Composite membrane and insulating panel for cryogenic tank - comprising a sheet metal membrane fixed to a glass fibre reinforced rigid foam core

摘要

In a system, tool assembly and method of construction permitting rapid and economic prodn. of cryogenic vessels for methane marine carriers and land storage reservoirs for cryogenic fluids, very long pre-fabricated panels are used consisting of a metallic cryogenic membrane and a rigid insulating wall which also acts as a secondary impermeable barrier, the assembly of which does not necessitate either conventional mechanical units or scaffolding. Advantageously, the rigid insulating wall consists of a plastic foam pre-stressed by glass fibres incorporated therein. The pre-fabricated panels do not require the mechanical fixing elements used in conventional membrane cryogenic vessels, while the adhesive used is spread out as parallel ribbons. The cost of the vessel is thus minimised and assembly is rapid and reliable, partic. since the secondary barrier has triple sealing, over and above that of the metallic cryogenic membrane. More specifically, the composite panels comprise a thin sheet metal cryogenic strip, fabricated from "Invar" (RTM) or alpha-type titanium, fixed to a support layer of rigid foam e.g. polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, with open cell structure and reinforced by glass fibres enclosed between upper and lower layers of glass fibre fabric coated with polyurethane.