CA3167055A1 - Mooring buoy comprising a data transfer system - Google Patents
Mooring buoy comprising a data transfer system Download PDFInfo
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- CA3167055A1 CA3167055A1 CA3167055A CA3167055A CA3167055A1 CA 3167055 A1 CA3167055 A1 CA 3167055A1 CA 3167055 A CA3167055 A CA 3167055A CA 3167055 A CA3167055 A CA 3167055A CA 3167055 A1 CA3167055 A1 CA 3167055A1
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- buoy
- mooring
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- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 88
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 87
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 17
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013528 artificial neural network Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003064 k means clustering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012706 support-vector machine Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004422 calculation algorithm Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010267 cellular communication Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013145 classification model Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007477 logistic regression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010801 machine learning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007257 malfunction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007781 pre-processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007637 random forest analysis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011524 similarity measure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013598 vector Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B21/00—Tying-up; Shifting, towing, or pushing equipment; Anchoring
- B63B21/50—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers
- B63B21/507—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets
- B63B21/508—Anchoring arrangements or methods for special vessels, e.g. for floating drilling platforms or dredgers with mooring turrets connected to submerged buoy
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
- B63B22/02—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel
- B63B22/021—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel and for transferring fluids, e.g. liquids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B22/00—Buoys
- B63B22/02—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel
- B63B2022/028—Buoys specially adapted for mooring a vessel submerged, e.g. fitting into ship-borne counterpart with or without rotatable turret, or being releasably connected to moored vessel
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
Mooring buoy for mooring a hydrocarbon storage vessel comprising: a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line; a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line; a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines; at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters; a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and; a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
Description
2 MOORING BUOY COMPRISING A DATA TRANSFER SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a mooring buoy for mooring a vessel, in particular a hydrocarbon storage vessel, wherein the buoy comprises a buoyant base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is coupled to a first fluid transfer line and a mooring part or turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is coupled to a second fluid transfer line, wherein the mooring buoy comprises a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines, wherein the buoy further comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing at least one of environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and operating parameters. The invention furthermore relates to a system comprising such a mooring buoy.
These mooring buoys are as such known from the prior art and are typically used to transfer fluids such as hydrocarbon fluids, between a processing site, for instance a hydrocarbon process plant or process platform, and a tanker as a loading buoy or for a reverse flow between a tanker a shore base as an offloading buoy. A base part of the buoy is typically provided with a least one, preferably a plurality of anchor points to which anchor lines are connected which at their other end are connected to the seabed via anchors and therefore fix the base part to the seabed.
The base part is arranged to be coupled to least one fluid transfer line (hard pipes or flexible hoses) such as a riser which is connected to a seabed based pipeline for transfer of hydrocarbons to or from the buoy. At the connection of the subsea pipeline and transfer line there could he a submerged valve station (PLEM) which can regulate the hydrocarbon fluid flow via valves that are activated by hydraulics and/or electricity. The valves of the submerged station are activated via an umbilical cable connecting the submerged station and the buoy and which can comprise electrical, signal and/or hydraulic lines for measuring, activation and control purposes of the submerged station.
On top of the stationary buoyant base part a rotatable mooring part, or so called turntable, is connected via preferably a load carrying bearing arrangement. The turntable is provided with one or more mooring points for connecting a mooring line (hawser) to a tanker vessel. The bearing between the base part and the turntable allows a tanker vessel that is moored via the hawser to the turntable, to weathervane together with the turntable around the stationary seabed moored base part due to environmental forces and conditions like currents and/or wind.
The turntable of the buoy is further preferably comprises piping, preferably hard piping, that can be coupled to a second fluid transfer line, which is normally a floating hose assembly, which can be connected at its other end to the tanker vessel for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids to or from the tankcr vessel.
Coupled to the substantially stationary base part is a movable mooring part or turntable, wherein the mooring part is rotatably coupled to the base part. The buoy is further preferably provided with a fluid swivel and sometimes with an additional electro-optical or signal swivel. The swivel is preferably placed at the vertical centreline of the buoy and the load carrying bearing. The stator part of the swivel is fixed to the base part of the buoy and the rotor part, which is connected via a small bearing to the stator part of the swivel, is connected to the turntable of the buoy. The stator part of the fluid transfer swivel is coupled to the first fluid transfer line and the rotor part of the fluid swivel is coupled to the turntable of the buoy.
Hydrocarbon fluids can be transferred from a shore station via the seabed based pipeline, the first transfer line, the fluid swivel and the second transfer line to the tanker vessel for loading the tanker vessel or for unloading purposes a reverse fluid stream can be established from the tanker vessel to a shore station.
In case a submerged station (PLEM) is placed between the subsea pipeline and the transfer line, the umbilical activating the submerged station is connected to the electro-optical swivel, which transfers signals, electricity and sometimes hydraulics between the turntable and seabed based equipment. The electro-optical swivel normally placed on the turntable of the buoy. The umbilical is normally provided with an electrical cable, a signal transfer cable and a hydraulic transfer conduits for data and/or power transfer from the seabed based submerged station to/from the buoy.
Such a mooring buoy is typically provided with a so-called remote telemetry unit (RTU) which is arranged to collect and transfer a plurality of parameters such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and operating parameters. The buoy is thereto provided with a plurality of sensors for measuring the parameters and a UHF radio transmitter or modem for transferring the parameters. Operation of the buoy or transfer of fluids through the fluid transfer line may then be adapted based on the measured parameters. The umbilical is typically provided with electrical cable, signal cable and hydraulic transfer conduits for data and/or power transfer from the seabed based submerged station to or from the turntable of the buoy.
The remote telemetry unit is typically in radio contact with a master telemetry unit (MTU) which may be located onshore at the processing site. The MTU may for instance be coupled to the plant management system such as a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The
The present invention relates to a mooring buoy for mooring a vessel, in particular a hydrocarbon storage vessel, wherein the buoy comprises a buoyant base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is coupled to a first fluid transfer line and a mooring part or turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is coupled to a second fluid transfer line, wherein the mooring buoy comprises a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines, wherein the buoy further comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing at least one of environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and operating parameters. The invention furthermore relates to a system comprising such a mooring buoy.
These mooring buoys are as such known from the prior art and are typically used to transfer fluids such as hydrocarbon fluids, between a processing site, for instance a hydrocarbon process plant or process platform, and a tanker as a loading buoy or for a reverse flow between a tanker a shore base as an offloading buoy. A base part of the buoy is typically provided with a least one, preferably a plurality of anchor points to which anchor lines are connected which at their other end are connected to the seabed via anchors and therefore fix the base part to the seabed.
The base part is arranged to be coupled to least one fluid transfer line (hard pipes or flexible hoses) such as a riser which is connected to a seabed based pipeline for transfer of hydrocarbons to or from the buoy. At the connection of the subsea pipeline and transfer line there could he a submerged valve station (PLEM) which can regulate the hydrocarbon fluid flow via valves that are activated by hydraulics and/or electricity. The valves of the submerged station are activated via an umbilical cable connecting the submerged station and the buoy and which can comprise electrical, signal and/or hydraulic lines for measuring, activation and control purposes of the submerged station.
On top of the stationary buoyant base part a rotatable mooring part, or so called turntable, is connected via preferably a load carrying bearing arrangement. The turntable is provided with one or more mooring points for connecting a mooring line (hawser) to a tanker vessel. The bearing between the base part and the turntable allows a tanker vessel that is moored via the hawser to the turntable, to weathervane together with the turntable around the stationary seabed moored base part due to environmental forces and conditions like currents and/or wind.
The turntable of the buoy is further preferably comprises piping, preferably hard piping, that can be coupled to a second fluid transfer line, which is normally a floating hose assembly, which can be connected at its other end to the tanker vessel for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids to or from the tankcr vessel.
Coupled to the substantially stationary base part is a movable mooring part or turntable, wherein the mooring part is rotatably coupled to the base part. The buoy is further preferably provided with a fluid swivel and sometimes with an additional electro-optical or signal swivel. The swivel is preferably placed at the vertical centreline of the buoy and the load carrying bearing. The stator part of the swivel is fixed to the base part of the buoy and the rotor part, which is connected via a small bearing to the stator part of the swivel, is connected to the turntable of the buoy. The stator part of the fluid transfer swivel is coupled to the first fluid transfer line and the rotor part of the fluid swivel is coupled to the turntable of the buoy.
Hydrocarbon fluids can be transferred from a shore station via the seabed based pipeline, the first transfer line, the fluid swivel and the second transfer line to the tanker vessel for loading the tanker vessel or for unloading purposes a reverse fluid stream can be established from the tanker vessel to a shore station.
In case a submerged station (PLEM) is placed between the subsea pipeline and the transfer line, the umbilical activating the submerged station is connected to the electro-optical swivel, which transfers signals, electricity and sometimes hydraulics between the turntable and seabed based equipment. The electro-optical swivel normally placed on the turntable of the buoy. The umbilical is normally provided with an electrical cable, a signal transfer cable and a hydraulic transfer conduits for data and/or power transfer from the seabed based submerged station to/from the buoy.
Such a mooring buoy is typically provided with a so-called remote telemetry unit (RTU) which is arranged to collect and transfer a plurality of parameters such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and operating parameters. The buoy is thereto provided with a plurality of sensors for measuring the parameters and a UHF radio transmitter or modem for transferring the parameters. Operation of the buoy or transfer of fluids through the fluid transfer line may then be adapted based on the measured parameters. The umbilical is typically provided with electrical cable, signal cable and hydraulic transfer conduits for data and/or power transfer from the seabed based submerged station to or from the turntable of the buoy.
The remote telemetry unit is typically in radio contact with a master telemetry unit (MTU) which may be located onshore at the processing site. The MTU may for instance be coupled to the plant management system such as a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The
3 remote telemetry unit of the mooring buoy may furthermore be in radio contact with a portable telemetry unit (PTU), for instance for transferring information between thc mooring buoy and the vessel (to be) moored to the buoy.
It is a goal of the present invention, next to other goals, to provide a more reliable, improved and/or versatile mooring buoy for mooring a vessel. This goal, amongst other goals, is met by a mooring buoy according to appended claim 1. More specifically, this goal, amongst other goals, is met by mooring buoy for mooring a vessel comprising:
- a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
- a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
a fluid swivel between the base part and the mooring part for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines;
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
- a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
- a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
An improved mooring buoy, compared to the known buoys as described above, is obtained if the telecommunication unit is arranged to connect to a web server, or generally a remote server, for transmitting the at least one parameter to said server. Data transferred to said server is preferably made available to other user clients. On the other hand, the mooring buoys of the prior art typically use a telecommunication unit comprising a UHF radio transmitter or UHF modem for transferring the parameter to a nearby telemetry unit as described above. The range and the bandwidth of such a telecommunication unit are limited.
The telecommunication unit is preferably arranged to connect and transmit at least one parameter, preferably a plurality thereof. The sensor may be arranged for measuring at least one of rotation, tilt and roll and axial displacement according to x, y and z direction of the buoy. Preferably, all parameters are measured. A plurality of sensors may thus be arranged.
The telecommunication unit is preferably arranged to transmit the parameter via a cellular data network. Preferably, the telecommunication unit comprises a cellular network transmitter and is
It is a goal of the present invention, next to other goals, to provide a more reliable, improved and/or versatile mooring buoy for mooring a vessel. This goal, amongst other goals, is met by a mooring buoy according to appended claim 1. More specifically, this goal, amongst other goals, is met by mooring buoy for mooring a vessel comprising:
- a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
- a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
a fluid swivel between the base part and the mooring part for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines;
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
- a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
- a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
An improved mooring buoy, compared to the known buoys as described above, is obtained if the telecommunication unit is arranged to connect to a web server, or generally a remote server, for transmitting the at least one parameter to said server. Data transferred to said server is preferably made available to other user clients. On the other hand, the mooring buoys of the prior art typically use a telecommunication unit comprising a UHF radio transmitter or UHF modem for transferring the parameter to a nearby telemetry unit as described above. The range and the bandwidth of such a telecommunication unit are limited.
The telecommunication unit is preferably arranged to connect and transmit at least one parameter, preferably a plurality thereof. The sensor may be arranged for measuring at least one of rotation, tilt and roll and axial displacement according to x, y and z direction of the buoy. Preferably, all parameters are measured. A plurality of sensors may thus be arranged.
The telecommunication unit is preferably arranged to transmit the parameter via a cellular data network. Preferably, the telecommunication unit comprises a cellular network transmitter and is
4 arranged to transmit the at least one parameter to said server via a cellular communication system.
Preferably, the telecommunication unit comprises a 3G, 4G and/or 5G-transmitter, or similar. Any certified device also connected to said cellular network is then capable of receiving the parameter.
Additionally or alternatively, the telecommunication unit comprises a satellite communication unit.
Said unit may be provided with a suitable antenna or dish to communicate with a non-terrestrial network or satellite based network. In particular in remote areas, this ensures that the data generated on the buoy is readily available to the web server.
According to a preferred embodiment, the telecommunication unit is arranged to connect to a remote server via the Internet or other preferably global network. The web server may be configured to send and receive contents in response to incoming requests according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) protocol or other suitable types of network protocols. The telecommunication unit is then arranged to transfer, or otherwise make available, the parameter to the remote server. The remote server may be accessible by other connected remote devices. Additionally or alternatively, any remote device may connect directly to the telecommunication unit of the flooring buoy. The mooring buoy may for instance host a web server which may be accessible via the internet or similar network. Remote user clients may then connect to the buoy for accessing the data.
According to a preferred embodiment, the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for at least temporary storing the at least one parameter. The storage unit, for instance in the form of memory means or computer memory, for instance a mass USB storage, allows storage of the parameters as measured by the at least one sensor. The stored data may be transferred to the web server, for instance at predetermined intervals and/or on request of the webserver.
The storage unit thus not only allows more complex processing, for instance using parameters measured over a period of time, but also allows storage of the parameters for later transmittal. For the case where the buoy is further provided with a radio transmitter, as will be discussed below, it may for instance be the case that at a particular moment, no vessel is nearby to receive any transmitted parameter. In case a vessel is then in range, a stored parameter, or a plurality thereof, may then be transmitted using the radio transmitter.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the processing unit is arranged to process the at least one parameter obtained from the sensor for generating time series data. The processing unit may for instance associate a date and time stamp to each measurement value obtained form the sensor and store the data in the storage unit. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to process a plurality of parameters to generate time series data of said parameters.
Preferably, the processing unit, for instance the storage unit thereof, comprises a data historian
Preferably, the telecommunication unit comprises a 3G, 4G and/or 5G-transmitter, or similar. Any certified device also connected to said cellular network is then capable of receiving the parameter.
Additionally or alternatively, the telecommunication unit comprises a satellite communication unit.
Said unit may be provided with a suitable antenna or dish to communicate with a non-terrestrial network or satellite based network. In particular in remote areas, this ensures that the data generated on the buoy is readily available to the web server.
According to a preferred embodiment, the telecommunication unit is arranged to connect to a remote server via the Internet or other preferably global network. The web server may be configured to send and receive contents in response to incoming requests according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) protocol or other suitable types of network protocols. The telecommunication unit is then arranged to transfer, or otherwise make available, the parameter to the remote server. The remote server may be accessible by other connected remote devices. Additionally or alternatively, any remote device may connect directly to the telecommunication unit of the flooring buoy. The mooring buoy may for instance host a web server which may be accessible via the internet or similar network. Remote user clients may then connect to the buoy for accessing the data.
According to a preferred embodiment, the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for at least temporary storing the at least one parameter. The storage unit, for instance in the form of memory means or computer memory, for instance a mass USB storage, allows storage of the parameters as measured by the at least one sensor. The stored data may be transferred to the web server, for instance at predetermined intervals and/or on request of the webserver.
The storage unit thus not only allows more complex processing, for instance using parameters measured over a period of time, but also allows storage of the parameters for later transmittal. For the case where the buoy is further provided with a radio transmitter, as will be discussed below, it may for instance be the case that at a particular moment, no vessel is nearby to receive any transmitted parameter. In case a vessel is then in range, a stored parameter, or a plurality thereof, may then be transmitted using the radio transmitter.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the processing unit is arranged to process the at least one parameter obtained from the sensor for generating time series data. The processing unit may for instance associate a date and time stamp to each measurement value obtained form the sensor and store the data in the storage unit. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to process a plurality of parameters to generate time series data of said parameters.
Preferably, the processing unit, for instance the storage unit thereof, comprises a data historian
5 server, wherein the data historian server allows recording and retrieving production and sensor data obtained by the sensors by time. It preferably stores the information in a time series database that can efficiently store data with minimal disk space and fast retrieval.
Moreover, non-time-series information can be integrated in the data historian to provide context. One of the important advantages of the data historian server is its ability to correlate data over time. The data historian server may provide operational data that is well organized and easily accessible.
The time series data or database is preferably made accessible via the telecommunication unit. As mentioned above, it may be the case that a remote user client connects, for instance via the web, to the buoy and accesses the stored data. It is however preferred if the telecommunication unit is arranged to transfer the time series data of the least one parameter, preferably to the remote server as mentioned above. Therefore, instead of transferring the data to the Master Telemetry Unit (MTU) as described above, the parameter data is transferred to the web server, where the data may be analysed. The web server may thus function as a virtual MTU.
Any vessel, for instance a tanker, (to be) connected to the buoy may access the parameter using the web server or via the telecommunication unit in general as mentioned above. It is however preferred if the telecommunication unit is further arranged to connect and transfer data via conventional radio transmission. Therefore, the telecommunication unit further preferably comprises a UHF radio transmitter. The time series data may be transferred via the radio transmitter. As during loading or unloading of a vessel via the buoy the actual parameter values are relevant, the telecommunication unit is however preferably arranged to transmit live data of the least one parameter.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the processing unit is arranged to operate in a storing mode for generating the time series data and in a streaming mode for transmitting the parameter using the telecommunication unit. In the streaming mode, the sensor data obtained by the sensor is preferably directly transferred using the telecommunication unit. The storing mode and the streaming mode may be active concurrently. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to start the streaming mode on request, for instance via de web server or generally via the telecommunication unit. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon request from the telecommunication unit, in particular upon connection via a radio transmitter. More preferably,
Moreover, non-time-series information can be integrated in the data historian to provide context. One of the important advantages of the data historian server is its ability to correlate data over time. The data historian server may provide operational data that is well organized and easily accessible.
The time series data or database is preferably made accessible via the telecommunication unit. As mentioned above, it may be the case that a remote user client connects, for instance via the web, to the buoy and accesses the stored data. It is however preferred if the telecommunication unit is arranged to transfer the time series data of the least one parameter, preferably to the remote server as mentioned above. Therefore, instead of transferring the data to the Master Telemetry Unit (MTU) as described above, the parameter data is transferred to the web server, where the data may be analysed. The web server may thus function as a virtual MTU.
Any vessel, for instance a tanker, (to be) connected to the buoy may access the parameter using the web server or via the telecommunication unit in general as mentioned above. It is however preferred if the telecommunication unit is further arranged to connect and transfer data via conventional radio transmission. Therefore, the telecommunication unit further preferably comprises a UHF radio transmitter. The time series data may be transferred via the radio transmitter. As during loading or unloading of a vessel via the buoy the actual parameter values are relevant, the telecommunication unit is however preferably arranged to transmit live data of the least one parameter.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the processing unit is arranged to operate in a storing mode for generating the time series data and in a streaming mode for transmitting the parameter using the telecommunication unit. In the streaming mode, the sensor data obtained by the sensor is preferably directly transferred using the telecommunication unit. The storing mode and the streaming mode may be active concurrently. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to start the streaming mode on request, for instance via de web server or generally via the telecommunication unit. Preferably, the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon request from the telecommunication unit, in particular upon connection via a radio transmitter. More preferably,
6 the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon connection of a vessel to the telecommunication unit.
The processing unit may thus be arranged to process the data for storing the data in a time series manner, for instance using a data historian as mentioned above, and to transmit any parameter as received from the sensor directly via the telecommunication unit. In order to process the data, for instance to generate the time series data as mentioned above, it is preferred if the processing unit is arranged for analysing the at least one parameter. The processing unit may process the parameter and transmit a second parameter, based on the received parameter, to the telecommunication unit and/or the storage unit.
According to a further aspect, the processing unit comprises a microcontroller-based processing unit. Processing and analysing the sensor parameter, or generally the sensor data, may then occur at least partially on the buoy itself. Instead of collecting and directly transmitting the raw sensor data, i.e. the parameter measured by the at least one sensor, the raw sensor data can be processed, and preferably analysed, in the buoy. Preferably processing the sensor data includes pre-processing the raw sensor data for transmittal, for instance for creating the time-series data as mentioned above.
The processed parameter may then be transmitted using the telecommunication unit. On-board, that is in the buoy, i.e. the base part or the turntable, processing of the data allows transmitting of more relative parameters to for instance a master telemetry unit or portable telemetry unit as described above. Local and further processing of the data may then no longer be required. Moreover, transmitting processed data, preferably instead of raw data, reduces the necessary bandwidth of the telecommunication unit. Alternatively, data posttreatment can also be performed on the remote server where data is collected and stored.
It is a drawback of the known mooring buoy as described above that the remote telemetry unit, or any coupling between the sensor and the telecommunication unit, are prone to wear. Typically, such a telemetry system is comprises a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Although these PLC-based systems are typically robust, the conditions on a mooring buoy according to the present disclosure were found to be too harsh. Therefore, the processing unit preferably comprises a microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller-based processing unit. Using a microcontroller-based processing unit, instead of for instance a PLC-based unit, allows more complex calculations and processing.
The microcontroller, or microprocessor, is preferably arranged on a suitable Printed Circuit Board which is coupled using a suitable digital interface to the different inputs and outputs. The interface
The processing unit may thus be arranged to process the data for storing the data in a time series manner, for instance using a data historian as mentioned above, and to transmit any parameter as received from the sensor directly via the telecommunication unit. In order to process the data, for instance to generate the time series data as mentioned above, it is preferred if the processing unit is arranged for analysing the at least one parameter. The processing unit may process the parameter and transmit a second parameter, based on the received parameter, to the telecommunication unit and/or the storage unit.
According to a further aspect, the processing unit comprises a microcontroller-based processing unit. Processing and analysing the sensor parameter, or generally the sensor data, may then occur at least partially on the buoy itself. Instead of collecting and directly transmitting the raw sensor data, i.e. the parameter measured by the at least one sensor, the raw sensor data can be processed, and preferably analysed, in the buoy. Preferably processing the sensor data includes pre-processing the raw sensor data for transmittal, for instance for creating the time-series data as mentioned above.
The processed parameter may then be transmitted using the telecommunication unit. On-board, that is in the buoy, i.e. the base part or the turntable, processing of the data allows transmitting of more relative parameters to for instance a master telemetry unit or portable telemetry unit as described above. Local and further processing of the data may then no longer be required. Moreover, transmitting processed data, preferably instead of raw data, reduces the necessary bandwidth of the telecommunication unit. Alternatively, data posttreatment can also be performed on the remote server where data is collected and stored.
It is a drawback of the known mooring buoy as described above that the remote telemetry unit, or any coupling between the sensor and the telecommunication unit, are prone to wear. Typically, such a telemetry system is comprises a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Although these PLC-based systems are typically robust, the conditions on a mooring buoy according to the present disclosure were found to be too harsh. Therefore, the processing unit preferably comprises a microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller-based processing unit. Using a microcontroller-based processing unit, instead of for instance a PLC-based unit, allows more complex calculations and processing.
The microcontroller, or microprocessor, is preferably arranged on a suitable Printed Circuit Board which is coupled using a suitable digital interface to the different inputs and outputs. The interface
7 may be coupled to the sensors, the telecommunication unit and/or the storage unit. The processing unit may for instance comprise a tablet or similar clectronical device.
Preferably, the processing unit is arranged in a suitable casing, preferably a double layered casing.
Preferably the processing unit, including the casing, is at least 1P67 waterproof and dustproof. The rnicrocontroller-based unit is then less prone to wear in the harsh conditions.
The microprocessor may be any conventional general-purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as those manufactured by Intel , AMDO or similar companies. The processing unit is preferably a non-PLC based processing unit.
Although it is advantageous that the buoy provided with a microprocessor based processing unit is also equipped with a telecommunication unit arranged to connect to a web server, such a buoy may also only be equipped with a telecommunication for radio communication only.
Processed data may then be transferred via the radio modem to for instance a vessel or a MTU.
Preferably, the buoy comprises a first bearing arranged to allow rotation between the base part and the turntable. A second bearing may then comprise the fluid swivel for coupling the fluid transfer lines as mentioned above. A further preferred embodiment further comprises an signal or clectro-optical swivel, preferably with a stator part connected to the base part and an electro-optical cable and a rotor part connected to the turntable, for transfer of optical and/or electrical signals between the base part and the turntable, for instance to transfer signals between seabed based equipment and the turntable. The signal swivel is preferably coupled to the processing unit.
The processing unit may then be arranged to operate any subsea equipment such as a PLEM or general valves as mentioned above.
According to a further aspect, the buoy according to the present disclosure is arranged to operate in a mooring buoy system comprising at least one buoy and a remote server. The buoy and the server, preferably a web server, are preferably, as described above, in contact via the internet or other global network.
The system preferably comprises an analytical server configured to provide an operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy. According to a preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to calculate, from at least one parameter as sensed or determined, at least one operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy or associated hardware such as the connected fluid transfer lines. The operating parameter may be made available to a user, for instance using the web server as mentioned above, preferably using a secure login.
Preferably, the processing unit is arranged in a suitable casing, preferably a double layered casing.
Preferably the processing unit, including the casing, is at least 1P67 waterproof and dustproof. The rnicrocontroller-based unit is then less prone to wear in the harsh conditions.
The microprocessor may be any conventional general-purpose single- or multi-chip microprocessor such as those manufactured by Intel , AMDO or similar companies. The processing unit is preferably a non-PLC based processing unit.
Although it is advantageous that the buoy provided with a microprocessor based processing unit is also equipped with a telecommunication unit arranged to connect to a web server, such a buoy may also only be equipped with a telecommunication for radio communication only.
Processed data may then be transferred via the radio modem to for instance a vessel or a MTU.
Preferably, the buoy comprises a first bearing arranged to allow rotation between the base part and the turntable. A second bearing may then comprise the fluid swivel for coupling the fluid transfer lines as mentioned above. A further preferred embodiment further comprises an signal or clectro-optical swivel, preferably with a stator part connected to the base part and an electro-optical cable and a rotor part connected to the turntable, for transfer of optical and/or electrical signals between the base part and the turntable, for instance to transfer signals between seabed based equipment and the turntable. The signal swivel is preferably coupled to the processing unit.
The processing unit may then be arranged to operate any subsea equipment such as a PLEM or general valves as mentioned above.
According to a further aspect, the buoy according to the present disclosure is arranged to operate in a mooring buoy system comprising at least one buoy and a remote server. The buoy and the server, preferably a web server, are preferably, as described above, in contact via the internet or other global network.
The system preferably comprises an analytical server configured to provide an operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy. According to a preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to calculate, from at least one parameter as sensed or determined, at least one operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy or associated hardware such as the connected fluid transfer lines. The operating parameter may be made available to a user, for instance using the web server as mentioned above, preferably using a secure login.
8 The analytical server may be arranged in the buoy, for instance in the processing unit thereof.
Processing of the data can then take place in the processing unit of the mooring buoy. A remote device, for instance via a remote server as described above, can then retrieve any of the determined operating parameters or the operating data in general from the processing unit, for instance any storage thereof. The operating parameter, or generally operating data, may then be transmitted by the telecommunication unit. This reduces the bandwidth usage. Therefore, instead of using a physical master telemetry unit as is known in the prior art, the processing unit of the mooring buoy may process the data.
It is however preferred if the web server comprises the analytical server, or is at least connected thereto. The processing unit of the buoy then does not require heavy computing power. It is also possible that both the buoy and the remote server comprise an analytical server.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to receive a plurality of parameters from the sensors for obtaining sensor data. Sensor data as referred to herein may comprise parameters obtained from a plurality of sensors over a period of time. Sensor data may thus also include historical data, in particular the time series data as mentioned above. Preferably, the data comprises at least one of rotation, tilt and roll and axial displacement according to x, y and z direction of the buoy.
It may further be possible that the analytical server is arranged to receive at least one outside parameter, wherein the analytical server is arranged to process and analyse said outside parameter, preferably in combination with any of the parameters as sensed by a sensor, for determining the operating parameter. Local sensor data of the buoy, i.e. obtained by the plurality of sensors, can then be combined with global data, i.e. an outside parameter received by the analytical server.
More reliable operating parameters can then be determined and transmitted.
Outside parameters may for instance include weather conditions.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to use a predictive model or algorithm to determine an operating parameter. The operating parameter may for instance be indicative of an event, such as a predicted failure or other malfunction of any process or equipment associated with the buoy. This allows an efficient and reliable determination of the operating parameter. It is hereby noted that the term predictive model may comprise a predictive model such as a regression model, but may also comprise a classification model or a clustering model.
Processing of the data can then take place in the processing unit of the mooring buoy. A remote device, for instance via a remote server as described above, can then retrieve any of the determined operating parameters or the operating data in general from the processing unit, for instance any storage thereof. The operating parameter, or generally operating data, may then be transmitted by the telecommunication unit. This reduces the bandwidth usage. Therefore, instead of using a physical master telemetry unit as is known in the prior art, the processing unit of the mooring buoy may process the data.
It is however preferred if the web server comprises the analytical server, or is at least connected thereto. The processing unit of the buoy then does not require heavy computing power. It is also possible that both the buoy and the remote server comprise an analytical server.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to receive a plurality of parameters from the sensors for obtaining sensor data. Sensor data as referred to herein may comprise parameters obtained from a plurality of sensors over a period of time. Sensor data may thus also include historical data, in particular the time series data as mentioned above. Preferably, the data comprises at least one of rotation, tilt and roll and axial displacement according to x, y and z direction of the buoy.
It may further be possible that the analytical server is arranged to receive at least one outside parameter, wherein the analytical server is arranged to process and analyse said outside parameter, preferably in combination with any of the parameters as sensed by a sensor, for determining the operating parameter. Local sensor data of the buoy, i.e. obtained by the plurality of sensors, can then be combined with global data, i.e. an outside parameter received by the analytical server.
More reliable operating parameters can then be determined and transmitted.
Outside parameters may for instance include weather conditions.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to use a predictive model or algorithm to determine an operating parameter. The operating parameter may for instance be indicative of an event, such as a predicted failure or other malfunction of any process or equipment associated with the buoy. This allows an efficient and reliable determination of the operating parameter. It is hereby noted that the term predictive model may comprise a predictive model such as a regression model, but may also comprise a classification model or a clustering model.
9 The predictive model may be at least one of a neural network, a random forest, a k-nearest neighbor classifier, a logistic regression model, k-means clustering model, a support vector machine, or any other suitable machine learning model. When applicable, selecting the type of predictive model may further comprise combining the model with any suitable distance or (dis)similarity measure, such as Euclidean distance, Minkowski distance, Jaccard dissimilarity measure, dynamic time warping, etc.
The analytical server is then arranged to, on the basis of a predictive model, determine the operating parameter. Specifically, the analytical server is preferably arranged to:
¨ obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
The analytical server is then preferably arranged to transfer the operating parameter or to make the provided operating parameter available via the web server.
Although a trained predictive model may already be available, for instance stored on the server, the analytical server may also be configured to obtain the trained predictive model by providing a predictive model; and training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
The predictive model, specifically a not yet trained model, may thus be obtained and the model may subsequently be trained using the sensor data and optionally other data.
Providing a predictive model preferably includes selecting a type of model.
The selection of the predictive model may further comprise selecting predetermined hyper parameters, wherein the predetermined hyper parameters comprise the parameters defining the settings of the predictive model. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art of predictive modelling that the hyper parameters will be dependent on the type of predictive model, the type of data, the type of the predictive parameter the model is intended to find, and other conditions.
Examples of hyper parameters are a number of neighbors (k) in a k-nearest neighbor classifier, a number of layers and nodes/hidden units in a neural network (and the connection between the nodes), a number of support vectors in a support vector machine, a number of clusters in a k-means clustering model, etc. Other examples of hyper parameters are a learning rate, a training batch size, and a number of training epochs.
Preferably, at least training of the models takes place on a centralised server, for instance the web 5 server. The analytical server is then arranged to receive sensor data from the buoy, for instance the raw and/or pre-processed data as mentioned above. This data may then be used to train the predictive model and to make this trained model available via the web server.
When the buoy is provided with an analytical server, the analytical server of the buoy may be
The analytical server is then arranged to, on the basis of a predictive model, determine the operating parameter. Specifically, the analytical server is preferably arranged to:
¨ obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
The analytical server is then preferably arranged to transfer the operating parameter or to make the provided operating parameter available via the web server.
Although a trained predictive model may already be available, for instance stored on the server, the analytical server may also be configured to obtain the trained predictive model by providing a predictive model; and training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
The predictive model, specifically a not yet trained model, may thus be obtained and the model may subsequently be trained using the sensor data and optionally other data.
Providing a predictive model preferably includes selecting a type of model.
The selection of the predictive model may further comprise selecting predetermined hyper parameters, wherein the predetermined hyper parameters comprise the parameters defining the settings of the predictive model. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art of predictive modelling that the hyper parameters will be dependent on the type of predictive model, the type of data, the type of the predictive parameter the model is intended to find, and other conditions.
Examples of hyper parameters are a number of neighbors (k) in a k-nearest neighbor classifier, a number of layers and nodes/hidden units in a neural network (and the connection between the nodes), a number of support vectors in a support vector machine, a number of clusters in a k-means clustering model, etc. Other examples of hyper parameters are a learning rate, a training batch size, and a number of training epochs.
Preferably, at least training of the models takes place on a centralised server, for instance the web 5 server. The analytical server is then arranged to receive sensor data from the buoy, for instance the raw and/or pre-processed data as mentioned above. This data may then be used to train the predictive model and to make this trained model available via the web server.
When the buoy is provided with an analytical server, the analytical server of the buoy may be
10 arranged to receive a trained predictive model, preferably via the web server. This may occur via the telecommunication unit. The telecommunication unit is, as described above, preferably arranged to connect to a global network such as the internet. The trained predictive model may be stored on a remote server, preferably a remote internet server, and the telecommunication unit is then arranged to receive, from the remote server, the trained predictive model and to provide said model to the processing unit. Training of the model may then take place in the web server, where sufficient computing power is available, while the prediction of the operating parameter may take place on the buoy itself.
As mentioned above, providing the operating parameter may also take place in the web server. The trained predictive model then runs on the web server, which receives the sensor data, preferably the time series data, from the buoy. The analytical server is then arranged to receive sensor data from at least one buoy and to provide an operating parameter on the basis of the received sensor data.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to store a plurality of predictive models. The predictive models may for instance be arranged to define a plurality of different operating parameters for a buoy. Examples of parameters are mooring line fatigue, hawser status, bearing and subsea hose status. The analytical server may be arranged to obtain a plurality of predictive models and to define, based on the trained predictive models, the plurality of operating parameters or generally operating data. The predictive model may be trained using the sensor data obtained from the plurality of sensors of a buoy.
Obtaining a reliable (i.e. reliably trained) predictive model is typically challenging. According to a further aspect, a mooring buoy system comprising a web server and a plurality of buoys, preferably having a substantially similar configuration, is provided. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to receive sensor data from a plurality of buoys. Sensor data of for instance other mooring buoys of the same type may be received on analytical server, wherein the analytical server is
As mentioned above, providing the operating parameter may also take place in the web server. The trained predictive model then runs on the web server, which receives the sensor data, preferably the time series data, from the buoy. The analytical server is then arranged to receive sensor data from at least one buoy and to provide an operating parameter on the basis of the received sensor data.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to store a plurality of predictive models. The predictive models may for instance be arranged to define a plurality of different operating parameters for a buoy. Examples of parameters are mooring line fatigue, hawser status, bearing and subsea hose status. The analytical server may be arranged to obtain a plurality of predictive models and to define, based on the trained predictive models, the plurality of operating parameters or generally operating data. The predictive model may be trained using the sensor data obtained from the plurality of sensors of a buoy.
Obtaining a reliable (i.e. reliably trained) predictive model is typically challenging. According to a further aspect, a mooring buoy system comprising a web server and a plurality of buoys, preferably having a substantially similar configuration, is provided. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to receive sensor data from a plurality of buoys. Sensor data of for instance other mooring buoys of the same type may be received on analytical server, wherein the analytical server is
11 arranged to train the predictive model, or to provide the operating parameter, also on the basis of the received sensor data from the plurality of buoys.
As an alternative, a model trained using data from one buoy, may be used for determining a parameter for another buoy. The analytical server is then preferably configured to train a predictive model on the basis of data originating from one buoy and to use this model for, or even in, another buoy. Preferably, the analytical server is then arranged to receive, i.e.
obtain sensor data from a mooring buoy as described above, wherein the sensor data comprises data generated by a sensor for sensing at least one parameter of said buoy. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to provide a predictive model; and train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
The predictive model is then trained in the analytical server, for instance in the web server, and can for instance be transferred to, or otherwise used for, at least one buoy.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a first buoy, to train the predictive model and to use or send the predictive model to or for a second buoy. The model may also be sent to or used for the first buoy.
To further increase the reliability of the model, according to a further preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys. The data may be stored on the analytical server. Preferably, the sensor data from the plurality of buoys is used to train the predictive model. Using data from more buoys increases the reliability of the model.
The remote server may be arranged to normalize the sensor data of the plurality of buoys, wherein the step of normalizing comprises at least obtaining normalized sensor data by normalizing or scaling the sensor data. In this way, factors which are specific and unique for each of the individual buoy are normalized or, in other words, factored out so that these normalized data can be safely combined with (normalized) data from other buoys in order to train the predictive model.
The model as trained using data from a plurality of buoys may then be used to determine an operating parameter for one buoy by feeding the sensor data from said one buoy to the model.
Therefore, preferably, the analytical server is arranged to provide the operating parameter for a buoy on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data from said buoy.
As an alternative, a model trained using data from one buoy, may be used for determining a parameter for another buoy. The analytical server is then preferably configured to train a predictive model on the basis of data originating from one buoy and to use this model for, or even in, another buoy. Preferably, the analytical server is then arranged to receive, i.e.
obtain sensor data from a mooring buoy as described above, wherein the sensor data comprises data generated by a sensor for sensing at least one parameter of said buoy. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to provide a predictive model; and train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
The predictive model is then trained in the analytical server, for instance in the web server, and can for instance be transferred to, or otherwise used for, at least one buoy.
Preferably, the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a first buoy, to train the predictive model and to use or send the predictive model to or for a second buoy. The model may also be sent to or used for the first buoy.
To further increase the reliability of the model, according to a further preferred embodiment, the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys. The data may be stored on the analytical server. Preferably, the sensor data from the plurality of buoys is used to train the predictive model. Using data from more buoys increases the reliability of the model.
The remote server may be arranged to normalize the sensor data of the plurality of buoys, wherein the step of normalizing comprises at least obtaining normalized sensor data by normalizing or scaling the sensor data. In this way, factors which are specific and unique for each of the individual buoy are normalized or, in other words, factored out so that these normalized data can be safely combined with (normalized) data from other buoys in order to train the predictive model.
The model as trained using data from a plurality of buoys may then be used to determine an operating parameter for one buoy by feeding the sensor data from said one buoy to the model.
Therefore, preferably, the analytical server is arranged to provide the operating parameter for a buoy on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data from said buoy.
12 It is preferred if the training of the models takes place in a centralised analytical server as mentioned above. As an alternative, training may take place in the buoys, specifically in the processing units thereof. The web server is then arranged to receive sensor data from a first mooring buoy and to transfer said sensor data to a second mooring buoy. The data may also he sent directly, i.e. without web server. The second mooring buoy may then use the received data for training or optimizing the model. Preferably, the web server is arranged to transfer sensor data from a plurality of buoys to a buoy. The sensor data may already be normalized or the data is normalized on the buoy. As mentioned, using data from a plurality of sources improves the reliability of the model. The web server may be arranged to receive a predictive model from a first buoy and to transfer said predictive model to a second buoy.
Although using data from a plurality of buoys makes the models more reliable, it was found that by grouping the buoys with respect to location and/or type of buoy and training the models in accordance therewith, an improved system is provided. A plurality of buoys is then preferably divided into subgroups, for instance based on location and/or type. For each group, a trained predictive model is then preferably obtained, preferably by training a model using data obtained or received from_ buoys in the respective group. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to train a plurality of group predictive models, wherein each group predictive model is trained using sensor data obtained from the buoys in said group. This improves the reliability.
Each group predictive model may be different in terms of for instance architecture. it is however preferred if the analytical server is arranged to provide a general predictive model and to provide the group predictive model by training the general predictive model using training data from each of groups to obtain the group predictive model.
As mentioned above, a plurality of operating parameters may be obtained for a single mooring buoy. Also here, a plurality of group predictive models may be obtained for the different operating parameters. Arranging the plurality of model in groups increases the reliability.
According to further aspect, a method for operating a buoy, a mooring buoy system or an analytical server as described above is provided.
According to further aspect, a processing unit and/or telecommunication unit as defined above for a mooring buoy is provided. Such a unit, preferably a combination of a processing unit and a telecommunication unit, can then be fitted onto an existing buoy to convert said buoy in the improved mooring buoy according to the present disclosure.
Although using data from a plurality of buoys makes the models more reliable, it was found that by grouping the buoys with respect to location and/or type of buoy and training the models in accordance therewith, an improved system is provided. A plurality of buoys is then preferably divided into subgroups, for instance based on location and/or type. For each group, a trained predictive model is then preferably obtained, preferably by training a model using data obtained or received from_ buoys in the respective group. The analytical server is then preferably arranged to train a plurality of group predictive models, wherein each group predictive model is trained using sensor data obtained from the buoys in said group. This improves the reliability.
Each group predictive model may be different in terms of for instance architecture. it is however preferred if the analytical server is arranged to provide a general predictive model and to provide the group predictive model by training the general predictive model using training data from each of groups to obtain the group predictive model.
As mentioned above, a plurality of operating parameters may be obtained for a single mooring buoy. Also here, a plurality of group predictive models may be obtained for the different operating parameters. Arranging the plurality of model in groups increases the reliability.
According to further aspect, a method for operating a buoy, a mooring buoy system or an analytical server as described above is provided.
According to further aspect, a processing unit and/or telecommunication unit as defined above for a mooring buoy is provided. Such a unit, preferably a combination of a processing unit and a telecommunication unit, can then be fitted onto an existing buoy to convert said buoy in the improved mooring buoy according to the present disclosure.
13 The present invention is further illustrated by the following Figures, which show a preferred embodiment of the device and method according to the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, wherein:
figure 1 shows a combination of a mooring buoy, a vessel and a plant;
- figure 2 shows a mooring buoy in perspective;
- figure 3 shows a cross-section of the buoy of figure 1 along plane II;
- figure 4 schematically shows the system comprising the buoy;
- figure 5 schematically shows the system including the process of determining a operating parameter;
- figure 6 schematically shows a system for generating a plurality of parameters; and - figure 7 schematically shows a system of buoys divided in a plurality of groups.
In figure 1 a mooring buoy 1 is shown which is arranged to transfer hydrocarbon fluids via a seabed based fluid conduit or pipeline 42 via a flexible riser 41, a fluid transfer swivel 3, a floating loading or offloading hose 5 and a hose coupling 303 onboard a vessel or shuttle tanker 300. The buoy 1 comprises a buoyant base part 10 which is provided with multiple anchor lines 11 that are connected to anchor points 12 (sec also figures 2 and 3) that arc placed into the seabed 999.
Coupled to the stationary base part 10 of the buoy 1 is a mooring part or turntable 20, wherein the turntable is rotatably coupled via a first load carrying bearing system to the base part 10. The turntable 20 is allowed to rotate round axis A with respect to the base part 10. The turntable 20 is provided with one or more mooring points 25 for connecting to a mooring hawser line 25a of the vessel 300.
The base part 10 is rigidly connected to the stator part of a fluid transfer swivel 3 via pipe coupling 13a and 13b (see figure 3), each of them coupled to flexible fluid transfer hoses or so called risers 41 for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids. The risers 41a and 14b are coupled to a seabed based pipeline 4 that is for example connected to a shore based hydrocarbon processing plant or storage tanks for hydrocarbons that can be exported from shore or imported to shore. Hydrocarbon fluids can be transferred from a shore station via the seabed based pipeline 4, the first transfer line 41, the fluid swivel 3 and the second transfer line 5 to the tanker vessel for loading the tanker vessel or for unloading purposes a reverse fluid stream can be established from the tanker vessel to a shore station. Transfer line 5 is coupled to hose coupling 23.
In case a submerged station (PLEM) placed between the subsea pipeline 4 and the first fluid transfer line 41, the umbilical activating the submerged station is connected to an electro-optical
figure 1 shows a combination of a mooring buoy, a vessel and a plant;
- figure 2 shows a mooring buoy in perspective;
- figure 3 shows a cross-section of the buoy of figure 1 along plane II;
- figure 4 schematically shows the system comprising the buoy;
- figure 5 schematically shows the system including the process of determining a operating parameter;
- figure 6 schematically shows a system for generating a plurality of parameters; and - figure 7 schematically shows a system of buoys divided in a plurality of groups.
In figure 1 a mooring buoy 1 is shown which is arranged to transfer hydrocarbon fluids via a seabed based fluid conduit or pipeline 42 via a flexible riser 41, a fluid transfer swivel 3, a floating loading or offloading hose 5 and a hose coupling 303 onboard a vessel or shuttle tanker 300. The buoy 1 comprises a buoyant base part 10 which is provided with multiple anchor lines 11 that are connected to anchor points 12 (sec also figures 2 and 3) that arc placed into the seabed 999.
Coupled to the stationary base part 10 of the buoy 1 is a mooring part or turntable 20, wherein the turntable is rotatably coupled via a first load carrying bearing system to the base part 10. The turntable 20 is allowed to rotate round axis A with respect to the base part 10. The turntable 20 is provided with one or more mooring points 25 for connecting to a mooring hawser line 25a of the vessel 300.
The base part 10 is rigidly connected to the stator part of a fluid transfer swivel 3 via pipe coupling 13a and 13b (see figure 3), each of them coupled to flexible fluid transfer hoses or so called risers 41 for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids. The risers 41a and 14b are coupled to a seabed based pipeline 4 that is for example connected to a shore based hydrocarbon processing plant or storage tanks for hydrocarbons that can be exported from shore or imported to shore. Hydrocarbon fluids can be transferred from a shore station via the seabed based pipeline 4, the first transfer line 41, the fluid swivel 3 and the second transfer line 5 to the tanker vessel for loading the tanker vessel or for unloading purposes a reverse fluid stream can be established from the tanker vessel to a shore station. Transfer line 5 is coupled to hose coupling 23.
In case a submerged station (PLEM) placed between the subsea pipeline 4 and the first fluid transfer line 41, the umbilical activating the submerged station is connected to an electro-optical
14 swivel (not-shown), which transfers signals, electricity and sometimes hydraulics between the turntable 20 and seabed based equipment, the elcctro-optical swivel normally placed on the turntable 20 of the buoy 1. The umbilical is normally provided with an electrical cable, a signal transfer cable and a hydraulic transfer conduits for data and/or power transfer from the seabed based submerged station to/from the buoy.
The fluid transfer swivel 3 is provided with a second bearing 31 between the stator and the rotor part of the fluid transfer swivel 3. The rotor part of the fluid transfer swivel 3 is connected to the turntable 20 of the buoy 1 and is provided with a coupling 23 that is connected to a second fluid transfer hose 5 which is floating on the sea and is arranged to be connected between the vessel 300 and the turntable 20. The base part 10 and the turntable 20 are coupled via a suitable load bearing structure 32 that can handle the mooring loads of a vessel that is moored to the turntable 20 via hawser line 25a.
The fluid transfer swivel at the buoy 1 allows for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids between a vessel 300 that weathervanes around axis A when moored to the turntable 20 and the pipeline 42 on the seabed. The transfer of hydrocarbon fluids takes place via the floating hose 5, the rotating pipe part 23, the non-rotating pipe parts 13a and 13b connected to the fluid transfer swivel 3 and the flexible riser hoses 41 that are connecting the non-rotating pipe parts 13a and 13b with the seabed based PLEM system which has the fluid control valves and which is connected to pipeline 42.
The buoy is further provided with a processing unit 30, which is shown in more detail in figure 4.
The processing unit 30 is coupled to a plurality of sensors 32 which sense parameters of the buoy 1. Also coupled to the processing unit 30 are outputs 33, in this example in the form of lights 33a and horn 33b. A separate memory 34, next to internal memory of the processing unit 30, is also provided. GPS antennas 39b are coupled via a suitable interface 39 to the processing unit 30.
For communication, the buoy 1 is provided with an UHF antenna 38 which is coupled via radio unit 37 to the processing unit 38. Radio unit 37 is arranged to communicate with a radio transmitter 301 of for instance a crewmember of the vessel 300. A tablet 302 may be coupled to the transmitter 301. Also coupled to the processing unit 30 is 4G router 35 provided with an antenna 36. Router 35 allows connecting the processing unit 30 to the internet 1000 (see figure 5) and send data to a web server 201.
The processing unit 30 in this example is in the form of a tablet 30 provided with an operating system, in this example Microsoft Windows. The processing unit 30 comprises a micro-processor 31, in this example an Intel Atmos processor. The processing unit 30 is thus able to receive and process sensor data which is obtained from the plurality of sensors 32.
Specifically, the processing unit 30 is arranged to process the data as obtained by the sensor to generate time series data 1001 (see also figure 5). The sensor data 1001 can be transferred using the cellular data transmitter 35, 5 36 via the Internet 1000 to the server 201.
While the time series data 1001 is exchanged between the web server 201 and the buoy 1 via the internet 1000, the processing unit 30 is also arranged to transmit actual sensor readings through the radio unit 37. This allows a user on a vessel 300 to readout the latest sensor readings. Transfer of 10 actual sensor readings is initiated by connection of a radio 301 to the radio unit 37 of the processing unit 30.
With reference to figure 5, the process of determining an operating parameter P which is indicative of an operating process of the buoy 1 will be explained. Sensors 32 of the buoy 1 are arranged to
The fluid transfer swivel 3 is provided with a second bearing 31 between the stator and the rotor part of the fluid transfer swivel 3. The rotor part of the fluid transfer swivel 3 is connected to the turntable 20 of the buoy 1 and is provided with a coupling 23 that is connected to a second fluid transfer hose 5 which is floating on the sea and is arranged to be connected between the vessel 300 and the turntable 20. The base part 10 and the turntable 20 are coupled via a suitable load bearing structure 32 that can handle the mooring loads of a vessel that is moored to the turntable 20 via hawser line 25a.
The fluid transfer swivel at the buoy 1 allows for transfer of hydrocarbon fluids between a vessel 300 that weathervanes around axis A when moored to the turntable 20 and the pipeline 42 on the seabed. The transfer of hydrocarbon fluids takes place via the floating hose 5, the rotating pipe part 23, the non-rotating pipe parts 13a and 13b connected to the fluid transfer swivel 3 and the flexible riser hoses 41 that are connecting the non-rotating pipe parts 13a and 13b with the seabed based PLEM system which has the fluid control valves and which is connected to pipeline 42.
The buoy is further provided with a processing unit 30, which is shown in more detail in figure 4.
The processing unit 30 is coupled to a plurality of sensors 32 which sense parameters of the buoy 1. Also coupled to the processing unit 30 are outputs 33, in this example in the form of lights 33a and horn 33b. A separate memory 34, next to internal memory of the processing unit 30, is also provided. GPS antennas 39b are coupled via a suitable interface 39 to the processing unit 30.
For communication, the buoy 1 is provided with an UHF antenna 38 which is coupled via radio unit 37 to the processing unit 38. Radio unit 37 is arranged to communicate with a radio transmitter 301 of for instance a crewmember of the vessel 300. A tablet 302 may be coupled to the transmitter 301. Also coupled to the processing unit 30 is 4G router 35 provided with an antenna 36. Router 35 allows connecting the processing unit 30 to the internet 1000 (see figure 5) and send data to a web server 201.
The processing unit 30 in this example is in the form of a tablet 30 provided with an operating system, in this example Microsoft Windows. The processing unit 30 comprises a micro-processor 31, in this example an Intel Atmos processor. The processing unit 30 is thus able to receive and process sensor data which is obtained from the plurality of sensors 32.
Specifically, the processing unit 30 is arranged to process the data as obtained by the sensor to generate time series data 1001 (see also figure 5). The sensor data 1001 can be transferred using the cellular data transmitter 35, 5 36 via the Internet 1000 to the server 201.
While the time series data 1001 is exchanged between the web server 201 and the buoy 1 via the internet 1000, the processing unit 30 is also arranged to transmit actual sensor readings through the radio unit 37. This allows a user on a vessel 300 to readout the latest sensor readings. Transfer of 10 actual sensor readings is initiated by connection of a radio 301 to the radio unit 37 of the processing unit 30.
With reference to figure 5, the process of determining an operating parameter P which is indicative of an operating process of the buoy 1 will be explained. Sensors 32 of the buoy 1 are arranged to
15 register rotation, tilt and roll of the buoy 1 and this data is provided to the processing unit 30. The processing unit 30 stores the sensor data in time series data, i.e. sensor data attributed with time and dates. This sensor data 1001 is sent using the telecommunication unit 35, 36 via the internet to the web server 201. As mentioned, actual or live sensor readout can be transferred on demand using radio unit 37, 38 to a vessel 300.
The web server 201 may include a standalone software program configured to serve and receive contents in response to incoming requests according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) protocol or other suitable types of network protocols.
The server 201 comprises a training section 2001 and a parameter determination section 2002.
The training section 2001 is arranged to provide a predictive model 1002, in this example for instance a neural network.
The model 1002 is yet untrained and therefore training data 1001a is provided.
Training data 1001a corresponds in this example to the time series data 1001 obtained from the sensors 32 of the buoy 1. The training data 1001a is enriched with event data, in this example (near) mooring line failures.
The enriched data is used to train the model 1002 to predict (near) mooring line failure in the feature. After training of the model 1002, a trained model 1003 is obtained.
This trained model 1003 is transferred (1003c) and used in the parameter determination section 2002 to predict, on the basis of sensor data 1001 obtained from the buoy 1, the parameter P (block 1004) to predict (near) mooring line failure in the future. The parameter P is made available though for instance a web page accessible for a user 303 via the internet 1000.
The web server 201 may include a standalone software program configured to serve and receive contents in response to incoming requests according to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) protocol or other suitable types of network protocols.
The server 201 comprises a training section 2001 and a parameter determination section 2002.
The training section 2001 is arranged to provide a predictive model 1002, in this example for instance a neural network.
The model 1002 is yet untrained and therefore training data 1001a is provided.
Training data 1001a corresponds in this example to the time series data 1001 obtained from the sensors 32 of the buoy 1. The training data 1001a is enriched with event data, in this example (near) mooring line failures.
The enriched data is used to train the model 1002 to predict (near) mooring line failure in the feature. After training of the model 1002, a trained model 1003 is obtained.
This trained model 1003 is transferred (1003c) and used in the parameter determination section 2002 to predict, on the basis of sensor data 1001 obtained from the buoy 1, the parameter P (block 1004) to predict (near) mooring line failure in the future. The parameter P is made available though for instance a web page accessible for a user 303 via the internet 1000.
16 In this example, the sections 2001 and 2002 are part of the same analytical server 201. It may however also bc thc case that training and determining thc parameters is conducted in different servers. It may also be possible that the determination of the parameter P
takes place in the buoy 1.
The processing unit 30 of the buoy I then comprises the parameter determination section 2002.
The trained model 1003 may then be made available through the internet 1000, indicated with arrow 1003a. The trained model 1003 may be transferred to the processing unit 30 of the buoy 1, indicated with arrow 1003b.
In the example of figure 5, only one parameter P is determined for the buoy la. However, a plurality of parameters P1-3 may be determined, each corresponding to a different operating parameter of a component of the buoy 1. In the example of figure 6, three sensor groups 32a-c are provided, each providing sensor data S1-3, respectively. In a manner similar as shown in figure 5, in this case three trained models T1-3 are provided, which are arranged to predict parameters P1-3 on the basis of sensor data S1-3.
Also shown in figure 6 is a second buoy lb, which is the same in configuration as buoy la. Also the buoy lb sends sensor data S1-3 to the web server 201, which is combined with the data from the first buoy la in the data files 1001a-c. Data files or sensor data thus contains data from a plurality of buoys la,b. This data can be used to train more reliable models T1-3 (the training section is not shown, but is similar to the section of figures 5 or 7, as will be explained below).
Also in this example, it is possible that one or more trained models TI-3 is transferred from the server 201 to the processing unit 30b of a buoy lb. For example, it is possible that the models T1-3 are trained on the basis training data obtained from the first buoy la, which models T1-3 are then used for determining parameters P1-3 for a second buoy lb.
The availability of more data typically makes a model more reliable. It was however found that by dividing buoys 1 in groups, more reliable models can be obtained. In figure 7, a plurality of buoys 1 are shown which are located in different regions. The buoys 1 are grouped in region groups A-C.
Data from the plurality of buoys 1 is transmitted, via internet 1000, to the web server 201, schematically indicated with 1010. The web server 201 in this example has a training section in two parts. First, a general model 1002 is provided in the model generation section 2001a, in this example also a neural network. This general model 1002 is then used in the model training section 2001b. By training the general model 1002 with different data sets 1001 obtained from the different groups A-C, three different trained models 1003 are obtained (indicated by TA-TC). Each of these models can then be used to determine a parameter for a buoy for its respective group.
takes place in the buoy 1.
The processing unit 30 of the buoy I then comprises the parameter determination section 2002.
The trained model 1003 may then be made available through the internet 1000, indicated with arrow 1003a. The trained model 1003 may be transferred to the processing unit 30 of the buoy 1, indicated with arrow 1003b.
In the example of figure 5, only one parameter P is determined for the buoy la. However, a plurality of parameters P1-3 may be determined, each corresponding to a different operating parameter of a component of the buoy 1. In the example of figure 6, three sensor groups 32a-c are provided, each providing sensor data S1-3, respectively. In a manner similar as shown in figure 5, in this case three trained models T1-3 are provided, which are arranged to predict parameters P1-3 on the basis of sensor data S1-3.
Also shown in figure 6 is a second buoy lb, which is the same in configuration as buoy la. Also the buoy lb sends sensor data S1-3 to the web server 201, which is combined with the data from the first buoy la in the data files 1001a-c. Data files or sensor data thus contains data from a plurality of buoys la,b. This data can be used to train more reliable models T1-3 (the training section is not shown, but is similar to the section of figures 5 or 7, as will be explained below).
Also in this example, it is possible that one or more trained models TI-3 is transferred from the server 201 to the processing unit 30b of a buoy lb. For example, it is possible that the models T1-3 are trained on the basis training data obtained from the first buoy la, which models T1-3 are then used for determining parameters P1-3 for a second buoy lb.
The availability of more data typically makes a model more reliable. It was however found that by dividing buoys 1 in groups, more reliable models can be obtained. In figure 7, a plurality of buoys 1 are shown which are located in different regions. The buoys 1 are grouped in region groups A-C.
Data from the plurality of buoys 1 is transmitted, via internet 1000, to the web server 201, schematically indicated with 1010. The web server 201 in this example has a training section in two parts. First, a general model 1002 is provided in the model generation section 2001a, in this example also a neural network. This general model 1002 is then used in the model training section 2001b. By training the general model 1002 with different data sets 1001 obtained from the different groups A-C, three different trained models 1003 are obtained (indicated by TA-TC). Each of these models can then be used to determine a parameter for a buoy for its respective group.
17 It will be appreciated that the same concept of groups and the training of a general model to obtain specific data can also be employed for training models for respective, different operating parameters.
A person of skill in the art would readily recognize that steps of various above-described methods can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine-executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or all of the steps of said above-described methods. The program storage devices may be, e.g., digital memories, flash drive, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above-described methods.
The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labelled as "units", "processors" or "modules", may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software such as firmware in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "unit", "processor"
or "controller"
should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage.
Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.
The present invention is further illustrated by the following preferred embodiments of the device and method.
Embodiments 1. Mooring buoy for mooring a hydrocarbon storage vessel comprising:
a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
A person of skill in the art would readily recognize that steps of various above-described methods can be performed by programmed computers. Herein, some embodiments are also intended to cover program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media, which are machine or computer readable and encode machine-executable or computer-executable programs of instructions, wherein said instructions perform some or all of the steps of said above-described methods. The program storage devices may be, e.g., digital memories, flash drive, magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes, hard drives, or optically readable digital data storage media. The embodiments are also intended to cover computers programmed to perform said steps of the above-described methods.
The functions of the various elements shown in the figures, including any functional blocks labelled as "units", "processors" or "modules", may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software such as firmware in association with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, by a single shared processor, or by a plurality of individual processors, some of which may be shared. Moreover, explicit use of the term "unit", "processor"
or "controller"
should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software, and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), read only memory (ROM) for storing software, random access memory (RAM), and non volatile storage.
Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included.
The present invention is further illustrated by the following preferred embodiments of the device and method.
Embodiments 1. Mooring buoy for mooring a hydrocarbon storage vessel comprising:
a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
18 a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines;
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
2. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 1, wherein the telecommunication unit comprises a cellular network transmitter and/or non-terrestrial communication transmitter.
3. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for at least temporary storing the at least one parameter.
4. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 3, wherein the processing unit is arranged to process the at least one parameter obtained from the sensor for generating time series data, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transfer the time series data of the least one parameter.
5. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the telecommunication unit comprising a UHF radio transmitter, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transmit live data of the least one parameter.
6. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processing unit is arranged to operate in a storing mode for generating the time series data and in a streaming mode for transmitting the parameter using the telecommunication unit.
7. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 6, wherein the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon connection of a vessel to the telecommunication unit.
8. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processing unit comprises a microcontroller-based processing unit.
9. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an electro-optical swivel with a stator part connected to the base part and an electro-optical cable and a rotor part connected to the turntable, for transfer of optical and electrical signals between seabed based equipment and the turntable.
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
2. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 1, wherein the telecommunication unit comprises a cellular network transmitter and/or non-terrestrial communication transmitter.
3. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for at least temporary storing the at least one parameter.
4. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 3, wherein the processing unit is arranged to process the at least one parameter obtained from the sensor for generating time series data, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transfer the time series data of the least one parameter.
5. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the telecommunication unit comprising a UHF radio transmitter, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transmit live data of the least one parameter.
6. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processing unit is arranged to operate in a storing mode for generating the time series data and in a streaming mode for transmitting the parameter using the telecommunication unit.
7. Mooring buoy according to embodiment 6, wherein the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon connection of a vessel to the telecommunication unit.
8. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the processing unit comprises a microcontroller-based processing unit.
9. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising an electro-optical swivel with a stator part connected to the base part and an electro-optical cable and a rotor part connected to the turntable, for transfer of optical and electrical signals between seabed based equipment and the turntable.
19 10. Mooring buoy system comprising at least one buoy according to any of the preceding embodiments and a remote server, wherein the system comprises an analytical server configured to provide an operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy, wherein the analytical server is arranged to:
obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
11. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 10, wherein the web server comprises the analytical server.
12. Mooring buoy system according to any of the embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the analytical server is configured to obtain the trained predictive model by:
providing a predictive model; and training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
13. Mooring buoy system according to embodiments 11 and 12, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from the buoy and to train the predictive model using the received sensor data.
14. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 10 - 13, wherein the processing unit is arranged receive sensor data from the remote server.
15. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 10 - 14, comprising a plurality of buoys, wherein the analytical server is arranged to:
obtain sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys;
provide a predictive model; and train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
16.
Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 14, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide the operating parameter for a buoy on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data from said buoy.
17. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a first mooring buoy and to transfer said sensor data to a second mooring buoy.
18. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 15, 16 or 17, wherein the web server is arranged to receive a predictive model from a first buoy and to transfer said predictive model to a second buoy.
19. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 15 -18, comprising a plurality of groups of mooring buoys, wherein a group of mooring buoys is characterized by location and/or type, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide a general predictive model and to train a plurality of group predictive models based on the general predictive model, wherein each group predictive model is trained using sensor data obtained from the buoys in said group.
obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
11. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 10, wherein the web server comprises the analytical server.
12. Mooring buoy system according to any of the embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the analytical server is configured to obtain the trained predictive model by:
providing a predictive model; and training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
13. Mooring buoy system according to embodiments 11 and 12, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from the buoy and to train the predictive model using the received sensor data.
14. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 10 - 13, wherein the processing unit is arranged receive sensor data from the remote server.
15. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 10 - 14, comprising a plurality of buoys, wherein the analytical server is arranged to:
obtain sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys;
provide a predictive model; and train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
16.
Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 14, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide the operating parameter for a buoy on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data from said buoy.
17. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a first mooring buoy and to transfer said sensor data to a second mooring buoy.
18. Mooring buoy system according to embodiment 15, 16 or 17, wherein the web server is arranged to receive a predictive model from a first buoy and to transfer said predictive model to a second buoy.
19. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments 15 -18, comprising a plurality of groups of mooring buoys, wherein a group of mooring buoys is characterized by location and/or type, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide a general predictive model and to train a plurality of group predictive models based on the general predictive model, wherein each group predictive model is trained using sensor data obtained from the buoys in said group.
20 20. Processing unit and/or telecommunication unit as defined in any of the preceding embodiments for a mooring buoy.
21. Method for operating a buoy, an analytical server or a mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but extends also to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown, but extends also to other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1. Mooring buoy for mooring a hydrocarbon storage vessel comprising:
a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines;
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
a base part arranged to be anchored to the seabed and which is arranged to be coupled to a first fluid transfer line;
a movable turntable which is rotatable with respect to the base part and which is arranged to be coupled to a second fluid transfer line;
a fluid swivel between the base part and the turntable for coupling the first and second fluid transfer lines;
at least one sensor for sensing at least one parameter, such as environmental parameters, fluid transfer line flow parameters and/or operating parameters;
a processing unit coupled to the at least one sensor arranged for processing the at least one parameter, and;
a telecommunication unit arranged for transmitting the at least one parameter to a web server.
2. Mooring buoy according to claim 1, wherein the telecommunication unit comprises a cellular network transmitter and/or non-terrestrial communication transmitter.
3. Mooring buoy according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing unit further comprises a storage unit for at least temporary storing the at least one parameter.
4. Mooring buoy according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit is arranged to process the at least one parameter obtained from the sensor for generating time series data, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transfer the time series data of the least one parameter.
5. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunication unit comprising a UHF radio transmitter, wherein the telecommunication unit is arranged to transmit live data of the least one pararneter.
6. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit is arranged to operate in a storing mode for generating the time series data and in a streaming mode for transmitting the parameter using the telecommunication unit.
7. Mooring buoy according to claim 6, wherein the processing unit is arranged to initiate the streaming mode upon connection of a vessel to the telecommunication unit.
8. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit comprises a microcontroller-based processing unit.
9. Mooring buoy according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an electro-optical swivel with a stator part connected to the base part and an electro-optical cable and a rotor part connected to the turntable, for transfer of optical and electrical signals between seabed based equipment and the turntable.
10. Mooring buoy system comprising at least one buoy according to any of the preceding claims and a remote server, wherein the system comprises an analytical server configured to provide an operating parameter being indicative of the operation of the buoy, wherein the analytical server is arranged to:
¨ obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
¨ obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and ¨ provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
¨ obtain sensor data from the at least one sensor;
¨ obtain a trained predictive model arranged for predicting or classifying the operating parameter value; and ¨ provide, on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data, the operating parameter.
11. Mooring buoy system according to claim 10, wherein the web server comprises the analytical server.
12. Mooring buoy system according to any of the claim 10 or 11, the analytical server is configured to obtain the trained predictive model by:
¨ providing a predictive model; and ¨ training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
¨ providing a predictive model; and ¨ training the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining the trained predictive model.
13. Mooring buoy system according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from the buoy and to train the predictive model using the received sensor data.
14. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding claims 10 - 13, wherein the processing unit is arranged receive sensor data from the remote server.
15. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding claims 10 - 14, comprising a plurality of buoys, wherein the analytical server is arranged to:
- obtain sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys;
- provide a predictive model; and - train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
- obtain sensor data from a plurality of mooring buoys;
- provide a predictive model; and - train the predictive model using the sensor data for obtaining a trained predictive model.
16. Mooring buoy system according to claim 14, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide the operating parameter for a buoy on the basis of the trained predictive model and the sensor data from said buoy.
17. Mooring buoy system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the analytical server is arranged to receive sensor data from a first mooring buoy and to transfer said sensor data to a second mooring buoy.
18. Mooring buoy system according to claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the web server is arranged to receive a predictive model from a first buoy and to transfer said predictive model to a second buoy.
19. Mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding claims 15 - 18, comprising a plurality of groups of mooring buoys, wherein a group of mooring buoys is characterized by location and/or type, wherein the analytical server is arranged to provide a general predictive model and to train a plurality of group predictive models based on the general predictive model, wherein each group predictive model is trained using sensor data obtained from the buoys in said group.
20. Processing unit and/or telecommunication unit as defined in any of the preceding claims for a mooring buoy.
21. Method for operating a buoy, an analytical server or a mooring buoy system according to any of the preceding claims.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL2024853 | 2020-02-07 | ||
| NL2024853 | 2020-02-07 | ||
| PCT/IB2021/050950 WO2021156812A1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2021-02-05 | Mooring buoy comprising a data transfer system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3167055A1 true CA3167055A1 (en) | 2021-08-12 |
Family
ID=71111755
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3167055A Pending CA3167055A1 (en) | 2020-02-07 | 2021-02-05 | Mooring buoy comprising a data transfer system |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
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| EP (1) | EP4100311A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2023512591A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20220137745A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN115413264A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA3167055A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX2022009583A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2021156812A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO336240B1 (en) * | 2005-01-25 | 2015-06-29 | Framo Eng As | Cryogenic transfer system |
| AU2014224154B8 (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2015-07-02 | Woodside Energy Technologies Pty Ltd | System and method for heading control of a floating lng vessel using a set of real-time monitored cargo containment system strain data |
| US10988212B2 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2021-04-27 | Jkp Marine Pty Ltd | Modular mooring buoy system, and buoyant body and modular unit thereof |
| US11315015B2 (en) * | 2018-06-08 | 2022-04-26 | Technip France | Continuous learning of simulation trained deep neural network model |
| GB2570403B (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2019-12-25 | Future Marine Services Ltd | Ship-to-ship transfer of hydrocarbon liquids |
-
2021
- 2021-02-05 JP JP2022548173A patent/JP2023512591A/en active Pending
- 2021-02-05 CA CA3167055A patent/CA3167055A1/en active Pending
- 2021-02-05 WO PCT/IB2021/050950 patent/WO2021156812A1/en unknown
- 2021-02-05 MX MX2022009583A patent/MX2022009583A/en unknown
- 2021-02-05 CN CN202180026346.7A patent/CN115413264A/en active Pending
- 2021-02-05 KR KR1020227031016A patent/KR20220137745A/en active Search and Examination
- 2021-02-05 EP EP21703773.8A patent/EP4100311A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
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| KR20220137745A (en) | 2022-10-12 |
| CN115413264A (en) | 2022-11-29 |
| WO2021156812A1 (en) | 2021-08-12 |
| JP2023512591A (en) | 2023-03-27 |
| MX2022009583A (en) | 2022-11-07 |
| EP4100311A1 (en) | 2022-12-14 |
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