3 to 5 or completely covered by an envelope 12''', as is the case in the fourth embodiment of the.

[0111] In the second and third embodiments, the envelope 12'; 12'' comprises a plurality of envelope portions glued together and / or glued to the insulating core 11'; 11''.

[0112] The 12'; 12'' envelope comprises, for example, a material selected from sheets of paper or polymer material, composite sheets including mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, composite sheets including mineral fibers bonded to a sheet of paper or polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0113] Preferably, at least one of the envelope portions comprises kraft paper.

[0114] Said paper or polymer sheet or said composite sheet is glued to the insulating core 11'; 11'' by a layer of glue disposed between said polymer sheet or said composite sheet and the insulating core.

[0115] Preferably, the envelope covers at least one longitudinal end face or one longitudinal face of the seal core.

[0116] In the second embodiment of the, the envelope 12' is made entirely of kraft paper. It comprises an end envelope portion 15' covering one of the longitudinal ends of the insulating core 11'. More precisely, here, the envelope 12' comprises two end envelope portions 15' each covering one of the longitudinal ends of the insulating core 11'. The cohesion of the central 13' and lateral 14' layers is thus reinforced.

[0117] Each end casing portion 15' comprises an end wall 15A' which covers the longitudinal end face 11C' of the insulating core 11' and a side wall 15B' which extends from the end wall 15A' and partially covers the main faces 11A' and the longitudinal faces 11B' of the insulating core 11'.

[0118] Furthermore, the envelope 12' of the insulating joint 10' comprises at least one longitudinal envelope portion 16' extending in the longitudinal direction of the first inter-panel space 5, along the length of the insulating joint, on either side of the insulating core 11', partially covering the main faces 11A' of the insulating core 11'.

[0119] The longitudinal envelope portion 16' extends between the two end envelope portions 15'.

[0120] Preferably, the longitudinal envelope portion 16' belongs to an envelope element which extends all around the insulating core 11' and the end envelope portions 15'.

[0121] For example, two envelope elements are provided as described above, arranged so as to adjoin the longitudinal faces 11B' of the insulating core 11'.

[0122] In the third embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the envelope 12'' of the insulating joint 10'' comprises main envelope portions 17'' made of a sheet of polymer material, which cover the main faces 11A' of the insulating core 11'' of the insulating joint 10'', a first longitudinal envelope portion 15'' covering one of the longitudinal faces 11B'' of the insulating core 11'' and a second longitudinal envelope portion 16'' partially covering the other longitudinal face 11B'' of the insulating core 11''.

[0123] The main envelope portions 17'' are for example made of PVC. The sliding of the insulating joint 10'' against the longitudinal lateral faces of the secondary thermally insulating blocks 2 during the insertion of the insulating joint 10'' into the inter-panel space 5 is facilitated by these main envelope portions 17'' made of sheets of polymer material. They are glued to the main faces 11A'' of the insulating core, that is to say to the lateral layers 14'' of glass wool.

[0124] The first longitudinal envelope portion 15'' comprises a bottom wall 15A'' completely covering the external longitudinal face of the insulating core 11'' and two longitudinal walls 15B'' rising opposite each other from the bottom wall 15A'' and partially covering the main faces of the core. It is made for example of kraft paper glued to the insulating core.

[0125] The second longitudinal envelope portion 16'' covers a single longitudinal edge of the insulating core 11''. It comprises an internal wall 16A'' partially covering the other internal longitudinal face 11B'' of the insulating core 11'' of the insulating joint 10'' and a falling wall 16B'' partially covering one of the main faces of the insulating core 11'' of the insulating joint. It is made for example of kraft paper glued to the insulating core.

[0126] In this third embodiment, the longitudinal walls 15B'' of the first longitudinal envelope portion 15'' and the falling wall 16B'' of the second longitudinal envelope portion 16'' are applied against the main envelope portions 17'' which directly and entirely cover the main faces 11A' of the insulating core 11''.

[0127] Finally, the fourth embodiment shown in the, the envelope 12''' completely surrounds the insulating core. The envelope 12''' comprises a plurality of envelope portions. More particularly, the envelope 12''' comprises flat envelope portions 17''', end envelope portions 15''', longitudinal envelope portions 16''' and corner envelope portions 18'''. These envelope portions 15''', 16''', 17''', 18'''' are fixed, for example by gluing, to the insulating core. This insulating core is for example identical to that described with reference to the.

[0128] The flat envelope portions 17''' cover the insulating core. They are rectangular in shape and of dimensions substantially identical to the dimensions of the insulating core on its main faces 11A.

[0129] The end casing portions 15''' cover each of the longitudinal ends of the insulating core 11. They comprise a central portion of rectangular shape covering a corresponding longitudinal end face of the insulating core. The end casing portions 15''' also comprise, on either side of the central portion, a return which develops parallel to the corresponding flat casing portion 17''', so as to cover an edge of this flat casing portion 17'''. These returns are glued to said edges of flat casing portions 17'''.

[0130] The longitudinal envelope portions 16''' cover each of the longitudinal faces 11B of the insulating joint. They comprise a central portion of rectangular shape covering a corresponding longitudinal face 11B of the insulating core, and, on either side of the central portion, a return which develops parallel to the corresponding flat envelope portion 17''', so as to cover an edge of this flat envelope portion 17'''. These returns are glued to said edges of flat envelope portions 17'''.

[0131] Each corner casing portion 18''' partially covers an adjacent longitudinal end casing portion 15''' and a longitudinal casing portion 16'''. In other words, these corner casing portions 18''' cover the edges of the insulating core at the junction between a longitudinal face 11B and a longitudinal end face 11C. In a similar manner to the returns of the lateral casing portions 19, the corner casing portions 18''' have corner returns developing parallel to and covering the ends of the returns of the corresponding end casing portions 15''' and longitudinal 16'''. The corner casing portions 18''' are bonded to the casing portions that they cover.

[0132] Thus, the different portions of envelope 15''', 16''', 17''', 18''' are glued together and to the insulating joint to form a continuous envelope 12''' completely surrounding the insulating core.

[0133] The 12''' envelope is made entirely or partially of kraft paper.

[0134] The kraft paper of the 12''' envelope has a grammage greater than 60g / m² in order to avoid the risk of tearing the envelope when inserting the 10''' insulating seal in the first inter-panel space. In addition, this kraft paper has a grammage less than 150 g / m² so that the envelope retains sufficient flexibility to allow the deformation of the 10''' insulating seal by compression and preferably between 70 and 100 g / m².

[0135] It is then possible to provide a suction orifice in said 12''' casing, adapted to receive a suction nozzle of a suction system. The suction system is used to suck out part of the air contained in the casing. The thickness of the insulating seal is then reduced by vacuum: the lateral layers of the insulating core are compressed by the vacuum. The insertion of the insulating seal into the inter-panel space is then simplified. Once the insulating seal is in place in the inter-panel space, the suction nozzle is removed, the insulating core inside the insulating casing is in communication with the ambient pressure through the opening made in the casing and the insulating seal is deployed in the inter-panel space. The diagram shows the insertion of the 10''' insulating seal into an inter-panel space delimited by two insulating panels similar to those described with reference to the.

[0136] Such a suction system may for example comprise a vacuum pump 60 as illustrated in the. Alternatively, such a suction system is a Venturi system vacuum generator. Such a vacuum pump 60 is connected to a suction nozzle via a pumping pipe 61. The suction nozzle has a frustoconical shape so as to have an end opposite the pumping pipe capable of perforating the kraft paper envelope 12'''. Thus, the suction nozzle, and more particularly its perforation end, is inserted into the insulating seal 10''' by perforating the kraft paper envelope 12'''. This perforation of the envelope 12''' generates the suction orifice in the insulating seal 10'''.

[0137] The insulating gasket 10''' is then inserted into the inter-panel space between two adjacent insulating panels of the thermally insulating barrier. As illustrated in the by the arrows F, the insulating gasket 10''' is inserted into the inter-panel space with its main faces 11A parallel to the lateral faces of the adjacent insulating panels delimiting the inter-panel space. During this insertion, the suction nozzle is held in the insulating gasket 10''' and the vacuum pump 60 continuously generates a vacuum in said insulating gasket 10'''. Maintaining the insulating gasket 10''' in its compressed state makes it easier to insert it into the inter-panel space since the insulating gasket 10''' then has a thickness less than the width of the inter-panel space.

[0138] Once the 10''' insulating joint is correctly positioned in the inter-panel space, the suction nozzle is removed from the 10''' insulating joint. From then on, the interior of the 12''' envelope is in communication with the external environment via the suction port. This communication allows the glass wool of the lateral layers of the insulating core to expand in the absence of compressive stress. This expansion allows an increase in the thickness of the 10''' insulating joint so that it completely fills the inter-panel space.

[0139] In the example of the, the insulating joint 10''' has an upper face which is flush with the internal faces of the thermally insulating blocks between which it is inserted, so as to provide a flat surface and having resistance to compression in the direction of the thickness of the reinforced wall.

[0140] This variant is particularly advantageous in the case of insulating joints with a height between 300 and 380 mm, in order to facilitate their insertion into the first inter-panel space.

[0141] In the case of the examples shown for the first, second and third embodiments of the insulating joint, the first inter-panel space 5 extends between first longitudinal lateral faces 8A of two second insulating panels 8 juxtaposed with the first insulating panels in the longitudinal direction D1. It shows a single second insulating panel 8. Each second insulating panel 8 is identical to the first insulating panel described previously.

[0142] Two second transverse lateral faces 7B of the first two insulating panels delimit with second transverse lateral faces 8B of the second two of said insulating panels 8 a second inter-panel space 6. The second inter-panel space 6 extends in the transverse direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 by intersecting the first inter-panel space 5.

[0143] Said insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' is then arranged in the first inter-panel space 5 so as to cross the second inter-panel space 6.

[0144] In this context, it is possible to envisage that the insulating joint is split into two parts along a median plane perpendicular to the central and lateral layers. The median plane is then arranged along the second inter-panel space. This makes it possible to compensate for any misalignment of the first and second insulating panels along the first inter-panel space. In particular, the insulating joint may comprise a two-part insulating core in an envelope.

[0145] Preferably, the insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'', 10''' described above is a first insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'', 10''' and the tank wall comprises at least one second insulating seal 20 arranged in the first inter-panel space 5 next to the first insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'', 10''' ().

[0146] The second insulating joint 20 has a simplified structure compared to that of the first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10''; 10'''. The second insulating joint 20 comprises, for example, an insulating core made entirely of glass wool and a kraft paper envelope. The second insulating joint 20 preferably has a length greater than that of the first insulating joint 10; 10'; 10''; 10'''. It is thus possible to use a first insulating joint of reduced length compared to the length of the first inter-panel space 5 and to ensure the continuity of the insulation thanks to the second insulating joint 20.

[0147] Since the manufacture of the second insulating seal 20 is more economical than that of the first insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'', 10''' (for similar seal lengths), the tank wall is therefore generally less expensive.

[0148] It is also possible to place a second insulating joint 20 in the second inter-panel space 6.

[0149] In practice, in the example shown in the, a first insulating joint 10, 10', 10'' is placed at each intersection between the first inter-panel space and a second inter-panel space perpendicular to the first inter-panel space. A second insulating joint 20 is arranged between each pair of two successive first insulating joints 10; 10'; 10'' in the first inter-panel space. The second insulating joint 20 has a length adapted to fill the space between the two first insulating joints between which it extends.

[0150] The waterproofing membrane 4A resting on the secondary thermally insulating blocks 2 spans the first inter-panel space 5.

[0151] Each of the insulating panels 1, 8 of the tank wall comprising the secondary sealing membrane element 4 arranged on the secondary thermally insulating block 2, the secondary sealing membrane 4A further comprises a first strip of waterproof material 43 arranged astride the sealing membrane elements 4 of the insulating panels 1, 8 to connect the sealing membrane elements 4 of the insulating panels 1, 8. The first strip of waterproof material 43 covers the second inter-panel space 6 over its entire length and spans the first inter-panel space 5 at the insulating joint 10, 10'; 10''.

[0152] The first strip of waterproof material 43 is glued to the waterproof membrane elements 4 of the first and second insulating panels 1, 8. It has a width extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and a length extending in the transverse direction D2. The length of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' is preferably greater than or equal to the width of the first strip of waterproof material 43.

[0153] The secondary waterproofing membrane 4A also comprises a second strip of waterproof material 42 arranged astride the waterproofing membrane elements 4 of the insulating panels 1, 8 to connect the waterproofing membrane elements 4 of the insulating panels 1, 8.

[0154] The first and second strips of waterproof material 42, 43 are shown in short dotted lines on the.

[0155] The first and second strips of waterproofing material comprise, for example, a composite material similar to that used for the secondary waterproofing membrane elements. This composite material comprises three layers: the two outer layers are glass fiber fabrics impregnated with a polymer resin and the intermediate layer is a thin metal foil, for example an aluminum foil with a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm.

[0156] The glue used is, for example, a polymerizable glue. The thickness of the glue layer is, for example, between 0.2 and 1.2 millimeters. The glue is, for example, a one-component or two-component polyurethane glue or a two-component epoxy glue.

[0157] The bonding of the first waterproof strip 43 is for example carried out using the automatic bonding machine described in document FR2822815.

[0158] Such a gluing machine comprises a tubular frame and rolling means connected to said frame on either side of a longitudinal axis so that said rolling means can roll in use against the peripheral parts 41 of the sealing membrane elements 4 arranged on the secondary thermally insulating blocks 2 of the first and second insulating panels 1, 8, these peripheral parts 41 being separated by the second inter-panel space 6.

[0159] The frame of the automatic gluing machine carries means for receiving a support for a strip of waterproof material, application means capable of coming to bear against the face of said strip opposite that in contact with glue to apply it against the internal surface of the peripheral parts 41 of the secondary waterproofing membrane elements, and heating means capable of activating glue in contact with said strip of waterproof material.

[0160] The application means comprise at least one pressure roller whose distance from the mean plane of the machine frame is adjustable and intended to press the strip of waterproof material against said internal surface.

[0161] For this purpose, the pressure roller bears against the peripheral parts 41 of the secondary sealing membrane elements, the strip of waterproof material being interposed between said roller and the peripheral part 41.

[0162] The automatic bonding machine is motorized and advances in the corridors 9 arranged between the first and second insulating panels 1, 8. When the automatic bonding machine advances above the second inter-panel space 6, the roller rolls while bearing on the peripheral parts 41 of the waterproofing membrane elements 4 located on either side of the second inter-panel space 6.

[0163] At the intersection between the second inter-panel space 6 and the first inter-panel space 5, the pressure roller of the automatic gluing machine bears on the upper face of the first insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'' which extends in line with the internal surfaces of the waterproofing membrane elements 4. The compressive strength of the insulating seal 10; 10'; 10'' is reinforced in the direction of the thickness of the tank wall, i.e. in the direction P2 of the pressure exerted by the pressure roller ().

[0164] The central layer 13; 13'; 13'' of the insulating core 11; 11'; 11'' of the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' in fact provides a structure that is sufficiently strong to provide a solid bonding surface that remains flat when the automatic bonding machine passes over it. The first strips of waterproof material 43 are preferably applied first along the second inter-panel spaces 6, then the second strips of waterproof material 42 along the first inter-panel spaces 5. The bonding of the second waterproof strip 42 can be carried out using the same technique.

[0165] The insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' also participates in supporting the second strip of waterproof material 42 when the roller passes along the first inter-panel space 5, at the intersection with the second inter-panel space 6. Indeed, as the insulating joint 10; 10'; 10'' prevents the formation of a hollow in the first strip of waterproof material 43 at the level of the first inter-panel space 5, the second strip of waterproof material 42 is superimposed on a surface of good flatness, including at the intersection of the first inter-panel space 5 with the second inter-panel space 6, which ensures good quality of the bonding.

[0166] The continuity of the primary insulating barrier is achieved by inserting blocks 91 in the corridors 9. This block 91 is for example inserted in the space represented by dot-dash lines on the.

[0167] With reference to the, a cutaway view of an LNG carrier ship 70 shows a sealed and insulated tank 71 of generally prismatic shape mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship. The wall of the tank 71 comprises a primary sealed barrier intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the tank, a secondary sealed barrier arranged between the primary sealed barrier and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two insulating barriers arranged respectively between the primary sealed barrier and the secondary sealed barrier and between the secondary sealed barrier and the double hull 72.

[0168] In a manner known per se, loading / unloading pipelines 73 arranged on the upper deck of the ship can be connected, by means of appropriate connectors, to a maritime or port terminal or to an LNG bunkering vessel to transfer an LNG cargo from or to the tank 71.

[0169] The represents an example of a maritime terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, an underwater pipeline 76 and an onshore installation 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed offshore installation comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 which supports the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 which can be connected to the loading / unloading pipelines 73. The orientable mobile arm 74 adapts to all sizes of LNG carriers. A connecting pipe, not shown, extends inside the tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 allows the loading and unloading of the LNG carrier 70 from or to the onshore installation 77. The latter comprises liquefied gas storage tanks 80 and connecting pipes 81 connected by the underwater pipe 76 to the loading or unloading station 75.The subsea pipeline 76 allows the transfer of liquefied gas between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore installation 77 over a long distance, for example 5 km, which makes it possible to keep the LNG carrier 70 at a great distance from the coast during loading and unloading operations.

[0170] To generate the pressure necessary for the transfer of the liquefied gas, pumps on board the ship 70 and / or pumps equipping the onshore installation 77 and / or pumps equipping the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

[0171] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0172] In particular, the case of using prefabricated insulating panels, each comprising two thermally insulating blocks, to form the tank wall has been described above. Alternatively, it is possible to envisage using insulating panels comprising a single thermally insulating block.

[0173] Furthermore, the insulating gasket 10''' of the fourth embodiment can be used in the configuration shown in the, and, conversely, the insulating gaskets 10; 10'; 10'' of the first, second and third embodiments can be used in the configuration shown in the.

[0174] The invention is applicable to ship tanks 71 and also to land tanks and port structures where an automatic gluing machine can be used.

[0175] The use of the verb "comprise", "comprise" or "include" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those set out in a claim.

[0176] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

A sealed and thermally insulating tank comprising a tank wall fixed to a supporting structure, the tank wall comprising a plurality of insulating panels (1, 8) juxtaposed in a regular pattern, each insulating panel (1, 8) comprising a thermally insulating block (3), two first of said insulating panels (1) jointly delimiting a first inter-panel space (5) between first longitudinal lateral faces (7A) of said two first insulating panels (1, 8), the first inter-panel space (5) extending in a longitudinal direction (D1), the tank wall further comprising an insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') arranged in the first inter-panel space (5) so as to fill the first inter-panel space (5), and a sealing membrane (4A) resting on the thermally insulating blocks (3) spanning the first inter-panel space (5), in which said seal insulator (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') comprises a central layer (13; 13';13'') and two lateral layers (14; 14'; 14'') arranged on either side of the central layer (13; 13'; 13''), the lateral layers (14; 14'; 14'') being bonded to the central layer (13; 13'; 13'') of the insulating joint (10; 10'; 10''; 10'''), the central layer (13; 13'; 13'') and the lateral layers (14; 14'; 14'') of the insulating joint (10; 10'; 10'') together forming an insulating core (11; 11'; 11'') which comprises two parallel main faces (11A; 11A') belonging to the lateral layers (14; 14'; 14'') and extending parallel to the first longitudinal side faces (7A), each central layer (13; 13'; 13'') and side layers (14; 14'; 14'') extending parallel to the first longitudinal side faces (7A) of the first insulating panels (1), the central layer (13; 13'; 13'') being made of a support material comprising a polymer foam and the two side layers (14; 14';14'') being made of a material suitable for being compressed in a compression direction (P1) perpendicular to the first longitudinal lateral faces (7A) of the first insulating panels (1) to facilitate the insertion of the insulating joint (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') into the first inter-panel space (5).; Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 1, in which the sealing membrane (4A) comprises a strip of waterproof material (43) arranged astride the two first insulating panels (1), the strip of waterproof material (43) spanning the first inter-panel space (5) at the level of the insulating joint (10; 10'; 10''; 10'''). Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 1, in which the first inter-panel space (5) extends between first longitudinal lateral faces (8A) of two second insulating panels (8) juxtaposed with the first insulating panels (1) in the longitudinal direction (D1), and in which two second transverse lateral faces (7B) of the two first insulating panels (1) delimit with second transverse lateral faces (8B) of the two second insulating panels (8) a second inter-panel space (6), the second inter-panel space (6) extending in a transverse direction (D2) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (D1) by intersecting the first inter-panel space (5), and in which said insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') is arranged in the first inter-panel space (5) so as to cross the second inter-panel space (6). A sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 3, wherein each of the first and second insulating panels (1, 8) comprises a sealing membrane element (4) arranged on the thermally insulating block (3), the sealing membrane (4A) further comprising a strip of waterproof material (43) arranged astride the sealing membrane elements (4) of the first and second insulating panels (1, 8) to connect the sealing membrane elements (4) of the first and second insulating panels (1, 8), the strip of waterproof material (43) spanning the first inter-panel space (5) at the insulating joint (10; 10'; 10''; 10'''). A sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 4, wherein the strip of sealing material (43) has a width extending in the longitudinal direction (D1) and a length extending in the transverse direction (D2), the strip of sealing material (43) being bonded to the sealing membrane elements (4) of the first and second insulating panels (1, 8). Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') is a first insulating seal and the tank wall comprises at least one second insulating seal (20) arranged in the first inter-panel space (5) next to the first insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10'''), the second insulating seal (20) having a length greater than the first insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10'''). Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the polymer foam of the central layer of the insulating seal has a density greater than 50 kg / m 3 , preferably greater than 70 kg / m 3 . A sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 7, wherein the polymer comprises polyurethane. A sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the polymer foam is reinforced with glass fibers. Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which at least one of said lateral layers (14; 14'; 14'') of the insulating seal is made of glass wool. Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 10, in which the glass wool of the side layer (14; 14'; 14'') of the insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') has a density of between 20 and 45 kg / m 3 . Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which a thickness of the insulating seal (10; 10'; 10''; 10''') at rest is greater than the width of the first inter-panel space (5) measured perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (D1). Sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the central layer (13'; 13'') and the side layers (14'; 14'') of the insulating seal (10'; 10'') form an insulating core (11'; 11'') of the insulating seal (10'; 10''; 10'''), the insulating seal (10'; 10'', 10''') further comprising an envelope (12'; 12''; 12''') which completely or partially surrounds the insulating core (11'; 11''). A sealed and thermally insulating tank according to claim 13, wherein the envelope (12'; 12''; 12''') comprises a material selected from sheets of paper or polymer, composite sheets including mineral fibers and a polymer matrix, composite sheets including mineral fibers bonded to a sheet of paper or polymer, and combinations thereof. Vessel (70) for transporting a cold liquid product, the vessel comprising a double hull (72) and a sealed and thermally insulating tank according to one of claims 1 to 14 arranged in the double hull. A transfer system for a cold liquid product, the system comprising a vessel (70) according to claim 15, insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the vessel's tank (71) to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) and a pump for driving a flow of cold liquid product through the insulated pipes from or to the floating or land-based storage facility to or from the vessel's tank. A method of loading or unloading a ship (70) according to claim 15, wherein a cold liquid product is conveyed through insulated pipes (73, 79, 76, 81) from or to a floating or land-based storage facility (77) to or from the ship's tank.

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