GB1295296A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1295296 Liquefied gas storage reservoirs CONCH INTERNATIONAL METHANE Ltd 26 Aug 1970 [3 Nov 1969] 53756/69 Heading F4P The walls of a membrane tank of an in-ground storage reservoir comprises a number of sheets 2, e.g. of stainless steel, connected together via vertical channel members 4 which act as strengtheners and as expansion joints, and which are connected to support beams 6 by bolts which pass through vertical slots in the webs 5 of the members 4 to allow for vertical thermal expansion and contraction of the sheets 2 and members 4 relative to the beams 6. The channels are closed by crimping their edges and filled with insulation, e.g. polyurethane or P.V.C. foam, which also fills the space between the sheets 2 and a layer of frozen wet sand in which the beams 6 are located. The members 4 may also extend across the floor of the tank as shown. In a modification, Fig. 6, the ground cavity is lined with concrete 20 in which are bedded anchoring members to which the channel members 21 are bolted. The sheets 2 are welded to the out-turned edges 22 of the members 21 which are closed by corrugated members 25. In another embodiment, Fig. 7 (not shown) the edges of the sheets 2 are bent over at rightangles and welded together, a channel member 21 being located at alternate joins, and in Fig. 8 (not shown) the members 21 are located intermediate the joins. The tank may be connected to the support structure by means of a further membrane having horizontal corrugations, Fig. 9 (not shown).