Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid storage facility, the storage facility comprising a supporting structure (1) and a tank, the tank having at least one tank bottom wall fixed to the supporting structure (1), wherein the bottom wall has a structure with multiple layers superimposed in a direction of thickness, including at least one sealing membrane and at least one thermal insulation barrier arranged between the sealing membrane and the supporting structure (1), wherein the bottom wall has a sump structure (9) having a rigid container (10, 11) comprising a side wall (12), the container (10, 11) being arranged through the thickness of the bottom wall, and the sump structure (9) comprising at least one fixing means (15) designed to fix the rigid container (11) to the supporting structure (1) at a fixing point, and wherein the at least one fixing means (15) is configured to allow the relative movement of the side wall (12) of the container (11) with respect to the supporting structure (1) in a transverse directi

Abstract: A storage tank system features a tank made of rigid material and an insulation assembly. The insulation assembly includes an inner membrane and an outer membrane wherein the inner membrane is located within the outer membrane and at least one of the inner membrane and outer membrane is made of a flexible material. An insulation medium is located in a space between the inner membrane and the outer membrane and a vacuum is applied to the space.

Abstract: A large volume natural gas storage tank comprises rigid tubular walls having closed tubular cross-sections that are interconnected at opposing ends with two other rigid tubular walls such that interiors of the rigid tubular walls define an interior fluid storage chamber. The storage tank includes bulkhead ring webs positioned in the interior fluid storage chamber across intermediate segments of the rigid tubular walls and closure plates connected between exterior surfaces of successive interconnected rigid tubular walls to define sides of the storage tank. Interior surfaces of the closure plates and exterior surfaces of the rigid tubular walls define an auxiliary fluid storage chamber. The storage tank includes exterior support structures extending through the closure plates and between the exterior surfaces of the rigid tubular walls on some of the sides of the storage tank to reinforce the storage tank against dynamic loading from fluid in the interior fluid storage chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a sealed and thermally insulating wall for a fluid storage tank includes attaching plural anchoring elements to a support structure; installing modular formwork elements on the support structure, the modular formwork elements having a shape that protrudes relative to the support structure and that defines, with the support structure and the plurality of anchoring parts, compartments having an open side opposite the support structure; spraying insulating foam into the compartments through the open side to form plural insulating sectors made from sprayed insulating foam; arranging insulating junction elements in a stressed position in which they are stressed between the insulating sectors and capable of expanding when the insulating sectors contract, to ensure continuity of the thermal insulation; and attaching a sealing membrane to the anchoring elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger 1 comprises a shell 2 which has in an interior thereof a heat exchange chamber 20 in which a gas to be cooled or an intermediate medium is filled, and performs heat exchange directly or indirectly between liquid hydrogen and the gas to be cooled, in the interior of the heat exchange chamber 20; a tray 23 which is provided in the interior of the heat exchange chamber 20 and receives a liquefied gas and a deposited substance F which are generated by the heat exchange in the interior of the heat exchange chamber 20; and a liquid discharge mechanism (flashboard 22, drain port 25, and drain pipe 26) which discharges the liquefied gas from the tray 23 in a state in which the deposited substance F is left in the tray 23.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation is provided. The multilayer insulation includes a plurality of layers of material separated from one another by post elements. The interior of the integrated multilayer insulation can be filled with a selected gas. Moreover, the gas can be held in an interior volume of the integrated multilayer insulation at a pressure greater than ambient pressure, or flowed through the interior volume of the integrated multilayer insulation. The integrated multilayer insulation can be placed directly over an object to be insulated, or over a cellular insulation structure that is placed directly on the object to be insulated.

Abstract: Sealed and thermally insulating tank in which a first tank wall and an adjacent second tank wall form an edge, the tank further including a sealed corner piece fixed in a sealed manner to the sealing membrane of the first tank wall and of the second tank wall, the corner piece including a sheet metal corner angle-iron situated in line with the edge, a first reinforcing flange, a second reinforcing flange, a first locking piece, a second locking piece wherein the locking pieces are fixed to the insulating barrier, the first reinforcing flange and the second reinforcing flange each include a tab fixed to the lower face of the first and second locking pieces, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank container (100; 100?) for the transport and storage of cryogenic liquefied gas, comprising a framework (120) and a cylindrical vessel (110) connected to the framework (120), wherein the vessel (110) is covered by a superinsulation arrangement (130) based on an aerogel composition, and the vessel (110) is connected to the framework (120) by a clamping device (30) which is adapted to allow for a relative movement between the framework (120) and the vessel (110) due to thermal expansion or contraction of the vessel (110).

Abstract: A container has a pair of opposing heads, and a wall section between the heads has a square cross-section and planar side walls joined together by rounded corners. The side walls tend to deflect outwardly while under pressure, but are supported externally by a support system such as the walls of a cargo hold. Another container comprises an outside tank and a flexible membrane tank inside the outside tank, an annular space being defined in between, where a first fluid is charged into the membrane tank and a second fluid is charged into the annular space in order to discharge the first fluid. In another embodiment, a long tube having a square cross-section is coiled in a support structure and made gas-tight for holding a compressed fluid, and adjacent coils and the support structure limit expansion of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of a composite material as a fluid barrier under cryogenic conditions, the composite material having: (a) a tensile Young's modulus of less than 50 GPa; and (b) a tensile strain at break of at least 5% at ambient conditions. The present invention further relates to a sandwich and a containment system for a cryogenic fluid comprising the composite material.

Abstract: An LNG system generally comprises a primary container, and a secondary container positioned around the primary container. The secondary container generally comprises a first end wall, a second end wall, and at least two side walls. At least one of the walls is fabricated from a plurality of prefabricated wall panels. Each of the wall panels is fabricated from a combination of concrete and steel. The wall panels are preferably prefabricated offsite, and then transported to the construction site where they are adjoined together in end-to-end fashion to form walls. A method for constructing a full containment LNG system is also provided. In one embodiment, walls and a roof for a secondary container are assembled, but leaving an end open. At least one primary tank is brought into the secondary container. A second end wall is then erected to form the enclosure for the secondary container.

Abstract: A barrier layer arrangement for tank systems includes at least one layer made of a material that has anisotropic properties. The anisotropic properties can be specifically adjusted by way of the design of the layer and/or the material parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cryogenic container for storing and/or transporting a medium, in particular a biochemical and/or medical product. The cryogenic container comprises at least one primary container, which has at least one flexible film bag. The flexible film bag is designed to receive the medium. The cryogenic container furthermore comprises at least one secondary container, which at least partially surrounds the primary container and is preferably at least partially flexible. The secondary container has at least one opening for insertion of the primary container. The secondary container furthermore has at least one preferably at least partially flexible outer sleeve. The secondary container furthermore has at least one heat exchanger space, which is arranged between the outer sleeve and the flexible film bag and receives at least one fluid heat exchange medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite structure vessel and transportation system for liquefied gases and methods of manufacture. More specifically, the system provides a composite vessel for operative connection to a truck trailer system for transporting at least two gas products such as carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen within the composite vessel at different times. The composite vessel includes an inner liner, a composite layer including a plurality of resin-impregnated fiber layers, a thermal insulation layer, and an outer protective layer.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.

Abstract: A vessel storing or transporting a low temperature fluid includes an insulating material disposed between an inner tank and an outer shell. The insulating material is volumetrically compressed so that it exerts a reaction force that is equal to or exceeds an ambient pressure at the outer shell and/or supports at least some of the weight of the inner tank. Manufacturing processes and methods of using the vessel also are described.

Abstract: The invention pertains generally to manufacturing and installing a semi-membrane tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating off-hull manufacturing of a completed semi-membrane LNG tank and installation of the tank in a permanent supporting structure, such as a ship's hull. Embodiments of the invention include attaching a support structure to the top and the sides of an LNG tank and attaching a support net to the support structure. The support net may be configured to support the bottom of the tank including any insulation that may be applied to the bottom. Once the support structure and support net are attached to the tank, the tank may then be moved from an assembly location to a permanent support structure where it may be permanently attached.

Abstract: A cryogenic flow valve system for controlling the flow of a cryogenic fluid is disclosed. The system has a valve and an adsorption pump. The valve includes a flow chamber and a moveable member. The cryogenic fluid flows the flow chamber, and the moveable member is in contact with a control fluid. The position of the moveable member controls the flow in the flow chamber. The pressure of the control fluid controls the position of the moveable member. The adsorption pump includes a chamber and a heater. The chamber is in contact with the moveable member and contains an adsorption material for retaining control fluid. The heater heats the adsorption material to control the pressure of the control fluid.

Abstract: A pressure maintaining system for a hydrogen storage system includes a hydrogen supply feed that enables a hydrogen flow from the hydrogen storage system. A liquid phase hydrogen feed enables a liquid phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A gas phase hydrogen feed enables a gas phase hydrogen flow to the hydrogen supply feed. A check valve enables fluid communication from the hydrogen supply feed to the liquid phase hydrogen feed when a pressure within the hydrogen supply feed is greater than a threshold pressure.

Abstract: Containers suitable for storing pressurized fluids at cryogenic temperatures of ?62° C. (?80° F.) and colder are provided and comprise a self-supporting liner and load-bearing composite overwrap, whereby means are provided for substantially preventing failure of the container during temperature changes.

Abstract: In the support arrangements for a semi-membrane tank walls described in the specification, the top and side walls of a semi-membrane tank are provided with stiffener members and a surrounding tank support structure has support members which are connected to the stiffener members through support assemblies which provide vertical support for the tank walls while permitting relative motion in the horizontal direction. Each support assembly includes a bracket affixed to one of the support members and a spool affixed to a wall stiffener along with a thermally insulating block having an end portion slidably received in the bracket and having an internal groove extending in a direction orthogonal to the sliding motion of the end portion. The enlarged head of the spool affixed to the stiffener is received in the groove, thereby permitting relative motion of the tank wall with respect to the support structure and two orthogonal directions while providing load support for the tank wall in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a tank (1) for fluids under pressure comprising two compartments (8, 10).

Abstract: A lightweight, cryogenic-compatible pressure vessel for flexibly storing cryogenic liquid fuels or compressed gas fuels at cryogenic or ambient temperatures. The pressure vessel has an inner pressure container enclosing a fuel storage volume, an outer container surrounding the inner pressure container to form an evacuated space therebetween, and a thermal insulator surrounding the inner pressure container in the evacuated space to inhibit heat transfer. Additionally, vacuum loss from fuel permeation is substantially inhibited in the evacuated space by, for example, lining the container liner with a layer of fuel-impermeable material, capturing the permeated fuel in the evacuated space, or purging the permeated fuel from the evacuated space.

Abstract: A vessel for retaining cryogens in the form of a flexible liner for compliably retaining a cryogen and designed for controlled release of vapors generated by the cryogen. The improved flexible liner is biodegradable, with the incorporation of the biodegradable component within the resin being accomplished without adversely affecting the properties of the film at cryogenic temperatures. A preferred biodegradable film consists of a polyester comprising butane 1,4-diol and adipic acid to which a controlled quantity of terephthalic acid has been added.

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: A densification and storage system for fluids is provided by multitudes of closely spaced parallel planes of adsorptive material (88) that is contained within a substantially impervious barrier layer (2). In normal pressure-containing embodiments, reinforcement (4) is wrapped upon the impervious barrier layer (2) to increase the burst strength of the assembly that results. In higher pressure containing embodiments, material (88) provides reinforcement of barrier layer (2).