Isothermal membrane-type tank

Abstract

The invention relates to devices for storing and / or transporting low-temperature fluid media. Disclosed are an insulating joining panel, a hermetically sealed isothermal membrane-type tank with a wall comprising said insulating joining panel, and a method for manufacturing such a tank. The joining panel (1) comprises a thermally insulating layer (2) with a plywood sheet (3) glued thereto, said plywood sheet forming the upper surface of the joining panel (1), and further comprises a sealing sheet (4) made of a composite material consisting of an aluminium foil layer reinforced on both sides by a layer of fiberglass, said sealing sheet being glued to the thermal insulating layer (2). The sealing sheet (4) forms the lower surface of the panel (1). The length of the sealing sheet (4) is greater than the length of the thermally insulating layer (2). The joining panel (1) is mounted between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8) of the wall of the tank and covers the join between the lower parts (7) of said panels (8). The result is that of simplifying the manufacture of a hermetically sealed tank and also maintaining the insulation performance thereof.

Description

[0001] ISOTHERMAL MEMBRANE TYPE TANK WITH A CONTINUOUS AUXILIARY BARRIER AND A METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURING

[0002] Field of technology to which the invention relates

[0003] The invention relates to devices for storing and / or transporting a low-temperature liquid medium, in particular, to sealed isothermal membrane-type tanks for storing and / or transporting liquefied gas, installed on land or on a floating structure.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Sealed isothermal membrane tanks (also called membrane tanks) are used for low-temperature / cold liquid media, in particular liquefied natural gas (LNG) - natural gas (mainly methane - CH4), artificially liquefied by cooling to a condensation temperature of -161.5°C for ease of storage or transportation.

[0006] The main advantage of LNG is that its volume is reduced by a factor of 600 during liquefaction. In practice, this means that the same volume of LNG contains three times more LNG than compressed natural gas at a pressure of 20 MPa. Liquefied natural gas is produced, stored, and transported using specialized cryogenic equipment. For commercial use, LNG is converted to a gaseous state at specialized regasification terminals.

[0007] Membrane tanks for low-temperature liquid media, including LNG, contain insulating panels that are positioned next to each other to form thermal barriers.

[0008] Publication RU2396170, August 10, 2010, discloses a method for attaching strips of flexible sheet material to a base, specifically to the adjacent edge zones of impermeable overlays of prefabricated panels of a thermal insulation wall of a tank intended for containing a liquid, such as liquefied gas. This method results in the formation of a continuous seal between the two prefabricated panels, embedded between the two layers of thermal insulation material of said panels, in the joint zone. This known method is quite labor-intensive, as it involves several stages: preparatory steps, application and subsequent smoothing of adhesive, gluing of the flexible sheet material, placement of a protective film, subsequent pressing, and simultaneous heating. Publication RU2682230 C2, March 15, discloses the method.2019 (prototype) discloses a sealed insulated tank with a tank wall of a multilayer structure that contains a main sealing membrane (69) in contact with the product contained in the tank, a main insulation barrier, an auxiliary sealing membrane and an auxiliary insulation barrier.The auxiliary insulation barrier, the auxiliary sealing membrane and the main insulation barrier essentially consist of a set of prefabricated panels (54) containing, in sequence, a rigid base plate (55), a first layer of thermal insulation (56), the supporting structure of which is the base plate and which forms, together with the base plate, an element of the auxiliary insulation barrier, an impermeable overlay (52), which completely covers the first layer of thermal insulation, being glued to the first layer of thermal insulation and which forms an element of the auxiliary sealing membrane, a second layer of thermal insulation (57), which covers the central zone of the first layer and the impermeable overlay, and a rigid cover plate (58), covering the second layer of thermal insulation and forming, together with the second layer of thermal insulation, an element of the main insulation barrier.The tank wall further has sealing strips (65) made of a flexible composite laminate containing at least one metal sheet connected to at least one fibrous layer, the sealing strips are arranged in such a way that they overlap adjacent edge zones (59) of the impermeable linings of the prefabricated panels (54) and are impermeably glued to the impermeable linings (52) of the prefabricated panels to complete the auxiliary sealing membrane between the prefabricated panels.

[0009] Disadvantages of the known tank and its manufacturing method include the need to prepare and use additional sealing strips (65) to cover adjacent edge zones (59) of the impermeable overlays of the prefabricated panels (54), which are tightly bonded to the impermeable overlays (52) of the prefabricated panels to complete the auxiliary sealing membrane between the prefabricated panels. Installation of the panels requires strict adherence to operating conditions and high precision, since the accuracy of adhesion of the flexible sheet material strip (sealing strips (65)) is particularly important. The joints between adjacent panels are areas subject to varying tensile loads and, therefore, must have good long-term mechanical strength to maintain the continuity of the auxiliary sealing layer.Thus, the tightness of the connection between two adjacent panels, ensured by sealing strips (65), makes it possible to obtain the necessary mechanical characteristics of the tank wall and ensure long-term strength under loads acting directly at the joints of the panels.

[0010] Thus, there is still a need for technical solutions related to insulating panels for membrane-type tanks that ensure high reliability of the membrane tank design while simplifying the manufacturing method of sealed tanks.

[0011] Disclosure of invention

[0012] The technical task to which the invention is directed is to eliminate the disadvantages inherent in known technical solutions.

[0013] The present invention achieves a simplification of the method for manufacturing a sealed membrane-type tank and a reduction in the time for assembling its wall while maintaining the insulating properties of the tank, in particular the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane, which ensures protection of the auxiliary insulating barrier in the event of damage to the main sealing membrane.

[0014] The technical result of the invention is achieved by the claimed joint insulating panel (1) for the wall of a sealed membrane-type tank for a low-temperature fluid medium, comprising a heat-insulating layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), characterized in that it comprises a sealing sheet (4) glued to the heat-insulating layer (2), forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass, wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the heat-insulating layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edge of said layer (2) along the width of the panel (1),wherein the docking panel (1) is designed with the possibility of being installed between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8) of the wall and closing the joint of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8).,

[0015] The sealing sheet (4) may protrude beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on one side of said layer (2).

[0016] The sealing sheet (4) may extend beyond the edge of the thermal insulation layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on both sides of said layer (2). The width of the sealing sheet (4) may be less than the width of the thermal insulation layer (2).

[0017] The plate (3) of the connecting insulation panel (1) can be made of birch veneer plywood and have a thickness of 8-12 mm and a modulus of elasticity in bending of 9000-11000 MPa (at a temperature of +23 oC).

[0018] The thermal insulation layer (2) of the joint insulation panel (1) can be made of gas-filled polymers with a density of 60 to 130 kg / m3 and a thermal conductivity of no more than 0.024 W / (m*K) at a temperature of +10°C, preferably from polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam.

[0019] The thermal insulation layer (2) of the joint insulation panel (1) can be glued to the plate (3) and the sealing layer (4) using polyurethane glue under the influence of force clamping loads.

[0020] The aluminum foil for the sealing sheet (4) can be additionally reinforced on both sides with a layer of polyurethane by thermal calendering or lamination.

[0021] The technical result of the invention is also achieved by the claimed sealed membrane-type tank for a low-temperature liquid medium with a wall, in which the tank wall contains sequentially arranged: a main sealing membrane (5) intended for contact with a low-temperature liquid medium located in the tank, a main insulating barrier formed by the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8) and the joint insulating panels (1), and an auxiliary insulating barrier formed by the lower parts (7) of the main insulating panels (8), wherein each main insulating panel (8) consists of an upper part (6) formed by an upper plate (9) and a first heat-insulating layer (10) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, and a lower part (7) formed by an auxiliary sealing membrane (I), a middle plate (12), sequentially arranged and glued to each other,a second thermal insulation layer (13) and a bottom plate (14), wherein each auxiliary sealing membrane (I) completely covers the middle plate (12), and the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8) covers the central zone of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) in such a way that the auxiliary thermal insulation barrier forms a first rectangular contour of larger dimensions than the second rectangular contour,* formed by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), as a result of which the edge zones (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) along the four edges of the first rectangular contour remain uncovered by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), wherein the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) are located with their end parts parallel to each other,so that the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of one insulation panel (8) is located adjacent to a given distance with the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) of the adjacent insulation panel (8), wherein each joint insulation panel (1) comprises a heat-insulating layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), and the said panels (1) are placed between the upper parts (6) of the main insulation panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulation panels (8) and the plates (3) of the joint insulation panels (1) form, in essence, a continuous flat surface (17), to which the main sealing membrane (5) is attached, wherein each joint heat-insulating panel (1) comprises a heat-insulating layer (2) glued to heat-insulating layer (2) sealing sheet (4),forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass, wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the heat-insulating layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) has at least one edge portion (16) protruding beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) and forming, when the joint panel (1) is installed, an overlap of at least 100 mm with the auxiliary sealing membranes (11) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panel (1) is installed, covering the joints of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between the said panels (8).,

[0022] The sealing sheet (4) may protrude beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on one side of said layer (2).

[0023] The sealing sheet (4) may extend beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on both sides of said layer (2).

[0024] The width of the sealing sheet (4) may be less than the width of the heat-insulating layer (2). The technical result of the invention is also achieved by the claimed method for manufacturing a sealed membrane-type tank for a low-temperature fluid medium, comprising a set of main (8) and connecting (1) insulating panels and a main sealing membrane (5) intended for contact with a low-temperature fluid medium located in the tank, wherein each main insulating panel (8) consists of an upper part (6) formed by an upper plate (9) and a first heat-insulating layer (10) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, and a lower part (7) formed by an auxiliary sealing membrane (I), a middle plate (12), a second heat-insulating layer (13) and a bottom plate (14) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, wherein each auxiliary sealing membrane (I) completely covers the middle plate (12),and the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8) covers the central zone of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) in such a way that the auxiliary thermal insulation barrier forms a first rectangular contour of larger dimensions than the second rectangular contour formed by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), as a result of which the edge zones (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) along the four edges of the first rectangular contour remain uncovered by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), wherein each joint insulation panel (1) comprises a thermal insulation layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), and with a glued sealing sheet (4), forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil, reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass,wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the heat-insulating layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) has at least one edge portion (16) protruding beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1), in which,

[0025] - the main insulation panels (8) are installed and fixed in such a way that the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) are located next to each other with their end parts parallel to each other, so that the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) of one insulation panel (8) is located next to each other at a specified distance from the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of the adjacent main insulation panel (8),

[0026] - between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8), the joint insulating panels (1) are installed and glued over the edge zones (15) of the said panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulating panels (8) and the plates (3) of the joint insulating panels (1) form, in essence, a continuous flat surface (17), to which the main sealing membrane (5) is attached, wherein the edge parts (16) of the sealing sheets (4) of the joint insulating panels (1) form an overlap of at least 100 mm with the auxiliary sealing membranes (I) of each of the main insulating panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panels (1) are installed, covering the joints of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between the said panels (8), - install and secure the main sealing membrane (5) on a solid flat surface (17).

[0027] Brief description of the drawings

[0028] Fig. 1 shows the main insulating panel (8) made in accordance with the invention - We propose to prepare a drawing of this panel indicating all positions according to the description and formula.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a connecting insulating panel (1) made in accordance with the invention - We suggest preparing a drawing of this panel indicating all positions according to the description and formula (it is better to provide options with different images of protruding sealing sheets (on one side, on both sides). Fig. 3 shows a general view of four adjacent main insulating panels (8) with three connecting panels (1) during installation - we suggest taking as a basis the drawing of the general view of the panels to be installed from Section 4 "Draft drawings of the task" and adding to them only the designations of positions 1 of the connecting panels and 8 of the main panels. Implementation of the invention

[0030] Thermal insulation materials used in cryogenic engineering, particularly those used for thermal insulation layers in insulation panels, are subject to a number of requirements. Compliance with these requirements ensures their suitability for this application. The key requirements for such materials include low thermal conductivity, absence of chemical interaction with the transported LNG or with LNG tank construction materials, low hygroscopicity and density, ease of installation, operational reliability, compressive strength, and other requirements.

[0031] Thermal insulation materials based on polyurethane foam and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam are widely used in various engineering fields to create thermal insulation structural elements. Due to the rigidity of the foam, these elements can be formed into slabs or panels. Thermal insulation slabs and panels made from these materials possess the balance of physical and mechanical properties required for their intended application. Polyurethane foam, like polyisocyanurate, thanks to its rigid structure with gas-filled cells, is known for its excellent thermal insulation properties, combined with high fire resistance, high strength, and low thermal conductivity.

[0032] The production of polyurethane foam and polyisocyanurate foam is well known to those skilled in the art. The production methods involve a multicomponent reaction between a polyol, a polyisocyanate, and an expanding, i.e., blowing agent. The condensation reaction is particularly catalyzed by compounds of a basic and / or nucleophilic nature, such as tertiary amines or metal carboxylate coordination complexes, such as tin or bismuth salts. Polyols widely used in the production of polyurethane foam are polyether polyols or polyester polyols. In fact, the production of polyurethane foam, polyisocyanurate foam, and copolymers—polyurethane foam with polyisocyanurate foam—depends on the ratio of isocyanate to polyol, i.e., the ratio of the main components of the mixture: polyol to isocyanate. For PIR, the ratio is approximately 1:1.5, while for simple polyurethane foam it is 1:1.1.

[0033] In addition to thermal insulation layers, the insulating panels also include other elements that ensure the characteristics required for their reliable operation, as well as the ability to attach these panels to other elements of the tank structure.

[0034] To form the wall of a sealed isothermal membrane-type tank, the main (8) and connecting (1) insulating panels are used, as well as the main sealing membrane (5) (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2).

[0035] The concepts of "upper" and "lower" are used to denote the location of one element relative to another in relation to the space inside and outside the tank. Thus, the terms "above," "above," "over," and "upper" generally denote the spatial position of an element closer to the tank's interior, regardless of the orientation of the tank wall relative to Earth's gravity. Similarly, the terms "below," "below," and "lower" generally denote the spatial position of an element closer to the outer (supporting) side of the tank and, therefore, may not correspond to the concept of a low location in Earth's gravity field.

[0036] The main insulating panel (8) is made in the form of two blocks having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. Each main insulating panel (8) (Fig. 1) consists of an upper part (6), formed by an upper plate (9) and a first thermal insulation layer (10) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, and a lower part (7), formed by an auxiliary sealing membrane (11), a middle plate (12), a second thermal insulation layer (13), and a lower plate (14) sequentially arranged and glued to each other.

[0037] Each auxiliary sealing membrane (11) completely covers the middle plate (12), wherein the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8) covers only the central zone of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) in such a way that the auxiliary insulation barrier formed by the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) forms a first rectangular contour of larger dimensions than the second rectangular contour formed by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), as a result of which the edge zones (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) along the four edges of the first rectangular contour remain uncovered by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8). Thus, if you look at the panel (8) from above (Fig.1), the first heat-insulating layer (10) and the upper plate (9) have the shape of the first rectangle, and the lower plate (14), the second heat-insulating layer (13), the middle plate (12) and the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) have the shape of the second rectangle, wherein the sides of the two rectangles are approximately parallel, and the length and width of the said first rectangle are, respectively, less than the length and width of the said second rectangle.

[0038] It should be understood that the aforementioned rectangular shape also includes a square shape. It should also be understood that the two rectangular parallelepipeds making up the main insulating panel (8) may have approximately the same center.

[0039] Thus, the first (upper) rectangular parallelepiped is the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8), consists of the upper plate (9) and the first thermal insulation layer (10) sequentially located and glued to each other and forms a part of the main insulation barrier of the tank. The second (lower) rectangular parallelepiped is the lower part (7) of the main insulation panel (8), consists of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11), the middle plate (12), the second thermal insulation layer (13) and the lower plate (14) sequentially located and glued to each other and forms the auxiliary insulation barrier of the tank.

[0040] For the top (9) and bottom (14) panels, it is preferable to use birch veneer plywood with a thickness of 8-12 mm. This plywood has a flexural modulus of 9000-11000 MPa (at a temperature of +23°C). Plywood with such a modulus of elasticity possesses optimal properties for use in the claimed invention.

[0041] According to the invention, the middle plate (12) is located between the second thermal insulation layer (13) and the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) and is made of plywood with a thickness of at least 4±0.3 mm, optimally 4.5 mm, wherein such plywood has a tensile strength of at least 80 MPa along the grain and at least 40 MPa across the grain. In this case, the said plate (12) has sufficient strength to perform its functions - imparting additional bending rigidity to the insulating panel, protecting the lower (second) thermal insulation layer (13) and the upper plate (9) from damage.It should be taken into account that the more rigid the structure, the less flexible it is in terms of the impact of loads on it, in particular internal loads from LNG and / or external loads in the form of seismic impacts or from the hull of a cargo ship, as well as other types of loading, and since the membrane tank with LNG operates under conditions of a large temperature gradient - from +20 to -173 °C, it is necessary to maintain moderate rigidity of the panel.

[0042] The first (10) and second (13) thermal insulation layers can be made of gas-filled polymers. Various gas-filled polymers, including reinforced ones, with low thermal conductivity and a sufficiently high degree of rigidity, can be used as materials for the thermal insulation layers. For example, foamed polyurethane (polyurethane foam) or polyisocyanurate (polyisocyanurate foam) with a density of 60 to 130 kg / m3, preferably with a density of 110 kg / m3 and a thermal conductivity of no more than 0.024 W / (m*K) (at a temperature of +10°C) can be used as a gas-filled polymer. However, other gas-filled polymers suitable for this purpose can also be used.As an example, we can cite the main insulation panel (8), in which it is possible to use thermal insulation blocks having a second (13) (lower) thermal insulation layer thickness of 200 mm and a first (10) thermal insulation layer thickness of 100 mm and made of polyurethane foam with a density of 110 kg / m3.

[0043] According to the invention, the connecting insulating panels (1) are intended to be placed between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulating panels (8) and the plates (3) of the connecting insulating panels (1) form, in essence, a continuous flat surface (17) capable of supporting the main sealing membrane (5). The main sealing membrane (5) is attached to said continuous flat surface (17), which ensures the tightness of the tank wall.

[0044] The claimed joint insulation panel (1) has an upper and lower surface and contains a heat-insulating layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1) (Fig. 2).

[0045] According to the invention, the joint insulating panel (1) comprises a sealing sheet (4) glued to the heat-insulating layer (2), forming the lower surface of the panel (1), wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the heat-insulating layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edge of the said layer (2) along the width of the panel (1). Due to this design, when the joint insulating panels (1) are installed in the tank between the upper parts (6) of adjacent main insulating panels (8), the sealing sheets (4) of the joint panels (1) and the auxiliary sealing membranes (11) of the adjacent main panels (8) form an overlapping joint, closing the joints of the adjacent lower (7) parts of the main insulating panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between the adjacent main insulating panels (8).This eliminates the need for additional elements, such as flexible sealing tapes, to ensure the continuity of the secondary membrane's seal, and eliminates the need for gluing additional elements of auxiliary equipment, including clamping and heating devices, which are used in the assembly of the tank wall using methods known from the prior art. Continuity of the secondary insulation barrier is achieved by simply installing butt-to-butt insulation panels (1) between the upper portions (6) of adjacent primary insulation panels (8), completing the primary insulation barrier between the two prefabricated panels (1).Since the joint insulation panel (1) contains a sealing sheet (4) along the entire length of the lower surface of the heat-insulating layer (2) and an edge protruding beyond it li, then when installing the joint panel (1), an overlap of the sealing sheet (4) of the panel (1) is formed with the auxiliary sealing membranes (11) of the main panels (8) in an overlapping manner, thereby completing the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between adjacent prefabricated panels (8).

[0046] The joint insulation panel (1) is glued with its lower surface over the auxiliary insulation barrier, i.e., over the auxiliary sealing membrane (I). Adhesion is achieved using polyurethane adhesive under the influence of forceful clamping loads.

[0047] According to the invention, the sealing sheet (4) is made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass. The aluminum foil for the sealing sheet (4) can be further reinforced on both sides with a layer of polyurethane using thermal calendering or lamination.

[0048] The protruding edge portion of the sealing sheet (4) may be on one side of the docking panel (1) or on both sides, depending on the length and installation location of this panel (1) relative to the orientation of the tank wall.

[0049] The sealing sheet (4) may extend beyond the edge of the thermal insulation layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on one side. For example, if the joint panel is adjacent to the edge of the adjacent panel (1), the sealing sheet (4) will extend only on one side. If the joint panel (1) is not adjacent to the edge of the adjacent joint panel (1), the sealing sheet (4) will extend beyond the edge of the thermal insulation layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on both sides of the layer (2).

[0050] The overlap of the sealing sheet (4) of the joint panel (1) and the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said panel (1) is installed, must be at least 100 mm. With a smaller overlap value, the adhesion strength of the adhesive joint of the sheet (4) with the membrane (I) decreases, thereby reducing the reliability of ensuring the continuity of the sealing of the auxiliary membrane (I) during operation of the tank. For example, when the length of the joint insulation panel (1) in one direction is equal to the length of the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8), it is necessary that the sealing sheet (4) protrudes at least 100 mm on each side of the layer (2) of the joint panel (1) in order to ensure complete sealing of the auxiliary membrane (11), since the joint insulation panel (1), perpendicular in orientation, will be installed on top of these protrusions. This embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 3.The width of the sealing sheet (4) may be smaller than the width of the thermal insulation layer (2). This variant of the joint panel (1) can be implemented with a large width, i.e. with a large distance between the upper parts (6) of the main panels (8), for the purpose of rational use of the composite material for the sealing sheet (4). For example, when the distance between the upper parts (6) of adjacent insulating panels (8) is greater than 350 mm, i.e. when the width of the joint insulating panel (1) exceeds 350 mm, for the purpose of rational use of material, a sealing sheet (4) with a width of 250 mm can be used.This width of the sealing sheet (4) will be sufficient in the case where the specified distance between the upper parts (6) of adjacent main insulation panels (8), the so-called interpanel space (18), is equal to 30 mm, and the overlap of the sealing sheet (4) along the edge zones (15) of adjacent main insulation panels (8) on each side of the space (18) is equal to 10 mm. This will be sufficient for the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) to have good long-term mechanical strength.

[0051] For the plate (3), it is preferable to use birch veneer plywood with a thickness of 8-12 mm, while the flexural modulus of elasticity of this plywood is 9000-11000 MPa (at a temperature of +23 °C). Plywood with such values ​​​​of the modulus of elasticity has optimal properties for use in the claimed invention. To ensure the reliability of the strength characteristics of the claimed insulating panel, the plywood for the plate (3) and the upper plate (9), which after the installation of panels (1) and (8) in the tank will be located under the main sealing membrane (5) of the tank, should preferably have a greater thickness than the plywood for the lower plate (14), which is attached to the supporting structure of the tank. For example, the plate (3) and the upper plate (9) are made of 12 mm thick plywood, and the lower plate (14) - of 8 mm thick plywood.

[0052] The thermal insulation layer (2) of the joint insulation panel (1), as well as the first (10) and second (13) thermal insulation layers of the main insulation panel (8) can be made of gas-filled polymers. The same materials can be used as materials for the thermal insulation layers as for the main insulation panel (8), for example, foamed polyurethane (polyurethane foam) or polyisocyanurate (polyisocyanurate foam) with a density of 60 to 130 kg / m3, preferably with a density of 110 kg / m3 and a thermal conductivity of no more than 0.024 W / (m*K) (at a temperature of +10°C) or other gas-filled polymers suitable for this purpose, including reinforced ones, with low thermal conductivity and a sufficiently high degree of rigidity.

[0053] The thermal insulation layer (2) of the joint insulation panel (1), the first (10) and second (13) thermal insulation layers of the main insulation panel (8) can be glued to the corresponding plates (3), (9), (12) and (14), as well as to the sealing layer (4) using polyurethane glue under the influence of force clamping loads.

[0054] According to the invention, a secondary sealing membrane (11) in the tank provides water and vapor barrier protection in the event of damage to the primary sealing membrane (5). The secondary sealing membrane (11) is manufactured using a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil and layers of fiberglass, preferably bonded together with layers of polyurethane. The aluminum foil has a thickness of at least 70 µm.

[0055] According to the invention, the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) can be bonded to the middle plate (12) using polyurethane adhesive under clamping loads. The auxiliary sealing membrane (11) can be reinforced on both sides with layers of fiberglass, preferably with layers of polyurethane, using thermocalendering or lamination. Fiberglass imparts high tensile strength to the membrane, while polyurethane is a necessary auxiliary component for high-quality thermocalendering or lamination. These manufacturing technologies achieve high interlayer adhesion between the fiberglass and the aluminum foil.

[0056] To attach the main sealing membrane (5) to the main insulation barrier, there are anchor metal plates on the continuous flat surface (17)

[0057] The main sealing membrane (5) may consist of a plurality of sheets, for example, of stainless steel, connected to each other by welding to form edge overlap zones for complete sealing of the main sealing membrane (5) of the tank.

[0058] The lower parts (7) of the main insulating panels (8) are located next to each other with their end parts parallel to each other (Fig. 3). Between the lower parts (7) of the panels (8) in the interpanel space (18) there are inserts made of heat-insulating material / heat-insulating inserts, which limit the convection phenomenon in the interpanel space (18). In this way, the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of one insulating panel (8) forms a joint with the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) of the adjacent insulating panel (8) through the interpanel space (18). In this way, after the installation of the joint panels (1), the sealing sheets (4) of the said panels (1) are located above the heat-insulating inserts in the interpanel space (18).The claimed joint insulation panel (1) is intended for forming the wall of a sealed isothermal membrane-type tank by installing the panel (1) between the upper parts (6) of adjacent main insulation panels (8) on top of an auxiliary sealing membrane (11).

[0059] After installing the specified docking panels (1), the sealing sheets (4) of adjacent docking panels (1) are bonded to the auxiliary sealing membrane (I). Bonding can be accomplished using polyurethane adhesive under the influence of force-based clamping loads.

[0060] After installing the adjacent joint insulating panels (1) in the specified manner, the protruding edge parts (16) of the sealing sheets (4) of the joint insulating panels (1) are located in an overlap with the auxiliary sealing membranes (11) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panels (1) are placed, covering the joints of the adjacent lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) between the said panels (8), in particular the lower parts (7) of the said panels (8).

[0061] The claimed design of the joint insulation panel (1), when installed to form the wall of a sealed tank, ensures the continuity of the secondary sealing membrane (I) and, therefore, protects the secondary insulation barrier from the risk of leakage of low-temperature liquid, including LNG, in the event of damage to the primary sealing membrane (5). Thus, no additional elements, including flexible sealing tapes, are used in the present invention.

[0062] The claimed sealed tank is manufactured in the following manner:

[0063] - the main insulation panels (8) are installed and fixed in such a way that the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) are located with their end parts parallel to each other, so that the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of one insulation panel (8) is located next to each other at a given distance from the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of the adjacent insulation panel (8),

[0064] - between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8), the joint insulating panels (1) are installed and glued over the edge zones (15) of the said panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulating panels (8) and the plates (3) of the joint insulating panels (1) form, in essence, a continuous flat surface (17) capable of supporting the main sealing membrane (5), wherein the protruding edge parts (16) of the sealing sheets (4) of the joint insulating panels (1) are placed with an overlap of at least 100 mm with the auxiliary sealing membranes (I) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panels (1) are placed, covering the joints of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between the said panels (8), - install and secure the main sealing membrane (5) on a solid flat surface (17).

[0065] The proposed method for manufacturing a tank eliminates several process steps specified in the prior art, as the flexible sheet material (sealing sheet (4)) is bonded directly to the joint insulation panels (1), which include sealing sheets (4) forming their lower surfaces. The proposed method for manufacturing a tank reduces assembly time due to the elimination of additional steps (preparation and bonding of sealing tapes at joints). Furthermore, the manufacturing method is simplified, eliminating the need not only for the preparation and use of additional sealing tapes, but also for the use of auxiliary equipment for bonding them, including clamping and heating devices, which are used in assembling the tank wall using methods known from the prior art.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A joint insulating panel (1) for the wall of a sealed membrane-type tank for a low-temperature liquid medium, which contains a heat-insulating layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), characterized in that it contains glued to the heat-insulating layer (2) a sealing sheet (4) forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass, wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the thermal insulation layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edge of said layer (2) along the width of the panel (1), wherein the joint panel (1) is designed with the possibility of being installed between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8) of the wall and closing the joint of the lower (7) parts of said panels (8).

2. The joint insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edge of the thermal insulation layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on one side of said layer (2).

3. A butt-mounted insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on both sides of said layer (2).

4. A joint insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the width of the sealing sheet (4) is less than the width of the heat-insulating layer (2).

5. The joint insulating panel (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the plate (3) made of birch veneer plywood, mainly has a thickness of 8-12 mm and a modulus of elasticity in bending of 9000-11000 MPa (at a temperature of +23 oC).

6. The joint insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal insulation layer (2) is made of gas-filled polymers with a density of 60 to 130 kg / m3 and a thermal conductivity of no more than 0.024 W / (m*K) at a temperature of +10°C, preferably made of polyurethane foam or polyisocyanurate foam.

7. The joint insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thermal insulation layer (2) is glued to the plate (3) and the sealing layer (4) using polyurethane glue under the influence of force clamping loads.

8. A joint insulating panel (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the aluminum foil for the sealing sheet (4) is additionally reinforced on both sides with a layer of polyurethane by thermal calendering or lamination.

9. A membrane-type sealed tank for a low-temperature liquid medium with a wall, in which the tank wall contains sequentially arranged: a main sealing membrane (5) intended for contact with a low-temperature liquid medium located in the tank, a main insulation barrier formed by the upper parts (6) of the main insulation panels (8) and the joint insulation panels (1), and an auxiliary insulation barrier formed by the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8), wherein each main insulation panel (8) consists of an upper part (6) formed by an upper plate (9) and a first thermal insulation layer (10) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, and a lower part (7) formed by an auxiliary sealing membrane (11), a middle plate (12), a second thermal insulation layer (13) and a lower plate sequentially arranged and glued to each other (14),wherein each auxiliary sealing membrane (11) completely covers the middle plate (12), and the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8) covers the central zone of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) in such a way that the auxiliary insulation barrier forms a first rectangular contour of larger dimensions than the second rectangular contour formed by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), as a result of which the edge zones (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) along the four edges of the first rectangular contour remain uncovered by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), wherein the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) of the auxiliary insulation barrier are located with their end parts parallel to each other,so that the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of one insulation panel (8) is located adjacent to a given distance from the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of the adjacent insulation panel (8), wherein each joint insulation panel (1) comprises a heat-insulating layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), and the said panels (1) are placed between the upper parts (6) of the main insulation panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulation panels (8) and the plates (3) of the joint insulation panels (1) form, essentially, a continuous flat surface (17) onto which the main sealing membrane (5) is attached, characterized in that each joint thermal insulation panel (1) comprises a sealing sheet (4) glued to the thermal insulation layer (2), forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass, wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the thermal insulation layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) has at least one edge portion (16) protruding beyond the edge of the thermal insulation layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) and forming, when the joint insulation panel (1) is installed, an overlap of at least 100 mm with the auxiliary sealing membranes (11) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panel (1) is installed,closing the joints of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) between the said panels (8)., 10. A sealed tank according to item 9, characterized in that the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edges of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on one side of said layer (2).

11. A sealed tank according to item 9, characterized in that the sealing sheet (4) protrudes beyond the edges of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1) on both sides of said layer (2).

12. A sealed tank according to item 9, characterized in that the width of the glued sealing sheet (4) is less than the width of the heat-insulating layer (2).

13. A method for manufacturing a sealed membrane-type tank for a low-temperature liquid medium, comprising a set of main (8) and connecting (1) insulating panels and a main sealing membrane (5) intended for contact with a low-temperature liquid medium located in the tank, wherein each main insulating panel (8) consists of an upper part (6) formed by a top plate (9) and a first heat-insulating layer (10) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, and a lower part (7) formed by an auxiliary sealing membrane (11), a middle plate (12), a second heat-insulating layer (13) and a bottom plate (14) sequentially arranged and glued to each other, wherein each auxiliary sealing membrane (I) completely covers the middle plate (12), and the upper part (6) of the main insulation panel (8) covers the central zone of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) in such a way that the auxiliary thermal insulation barrier forms a first rectangular contour of larger dimensions than the second rectangular contour formed by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), as a result of which the edge zones (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) along the four edges of the first rectangular contour remain uncovered by the upper part (6) of the main thermal insulation panel (8), wherein each joint insulation panel (1) comprises a thermal insulation layer (2) with a glued plate (3) made of plywood, completely covering the said layer (2) and forming the upper surface of the panel (1), and with a glued sealing sheet (4),forming the lower surface of the panel (1) and made of a composite material consisting of a layer of aluminum foil reinforced on both sides with a layer of fiberglass, wherein the length of the sealing sheet (4) exceeds the length of the heat-insulating layer (2), as a result of which the sealing sheet (4) has at least one edge portion (16) protruding beyond the edge of the heat-insulating layer (2) along the width of the panel (1), in which the main insulation panels (8) are installed and fixed in such a way that the lower parts (7) of the main insulation panels (8) are located with their end parts parallel to each other, so that the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of one insulation panel (8) is located adjacent at a given distance from the edge zone (15) of the auxiliary sealing membrane (11) of the adjacent main insulation panel (8),between the upper parts (6) of the main insulating panels (8), the joint insulating panels (1) are installed and glued over the edge zones (15) of the said panels (8) in such a way that the upper plates (9) of the main insulating panels (8) and the plates (3) of the joint insulating panels (1) form, in essence, a continuous flat surface (17), to which the main sealing membrane (5) is attached, wherein the protruding edge parts (16) of the sealing sheets (4) of the joint insulating panels (1) form an overlap of at least 100 mm with the auxiliary sealing membranes (I) of each of the main panels (8), between the upper parts (6) of which the said joint panels (1) are installed, covering the joints of the lower (7) parts of the said panels (8) and, thereby ensuring the continuity of the auxiliary sealing membrane (I) between the said panels (8), the main sealing membrane (5) is installed and secured on the continuous flat surface (17).

Images