Abstract: The invention relates to a thermally insulating composite wall for any kind of tank on ships or on land. The wall comprises a self-supporting external wall, a bed of thermally insulating elements secured to said wall at least partially by means of a hardened packing material and a fluid-tight internal lining; said material may notably be a cellular material in contact with all the external surface of this bed and obtained by in situ expansion and subsequent hardening of a deformable product capable of spontaneous expansion which has been previously placed according to a discontinuous distribution.

Abstract: A safety insert for storage vessels of low-boiling liquified gases includes a safety neck tube placed within the neck forming an annular space with respect thereto, the neck having a blind flange with a fill and extraction hole for the gas as well as a safety valve and vent pipe with a stopcock mounted onto the neck and with a gas outlet hole in the safety neck tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a support structure formed from a compound strap consisting of two or more links of different thicknesses. More particularly, the compound strap includes a thinner link which is connected to the cool end of the inner storage tank's outer wall and a thicker link which is connected to the warmer outer wall of a relatively larger outer tank which encloses the inner tank to provide a vacuum space. This vacuum space around the inner tank contains the thermal support straps preferably made of fiberglass epoxy resin material used to support the inner tank from the inner wall of the outer tank. The compound strap of the present invention minimizes the heat leak between the inner tank and the outer tank.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquefied gas tank composed of a gas-tight outer vessel, a heat insulating layer provided at the inside of the outer vessel and a liquid-tight inner vessel made of concrete and provided at the inside of the heat insulating layer, wherein the hydraulic pressure of the cryogenic liquefied gases loaded in the inner vessel is supported by the concrete inner vessel while the gas pressure of the cryogenic liquefied gases is supported by the gas-tight outer vessel.

Abstract: A tank for the transport or storage of liquified natural gas under pressure is of generally rectangular form and has its side, top and bottom walls each composed of a series of parallel lobes of part-spherical cross-section and of say, 3.0 to 4.0 meters chord distance, each tank end consisting of either a like series of lobes or a mosaic of domes. All the inter-lobe nodes of the top wall of the tank are united to the corresponding nodes of the tank bottom by vertical tie-plates; likewise all the corresponding inter-lobe nodes of the two side walls are united by transverse tie-plates which intersect the vertical tie-plates orthogonally, and thereby define with them a plurality of tunnels of square cross-section.The tie-plates extend longitudinally to unite the end walls of the tank and are welded to one another at all tie-plates inter-sections. The tank is supported on a series of parallel support ribs or frames that connect with the tank along the inter-lobe nodes of the tank bottom.

Abstract: Improved method for manufacturing spherical cryogenic liquid holding tanks as well as the tanks produced thereby, wherein at least the major hemispherical portions of such tanks are formed from curvilinear elongated quadralateral plate members which in the case of a given tank each have substantially the same arcuate minor axis dimensional width when measured at the midpoint of the arcuate major axis but varying lengths. These plate members of varying lengths are initially selectively arranged and secured to each other to form a series of substantially symmetrical and uniformly dimensioned, individual, triangular spherical tank sectors or modules.

Abstract: A thermally insulated storage or transport vessel for low-boiling point liquefied gases comprises a rigid self-supporting inner receptacle or tank and a nonself-supporting outer container. The outer container, formed from a pair of longitudinally spaced opposing rigid end shells interconnected by an intermediate shell provided with stiffening formations extending peripherally of the intermediate shell. The intermediate shell is longitudinally expansible or contractile and may be formed with angular-section or curved-section corrugations.

Abstract: Cryogenic insulation system for containers for storage of cryogenic liquefied gases such as LNG, comprised of a low temperature resistant metal, preferably high nickel steel, primary membrane or liner supported by a primary layer of reinforced foam insulation, and a secondary liner positioned adjacent to and sandwiched between the primary layer of foam insulation and a secondary layer of reinforced foam insulation. The preferably high nickel steel primary liner or membrane is supported above the primary foam insulation layer by stiffened ends of the reinforcement fibers which extend above the surface of the foam insulation, providing a small gap between the foam and the membrane. There is provided at corners, particularly at 90.degree.

Abstract: Thermal insulation comprised of fiberglass boards or batts having relatively small diameter fiberglass fibers either bound or unbound is wound about the lading container pressure vessel of a tank truck, trailer or rail car. As the insulation is wound about a longitudinal section of the vessel, the insulation is squeezed from its free height to a lesser height to increase the density of the insulation and also permit passage of the outer jacket. The squeezing is preferably accomplished by wrapping each layer of insulation with a continuous wire mesh. The tension is maintained with the use of a long rod intertwined in the wire mesh, which rod is withdrawn after a section of the outer jacket is over a section of the vessel thereby permitting the insulation to expand and substantially fill the void between the vessel and outer jacket.

Abstract: Method is disclosed for preparing a honeycomb insulation structure having its cells partially filled with a low density foam and a high density integral skin completely covering one edge of the honeycomb. Method comprises placing one edge of a honeycomb in an inert material; introducing a foamable or foaming substance into the cells and allowing it to rise from the surface of the inert material until it overflows slightly. The overflowing foam comes into contact with a pressure platen just above the honeycomb thereby forming the high density integral skin. The level of the material in the cell determines the thickness of the void on one edge. Structure has utility in cryogenic storage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for applying preformed cellular glass insulation blocks to the exterior surface of a spherical metallic storage vessel by the steps of:(a) cleaning the exterior surface of the vessel;(b) maintaining the vessel at a temperature of 80.degree.-100.degree. F.;(c)(1) beveling the side walls of a preformed cellular glass insulation block,(2) dishing the inner surface of the preformed block to correspond to the contour of the spherical vessel to which the block is to be adhered,(3) applying uncatalyzed urethane-modified asphalt adhesive stored at 35.degree.-50.degree. F.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane structure for a liquid gas storage tank. The structure is characterized in that the bottom wall of the membrane comprises a number of elongated corrugated members arranged in a square-lattice pattern, and each member has a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending corrugations. Also, the members are assembled by joining one end of each corrugated member to substantially the mid-point of another corrugated member extending normal thereto, and each opening between the corrugated members is closed and made liquid tight by a thin plate.Preferably, each corrugated member is a sheet member of U-shaped cross-section, having a pair of vertical flanges of equal height, located between a pair of sheet members of L-shaped cross-section which are arranged back to back in spaced, parallel relationship, the top edges of respective adjacent vertical flanges of said L-shaped and said U-shaped members being continuously welded together.

Abstract: A liquid storage reservoir of which the internal space defined by the body, and, the upper and the lower covers, has mounted therein a hollow post interconnecting these covers and having its internal space communicating with the internal space of the reservoir for escape of vapors of the liquid being stored, the open end of the post extending beyond the internal space of the reservoir. The upper and lower covers are hollow and communicate via conduits extending in the body along the generatrix thereof, the open end of the hollow post entering the internal space of one of said covers, the internal space of the other cover communicating with a vessel for collecting condensed vapors of the stored liquid. The disclosed reservoir is particularly suited for storing easily evaporating and volatile liquids, because it practically eliminates their evaporation losses.

Abstract: Heat barrier components and improved thermal insulation techniques are provided for an external tank insulation system of ships carrying liquefied natural gas, propane, ammonia, etc. Reduction of liquid boil-off rate or initial cost of insulation through the reduction of radiant heat leak is accomplished by a composite insulation system including a high reflectance component material on the external surface of insulation and/or interior surface of the ship facing the tank. Further, refrigeration in tank boil-off is used to cool a radiation shield located between the tank insulation and surrounding enclosure, and to cool the skirt support.

Abstract: An oil tank which is inserted into a hold of an oil tanker vessel; the oil tank being smaller than the space in the hold so that there is approximately a three inch clearance all around the sides and bottom of the tank, this space being filled with a sprayed in foam.

Abstract: A liquefied gas tank having thermal insulation in association with a fluidtight body. A liquid supply line terminates at a location within the upper half of said vessel and discharges into a vertical draft-tube which is in fluid communication with the ullage portion of the vessel. The liquefied gas which is supplied into the draft-tube is conditioned to the pressure and temperature within the vessel as it travels downward to the bottom before it can flow radially outward into the tank.

Abstract: A heat insulating construction, formed on the hold bottom plates below a spherical tank of a liquified gas carrying vessel, consists of blocks of rigid urethane foam bonded to the hold bottom plates, filling members such as fiber glass inserted into the joints between the rigid foam blocks and adhesively bonded thereto, and a layer of glass mesh and adhesive covering the rigid foam blocks and filling members.

Abstract: A tank with a circular horizontal cross-section, which expands and contracts in service, a tank support element on the tank and above the tank bottom extending horizontally around the tank and having a flat horizontal surface, a support base on which the tank support element flat horizontal surface rests in radial slidable contact, a horizontal collar member having a vertical or sloped circular face, a horizontal ring member having a vertical or sloped circular face, either the collar member or the ring member is joined to the tank and the other of the collar member or the ring member is joined to the support base, and the collar member vertical or sloped face is located around the ring vertical or sloped face, and restraining apparatus which prevents lateral movement of the tank when empty and at nonservice temperature.

Abstract: A method of mounting a composite heat-insulating wall structure for a tank for the transportation of liquefied gases, wherein a wall of heat-insulating material is injected directly onto the secondary barrier formed by the ship's double hull, the primary barrier being secured on the insulating wall. This insulating wall is injected through the medium of moulds.

Abstract: In combination, a ship having a hold, a tank which expands and contracts in the hold for transporting a liquefied gas, the tank comprising a metal shell having a substantially flat metal bottom portion supported by load bearing insulation on the ship hold bottom, the tank having a horizontal collar comprising vertical or sloped wall portions, the hold having a stationary horizontally positioned block having vertical or sloped wall portions having a periphery smaller than the collar, at least the collar wall portions or the block wall portions insulated, whereby at ambient temperature the collar is spaced outwardly from the stationary block periphery and when the tank is at a service lower temperature carrying a liquefied gas the collar contracts with the tank and the collar wall portions tightly contact the block wall portions, and restraining apparatus which prevents horizontal or lateral movement of the tank when empty and at ambient temperature when the ship rolls and pitches.

Abstract: A method for producing a barrier in a thermally insulated container lined with polyurethane foam for storage or transport of liquefied gases, wherein a plurality of layers of an epoxy resin formulation and a glass-fiber material are applied in a particular sequence resulting in a barrier of superior quality essentially free of pinhole flaws.

Abstract: Multiple insulation barrier layers are held against the interior of a tank by plastic fasteners. Preferably three insulation component layers are used with a layer of fiberglass between the first and second layers to provide independent movement. Two composite membranes, one in contact with the tank and one in contact with the liquid cryogen, provide a barrier to liquid/vapor passage through the system.

Abstract: Cryogenic insulation system for containers for storage of cryogenic liquefied gases such as LNG, comprised of a low temperature resistant metal, preferably high nickel steel, primary membrane or liner supported by a primary layer of reinforced foam insulation, and a secondary liner positioned adjacent to and sandwiched between the primary layer of foam insulation and a secondary layer of reinforced foam insulation. The preferably high nickel steel primary liner or membrane is attached to the primary layer of foam insulation by tongues of high nickel steel connected to the primary membrane at spaced positions therealong, and engaged in plywood retainers positioned within and bonded to the primary foam insulation layer. The plywood retainers for such tongues include spaces or channels in communication with a manifold for detection of cryogenic gas leakage. There is provided at corners, particularly at 90.degree.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument employing a standard, doublewalled, metal vacuum bottle or dewer has a collar metallurgically bonded to the top of the dewer near the mouth thereof to provide machined threads for releasably engaging the delivery and control portion of the instrument to the reservoir portion of the instrument. The collar provides additional strength and support to the portion where the two walls of the dewer are joined to each other. A vent is provided in a bottom cap of the vacuum dewer. A valve directly in the cryogen delivery line is connected by a stem to a fulcrumed operating handle (the subject of a division thereof); a 360.degree. fulcrum is used, to permit rotating the handle for thumb or finger operation with either the right or the left hand, as desired; rotation of the handle also rotates the valve stem so as to assist in freeing it from crystalline adhesion which may result from moisture in the cryogen or in the ambient air. In one embodiment, the 360.degree.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a heat-insulating polyurethane foam lining of a container having a rigid outer shell with flat inner wall surfaces that intersect to form corners of the container for transport or storage of liquefied gases is disclosed. The flat inner surfaces of the rigid outer shell of the container located in both sides of a corner of the container are covered with polyurethane foam by spraying layers of polyurethane foam onto the surfaces and on top of each other. The end parts of the layers of polyurethane foam which are located adjacent to the corner at the intersection of two surfaces are cut or ground to form a gap defined by substantially flat planes adjacent to the corner. A thin layer of a sealing material is then applied onto the flat planes of the gap and allowed to set. The sealing material may be either an epoxy resin formulation or a polyurethane resin formulation.

Abstract: A two-piece skirt is disclosed for supporting a tank in the hull of a ship. One skirt portion carries a trough, and the edge of the other skirt portion extends into the trough but is spaced from contact therewith. The trough is filled with a hardenable material, preferably of low thermoconductivity, which upon hardening structurally joins the two skirt portions. If the tank carries liquefied gas, the joint effectively thermally insulates it from the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to liquefied gas containers, particularly liquefied gas ships, having a foamed plastics insulation system. The invention provides an arrangement for the corners/top edge of the insulation in which the foam plastic insulation material for each wall area is foamed onto a rigid outer support shell so that it stops just short of the corners/top edge of said shell. The edges of the foam are anchored by reinforcement mesh or the like bonded to the inner face of the foam, the mesh extending over the edges of the foam and being bonded by adhesive into the shell corners. In the case of the corners, a coving is laid across each corner and is bonded to the inner faces of the adjacent wall areas. Further foamed insulation is then built up behind the coving to the required thickness.

Abstract: A marine container for holding liquefied gas wherein a metal tank having the general shape of a surface of revolution is designed to contain a liquefied gas by maintaining a low temperature therewithin via a surrounding thermal insulation barrier. A first layer of foamed polymeric panels, each having a predetermined hole pattern, are supported by studs affixed to said exterior surface and extending into the holes. Fibrous insulation fills the remainder of the holes and the joints between the edges of adjacent panels. Heat-insulating posts extend outward from the studs and support a layer of fibrous insulation and a third layer of foamed polymeric panels having an offset hole pattern. Fasteners secure the third layer panels upon the posts. Insulating material is foamed in situ through apertures in the fasteners to fill the holes around the posts.

Abstract: A liquid-transporting cargo ship has a hull which supports a main deck and several cargo tanks which extend above the main deck. A generally hemispherical cover surrounds the above-deck portion of each tank. The cover is formed of at least three self-supporting metal plating subsections, each of which is connected along its bottom edge to the main deck and along its lateral edges to a meridonal expansion member which is generally tubular in cross section. For cargo tanks designed to carry cryogenic liquid, the cover is made gastight, and an inert atmosphere is maintained in surrounding relation to each cargo tank.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for detecting cracks in the heat-insulating liner of a container for cold liquids, wherein a plurality of breakable or frangible electrical conductors and a barrier means having a woven mat of glass-fiber material are incorporated in the heat-insulating material and detector means is connected with the electrical conductors to detect breaks in the electrical conductors caused by cracks in the heat-insulating material attaining a critical length. The frangible electrical conductors may be frangible wires or stripes of conducting paint.

Abstract: Thermal insulation comprised of fiberglass boards or batts having relatively small diameter fiberglass fibers either bound or unbound is wound about the lading container pressure vessel of a tank truck, trailer or rail car. As the insulation is wound about a longitudinal section of the vessel, the insulation is squeezed from its free height to a lesser height to increase the density of the insulation and also permit passage of the outer jacket. The squeezing is preferably accomplished by wrapping each layer of insulation with a continuous wire mesh. The tension is maintained with the use of a long rod intertwined in the wire mesh, which rod is withdrawn after a section of the outer jacket is over a section of the vessel thereby permitting the insulation to expand and substantially fill the void between the vessel and outer jacket.

Abstract: A relatively thin, flexible, impervious, sheet-like laminated building material comprising at least three continuous overlying layers of yielding material adapted to withstand very severe cold conditions, bonded together and consisting of at least one first mechanically strong supporting endmost layer; at least one impervious film-like layer and at least one second endmost lining layer providing at least a mechanical and at least temporary protection.

Abstract: When loading liquefied gas in a non-cooled skirt-supported tank the transitional area between the tank wall and the skirt is cooled down by direct cooling. Cooling arrangements for such cooling are disclosed.

Abstract: A cryogenic container adapted to store or transport liquified gases, the container including an outer tank formed by walls which have thermal insulation properties and are structurally capable of supporting the load, the walls incorporating a liquid and gas-impervious secondary barrier. Received within the outer tank and readily removable therefrom is a prefabricated independent inner tank constituted by a flexible bladder whose geometry roughly conforms to the contours of the inner surface of the outer tank. The bladder is formed of a synthetic plastic fabric material that is coated to render it liquid and gas-impervious to define a primary barrier, which coated fabric material maintains its flexibility and other physical characteristics at cryogenic temperatures and has sufficient structural strength to sustain the cryogenic liquid load without any danger of rupture even in those areas thereof in which the bladder does not fully conform to the contour of the outer tank surface and is not backed thereby.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting liquified gas at low temperature, a supporting structure containing a self-supporting fluid-type tank, an annular supporting ring, an annular plate, comprising a plurality of sliding joints between said annular plate and ring which permit said ring to expand and contract radially with respect to said plate.

Abstract: The improved double-walled transport container for transporting liquids and gases which have to be protected against heating or cooling and against mechanical shock, has a fully insulated inner vessel and an outer vessel comprising an upper shell, a lower shell and two dished endwalls. A shock-absorbing and thermally insulating layer is provided between the outer and the inner vessel, and support flanges extend over the entire length of the outer vessel. The sum of the distances between the endwalls of the inner and the outer vessel is at least equal to the distance of the crest of the arch from the edge of an endwall of the outer vessel.

Abstract: A low temperature liquefied gas tank of the membrane type including a membraneous inner vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape with substantially spherical corner portions, wherein each of said corner portions is provided with a membraneous patch member which is shaped to follow said corner portion and is connected to said inner vessel at its rim portion in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: To prevent the rupturing, by the expansion of the water upon freezing, of a water-freezing ice-storing reservoir and at the same time release the warmer air after producing the freezing of the water into ice, the interior of the reservoir is surrounded by a duplex wall structure or anti-freeze barrier of highly insulating material, such as the expanded polystyrene plastic known commercially as styrofoam, in the form of slabs spaced inward from the tank wall by compression springs so that the inner body of water within the duplex insulating anti-freeze barrier is frozen by freezing the air entering that body through multiple pipes from the outside atmosphere in winter time while the outer body of water adjacent the tank wall of the reservoir but outside the insulating wall thereof is protected from freezing by the insulating effect of the slabs.

Abstract: A rigid thin shell container for transporting liquified gas in marine tankers at near ambient pressure, constructed of completely developable flat plate, the contour of which is octagonal everywhere in horizontal section but curvilinear in side elevation, with eight sides linear in plan but curved vertically to form circularly or elliptically arched shell surfaces, intersecting in a point at the top, and connected at the base to an octagonal flat bottom which permits the container to be seated directly upon the insulated ship's innerbottom.

Abstract: Membrane tank having utility for the transportation and storage of liquefied gases, such as liquefied natural gas, the tank wall being comprised of two sets of warped surfaces with double curvatures, all sections of which are curved, with the surfaces of both sets being alike but having curvatures in opposite directions, some being concave and others convex in an alternating arrangement and being tangent at their common borders, each of said surfaces being anchored to a second outer wall by means of columns or partitions which project perpendicularly to a plane defined by the vertices of the warped surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in partial secondary barriers for self-supporting, axi-symmetrical cargo tanks having a layer of thermal insulation thereon, the cargo tanks mounted on board marine vessels having a double-bottom construction with an inner shell by means of an annular support supporting the cargo tank of the vessel. The improvement in the partial secondary barrier comprises a secondary barrier tank, preferably cylindrical in shape. The secondary barrier tank is installed under each cargo tank wherein the cross-section of the secondary barrier tank is substantially less than the maximum horizontal cross-section of the cargo tank. The barrier tank, in one embodiment, is structurally joined to the inner shell of the double bottom of the vessel. The tank comprises a stiff external wall, and internal thermal insulation, and an inner impermeable layer for withstanding the low temperatures of the liquid being collected in the secondary barrier tank.

Abstract: With a storage tank temporarily held in the correct position, an abutment plate is applied to the lower surface of each of support chocks projecting from a plurality of places circumferentially of the storage tank toward a support deck and in this condition such adjusting plates are temporarily fixed at the support deck as by bolts. A molding flask for preventing the outflow of resin material is placed to surround each abutment plate. Subsequently, a liquid resin material which, upon setting, becomes resistant to pressure and low temperature is poured into a space surrounded with the molding flask between the abutment plate and the support deck. After the resin has set, the storage tank is in the correctly installed condition supported by a support block formed of the resin. The upper surface of the support block serves as a slide surface provided by the abutment plate.