Connection for refrigerated gas storage tank

An assembly comprising:

• a section of pipe:
• a sleeve having a first end and a second end disposed around the section of pipe;
• an annular flange disposed at the first end of the sleeve extending radially inward and engages an outer surface of the section of pipe;
• and
• a first layer of insulation disposed along an inner surface of the sleeve extending from near the flange toward the second end,
• wherein the annular flange and any insulation adjacent the annular flange is not exposed to ambient conditions once installed in a tank.

An assembly comprising:

• a sleeve having a first end and a second end;
• an annular flange disposed at the first end of the sleeve extending radially inward;
• and
• a first layer of insulation disposed along an inner surface of the sleeve extending from near the flange toward the second end,
• wherein the annular flange and any insulation adjacent the annular flange is not exposed to ambient conditions once installed in a tank.

A method comprising:

• forming a thermal distance piece having an annular flange on a first end of a sleeve;
• installing a first layer of insulation along a length of the sleeve, between the flange to a second end of the sleeve;
• and
• installing the thermal distance piece on a tank after installing the first layer of insulation.

A method of installing a thermal distance piece into a tank comprising:

• sliding a pipe having a thermal distance piece disposed thereon into an opening of a tank;
• positioning the thermal distance piece in the opening of the tank, such that at least a portion of the thermal distance piece is disposed inside the tank, wherein a connection of the sleeve to the pipe is located inside the tank;
• and
• connecting a sleeve of the thermal distance piece to the tank.