Abstract: In the typical embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a prismatic semi-membrane LNG tank is assembled within a support carriage surrounding the top and side walls of the tank and is connected to the tank by a plurality of load bearing insulating support blocks affixed to T-shaped beams on the tank and received in channel shaped members on the support carriage. The tank is assembled within the carriage which is slidably received within a temporary supporting structure and, when the tank has been completed, the integrated carriage and the tank are transferred to the hull of a ship or other permanent support structure. A pipe tower within the tank is affixed to the bottom wall of the tank and slidably connected to a tank dome at the top of the tank which is welded to the top wall of the tank. Stop members limit downward motion of the tank tower with respect to the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: In the typical embodiment of the invention described in the specification, a prismatic semi-membrane LNG tank is assembled within a support carriage surrounding the top and side walls of the tank and is connected to the tank by a plurality of load bearing insulating support blocks affixed to T-shaped beams on the tank and received in channel shaped members on the support carriage. The tank is assembled within the carriage which is slidably received within a temporary supporting structure and, when the tank has been completed, the integrated carriage and the tank are transferred to the hull of a ship or other permanent support structure. A pipe tower within the tank is affixed to the bottom wall of the tank and slidably connected to a tank dome at the top of the tank which is welded to the top wall of the tank. Stop members limit downward motion of the tank tower with respect to the top wall of the tank.

Abstract: Liquid cargo tank and support system suitable for liquified natural gas, LNG, for LNG cargo ships includes a semi-membrane tank having vertical walls constructed of a series of curved plates and a girder support system that permits access to the tank exterior.

Abstract: A double wall tank for the transportation of cryogenic materials such as liquefied natural gas by ship. The inner wall of the tank is the primary barrier and defines the cargo space. The primary barrier is substantially planar and is liquid and gas-impervious. A plurality of primary structural support webs are welded to the inner surface of the primary barrier and extend into the cargo space. The primary structural support webs preferably comprise a plurality of web rings extending between the centerline longitudinal bulkhead and the sides of the inner tank and having plurality of tension trusses extending transversely in the inner tank and connecting opposite sides of the web rings. A plurality of stiffeners are welded to the outer surface of the primary barrier and extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of the primary structural support webs. The outer wall of the tank is the secondary barrier, is spaced from the primary barrier and is supported by the stiffeners.