阅读说明：本技术 用于密封隔热容器的转角结构 (Corner structure for sealing heat insulation container ) 是由 M·萨西 R·勒比昂 于 2019-08-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于用来存储流体的密封隔热容器的转角结构(16),此容器具有多个壁(1、101、201)；所述转角结构(16)待设置在第一壁(101)与第二壁(201)之间并且包括：第一角支架(32),此第一角支架锚固至待固定至第一壁和第二壁(101、201)的支撑结构(3)的锚固装置(16)；锚固装置(16)包括彼此相交的第一翼片(18)和第二翼片(19),第一翼片和第二翼片(18、19)中的每一个包括位于第一翼片(18)和第二翼片(19)之间的相交部的两侧上的外部部分(24、25)和内部部分(22、23)；转角结构(16)进一步包括布置在由第一翼片(18)的内部部分(22)和第二翼片(19)的外部部分(25)界定的第一空间中的第一隔离面板(42),以及被压缩在第一隔离面板(42)与第二翼片(19)的外部部分(25)之间的第一侧向隔离封装元件(48)。(The invention relates to a corner structure (16) for a sealed and thermally insulated container for storing a fluid, the container having a plurality of walls (1, 101, 201); the corner structure (16) is to be arranged between a first wall (101) and a second wall (201) and comprises: a first corner bracket (32) anchored to anchoring means (16) of the support structure (3) to be fixed to the first and second walls (101, 201); the anchoring means (16) comprises a first and a second fin (18, 19) intersecting each other, each of the first and second fins (18, 19) comprising an outer portion (24, 25) and an inner portion (22, 23) located on either side of the intersection between the first and second fins (18, 19); the corner structure (16) further comprises a first insulation panel (42) arranged in a first space delimited by the inner portion (22) of the first flap (18) and the outer portion (25) of the second flap (19), and a first lateral insulation package element (48) compressed between the first insulation panel (42) and the outer portion (25) of the second flap (19).)

1. Corner structure (16) for a sealed and insulated container for storing a fluid, comprising a first wall (101) and a second wall (201), each of said first wall (101) and said second wall (201) having, in succession, in the thickness direction of the walls, from the outside to the inside of the container, a support structure (3), an insulating barrier (2) held to said support structure (3), and a sealing membrane (4) supported by said insulating barrier (2); the corner structure (16) is intended to be arranged in a corner between the first wall (101) and the second wall (201), the corner structure (16) comprising:

-a first angular bracket (32) having a first wing (34) and a second wing (36), said first wing (34) and said second wing (36) extending respectively in a first plane intended to be positioned parallel to said first wall (101) and in a second plane intended to be positioned parallel to said second wall (201), said first wing (34) and said second wing (36) being respectively intended to be welded in a sealed manner to said sealing membrane (4) of said first wall (101) and to said sealing membrane (4) of said second wall (201); -said first corner bracket (32) being anchored to anchoring means (16) of said support structure (3) intended to be fastened to said first and second walls (101, 201);

the anchoring device (17) comprises a first and a second wing (18, 19) intersecting each other, the first and second wings (18, 19) extending parallel to the first and second planes, respectively, each of the first and second wings (18, 19) comprising an outer portion (24, 25) and an inner portion (22, 23) arranged on either side of the intersection between the first and second wings (18, 19), the first wing (34) of the first corner bracket (32) being fixed to the inner portion (22) of the first wing (18), and the second wing (36) of the first corner bracket (32) being fixed to the inner portion (23) of the second wing (19), the outer portion (24) of the first wing (18) and the outer portion (25) of the second wing (19) being intended to face from the intersection towards the respective intersection The support structure of the second wall (201) and extending towards the support structure of the first wall (101);

the corner structure (16) further comprises a first insulation panel (42) and a first lateral insulation package element (48), the first insulation panel (42) being arranged in a first space delimited by the inner portion (22) of the first flap (18) and the outer portion (25) of the second flap (19), the first lateral insulation package element (48) being compressed between the first insulation panel (42) and the outer portion (25) of the second flap (19).

2. The corner structure (16) of claim 1, wherein the first insulation panel (42) includes an insulating polymer foam layer (44) made of a material selected from polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, and polyvinyl chloride foam.

3. The corner structure (16) of claim 2, wherein the insulating polymer foam layer (44) of the first insulating panel (42) is reinforced with fibers.

4. The corner structure (16) of any of claims 1-3, wherein the first laterally isolated encapsulation element (48) has less than 90kg/m³The density of (c).

5. The corner structure (16) of any of claims 1-4, wherein the first lateral isolation encapsulation element (48) comprises a layer made of a material selected from glass wool, asbestos, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, or silicone foam.

6. The corner structure (16) of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second insulation panel (43) and a second lateral insulation encapsulation element (49), the second insulation panel (43) being arranged in a second space delimited by the inner portion (23) of the second flap (19) and the outer portion (24) of the first flap (18), the second lateral insulation encapsulation element (49) being compressed between the second insulation panel (43) and the outer portion (24) of the first flap (18).

7. The corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first corner bracket (32) comprises a central portion (38), the central portion (38) connecting the first and second wings (34, 36) of the first corner bracket (32) and being inclined with respect to the first and second planes, the central portion (38) of the first corner bracket (32) and the inner portions (22, 23) of the first and second wings (18, 19) defining an inner space with a triangular cross-section, which is filled with an inner barrier packing element (51), the inner barrier packing element (51) being compressed between the central portion (38) of the first corner bracket (32), the inner portions (22, 22) of the first wings (18) and the inner portions (19) of the second wings (19) Between the portions (23).

8. The corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the anchoring means (16) further comprise a base (26), the outer portions (24, 25) of the first and second flaps (18, 19) being fastened on the base (26), the base (26) comprising a first fastening portion (27) intended to be fastened to the support structure (3) of the first wall (101) and a second fastening portion (28) intended to be fastened to the support structure (3) of the second wall (201), the base (26) further comprising a connecting portion (26), the connecting portion (26) connecting the first and second fastening portions (27, 28) and being inclined with respect to the first and second planes, the connecting portion (29) of the base (26) defining, on the one hand, a first outer space (53) having a triangular cross section and, on the other hand, a third cross section -a second external space (54) of angular cross-section, said first external space (53) of triangular cross-section being delimited by said connection portion (29) of said base (26), said external portion (24) of said first flap (18) and said external portion (25) of said second flap (19), said second external space (54) of triangular cross-section being intended to be delimited by said connection portion (29) of said base (26), said support structure (3) of said first wall (101) and said support structure (3) of said second wall (201).

9. The corner structure (16) according to claim 8, wherein the first external space (53) with triangular cross-section is filled with a first external insulating packaging element (55), the first external insulating packaging element (55) being compressed between the external portion (24) of the first flap (18), the external portion (25) of the second flap (19) and the connecting portion (29) of the base (26).

10. The corner structure (16) according to claim 8, comprising an insulation panel (58) having a trapezoidal cross section, which insulation panel (58) is housed in the first external space (53) having a triangular cross section while abutting against the connecting portion (29) of the base (26), and wherein the first external space (53) having a triangular cross section is filled with a first external insulation package element (60), which first external insulation package element (60) is compressed between the insulation panel (58) having a trapezoidal cross section, the external portion (24) of the first flap (18) and the external portion (25) of the second flap (19).

11. The corner structure (16) of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the second external space (54) having a triangular cross-section is filled with a second external isolation encapsulation element (56).

12. The corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first external space (53) with triangular cross-section and the second external space (54) with triangular cross-section are filled with at least one first external insulation package element (55) and one second external insulation package element (56), respectively, the corner structure (16) further comprising a third insulation panel (61) and a fourth insulation panel (62) on both sides of the anchoring means (17) in a direction parallel to the corner between the first wall (101) and the second wall (201), the corner structure (16) further comprising a third insulation package element (63) and a fourth insulation package element (64), the third insulation package element (63) being compressed between the third insulation panel (61) on the one hand and the first external insulation package element (55) and the second external insulation package element (55) on the other hand: (64) 56) Said fourth insulating packaging element (64) being compressed between said fourth insulating panel (62) on the one hand and said first external insulating packaging element (55) and said second external insulating packaging element (56) on the other hand.

13. The corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the first and second flaps (18, 19) comprises an opening (20) and a connecting tongue (21) formed between the openings (20), the connecting tongue (21) of each of the first and second flaps (18, 19) passing through the opening (20) of the other of the first and second flaps (18, 19).

14. The corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first and second wings (34, 36) of the first corner bracket (32) are mounted to slide on the inner portions (22, 23) of the first and second wings (18, 19), respectively, in a direction parallel to the intersection between the first and second wings (18, 19).

15. A sealed and insulated container comprising a first wall (101) and a second wall (201), said first wall (101) and said second wall (201) having, in succession, in the thickness direction of the walls, from the outside to the inside of the container, a supporting structure (3), an insulating barrier (2) held to said supporting structure (3), and a sealing membrane (4) supported by said insulating barrier (2); the sealed, thermally insulated container comprising a corner structure (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 arranged in a corner between the first wall (101) and the second wall (201); the first and second wings (34, 36) of the first angular support (32) are welded in a sealed manner to the sealing membrane of the first wall (101) and to the sealing membrane of the second wall (201), respectively, and the anchoring means (16) are fastened to the supporting structure (3) of the first and second walls (101, 201).

16. Vessel (70) comprising a container (1) according to claim 15.

17. Transfer system for fluids, the system comprising a vessel (70) according to claim 16, an isolation pipeline (73, 79, 76, 81) arranged to connect the container (71) installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility (77), and a pump for transporting fluids from the floating or onshore storage facility to the container of the vessel or from the container of the vessel to the floating or onshore storage facility through the isolation pipeline.

18. Method for loading or unloading a vessel (70) according to claim 16, wherein fluid is transferred from a floating or onshore storage facility (77) to the vessel (71) of the vessel or from the vessel (71) of the vessel to the floating or onshore storage facility (77) through an isolation pipeline (73, 79, 76, 81).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of sealed, thermally insulated containers for storing and/or transporting fluids such as liquefied gases, and more particularly to corner structures for such containers.

The sealed, thermally insulated container is particularly useful for storing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which is stored at about-163 ℃ at atmospheric pressure, or for storing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). These containers may be mounted on the ground or on a floating structure. In the case of a floating structure, the container may be intended for conveying liquefied gas used as fuel for propelling the floating structure or for receiving such liquefied gas.

Background

Document US20170227164 discloses a corner structure for sealing an insulated container. The corner structure includes a moving corner piece comprised of a main corner bracket and an auxiliary corner bracket spaced from each other and welded to the main sealing membrane of two adjacent walls and the auxiliary sealing membrane of two adjacent walls, respectively. The mobile corner piece is mounted to slide on anchoring means comprising two flaps arranged perpendicular to each other and fastened to a base anchored to the supporting structure of each of the two adjacent walls. The two tabs each include an opening and a connecting tongue formed between the openings, the connecting tongue of each of the two tabs passing through the opening of the other tab. This is intended to limit stress concentrations in the corner structure.

To insulate the corner structure, the corner structure comprises a first insulation panel arranged against the support structure of the first wall and filling a space bounded by an inner portion of the first flap and an outer portion of the second flap. Likewise, the corner structure includes a second insulation panel disposed against the support structure of the second wall and filling a space defined by an inner portion of the second flap and an outer portion of the first flap. The spacer element is also positioned in a space formed between the outer portions of the first and second fins. An unoccupied triangular space remains between the moving corner piece and the inner portions of the two flaps. There is also another triangular space on the other side of the intersection between the two tabs, unoccupied in the area bounded by the outer portions of the two tabs. The aforementioned empty triangular space makes it possible to increase the freedom of movement of the two flaps in order to limit the stress concentrations in the corner structure even further.

However, it has been observed that the thermal insulation properties of such corner structures are unsatisfactory.

Disclosure of Invention

One concept underlying the present invention is to provide a corner structure of the aforementioned type in which the thermal insulation properties are enhanced.

According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a corner structure for a sealed, insulated container for storing a fluid, the sealed, insulated container comprising a first wall and a second wall, each of the first wall and the second wall having, in succession, in the thickness direction of the walls, from the inside to the outside of the container, a support structure, an insulating barrier held to the support structure, and a sealing membrane supported by the insulating barrier; the corner structure is intended to be arranged in a corner between a first wall and a second wall, the corner structure comprising:

a first angular support comprising a first wing and a second wing, respectively extending in a first plane intended to be positioned parallel to the first wall and in a second plane intended to be positioned parallel to the second wall, the first wing and the second wing being respectively intended to be welded in a sealing manner to the sealing membrane of the first wall and to the sealing membrane of the second wall; the first corner bracket being anchored to anchoring means intended to be fastened to the support structure of the first and second walls;

the anchoring means comprise a first and a second wing intersecting each other, the first and the second wing extending parallel to the first and the second plane, respectively, each of the first and the second wing comprising an outer portion and an inner portion arranged on either side of the intersection between the first and the second wing, the first wing of the first corner bracket being fixed to the inner portion of the first wing, the outer portions of the first and the second wing being intended to extend from the intersection towards the support structure of the second wall and towards the support structure of the first wall, respectively;

the corner structure further includes a first insulation panel disposed in a first space defined by an inner portion of the first flap and an outer portion of the second flap, and a first lateral insulation encapsulation element compressed between the first insulation panel and the outer portion of the second flap.

Thus, as the first lateral isolation encapsulation element is compressed, it can expand to compensate for the thermal contraction of the first isolation panel. Therefore, the first lateral isolation encapsulation element enables to ensure the continuity of the thermal insulation and to limit the convection (convection) phenomenon inside the corner structure.

Such corner structures may have one or more of the following features, depending on the embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

According to another embodiment, the first plane and the second plane form an angle of 135 °.

According to one embodiment, the corner structure further comprises a second insulation panel disposed in a second space defined by an inner portion of the second flap and an outer portion of the first flap, and a second lateral insulation displacement element compressed between the second insulation panel and the outer portion of the first flap.

According to one embodiment, the first insulation panel and/or the second insulation panel comprises a polymer foam layer selected from polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam and polyvinyl chloride foam.

According to one embodiment, the polymer foam layer of the first insulation panel and/or the second insulation panel is reinforced by fibers. This makes it possible in particular to limit the thermal shrinkage of the insulation panel. According to one embodiment, the fibers are glass fibers.

According to another embodiment, the polymer foam layer of the first insulation panel and/or the second insulation panel is free of fibers. The insulation panel is therefore less expensive. Furthermore, the thermal shrinkage of the insulation panel may be at least partially compensated by the first or second lateral insulation package element.

According to one embodiment, the insulating polymer foam layer of the first and/or second insulating panel has a thickness between 90 and 240kg/m³The density of (d) in between.

According to an embodiment, the first and/or second laterally isolated encapsulation elements have a thickness of less than 90kg/m³Preferably between 20 and 50kg/m³In the meantime. This material is particularly easy to compress.

According to one embodiment, the first lateral isolation encapsulation element and/or the second lateral isolation encapsulation element comprises a layer made of a material selected from glass wool, asbestos, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam or silicone foam.

According to one embodiment, the first laterally isolated encapsulation element comprises a plurality of layers made of glass wool and separated from each other by spacers extending parallel to the first plane. This makes it possible to limit convection currents within the glass wool.

According to one embodiment, the second lateral isolation encapsulation element comprises a plurality of layers made of glass wool and separated from each other by spacers extending parallel to the second plane. This makes it possible to limit convection currents within the glass wool.

According to one embodiment, the spacer is made of kraft paper.

According to one embodiment, the first corner bracket comprises a central portion connecting the first and second wing portions of said first corner bracket and inclined with respect to the first and second planes, the central portion of the first corner bracket and the inner portions of the first and second wing portions defining an inner space having a triangular cross-section, said inner space having a triangular cross-section being filled with an inner barrier packaging element compressed between the central portion of the first corner bracket, the inner portions of the first and second wing portions.

According to one embodiment, the central portion is perpendicular to a bisector of an angle formed at an intersection between the first plane and the second plane.

According to one embodiment, the inner isolation encapsulation element has less than 90kg/m³Preferably between 20 and 50kg/m³The density of (d) in between.

According to one embodiment, the inner insulating and encapsulating element comprises a layer made of a material selected from glass wool, rock wool, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam or silicone foam.

According to one embodiment, the second lateral isolation encapsulation element comprises a plurality of layers made of glass wool and separated from each other by spacers, for example made of kraft paper, extending parallel to the central portion of the corner bracket.

According to one embodiment, the anchoring device further comprises a base on which the outer portions of the first and second flaps are fastened, the base comprising a first fastening portion intended to be fastened to the support structure of the first wall, and a second fastening portion intended to be fastened to the support structure of the second wall, the base further comprising a connecting portion connecting the first and second fastening portions and inclined with respect to the first and second planes, the connecting portion of the base defining a first outer space with a triangular cross-section on the one hand and a second outer space with a triangular cross-section on the other hand, the first outer space with a triangular cross-section being defined by the connecting portion of the base, an outer portion of the first flap and an outer portion of the second flap, a second outer space having a triangular cross-section is intended to be defined by the connecting portion of the base, the support structure of the first wall and the support structure of the second wall.

According to one embodiment, the first fastening portion is parallel to the first plane and fastened to the outer portion of the second flap.

According to one embodiment, the second fastening portion is parallel to the second plane and fastened to the outer portion of the second flap.

According to one embodiment, the connection portion of the base is perpendicular to a bisector of an angle formed at an intersection between the first plane and the second plane.

According to one embodiment, the first external space with triangular cross-section is filled with a first external insulation package element compressed between the external portion of the first flap, the external portion of the second flap and the connecting portion of the base.

According to one embodiment, the corner structure comprises a partition panel having a trapezoidal cross-section, which is received in the first external space having a triangular cross-section while abutting against the connecting portion of the base, the remaining portion of the first external space having a triangular cross-section being filled with a first external insulation package element, which is compressed between the partition panel having a trapezoidal cross-section, the external portion of the first flap and the internal portion of the second flap.

According to one embodiment, the first outer isolation encapsulation element has less than 90kg/m³Preferably between 20 and 50kg/m³The density of (d) in between.

According to one embodiment, the first external insulating and encapsulating element comprises a layer made of a material chosen from glass wool, asbestos, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam or silicone foam.

According to one embodiment, the first external isolation encapsulation element comprises a plurality of layers made of glass wool and separated from each other by spacers, for example made of kraft paper, extending parallel to the connection portions of the base.

According to one embodiment, the second outer space with a triangular cross section is filled with a second externally isolating encapsulating element.

According to one embodiment, the second outer isolation encapsulation element is arranged so as to be compressed between the connection portion of the base, the support structure of the first wall and the support structure of the second wall.

According to one embodiment, the second outer isolation encapsulation element is compressed between the connection portion of the base, the rigid outer plate wrapped against the support structure of the first wall and the rigid outer plate wrapped against the support structure of the second wall.

According to one embodiment, the second external isolation encapsulation element has less than 90kg/m³Preferably between 20 and 50kg/m³The density of (d) in between.

According to one embodiment, the second external insulating package element comprises a layer made of a material chosen from glass wool, asbestos, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam or silicone foam.

According to one embodiment, the second external isolation encapsulation element comprises a plurality of layers made of glass wool and separated from each other by spacers, for example made of kraft paper, extending parallel to the connection portions of the base.

According to one embodiment, the first external space with triangular cross-section and the second external space with triangular cross-section are filled with at least one first external isolation encapsulation element and one second external isolation encapsulation element, respectively, the corner structure further comprising a third isolation panel and a fourth isolation panel on both sides of the anchoring device in a direction parallel to the corner between the first wall and the second wall, the corner structure further comprising a third isolation encapsulation element and a fourth isolation encapsulation element, the third isolation encapsulation element being compressed between the third isolation panel on the one hand and the first external isolation encapsulation element and the second external isolation encapsulation element on the other hand, and the fourth isolation encapsulation element being compressed between the fourth isolation panel on the one hand and the first external isolation encapsulation element and the second external isolation encapsulation element on the other hand.

According to one embodiment, each of the first and second flaps includes an opening and a connecting tongue formed between the openings, the connecting tongue of each of the first and second flaps passing through the opening of the other of the first and second flaps.

According to one embodiment, the first wing and the second wing of the first corner bracket are mounted to slide over an inner portion of the first wing and an inner portion of the second wing, respectively, in a direction parallel to an intersection between the first wing and the second wing.

According to one embodiment, the sealing membrane of the first and second walls to which the first and second wings of the first corner bracket are welded is an auxiliary sealing membrane; the corner structure further comprises a second corner bracket spaced from the first corner bracket by one or more posts, the second corner bracket comprising a first wing of the primary sealing membrane parallel to the first plane and intended to be welded to the first wall and a second wing of the primary sealing membrane parallel to the second plane and intended to be welded to the second wall.

It should be noted that although in the preferred embodiment the first lateral isolation encapsulation element, the second lateral isolation encapsulation element, the inner isolation encapsulation element, the first outer isolation encapsulation element and the second outer isolation encapsulation element are used in combination, they may also be used independently of each other, in particular the corner structure does not comprise the first lateral isolation encapsulation element.

According to one embodiment, the present invention also provides a sealed and insulated container comprising a first wall and a second wall having, in succession from the outside to the inside of the container in the thickness direction of the walls, a support structure, an insulating barrier held to the support structure and a sealing membrane supported by the insulating barrier; the sealed, insulated container comprising the aforementioned corner structure disposed in a corner between the first wall and the second wall; the first and second wings of the first corner bracket are welded in a sealing manner to the sealing membrane of the first wall and to the sealing membrane of the second wall, respectively, and the anchoring means are fastened to the support structure of the first and second walls.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a vessel comprising the aforementioned container.

The invention also provides, according to one embodiment, a method for loading or unloading such a vessel, wherein fluid is transferred from a floating or onshore storage facility to the vessel's container or from the vessel's container to a floating or onshore storage facility through an isolation pipeline.

According to one embodiment, the invention also provides a transfer system for fluids, the system comprising the aforementioned vessel, an isolation pipeline arranged to connect a container installed in the hull of the vessel to a floating or onshore storage facility, and a pump for transporting fluids from the floating or onshore storage facility to the vessel's container or from the vessel's container to the floating or onshore storage facility through the isolation pipeline.

Drawings

The invention will be better understood and other objects, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the following description of several particular embodiments thereof, given by way of example only and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the wall of the sealed insulating container.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the corner structure.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an anchoring device intended to anchor a corner piece to a support structure.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the anchoring device and the corner fitting.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a corner structure according to the first embodiment.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a corner structure according to a second embodiment.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a corner structure according to a third embodiment.

Figure 8 is a schematic cut-away view of the container of the LNG ship and the terminal for loading/unloading this container.

Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of a corner structure according to a variant embodiment.

Detailed Description

By convention, the terms "outer" and "inner" are used to define the relative position of one element with respect to another with reference to the inside and outside of the container.

With respect to fig. 1, a wall 1 for a sealed heat insulating container intended for storing liquefied gas is described. The liquefied gas may in particular be Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Each wall 1 comprises a multilayer structure having, in succession in the thickness direction of the wall, from the outside to the inside of the container, a secondary thermal insulation barrier 2 seated against a support structure 3, a secondary sealing membrane 4 anchored on the secondary thermal insulation barrier 2, a primary thermal insulation barrier 5 seated against the secondary sealing membrane 4, and a primary sealing membrane 6 intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas contained in the internal space of the container.

The support structure 3 is formed, for example, by a double hull of a ship, but more generally, by any rigid partition having suitable mechanical properties.

The auxiliary thermal barrier 2 comprises a spacer 7 juxtaposed and anchored on the support structure 3. According to one embodiment, each spacer 7 comprises a layer of insulating polymer foam sandwiched between an inner rigid plate and an outer rigid plate. The inner and outer rigid panels are for example plywood glued to the insulating polymer foam layer. The insulating polymer foam may in particular be a polyurethane foam, optionally a high density and optionally glass fibre reinforced polyurethane foam. The spacer 7 is anchored to the support structure 3 by means of fastening means (not shown).

The auxiliary sealing membrane 4 comprises a plurality of metal sheets 9, the plurality of metal sheets 9 being lap-welded to each other in a sealing manner. The metal sheet 9 has corrugations 10, 11, the corrugations 10, 11 allowing the secondary sealing membrane 4 to be flexible so that the secondary sealing membrane 4 can deform under the effect of thermal and mechanical stresses generated by the liquefied gas stored in the container. The metal sheet 9 is anchored to the support structure 3 by welding to fastening means that fasten the spacer 7 to the support structure 3 or by welding to a metal plate fastened to the spacer 7.

The primary insulating barrier 5 comprises a plurality of rigid plates 12, for example made of plywood, placed against the secondary sealing membrane 4. The rigid plate 12 is intended to maintain the spacing between the primary sealing diaphragm 6 and the secondary sealing diaphragm 4 in the thickness direction of the vessel wall. The rigid plate 12 is anchored, for example, to the secondary sealing membrane 4.

Primary insulating barrier 5 comprises a plurality of openings through which bellows 10, 11 of secondary sealing membrane 4 protrude into the container.

The main sealing diaphragm 6 comprises a plurality of metal sheets 13, which metal sheets 13 are lap-welded to each other in a sealing manner. The metal sheet 13 also has corrugations 14, 15, the corrugations 14, 15 allowing the primary sealing diaphragm 6 to be flexible. The corrugations 14, 15 of the primary sealing diaphragm 6 are positioned in alignment with the corrugations 10, 11 of the secondary sealing diaphragm 4 such that the corrugations 10, 11 of the secondary sealing diaphragm 4 protrude inside the corrugations 14, 15 of the primary sealing diaphragm 6. The metal sheet 13 is anchored to the support structure 3 by welding to fastening means that anchor the rigid plate 12 to the support structure 3 or by welding to a metal plate fastened to the rigid plate 12.

With respect to fig. 2-5, it can be seen that the corner structure 16 is arranged at the intersection between the first and second walls, marked 101, 201 in fig. 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the corner structure 16 is intended for a corner of a container where the first wall 101 and the second wall 201 are perpendicular to each other. However, according to other embodiments (not shown), the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201 is different from 90 °, for example 135 °.

The corner structure 16 comprises anchoring means 17, the anchoring means 17 being intended to be regularly distributed along the corner formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201. The anchoring means 17 are intended to anchor the secondary sealing diaphragm 4 and the primary sealing diaphragm 6 to the support structure 3 at the corner structure 16.

With respect to fig. 3 and 4, the anchoring device 16 is described. Each anchoring device 16 comprises a first fin 18 and a second fin 19 intersecting each other. The first tab 18 is intended to be positioned parallel to the first wall 101, while the second tab 19 is intended to be positioned parallel to the second wall 201. The first fin 18 and the second fin 19 thus form a cross. As in fig. 2 to 5, when the angle formed at the intersection of the first wall 101 and the second wall 201 is 90 °, the first fin 18 and the second fin 19 are perpendicular to each other.

Each of the first and second fins 18, 19 comprises an inner portion 22, 23 and an outer portion 24, 25 arranged on either side of the intersection between the first and second fins 18, 19, respectively. Further, in the intersection region of the first fin 18 and the second fin 19, each of the first fin 18 and the second fin 19 includes openings 20 and a connecting tongue 21 formed between the openings 20. The connecting tongue 21 thus connects the inner portion 22, 23 of the first tab 18 or the second tab 19 to the outer portion 24, 25.

The connecting tongue 21 of the first tab 18 passes through the opening 20 of the second tab 19, while the connecting tongue 21 of the second tab 19 passes through the opening 20 of the second tab 19. In order to allow such an assembly of the first tab 18 and the second tab 19, at least one of the first tab 18 and the second tab 19 is divided into two parts, which are welded to each other at the connecting tongue 21 after said connecting tongue 21 has been inserted through the other one of the tabs 18, 19. This assembly is advantageous because it makes it possible to avoid stress concentrations at the intersection between the first tab 18 and the second tab 19.

Each anchoring device 16 further comprises a base 26, by means of which base 26 the first tab 18 and the second tab 19 are fixed to the support structure 3 of the first wall 101 and of the second wall 201. The base 26 comprises a first fastening portion 27 and a second fastening portion 28 parallel to the first wall 101 and the second wall 201, respectively. The first fastening portion 27 is intended to be fastened against the support structure 3 of the first wall 101, while the second fastening portion 28 is fastened against the second wall 201. In one embodiment, each of the first fastening portion 27 and the second fastening portion 28 comprises a hole through which a bolt (not shown) passes, these bolts cooperating with nuts in order to fasten said fastening portion 27, 28 to the support structure 3 of the respective wall 101, 201.

Further, the base 26 includes a connecting portion 29 connecting the first fastening portion 27 and the second fastening portion 28. The connecting portion 29 extends perpendicular to a bisector of the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201. Therefore, as in the illustrated embodiment, when the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201 is 90 °, the connection portion 29 is inclined at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the first wall 101 and the second wall 201.

The first fin 18 and the second fin 19 are welded to the base 26. More specifically, the end of the outer portion 24 of the first tab 18 is fastened to the second fastening portion 28 of the base 26, and the end of the outer portion 25 of the second tab 19 is welded to the first fastening portion 27.

Furthermore, the corner structure 16 comprises a corner piece 30, in particular represented in fig. 2, 4 and 5, the corner piece 30 being mounted such that it can move in translation on the inner portions 22, 23 of the first and second fins 18, 19 of the anchoring device 17. The corner fitting 30 comprises two corner brackets, a main corner bracket 31 and an auxiliary corner bracket 32. Each of the main and auxiliary corner brackets 31, 32 comprises a first wing 33, 34 parallel to the first wall 101 and a second wing 35, 36 parallel to the second wall 201, and a central portion 37, 38 connecting the first and second wings 33, 34, 35, 36 of said main or auxiliary corner bracket 31, 32. The central portion 37, 38 of each of the main corner bracket 31 and the auxiliary corner bracket 32 extends perpendicular to a bisector of an angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the central portions 37, 38 are inclined at an angle of 45 ° relative to the first and second walls 101, 201.

The main corner brackets 31 and the auxiliary corner brackets 32 are spaced from each other by means of one or more posts (not shown). The pillar is made of, for example, plywood and includes a metal plate to which a main corner bracket 31 and an auxiliary corner bracket 32 are welded. The first wing 34 and the second wing 36 of the secondary angle bracket 32 protrude beyond the first wing 33 and the second wing 35 of the main angle bracket 31, respectively.

The first and second wings 34 and 36 of the secondary corner bracket 32 are respectively intended to be welded in a leaktight manner to the secondary sealing diaphragm 4 of the first and second walls 101 and 201, while the first and second wings 33 and 35 of the main corner bracket 31 are respectively intended to be welded in a leaktight manner to the primary sealing diaphragm 6 of the first and second walls 101 and 201. The main corner bracket 31 and the auxiliary corner bracket 32 thus ensure the sealing continuity of the main sealing diaphragm 6 and the auxiliary sealing diaphragm 4 at the corner structure 16.

As shown in fig. 4, to ensure that the corner piece 30 is movable in translation relative to the anchoring device 16, the corner piece 30 comprises a guiding protrusion 39 which is received in a guiding groove 40. The guide protrusions 39 protrude from the outer faces of the first wing 34 and the second wing 36 of the auxiliary angle bracket 32. Guide slots 40 are formed near the inner ends of the inner portions 22, 23 of the first and second fins 18, 19. Furthermore, the corner structure 16 comprises a stop element 41, the stop element 41 making it possible to prevent the guide projection 39 from coming out of the guide groove 40. For this purpose, the guide projection 39 projects beyond one of the wings 34, 36 of the auxiliary angle bracket 32, and the stop element 40 is fastened to the inner parts 22, 23 while covering a portion of one of the guide projections 39, so as to prevent the guide projection 39 from coming out of the guide groove 40.

Furthermore, the corner structure 16 comprises an insulating element enabling the corner structure 16 to be thermally insulated.

As represented in fig. 5, the corner structure 16 comprises a first and a second insulation panel 42, 43, the first and the second insulation panel 42, 43 being arranged in a first and a second space, respectively, the first space being delimited by the support structure 3 of the first wall 101, the inner portion 22 of the first flap 18 and the outer portion 25 of the second flap 19, and the second space being delimited by the support structure 3 of the second wall 201, the inner portion 23 of the second flap 19 and the outer portion 24 of the first flap 18. The first and second insulation panels 42, 43 can extend along a plurality of anchoring devices 17 distributed along the intersection between the first and second walls 101, 201.

Each of the first 42 and second 43 insulation panels comprises an insulation polymer foam layer 44, the insulation polymer foam layer 44 advantageously having 90 and 240kg/m³The density of (d) in between. The insulating polymer foam layer 44 is advantageously a polyurethane foam, but it may also be a polyethylene foam or a polyvinyl chloride foam. According to one embodiment, the insulating polymer foam layer 44 is reinforced with fibers, such as glass fibers. This makes it possible to limit in particular the thermal shrinkage of the foam. According to another embodiment, the polymer foam has no fibers and is therefore less expensive.

The isolating polymer foam layer 44 is sandwiched between two rigid plates, an inner rigid plate 45 and an outer rigid plate 46, the inner and outer rigid plates 45, 46 being bonded to said isolating polymer foam layer 44. The inner and outer rigid plates 45, 46 are made of plywood, for example.

The first panel 42 is intended to be fastened against the support structure 3 of the first wall 101 and the second panel 43 is intended to be fastened against the support structure 3 of the second wall 201. The first 42 and second 43 panels are fixed to the respective support structure 3, for example by means of bolts (not shown) welded to said support structure 3 and passing through recesses (not shown) formed in said first 42 and second 43 panels. The nut is screwed on the bolt and abuts against the bottom of the recess in order to hold said first 42 or second 43 panel to the support structure 3. According to one embodiment, trim 47 of polymerizable resin is arranged between the support structure 3 and the outer plates 46 of the first and second panels 42, 43, in order to compensate for the flatness deviation.

In addition, corner structure 16 includes a first lateral isolation encapsulation element 48 that is compressed between first panel 42 and outer portion 25 of second wing 19. Likewise, the corner structure 16 includes a second lateral isolation encapsulation element 49, the second lateral isolation encapsulation element 49 being compressed between the second panel 43 and the outer portion 24 of the first flap 18. Therefore, when the first insulation panel 42 and the second insulation panel 43 are in contact during cooling of the container, the lateral insulation package elements 48, 49 are able to relax and fill the play. The lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49 thus enable to eliminate or minimize convection movements within the corner structure 16. The lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49 have a thickness of less than 90kg/m³Density of, for example, 20 and 50kg/m³In the meantime. The lateral insulation package elements 48, 49 are made of glass wool, for example, but can also be made of asbestos, polyester wool, polyurethane foam, melamine foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam or silicone foam. The lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49 have a width of between 20mm and 60mm, for example. Such laterally insulating encapsulation elements are advantageously arranged over the entire length of the corner structure 16.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49 have a stack of glass wool layers which are separated from one another by spacers 50, for example made of kraft paper. Advantageously, spacer 50 is parallel to first wall 101 in the case of first lateral isolation encapsulation element 48 and parallel to second wall 201 in the case of second lateral isolation encapsulation element 49. Such spacers 50 thus make it possible to limit the convective movements within the glass wool.

Furthermore, the corner structure 16 comprises an inner isolation encapsulation element 51 having a triangular cross-section. The inner barrier packing member 51 is packed in an inner space having a triangular cross section defined by the inner portion 22 of the first fin 18, the inner portion 23 of the second fin 19, and the central portion 38 of the auxiliary corner bracket 32. Thus, the inner barrier packaging element 51 is compressed between the inner portion 22 of the first flap 18, the inner portion 23 of the second flap 29 and the central portion 38 of the secondary corner bracket 32. Such an internal insulating package element 51 makes it possible to ensure the continuity of the insulation and to limit the convective movements in the corner structure 16. Advantageously, the one or more internal isolation encapsulation elements 51 extend over the entire length of the corner structure 16.

The inner isolation encapsulation element 51 is made of one of the materials mentioned above in relation to the lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the inner insulating package element 51 has a stack of glass wool layers separated from each other by spacers 52, for example made of kraft paper. To limit convective motion within the glass wool, the spacers 52 are advantageously oriented orthogonal to the bisector of the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201.

Furthermore, the connecting portion 29 of the base 26 divides the space delimited by the outer portions 24, 25 of the first and second fins 18, 19 and by the support structure 3 of the first and second walls 101, 201 into a first outer space 53 having a triangular cross-section and a second outer space 54 having a triangular cross-section. A first external space 53 with a triangular cross-section is delimited by the external portions 24, 25 of the first and second flaps 18, 19 and the connecting portion of the base 26, while a second external space 54 with a triangular cross-section is delimited by the connecting portion 29 of the base 26, the support structure 3 of the first wall 101 and the support structure 3 of the second wall 201.

The corner structure 16 includes a first external insulation packing member 55, and the first external insulation packing member 55 is packed in the first external space 53 having a triangular cross section. The first outer barrier encapsulation element 55 advantageously has a triangular cross-section and is compressed between the outer portions 24, 25 of the first and second flaps 18, 19 and the connecting portion 29 of the base 26.

The corner structure 16 further comprises a second external insulating packaging element 56, the second external insulating packaging element 56 being packed in a second external space 54 having a triangular cross section and thus being compressed between the connecting portion 29 of the base 26, the support structure 3 of the first wall 101 and the support structure 3 of the second wall 201.

The first outer isolation encapsulation element 55 and the second outer isolation encapsulation element 56 are made of one of the materials mentioned above in relation to the lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second external isolation encapsulation elements 55, 56 have a stack of layers of glass wool separated from each other by spacers 57, for example made of kraft paper, and the spacers 57 are advantageously oriented orthogonally to the bisector of the angle formed at the intersection between the first wall 101 and the second wall 201, so as to limit convective movements within the glass wool.

Furthermore, between the anchoring means 17, the corner structure 16 comprises an insulating element with a square cross-section, which is arranged within the extension of the first outer space 53 with a triangular cross-section and the second outer space 54 with a triangular cross-section.

Fig. 6 shows a corner structure according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the outer rigid plates 46 of the first and second panels 42, 43 also extend in a second outer space 54 having a triangular cross-section. In this case, the second outer insulating package element 56 packed in the second outer space 54 having a triangular cross section is compressed between the connecting portion 29 of the base 26 and the outer rigid plate 46.

Fig. 7 shows a corner structure 16 according to another embodiment. The corner structure 16 differs only in the nature and structure of the spacer elements housed in the first and second external spaces 53, 54 having triangular cross-sections.

In practice, the corner structure 16 comprises a partition panel 58 with a trapezoidal cross section, the partition panel 58 with a trapezoidal cross section being housed in the first external space 53 with a triangular cross section, while abutting against the connecting portion 29 of the base 26 and against a portion of the external portions 24, 25 of the first 18 and second 19 flaps. The corner structure 16 further comprises an insulation panel 59 having a triangular cross-section, the insulation panel 59 having a triangular cross-section being received in the second outer space 54 having a triangular cross-section. According to one embodiment, the insulation panels 58, 59 having a trapezoidal cross-section and the insulation panels 58, 59 having a triangular cross-section are made of a material having a thickness of between 90 and 240kg/m³A layer of polymer foam of intermediate density. The polymer foam layer is advantageously a polyurethane foam, but may also be a polyethylene foam or a polyvinyl chloride foam.

In addition, the remaining portion of the first outer space 53 having a triangular cross section is filled with the first outer barrier encapsulation member 60, the first outer barrier encapsulation member 60 being compressed between the barrier panel 58 having a trapezoidal cross section, the outer portion 24 of the first flap 18 and the outer portion 25 of the second flap 19. The first outer isolation encapsulation element 60 is advantageously made of one of the materials mentioned above in relation to the lateral isolation encapsulation elements 48, 49.

Fig. 9 shows, in an exploded view, in part, a corner structure 16 according to a variant embodiment. In this variant embodiment, on both sides of each anchoring device 17, the corner structure 16 comprises a third insulating element 61 and a fourth insulating element 62. The third insulating element 61 and the fourth insulating element 62 are arranged within the extension of the first outer space 53 having a triangular cross section and the second outer space 54 having a triangular cross section 54.

The third and fourth isolation members 61 and 62 have a composition similar to that of the first and second isolation members 42 and 43.

Furthermore, the corner structure 16 comprises a third isolating enclosure element 63, the third isolating enclosure element 63 being compressed between the third isolating element 61 and the isolating components housed in the first external space 53 having a triangular cross section and in the second external space 54 having a triangular cross section, i.e. the first external isolating enclosure element 55 and the second external isolating enclosure element 56, and optionally the isolating panel 58 having a trapezoidal cross section.

Likewise, the corner structure 16 comprises a fourth insulating package element 64, the fourth insulating package element 64 being compressed between the third insulating element 61 on the one hand and the first 55 and second 56 outer insulating package elements and the optional insulating panel 58 with a trapezoidal cross section on the other hand.

The third and fourth insulating and packaging elements 63, 64 also aim to ensure the continuity of the insulation and to limit the convection phenomena inside the corner structure 16.

The above described techniques for manufacturing containers may be used in various types of containers, for example in onshore facilities or in floating structures such as LNG ships.

Referring to fig. 8, a cut-away view of an LNG ship 70 shows a sealed isolation container 71, which is generally prismatic in shape, mounted in the double hull 72 of the ship. The walls of the container 71 comprise a primary sealing barrier intended to be in contact with the LNG contained in the container, a secondary sealing barrier arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the double hull 72 of the ship, and two isolation barriers arranged between the primary sealing barrier and the secondary sealing barrier and between the secondary sealing barrier and the double hull 72, respectively.

In a manner known per se, a loading/unloading line 73 arranged on the upper deck of the vessel may be connected to the offshore or harbour terminal by means of suitable connections for transferring LNG cargo to or from the container 71.

Fig. 8 shows an example of an offshore terminal comprising a loading and unloading station 75, a subsea pipe 76 and an onshore facility 77. The loading and unloading station 75 is a fixed onshore facility comprising a mobile arm 74 and a tower 78 supporting the mobile arm 74. The mobile arm 74 carries a bundle of insulated flexible pipes 79 connectable to the loading/unloading line 73. The orientable moving arm 74 is suitable for all specification LNG ships. Connecting tubes (not shown) extend within tower 78. The loading and unloading station 75 enables loading and unloading of the LNG ship 70 from the onshore facility 77 or loading and unloading from the LNG ship 70 to the onshore facility 77. The onshore facility comprises a liquefied gas storage vessel 80 and a connection pipe 81 connected to the loading or unloading station 75 through the underwater pipe 76. The underwater pipes 76 enable transfer of liquefied gas over large distances, for example 5km, between the loading or unloading station 75 and the onshore facility 77, which enables to maintain the LNG ship 70 at large distances from shore during loading and unloading operations.

In order to generate the pressure needed for the transfer of liquefied gas, on-board pumps of the ship 70 and/or pumps fitted in the onshore facility 77 and/or pumps fitted in the loading and unloading station 75 are used.

Although the invention has been described with respect to several particular embodiments, it is clear that the invention is not in any way limited to these embodiments, and that the invention comprises all technical equivalents of the means described and combinations thereof, as long as they fall within the scope of the invention.

Use of the verb "comprise" or "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.