Abstract: A sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a low-temperature liquefied gas, having an insulating box-section with a bottom panel coming into abutment on a support wall, by means of sealant beads disposed between the support wall and the bottom panel, the sealant beads being disposed in the form of at least one closed outline delimiting at least one confined space between the support wall and the bottom panel, the bottom panel having at least one through passage leading into the confined space to allow gas to circulate between the confined space and an internal space of the insulating box-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-insulating structural material, which: firstly, can minimize or prevent a thermal bridge by improving the structure of the connection part of the heat-insulating structural material; secondly, improves insulation performance by arranging a vacuum insulation material inside the core layer of the heat-insulating structural material; and thirdly, increases structural stiffness by forming the core layer from a non-foaming polymer material having excellent structural performance, prevents gas from moving in or out of the vacuum insulation material through the air-tight adhesive structure of the core layer, and can improve fire protection performance so as not to be vulnerable to fire, and thus the present invention is universally applicable to fields requiring insulation ability and structural performance.

Abstract: Provided is a high-pressure tank including: a helical layer containing first fibers that are wound in a helical pattern and a first resin that fixes the first fibers; a hoop layer located outward of the helical layer in the high-pressure tank and containing second fibers that are wound in a hoop pattern and a second resin that fixes the second fibers; and an intermediate layer located between the helical layer and the hoop layer and containing third fibers that are thinner than at least either the first fibers or the second fibers and a third resin that fixes the third fibers, the first fibers of the helical layer, and the second fibers of the hoop layer.

Abstract: A cryostat assembly with an outer container for a storage tank with a first cryogenic fluid and a coil tank for a superconducting magnet coil system. The magnet coil system is cooled by a second cryogenic fluid colder than the first cryogenic fluid, the coil tank being mechanically connected to the outer container and/or to radiation shields surrounding the coil tank via a mounting structure. Liquid helium at an operating temperature of approximately 4.2 K is the first cryogenic, fluid and helium at an operating temperature of <3.5 K is the second cryogenic fluid in the coil tank. The mounting structure has mounting elements with thermally conductive contact points thermally coupled to heat sinks having a temperature at or below that of the storage tank, via thermal conductor elements. This ensures long times to quench if malfunctions occur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strong bonded wide joints for cryogenic applications. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a three-dimensional preform and a plastic matrix. The plastic matrix may be impregnated in the three-dimensional preform to form a softening strip that may be capable of remaining flexible at a temperature at which a gas may have a liquid form.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature and pressure of a cryogenic liquid methane storage unit are provided. The disclosed systems and methods generate methane gas from a reservoir of liquid methane stored within the methane storage unit, vent the methane gas through one or more outlet valves connected to the methane storage unit, and generate electric power using the vented methane gas. The generated electric power can then be used to initiating a cooling cycle, which reduces the temperature of said reservoir of liquid methane and reduces the pressure in said methane storage unit. Micro anaerobic digesters and methane storage units may be configured in a networked environment with a central controller that monitors remote units.

Abstract: An LNG tank as disclosed can include an inner shell of stainless steel and an outer shell spaced at a distance from the inner shell, the inner and outer shells defining an isolation space therebetween. A double-walled pipe of stainless steel connected to the LNG tank can include an inner pipe. The outer wall of the pipe can be connected to the inner shell by a bellows-like pipe fitting welded to the outer wall of the pipe(s) and to the inner shell of the tank. The inner pipe for extending into a tank room can be connected to a valve in a valve block, and the outer wall of the pipe extending into the tank room can be welded to the valve block to provide a continuous secondary barrier for the inner pipe between the inner shell of the tank and the valve block.

Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite pressure vessel with a liner having a polar boss and a blind boss a shell is formed around the liner via one or more filament wrappings continuously disposed around at least a substantial portion of the liner assembly combined the liner and filament wrapping have a support profile. To reduce susceptible to rupture a locally disposed filament fiber is added.

Abstract: A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.

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 structure and method for bonding heat-insulating protection walls of a liquefied natural gas carrier is provided. Each of the heat-insulating protection walls is formed of an insulation foam layer and a fiber-reinforced composite reinforcing sheet attached to a surface of the insulation foam layer. The heat-insulating protection walls are provided in a tank of the liquefied natural gas carrier in a mutually adjoining relationship and bonded to one another at a junction to keep the tank cold. The structure includes a fiber-reinforced composite joint sheet positioned in alignment with the juncture of the heat-insulating protection walls and bonded to the fiber-reinforced composite reinforcing sheet by an adhesive agent and a spacer interposed between the fiber-reinforced composite reinforcing sheet and the fiber-reinforced composite joint sheet for keeping the adhesive agent uniform in thickness.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for supporting cargo tanks within the hold of a liquefied gas carrier by establishing a series of spaced-apart pedestals along the longitudinal axis of a tank, said pedestals positioned in conjunction with the ship's structural components. These pedestals are of wood or other suitable thermal insulating and load bearing material fixed to the tank below its circumferential diameter along both the starboard and port tank sides. The pedestals rest on structural longitudinal stringers laying port and starboard in the horizontal plane and fixed and supported by the ship's hull structure. Longitudinal and transverse pedestal movement is controlled by stops attached to the stringers at one or more of the pedestals. The stops contact the pedestals via bearing pads which constrain the pedestal in one direction but permit its movement in another.

Abstract: Method of adhesively bonding second insulating blocks to a ship's inner hull using beads of mastic for the production of a sealed, thermally insulating tank for the transportation of liquefied gases, the tank having two successive sealing barriers alternated with two insulating barriers of first and second insulating blocks produced from plywood panels and containing or carrying thermally insulating materials, the second insulating blocks of the secondary insulating barrier being fastened directly against the inner hull, the method including applying beads of mastic to the lower face of the panels of the second insulating blocks along mutually parallel lines, positioning the second insulating blocks against the inner hull, and pressing thereof against the inner hull until polymerization of the mastic, wherein at least two of the beads on the lower face of at least one panel of the second insulating blocks are arranged along wavy parallel lines.

Abstract: Cryogenic storage and separator vessels made of polyolefin foams are disclosed, as are methods of storing and separating cryogenic fluids and fluid mixtures using these vessels. In one embodiment, the polyolefin foams may be cross-linked, closed-cell polyethylene foams with a density of from about 2 pounds per cubic foot to a density of about 4 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: Sealed, thermally insulated tank has tank walls fixed to the load-bearing structure (1) of a floating structure, the tank walls having, in succession, in the direction of the thickness from the inside to the outside of the tank, a primary sealing barrier (8), a primary insulating barrier (6), a secondary sealing barrier (5) and a secondary insulating barrier (2), at least one of the insulating barriers includes juxtaposed non-conducting elements, each non-conducting element including a thermal insulation liner (63) and load-bearing elements that rise through the thickness of the thermal insulation liner in order to take up the compression forces, characterized in that the load-bearing elements of a non-conducting element include pillars (65) of small transverse section as compared to the dimensions of the non-conducting element in a plane parallel to the tank wall.

Abstract: An LNG full containment system is provided. The 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 replaceable cartridge for coupling to a consumer or to a filling station, wherein the replaceable cartridge comprises at least one disconnectable connection coupling for connection to the consumer or the filling station. Furthermore, the replaceable cartridge comprises a tank for holding liquid hydrogen.

Abstract: A double-walled vacuum insulated container for holding a cryogenic fluid comprises a support system for the inner vessel that comprises at least one elongated metallic conduit that penetrates the walls of the outer vessel and the inner vessel. The conduit itself provides support in an axial direction parallel to a horizontal axis and at least two non-metallic members provide support in a radial direction from the horizontal axis. By requiring the conduit to support only axial loads, its wall thickness can be reduced, thereby reducing heat transfer through the conduit. The non-metallic members that provide support in the radial direction can be made from composite materials selected for structural strength as well as low thermal conductivity, resulting in a container with improved overall thermal insulation to reduce heat leak and allow longer holding times.

Abstract: Self-supporting timber box having a base panel, lateral walls each projecting perpendicularly from one side of the base panel to delimit the profile of an internal space of the box, a plurality of internal partitions (14) which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the base panel and which extend between the lateral walls in such a way as to divide the internal space into a plurality of compartments intended to receive a heat-insulating lining, and a cover panel, wherein it has at least one stiffening element (16) which is positioned in the internal space transversely with respect to the internal partitions and which has an area of connection (17, 18) to each of the internal partitions to increase the buckling resistance of the internal partitions, the area of connection extending over a depth greater than or equal to half of the distance between the base and cover panels.

Abstract: A sealed, thermally insulated tank consists of tank walls fixed to the load-bearing structure of a ship, the tank walls having, in succession, in the direction of the thickness from the inside to the outside of the tank, a primary sealing barrier, a primary insulating barrier, a secondary sealing barrier and a secondary insulating barrier, at least one of the insulating barriers consisting essentially of juxtaposed non-conducting elements (3), each non-conducting element including a thermal insulation liner, at least one panel and load-bearing partitions rising through the thickness of the thermal insulation liner in order to take up the compression forces. These partitions include at least one anti-buckle partition (14) that includes a plurality of anti-buckle wall elements that have a respective orientation forming an angle relative to a general longitudinal direction of the anti-buckle partition, for example forming corrugations or double-wall portions.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to an internal frame structure comprised of a plate girder ring frame structure and/or an internal truss frame structure. Optionally, a grillage of stiffeners and stringers may be disposed on the plate cover and additional sifters disposed on the plate girder ring frame structure and/or an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A marine gas storage and transport system formed of small diameter steel pipe, which is coiled and stacked in a specific manner. The system is suitable for use on top of a barge or inside the holds of a ship, when contained within a secondary containment system. Various ways of stacking and coiling coiled pipe are disclosed. Specific materials for making the pipe are also disclosed.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to a grillage of stiffeners and stringers, which in turn is adapted to transfer the local loads to an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A watertight and thermally insulating tank built into a bearing structure includes at least one wall having a variable width and forming oblique solid angles of intersection with the adjacent walls, the tank includes secondary insulating and watertightness barriers and a primary insulating barrier which are formed by panels fixed to the walls and able to hold a primary watertightness barrier. The primary water-tightness barrier includes, at each variable-width wall, one or more central strake(s) (63) arranged longitudinally and each fixed to underlying panels (12), running strakes (66) being held mechanically, by a sliding joint, parallel to the oblique solid angles of intersection, on underlying panels and fixed at the ends to the central strakes, so that the tensile forces (F) experienced by the running strakes in their longitudinal dimension are transmitted to the bearing structure via the central strakes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cryogenic liquid transport and storage containers, which utilize external coolant tanks to supply cooling to a cryogenic liquid storage tank. The coolant tanks are mounted above the cryogenic liquid storage tank such that the length of the cryogenic liquid storage tank is capable of extending the entire length of the transport container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel fuel structure for housing and delivering disparate cryogenic fuels to combustion zones in an aerospace vehicle. The tank comprises a plurality of containers having volumes that are separated by common wall bulkheads and which are arranged substantially side-by-side in conformance with the interior of the aerospace vehicle. A tank support structure positioned within the vehicle interior includes lengthwise supports as well as cross-wise supports, with the latter including openings within which the rear ends of the containers are supported. Fuel from the containers is delivered to the vehicle's combustion system via appropriate fuel lines carried by dome shaped end caps at the rear ends of the containers.

Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank built into the bearing structure of a ship, said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, one being a primary one in contact with the product contained in the tank and the other being a secondary one placed between the primary barrier and the bearing structure, at least one thermally insulating barrier being provided between the bearing structure and the secondary watertightness barrier and/or between the two watertightness barriers, each thermally insulating barrier consisting of a number of caissons (102) of roughly parallelepipedal overall shape, each caisson having a bottom panel (105) and a top panel (106) made of plywood, characterized in that the panels of each caisson are spaced apart by a number of spacer pieces (103) which consist of thin sheets of plywood, extending at right angles to said panels, each caisson being at least partially filled with blocks of foam (104), bonded over a substantial part of the height of each spacer piece, to preven

Abstract: A storage tank, especially for liquefied gases, is separated into cells by numerous partitions of a material having low heat conductivity. The maximum diameter of the cells in a plane that is perpendicular to the partitions is less than 50 mm.

Abstract: Sealed structural joints for use in manufacturing pressurized tank structures, and particularly cryogenic fuel tanks. In a preferred embodiment, the structural joints and seals comprise a strain-compliant material as applied to a joint or seam to provide a surface to bridge the joint with a continuous skin so as to provide a completed bonded inner surface. In the preferred embodiment, the strain-compliant material comprises honeycomb, although foam cores and homogenous elastomeric materials may also be utilized. Among the specific applications by which the joint seals of the present invention may be employed include splice joint seals, frame seals, and access cover openings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage container, especially for cryogenic liquids, with an inside container (1) and an outside container (2), whereby an insulation space (3) is located between inside container (1) and outside container (2). To increase the stability of inside container (1) and/or outside container (2), at least one support (4, 10) is provided, which does not produce any heat-conducting connection between inside container (1) and outside container (2).

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) transportation system designed to operate at or just below ambient temperatures, that is either ship-based, truck-mounted, or modular for container transportation. The system is an alternative to LNG, pipeline, or conventional CNG transportation systems, where the foregoing modes of transportation are not practical or feasible. The use of composite pressure vessels provides a critical advantage over conventional CNG concepts that use steel or steel lined pressure vessels. The rupture characteristics of composite pressure vessels exceed those of conventional steel or steel lined pressure vessels. The substantial weight reduction of pressure-equivalent composite pressure vessels overcomes the weight-related problems associated with steel or steel lined pressure vessel concepts. The corrosion resistance of composite pressure vessels allows for the transportation of raw CNG and or compressed natural gas liquids (CNGL) which are most often corrosive.

Abstract: A maritime vessel is disclosed. The maritime vessel includes a hull and at least one cargo tank associated with the hull and having a multi-layered side wall construction. The side wall construction includes a first layer providing a corrosion barrier for the cargo tank, a second layer providing structural integrity for the cargo tank, a third layer providing impact energy absorption and buoyancy properties for the cargo tank, and a fourth layer providing fire-resistant properties for the cargo tank.

Abstract: A marine gas storage and transport system formed of small diameter steel pipe, which is coiled and stacked in a specific manner. The system is suitable for use on top of a barge or inside the holds of a ship, when contained within a secondary containment system. The specific manner in which the pipe is coiled is such that about 97% of the total length of pipe coiled may be described by constant curvature or pure circles. Additionally these circles lie directly on top of one another about 94% of the time and vertical stacking stresses are minimized. Only about 6% of the pipe is involved in crossover geometry. This method, of about 97% circular coiling, combined with about 3% transitional coiling results in a continuous length of pipe that nests easily, provides greatly reduced contact stresses and is very economic to construct due to its ease of nesting and it's long lengths of constant curvature.

Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank built into the bearing structure (1) of a ship, the said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, one of them a primary one (17) in contact with the product contained in the tank, and the other a secondary one (13) located between the primary watertightness barrier and the bearing structure, a thermally insulating secondary barrier (4) being located between the secondary watertightness barrier and the walls of the bearing structure, characterized in that it comprises an impact-resistant mechanical protecting shield (16) located between the two watertightness barriers, the shield being held elastically pressed against the secondary watertightness barrier by metal fastening means mechanically connected to the secondary insulating barrier, thermal insulation being afforded only by the secondary insulating barrier.

Abstract: This pressurized-gas storage assembly includes a pressure vessel having a gas storage chamber and access opening, a polar boss extending through the access opening, a plastic liner lining the gas storage chamber, and a fitting body. The plastic liner includes a nipple portion that extends into the polar boss, terminates at an annular rim, and has a screw-threaded radially inner surface region. The fitting body includes a head portion, an extension longitudinally extending from an end of the head portion and having a screw-threaded radially outer surface region, and an annular shoulder. The annular shoulder has an annular recess formed therein, with a compressible O-ring being accommodated within the annular recess.

Abstract: A maritime vessel is disclosed. The maritime vessel includes a hull and at least one cargo tank associated with the hull and having a multi-layered side wall construction. The side wall construction includes a first layer providing a corrosion barrier for the cargo tank, a second layer providing structural integrity for the cargo tank, a third layer providing impact energy absorption and buoyancy properties for the cargo tank, and a fourth layer providing fire-resistant properties for the cargo tank.

Abstract: Watertight and thermally insulating tank built into the bearing structure of a ship, the said tank comprising two successive watertightness barriers, the said bearing structure comprising walls (1) which form the internal sides of its double hull and two transverse bulkheads (2), these two watertightness barriers alternating with two thermally insulating barriers, the corner connection of the elements of the primary and secondary barriers, in the zones where the transverse bulkheads meet the internal sides, being achieved in the form of a connecting ring, the structure of which remains substantially constant right along the solid angle (3) of intersection between a transverse bulkhead and the internal sides, each connecting ring comprising a prefabricated composite girder (20) consisting of a rigid metal formwork (21) incorporated in a thermally insulating material (22), the said rigid formwork defining a central fixed anchorage zone (29) substantially at the intersection between the plane that bisects the co

Abstract: An improved cryogenic liquid storage tank features a main tank containing a ullage tank. The top portion of the main tank communicates with the bottom portion of the ullage tank through a pipe segment and an opening in the ullage tank. The pipe segment is dimensioned and positioned so that the main tank fills with incoming cryogenic liquid while the ullage tank remains primarily empty. The restricted flow into the ullage tank causes the flow of cryogen into the main tank to decrease when the main tank is nearly full. This decrease in flow is utilized to terminate the filling of the tank. Removal of product from the main tank decreases the pressure and the liquid level therein so that liquid flows out of the ullage tank and is unable to return.

Abstract: A cryogenic storage apparatus including housing, inner storage tank which may contain cryogenic fluid such as liquid nitrogen, and a lid which is used to access the storage tank. The lid preferably completely seals the storage tank when in a closed position, and includes a vent path formed between the storage tank and ambient. This vent path leads to the rear of the housing. A flap valve is mounted to the exit point of the vent path to allow escape of evaporated liquid nitrogen as necessary.

Abstract: Impermeable and insulating tank built into a load-bearing structure, the tank having two successive sealing barriers alternated with two thermally insulating barriers, the secondary barriers and the primary insulating barrier consisting of a set of prefabricated panels, each panel comprising, in succession, a first rigid board, a first thermal insulation layer (104), a second thermal insulation layer (108), and a second rigid board, the junction regions between the primary insulating barrier elements of two adjacent panels being filled with insulating titles each consisting of a thermal insulation layer (115) covered with a rigid board, the continuity of the secondary sealing barrier being provided in the junction regions of two adjacent panels by flexible strips (120) which are impervious to gas and to liquid, each strip being hermetically bonded to a secondary insulating barrier element of a panel by a lateral marginal region (120a) and to a secondary insulating barrier element of the adjacent panel by an o

Abstract: A receptacle for maintaining perishables, such as food, at a reduced temperature features an exterior shell joined to an interior shell so that a space occupied by a vacuum exists between them. The junction of the inner and outer shells is located on the exterior of the receptacle. Phase change material is disposed within compartments in the bottom of the receptacle and is covered by a false bottom. A cryogenic liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, is poured down the interior walls of the receptacle and into the compartments containing the phase change material so that the phase change material is frozen in situs. A liquid absorbing material may be substituted for the phase change material.

Abstract: A suspension system for a superconducting magnet for supporting and spacing the thermal radiation shield and vacuum vessel about the cryogen vessel utilizing a carbon fiber reinforced composite assembly with a first frustro-conical member positioned between the cryogen vessel and radiation shield and a second frustro-conical member extending from the vacuum vessel to overlap the radiation shield with a radially extending connecting member between the interior ends of the members to provide a tortuous generally Z-shaped lengthened thermal path and thermal resistance plus mechanical support in both the axial and radial directions.

Abstract: A light gas tank with a safe inlet device includes a ring fixed on an upper surface of a light gas tank. The ring has a center fuel inlet hole, and an inverted L-shaped gas inlet on one side of the wall and an inverted L-shaped passageway on the other side of the wall. An L-shaped air tube is located in a hollow interior of the tank, having its upper end welded with a vertical portion of the gas inlet and air holes in a lower portion. An air pumping device can pump air into an inlet nozzle, the gas inlet of the ring and the L-shaped air tube, and then out of the air holes into the fuel stored in the tank to fuse with the fuel to become fuel gas for use through a control valve fixed on the tank. The pumping device is operated only when fuel gas is to be used, so no large gas pressure is produced in the tank, diminishing potent danger of explosion.

Abstract: An insulated vessel (10, 100, 130) is provided which is adapted to receive a low or high temperature material to be insulated from the environment. The vessel comprises inner and outer membranes (20, 110, 140) and (30, 120, 150) and an outer casing (40, 170). The inner membrane defines an inner cavity for receiving the low or high temperature material and has a first portion which defines an entrance into the inner membrane. The outer membrane encases the inner membrane such that a space is defined between the inner and outer membranes. The outer membrane includes a second portion which is positioned adjacent to the first portion. An insulating material (60, 160) is located in the space between the inner and outer membranes. The inner and outer membranes are joined together so as to seal off the space from the environment. The space is evacuated to less than atmospheric pressure. The outer casing surrounds the outer membrane and has sufficient strength to provide structural and abuse integrity to the vessel.

Abstract: A tank, especially adopted for use aboard a ship, for transporting liquid natural gas. The tank comprises two substantially identical hemispherical sections which are connected to each other via a cylindrical section. The diameter of the cylindrical section corresponds to the diameter of the spherical sections. The length of the cylindrical section is less than 1/3 of its diameter. Further, the tank meets the standards of a Type B classification according to the regulations of the International Maritime Organization.

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 large ship comprises a hull and several cargo tanks. Each cargo tank has substantially semi-spherical bottom and top portions; the bottom portions of the tanks and the top portions of tanks all being of substantially equal radius of curvature. At least one tank has a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion that interconnects the bottom and top portions of the tank and is of substantially equal radius of curvature to the bottom and top portions of the tanks.

Abstract: The invention consists of an outer jacket surrounding and spaced from an inner tank to create an insulated space therebetween. The inner tank closely conforms to the outer jacket such that the insulation chamber is substantially uniform and the capacity of the inner tank is increased. An insulated support assembly that extends into the inner tank allows communication between the exterior of the vessel and the inner tank for pipes, pressure gauges and the like. The support assembly allows for a long insulated path without reducing the capacity of the tank to the same extent as the prior art devices.

Abstract: A watertight, thermally insulating tank built into a bearing structure and including a primary watertight barrier contacting material within the tank and including strakes having edges turned upwardly towards an interior of the tank. A secondary watertight barrier is positioned between the primary watertight barrier and the bearing structure. The tank includes primary and secondary insulating barriers. The insulating barriers are alternately arranged with the watertight barriers. A weld support is mechanically held on the primary insulating barrier and forms an expansion joint. The strakes are butt-welded to two faces of the weld support. The secondary watertight barrier and the insulating barriers each include prefabricated panels fixed to the bearing structure. A zone at a junction between two adjacent panels is filled in at least to ensure continuity of the secondary watertight barrier. Each prefabricated panel is formed of a first rigid plate including a layer of thermal insulant.