JPS5027154A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1442399 Cryogenic tanks MARINE & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS Ltd 16 May 1974 [18 May 1973] 23862/73 Heading F4P A cryogenic tank comprises an outer shell 21, 22 lined with heat insulating blocks 23, 24, 25 to the interior surfaces of which is bonded a membrane 17, of polymeric material, the interior surfaces of the blocks forming a figure defined by a plurality of intersecting planes with the interior angle γ at each line of intersection being greater than 90 degrees, and the lines of intersection being connected by ties 29 to the outer shell. The ties are in the form of strips along the whole length of each intersection, all the ties being bonded together to form an integral structure. The ties are preferably formed of an elastomeric polymer which can be cross-linked with the membrane 17 to form a unitary structure. Thus the membrane and ties are both preferably formed of urethane rubbers sold under the trade marks "Adiprene" and "Hytrel". The outer shell is also in the form of a plurality of intersecting planes (Fig. 1, not shown) with interior angles of 150 degrees which are smaller than the angle γ which is preferably 165 degrees. In alternative embodiments (Figs. 5 to 10, not shown) a further membrane or membranes may be inserted between the shell and membrane 17, the ties need not extend to the shell and instead terminate in transverse portions embedded in the insulation material, the blocks can be surrounded by polymeric sheaths which form both the membranes and ties, the shell may be spherical, and the ties may be formed of a hard core surrounded by polymeric material for binding to the membrane or membranes. The heat insulation may be balsa wood, or a foamed elastomeric polymer such as polyurethane foam.