WO2009059617A1 - Method and panel system for the construction of containers for cryogenic media - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container for storing cryogenic, liquid media at atmospheric pressure, comprising an outer carrying structure and an inner system made of insulating layers and barrier layers, wherein from the inside out a primary barrier layer, a primary insulating layer, a secondary barrier layer, and a secondary insulating layer are arranged, the container being joined from sections that each comprise an inner layer system comprising a primary barrier layer, primary insulating layer, secondary barrier layer, and secondary insulating layer and also an outer carrying structure, wherein the barrier layers of adjoining sections are sealing connected to one another.

Description

 Method and panel system for the construction of containers for cryogenic media

description

The present invention relates to a panel system for the construction of a hermetically sealed and thermally insulated tank container, suitable for the transport and storage of liquefied gases, for example, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a method for producing such a tank container.

For the transport of liquefied natural gas, special tankers, which can transport the deep cold cargo stored in a sealed and thermally insulated manner, are used. For the design of the tanks, two different design principles have prevailed. A group of these tanks aboard cargo ships are self-supporting tanks. They are not dependent on an external load-bearing structure. Since they are made entirely of cold-resistant metallic materials, they have a high mass. This is unfavorable for manufacturing and operational cost reasons and for ship stability.

Their design distinguishes between spherical and prismatic tanks. For example, European Patent EP0742139 ("Liquefied Petroleum Transport Vessel") presents an improved spherical tank. Spherical tanks have due to their shape very good strength properties, but use the space in the hull inadequate. In order to carry a volume of cargo comparable to other types of ships, the spherical tanks must protrude far beyond the deck, which reduces the free space on deck, makes greater demands on ensuring ship stability, and degrades visibility over the deck. European patent application EP0619222 ("Self-standing liquefied gas storage tank and liquefied gas carrier ship") describes a prismatic tank system that adapts better to the cargo hold of the ship than a spherical tank system, but this advantage is meticulous in the interior Reinforcements bought to achieve the necessary structural strength of the tank system.

These self-supporting tanks are usually either built outside of the ships and then inserted into this, or it will be prefabricated larger parts of these tanks and connected to each other and the ship in the ship.

Disadvantage of the first-mentioned assembly process on the one hand, the required space required for the construction of the tanks and on the other hand, the large lifting capacity, which is necessary to put the finished tanks in the ship. Disadvantage of the latter assembly process is the increased logistical and integrative effort.

Another group of tank systems for the transport of cryogenic liquefied natural gas is called membrane tanks. These systems are not self-supporting, but integrated into the ship structure. This means that the load-bearing structure of the tank is formed by the hull, the deck and the bulkheads. The thermal insulation takes place inside the tank structure by two layers of insulating material arranged one above the other. Two so-called barriers (membrane layers) are used to ensure the tightness. The inner (primary) membrane forms the actual cargo tank. The second (secondary) membrane lies between the first and second insulating layer and serves for system security. The use of membranes of thin material as a barrier material a lower mass of low-temperature resistant materials is required than in the above-described self-supporting tank systems, because the supporting function of assemblies is taken, which are outside the cold area.

For the recording of mechanical stresses due to temperature-induced changes in length of the barrier material various constructive measures are used.

The patent DE 19931705 "Into the supporting structure of a ship integrated dense and thermally insulating tank with improved isolating barrier" describes a membrane tank consisting of an external supporting structure lined inside with insulating and barrier layers the insulating panels consist of rigid casings, for example of wood panels, which are filled with the insulating material, eg a pearlitic fill The metallic barrier layer is elastically bonded to the insulating layer via a mechanical connection, the barrier material consisting of metallic tracks resting on This procedure makes it impossible to integrate primary and secondary layers into a component, so each layer has to be installed separately First, the box filled with insulating material mounted side by side on the tank wall and form the secondary insulation. The secondary insulating layer is followed by the secondary barrier layer, on which the primary insulating layer and on this the primary barrier layer is attached. So it is necessary for the installation of two barrier and insulating layers at least four operations. The document EP573327 "Prefabricated, liquid-tight and thermally insulating wall structure for containers for cryogenic fluids" describes a membrane tank, which is also formed by lining an outer supporting structure with insulating panels, wherein the insulating panels consist of a layer structure of an outer rigid partition (the base plate of the panel), an inner rigid partition wall (the cover plate of the panel), and polymer foam insulations interposed between the partition walls After mounting the insulating panels by means of mechanical fasteners to the inside of the outer supporting structure, the holes in the insulating material become fixed by the fixing of the insulating panel on the outer supporting structure was closed by means of plugs made of insulating material, so that the insulation results in a closed layer The secondary B located between the layers of thermal insulation Arriereschicht consists of a thin continuous composite foil made of aluminum and glass fiber reinforced plastic. For the secondary barrier layer to be continuous, the barrier films of adjoining panels must be connected in a gastight manner by means of connecting pieces, which requires a separate operation. On the inner partition wall of the insulating panels, the flexible and dense inner (primary) barrier layer (barrier against discharge of charge) is attached. This primary barrier layer is made of metallic material and is mounted on the inside of the insulating panels so that they are close to the load. The individual parts of the primary barrier layer are joined by welding. Thus, after mounting the insulating panels, further operations are required for filling the mounting holes, connecting the secondary barrier layer, and attaching and connecting the inner primary barrier layer. Common to both of the latter systems is that the insulating and barrier layers are essentially installed one after the other in the ship. Extensive manual activities, such as the welding of the seams of the barrier layers, are necessary. This procedure leads to long construction times and associated costs.

A system which avoids the separate installation of layers is known from Laid-Open Patent DE 2648211 "Isolated Cryogenic Fluid Tank." In this system, the components of the insulating and barrier layer structure are integrated into composite panels made of insulating material filled housing. By this summarizing the above-described immediate installation effort can be reduced because the composite panels are supplied prefabricated and contain all the essential components of the layer structure.

In this case, however, no continuous connection of the barrier layers is produced, since the housings of the composite panels are closed and only indirectly connected by a joint element between adjacent composite panels. In this case, primary and secondary barrier layers are not materially separated, which represents a risk for the operation of such a tank.

The three last-mentioned systems have in common that only after the completion of the outer load-bearing structure can their assembly be started. This requires complex scaffolding systems, which have a correspondingly high load-bearing capacity, to be installed in the cargo hold. After completion of the tank by mounting the insulating and barrier layers on the inside of the outer supporting structure and the corresponding connection of the insulating and barrier layers with each other and the armor must As small as possible openings in the tank, for example in the tank ceiling, are carefully removed, so that the heavy scaffolding components cause no damage to the already finished tank lining.

The object of the invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the known systems by a tank container improved with respect to layer structure and assembly process.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a container having the features of claim 1, by a section having the features of claim 13, a composite panel having the features of claim 16 and by a method having the features of claim 17.

According to the invention, a novel, highly integrated tank container composed of large-scale sections, which unite the outer supporting structure and all insulating and barrier layers already in one component.

If the tank container as proposed composed of pre-equipped sections, accounts for much of the effort for the construction of heavy, high-strength scaffolding. The attachment of the insulating and barrier layers on the inside of the outer walls of the tank is already done before joining the outer supporting structure, so that after joining the sections to the container essentially only the joints of the sections must be reworked and sealed, for which less and lighter lifting capacity is necessary.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. According to one embodiment of the invention, the integration of all insulating and barrier layers in a sandwich-type component, a composite panel, of which one or more are used to cover the section, enables macroscopically homogenous insulating layers and continuous and dense barrier layers already in the preparation of the precast sections receive.

The application of the composite panels on the inside of the outer walls of the tank container is preferably not at the same place where the joining of the pre-equipped sections happens. In this way, the joints of the composite panels with the outer structural structure as well as the joints of the composite panels with each other under controlled environmental conditions and in the most advantageous position of the tank section, usually horizontal, can be made.

Standardized composite panels, so-called base panels, are preferably used for the large flat surfaces of the tank wall.

Adjacent base panels are joined together using joint panels.

According to another embodiment of the invention, layers are separately applied to the supporting structure in the manufacture of the sections to form the insulating and barrier layers. The separate layers may be applied in the form of sheets or plates or as spray coatings. Also, combinations of the different modes of application are possible.

The gaps remaining between the insulating and barrier layers of adjacent structures when assembling the pre-assembled sections can filled up with passport panels. The pass panels are special versions of the base panels, which usually differ only in the geometric dimensions of the base panels. The pass panels can be placed between sections fitted with composite panels as well as between sections where the inner layer of insulating and barrier layers consists of separately applied layers.

Alternatively, the interstices between the inner layer structures of adjacent sections can be filled by separately applied layers. This applies both to sections that are equipped with composite panels, as well as for sections in which the inner layer structure of separately applied layers is formed.

A container constructed according to the invention can be used on seagoing ships as a cargo tank for cryogenic liquefied gas, but is not limited to this application. Other applications are also possible for mobile and stationary tank units at sea and on land as well as for the aerospace industry.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment of the cargo tank in the ship.

It shows:

Figure 1 is a perspective schematic sectional view of a container which is composed of sections;

Figure 2 is a perspective schematic representation of a base panel; Figure 3 is a perspective schematic partial view of a tank, composed of occupied with base panels sections, highlighted are special points of the tank inside;

Figure 4 is a perspective schematic sectional view of three

Transitions between base panels, with different stages of connection with each other;

Figure 5 is a perspective schematic detail of the connection between two base panels and the associated compensators in barrier and insulating layer, shown in section;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective schematic detail of a device for passing a purge gas, shown in the outbreak;

Figure 7 is a perspective schematic representation of a with

Composite panels precast section;

Figure 8 is a perspective schematic representation of vorgegerüsteten

Sections in various stages of assembly;

Figure 9 is a perspective schematic representation of a floating

Unit with tank containers integrated in the hull, these are highlighted.

1 shows a section through a container 21 for storing cryogenic liquefied gas is shown, which is composed of individual sections 17, each consisting of an inner layer structure of primary 2 and secondary 3rd Barrier and insulating layers and an outer supporting structure 4 consist. The sections 17 are preferably flat, so that the assembly of the sections 17, a container 21 with corners 5 and edges 6 is formed, which is covered on its inside with a layer structure 2, 3 in the form of composite panels 1.

FIG. 2 shows a composite panel 1 by way of example in the embodiment of the base panel 10. Other embodiments are corner panel 7, edge panel 8 and pass panel 9. These embodiments are shown in the next figure, FIG. Each composite panel 1 contains the entire layer structure of the necessary primary layers 2 and secondary layers 3. The layer structure of the composite panels 1 consists of the primary barrier layer 2.1, which has direct contact with the tank contents, the subsequent primary insulating layer 2.2, the secondary barrier layer 3.1 and the secondary insulating layer 3.2, which are all connected to each other flat. This layer structure 2, 3 already arises during the manufacture of the composite panel 1. The design as a compact component, the entire layer structure 2, 3 are mounted in one operation to the outer supporting structure 4. The base panel 10 is used as a standard panel on most of the inner surface of the container 21.

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the composite panels 1, 7, 8, 9, 10 over the inner surface of the container 21. The container 21 is shown broken up here. Special places are highlighted. For the corners 5 and edges 6 of the tank, composite panels derived from the base panel 10, so-called corner panels 7 or edge panels 8, are manufactured. In places where a balance of manufacturing and assembly tolerances is necessary, but especially at the joints of the section joints 20, so-called passport panels 9 are specially adapted to the respective location used. In Figure 4, four composite panels 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 are arranged side by side, wherein the connection of the panels has advanced to different degrees. In this case, no connection is made on the left joint 11 between the panels 1.1 and 1.2. Over the middle joint between the panels 1.2 and 1.3, the secondary barrier layer 3.1 is already connected. About the right joint between the panels 1.3 and 1.4, the primary insulating layer 2.2 is closed and the primary barrier layer 2.1 also connected. The composite panels 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 are designed stepwise, ie, the elements of the primary barrier layer 2.1 and primary insulating layer 2.2 are smaller in length and width than the elements of the secondary barrier layer 3.1 and insulating layer 3.2, so that the secondary barrier layer 3.1 during the Assembly remains accessible for sealing the panel transitions. This sealing is done using a connecting strip 12. The remaining gap, the so-called joint 11 in the primary barrier layer 3.1 and primary insulating layer 3.2 is filled with a joint panel 13. This consists of the primary barrier layer 13.1 and the primary insulating layer 13.2. The primary barrier layer 13.1 of the joint panel may overlap the primary barrier layers 2.1 of the composite panels 1, so that the primary barrier layers 2.1 can be sealed by a material connection. Further, it is possible that the primary barrier layer 13.1 separately, ie separately after applying the Fugenpaneel it 13 is attached. The connecting strip 12 can also be part of the joint panel 13 as a secondary barrier layer. The joint panel 13 may thus comprise the primary barrier layer 13.1 and / or the secondary barrier layer 12 and the primary insulating layer 3.2. Furthermore, the joint panel 13 may consist only of the primary insulating layer 3.2. As a detail of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows constructive solutions for the compensation of stresses and strains in the primary layer structure 2 and secondary layer structure 3. The barrier layers 2.1, 3.1 consist of a nonmetallic material, preferably glass fiber reinforced plastic. In them are so-called beads 14, which allow deformation of the barrier layers without damaging them. In the insulating layers 2.2, 2.3 are columns 15.1, 15.2, which can increase or decrease and so also allow deformations without damage to the insulating material occurs. Preferably, the joint panel 13 is filled only between the base panels 1.1 and 1.2, when the base panels 1.1 and 1.2 are already arranged on a supporting structure, as shown in Fig. 6 and 7.

In detail, the composite panels 1 are shown broken away in detail in FIG. 6 so that free spaces for the passage of gas 16 can be seen, which are designed in such a way that an inert gas can be passed through for monitoring purposes. These free spaces are located either on the surface of the primary insulating layer 2.2, then it is for example, recesses 16.1 or the free spaces are within the primary insulating layer 2.2, then it is about cavities, such as holes 16.2. If the inert gas is examined for its natural gas content, any damage to the primary barrier layers 2.1 can be detected. These devices are located in the primary insulating layer 2.2 between the primary barrier layer 2.1 and the secondary barrier layer 3.1. In the secondary insulating layer 3.2, a corresponding structure can be provided.

FIG. 7 shows a section 17 on which the preliminary equipment with the primary layer structure 2 and secondary layer structure 3 necessary for the tank insulation takes place. Here are one or more prefabricated Composite panels 1 placed on the outer supporting structure 4 of the section 17 and optionally connected to each other using joint panels 13. The composite panels 1 do not completely cover the structure 4, so that a distance 18 to the edge of the section 17 remains. The free from the inner layer structure edge region of the section 17 can be used for the transport of the section 17 by there a means of transport (eg transport crane) attacks.

The composite panels 1 and / or pass panels 9 are e.g. glued to the supporting structure 4 or attached thereto with bolts or rivets. The joint panels 13 are e.g. glued or welded to the composite panels 1 or pass panels 9 (e.g., in the overlapping area of the primary barrier layers).

FIG. 8 shows how these sections 17 are assembled. The result is either the large sections 23, which are then assembled to the tank container 21, or even the tank container 21 itself. The free spaces 19 at the joints 20, which are formed by adjoining distances 18 are, after connecting the sections 17 with each other by Passpaneele 9, the compensations of inaccuracies that have occurred and are custom made, closed.

In Figure 9, a floating unit 22 is shown, which is equipped with a plurality of tank containers 21 in the cargo tank area. Such a floating unit can be a ship, but also an offshore unit, Bärge or above floating structure. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 composite panel

2 primary layer structure

2.1 primary barrier layer

2.2 primary insulating layer

3 secondary layer structure

3.1 secondary barrier layer

3.2 secondary insulating layer

4 outer supporting structure

5 corner of the tank

6 edge of the tank

7 composite panel, embodiment: corner panel

8 composite panel, embodiment: edge panel

9 composite panel, embodiment: pass panel

10 composite panel, embodiment: base panel

11 Fugue, a gap in the primary layers created by the step structure of the base panel

12 Secondary connection strip

13 joint panels

13.1 Primary barrier layer of the joint panel

13.2 primary insulating layer of the joint panel

14 beading

14.1 Beading in the primary barrier layer

14.2 Beading in the secondary barrier layer

15 columns in the insulating layers

15.1 gap in the primary insulating layer

15.2 gap in the secondary insulating layer 16 free spaces for gas transmission

16.1 recesses for gas transmission

16.2 cavities for gas transmission

17 section

18 Distance to the edge of the section

19 free spaces

20 Joins of Sections 1 Container 2 Floating unit

23 large section

Claims

claims A container for storing cryogenic liquid media at atmospheric pressure with an outer supporting structure and an inner structure of insulating layers and barrier layers, wherein from inside to outside a primary barrier layer, a primary insulating layer, a secondary barrier layer and a secondary insulating layer are arranged characterized in that the container (21) is composed of sections (17), each consisting of an inner layer structure of primary barrier layer (2.1), primary insulating layer (2.2), secondary barrier layer (3.1) and secondary insulating layer (3.2) and from an outer supporting structure (4), wherein the barrier layers (2.1, 3.1) of adjoining sections are sealingly connected together. 2. Container according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer structure at least partially of composite panels (1), according to the inner layer structure, a primary barrier layer (2.1), a primary insulating layer (2.2), a secondary barrier layer (3.1) and a secondary insulating layer (3.2 ), and / or consists of separately applied layers. 3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the composite panels (1) comprise step-shaped base panels (10), in which the primary layers (2.1, 2.2) are smaller in length and width than the secondary layers (3.1, 3.2). 4. Container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that joint panels (13) having at least one layer corresponding to a layer of the inner layer structure, in joints between adjacent composite panels (1) are arranged. 5. Container according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the barrier layers (2.1, 3.1) consist of fiber-reinforced plastic, which may be provided with aggregates, paints or coatings. 6. Container according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the insulating layers (2.2, 3.2) with free spaces in the form of recesses (16.1) or cavities (16.2) are provided. 7. A container according to claim 6, characterized in that the free spaces (16.1, 16.2) are at least partially filled with an insulating material deviating from the base material properties. 8. Container according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the base panels (10) are preferably made flat. 9. Container according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of composite panels (1) are simply angled (8) or multiple angled (7) are executed. 10. Container according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that one or more barrier layers (2.1, 3.1) or insulating layers (2.2, 3.2) at intervals with means for expansion compensation (14.1, 14.2, 15.1, 15.2) are provided. 11. A container according to claim 10, characterized in that the means for expansion compensation beads (14.1, 14.2) and / or columns (15.1, 15.2). 12. Container according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one such container (21) by means of its outer supporting structure (4) is part of the supporting structure of a floating unit (22). 13. Section, suitable for producing a container according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has an inner layer structure of primary barrier layer (2.1), primary insulating layer (2.2), secondary barrier layer (3.1) and secondary insulating layer (3.2) an outer supporting structure (4). 14. Section according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one edge region of the supporting structure (4) has no inner layer structure. 15. Section according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it has the section-related features of at least one of claims 2 to 11. Composite panel suitable for manufacturing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it has features relating to the composite panel of at least one of claims 2 to 11. 17. A method for producing containers for storing cryogenic liquid media at atmospheric pressure with an outer supporting structure and an inner structure of barrier layers and insulating layers, wherein from inside to outside a primary barrier layer, a primary insulating layer, a secondary barrier layer and a secondary insulating layer are arranged, characterized in that a container (21) by joining sections (17) consisting of an outer supporting structure (4) and an inner layer structure of insulating layers (2.2, 3.2) and barrier layers (2.1, 3.1) is formed, arises in that the sections (17) are joined at the joints (20), so that a continuous supporting structure and a continuous inner layer structure are obtained. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the inner layer structure is prepared by one or more prefabricated composite panels (1) with insulating layers (3) and barrier layers (2) in an arrangement corresponding to the inner layer structure or layers according to the inner layer structure separately be applied to the supporting structure (4). 19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the composite panels (1) step-shaped and the inner layer structure comprising base panels (10), which are applied before the joining of sections (17) on this. 20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the composite panels (1) Passpaneele (9) include, with which the at the Fufstellellen between the inner layer structures of different sections (17) resulting gaps are filled or that these spaces are filled by separate application of layers. 21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that the spaces between adjacent base panels (10) and / or between adjacent base panels (10) and pass panels (9) by joint panels (13) and / or by separate application of layers be filled. 22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the container (21) of large sections (23) is assembled, which in turn arise by joining sections (17). 23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that this method is used during the manufacture of a floating unit (22), wherein the outer contour of the resulting container (21) is equal to the simultaneously formed outer contour of the floating unit (22) in Area of the tank container (21). 24. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 23, characterized in that the composite panels (1) are preferably materially connected to the outer supporting structure (4). 25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the connection of the secondary barrier layers (3.1) adjoining composite panels (1) cohesively by means of a connecting strip (12).