EP3710741B1 - Device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a ship for transporting this gas - Google Patents

Device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a ship for transporting this gas Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3710741B1
EP3710741B1 EP18799789.5A EP18799789A EP3710741B1 EP 3710741 B1 EP3710741 B1 EP 3710741B1 EP 18799789 A EP18799789 A EP 18799789A EP 3710741 B1 EP3710741 B1 EP 3710741B1
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Prior art keywords
tank
nitrogen
space
line
primary
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EP18799789.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3710741A1 (en
Inventor
Fabrice Lombard
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Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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Gaztransport et Technigaz SA
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/002—Storage in barges or on ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/004—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for large storage vessels not under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/052—Size large (>1000 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0304—Thermal insulations by solid means
    • F17C2203/0358—Thermal insulations by solid means in form of panels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0332—Safety valves or pressure relief valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
    • F17C2221/033—Methane, e.g. natural gas, CNG, LNG, GNL, GNC, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0121—Propulsion of the fluid by gravity
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F17C2227/044—Methods for emptying or filling by purging
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/03—Dealing with losses
    • F17C2260/035—Dealing with losses of fluid
    • F17C2260/037—Handling leaked fluid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
    • F17C2270/0102—Applications for fluid transport or storage on or in the water
    • F17C2270/0105—Ships
    • F17C2270/0107—Wall panels

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a vessel transporting this gas, as well as a vessel comprising at least one such device.
  • the invention can in particular be applied to the inerting of a membrane tank which is used for the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
  • LNG liquefied natural gas
  • the state of the art includes documents FR-A1-3 014 197 and FR-A1-2 317 159 .
  • a liquefied gas transport ship comprises one or more sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage of liquefied natural gas.
  • Each tank comprises a tank wall having successively, in the direction of the thickness, from the inside towards the outside of the tank, a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas, a thermal barrier primary insulating membrane, a secondary sealing membrane, a secondary thermally insulating barrier and a supporting structure defining the general shape of the tank.
  • the primary and secondary sealing membranes delimit between them a primary space which contains the primary insulating barrier and which is intended to be filled with an inert gas, generally nitrogen. Inert gas also supplies the secondary space defined by the secondary sealing membrane.
  • the supporting structure of the tank is formed on the one hand by watertight transverse partitions called “cofferdam” located on at least two opposite sides of the tank, and a bottom of the tank which extends under the tank and defines with the latter a passage through which fluids such as condensation water or LNG can flow in the event of a leak. These fluids generally flow by gravity into a drainage box before being evacuated.
  • the sealing membranes of such a tank can in fact present leaks causing the passage of liquefied natural gas from inside the tank. towards thermally insulating barriers, primary and secondary.
  • a combustible gas is in the presence of an oxidizing gas and the concentration of combustible gas is in a concentration range between its lower explosive limit (LEL) and its upper explosive limit (UEL ) and the oxidizing gas is within an appropriate concentration range, the combustible gas is liable to ignite and explode.
  • LEL lower explosive limit
  • UEL upper explosive limit
  • each of the primary and secondary spaces is connected to a nitrogen line which makes it possible to supply the space with nitrogen but also to evacuate the nitrogen from this space. It is therefore a bi-directional line which is connected to a space at the level of one or two fluidic communication ports.
  • the tank can be completely “buried” and be covered by the double deck of the ship.
  • the inner and outer casings of the vessel protrude over the double deck of the ship to form vapor and liquid domes which take the form of two turrets or chimneys intended to pass cargo handling equipment for handling a liquid phase and a vapor phase of the liquefied gas contained in the tank.
  • a tank is equipped with such valves to prevent overpressure in the primary and secondary spaces.
  • the valves In the first technology above, the valves must pass through the upper double deck to be connected to the spaces.
  • crossings of the double deck and of the vessel's supporting structure must be avoided because they can facilitate leaks and lead to significant additional cost in the design and construction of the vessel.
  • the present invention proposes an improvement making it possible in particular, in a simple, effective and economical manner, to allow the inerting of a secondary space of any type of tank without a dedicated crossing of its supporting structure.
  • the invention provides an inerting device according to claim 1.
  • the invention thus proposes to connect the nitrogen line to the secondary space via the drainage box.
  • the drainage box is connected to the passage extending between the bottom of the tank and the outer casing to be able to collect the fluids which are likely to flow in this passage.
  • the drain box is further connected to the secondary space to provide fluid communication between the nitrogen line and the secondary space.
  • the secondary space therefore no longer needs to be equipped with ports dedicated to the connection with the nitrogen line, which simplifies the design of the tank.
  • the nitrogen line can have a dual function, namely supplying the secondary space with nitrogen with a view to inerting it, but also supplying the drainage box itself with nitrogen. Accidental explosions are thus avoided both in the secondary space and the drainage box which is likely to receive LNG in the event of a leak.
  • the supply of nitrogen to the secondary space via the drainage box also makes it possible to facilitate the evacuation of gas, such as methane, from the secondary space. This gas is then expelled from the secondary space by the nitrogen which, because of its lightness compared to the methane, will tend to expel the methane towards the top of the tank where a fluidic communication port is generally located.
  • gas such as methane
  • the present invention also relates to a vessel for transporting liquefied gas, comprising at least one device as described above.
  • each wall of the tank 1 comprises a multilayer structure comprising, from the outside towards the inside of the tank 1, a support structure 2 defining the general shape of the tank 1, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 comprising insulating elements resting against the load-bearing structure 2, a secondary sealing membrane 4, a primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprising insulating elements resting against the secondary sealing membrane 4 and a primary sealing membrane 6 intended to be in contact with the liquefied combustible gas contained in tank 1.
  • the term "primary space” refers to the space containing the primary insulating thermal barrier 5, and "secondary space” to the space containing the secondary insulating thermal barrier 3.
  • the primary insulating thermal barrier 5 forms an internal envelope which is surrounded by the external envelope formed by the secondary insulating thermal barrier 3, and which is itself surrounded by the load-bearing structure 2.
  • the load-bearing structure 2 can in particular be a self-supporting metal sheet and/or be formed by the hull or the double hull of a ship.
  • the thermally insulating barriers 3, 5 comprise solid insulating materials and a gas phase.
  • the thermally insulating barriers 3, 5 are formed from insulated boxes, not shown.
  • the boxes comprise a bottom panel and a lid panel, for example made of plywood, and a plurality of spacers interposed between the bottom and lid panels. Compartments for housing a thermal insulation are provided between the spacing elements.
  • the heat-insulating lining can be made of any material having suitable thermal insulation properties.
  • the heat insulating lining is chosen from materials such as perlite, glass wool, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, aerogels or others.
  • the primary and secondary sealing membranes 4, 6 are gas and liquid tight.
  • the supporting structure 2 is also sealed. Therefore, within the meaning of the present description and of the claims, the term “tight barrier” covers both the sealing membranes 4, 6 and the supporting structure 2.
  • the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 is arranged in a sealed space which is isolated from the ambient pressure, on the one hand, by a first sealed barrier consisting of the secondary sealing membrane 4, on the other hand, by a second sealed barrier formed by the supporting structure 2.
  • the liquefied gas comprises a chemical body or a mixture of chemical bodies which has been placed in a liquid phase at low temperature and which is in a vapor phase under normal conditions of temperature and pressure.
  • the liquefied gas 3 can in particular be a liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is to say a gas mixture mainly comprising methane as well as one or more other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, n- butane, 'l-butane, n-pentane, i-pentane and nitrogen in a small proportion.
  • Liquefied natural gas is stored at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of approximately -162°C.
  • the liquefied gas can also be ethane or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), that is to say a mixture of hydrocarbons resulting from petroleum refining comprising essentially propane and n-butane.
  • LPG liquefied petroleum gas
  • the fuel gas can also be ethylene.
  • the inerting device aims more particularly to ensure the inerting of the secondary space.
  • the inerting device further comprises inert gas injection equipment 11 making it possible to sweep the thermally insulating barrier 3 with an inert gas.
  • the injection equipment 11 comprises a pressurized inert gas generator 12 connected to an inert gas supply pipe 14 opening inside the secondary space.
  • the pressurized inert gas generator 12 is connected to the pipe 14 by a valve 16 making it possible to regulate the flow rate and/or the pressure of the injection of inert gas inside the thermally insulating barrier 3.
  • the inert gas is preferentially nitrogen and more precisely dinitrogen or a mixture containing this gas.
  • the pipe 14 can also be equipped with an additional, optional pump 13 to ensure the injection of inert gas from the inert gas generator 12.
  • the invention proposes an improvement to this technology consisting in supplying the secondary space of the tank with dinitrogen via the drainage box 20 of this tank (cf. figure 2 ).
  • the drainage box 20 is located under the tank 1 and is connected to a passage 22 extending between the bottom of the tank 2a of the support structure 2 and the outer casing so that fluids can flow by gravity from the bottom tank to the drain box.
  • the box 20 is thus connected to one end of a first conduit 24 whose opposite end opens onto an upper surface of the bottom of the vessel.
  • Box 20 is also connected to a end of a second pipe 26 for the evacuation of the fluids collected towards the outside of the box, this second pipe being able to be equipped with a valve 28.
  • the reference 23 designates a peripheral cord which is arranged in space and which makes it possible to guide the fluids to the drainage box 20.
  • the cord is for example made of polymerizable resin and can extend continuously over the entire circumference. of the bottom of the tank 2a so that the fluids which run off the peripheral walls of the support structure 2 are then routed to the drainage box.
  • the bead could be produced by metal sections.
  • the reference 30 designates the nitrogen line of the secondary space, that is to say the line which allows both the supply of nitrogen to the secondary space and the evacuation of nitrogen from this space. , that is to say in other words the circulation of nitrogen in the secondary space.
  • This nitrogen line 30 is thus bi-directional and can therefore be considered as fulfilling the functions of pipes 8 and 14 of the figure 1 .
  • the nitrogen line 30 here opens directly into the drainage box 20 and its pipe 24 connecting to the passage 22 is also configured to be in fluid communication with the secondary space.
  • the end of the pipe 24 located at the level of the passage 22 can be extended and have a first orifice opening into the passage 22 and a second orifice opening into the secondary space.
  • the secondary space could be in fluid communication with the passage 22 through at least one orifice provided in the outer casing and opening into the secondary space.
  • the figures 3 to 5 relate to a first type of tank known under the name "NO96” and the figures 6 and 7 relate to a second type of tank known as "Mark”.
  • the double upper deck 2b of the ship of the supporting structure 2 of a NO96 tank covers the entire tank, which is also isolated from other tanks or from the rest of the ship by watertight transverse bulkheads 2c called "cofferdam".
  • the secondary space of the tank 1 is equipped with two pilot-operated safety valves 32 whose purpose is to prevent overpressure in this space.
  • the primary space of tank 1 is also equipped with one or two pilot-operated safety valves.
  • a problem of the prior art is related to the distance between the source of overpressure (the nitrogen line 30) and the valves 32.
  • the sudden appearance of a strong flow of nitrogen could induce a certain latency, due to pressure drops, causing the valve to not yet detect the overpressure. In such a case, the valve would not open fast enough and rapid overpressure would occur in the secondary space near the nitrogen line.
  • one solution consists in placing at least one of the two valves 32 directly on the nitrogen line 30 which is identified as being the only source of overpressure.
  • the valve or valves are arranged between the valve 34 and the drainage box 20.
  • a valve 32 is mounted on the line 30 and the other is mounted on the tank crossing the double bridge 2b.
  • the two valves 32 are mounted on line 30.
  • the double upper deck 2b of the vessel of the supporting structure 2 of a Mark tank is crossed by portions of the internal and external envelopes of the tank which form domes 33a, 33b.
  • the double bridge 2b is interrupted at two locations where the tank forms a protruding structure in the form of a turret or a chimney.
  • the first turret is a liquid dome 33a which serves as a point of entry for various LNG handling equipment, namely for example a filling line, an emergency pumping line, unloading lines linked to unloading pumps, a line sprayer, a supply line linked to a spray pump, etc.
  • the second turret is a steam dome 33b which serves as a penetration point for example for a steam collecting line. The operation of this equipment is known elsewhere.
  • the tank can be equipped with a dedicated line for evacuating the inert gas contained in the secondary space (represented by an arrow in dotted lines 35).
  • This exhaust line could be connected to a degassing mast to exhaust the inert gas to the atmosphere.
  • Line 30 of this tank would then be an admission line and not a bi-directional one.
  • a similar technology can equip the tank of figures 3 to 5 .
  • the safety valves 34 are of the pilot type, that is to say they comprise a main line 36 comprising a main valve and a pilot line 38 comprising a pilot valve ( figure 8 ).
  • the main line 36 comprises an inlet and an outlet between which the main valve 36a is arranged.
  • the inlet and outlet of the main line are connected to a fluid circulation pipe such as the nitrogen line 30.
  • the pilot line 38 comprises an inlet and an outlet between which the pilot valve 38a is placed.
  • the inlet of the pilot line is connected to the aforementioned pipe and its outlet is connected to the main valve 36a.
  • the pilot valve 38a is actuated by the high pressure P1 and the back pressure P2.
  • the reference pressure P0 in the pilot valve 38a is equal to atmospheric pressure.
  • the main valve 26a is an opening valve.
  • the high pressure P1 is exerted on the underside of a cone 42.
  • the pressure P1 also passes through a piston rod 43 to an upper chamber 44 of the valve, which exerts pressure on the piston 45.
  • the piston surface is larger than that of the valve seat which, together with the action of a spring, keeps the valve closed.
  • a safety valve 32 when a safety valve 32 is mounted on line 30, its two main 36 and pilot 38 lines can be connected to line 30 ( figure 9 ) or just one of them ( figure 10 ).
  • the main line 36 is connected to the line 30 while the pilot line 38 is connected to the secondary space. This makes it possible not to undergo the effects of dynamic pressure, and to measure only a static pressure of the volume.
  • the invention therefore makes it possible to simplify the design of a tank for transporting liquefied gas by optimizing its inerting device and even the safety (valve) associated with this device.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUETECHNICAL AREA

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'inertage d'une cuve de stockage de gaz liquéfié pour un navire de transport de ce gaz, ainsi qu'un navire comportant au moins un tel dispositif. L'invention peut notamment s'appliquer à l'inertage d'une cuve à membranes qui est employée pour le stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL).The invention relates to a device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a vessel transporting this gas, as well as a vessel comprising at least one such device. The invention can in particular be applied to the inerting of a membrane tank which is used for the storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

ETAT DE L'ARTSTATE OF THE ART

L'état de l'art comprend les documents FR-A1-3 014 197 et FR-A1-2 317 159 .The state of the art includes documents FR-A1-3 014 197 and FR-A1-2 317 159 .

Un navire de transport de gaz liquéfié comporte une ou plusieurs cuves étanches et thermiquement isolantes pour le stockage de gaz naturel liquéfié. Chaque cuve comporte une paroi de cuve présentant successivement, dans le sens de l'épaisseur, depuis l'intérieur vers l'extérieur de la cuve, une membrane d'étanchéité primaire destinée à être en contact avec le gaz naturel liquéfié, une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire, une membrane d'étanchéité secondaire, une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire et une structure porteuse définissant la forme générale de la cuve.A liquefied gas transport ship comprises one or more sealed and thermally insulating tanks for the storage of liquefied natural gas. Each tank comprises a tank wall having successively, in the direction of the thickness, from the inside towards the outside of the tank, a primary sealing membrane intended to be in contact with the liquefied natural gas, a thermal barrier primary insulating membrane, a secondary sealing membrane, a secondary thermally insulating barrier and a supporting structure defining the general shape of the tank.

Les membranes d'étanchéité primaire et secondaire délimitent entre elles un espace primaire qui contient la barrière isolante primaire et qui est destiné à être rempli d'un gaz inerte, en général de l'azote. Du gaz inerte alimente également l'espace secondaire défini par la membrane d'étanchéité secondaire.The primary and secondary sealing membranes delimit between them a primary space which contains the primary insulating barrier and which is intended to be filled with an inert gas, generally nitrogen. Inert gas also supplies the secondary space defined by the secondary sealing membrane.

La structure porteuse de la cuve est formée d'une part par des cloisons transversales étanches appelées « cofferdam » situées sur au moins deux côtés opposés de la cuve, et un fond de cuve qui s'étend sous la cuve et définit avec celle-ci un passage dans lequel peut s'écouler des fluides tels que de l'eau de condensation ou bien du GNL en cas de fuite. Ces fluides s'écoulent en général par gravité dans une boîte de drainage avant d'être évacués.The supporting structure of the tank is formed on the one hand by watertight transverse partitions called "cofferdam" located on at least two opposite sides of the tank, and a bottom of the tank which extends under the tank and defines with the latter a passage through which fluids such as condensation water or LNG can flow in the event of a leak. These fluids generally flow by gravity into a drainage box before being evacuated.

Les membranes d'étanchéité d'une telle cuve peuvent en effet présenter des fuites entraînant le passage de gaz naturel liquéfié de l'intérieur de la cuve vers les barrières thermiquement isolantes, primaire et secondaire. Or, lorsqu'un gaz combustible se trouve en présence d'un gaz comburant et que la concentration de gaz combustible se trouve dans une plage de concentration comprise entre sa limite inférieure d'explosivité (LIE) et sa limite supérieure d'explosivité (LSE) et que le gaz comburant se trouve dans une plage de concentration appropriée, le gaz combustible est susceptible de s'enflammer et d'exploser.The sealing membranes of such a tank can in fact present leaks causing the passage of liquefied natural gas from inside the tank. towards thermally insulating barriers, primary and secondary. However, when a combustible gas is in the presence of an oxidizing gas and the concentration of combustible gas is in a concentration range between its lower explosive limit (LEL) and its upper explosive limit (UEL ) and the oxidizing gas is within an appropriate concentration range, the combustible gas is liable to ignite and explode.

L'inertage des espaces primaire et secondaire, c'est-à-dire leur mise sous atmosphère inerte, permet d'éviter des accidents. Ainsi, les gaz combustibles et comburants, qui pourraient être présents dans les barrières thermiquement isolantes, sont dilués de telle sorte que les conditions d'explosivité ne sont pas atteintes.The inerting of the primary and secondary spaces, that is to say putting them under an inert atmosphere, makes it possible to avoid accidents. Thus, the combustible and oxidizing gases, which could be present in the thermally insulating barriers, are diluted in such a way that the explosive conditions are not reached.

Dans la technique actuelle, chacun des espaces primaire et secondaire est relié à une ligne d'azote qui permet d'alimenter en azote l'espace mais aussi d'évacuer l'azote de cet espace. Il s'agit donc d'une ligne bi-directionnelle qui est reliée à un espace au niveau d'un ou deux ports de communication fluidique.In the current technique, each of the primary and secondary spaces is connected to a nitrogen line which makes it possible to supply the space with nitrogen but also to evacuate the nitrogen from this space. It is therefore a bi-directional line which is connected to a space at the level of one or two fluidic communication ports.

Il existe plusieurs technologies de cuve. La cuve peut être entièrement « enterrée » et être recouverte par le double pont du navire. Dans une autre configuration, les enveloppes interne et externe de la cuve font saillie sur le double pont du navire pour former des dômes vapeur et liquide qui se présentent sous la forme de deux tourelles ou cheminées destinées à faire passer des équipements de manutention de cargaison pour manutentionner une phase liquide et une phase vapeur du gaz liquéfié contenu dans la cuve.There are several tank technologies. The tank can be completely "buried" and be covered by the double deck of the ship. In another configuration, the inner and outer casings of the vessel protrude over the double deck of the ship to form vapor and liquid domes which take the form of two turrets or chimneys intended to pass cargo handling equipment for handling a liquid phase and a vapor phase of the liquefied gas contained in the tank.

Avec cette dernière technologie, il est plus facile d'accéder aux espaces primaire et secondaire au niveau des dômes et de les relier aux lignes d'azote. Ceci n'est pas le cas avec la première technologie dans laquelle les lignes d'azote doivent traverser le double pont pour relier les espaces à inerter. Ce problème est le même pour les soupapes pilotées de sécurité qui équipent les cuves.With this latest technology, it is easier to access the primary and secondary spaces at the level of the domes and to connect them to the nitrogen lines. This is not the case with the first technology in which the nitrogen lines must cross the double bridge to connect the spaces to be inerted. This problem is the same for the pilot-operated safety valves fitted to the tanks.

Une cuve est équipée de telles soupapes pour éviter une surpression dans les espaces primaire et secondaire. Dans la première technologie précitée, les soupapes doivent traverser le double pont supérieur pour être reliées aux espaces.A tank is equipped with such valves to prevent overpressure in the primary and secondary spaces. In the first technology above, the valves must pass through the upper double deck to be connected to the spaces.

De manière générale, les traversées du double pont et de la structure porteuse de la cuve doivent être évitées car elles peuvent faciliter les fuites et entraînent un surcoût important de conception et de réalisation de la cuve.In general, crossings of the double deck and of the vessel's supporting structure must be avoided because they can facilitate leaks and lead to significant additional cost in the design and construction of the vessel.

La présente invention propose un perfectionnement permettant notamment de manière simple, efficace et économique, de permettre l'inertage d'un espace secondaire de tout type de cuve sans traversée dédiée de sa structure porteuse.The present invention proposes an improvement making it possible in particular, in a simple, effective and economical manner, to allow the inerting of a secondary space of any type of tank without a dedicated crossing of its supporting structure.

EXPOSE DE L'INVENTIONDISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

L'invention propose un dispositif d'inertage selon la revendication 1.The invention provides an inerting device according to claim 1.

L'invention propose ainsi de relier la ligne d'azote à l'espace secondaire par l'intermédiaire de la boîte de drainage. La boîte de drainage est reliée au passage s'étendant entre le fond de cuve et l'enveloppe externe pour être capable de collecter les fluides qui sont susceptibles de s'écouler dans ce passage. La boîte de drainage est en outre reliée à l'espace secondaire pour assurer une communication fluidique entre la ligne d'azote et l'espace secondaire. L'espace secondaire n'a donc plus besoin d'être équipé de ports dédiés à la liaison avec la ligne d'azote, ce qui simplifie la conception de la cuve. La ligne d'azote peut avoir une double fonction à savoir alimenter l'espace secondaire en azote en vue de son inertage mais aussi alimenter en azote la boîte de drainage elle-même. On évite ainsi des explosions accidentelles à la fois dans l'espace secondaire et la boîte de drainage qui est susceptible de recevoir du GNL en cas de fuite.The invention thus proposes to connect the nitrogen line to the secondary space via the drainage box. The drainage box is connected to the passage extending between the bottom of the tank and the outer casing to be able to collect the fluids which are likely to flow in this passage. The drain box is further connected to the secondary space to provide fluid communication between the nitrogen line and the secondary space. The secondary space therefore no longer needs to be equipped with ports dedicated to the connection with the nitrogen line, which simplifies the design of the tank. The nitrogen line can have a dual function, namely supplying the secondary space with nitrogen with a view to inerting it, but also supplying the drainage box itself with nitrogen. Accidental explosions are thus avoided both in the secondary space and the drainage box which is likely to receive LNG in the event of a leak.

L'alimentation en azote de l'espace secondaire par la boîte de drainage permet en outre de faciliter l'évacuation de gaz, tel que du méthane, de l'espace secondaire. Ce gaz est alors chassé de l'espace secondaire par l'azote qui, du fait de sa légèreté par rapport au méthane, aura tendance à chasser le méthane vers le haut de la cuve où se situe en général un port de communication fluidique.The supply of nitrogen to the secondary space via the drainage box also makes it possible to facilitate the evacuation of gas, such as methane, from the secondary space. This gas is then expelled from the secondary space by the nitrogen which, because of its lightness compared to the methane, will tend to expel the methane towards the top of the tank where a fluidic communication port is generally located.

Le dispositif selon l'invention peut comprendre une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises isolément les unes des autres ou en combinaison les unes avec les autres :

  • ladite boîte de drainage est reliée à une conduite de drainage et de circulation d'azote qui débouche dans ledit passage et ledit espace secondaire,
  • le dispositif comprend en outre au moins une soupape de sécurité, de préférence pilotée, qui est reliée directement à ladite ligne d'azote ; on comprend ainsi que la ou les soupapes de sécurité qui sécurisent l'espace secondaire peuvent être montées directement sur la ligne d'azote et non plus sur la cuve ; il y a donc moins de traversées de la cuve, ce qui est avantageux pour les raisons expliquées dans ce qui précède ; par ailleurs, le déplacement de la ou des soupapes sur la ligne d'azote présente un net avantage de réactivité par rapport à la technique antérieure, ce qui sera expliqué plus en détail dans ce qui suit,
  • ladite au moins une soupape de sécurité comprend une ligne principale comportant une vanne principale et une ligne pilote comportant une vanne pilote, au moins une desdites lignes principale et pilote étant reliée directement à ladite ligne d'azote,
  • le dispositif comprend deux soupapes pilotées de sécurité, au moins une desdites lignes principale et pilote de chacune de ces soupapes étant reliée directement à ladite ligne d'azote,
  • les lignes principale et pilote de la ou chaque soupape sont reliées directement à ladite ligne d'azote,
  • le dispositif comprend en outre au moins une soupape de sécurité, de préférence pilotée, qui est reliée directement audit espace secondaire ; cette soupape de sécurité confère une sécurité additionnelle en évitant une augmentation de pression trop importante dans l'espace secondaire,
  • à l'extrémité supérieure de la cuve, l'enveloppe externe s'étend intégralement au-dessus de l'enveloppe interne,
  • en variante, à l'extrémité supérieure de la cuve, les enveloppes interne et externes sont en saillie sur un double pont recouvrant la cuve, pour former des dômes.
The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately from each other or in combination with each other:
  • said drainage box is connected to a drainage and nitrogen circulation pipe which opens into said passage and said secondary space,
  • the device further comprises at least one safety valve, preferably controlled, which is directly connected to said nitrogen line; it is thus understood that the safety valve or valves which secure the secondary space can be mounted directly on the nitrogen line and no longer on the tank; there are therefore fewer crossings of the tank, which is advantageous for the reasons explained in the foregoing; moreover, the movement of the valve or valves on the nitrogen line has a clear advantage in terms of responsiveness compared to the prior art, which will be explained in more detail in the following,
  • said at least one safety valve comprises a main line comprising a main valve and a pilot line comprising a pilot valve, at least one of said main and pilot lines being connected directly to said nitrogen line,
  • the device comprises two pilot-operated safety valves, at least one of said main and pilot lines of each of these valves being connected directly to said nitrogen line,
  • the main and pilot lines of the or each valve are directly connected to said nitrogen line,
  • the device further comprises at least one safety valve, preferably controlled, which is directly connected to said secondary space; this safety valve provides additional safety by avoiding an excessive increase in pressure in the secondary space,
  • at the upper end of the tank, the outer casing extends entirely above the inner casing,
  • as a variant, at the upper end of the tank, the internal and external casings project on a double bridge covering the tank, to form domes.

La présente invention concerne également un navire de transport de gaz liquéfié, comportant au moins un dispositif tel que décrit ci-dessus.The present invention also relates to a vessel for transporting liquefied gas, comprising at least one device as described above.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres détails, caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit, faite à titre d'exemple non limitatif et en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue très schématique d'un dispositif d'inertage d'une cuve de transport de gaz liquéfié,
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique d'une boîte de drainage et d'une portion de cuve, et illustre un mode de réalisation de l'invention,
  • les figures 3 à 5 sont des vues très schématiques de variantes de réalisation de l'invention, pour un type de cuve,
  • les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues très schématiques de variantes de réalisation de l'invention, pour un autre type de cuve,
  • la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une soupape de sécurité du type piloté, et
  • les figures 9 et 10 sont des vues très schématiques d'une cuve équipée d'une soupape pilotée de sécurité.
The invention will be better understood and other details, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a very schematic view of a device for inerting a liquefied gas transport tank,
  • the figure 2 is a schematic view of a drainage box and a portion of the tank, and illustrates an embodiment of the invention,
  • the figures 3 to 5 are very schematic views of alternative embodiments of the invention, for one type of tank,
  • the figures 6 and 7 are very schematic views of alternative embodiments of the invention, for another type of tank,
  • the figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a pilot-operated type safety valve, and
  • the figures 9 and 10 are very schematic views of a tank equipped with a pilot-operated safety valve.

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEEDETAILED DESCRIPTION

En référence à la figure 1, on a représenté schématiquement une cuve 1 destinée au stockage d'un gaz liquéfié. Chaque paroi de la cuve 1 comprend une structure multicouche comportant, depuis l'extérieur vers l'intérieur de la cuve 1, une structure porteuse 2 définissant la forme générale de la cuve 1 , une barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3 comportant des éléments isolants reposant contre la structure porteuse 2, une membrane d'étanchéité secondaire 4, une barrière thermiquement isolante primaire 5 comportant des éléments isolants reposant contre la membrane d'étanchéité secondaire 4 et une membrane d'étanchéité primaire 6 destinée à être en contact avec le gaz combustible liquéfié contenu dans la cuve 1.With reference to the figure 1 , there is shown schematically a tank 1 intended for the storage of a liquefied gas. Each wall of the tank 1 comprises a multilayer structure comprising, from the outside towards the inside of the tank 1, a support structure 2 defining the general shape of the tank 1, a secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 comprising insulating elements resting against the load-bearing structure 2, a secondary sealing membrane 4, a primary thermally insulating barrier 5 comprising insulating elements resting against the secondary sealing membrane 4 and a primary sealing membrane 6 intended to be in contact with the liquefied combustible gas contained in tank 1.

Dans la description qui suit, on appelle « espace primaire », l'espace contenant la barrière thermique isolante primaire 5, et « espace secondaire », l'espace contenant la barrière thermique isolante secondaire 3. Comme on le voit dans le dessin, la barrière thermique isolante primaire 5forme une enveloppe interne qui est entourée par l'enveloppe externe formée par la barrière thermique isolante secondaire 3, et qui est elle-même entourée par la structure porteuse 2.In the following description, the term "primary space" refers to the space containing the primary insulating thermal barrier 5, and "secondary space" to the space containing the secondary insulating thermal barrier 3. As can be seen in the drawing, the primary insulating thermal barrier 5 forms an internal envelope which is surrounded by the external envelope formed by the secondary insulating thermal barrier 3, and which is itself surrounded by the load-bearing structure 2.

La structure porteuse 2 peut notamment être une tôle métallique autoporteuse et/ou être formée par la coque ou la double coque d'un navire.The load-bearing structure 2 can in particular be a self-supporting metal sheet and/or be formed by the hull or the double hull of a ship.

Les barrières thermiquement isolantes 3, 5 comportent des matières solides isolantes et une phase gazeuse. Selon un mode de réalisation, les barrières thermiquement isolantes 3, 5 sont formées de caisses calorifuges, non illustrées. Les caisses comportent un panneau de fond et un panneau de couvercle, par exemple en contreplaqué, et une pluralité d'éléments d'espacement interposés entre les panneaux de fond et de couvercle. Des compartiments pour le logement d'une garniture calorifuge sont ménagés entre les éléments d'espacement. La garniture calorifuge peut être réalisée par tout matériau présentant des propriétés d'isolation thermique appropriées. A titre d'exemple, la garniture calorifuge est choisie parmi les matériaux tels que la perlite, la laine de verre, la mousse de polyuréthane, la mousse de polyéthylène, la mousse de polychlorure de vinyle, les aérogels ou autres.The thermally insulating barriers 3, 5 comprise solid insulating materials and a gas phase. According to one embodiment, the thermally insulating barriers 3, 5 are formed from insulated boxes, not shown. The boxes comprise a bottom panel and a lid panel, for example made of plywood, and a plurality of spacers interposed between the bottom and lid panels. Compartments for housing a thermal insulation are provided between the spacing elements. The heat-insulating lining can be made of any material having suitable thermal insulation properties. By way of example, the heat insulating lining is chosen from materials such as perlite, glass wool, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, aerogels or others.

Les membranes d'étanchéité primaire et secondaire 4, 6 sont étanches aux gaz et aux liquides. La structure porteuse 2 est également étanche. Dès lors, au sens de la présente description et des revendications, le terme de « barrière étanche » couvre à la fois les membranes d'étanchéité 4, 6 et la structure porteuse 2. Ainsi, la barrière thermiquement isolante secondaire 3 est agencée dans un espace étanche qui est isolé de la pression ambiante, d'une part, par une première barrière étanche constituée de la membrane d'étanchéité secondaire 4, d'autre part, par une seconde barrière étanche constituée par la structure porteuse 2.The primary and secondary sealing membranes 4, 6 are gas and liquid tight. The supporting structure 2 is also sealed. Therefore, within the meaning of the present description and of the claims, the term "tight barrier" covers both the sealing membranes 4, 6 and the supporting structure 2. Thus, the secondary thermally insulating barrier 3 is arranged in a sealed space which is isolated from the ambient pressure, on the one hand, by a first sealed barrier consisting of the secondary sealing membrane 4, on the other hand, by a second sealed barrier formed by the supporting structure 2.

Le gaz liquéfié comprend un corps chimique ou un mélange de corps chimiques qui a été placé dans une phase liquide à basse température et qui se présente dans une phase vapeur dans les conditions normales de température et de pression. Le gaz liquéfié 3 peut notamment être un gaz naturel liquéfié (GNL), c'est-à-dire un mélange gazeux comportant majoritairement du méthane ainsi qu'un ou plusieurs autres hydrocarbures, tels que l'éthane, le propane, le n-butane, le 'l-butane, le n-pentane le i-pentane et de l'azote en faible proportion. Le gaz naturel liquéfie est stocké à pression atmosphérique à une température d'environ -162°C.The liquefied gas comprises a chemical body or a mixture of chemical bodies which has been placed in a liquid phase at low temperature and which is in a vapor phase under normal conditions of temperature and pressure. The liquefied gas 3 can in particular be a liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is to say a gas mixture mainly comprising methane as well as one or more other hydrocarbons, such as ethane, propane, n- butane, 'l-butane, n-pentane, i-pentane and nitrogen in a small proportion. Liquefied natural gas is stored at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of approximately -162°C.

Le gaz liquéfié peut également être de l'éthane ou un gaz de pétrole liquéfié (GPL), c'est-à-dire un mélange d'hydrocarbures issu du raffinage du pétrole comportant essentiellement du propane et du n-butane. Le gaz combustible peut également être de l'éthylène.The liquefied gas can also be ethane or a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), that is to say a mixture of hydrocarbons resulting from petroleum refining comprising essentially propane and n-butane. The fuel gas can also be ethylene.

Afin d'éviter que, en raison de fuites de gaz naturel liquéfié au travers des membranes d'étanchéité 4, 6 et/ou d'air au travers de la structure porteuse 2, un mélange gazeux ne soit présent dans des proportions explosives dans les parois de la cuve 1 , celles-ci sont soumises à un procédé connu de l'homme du métier, et par exemple décrit dans la demande WO-A1-2015/124536 .In order to prevent that, due to leaks of liquefied natural gas through the sealing membranes 4, 6 and/or of air through the support structure 2, a gaseous mixture is present in explosive proportions in the walls of the tank 1, these are subjected to a method known to those skilled in the art, and for example described in the application WO-A1-2015/124536 .

Dans l'exemple représenté, le dispositif d'inertage vise plus particulièrement à assurer l'inertage de l'espace secondaire. Le dispositif d'inertage comporte en outre un équipement d'injection de gaz inerte 11 permettant de balayer la barrière thermiquement isolante 3 avec un gaz inerte. L'équipement d'injection 11 comporte un générateur de gaz inerte sous pression 12 connecté, à une canalisation d'amenée de gaz inerte 14 débouchant à l'intérieur de l'espace secondaire. Le générateur de gaz inerte sous pression 12 est raccordé à la canalisation 14 par une vanne 16 permettant de réguler le débit et/ou la pression de l'injection de gaz inerte à l'intérieur de la barrière thermiquement isolante 3. Le gaz inerte est préférentiellement de l'azote et plus exactement du diazote ou un mélange contenant ce gaz.In the example represented, the inerting device aims more particularly to ensure the inerting of the secondary space. The inerting device further comprises inert gas injection equipment 11 making it possible to sweep the thermally insulating barrier 3 with an inert gas. The injection equipment 11 comprises a pressurized inert gas generator 12 connected to an inert gas supply pipe 14 opening inside the secondary space. The pressurized inert gas generator 12 is connected to the pipe 14 by a valve 16 making it possible to regulate the flow rate and/or the pressure of the injection of inert gas inside the thermally insulating barrier 3. The inert gas is preferentially nitrogen and more precisely dinitrogen or a mixture containing this gas.

La canalisation 14 peut également être équipée d'une pompe 13 complémentaire, optionnelle, pour assurer l'injection de gaz inerte depuis générateur de gaz inerte 12.The pipe 14 can also be equipped with an additional, optional pump 13 to ensure the injection of inert gas from the inert gas generator 12.

L'invention propose un perfectionnement à cette technologie consistant à alimenter l'espace secondaire de la cuve en diazote par l'intermédiaire de la boîte de drainage 20 de cette cuve (cf. figure 2).The invention proposes an improvement to this technology consisting in supplying the secondary space of the tank with dinitrogen via the drainage box 20 of this tank (cf. figure 2 ).

La boîte de drainage 20 est située sous la cuve 1 et est reliée à un passage 22 s'étendant entre le fond de cuve 2a de la structure porteuse 2 et l'enveloppe externe afin que des fluides puissent s'écouler par gravité depuis le fond de cuve jusqu'à la boîte de drainage. La boîte 20 est ainsi reliée à une extrémité d'une première conduite 24 dont l'extrémité opposée débouche sur une surface supérieure du fond de cuve. La boîte 20 est en outre reliée à une extrémité d'une seconde conduite 26 pour l'évacuation des fluides récoltés vers l'extérieur de la boîte, cette seconde conduite pouvant être équipée d'une vanne 28.The drainage box 20 is located under the tank 1 and is connected to a passage 22 extending between the bottom of the tank 2a of the support structure 2 and the outer casing so that fluids can flow by gravity from the bottom tank to the drain box. The box 20 is thus connected to one end of a first conduit 24 whose opposite end opens onto an upper surface of the bottom of the vessel. Box 20 is also connected to a end of a second pipe 26 for the evacuation of the fluids collected towards the outside of the box, this second pipe being able to be equipped with a valve 28.

La référence 23 désigne un cordon périphérique qui est disposé dans l'espace et qui permet de guider les fluides jusqu'à la boîte de drainage 20. Le cordon est par exemple réalisé en résine polymérisable et peut s'étendre en continu sur tout le pourtour du fond de cuve 2a pour que les fluides qui ruissellent sur les parois périphériques de la structure porteuse 2 soient ensuite acheminés jusqu'à la boîte de drainage. En variante, le cordon pourrait être réalisé par des profilés métalliques.The reference 23 designates a peripheral cord which is arranged in space and which makes it possible to guide the fluids to the drainage box 20. The cord is for example made of polymerizable resin and can extend continuously over the entire circumference. of the bottom of the tank 2a so that the fluids which run off the peripheral walls of the support structure 2 are then routed to the drainage box. As a variant, the bead could be produced by metal sections.

La référence 30 désigne la ligne d'azote de l'espace secondaire, c'est-à-dire la ligne qui permet à la fois l'alimentation en azote de l'espace secondaire et l'évacuation de l'azote de cet espace, c'est-à-dire autrement dit la circulation d'azote dans l'espace secondaire. Cette ligne d'azote 30 est ainsi bi-directionnelle et peut donc être considérée comme remplissant les fonctions des canalisations 8 et 14 de la figure 1.The reference 30 designates the nitrogen line of the secondary space, that is to say the line which allows both the supply of nitrogen to the secondary space and the evacuation of nitrogen from this space. , that is to say in other words the circulation of nitrogen in the secondary space. This nitrogen line 30 is thus bi-directional and can therefore be considered as fulfilling the functions of pipes 8 and 14 of the figure 1 .

La ligne d'azote 30 débouche ici directement dans la boîte de drainage 20 et sa conduite 24 de liaison au passage 22 est en outre configurée pour être en communication fluidique avec l'espace secondaire. En pratique, l'extrémité de la conduite 24 située au niveau du passage 22 peut être rallongée et avoir un premier orifice débouchant dans le passage 22 et un second orifice débouchant dans l'espace secondaire. En variante, l'espace secondaire pourrait être en communication fluidique avec le passage 22 par au moins un orifice prévu dans l'enveloppe externe et débouchant dans l'espace secondaire.The nitrogen line 30 here opens directly into the drainage box 20 and its pipe 24 connecting to the passage 22 is also configured to be in fluid communication with the secondary space. In practice, the end of the pipe 24 located at the level of the passage 22 can be extended and have a first orifice opening into the passage 22 and a second orifice opening into the secondary space. As a variant, the secondary space could be in fluid communication with the passage 22 through at least one orifice provided in the outer casing and opening into the secondary space.

Les figures 3 à 7 illustrent des variantes de réalisation de l'invention.The figures 3 to 7 illustrate variant embodiments of the invention.

Les figures 3 à 5 concernent un premier type de cuve connu sous l'appellation « NO96 » et les figures 6 et 7 concernent un second type de cuve connu sous l'appellation « Mark ».The figures 3 to 5 relate to a first type of tank known under the name "NO96" and the figures 6 and 7 relate to a second type of tank known as "Mark".

Le double pont supérieur 2b du navire de la structure porteuse 2 d'une cuve NO96 recouvre l'intégralité de la cuve, qui est en outre isolée d'autres cuves ou du reste du navire par des cloisons transversales étanches 2c appelées « cofferdam ».The double upper deck 2b of the ship of the supporting structure 2 of a NO96 tank covers the entire tank, which is also isolated from other tanks or from the rest of the ship by watertight transverse bulkheads 2c called "cofferdam".

Dans le mode de réalisation de la figure 3, l'espace secondaire de la cuve 1 est équipé de deux soupapes pilotées de sécurité 32 qui ont pour but d'empêcher une surpression dans cet espace. Bien que cela ne soit pas représenté, l'espace primaire de la cuve 1 est également équipé d'une ou deux soupapes pilotées de sécurité.In the embodiment of the picture 3 , the secondary space of the tank 1 is equipped with two pilot-operated safety valves 32 whose purpose is to prevent overpressure in this space. Although not shown, the primary space of tank 1 is also equipped with one or two pilot-operated safety valves.

D'un point de vue dimensionnement, il est clairement admis par les classes, chantiers et armateurs que la cause principale de surpression dans l'espace secondaire d'une cuve est le dysfonctionnement de la vanne de contrôle 34 qui équipe la ligne d'azote 30. Une autre cause de surpression possible est liée à la phase de réchauffage des espaces.From a sizing point of view, it is clearly accepted by the classes, shipyards and shipowners that the main cause of overpressure in the secondary space of a tank is the malfunction of the control valve 34 which equips the nitrogen line. 30. Another possible cause of overpressure is linked to the space heating phase.

Un problème de la technique antérieure est lié à l'éloignement entre la source de surpression (la ligne d'azote 30) et les soupapes 32. L'apparition soudaine d'un fort débit d'azote (dysfonctionnement de la vanne 34) pourrait induire une certaine latence, à cause des pertes de charges, faisant que la soupape n'a pas encore détecté la surpression. Dans un tel cas, la soupape ne s'ouvrirait pas suffisamment vite et une surpression rapide se manifesterait dans l'espace secondaire près de la ligne d'azote.A problem of the prior art is related to the distance between the source of overpressure (the nitrogen line 30) and the valves 32. The sudden appearance of a strong flow of nitrogen (malfunction of the valve 34) could induce a certain latency, due to pressure drops, causing the valve to not yet detect the overpressure. In such a case, the valve would not open fast enough and rapid overpressure would occur in the secondary space near the nitrogen line.

Pour remédier à ce problème, une solution consiste à placer au moins une des deux soupapes 32 directement sur la ligne d'azote 30 qui est identifiée comme étant la seule source de surpression. Préférentiellement, la ou les soupapes sont disposées entre la vanne 34 et la boîte de drainage 20. Dans la variante de la figure 4, une soupape 32 est montée sur la ligne 30 et l'autre est montée sur la cuve en traversant le double pont 2b. Dans la variante de la figure 4, les deux soupapes 32 sont montées sur la ligne 30.To remedy this problem, one solution consists in placing at least one of the two valves 32 directly on the nitrogen line 30 which is identified as being the only source of overpressure. Preferably, the valve or valves are arranged between the valve 34 and the drainage box 20. In the variant of the figure 4 , a valve 32 is mounted on the line 30 and the other is mounted on the tank crossing the double bridge 2b. In the variant of figure 4 , the two valves 32 are mounted on line 30.

Le double pont supérieur 2b du navire de la structure porteuse 2 d'une cuve Mark est traversé par des portions des enveloppes interne et externe de la cuve qui forment des dômes 33a, 33b. Le double pont 2b est interrompu en deux emplacements où la cuve forme une structure saillante en forme de tourelle ou de cheminée. La première tourelle est un dôme liquide 33a qui sert de point de pénétration pour divers équipements de manutention du GNL, à savoir par exemple une ligne de remplissage, une ligne de pompage d'urgence, des lignes de déchargement liées à des pompes de déchargement, une ligne de pulvérisation, une ligne d'alimentation liée à une pompe de pulvérisation, etc. La deuxième tourelle est un dôme vapeur 33b qui sert de point de pénétration par exemple pour une conduite collectrice de vapeur. Le fonctionnement de ces équipements est connu par ailleurs.The double upper deck 2b of the vessel of the supporting structure 2 of a Mark tank is crossed by portions of the internal and external envelopes of the tank which form domes 33a, 33b. The double bridge 2b is interrupted at two locations where the tank forms a protruding structure in the form of a turret or a chimney. The first turret is a liquid dome 33a which serves as a point of entry for various LNG handling equipment, namely for example a filling line, an emergency pumping line, unloading lines linked to unloading pumps, a line sprayer, a supply line linked to a spray pump, etc. The second turret is a steam dome 33b which serves as a penetration point for example for a steam collecting line. The operation of this equipment is known elsewhere.

Dans les figures 6 et 7, la cuve peut être équipée d'une ligne dédiée d'évacuation du gaz inerte contenu dans l'espace secondaire (représentée par une flèche en traits pointillés 35). Cette ligne d'évacuation pourrait être reliée à un mât de dégazage pour évacuer le gaz inerte à l'atmosphère. La ligne 30 de cette cuve serait alors une ligne d'admission et non pas bi-directionnelle. Une technologie similaire peut équiper la cuve des figures 3 à 5.In the figures 6 and 7 , the tank can be equipped with a dedicated line for evacuating the inert gas contained in the secondary space (represented by an arrow in dotted lines 35). This exhaust line could be connected to a degassing mast to exhaust the inert gas to the atmosphere. Line 30 of this tank would then be an admission line and not a bi-directional one. A similar technology can equip the tank of figures 3 to 5 .

Dans le cadre de la présente invention, les soupapes de sécurité 34 sont du type piloté, c'est-à-dire qu'elles comprennent une ligne principale 36 comportant une vanne principale et une ligne pilote 38 comportant une vanne pilote (figure 8). Classiquement, la ligne principale 36 comprend une entrée et une sortie entre lesquelles est disposée la vanne principale 36a. L'entrée et la sortie de la ligne principale sont reliées à une conduite de circulation d'un fluide telle que la ligne d'azote 30.In the context of the present invention, the safety valves 34 are of the pilot type, that is to say they comprise a main line 36 comprising a main valve and a pilot line 38 comprising a pilot valve ( figure 8 ). Conventionally, the main line 36 comprises an inlet and an outlet between which the main valve 36a is arranged. The inlet and outlet of the main line are connected to a fluid circulation pipe such as the nitrogen line 30.

La ligne pilote 38 comprend une entrée et une sortie entre lesquelles est disposée la vanne pilote 38a. L'entrée de la ligne pilote est reliée à la conduite précitée et sa sortie est reliée à la vanne principale 36a.The pilot line 38 comprises an inlet and an outlet between which the pilot valve 38a is placed. The inlet of the pilot line is connected to the aforementioned pipe and its outlet is connected to the main valve 36a.

La vanne pilote 38a est actionnée par la haute pression P1 et la contre-pression P2. La pression de référence P0 dans la vanne pilote 38a est égale à la pression atmosphérique.The pilot valve 38a is actuated by the high pressure P1 and the back pressure P2. The reference pressure P0 in the pilot valve 38a is equal to atmospheric pressure.

La vanne principale 26a est une vanne d'ouverture. La haute pression P1 s'exerce sur la face inférieure d'un cône 42. La pression P1 passe également par une tige de piston 43 jusqu'à une chambre supérieure 44 de la vanne, ce qui exerce une pression sur le piston 45. La surface du piston est plus grande que celle du siège de la vanne ce qui, avec l'action d'un ressort, maintient la vanne fermée.The main valve 26a is an opening valve. The high pressure P1 is exerted on the underside of a cone 42. The pressure P1 also passes through a piston rod 43 to an upper chamber 44 of the valve, which exerts pressure on the piston 45. The piston surface is larger than that of the valve seat which, together with the action of a spring, keeps the valve closed.

Lorsque la pression P1 atteint la pression de consigne de la vanne pilote, l'ouverture commence. La pression P2 augmente dans la ligne pilote et dans la chambre inférieure 46 de la vanne principale. La pression de la chambre inférieure est limitée par le débit à travers l'orifice 47. Lorsque le débit à travers la vanne pilote dépasse la capacité de l'orifice, la pression augmente dans la chambre 46, ce qui provoque l'ouverture de la vanne principale. Lorsque la pression P1 diminue, la vanne pilote se ferme, et la pression P2 est égalisée par l'orifice 47. Le ressort ferme alors la vanne principale.When the P1 pressure reaches the pilot valve set pressure, opening begins. The pressure P2 increases in the pilot line and in the lower chamber 46 of the main valve. Chamber pressure lower is limited by flow through orifice 47. When flow through the pilot valve exceeds the capacity of the orifice, pressure builds up in chamber 46 causing the main valve to open. When pressure P1 decreases, the pilot valve closes, and pressure P2 is equalized through port 47. The spring then closes the main valve.

Comme cela est visible aux figure 9 et 10, lorsqu'une soupape de sécurité 32 est montée sur la ligne 30, ses deux lignes principale 36 et pilote 38 peuvent être reliées à la ligne 30 (figure 9) ou bien seulement l'une d'entre elles (figure 10). Dans le cas de la figure 10, la ligne principale 36 est reliée à la ligne 30 tandis que la ligne pilote 38 est reliée à l'espace secondaire. Ceci permet de ne pas subir les effets de pression dynamique, et ne mesurer qu'une pression statique du volume.As is visible at figures 9 and 10 , when a safety valve 32 is mounted on line 30, its two main 36 and pilot 38 lines can be connected to line 30 ( figure 9 ) or just one of them ( figure 10 ). In the case of the figure 10 , the main line 36 is connected to the line 30 while the pilot line 38 is connected to the secondary space. This makes it possible not to undergo the effects of dynamic pressure, and to measure only a static pressure of the volume.

L'invention permet donc de simplifier la conception d'une cuve de transport de gaz liquéfié en optimisant son dispositif d'inertage voire également la sécurité (soupape) associée à ce dispositif.The invention therefore makes it possible to simplify the design of a tank for transporting liquefied gas by optimizing its inerting device and even the safety (valve) associated with this device.

Claims (10)

  1. Inerting device for a liquefied gas storage tank for a liquefied gas carrying vessel, comprising:
    - a liquefied gas storage tank (1) including, successively, from the inside to the outside of the tank, a primary sealing membrane (6) intended to be in contact with the liquefied gas, a primary thermally insulating barrier (5), a secondary sealing membrane (4), a secondary thermally insulating barrier (3) and a supporting structure (2) defining the general shape of the tank (1), said primary (6) and secondary (4) sealing membranes defining therebetween a primary insulation space containing the primary thermally insulating barrier (5), said primary thermally insulating barrier (5) forming an inner shell around the tank (1), and said secondary sealing membrane (4) and said supporting structure (2) defining therebetween a secondary insulation space containing the secondary thermally insulating barrier (3), said secondary thermally insulating barrier (3) forming an outer shell around the tank, each of the spaces being intended to be filled with an inert gas, and said tank (1) being disposed between two sealed partitions (2c) and above a tank bottom (2a), said sealed partitions and said tank bottom being part of said supporting structure,
    - means for supplying nitrogen to the primary and secondary spaces, and/or evacuating nitrogen from these spaces,
    characterized in that the inerting device including a drainage box (20) located under the tank, which box being connected to a passage (22) extending between the tank bottom and the outer shell so that fluids can flow by gravity from the tank bottom to the drainage box,
    in which said drainage box is in fluid communication with said passage and said secondary space, and in that said means for supplying and/or evacuating said secondary space include a nitrogen line (30) which is connected to said drainage box so that the nitrogen supplying this space and/or evacuated from this space circulates through the drainage box.
  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said drainage box (20) is connected to a nitrogen drainage and circulation duct (24) that opens into said passage (22) and said secondary space.
  3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one safety valve (32), preferably piloted, which is directly connected to said nitrogen line (30).
  4. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one safety valve (32) includes a main line (36) including a main gate (36a) and a pilot line (38) including a pilot gate (38a), at least one of said main and pilot lines being directly connected to said nitrogen line (30).
  5. Device according to the preceding claim, including two piloted safety valves (32), at least one of said main (36) and pilot (38) lines of each of these valves being directly connected to said nitrogen line (30).
  6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the main (36) and pilot (38) lines of the valve (32) or of each valve (32) are directly connected to said nitrogen line (30).
  7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further including one safety valve (32), preferably piloted, which is directly connected to said secondary space.
  8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which, at the upper end of the tank (1), the outer shell extends completely above the inner shell.
  9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, at the upper end of the tank (1), the inner and outer shells protrude on a double bridge covering the tank to form domes (33a, 33b).
  10. Vessel for carrying liquefied gas, including at least one device according to one of the preceding claims.
EP18799789.5A 2017-11-16 2018-11-14 Device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a ship for transporting this gas Active EP3710741B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1760828A FR3073601B1 (en) 2017-11-16 2017-11-16 DEVICE FOR INERTING A LIQUEFIED GAS STORAGE TANK FOR A TRANSPORT VESSEL OF THIS GAS
PCT/EP2018/081262 WO2019096861A1 (en) 2017-11-16 2018-11-14 Device for inerting a liquefied gas storage tank for a ship for transporting this gas

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EP3710741B1 true EP3710741B1 (en) 2022-05-04

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CN110985883B (en) * 2019-12-27 2022-03-01 安徽安凯汽车股份有限公司 Automatic water drainage device for vehicle gas storage tank capable of avoiding water accumulation
JP2021160619A (en) * 2020-04-01 2021-10-11 川崎重工業株式会社 Ship
JP2022077598A (en) * 2020-11-12 2022-05-24 三菱造船株式会社 Floating body

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FR2703338A1 (en) * 1993-03-30 1994-10-07 Atochem Elf Sa Inerting device of a storer.

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FR3073601A1 (en) 2019-05-17
KR20200088525A (en) 2020-07-23
FR3073601B1 (en) 2019-11-22
WO2019096861A1 (en) 2019-05-23
SG11202004034YA (en) 2020-05-28
CN111356873B (en) 2022-06-21
CN111356873A (en) 2020-06-30
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EP3710741A1 (en) 2020-09-23
RU2770334C2 (en) 2022-04-15

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